September-October Issue 2012

September-October 2012

Vol. XVI No. 4

www.feuadvocate.org

Sampaloc, Manila

Stabbing case wounds campus safety Security tightens; Students inconvenienced

By Leonard I. Agustin and Shereen Nicole B. Rivera

With the security and safety measures that Far Eastern University (FEU) undertakes, it is expected that students are safe in the campus premises. But as shooting and stabbing incidents took place inside the campus, this notion seems questionable.

The said incidents brought doubts on the credibility of the University’s security.

These incidents also spurred speculations of who are to blame and raised an issue if FEU is still a safe haven for Tamaraws.

Stabbing incident

Around 6:45 pm of October 2, a stabbing incident happened inside the FEU campus involving the victim identified as Joanne Lourdes Reyes and five female FEU student suspects, according to a police report.

An ABS-CBN News article published last October 3 revealed that Reyes first attended a film competition on October 1 and returned the following day for the awarding

Unusual scenario. Students crowd up Nicanor Reyes St. sidewalks during class hours due to stricter measures implemented by the Safety and Security Office a few days after the stabbing incident. (Photo by James Patrick B. Manaloto)

ceremony. She had just left the FEU Auditorium when she was blocked by suspects clad in nursing uniforms. The victim, a University of Santo Tomas

Information Technology student, was first attacked with pepper spray before being stabbed.

On the contrary, FEU Film Society President

Joseph Ronquillo, one of the event’s organizers, said that their event finished three hours earlier than the time of the incident’s occurrence.

“Mga 12 noon or 1 pm s’ya [awarding ceremony] nag-start until 3 or 3:30 pm (The awarding ceremony started around 12nn or

University welcomes new president

Autonomy, not the finish line

Taking charge of the Tamaraw community is newly appointed University President Michael Alba.

Last October 16, Alba took over as the 11th president of Far Eastern University (FEU) following Dr. Lydia Echauz.

Being new in the position, he said that he still needs to learn the background of the University in order to provide quality service.

“I’d like to learn first the system [and] processes of the University so that I can be more effective and efficient,” Alba said.

Alba believes that his experiences are the reasons why the selection committee chose him.

“Maybe, search committee likes my ideas about where I might be able to take FEU,” he shared.

The new president earned his bachelor and master’s degree in

Though Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) granted Far Eastern University (FEU) the autonomous status, it still lacks degree programs with Center of Development (COD) and Center of Excellence (COE) citations to further prove the quality education it offers.

These citations are given to higher education institutions which have demonstrated the highest degree or level of standard along the areas of instruction, research and extension, according to CHEd’s official website (www. ched.gov.ph).

By Leonard I. Agustin

New government. Newly appointed FEU President Michael Alba eyes better academic programs throughout his term. (Photo by James Patrick B. Manaloto)

economics in Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines respectively.

He also has doctoral degree in applied economics from Stanford University and does consulting works at the Asian Development Bank.

Quality education, values

Alba wants to intensify FEU’s academic programs as better value of education for students is one of his top priorities.

Pavilion undergoes renovation

To further improve the University’s physical plant, Facilities and Technical Services Office (FTSO) overhauls Pavilion 1.

F T S O C i v i l Engineering and Architectural Design Department Director Marcial Edillion said that the Administration decided to renovate Pavilion 1 because of the structure’s damages.

“For example, ‘yung yero, may mga butas na so, ‘pag umulan, nababasa ‘yung ibang estudyante (there are holes in the roof which cause some students to get wet if it rains),” Edillion said.

Edillion noted that they applied modern architectural design in the structure. Pavilion 1’s original design of open space is kept while the changes are applied on designs of the ceiling and floor.

“We’ve put ply woods in the ceiling to add architectural design and also the tiles. Para maganda-ganda namang tignan

(so that it will look beautiful), Edillion described.

The renovation started during the first week of September which caused students’ hassle of having fewer places to stay during their vacant period.

“Major hassle ‘yung renovation ngayon kasi (The renovation is a major hassle because) we, students, cannot find a place para gawin ‘yung schoolworks namin (to do our schoolworks),” 3rd year AB Mass Communication student Jericho Villamin said.

“Aside from more comfortable area, I’m sure FEU students are also anticipating a modern style structure of the newly-renovated pavilion,” Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance Student Council Vice-President Cliff Kevin Cendaña said.

As of press time,

the renovation is still undone opposing to Edillion’s projected finish by late October.

-Janice C. Rodriguez

He plans to utilize computer programs in teaching mathematics. “I would like to use that (computer programs) in the teaching of math because it will open the eyes of the students how interesting math is,” he explained.

Continuing to improve FEU’s liberal arts program is a must for the new president.

“The idea of Continue to page 10...

1pm until 3 or 3:30 pm),” Ronquillo said.

The victim sustained stab wounds to her back and abdomen as cited in Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) article published last October 3.

The police report said that the victim was brought to the FEU clinic but due to injuries sustained, was rushed to Mary Chiles Hospital and was later transferred to Chinese General Hospital for medical treatment.

According to FEU’s official statement posted in its official website (www.feu. edu.ph) last October 8, FEU has offered financial medical assistance to the victim.

A frustrated murder case was filed against Ma. Christine Acosta, 20, FEU Nursing student and five other suspects last October 8 at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office according to a PDI article published the same day.

Cited in GMA News Online article posted last October

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FEU eyes Centers of Development, Excellence

Twisted road

Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) Dean Myrna Quinto said that among the nine undergraduate programs of IAS, only courses that have Level III accreditation from Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) can apply for the citations.

But as IAS assumed that three of its programs are already qualified for the citations, it later found out that only one degree program is ready for application.

“We [initially] identified three programs that should apply for COD and [those are] Biology, Psychology and Communication because these three programs are already Level III accredited so we planned to apply for [COD].

However, unfortunately, when we did some evaluation… we found out that Biology and Psychology cannot apply for COD yet,” Quinto explained.

She pointed out that Department of Biology does not offer postgraduate degrees yet while Department of Psychology does not have a doctoral degree on its roster of programs.

Postgraduate degree programs are required by CHEd to some courses to qualify for COD and COE.

Only Bachelor of Arts in Communication is already

qualified to apply for COD according to Quinto. “By next year, we hope and expect that Communication already has COD,” she added.

M a x i m i z i n g communication and information technology are the priorities of Department of Communication (DepComm) to intensify its educational materials according to DepComm Program Head Joeven Castro in his email sent to FEU Advocate.

“Subject t o t op management’s approval, the Department of Communication’s faculty and staff will institutionalize the use of learning objects that are online and interactive in consultation with the programs in FEU that has expertise in information technology,” Castro said.

He furthered that research collaborations, tracer studies and active international linkages are also being strengthened.

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DENR, FEU, WWF to double tamaraw count World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) joined Far Eastern University (FEU) in the campaign of boosting the tamaraw population through intensifying conservation efforts.

The campaign “Tamaraw Times Two By 2020” seeks to double the number of tamaraws through science-based research and to strengthen the Filipinos’ awareness on the specie.

In a forum held at FEU Auditorium last October 1, Rodel Boyles of Mountains Iglit-Baco National Park said that the population of tamaraws in 1900s is around 10,000 but declined through the years caused by rinderpest or cattle plague in the 1930s and continuous illegal trades of tamaraws’ meat to locals.

FEU symbol. Peter De Guzman, sculptor of the tamaraw monument which aims to promote student awareness on the endangered animal. (Photo by Marione Paul G. Infantado)

The number of the endemic land mammal that can be found in Occidental Mindoro now only counts 327 in the country and are considered ‘critically endangered’ by International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

F E U , W W F Philippines and DENR all pledged to be working

altogether in materializing the campaign.

“If I am not mistaken, only FEU is the only school that carries the name of an endemic animal [as an identity]… Just by that, you are already helping us [in raising awareness on wildlife conservation],” DENR Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director Mundita Lim said.

Office of Student Affairs Director Marilou Cao emphasized students’ role in the campaign.

“[We need the students’] commitment, full support to the project and full concern on the project because you are our partners in this commitment,” Cao said.

Conservation agenda

To further aid FEU community’s knowledge on existing tamaraw conservation efforts, Boyles discussed the four agenda of Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) of DENR. These are wild population and habitat management, captive population management, community assistance program and information, education and communication.

TCP will serve as a tool on determining the population of tamaraws and generating scientific

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September-October 2012

B E AT S

Alumnus features Spanish music Far Eastern University (FEU) Civil Engineering graduate and Flamenco guitarist Adolfo Toyoda performed last September 12 at the FEU Auditorium.

Flamenco is a type of Spanish music, song and dance that comprises of singing, guitar playing, dance and handclaps.

To y o d a p l a y e d several Flamenco guitar number like Soleyn and Islon and Capodastro and Burgilos.

Toyoda’s music was also a ccom panied by his Flamenco dancing partner Jameela Perez.

The event was facilitated by President’s Committee on Culture in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management.

Former literature prof presents work in FEU Former professor in Department of Literature Joni Cham had her debut novel “In My Mother’s House” published to contribute in strengthening literature in the contemporary world.

On her book launch organized by Far Eastern University (FEU) Literary Guild and held in LAP Hall, Law Building last September 27; Cham said that the novel is about a Philippine-born daughter who went back to her Chinese mother’s house as she found out that her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

In My Mother’s House, a novel on domesticity, has won the Special Jury Prize during Premio Tomas, the Quadricentennial Literary Prize sponsored by the University of Santo Tomas.

The novel is published jointly

by Central Books and De La Salle University (DLSU).

Apart from being a professor at Far Eastern University and DLSU, Cham also worked as a China analyst for over four years.

NEWS

Leonard I. Agustin News Editor

Comelec, FEUCSO promote voting rights

By Gladis D. Morales

To involve students in nationwide voting, Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) facilitated a month-long voting caravan.

Titled as ‘iBOTO Manila (District IV) residents “This will also bolster a Caravan: Voter’s Registration who are at least 18 years old big part of every registrant to be and Education,’ the caravan on or before May 13, 2013. socially abreast and politically covered room-to-room “Once a student has astute,” Badile added. campai gns encour aging already registered, he will be The number of students to register in their able to maximize his suffrage. registrants will be reported own municipalities from By doing so, he’ll be entitled to to FEUCSO by November.

September 24 to October 31 choose who he wants to serve Students who will present and a mobile registration last for his country,” FEUCSO their acknowledgement receipt September 27. at the FEUCSO office on or President Jayvee Badile said.

C o m m i s s i o n To i n c r e a s e t h e before November 14 will be on Elections (Comelec) awareness of the students in given reward kits and will have officials facilitated the mobile social issues is also an aim of a raffle entry to be drawn on registration of Sampaloc, the caravan.

November 15. iBOTO Caravan. Comelec officials facilitate the mobile registration inside the University for the 2013 National Election. (Photo by Kevin Victor J. Torres)

DLSU director clarifies accountancy’s role

Accountancy education should not only be focused on licensure examinations according to an economic expert during his talk for the 4 0 th N i c a n o r Reyes Memorial Lecture Series last September 14 at the University C o n f e r e n c e C e n t e r.

“Accountancy education in this country [is] too focused on the licensure examinations,” De La Salle University-Angelo King Institute for Economics Research and Development Director Dr.Tereso S. Tullao Jr. observed.

Tullao emphasized that beyond the classification and analysis of business transactions; accountancy has a ‘social function’.

“Accountants serve as guardians of society in ensuring transparency and narrowing the information gap among all parties of business transactions,” he said.

He added that the accountants’ roles are linked with measures addressing the problems of information asymmetry, arise of knowledge-based economy and pressures of globalization.

Tu l l a o stressed that accountancy programs should prepare students to the knowledge-based

2 fine arts studes win in painting contest

By Justin Royce Z. Baluyot

Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) proclaimed two Tamaraw Fine Arts students among the 12 winners of its annual calendar painting competition at PNOC Energy Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Bachelor of Fine Architecture and Fine Arts (BFA) major in Painting Arts (IARFA) sponsored a student Isadore Gabriel Lerio preliminary contest within the and BFA major in Advertising Institute to make the students Arts student Marc Aran Reyes more aware of PNOC art both won in the annual art competition. The preliminary contest. Their works will be contest was judged by IARFA featured on the company’s faculty members Manuel calendar for 2013.

Billoso, Candido Manarpiiz,

Lerio’s entry shows John Paul Olivares and a naked woman who has Bernard Temporosa. tattoos of different kinds of From about 15 flowers around her neck, Tamaraw BFA students who breast, arms and shoulders. submitted their artworks, only On the other hand, Reyes’ eight were chosen by IARFA art piece shows a lady who to sponsor for the main is covering her mouth by her competition. The chosen left rose-tattoed hand. students received 5,000

“[My entry is] about pesos each. modern Filipina. I see most When asked why he of Filipina women today thinks his art piece became as leaders, liberated, one of the chosen entries strong, tough, confident by PNOC, Lerio said that his and independent,” Lerio unique interpretation of the explained. flower might have made his “ ‘ F l o w e r s ’ ‘ y u n g entry stood out as others’ tema ng PNOC ngayong entries depicted the flower t a o n … K i n u m p a r a k o only literally. ‘yung modern Filipina sa Each of the 12 isang bulaklak, bale ‘yung winners received 25,000 mga bulaklak na tattoo ay pesos from PNOC. sumusuporta sa kabuuan ng PNOC is an energy tema ko (The theme of this company that provides and year’s PNOC art contest is maintains an adequate about flowers… I compared and stable supply of oil that the modern Filipina to continues to serve as a key a flower, thus the tattoo institution in the exploration, flowers support my theme),” development and utilization he added. of indigenous oil and non-oil

Prior to the main energy sources (www.pnoc. competition, Institute of com.ph).

economy that focuses on concepts, manipulation of symbols and acquisition and utilization of knowledge and working in teams.

“Emphasis on passing the licensure exam may deny our accountancy students... in true education, that will prepare them for the future,” he said.

In addi ti on, he sai d that Far E astern U ni versi ty (FE U ) founder D r. N i canor R eyes S r. has been i nstrumental in professionalizing accountancy in the P hi l i ppi nes.

“ G i v e n t h e c r u c i a l role played by D r. R e y e s , i t i s s a f e t o say that FEU can be considered as the cradle of accounting education in the Philippines,” Tu l l a o s t r e s s e d .

The tal k i s the fi rst l eg of the l ecture seri es w hi ch ai ms to commemorate the l i fe of the U ni versi ty’s founder by provi di ng students w i th l ecture seri es that w i l l i nspi re them to conti nue hi s mi ssi on of upl i fti ng the Fi l i pi no communi ty.

-GDM

FTG stages ‘Usapang X’

Presenting personal and social issues, Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) performed last September 14, 24 and 27 at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Auditorium.

Titled ‘Usapang X,’ the production showcased incidences on comfort rooms and struggles with topics on youth, gender issues and sexuality issues.

“Pinapakita sa play kung ano ‘yung mga ginagawa sa CR [comfort room] na hindi nakikita ng ibang tao.

Kumbaga, aware tayo sa mga bagay na ‘yun pero ayaw lang nating pag-usapan (The play shows what we do in the comfort room which are not seen by other people. We are aware of these but we just don’t want to talk about them),” FTG Artistic Director Eduardo ‘Dudz’ Teraña shared.

The production has caught the attention of the FEU community and was talked about because of the symbol ‘X’ which is commonly used for materials with adult contents.

“Para sa akin kasi, depende sa interpretasyon n’yo kung ano yung kahulugan ng ‘X’ (For me, it depends on your interpretation of how do you define ‘X’),” Teraña answered when asked if what is the meaning of Usapang X.

He also emphasized that it depends on the person

Eye-opener. FEU Theater Guild uncovers social and personal issues encountered by the most of the college students. (Photo by Marione Paul G. Infantado)

on how he will view the play.

“Kung bastos ka mag-isip, eh ‘di bastos din yung play para sayo (If you think in an indecent way, then you view the play as indecent too.),” he explained.

FTG members view their play as ‘different’ compared to their previous productions.

“What makes Usapang X different from FTG’s past productions is the theme itself.

Usapang X was a lot more crucial since group’s audience were mostly students,” FTG member Vien Villagarcia shared.

Though different, the play is positively accepted by the students.

“Sa mga napanood kong pagtatanghal ng FTG, ang Usapang X ay isa sa mga pinakamaganda...

Nakakatawa, nakakaiyak…

Makakarelate ka sa story at kapupulutan ng aral (Among FTG’s production that I watched, Usapang X is one of the best [productions]… It made us laugh, cry… You can relate with the story and you will learn a moral lesson),” Mass Communication sophomore Solomon Macatiag shared.

-Kliezl Joie S. Demasuay With reports from Leonard I. Agustin

Leadership confab empowers aspiring student leaders Potential student leaders learned about role modeling and youth empowerment from three speakers in a forum last September 13 at the University Conference Center.

Titled “University Young Leaders Forum,” Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) President Jeffrey Mora and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino talked before prospective student leaders.

Lim talked about preparation of oneself to become a leader. He said that being a leader is not just about doing the right thing but serving as a role model.

“It’s not the title or the position that you are carrying, but your character and integrity in what you’re doing,” Lim furthered.

He reminded the students to honor and acknowledge debt of gratitude to parents by saying “All of you are nothing; you will not be

successful without the help of your loving parents.”

Meanwhile, Mora addressed school’s role in shaping up a leader. He enumerated few prominent FEU graduates as example of students who ‘stood up and made a difference’.

“We have a thousand reasons to be proud of our school. We should start creating

FEU eyes Centers... from page 1

Battle plans

Meanw h ile, t wo Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance (IABF) programs BS Accountancy and BS Business Administration already have Level III accreditation status from PACUCOA.

Department of Business Administration Program Head Nenita Junio said she focuses on faculty development as she wants the entire faculty in her department to have doctoral degrees.

“Since there are not so many regular faculty members, I want 100 percent [of faculty to have] doctoral degrees,” she furthered.

Junio also plans to sponsor more seminars and trainings on management strategies for her faculty to

“We just need to sustain and enhance our achievements and practices in the other items of the instrument because as of now, DepComm has already met [CHEd’s] minimum requirements,” Castro said.

However, he said that his department’s target application date is Academic Year 2014-2015, later than Quinto’s expected date for DepComm to attain COD.

AB English, AB Literature and AB Political Science are to apply for Level I accreditation this year while BS Medical Technology and AB International Studies are “still too young” to apply for any accreditation, Quinto added.

this concept of ‘green-and-gold passion’ among our students,” he emphasized.

Mora believes that the University should instill a sense of history and pride among students if it truly want to become the best school in the country.

“Reveal the Tamaraw spirit within you,” he said.

Moreover, Tolentino explained students’ role in

Piece of advice. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim shares his side on becoming a young leader during the leadership forum at the University Conference Center. (Photo by John Armen T. Bongao)

respond to students’ doubts and complaints on some professors’ teaching methods.

“I think [attaining COD and COE citations] is very important for all universities....

I believe it is really [going to be] a feather on our shoulder,” Junio said.

She added that she expects her department to attain its first COD in 2013.

Meanwhile, Junio said that IABF Dean Celito Macachor has plans to offer Doctor of Business Management program next year to boost the roster of graduate programs of the Institute.

However, plans to offer other undergraduate degree programs are still not on the priority list.

For Institute of Education (IE), one of the main factors that hinder them to have

nation building. “When it comes to nation building, learn as much as you can at this point in your life. Dapat ‘yung pag-aaral, walang katapusan, pang-habambuhay (Learning must be a never-ending process.),” he said.

The pursuit for nation building demands more than mere academic excellence, according to Tolentino.

“One must have a heart, mindset, and readiness for nation building. You must get to know your country well, love it with all your heart, and resolve to work for it,” he said.

Tolentino urged the student leaders to be productive not only in FEU, but also in their respective communities.

“Do your share in nation building, in being part of our society,” he said.

The forum, organized

by FEUCSO, aims to produce more student leaders with confidence and assertiveness who will serve as role models to the students.

- Ma. Karlota S. Jamoralin

COD and COE citations is CHEd’s requirement of having at least 80 percent passing rate in Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET).

“[Our LET passers] range from 50 percent to 70 percent,” IE Undergraduate Studies Unit Coordinator Elisa Mañalac reported.

Mañalac said that COD and COE citations would be “very important” for the Institute and to the University upon maintaining autonomy. “We are already in Level III accreditation so we would want that our programs have Center of Excellence or Center of Development citations from the accrediting [bodies],” she added.

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Shereen Nicole B. Rivera Features Editor

FEATURES

Though not by blood, people could be brothers and sisters through a special bond. Tied by experience, connections emerge in sickness and in health. Not just an organization but an intimate brotherhood and sisterhood define fraternities (frats) and sororities (soros).

Awareness of what a frat or soro must be given to students for clarification of common misconceptions and perceptions. Moreover, students of Far Eastern University (FEU) might want to be conscious about them.

Root of the trunk A unique naming system is present when it comes to fraternities and sororities, most of the time Greek naming system, making them known as ‘Greek Societies’. Fraternity and sorority came from the Greek words frater and soror meaning brother and sister, respectively. Most Greek Societies are gender inclined, meaning, it is either all male or female group.

Usually, frats and soros are named using two or three Greek letters that only the members know its meaning. For example Phi Beta Kappa, a former social fraternity and now an honor society, stands for “Love of learning is the guide of life.”

Frats and soros originated abroad. They are systems that aim to provide social support for their members. They are usually found in universities forming houses for each frat and soro. Housing system is used by some for a stronger establishment of their concept of brotherhood and sisterhood.

At times, the same organization is scattered in different universities having different chapters with the aim of expanding their network and support system. Frats and soros are usually for undergraduates to help them establish leadership.

“Kaya rin ako sumali para din sa academics kasi ‘pag bumagsak ka bibigyan ka ng DA (disciplinary action), every unit, halimbawa three units, times two ‘yon. Spat ‘pag bumagsak ka.

Syempre mas sisikapin mo na mag-aral ka ng mabuti kaysa maganon ka (One reason why I joined is also because of academic reasons, ‘cause when you fail they’ll give you a disciplinary action which is in the form of spat, of course you’ll try harder to study instead of getting punished),” shared Andi (not her real name), an 18-year old member of Tau Gamma Sigma.

Every organization has its own roots, stories and traditions. It does not grow and progress and become the way it is overnight Alpha Phi Omega (APO), it started as a fraternity. Based actually siya sa US lang, and then in the 60’s it was brought to the Philippines by Sol Levi. He is a member of Alpha Phi Omega in the US [United States] and he brought the organization here as part of the scouting movement,” explained Margo (not her real name), a 25-year-old member of APO. “’Yung history namin, merong involved na babae, na ‘yung makakajoin d’yan ‘yung puro magaganda lang, ‘yun lang ‘yung qualifications niya, walang hazing, pero siyempre lume-level up nagkakaroon na ng pledge, service siya, community service, (Our history involves women who will be qualified to join if she is beautiful, we do not have hazing. But of course we progress and pledge arises in the form of community service),” explained Andi.

Another way of getting inside frats and soros is through legacies or the automatic acceptance given to the family members of the group’s brother or sister. Both Margo and Andi are legacies of sororities they belong to.

Each fraternity and sorority has different goals and purposes, and different colors of history. Some include historical people inside their account.

In some frats, FEU played an important role. “FEU was actually the very first chapter of Alpha Phi Omega Philippines so Far Eastern University has a big contribution if you must say sa (in) development ng (of) Alpha Phi Omega sa country, for it is where it all began,” elaborated Margo.

Mistaken belief “Hazing. Di maganda. ‘Pampahirap sa pagkuha ng trabaho. (Hazing. Not good. Makes it harder to get a job),” are the first things that darted on second year BS Architecture student, Carlo Sitcharing’s mind when asked about his mental picture of frats and soros.

The downbeat perception was supported

by Alexa Alzate, third year AB Mass Communication student by saying “I don’t think it’s necessary. Going through initiation, doing really stupid things para lang (so that) they can accept you is stupid. You can have friends naman ‘eh why do you need frats pa?”

These are just few words given by some students which demonstrate that the terrible image of fraternities and sororities continue to build-up on each person’s wits.

A ‘fratman’ who has been a ‘prey’ of -Margo hazing www.interaksyon.com, explains that the Alpha Phi Omega Sorority fraternity system has become a big black hole that sucks young promising men to their graves.

According to him, the fraternity has degenerated into a “barbaric gang”. Internally, its organizational structure has become so hierarchically feudal, with the head becoming the law and the members losing their individuality. Externally, it has imbibed the culture of the tribesmen and treats other tribes as an unforgivable “enemy.”

“So many young promising men had been put to waste. So many dreams had been shattered. So many families have been broken,” the ‘fratman’ remarked.

Fratmen continue to be stereotyped as someone who is hungry for power and fame; one who cannot walk with his own feet since they are just courageously good only with their cofratmen at their side.

Pons Bilolo, second year student from IARFA agreed with this saying that “’Pag sumali kasi d’yan, parang pinatunayan mo sa sarili mo na hindi mo kayang gumalaw mag-isa, na kailangan mo pa lagi ng tulong ng iba. (When you join there [frats], it’s as if you proved yourself that you can’t move on your own, that you always need someone’s company).”

“They are [my] family, so the things that I am willing to do for my blood family are the things that I am willing to do and sacrifice for them.”

September-October 2012

3

On a lighter note, some people still distinguish fraternities and sororities as something that are pleasant and good, only if people would look at their original purpose.

“Frat and soro are all about loyalty and love. It develops and pursues brotherhood and sisterhood…the real meaning of it is love, respect, loyalty,” Gian Carlo Anaquita, first year BS Eucation major in Music, Arts and Physical Education student stated.

People join in these groups “For belongingness, especially for them to have friends, to exercise interpersonal skills and to interact with other people and for some, could also be a part of social status” as University Career and Counselling Office Director Shiela Hocson exemplified.

She added that these organizations’ principles such as leadership, academic achievements and advocacies in helping other people are supposedly for the betterment of everyone.

“I believe that hindi naman sa lahat ng oras magre-reflect ang personality mo sa kung saan kang grupo belong (I believe that your personality will not reflect from what kind of group you belong at all times). We still have the opportunity to choose kung ano ang gagawin at ipapakita natin sa labas (what we will do and show to people), so for me, hindi dapat natin i-judge ang tao, hindi naman lahat ng taga-frat or soro masama (we should not judge them because not all of them are bad),” Natsu Buendia, third year BEED major in SPED claimed.

Nonetheless, school administrations have responded with iron fists.

FEU has banned the formation of fraternities on campus and denied their existence.

“I understand that it is a national organization but FEU doesn’t recognize that [frats and soros] inside the university... Once reported, and once justified, [they will be] out,” Office of Students Affairs Director Marilou Cao said.

Inside the quarters

It is easier for people to see the inaccuracies and wrong-doings of others but what they don’t know is the real maxim that the fraternities and sororities live by.

“They are [my] family, so the things that I am willing to do for my blood family are the things that I am willing to do and sacrifice for them,” Margo remarked expressing loyalty to her group.

Each frat has a different area of focus and a different way of operating. Also, getting along with other fraternity members is also a part of joining since they are spending a lot of time together. But how demanding is it to be an affiliate, and how does it affect one’s personal, academic and social life?

“S’yempre pag service mo, kailangan ng 48 hours ng service. Pagsisilbihan mo ‘yung sisters and brothers mo. Tapos, maraming bawal bago ka pumasok. Maraming tatanggalin, tatanggalan ka ng karapatan ganu’n. Pero usual lang ‘yun pag magkakasama kayo. (Of course, if it’s your service, it needs 48 hours of service.

You will serve your sisters and brothers. Then, there are many things which are prohibited before you enter. There would be a lot to be taken away, they will eradicate your rights in a way but it’s just usual when you are together),” explained by Andi.

When misconceptions regarding frats and soros come along, they say that it is not easy for them to handle some downright awful judgments by other people.

“It’s not that easy ‘cause again you would have to prove yourself to be someone we could trust our lives with, ‘cause again we’re family. We trust each other with our life and before we would actually accept a person in the organization. We have to make sure we could trust our life with them,” Margo shared.

They say that they are not for violence but they are found in the virtue of helping people.

“When people get to be members of APO, their actual purpose in getting into it is actually providing service. Service is our primary distinction,” Margo added.

Fraternities also engage in a lot of charity work, giving back to the community and helping others which are a great way for students to gain a wider perspective on the world around them and to learn how to work with a team to really make a difference in others’ lives.

“Tutulong sa iba, mga feeding programs. Tumutulong din kami sa mga kinakapos, parang minsan ‘yung mga na-o-ospital nanghihingi sila ng tulong sa ‘min. (Help others, have feeding programs. We also reach out to those on need, sometimes, those who get hospitalized seek help from us),” Andi said.

Another common misapprehension that most people believe is that all fraternities are underground and illegal but there are a lot of well-known people who have embodied the principles of these organizations.

“Internationally, we have Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton who are honorary members. Locally, Jejomar Binay never denied that he is an active and a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega,” stated by Margo.

Hocson also believes that a frat or a soro’s principles are concentrated for the common good but it would be detrimental to a student if some would close their vision from their true ideology.

“It spouses true principles but somewhat, some people get blinded with this principle. So minsan nami-misunderstood na s’ya ng mga bata (sometimes, children misunderstood it). So I think that the true principle is the advocacy for the common good. But if it only somewhat gives you power, or fame or fake espouse of value just to cover up, then it can harm other people and distract your academic, family and personal life, then it is not healthy anymore,” clarified by Hocson.

What is actually alarming about these organizations, however, is their ‘big secret’ within their quarters which they do not dare to publicize. Are they really promoting their so-called ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ or are they already dwelling in the art of violence?

Illustrations by Ralph Michael R. Nochete and Aaron Cedrick S. Manaloto; Photos by Wondell M. San Pedro Layout by Richelle Mae B. Bautista and Johanna Alexandra Marie G. de Jesus

4

September-October 2012

OPINION

E DITO RI A L Slowly but unsurely Long queues on entrance halls are always present right after incidents where the security is challenged but they actually result to more problematic atmosphere.

Last year, at the height of the simultaneous gun shooting incidents in a popular mall chain where even a security guard was killed, the security immediately tightened at the entrance halls of the said malls.

When a woman committed suicide on the Light Rail Transit, their guards also moved in a closer watch.

The not-so famous event of shooting inside the campus halls in the middle of the first semester still belongs to these instances.

And of course the breaking news about the stabbing incident involving an outsider before the semester ended was not even an exclusion. In fact, it is an alarming issue that questioned the well-established security system of Far Eastern University.

Crimes should be taken against those who did them. The fault and the blame should not be pointed towards the security or any other institution managers where the incident happened—not even reflected on its employees and students.

The point is that the tightening of security was just a surface-level action where the administration tries to show the community that they are doing something to ease the bad situation.

But the problem is that it is not an answer to block the repetition of such unflattering cases.

Confiscation of scissors or cutters are not exactly helpful to expound peace inside the campus. Even pencils do have the capacity to kill.

Slower and thorough checking of bags as well as pencil cases and pouch bags hence creates long lines of students, who then consumed five to ten minutes of their time under the heat of the sun, exposed to unsecured environment of the sidewalks, and therefore perhaps became late for their classes.

Moreover, if the security system tightened all of a sudden, it is an indication that the administration admitted that a firm protection was lacking. Consequently, it is trying to conclude that the conflict was because of inconsistent and inefficient security. But again, that is not the sole problem, not even the main one.

A crime will occur if there are three aspects present—the person who did the crime, the opportunity and the intention to do the crime.

With this, a firm security may help in lessening but not eliminating the opportunities.

Primarily, it is the intention of the lawbreaker that causes a crime to happen. The place and the circumstance may contribute to its actuality, but the intention pulls and releases the trigger.

With lack of high technology equipment but existence of evolving unlawful deeds, we cannot really guarantee our safety. Even if you are sittingpretty on your favorite couch, tragedy can still happen anytime and anywhere. They are unpredictable.

We can be just humans willing to be ready to go through wherever fate brings us because criminals are wiser and mightier when they really intend to do violations.

There are four types of professors.

First is someone who has great consideration in grading the students but less standard in teaching skills.

This professor is loved by most of the students, for he distributes grades like Christmas bonuses. He, then, secures the students’ scholarship as he assures a line-of-one grade even if the students display tardiness.

These professors do not encourage students to exert more effort, and therefore deter them to gain advance knowledge about the subject matter.

Second is someone who has a great standard but less consideration.

This professor is notable for students as the “strict” mentor. He pushes the students to be assertive.

Hence, the students may not like him because they become stressed in doing such enormous tasks required.

Professors belonging to this category tend to overpower their students, for they become inconsiderate for the fact that it is not the only subject in the semester.

In other words, it is “pa-major” when it is a minor subject.

Pertaining to the lighter side, the students A leader takes pride on what he has done for others, not on what he has done for himself.

If we analyze further, imbibed within the context of the above statement is the values of servitude, selflessness and humility— the same basic principles of genuine leadership. Sadly, however, they are also the ones that are most often forgotten and overlooked at.

What is the reason, you may ask? Well, maybe it is because change can drastically happen, most especially to someone who was already blinded by the perks of having a high position.

There is no denying that today’s society has been swamped by the misconception that leadership is parallel with celebrity stardom. Somehow, it is perceived that when someone becomes a leader, he will climb the social pedestal fully-equipped with glory and fame. Being a leader has also become a stepping stone towards being known publicly while working very hard to build and protect his personal image.

I believe that this wrong perception is brought by what is happening in the national realms whereby celebrities are aiming on becoming political leaders and political leaders are acting like as if they are celebrities. And if I have to choose the lesser evil among the two, I will consider the latter to be far from worse.

What is more depressing than to find your leaders consider themselves fame luminaries

Your ideal professor

would appreciate the value of their grades as they worked really hard for it.

If the professor does not explain how their grades are computed, however, the students would feel helpless and disheartened specially if they did not attain their aim General Weighted Average.

They might think that they are misfortunate because the tough professor was assigned to them and blame the low grade not because of their performance but because of the professors’ translucent verdict.

Third one has both less standard and consideration.

This professor is irrational. The students may hate him as they do not know how the teacher grades them.

One student may exert much effort to complete

the requirements and have their deserved grade but the others may not exert effort but still they have the same grade or worse, have higher grade than the latter.

In other words, he is “the hula-hula prof.” He tends to be unfair in the eyes of his students, for he did not justify the grades that are assumed to be computed. Moreover, he did not nicely demonstrate good education among students because of his substandard performance.

Fourth type has both great standard and consideration.

From the start of classes, he clearly explained his rules to his students and oriented them well. He is truly knowledgeable about the subject matter that’s why he can justify his high standard in grading his students.

Celebrity leaders

and forget what they have taken oath to?

We cannot deny that there are politicians who become hardly approachable when they are already seated in the position but miraculously come back to the people when election draws near.

But what I am deeply dismayed about is that this wrong belief has presently infested the academic setup. Admittedly, I entered college with great hopes that collegiate student government will be more mature than high school’s but be more tamed than the national politics. Now I have proven that I set my expectations a little bit too high.

Let us not go any farther, here in our University I particularly loath how some student leaders brag about their achievements and use them to stay on top of the game, exactly how it works in high school.

While others resort to the dirty game of mudslinging and black propaganda, the same way it is done in real politics.

Now, isn’t it that we learned in kindergarten to “let

our merit speak for themselves” and “not to do things that may harm others”? I will ask again, where did they go?

Secondly, I hate how others would broadcast into the social world what they are currently doing or pursuing as leaders. They would rationalize this act by saying that they are just getting the public informed—letting them know that they are “in action”.

However, I would still prefer someone who does less of the talking and do more of the walking. Leadership is not just an opportunity for image building. Getting the public informed is good, getting them into action is way better.

Lastly, there are leaders who simply do nothing at all. They are the ones who got overly consumed by their positions, hardly noticing the purpose why they are there.

As for those people, I have nothing to say or comment about. You’ve done it all, just in the wrong way though.

Of course I am fullyaware that getting the students involved is a tedious work.

He gives back quizzes immediately after he recorded them, for he knows that it is where the students will know their errors and correct them during the exams.

He is fair. He weighs the ability of the students and copes with their capacity.

He considers students in such a way that he inspires them. He motivates his students and let them experience what they are learning or otherwise, tell trueto-life stories about the topic.

He brings the ambiance alive as the listeners never get tired of the hours they stay with him.

With this, the students would surely appreciate if they got a high grade because they felt like they surpassed a grand obstacle and at the same time, won the race because they were equipped with sufficient knowledge.

Choosing what type of professor you wish to have depends on your attitude and habit in studying. It is good to have diverse set of professors each semester so that you’ll have a balanced learning experience. Still, let us just enjoy our college life and eye not the high grade but the knowledge.

Who’s the best professor for you? Let’s talk about that at eleanorreyes@ymail.com.

But always bear in mind that you, for one, is a leader. And leaders are not expected to live a trouble-free life.

Sometimes supreme sacrifices are to be made in order to fulfil responsibilities. That’s the same reason why they are oftentimes neglected.

A s s u r e d l y, a leader is someone who is always expected a lot. And often times, the benefits of leadership will always outweigh its costs. But those people who are brave enough to fully embrace this fact are the ones who are worthy to be emulated and dignified.

My fellow students, here is a thought that you might want to ponder upon: Not because someone is in front, talking and giving orders, that already means he is leading.

One must always remember that the joy of leading is not the joy of being followed, but rather the joy of having your followers guided.

Lastly, to the FEU student leaders, consider this as a challenge from the FEU community to prove yourself more for the remaining five months of your term. Assess yourself as a public servant.

Because in the end, what counts is not on how many achievements you have gained for yourself, but how many of those you have lost for others.

We are not all born superstars, please deal with it. Paparazzi are most welcome to follow me at jeromes.deguzman@ gmail.com.

OPINION

Suddenly, things turned out not the way they are expected.

The first semester of academic 2012-2013 has just ended. After finishing all necessary things to be done, we have reaped the fruits of labor.

This causes different tales and reactions than can be heard on conversations and can be seen on social networking sites.

We have three initial reactions upon receiving the grades. There are happy students who got high grades or passed a subject. There are students who are sad for not getting good grades. There are also students who are mad for not receiving their desired grade or a failing mark.

I cannot blame why some tend to overreact with their grades. They might just face many possible things. They may either complied with tons of workloads, faced different difficulties, dealt with physical and mental stress, have their different relationships tested and many more.

And as soon as things are analyzed, initial reactions tend to change or deepen.

Abruptly, disappointment and regret run in the system.

Students feel disappointed because of what they just had.

Students feel regretful of why

Just as when the Land of Green and Gold beat the drums for its independence, the stabbing incident stole the bright spotlight from the University’s fine image.

The next morning after the terrible news popped up on each of our TV screens, I was in deep thoughts if I would still be continuing to trek on my daily colorless routine.

But it seems like all the odds were not in my favor because at the very moment I sat down in the jeepney early in the daybreak, I overheard a student from a different university whispered to the one who’s sitting beside her telling “Nabalitaan mo ba yung nanaksak na FEU (Far Eastern University) student?” while glancing crookedly at me and my moss green skirt as if I pooped on her bed.

C l e a r l y, this unpleasant incident has painted my good-functioning life with chaos.

Of course, I have all the explanations to be concerned. It is my school which is being bashed and talked about.

Considered by many as the living oasis in the jungle of Recto, FEU has strived

“When you can’t lower expectations, there is only one thing left to do–you have to meet them.” - CJ Cregg, West Wing

“Psychology majors pa man din kayo.” This phrase along with lines like “your batch, so far have been the worst, especially in comparison to the fourth years are what we, Psychology juniors, have been bombarded with last semester.

In light of the 100% passing rate in the board exams of the Medical Technology graduates, we have been informed recently that we, third year Psychology majors, will be subject to taking the first ever Comprehensive Examinations this upcoming semester. It is said that its purpose is to measure our competence and proficiency and to prepare us for our board examinations.

I have come to realize that most students have the notion that professors owe them inasmuch as the tuition we pay are the means for which they acquire their salaries. And with the tuition hikes, we have also formed the belief that it is only right that we receive what is our due, that is, to learn from competent and qualified teachers. Yet, in my 16 months of stay here in FEU, I am appalled by how often I cross paths with those who are not.

I have encountered professors who are nothing more than their credentials; mentors who have no idea what they are talking about or those who employ the ‘reporting scheme’ from prelims to finals simply because they themselves do not know the field; teachers who do

Grades, regrets, guts

they just did something that is not good enough.

Oftentimes, this leads us to be more down which should not be the case. Grades are grades but I tell you, grades are not everything.

First, academic standing is just one side of a person.

We cannot be judged nor can judge people just because of the grades we received in school.

Also, grades represent our performance in class but not really the true learning we get.

Thus, grades do not totally define you as a person.

Also, we can say that one cannot blame himself alone with his failure. There are people who serve as our mentors in our particular subject matter whom we call professors. More importantly, they serve as standard setters. A

different person is different from another one, thus making each professor’s standards different.

There are professors that have too high standards, just-theright standards and not-so-high standards but the sad thing is there are also professors that seem to have none at all. Those persons tend to forget what their job and passion is by just not being fair to their students.

Unfair in a way that they become subjective to students despite the fact that they generally need to be objective. And unfair in a way, not giving students the grades they deserve. Note: not all of them are.

Lastly, every person will have a mistake or failure in his life. No person has ever achieved success without even failing to do something. Getting a grade of 5.00 or attaining not of

We bleed Green and Gold

to reach its promise from its mission-vision and without any doubts; FEU has been one of the leading choices of students in their preparation for crossing the threshold in tertiary education.

It excels in both academics and athletics, being among the country’s top notch university; The only non-sectarian, private Filipino university that has proven its worth throughout the years since its founding in 1928, producing alumnis who have contributed silently but consistently to our country’s development.

It’s almost-century-old campus is a UNESCO awardee for art and architectural preservation and a virtual haven in the concrete and

polluted labyrinth of Manila.

FEU even produced the richest Filipino Tamaraws, Henry Sy and Lucio Tan, whose stories are classic ragto-riches type. And hey, have I mentioned that recently, FEU garnered a 100% passing rate in MedTech board exam?

FEU does not only provide quality education but also stands to its core values of Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness. What’s not to like and be ashamed of?

We have to plant the seed of optimism and enthusiasm in our wits and bear in mind that even a sailor cruises in a not-so-calm ocean, a pilot also passes through nimbus clouds, and even a writer’s pen also

Who is to blame?

nothing but talk about themselves and their philosophy about life; those who play favorites or those who are prejudice towards one sex and favors the other, especially in grading; professors who can be bought; professors who will literally threaten you when the evaluation period dawns; and worst, those who do not teach at all.

As I write this column, I find it humorous and paradoxical that I remembered this phrase painted on a wall of a public school back in my hometown– “Be proud you are a teacher, the future depends on you.”

Yet, as the Bible says, before you correct your neighbor, see first what must be corrected in you.

Grades are the classic case for the process of sowing and reaping. Students, no matter how much we try to enforce the blaming game, we all know that our grades are the results of our performances.

They reflect the effort and significance we place into and for our education. We are responsible for our lives, and nobody else.

Yes, I have just stated reasons wherein we could point the blame on our professors, but I think that these are merely excuses–rationalizations we form in order to mask our own incompetence and infirmities.

Stepping up, a simple concept, basically means to rise above one’s self, to do a little more. So, you have been listed in the class of ‘that’ professor.

Do something about it. Transfer to another section. The system has bestowed us variety of chances to make things right, it is up to us how to utilize them to our advantage.

If ‘that’ professor is inescapable, look for measures to survive that class. If he/she humiliates, avoid doing things that would make you come across his/ her radar—arrive on time, wear your complete uniform, submit all requirements, etc.

He/she does not teach.

Then read. Form study groups.

Make use of the library and E-lib which you paid for. In school or in life, we always have the option of choosing whether to

September-October 2012

his or her desired grades might be considered as a failure but I believe that there is a reason why it turned out like that. We just have to unlock it.

With all these, a person should not stay in the place where he fell down. He needs to stand up and continue the race.

But he should not be gearless.

He needs to bring an important gear, the lesson he learned from the failure he had.

It just takes selfconfidence and the guts to pursue the thing you failed to do. Otherwise, you cannot start again. How can you let other people believe you can if you don’t even trust yourself? The initiative must start with you.

Even how hard things might be, think that you are not alone. There are people you know who got your back. They are the people who believe that at any situation you encounter, you will survive. They are also the people who will give a helping hand when the need arises.

If it seems that the whole world also turns unfair again, things will be okay. You just have to wait.

Seek for redemption and do the gangnam style at butsagustin@ gmail.com.

runs out of ink; just like how our University experiences unanticipated irregularities.

So instead of being a naysayer, spreading rumors and belittling our University, why don’t you stand and contribute something for its betterment and progress?

Four out of ten students here in our country are ill-fated since they have no funds to enter college and we, Tamaraws are considered fortunate that we belong to a well-known, high-status and prestigious University. We should not be disheartened about this single incident.

Just so you know, I am a transfer from the Pontifical, Royal, and Catholic University of the Philippines and thus far, cheesy as it may appear, FEU just keeps on giving me more reasons why I should love, respect and adore it each day.

And I just hope somebody would tap me at my back tomorrow to remind me that I have to purchase a new FEU shirt, because damn, I just can’t hide this Tamaraw pride.

Stand proud, Charge out!

Challenge me to site 101 reasons why you ought to love FEU at nikkylodeon@ymail.com.

push back or remain idle and play victim.

Respect begets respect. Expectations beget expectations.

How you present yourselves to us, dear professors, determines how we will respond to you—whether we will take you seriously or not. In other words, you teach us how to treat you and our performances depend on yours as well. You expect us to be responsible students and in the same manner, we students also expect you to be the competent professors this institution says you to be. We both hold each other to pedestals.

So, who is to blame?

Well, it’s no one and everyone.

No one because there will always be happenstances that will be out of our control— typhoons, floods, illnesses, death, and such.

Everyone, like I said, has roles to play and we are responsible for our lives and nobody else. When presented with dilemmas and hindrances, we are all equipped with power to triumph over them.

Yes, other people will always be vital when it comes to surviving, especially, college life.

God made it in such a way that we will always depend on others, noting that we are a culture of conformity, but that is another story.

What I’m saying is fate or not, I believe in free will and given such prerogative and freedom; we alone create our own destinies.

Complaints and antagonists will be entertained at kcamillef. cue@gmail.com.

5

Miss U

Ikaw, ano ang malaking tanong sa buhay mo?

Bakit nga ba kailangan pang umikot ng mundo sa araw? Bakit nga ba kailangan pang magmahal kung sa huli ay masasaktan ka lang naman? Bakit nga ba kailangan pang maghangad ng mga bagay na hindi naman kailangan?

Ang buhay ay puno ng bakit, paano, saan at kung anuano pang mga katanungan. Kung ang konteksto ng buhay ay iikot sa mga tanong, maaari itong maihalintulad sa isang beauty pageant. Isang patimpalak na para sa mga taong iba’t iba ang pinagmulan at may kanya-kanyang paniniwala sa buhay.

Sa pagkakataong ito, hayaan nating liparin tayo ng agos ng isang malikhaing pagsasalaysay patungkol sa tatlong korona na maaring mapanalunan sa patimpalak ng tunay na buhay.

Miss Understood. Ito nga ba ang award na para sa’yo?

Ikaw ba ‘yung taong iintindihin lahat ng bagay sa paligid mo?

Sila ang taong handang masaktan sa isang bagay na walang kasiguraduhan—walang partikular na kasagutan.

Mga taong niloloko na ng kanilang ka-relasyon subalit litanya pa rin ang mga salitang ‘Iintindihin ko siya hangga’t kaya ko pa.’ Pasok din sa banga ang mga taong pilit iniintindi ang biglang pagbabago sa kanyang paligid at kaibigan. Mga taong sumasambit ng ‘Baka kasi naninibago lang, feeling ko stress lang siya pero okay lang naiintindihan ko naman.’

Usapang prangkahan, lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay may katapusan. Lahat ng salop ay mapupuno pati nga load na unlimited at kanin sa mga fast food chain ay nauubos sa takdang oras. Punto, lahat ay mapapagod intindihin ang mga pangyayari at taong hindi naman nagbibigay ng katanggap-tanggap na rason para intindihin. Huwag maging pabigat sa buhay ng iba dahil hindi ginawa ang mundo para lamang intindihin ang ilang partikular na tao gaano man sila kahalaga.

Miss Underestimated. Ito naman ang titulong bagay para sa mga taong hinahayaan silang maliitin ng iba. Mga taong walang bilib sa mga bagay na kaya nilang gawin—mga taong iniisip na kahit kailan ay hindi sila magniningning.

Kung patuloy silang maniniwala na hindi nila kaya, hindi talaga nila kailanman kakayanin. Kung palagi silang matatakot sa kritisismo ng ibang tao, hindi nila kailanman mararanasang mas pahalagahan ang sarili nila. At ang pinakamahalaga, pinakawalan nila ang pagkakataon na matuto base sa kanilang pagkakamali at maging isang mabuting tao.

Sa sarili magsisimula ang paunang respeto at pagmamahal. Kung ipagkakait ito may posibilidad na mahirapan ang bawat isang magbahagi sa ibang tao. Tandaan na walang sinuman ang may kapasidad na magbigay ng pagmamahal kung hindi pa ito lubusang nararanasan. Maging ang pagbibigay ng respeto kung hindi pa naman batid ang tunay nitong kahulugan.

Miss Unique. Ito ang pinakamataas na parangal na maaring igawad sa mga taong may paninindigan. Sila ang mga personalidad na tanggap ang sarili nilang pagkukulang at aminadong hindi lamang umiikot ang mundo base sa sarili nilang kagustuhan. Mabilis din silang magpalaya ng mga bagay na hindi laan para sa kanila.

Sila ang mga taong kahit ilang beses nang nadapa ay pinipilit pa ring bumangon upang magsimula ng panibagong hakbang. Naniniwala rin sila na hindi ang mga mali nilang desisyon sa buhay ang magdidikta ng kanilang pagkatao. Sila ang mga taong madalas na hindi naiintindihan sa lipunan dahil may kakaiba silang persepyon sa buhay.

Lahat ng tao ay may kakaibang katangian batay sa kanilang sariling desisyon at kagustuhan. Binigyan ang lahat ng tao ng pantay na pagkakaton upang mabuhay ng malaya.

Sa bawat kakaibang katangian, ito ang magsisilbi nilang pagkakakilanlan na minsan, pinili nila ang daang hindi tinatahak ng karamihan.

Kung titimbangin, hindi naman talaga nagkakalayo ang tunay na buhay sa isang beauty pageant. May ilang panuntunan silang pagkakapareho tulad na lamang ng konseptong talo at panalo. Sa huli, isang tanong pa rin ang magdidikta sa lahat —‘Ano ang esensya ng buhay para sa’yo?’

Sukatin natin kung pwede ka nang sumali sa isang beauty pageant, halika mag-ensayo ka na sa ace_cielo_gonzales@ yahoo.com.

EXAMINATION IS FROM NOVEMBER 19-29, 2012 ONLY. INTERESTED STUDENTS MAY INQUIRE AT THE FEU ADVOCATE OFFICE LOCATED AT ROOM 103 GROUND FLOOR EDUCATION BUILDING OR CONTACT 09275827840 OR 09423391778 FOR DETAILS.

6

September-October 2012

TAMARTS

Ralph Michael R. Nochete

Layout by Richelle Mae B. Bautista, Leilani D.L. Lachica and Bryan Benn A. Marticio Colored by Ralph Michael R. Nochete, Richelle Mae B. Bautista, Leilani D.L. Lachica, Bryan Benn A. Marticio, Johanna Alexandra Marie G. de Jesus, Hanna Leah G. Sambo and Ardie M. Aquino

Art Director

LITERARY

Korina Camille F. Cue Literary Editor

By Mary Hicelle B. Renacido

September-October 2012

7

By Marra Yoshabel B. Mien

The poison ivy May or not derogated Found in nature, I see the smoke, Entreated by some The sweet grass of hate, found in man Irresolute by others despair, I, then, lose my mind

Are you the last one?

- Emric Salven. B. Rejano

Mourn in summer days I see no flowers in fields Skyscrapers killed them

Stars are planted seeds Dispersed along a maelstrom Of spilled mother’s milk.

- MJRA

- Cirilo W. Cariga

It has been eleven months; eleven months and twenty-seven days to be precise. I have kept track of the count by putting small stones inside a hole I found in a small islet located in the middle of the sea. The memories of me submerging into the depths of the blue water are still very vivid. However, the push that shoved me out of the boat, I can’t recall. I was a helpless little doll being pulled down by the powerful force of whatever was there underwater. I could have swum, I swear to myself I could have. But it was like my whole body was leashed into a giant boulder that was sinking into the deepest trench. Perhaps they were invisible, the leash and the boulder, I mean. I heard people calling for my name, and their voices ceased to a mere oblivion.

The fall put me on a lengthy sleep. Waking up, I felt something peculiar at the bottom of my ears. Gills, I thought. That was when everything hit me. I could breathe underwater. I was even laying facedown on a water bed. I looked at my bottom. I still had my pair of feet.

I stood up and searched for a companion. After I’ve gotten as far as ten inches, a little boy appeared out of nowhere. He looked exactly like a perfect human being, saved for his gills and his shiny scaly tail. Approaching him, I felt an indescribable itch in my legs. It wasn’t the kind of itch that could be relieved by ointment or plain scratching; it was an itch that could only be cured by time.

“I see, the metamorphosis is yet to be fulfilled,” he remarked.

He has this tiny squeaky voice that would certainly make you laugh once you hear him talk. I bit my lip and tried to thwart my impending burst of laughter, albeit.

I replied, “Metamorphosis, huh? Am I going to turn into a mermaid, just like you?”

I knew so well that I would turn into a mermaid, but I just wanted to hear it from him. I wanted an assurance of some sort.

“I beg your pardon. Firstly, I am not a mermaid but a merman. And lastly, I was born like this. Everything in between, go figure it out,” he said with a disgusted appearance.

Suddenly, his disgust turned into delight.

He was eyeing my legs. Wait, I looked down and realized that I no longer have legs. Instead of long, white lower limbs, I now have a tail just like his.

It glimmered like a lady’s long, glossy hair shining upon by the sun. It was as black as the bleak night sky during the moon’s supposed reincarnation. In the midst of my astonishment, he dragged my hand and we swam together. I used my tail for the first time; forming irregular undulations that disappeared every jiffy.

He pointed hither and thither, sometimes naming sea creatures. It was funny how no one among them noticed us, with our tones so loud and zealous.

“Look at his tail; it’s red. That means he’s a warrior.

Look at her; her tail is yellow. That means she’s a housewife,” he explained seeing that my eyes were glued to each of their tails.

I touched his and asked, “How about yours? Why is it blue”?

He smirked and abruptly retorted, “Simple. I’m going to be an ordinary merman and marry a yellow-tailed mermaid.”

I turned my head around, seeking for mermaids who have the same color of tail like mine. Unfortunately, I saw none. He might have recognized the puzzled face I was wearing and then added, “Black-tailed mermaids are special. They are human-born but are

indeed destined to be mermaids. Apparently, you’re one of them. My knowledge about you stops from that. You’re the first black-tailed mermaid that I’ve seen so, I don’t know what your fate is yet. I don’t even know why you became one. But everyone has his fate all laid-out, you know? For us sea creatures, it’s reflected in our tail colors.

For humans, I’m not sure. But they are all ignorant, the humans, I mean…”

Not finishing his lecture, he again pulled my hand and we swam upwards. He’s a young man who thinks he knows everything, I figured. I swam more rapidly this time, my whole body already conditioned to the new environment and to my new swimming equipment. In a little while, we were exerting much effort climbing up a slope in an islet in the middle of the sea. There’s a quite bigger island nearby, where people were busy walking to and fro doing their diurnal tasks.

We could see them, but they couldn’t see us; at least that was what he said. And so he continued.

“Look at them. They all think that fate isn’t true, but it is. They know it, but they think otherwise.

You must be grateful. You are no longer a human.”

I unintentionally nodded my head. His words sounded like a hypnotic melody coercing me unconsciously to jibe with him. And I did. I found a small aperture on the side of the slope and put a stone inside. A year - I promised myself that if a year passed and no one dared to come for me, I would wholeheartedly welcome my fate as a mermaid.

We went back underwater. Days passed; weeks and months melted in such a slow pace. Every day we would go to the islet and I would put stones in the hole. Each stone I put, each bead I threw away from my little bracelet of hope; that is, someone would fetch me.

I became known to many because of my distinct tail. But there was no difference between me and them, except for the hue of my tail. It was adored by the tiny children and they would often follow me when I go to my refuge. The islet served as the bookmark between the book I was reading, the sea; and the reality I was once from, mankind.

This time, I let solitude accompany me to the islet. One last stone and I’d accept what I’ve become. The sight of the merry fishermen and their revelled families didn’t appeal to me anymore. I groped for a small rock, but instead of putting it into the hole; I dropped it into the limpid water. I dived in, trying to catch the rock before it reaches the sea floor. The faster I swam, the more obscure it became. Swimming deeper, I knew I wouldn’t come back to the islet again.

I still don’t believe in fate, though. I just know that I am now a mermaid. And why I have become one, you ask? I guess only time will tell. But as I revel over the magnificence of this vast azure below and discover more of the treasures it stores, I have come to believe that a blacktailed mermaid represents the hope for Mother Nature’s deliverance. My black tail represents the corruption of the human race, its abuse. And I, along with my future vestals, shall be the benchmark of a revolution to restore the splendour of wildlife and remind the humans that they are its stewards.

- Mary Joy R. Agquiz

Illustrations by Ralph Michael R. Nochete, Hanna Leah G. Sambo, Reira B. Matsushita, Mhar Melvin I. Choi and Karl G. Aquino Layout by Leilani D.L. Lachica and Bryan Benn A. Marticio; Colored by Bryan Benn A. Marticio and Hanna Leah G. Sambo

8

September-October 2012

THROUGH THE LENS

Photos by John Armen T. Bongao, Jude Thaddeus F. Valderrama, Ronalyn B. Pordan, Marione Paul G. Infantado, Wondell M. San Pedro and Kevin Victor J. Torres Layout by James Patrick B. Manaloto and Jude Thaddeus F. Valderrama

James Patrick B. Manaloto Chief Photographer

FILIPINO

Ace Cielo Marie M. Gonzales Patnugot ng Filipino

Gumuhit man sa kasaysayan ang literaturang Pilipino, humihigpit naman ang laban upang manatiling buhay ang sining na ito sa kasalukaauyang panahon.

S a d a to s n g Nat i o n a l B o o k D e v e l o p m e n t B o a rd (N B D B) m a l a k i a n g i b i n a b a n g m g a P i l i p i n o n g m a h i l i g s a p a n i t i k a n a t p a g b a b a s a . Ta o n g 2 0 0 3 , n a i t a l a n a 9 0 p o r s y e n to n g s a m g a P i l i p i n o a n g m a h i l i g m a g b a s a .

S u b a l i t s a p i n a k a b a g o n i l a n g s a r b e y, l u m a b a s n a b u m a b a i to s a 8 0 p o r s y e n to.

Panitikan kahapon

Bago pa man dumating ang mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, mayroon nang sining at panitikan ang mga sinaunang Pilipino.

Ito ang kaugaliang pasaling-dila o mga salitang paulit-ulit na sinasabi. Nakapaloob dito ang mga bugtong , tugmangbayan, epiko, salaw ikain, kwentong-bayan, alamat, mito at aw iting-bayan na nasa anyong patula.

Sa naturang panahon, may mga panitikan ding nasulat sa mga piraso ng kawayan.

Batay sa kasaysayan, ilan na lamang ang mga natirang arkeologo sapagkat pinasunog at pinasira ito ng mga Kastilang prayle nang dumating sila sa bansa sa paniniwalang ang mga ito ay gawa ng demonyo.

Nak atala r in sa kasaysayan na dumating ang mga K astila sa Pilipinas na taglay ang tatlong lay unin o G’s – God, Gold at Glor y . Dahil pananampalataya ang pangunahing pakay ng mga K astila, karamihan sa mga unang akdang nalikha sa panahong ito ay halos may pak sang pananampalataya tulad ng Doctrina Christiana.

Sa paglipas ng panahon ang malikhaing pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino ay hindi naglaho. Sa kasalukuyan, tula ang isa sa pinaka-sikat na anyo ng panitikan. Ito ay isang uri ng masining na pagpapahayag ng damdamin ng isang tao na umiikot sa iba’t ibang aspeto depende sa tema at imahinasyon ng manunulat.

September-October 2012

Ayon sa sarbey na ginawa ng NBDB at Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, 45 porsyento ng mga Pilipino ang mas gustong magbasa ng dayuhang libro. Sa pananaw ni Shane Baltazar , estudyante ng Far Eastern University (FEU), hindi na raw kasi nakakasabay sa trip ng mga kabataan ang ilang likhang Pinoy kung kaya’t mas pinipili nilang magbasa ng foreign works .

“Parang korni kasi minsan ‘yung mga tula ngayon, kaya siguro parang konti na lang ‘yung tumatangkilik .”

A m i nad o s i Pau l i n e Nu bla , est u d y ante r i n ng F E U, na ma la k i ng bagay ta laga para sa mga k agay a n i y ang k abataan ang ma k a sabay sa ago s ng pagbabago la l o na sa mu n d o ng pan i t i k an.

“Hindi ako masyadong pamilyar sa mga ganu’n [Filipino literature]. Hindi ko interes. Medyo mahilig kasi ako sa pagbabasa ng mga English pocket books at saka mas nakaka- attract ngayon ang Ingles na babasahin.”

Pag-arangkada ng mga tula Hindi man tuluyang nabaon sa limot ang pagkamalikhain ng mga Pilipino, naapektuhan naman ng modernong teknolohiya ang paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga Pinoy.

Kung kaya’t naglunsad ang NBDB at Light R ail Transit Authority ng isang proyektong mak atutulong upang mas mapahalagahan pa ng mga Pinoy ang panitikan.

Binuo nila ang proyektong ‘Tulaan sa Tren’ na inilunsad noong Agosto 2008. Layunin nitong taasan pa ang antas ng kamalayan ng mga Pilipino patungkol sa panitikan.

“Tulaan sa Tren is a means to get people to read poetr y-our poetr y which has a big difference w ith Berso sa Metro,” paliwanag ni Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, Executive Director ng NBDB.

Maririnig ng mga pasahero sa tren ang tinig ng mga kilalang personalidad tulad nina Edu Manzano, Miriam Quiambao, Nikki Gil, Matt Evans, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Romnick Sarmenta, Rhea Santos, Christine Bersola-Babao, Chin-Chin Gutierrez at Harlene Bautista na bumabasa ng mga tula kasabay ng paghatid ng tren sa iba’t ibang destinasyon ng mga manlalakbay nito. “ If we show celebrities reading Philippineauthored books and reading Philippine poetr y, it would be something more [for] Filipinos. This would emulated just like when celebrities endorse products. It is no different w ith this one--celebrity endorsing Philippine literature, asking people to patronize Philippineauthored works .”

Bukod pa rito ay naglagay din ang kanilang ahensya ng mga posters sa mismong tren. Sa paliwanag ni Flores, isinagawa ito upang mas maging epektibo ang kanilang kampanya. Pinili rin daw nila ang LRT sapagkat ito ang isa sa mga pang-masang sasakyan. “ B ec au s e t h e t ra i n s y stem i s t h e l arge st m o d e o f t ran s p o r t at i o n we have, s er v i ng n o l e s s t han 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 co m mu ter s ever y d ay. We w anted to

“Tulaan sa Tren is a means to get people to read poetry-our poetry which has a big difference with Berso sa Metro.”

-Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores

Executive Director ng NBDB

Nawawalang interes

Hindi maitatangi ang malaking epekto at impluwensya ng makabagong teknolohiya para sa mga Pilipino par tikular na sa mga kabataan. Ayon kay Dr. Merceditas Baritugo, isang propesor sa Literature Depar tment ay mas maraming kabataan ang mas interesado at ser yoso sa pagbabasa ng panitikan noon dahil hindi pa sila abala sa teknolohiya.

“Noon, mas attentive ang mga estudyante at talagang ginagawa nila ang pagbabasa. Ngunit sa panahon ngayon, swerte na ang isang propesor kung kalahati sa klase niya ay ‘yung mga talagang nagbabasa. At marami sa kabataan ngayon ay hindi na kilala ang mga dating manunulat kung kaya humihina ang sense of imagination ng mga kabataan dahil nariyan na ang telebisyon, radyo at iba pa,” sambit ni Baritugo.

Minsan nang kinilala bilang pinakamasayang tao sa buong Asya ang mga Pilipino. Ito ay dahil sa gitna ng mga hamon sa buhay, nananatili pa ring matatag at positibong mag-isip ang mga Pinoy.

Sa datos ng National Statistical Coordination Board para sa taong 2012, mayroong 26.5 porsyento ng pamilyang Pilipino ang patuloy pa ring hikahos sa buhay. Magkagayunman, hindi ang takbo ng ekonomiya ang basehan ng mga Pilipino upang maging masaya sa tuwing papasok na ang ‘ber months.’

Pagsapit ng ‘Ber’

Bukod sa pagiging masayahin, kilala rin ang lahing Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng mahabang Pasko. Nakagawian na ng ilang Pinoy na pagsapit pa lamang ng Setyembre ay naghahanda na sila sa pagde-dekorasyon ng Christmas tree at paglilista ng mga regalong ipamimigay sa mga inaaanak.

Batay sa seasite.niu.edu, isang website na tumatalakay sa mga kaugalian at kultura ng iba’t ibang mga bansa, Pilipinas daw ang may pinakamahabang preperasyon at pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa dahilang sinisimulan ng mga Pinoy ang paghahanda pagpasok pa lamang ng ‘ber months’ na nagsisimula tuwing buwan ng Setyembre.

Sa ganitong panahon, marami nang Pinoy ang naghahanda nang maaga at nagpa-plano ng kung anuanong mga pagtitipon. Ayon kay Carlo Guttierez, propesor ng Sociology sa Far Eastern University, natural na lamang daw talaga sa mga Pilipino ang maagang pagsalubong sa Pasko dahil sinisimbolo nito ang pagsasama-sama ng mag-anak.

“Dahil maraming nagse-celebrate [ng pasko] na Pilipino, ang hindi pag-celebrate nito ay parang hindi pakikisama sa isang komunidad,” ani Guttierez.

Dagdag pa niya, malaki ang epekto ng relihiyon kung bakit hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay niyayakap pa rin ng mga Pinoy ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko. “Yung Pasko sa mga Pilipino ay maraming aspeto.

Christmas is the most important because of religion. Ang pagiging Kristiyano ay katumbas na ng pagiging Pilipino. ‘Yun ‘yung number one aspect—identity.”

Paskong Pinoy

Sa tuwing nalalapit na ang kapaskuhan, kaliwa’t kanang mga family events at social gathering ang isinasagawa ng bawat Pinoy. Ipinaliwanag ni Guttierez na masasabing tatak na ito ng bawat Pilipino at isang paraan upang mapunan ang mga panahon na iginugol nila sa pagta-trabaho.

“ M a h a ba kasi ang bakasyon. Kumbaga, pinapayagan pa tayo ng lahat ng parte ng lipunan na maging masaya at maingay, na kumain ng marami.

It is one big economic event, it’s one happy period, family is there, money is there. It is a food for the spirit, soul, blood and stomach.

Christmas is one of the best and important seasons for the Filipinos ,” wika ni Guttierez.

Ganito rin ang pananaw ni Lenore delos Santos, propesor ng Psychology sa FEU patungkol sa mga pagtitipong ginagawa sa panahon ng Pasko. Nagpapatunay daw ito na hindi pa rin nawawala ang mga lumang kaugaliang nakagisnan na ng mga Pinoy.

“Ang Pasko kasi, ‘yan ang panahon kung saan nagkikita yung mga magkaibigan at mag-anak. Nand’yan ‘yung pag-set ng mga dates para sa reunion , paglista ng mga gagawin, mga pangalan ng bibigyan ng regalo, mga lakad o mga lugar na pupuntahan,” paliwanag ni delos Santos.

9

i nt ro d u ce t h e t ra i n - r i d i ng p u b l i c to Ph i l i p p i n e l i terat u re, to p o e t r y w r i tten by Fi l i p i n o s i n par t i c u l ar. L RT 1 an d 2 p l y t h e u n i v e r s i t y b e l t s . So we t h o u g ht i t w a s q u i te t arge ted ,” s a b i n i F l o re s .

Ilan sa mga tulang maririnig ay likha nina Bienvenido Lumbera na ‘Himagsik ni Jojo’; Virgilio Almario na ‘Estranghero’; Amado V. Hernandez na ‘Tulang Sinulat Sa Tayog na 35,000 Talampakan’; Mar jorie Evasco na ‘Paggawa ng ang Tangkay ng Walistula’; Pete Lacaba na ‘Sa Sandaang Pulo’; Kristian Sendon Cordero na ‘Amay Nang Magdiklom (Maaga Nang Dumilim)’ at marami pang iba.

Hindi raw basta-basta ang pagpili ng mga tula na ilalabas sa masa. Pinipili raw ang mga ito batay sa maaaring maging koneksyon nito sa mga nakikinig at halaga nito sa kasalukuyang panahon. “ For the audio, I chose poems that I thought would connect with the crowd as well as how it suits the reader (the celebrity). The selections from that naturally were the ones chosen to be in the book . Some of the poems were not read/recorded but included because they depicted the city ,” pagbabahagi ni Flores.

Naniniwala raw ang kanilang ahensya na hindi dapat mamatay ang kulturang minsan nang naging bahagi ng kasaysayan kung kaya’t ipagpapatuloy nila ang programang ito. “ We wanted people to feel that the city is a representative of our society---our countr y, our experiences, our hopes and dreams. It should be depicted w ith love or [in] a lov ing manner .”

-Carlo P. Gulapa at Charisse L. Vitto

Sa huli, ang mga ganito raw na gawain ng mga Pilipino ay nagpapakita na nasasabik ang mga Pinoy sa tuwing darating ang panahon ng kapaskuhan. “ It’s a countdown. Unlike other countries, they start counting Christmas December na. Sa Pilipinas, September pa lang sinisimulan na. Something unique sa mga Filipinos is that September pa lang, they start decorating houses . It is not really a sense of celebration but anticipation ,” dagdag ni Guttierez.

Tawag ng panahon

Sa tuwing lalamig na ang simoy ng hangin, tila nagbabadya na rin ang pagpasok ng kapaskuhan. Pero para sa mag-asawang Carina at Raul Robles na nagtitinda ng mga palamuting pampasko, hindi lamang galak sa sarili ang kanilang nararamdaman. sapagkat sa tuwing papasok na ang ber months ay lumalaki na rin ang kanilang kita bunsod ng naglipanang mamimili at kapwa tindera sa Divisoria.

“Simula September , may mga namimili na talaga ng mga decoration , mahirap nga naman kasi makipag-siksikan ‘pag malapit na ang Pasko. Nakakatuwa kasi may panahon na kulang ‘yung kinikita namin pero pag magpapasko na, nakakabawi kami,” tugon ni Ginang Robles.

Masaya rin si Ellen Paquiz, tindera ng prutas sa Marikina sa tuwing darating ang ber months sapagkat malaking bagay daw ang malakas na kita sa mga panahong katulad nito. Nakakatulong daw ito upang magkaroon din ng masaganang Pasko ang mga katulad niyang hikahos sa buhay.

“Mas hinahabaan namin ng konti ‘yung oras na bukas ‘yung tindahan kasi dahil nga ber na, kahit gabi na, marami pa ring namimili. Kailangan din kasi eh para magkarooon kami ng masaganang Pasko kahit paano.”

Tunay ngang kilala na ang mga Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng masaya at mahabang Pasko. Subalit ang tunay na saya ay nagkukubli sa mga munting kwento na nararanasan ng mga simpleng tao.

Sa paraan ng pagdiriwang at pag-a-abang ng mga Pinoy sa panahon ng kapaskuhan naipapakita kung gaano kahalaga para sa lahing kayumanggi ang kultura ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya kaysa sa halaga ng pera.

-Alreen R. Catacutan at Andrezell U. Lee

Dibuho nina Erika Nicole L. Bernardino at Reira B. Matsushita; Kuha ni John Armen T. Bongao Latag nina Randolph Joseph D. Cao at Christine Joy V. Lopez

10 September-October 2012 Stabbing case wounds... from page 1

10, FEU imposed stricter bag inspections and visitor admission in order to increase campus security. Investigating authorities were already given information and full access of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footages.

Another ABS-CBN News article published last October 19 reported that a case has already been filed against three more suspects for frustrated murder.

As of press time, suspects are still under deliberation and subject for dismissal, according to Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Marilou Cao. “Pag sinabing expulsion, hindi na s’ya pwedeng matanggap sa kahit anong school. ‘Pag dismissal, may chance pa rin s’ya makapasok sa ibang school. ‘Pag na-dismiss, maaalis sa school pero hindi bibigyan ng good moral (If we say expulsion, a student cannot be admitted in any school. If dismissal, he or she has a chance to enter other school.Also, he or she will be out of the school but will not be given a good moral [certificate]),” Cao said.

Sorority war and love triangle were the suspected motive of the incident. But Reyes relayed to police authorities that she had no idea regarding the attack, according to a PDI article dated October 8.

FEU Advocate conducted a random stratified survey which involved 2,724 students or 10 percent of the FEU population in order to farm out the student body’s voice regarding the incidents.

Almost the entire student body or 92.14 percent or 2,410 students are aware of this stabbing incident.

Campus shooting

Another incident concerning the campus’ security is a shooting of a third year Hotel and Restaurant Management student.

University Health Services (UHS) Director Blanca Destura shared medical information about this incident.

Destura said that the victim claimed that the incident took place at Alfredo Reyes Hall FEU eyes... from page 2

IE expects to attain its COD or COE by 2016.

It also works on offering a new undergraduate degree program.

“We are on the process of applying for Bachelor of Education major in Preschool Education…

Because of the demands of the industry for preschool teachers on the onset of the K-12 program of the government, we really plan to offer Preschool Education,” Mañalac said.

Being the youngest among all institutes at FEU, Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) is still on its quest for its first accreditation. Established only last 2010, ITHM is still not qualified for Level I from any private accrediting body as the Institute should have three batches of graduates first before applying for level accreditations.

ITHM Dean Melinda Torres said that she focuses on faculty development and research to elevate the academic standards of ITHM, “ [ M y ] really foremost plan [or] objective is to elevate the quality of education that we have here in the Institute. That’s why I want my faculty members to really be focused on teaching and making sure that our students receive quality education,” Torres said.

I n s t i t u t e o f Architecture and Fine Arts Dean Lorelei De Viana declined FEU Advocate’s earlier request to have an interview regarding her institute’s actions and other plans for the attainment of higher accreditation status.

The publication also sought for an interview with Institute of Nursing Dean Rosalinda Salustiano but there is no response as of press time.

-Justin Royce Z. Baluyot and Ma. Karlota S. Jamoralin

at around 3 pm of August 22.

Daniel Imir, the victim, was taken to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center after being given initial aids.

Imir, wounded in the abdomen, was brought to hospital but was taken out the following day as cited in a PDI article published last November 3.

The UHS official said that there was no bullet found and is said that it might have fallen off.

Initial suspects were two FEU students, who were also taking HRM subjects and who were able to slip a silver .22 magnum Colt pistol inside the University according to the same PDI article.

The said article shared that the suspects identified as Jhonel Salas, 20 and Jhon Banayos, 20 were arrested and charged with frustrated homicide. After knowing that the firearm was not licensed, police authorities also filed an illegal gun possession complaint against Salas and Banayos. The two bailed out but had been under preventive suspension by the University.

In the same PDI article, case investigator Senior Police Officer 3 Genesis Aliling said that the motive of the incident is a bad stare. Moreover, police authorities considered that fraternity war was among the angles of the incident.

Me a n w h i l e , FE U Advocate sought interviews from Security and Safety Office and OSA about the matter but refused to give statements.

The publication also requested reports from police authorities but has still not received response as of press time.

Only more than half or 52.57 percent of the student body or 1,432 students said that they are aware of the incident, as revealed in the survey.

Insufficient grip

After these incidents, different measures were done by the University to tighten its security.

“Sa [bag] inspection, naglagay tayo ng mga lamesa, na nagsisilbing guide sa mga estudyante natin para makita nila na may order ‘yung pila, maging maayos ‘yung pag-iinspeksyon.

‘Di lang ‘yon, lahat ng bagay na matutulis, pinapa-confiscate namin (During inspection, we put up tables that served as guide to University welcomes... from page 1

liberal arts is we are given grounding so that we can talk to someone who is equally intelligent,” he explained.

Moreover, Alba said that he is impressed with FEU’s values and wants to impart these to students.

“Fortitude, my interpretation of that is intestinal and mental toughness… Our intestines should be made of iron… Hindi tayo uurong because (We will not stop because)… we will conquer adversity. We will always try for affliction because we cannot abide mediocrity but at the same time, we are morally Lady Tams find... from page 12

nothing will happen. If it is still doable, then just fight),” she added.

The arrival Palma has been exposed to other tournaments that taught her what college volleyball is.

“Invitational league siya sa Tuguegarao. Mga kalaban namin du’n is army, navy, ganun. Malalakas din (It was an invitational league in Tuguegarao. We faced opponents like army and navy.

Those are tough teams),” the rookie said, referring to her first stint as a Tamaraw.

But, according to her, the biggest exposure DENR, FEU... from page 1

information for future conservation and protection.

Developing the potential of Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm as a facility for conservation of other endemic species in Mindoro and as a venue for eco-tourism, research and public education is also on the priority list of DENR.

“[We aim] to promote or enhance public awareness on Mindoro’s biodiversity with the tamaraw as the flagship species,” Boyles said.

students. Not only that, sharp objects are confiscated),” Chief Security Officer Verlando Miguel described how they tightened the security.

Miguel revealed that the number of CCTV cameras inside the University is also boosted by the administration. But as of press time, the installation of the additional CCTV cameras is still not done and is expected to be finished ‘as soon as possible.’

After the shooting incident, the use of metal detectors on bag inspections became notable.

Despite all these, the survey showed 77.50 percent or 2,111 students said that the usage of CCTV’s and stricter bag inspection of security guards are not enough to say that the University already tightened its security.

“Feeling ko, nakagulo lang siya dito. Kasi kapag chineck naman nila ‘yung gamit, hindi naman talaga lahat ng gamit nakikita, eh… Hindi talaga 100 percent sure na effective ‘yung ginawa nilang pagche-check (I feel that it just makes things worse. Because if they are doing bag inspection, not all things can be seen… It’s not 100 percent sure that what they are doing is effective),” Psychology senior Sheila Marie Fernandez said.

Meanwhile, Miguel defended that CCTV cameras are just aids.

“Well, ang CCTV kasi tulong lang ‘yan sa security…

Let’s say wala tayong security [guard] sa area na ‘yan, kapag may nangyari d’yan sa area na ‘yan, kumbaga ‘pag may CCTV, may mata tayo… Maa-aksyunan kaagad ‘yan (Well CCTV is just an aid for security. Let’s say we don’t have security guard in that area, if there’s something that happened, we have an eye… actions will follow ahead),” Miguel said.

Moreover, students found themselves not at ease as the survey results revealed 57.67 percent or 1,571 students said that they did not feel safe inside the FEU campus after the incidents happened.

“Parang hindi na rin [safe] kasi kung safe sa loob ng campus bakit may nangyaring ganu’ng insidente? (It seems that it is not safe anymore because if it’s safe inside the campus,

why there would be such incident?),” Mass Communication (MassComm) sophomore Marian Andrei Sinamban said.

Students also evaluated FEU’s security as partly lax as majority or 45.08 percent or 1,228 students gave a rating of 3, with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest, for the consistency of FEU’s security.

“Kapag umaga, okay pa ‘yung checking ng bags.

Pero kapag medyo tanghali na, napapansin ko nagkukwentuhan na ‘yung guards, tapos hindi na nila tinitignan ‘yung bags (If it’s morning, checking of bags are strict. But if it’s afternoon, guards are just chatting while they inspect bags),” second year MassComm student Bienne GellienaSisante observed.

But Admissions and External Relations Office Director Albert Cabasada refuted the matter.

“If you are lax, you do not comply with the basic requirements [of Commission on Higher Education]. Compared to other schools, we have a very strict security system,” he said.

The survey results also showed that 80.10 percent or 2,182 students said that FEU’s security system will not tighten if the incident did not occur.

“Masyado silang kampante... Naghintay lang sila ng masamang pangyayari bago maghigpit (They are too complacent… They just waited for something to happen before tightening the security),” freshmen Architecture student Shaira Bolos commented.

According to Miguel, tightening up security improves from time to time.

“Siguro lahat naman kailangan mahigpit talaga. Ang modus operandi ngayon, after a month, may lilitaw na ulit na bagong modus operandi kung paano natin mapre-prevent (All must be strict. The modus operandi now will be different next month on how we will be able to prevent [such incidents]),” he said.

upright. We will do whatever is necessary to surmount [mediocrity],” he said.

actually want to push faculty to do more consulting works,” he added.

According to Alba, professors will gain more credibility because their students know what they teach.

“I don’t want faculty just to simply be within the academe and just teach...

That’s not enough...,” he emphasized.

He said that students will also have a role in this agenda.

“I would like to spot bright students who have the intestinal and the mental fortitude to join us in this endeavor,” Alba said.

Towards research university

Alba bared his ‘ambitious goal’ of turning FEU into one of the best research universities in the country during the academic orientation last October 18.

“To reach this goal, we will be pushing you (faculty) not only to better teaching but also to pursue your graduate degree and to conduct research and publish in ISI journals,” he furthered.

“[I want FEU to] have more research [outputs] and I

Main cause On the issue of whom to point fingers regarding the incidents, survey showed that the involved students are the most liable with 46.73 percent.

that she got early in her young career was when she played at the recently-concluded Shakey’s V-League.

“Malaking tulong ‘yun.

Malaking improvement ‘yung nangyari roon. Kasi at least alam ko na kung paano maglaro in the collegiate level (It was a great help. A huge improvement happened. Because at least now I know how to play in the collegiate level),” she noted.

The Tamaraws’ game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles during that conference was the chance for Palma to show her stuff on the court. “’Pinakita ko roon [sa game na ‘yun] kung ano talaga meron ako, kahit na in the end natalo kami. Pero ‘yung game na

‘yun, feeling ko contented ako, kasi ang dami kong naitulong.

Medyo marami rin akong points nu’n, blockings, attacks, gan’yan. (I showed there [in the game] what I really have, even if in the end we lost. But that game, I felt contented, because I was able to help a lot. I scored a lot of points, blockings, attacks, something like that),” she said.

Proving to everyone that she can play at a high level might be a daunting task for her but with her discipline and positive outlook, things might flow smoothly. And who knows?

She might be the missing piece of the puzzle to end the Lady Tamaraws’ title drought.

Tamaraw landmark

Meanwhile, FEU administration installed a lifesize tamaraw sculpture last October 1 at FEU Plaza, aiming to raise students’ appreciation on the specie.

The bronze sculpture was donated by FEU alumnus Dr. Menardo ‘Mang Nards’ Jimenez and sculpted by Peter De Guzman.

According to FEU Chief Finance Officer Juan Miguel Montinola, the statue will ‘rally’ the students with the University’s

conservation effort of the endangered species. He also said that the inauguration of the tamaraw statue was in with time he University’s 85th founding year.

“We have always been associated with the tamaraw and I think they are really endangered so this year, we want to start a more aggressive campaign,” Montinola added.

-Eryl Justine L. Bacnis

-Justin Royce Z. Baluyot With reports from Janice C. Rodriguez and Kliezl Joie S. Demasuay

“I think liable ‘yung students sa kani-kanilang mga actions and how they interact with each other...The students themselves lang talaga ang responsible for their own actions (I think students are liable for their actions and how they interact with each other… The students themselves are the only one responsible for their own actions),” Medical Technology sophomore Geo Manuel Raymundo said.

Furthermore, University Counseling and Career Office Director Sheila Marie Hocson Director pointed out that students lead to being violent because they are blinded to the true principles of life and if misunderstood, their approach towards the society might worsen.

“People interact with others to enhance their interpersonal skills but their coping ability depends on where and what environment they grew in which makes them respond differently to other people,” Hocson explained.

Survey also revealed that the security department is the second most liable with 32.51 percent. Security department is questioned due to their suspected slow actions regarding the incidents.

“Sa ganyang scenario kasi, na-delay ang pag-report natin sa pulis… ang priority natin diyan [is] to save lives (In that case, our reporting to the police authorities was delayed because our priority is to save lives),” Miguel defended.

Regarding their actions prior to the incident, Miguel said that filing the case is not under their control. “Kung ikaw ang biktima, kung ikaw ang parents, automatic sampa agad ng demanda (If you are the victim, if you are the guardian, you automatically need to file a case),” he explained.

Meanwhile, Ronquillo questioned Reyes’ entrance in the University since the victim is not included in the event’s master guest list. He added that the security is not enough during the event.

“Ang security lang na naka-assign sa ‘min is ‘yung security na nagpapapasok papunta ‘dun sa auditorium to check kung merong dalang pagkain at may sharp objects

(The only security personnel assigned to us is the security guards who check the entry of the students in the auditorium),” Ronquillo said.

Miguel admitted that there is a problem with the security in the auditorium.

“Well, sa auditorium kasi minsan, problema natin,‘pag nag-approve ng activity d’yan may Ateneo, Mapua, Lyceum, walang names (Well, in the auditorium, sometimes we have problem if an activity is approved, there are [other students from other schools like] Ateneo, Mapua, Lyceum, so we can’t name them),” he said.

Furthermore, survey results showed that students perceived the University’s disciplinary measures are the least liable with 18.14 percent.

With this, OSA Director Marilou Cao said that all of the major and minor offenses are written in the student handbook and all of the students are aware with its corresponding penalty.

When asked about how they handled the students who were involved in the incident, “This is the first time that we have such crime…They are entitled to due process, but if the violation is beyond the limit, [if] it’s already heinous and criminal, it entails outright expulsion if proven,” Cao answered.

The administration also clarified that it doesn’t excuse any student from such acts. “ FEU does not condone any form of violence on any of our campuses. Any student who is deemed part of any act of violence... will immediately be placed under preventive suspension. Further, they will be expelled from the university once their involvement has been firmly established and proven. We do not and will not protect any student involved in such reprehensible acts,” stated in a post on FEU’s official website dated October 10.

Trackster’s run... from page 11

at the Ultra Oval Track in Pasig to gain great advantage over his opponents during the games.

He shared that discipline and management of the coach are the keys why FEU is consistently dominating the events.

“Kung ‘di ka babangon, umalis ka sa dorm mo. Hindi ka pwede dito, hindi ka qualified in the track and field. Sa track and field, nandu’n talaga ‘yung building character. (If you do not want to get up you have to leave your dorm.

You’re not allowed here, you’re not qualified in the track and field. In track and field, there is the building character),” he explained.

These final words of Poliquit will serve as an inspiration for thousands of aspiring athletes who want to be the next generation. “Kung may goal ka, lalakas ka (If you have a goal, you’ll get stronger).”

As his graduation day is nearing and his diploma serving as the finish line, there is no doubt that like in his field, he can finish it faster than anyone else expects it to be.

As one of the old hands for the Morayta-based squad, he is likely to lead the team on what is expected to be another dominating season for the Tamaraws.

The Male Tracksters take pride of winning the eight out of nine championships wherein their only dry season was in 2009 when University of the East Red Warriors dominated them by a heart-breaking one point.

Eyeing the gold In season 74 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the 5-foot-6 runner played a vital role when he contributed two bronze medals while also bagging a gold medal during that year’s University Games.

More than that, he serves as an inspiration of the team as he is one industrious athlete.

Every single day, all members of the team wake up at 4:30 am to have their daily training and have their class afterwards. While the others are resting every afternoon, Poliquit is having an extra training Lady Jins settle... from page 12

Alfonso Santillan provided the last win for the Green and Gold nipping the Katipunan based team 13-1.

The Tams combined for only two wins for this match.

ADMU barged into the win column with 2-3, where two of ADMU’s three victories were via sudden death matches. Later that day, DLSU defeated the defending champion UST 5-2, to have identical 4-1 records and share the second spot.

Trying to bounce back, UST began its onslaught mission to retain the title by rolling over the FEU Jins ending the second day of the tournament, 6-1.

On the flipside, the Lady Jins outclassed newcomer National University (NU), 7-0, and trounced UP, 4-3 last September 14, day two of the tournament. They also walloped ADMU, 6-1, and overwhelmed University of the East (UE),

With reports from Ace Cielo Marie M. Gonzales, Justin Royce Z. Baluyot, Christelle Ann S. Jimenez, Gladis D. Morales, Janice C. Rodriguez, Angelica R. Porciuncula, Kliezl Joie S. Demasuay, Ma. Karlota S. Jamoralin, John Ismael J. Medina and Clariele Jerrina S. Gatdula

-RJLG

5-2, in their opening games last September 11.

In the poomsae event, FEU finished third with a gold, a silver, and two bronze medals behind UST and UP which have a 3-2, 1-2 goldsilver medal finish, accordingly.

The triumvirate of RD Landrito, Juvenile Crisostomo and Winlu dela Cerna led the green-and-gold squad as they bested contenders from UST and DLSU to take home the gold medal in the female team event.

In the individual female competition, Lady Tam Beatrice Ventura settles for silver trailing world poomsae medalist Shaneen Sia of UST while his male counterpart Rencel Anoche pockets bronze.

Anoche and Hanna Sison also added a bronze medal from the mixed-pair event.

-Rogie R. Sabado and Stephanie Ruth D. Navarro

SPORTS

Cindy Ashley G. Sy Sports Editor

September-October 2012

Cagers drop knockout game

11

Green-and-gold crowd

Bid F4 hopes goodbye

By Lhea Jane S. Bagona

Missed chance. Tams fail to extend their Final Four appearance during their do-or-die game against DLSU Green Archers. (Photo by John Armen T. Bongao)

University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 seemed to be a promising season for the Tamaraws as they started it hot, but the odds proved to be not in their favor when they ran out of gas towards the end.

Deep sighs, silent cries Last grasp and unkept emotions broke after The supposed-to-bethe 40-minute battle that threw sweet finale of FEU’s fairytale Far Eastern University (FEU) run twisted into a dark nightmare out of the Final Four. This year, by the resurgent De La Salle no more second best tag, no University (DLSU) Green more finals appearance.

Archers. The second spot that

Riding an identical 9-5 was just an inch near from the win-loss card for two seasons, Tams turned ocean-deep away the Tamaraws were not able to after the Archers seized the final hold on to their long-time seat in eliminations win. front of thousands of spectators With the green-andat the Mall of Asia Arena, they gold cagers’ 10 point lead at ended what could have been the half of the final canto, the their third finals stint and exited Archers pulled a 17-0 run up with a doormat finish. until the last few ticks in the

game clock. The Tams’ errors including fouls, turnovers and missed shots haunted them, leaving their opponents a greater chance to balloon up their score.

Left with only 38.6 seconds, FEU shackled the other side of the arena as the lethal backcourt duo of Terrence Romeo and Ryan Roose Garcia exploded two consecutive bombs via downtown. From 6067, the score easily crawled to a one-point lead, 66-67.

The last 30 seconds of the game seemed to be a lifetime for both squads as numerous exchanges of balls gave a cardiac for every hopefuls. DLSU’s Jeron Teng sank two free throws to give his team a breathing room.

The Tamaraws missed a lot of shooting opportunities as time expired, and Mike Tolomia committed a violation from a scramble and the game ended with Almond Vosotros splitting his gift shots, 66-69.

The third quarter showed lesser action with the players lining up in the charity line. La Salle’s big man Norbert Torres accumulated three of his six points from free throws alone in the quarter together with his only field goal in the game.

Yet, the Moraytabased squad would not let things flow that easy. Romeo, together with his 13 points, four rebounds and a steal, drained one of four that resulted to a Rey Mark Belo trey to raise the Tams, 45-38.

The first 20 minutes displayed a more relaxed and synchronized Morayta-based squad with more players involved and stepping up. Graduating player Mark Bringas made his

presence felt after draining 12 points and four rebounds.

Both teams waxed hot with their guards setting up the match on fire at the start of the game. Each of them contested each other on who has the grittier backcourt.

Going flipside

Before coming in the game, different analysts provided 16 possible scenarios on what will happen with the four teams battling for the final three slots.

Yet thi n gs went compl i cated when FEU bowed to National University Bulldogs in their “rematch” last September 23. Three games were not enough to determine who will bag the win that will easily take the third seed.

It was NU’s Bobby Ray Parks’ dagger in overtime that turned the Tamaraws’ hopes into ashes. FEU saw themselves up by six points at the start of the extended period but Parks single-handedly blasted back-to-back baskets in order to tie the game at 81-all.

In their last two games, FEU declined in their ball rotation as they only averaged 9.5 assists compared to their opponents’ 16. They also shot awfully beyond the arc at 14-of54 (25.9 percent) and plagued with 40 fouls which resulted them giving points to their foes.

The big men of FEU also made sure to crash the boards which they lacked in the past season, with 90 rebounds.

Exiting this season with bare hands, the Tamaraws still posed a threat to every team that dreamed of taking their throne from them.

Trackster’s run towards success A person naturally finds someone struggling for his social status. It is not his fault that he was born poor but it will be his fault if he’ll die the same.

Rafael Poliquit Jr, a veteran Far Eastern University (FEU) Male Trackster proves that no one is holding his future but himself as he turned his life around by making the most out of the chances given to him.

“Mahirap lang kasi ako eh, inisip ko paano kaya ako makakapag-aral kung walang susuporta sa akin (I’m just poor, I thought how will I be able to study if no one was there to support me),” Poliquit shared.

He continued “Ang naisip ko rin gusto kong maayos ‘yung buhay ko pagdating ng araw. Kumbaga ba ang kahirapan may magandang maidulot sa ‘kin (What I thought is that I want a better position on my life for the future. It’s like being unfortunate should make my life better).”

Poliquit shared that he is striving by himself because he has no family. “Kaya lang talaga ako napipilitan magtrabaho gawa ng wala talaga akong magagawa, ‘eto na ‘yung chance ko para maimprove ko ‘yung status ng buhay ko (I was just forced to get a job because I had no choice, this is my chance to improve my status in life)” the native of Davao City said.

Defying all odds

It is astonishing how Poliquit developed himself as an athlete in such a short span of time considering that he only involved himself in sports when he was in fourth year high school.

Back then, his goal is to attain a scholarship through sports and use it as a tool to be successful.

The 23-year-old senior admitted that he tried out in numerous sports like swimming, taekwondo and football. He then suddenly realized that his ideal sport will be track and field. Thus, he joined their high

Reaching the goal. Male Trackster, Rafael Poliquit Jr. does his practice session regularly for the upcoming track and field competition on December 2012. (Photo by Marione Paul G. Infantado)

school team and worked for his improvement.

The fourth year BSEd in Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health first went in University of Mindanao when he was scouted by Coach Rosito Andaya and was invited to play for FEU mainly because of the shortage of

athletes that year for the greenand-gold team.

Poliquit was supposedly a graduating student back then but has to spend three more years as a Tamaraw before he can receive his college diploma.

Continue to page 10...

Wild and fiery

FEUCS bags silver crown Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) was a hair strand away from seizing the highly coveted trophy but for now that third championship has to wait for a stopover towards its racks in Morayta.

Still on the top. The FEU Cheering Squad with their jungle-themed costume executes death-defying stunts in the Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena. (Photo by James Patrick B. Manaloto)

Competing on the country’s most awaited and celebrated pep tilt, the FEUCS unleashed their wild side and owned the dance floor to claim the second spot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Samsung Cheerdance Competition last September 22.

Equipped with superb dancing skills and breathtaking stunts, the Morayta-based pep squad silenced more than 20,000 spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena as they showcased a jungle-inspired, fiery and energetic routine that projects the Tamaraw’s ferocity.

They wowed the crowd with their smooth acts and difficult high-cresting pyramids.

But what surprised everyone was their costume change with a Tamaraw headdress and an icon on their chests together with fun executions of the mammal’s moves.

With only six minutes to perform what they prepared for almost four months, the team strived to perfection and poured their hearts out that even made their proud Coach Jacqueline Alolor-Alota to tears. They proved everyone why they are a big threat to the rest of the teams.

Now on their third straight crown, the University of the Philippines proved that they are the league’s trendsetters as they shaved their heads off and exemplified what freedom and equality means. They performed their signature Oblation pose and fearless stunts that made them romp away the top seed.

National University danced their way in making their dreams to reality. This year’s host finally joined the elite three with their Disney-inspired routine.

By the time you read this, I am pretty sure that you are one of those people who have forgotten the “misfortunes” that had happened in the first round of UAAP Season 75. In as much as I want to move on, there are things that I have seen after the first semester games.

As a sports writer, I am astonished on how the whole community can get along supporting our team when it matters the most. Coming to do-or-die games, I can see the FEU crowd dashing through the doors of the Arena with high spirits and cheers that can really boost the morale of each player inside the locker room.

But the problem is not all teams of our beloved alma mater get this kind of morale-boosting crowds.

Yes, I do admit that the most awaited sports events in our school are the Men’s Basketball and the Women’s Volleyball tournaments. Game in and game out, win or lose there will always be a mammoth crowd behind them. And who could forget the Cheerdance competition wherein every Tamaraw is part of the performance presented by the cheer dancers who give their 110% heart and soul in their routine.

But what about those “small” teams that give their hearts out in each game they play? The teams who really carry the school name with honor and give our school the pride. Will they be given the chance to see and hear a huge crowd behind them cheering for every point they score?

I am not saying that the three mentioned teams above don’t have that kind of heart; I know they have the heart, the passion to give everything for our school. They never fail to give our school something, be it gold, silver and bronze; they always make a statement with their performances that gives our school a unique identity among the other seven UAAP schools.

It just saddens me that in every championship covers I went; only these three sports have really caught the attention of the Tamaraw horde. I remember clearly on how our school lacked supporters when it comes to school spirits towards other teams, recognized by the school but not fully recognized by the FEU community.

It was the championship game of the Women’s basketball Team versus De La Salle Lady Archers this season.

We won the golden tiara and became back-to-back champs.

The team made history by sweeping the eliminations and sweep their Finals opponent.

While I was covering, I was actually searching for the school spirit on our part. The DLSU crowd really brought their faithful supporters along with the De La Salle Animo Squad and drummers. While on our part, the Women’s team leaned on with the juniors’ crowd, even though the drums of DLSU beating the voices of our young FEU supporters, they made sure they were heard. Kudos to the FEU Boosters and Green Bisons who came late but still made a point that they were heard by the Lady Tams.

Aside from the Women’s Basketball team, other teams with the likes of the Men’s volleyball, table tennis, beach volleyball, taekwondo, badminton, chess and track and field also face that “poor crowd problem”. Despite their great performances on each sport they play, there will always be none or a little of shouting and cheering that can be heard from the FEU side.

Well, I can also see some reasons as to why there were only few spectators in these sporting events. One of which is the information disseminated to them and of course the other one will be the time. Not everyone has the time to watch all these games but even so, as part of the green-and-gold community we should still be updated and be able to cheer for them even once or twice so that they won’t feel that the FEU community is only favoring sports that have brought us numerous championships from the time we entered the UAAP event.

The second leg of this season is just around the corner, it is not yet the end for the Morayta-based squad, there’s still a lot of golds to grab and to recapture. So there is still a reason to cheer and show what we, the Green and Gold community could give—heart, trust and school spirit.

I believe in every athlete that they can do it. I hope you also do.

Cheer with me and let us shout our hearts out at cindyashleygosy@gmail.com.

University of Santo Tomas (UST) stayed at the fourth spot after delivering an eye-catching Brazilian carnival festivity. De La Salle University (DLSU) turned the dance floor to a boxing ring, matched with complete gears and solid punches that paved their way to 5th place; while Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) believed that their anime theme will shine above all along, placing at the sixth spot.

Adamson University (AdU) put a spice of Korean Pop in their routines with a bit of funk and University of the East (UE) sported a blonde hairdo and red cape to end at seventh and eighth, respectively.

In the group stunts category, same teams also ran away the trophies. UP Pep Squad’s Nicolette Ambulo was hailed as Stunner of the Year.

This year’s judges were well-respected coaches

and directors of international dance teams composed by Jana Eftimiu, Julien LeBlond, Huang Yu Chun, Manuel Malonzo and Joe Jackson.

Alolor-Alota cannot hide her joy on what her team has achieved. She said “I was really happy on what they performed.” Before the squad took over the dance floor, she reminded them to “Just have faith and have the heart.”

With the full support of the FEU community backing them throughout the competition, she added “I was so thankful that somehow it was a nice performance.”

Though failing to snatch the elusive tiara from the three-time champions this year, FEUCS remains to be a force to be reckoned in the league with their consistent top three appearances for the last decade.

-LJSB

Queens of the hardcourt

Cagebelles capture gold

By Cindy Ashley G. Sy

Teamwork pays off. FEU Cagebelles remain undefeated for two consecutive seasons. Team Captain Soc Borja was awarded Finals Most Valuable Player this 75th season of UAAP. (Photo by Marione Paul G. Infantado)

Different patterns, identical results

Armed with a bench full of veterans, they proved that their might and skill were too tough to handle as no one halted their winning streak.

They made history as they were the only team who finished University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 basketball tournament with a 16-0 record including the Finals.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws froze their final victim to grab the golden tiara and officially became the back-to-back champions for the season charging past De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 70-66 last October 11 at the SmartAraneta Coliseum.

Tied at 59-all with 3:25 left in the final period, the Lady Tams unleashed an 11-5 run capped with back-to-back free throws by Vangie Soraino and Camille Sambile, 70-64 with 8.8 seconds left.

The Lady Tams just waited the final buzzer as they were once again tagged as the queens of the hardcourt.

Marilourd Borja was awarded Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, team-high seven assist and

Paddlers place 3rd There is no doubt that everyone who is a part of a team would want to taste the championship and have the bragging rights of being on the top of the food chain.

For the Paddlers, however, bagging the bronze medal is already a glory from God. From last season’s silver-and-bronze medal tally, Far Eastern University (FEU) Men’s and Women’s Table Tennis teams both excelled as they registered a double bronze performance in the recently concluded University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Table Tennis Tournament at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym. After losing players like former men’s captain Monarch Broqueza and three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Beverly Villar of the Women’s team, the young hitters of the squad wrote their own destiny.

Third yet proud When the Male Paddlers trounced the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in the second round of the double-round robin elimination, the Tams hope of repeating the upset is somehow very high. The win of FEU over DLSU in the second-round is the Archers first defeat that cost them their sweep, and thus to avoid the ladder system in the semi-finals.

It resulted to DLSU to be roared by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the finals instead of having a thrice-to-beat advantage in the finals. As for the green-and-gold squad, their dedication and heart was not enough to storm the green arrows who struck dead-center in the semi-finals, 1-3.

In singles 1, Jhinno Selma of FEU gave it all with his unpredictable shots, but was not enough to outdo DLSU’s Cristobal who showed vast talent to win, 5-11, 5-11, and 9-11.

Ledesma of the green-and-white continued the spark for them in singles 2 who overshadowed FEU’s Rodriguez, 2-11, 3-11, and 6-11.

Morayta-based Paddlers’ team captain MK Doneal Yap who teamed-up with Remy Dacut Jr. already seen enough as they delayed the victory of the Archers. They

squashed the tandem of Tan-Yu, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7, and 11-6.

The fate of the Male Paddlers was within the hands of Francis Igno as it was very tangible that pressure was running over him of the match in singles 3. After Green Archers’ Yatco squeaked two sets both in 7-11 finish, the arrows of the Archers were just inches away from the bull’s-eye.

Yatco never looked back as he completely demolished Igno in the third set, 4-11.

Despite losing the game, Coach Noel Gonzales showed contentment with the team’s performance, “Considering wala na si Broqueza pero lumalaban pa din, may place pa din, hindi nawala sa top 3 (Considering Broqueza is gone but we are still fighting and didn’t vanish in the top 3).”

Coach Gonzales added “Walang Tamaraws na duwag, lumalaban talaga sila. Nagugulat nga ‘yung ibang mga coaches paano namin nagagawa ‘yun, sabi ko sa dasal. (No Tamaraws are cowards, they are always in their fighting form. Other coaches were actually shocked on how we are doing that [winning], I said, through prayers).”

Young hitters’ hearts

After the Lady Archers swept the double-round robin elimination, the ladder system was acquired in the semi-finals in which DLSU gain a thrice-to-beat advantage, while UP had a twiceto-beat advantage and FEU-UST played for a knockout game with FEU prevailing, 3-1.

The Lady Paddlers was really in a skirmish against the Fighting Maroons as the game

needed a total of 22 grueling sets just to declare the winner.

The game featured five matches where three out of the five matches needed five sets.

Being the bigger team, UP was already in the momentum entering the game. But FEU’s Maricar Jarme brought out the silencer to win over Morales of UP in singles.

The match in singles 2 was very unusual as both FEU’s Soya and UP’s Magpantay were both left-handed. Soya’s clumsiness backfired on her as she lost her match, 7-11, 2-11, and 10-12.

FEU’s tandem of Sellado-Tapia gave the Tams hope as they prevented a snowball-effect by beating the duo of Villaflores-Catalan of UP in yet another five setter.

Tams, however, failed to capitalize their early lead by blowing-out singles 3 and singles 4 as Lady Padldlers’ Krech Lamayan and Gonzales bowed down to Sibal and Maderal of UP. When asked about what the team lacked that cost them the victory, Women’s Coach Phillin Danabar simply answered “Momentum nila bumaba (Their momentum went down).”

“Wala na si Beverly Villar, former RP [Republic of the Philippines Team] player, pero ‘andyan [third place] pa din kami.

In terms of material kulang talaga kasi kami pero tinalo natin UST. (Beverly Villar is gone, former RP team player, but we’re still at third place. We really lack materials, but we still beat UST),” said Coach Gonzales.

-Robert Jon L. Garcia

Quick attack. FEU Paddler Jhino Selma tries to make a forehand during the UAAP semifinal match against DLSU. (Photo by Marione Paul G. Infantado)

four steals. Helping her were Season MVP Allana Lim who poured in 15 points and 12 rebounds and Sambille who shone for her last dance with 16 markers and 16 rebounds.

Perfect run

The Lady Archers tried to cope up with the Moraytabased squad early in third canto as they started out strong with Miller Ong’s jump shot that gave them an early lead, 33-35 with 9:16 left to play.

FEU’s Lim then took over as she was unstoppable, scoring all of FEU’s points, 46-38 with 4:23 left in the third canto.

DLSU’s Kady Wilson and Aracelie Abaca led their team to a ray of light as they went to the

charity line to score six consecutive points, 46-44 with 2:56 left.

Down by five, 19-24 at the start of the second quarter, FEU went aggressive as they drove the leather to the basket and had an 11-4 run to grab the lead, 30-28 with 3:53 left in play.

But the Lady Archers did not go down without a fight as Trisha Piatos launched a three and Inna Corcuera scored a basket to grab the lead again, 30-33.

With a minute left to play in the second canto, Karen Columna responded with a connection from rainbow territory of her own to tie the game at 33-all as time expired.

The Lady Archers were aggressive throughout the game but FEU’s sweet shooting prevailed

as they shot an impressive 40.8% in the two-point territory compared to DLSU’s 36.7%. FEU also outrebounded DLSU, 51-41.

“Sobrang pressured talaga, ([We felt] the intense pressure)” said Head Coach Allan Albano when asked what did he and the team feel when they came in for game two.

For Albano, their work, prayers and trust with each other gave them the victory.

“Trabaho, dasal at talagang naniwala lang kami sa sistema namin. (Hardwork, prayer and we believed in our system).”

With the victory, the Lady Tamaraws annexed their 11th crown in UAAP history and is now tied with the number of crowns won

by University of Santo Tomas.

Lady Tams find new centerpiece

Disciplined.

Determined.

Focused. These are words that best describe a talented rookie who wants nothing but to prove that she can mix up well with the veterans, and possibly, lead her team to victory.

As the 75th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Volleyball Season hits off in December, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws’ top acquisition Mary Remy Joy Palma will try to showcase her skills that made heads turn and catapulted her to the upper echelon of incoming rookies.

Tracing her roots Palma traces her roots from Apalit, Pampanga. The 5-foot-11 rookie started playing competitive volleyball when she was still in her sixth grade at San Vicente Elementary School.

Her playing career continued up until her high school years at Brother Andrew Gonzales Technical High School. Her greatest achievement during her high school playing career, according to her, was the chance to play at the Palarong Pambansa.

Taking part in the Palarong Pambansa became her stepping stone in playing for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

“After nu’ng Palarong Pambansa nitong 2012, tinawagan ako ni Coach Nes [Pamilar]. Sabi niya punta daw ako dito, [mag] try-out daw ako for three days. Tapos ayun na.

Nag-try ako, nakita nila na may potential [ako]. I grabbed the opportunity na kumbaga (After the Palarong Pambansa, Coach Nes [Pamilar] called me. He told me to come over and tryout for three days. Then that’s it. I tried out, and then they saw [my] potentials. I grabbed the opportunity),” she recalled.

Being a student-athlete, one has to set his academic and athletic lives in equal footing.

The BS Psychology major revealed that the secret in doing so is time management.

“Kailangan alam mong i-balance ‘yung sarili mo sa pag-aaral at sa paglalaro. Kung hindi ka magtiyatiyaga, wala kang makukuha. Lalo sa ‘min sa UAAP, may grade eligibility (You should know how to balance yourself between academics and life as an athlete. If you are not

Potential scorer. Volleybelle Mary Remy Joy Palma aims to improve the team’s performance.

(Photo by Kevin Victor J. Torres)

going to work hard, you won’t get anything. Especially for us in the UAAP, there is grade eligibility),” said Palma.

When asked about what keeps her going especially during games, she answered, “Never give up.”

“Hangga’t may chance, huwag ka susuko.

Kung susuko ka na lang, walang mangyayari sayo.

Kailangan hanggang pwede pa, ilaban mo. (If there is still a chance then never give it up. If you will just give up, then

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Unable to maintain their stance

Lady Jins settle for bronze; Jins bow at 5th In a game where they only have three days to give their all and get it right, there is no room for defeat. If they failed, they have to go through it again and get it back next season.

In Far Eastern University (FEU) Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo team’s case, they have to do it all over again as their back-to-back championship bid goodbye and hopes of breezing through the top two spot disappeared in thin air at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 75 Taekwondo tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Throwback The FEU Women’s Taekwondo Team threw their chance of a runner-up finish after surrendering to Jade Zafra-led University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Jins in their final game, 1-6.

Their lone victory in the match was delivered by Season 72 Rookie of the Year Winlove dela Cerna. Down 2-5 at the start of the second round, eventual Bronze Medalist in the finweight division dela Cerna escaped Korina Paladin with an axe and snap kick in the 0:34 and 0:12 mark, 6-5, to seal the win.

FEU’s Geena Mae Gadit was scoreless to UST Jin Abigail Chan in the flyweight division, 0-6 while Team Captain Crizobelle

Vargas ended her UAAP career with a 9-13 loss against Monica Reyes (bantamweight). FEU’s Ma. Cecilia Viray was no match to National Team mainstay Zafra, 5-11 (featherweight).

RP Team member Karla Jane Alava was not able to play in the lightweight division because of a knee injury she incurred in her match against De La Salle University (DLSU) resulting UST to win via default.

Lady Ta m a r a w s Virhanna Laica Glindo (welterweight) and Marivic Garcia (middle-heavyweight) was thumped by UST’s Janne Narra and Bianca Co with 8-13, 9-16, respectively.

They ended the tournament with a 4-2 win-loss record behind UST (5-1) and Season 75 champion DLSU (6-0) which dealt their first loss, 3-4.

In individual awards, Viray, Glindo and Garcia snatched the bronze while Vargas grabbed the silver.

Moment of truth Last season’s third place for the Men’s Division the FEU Jins tried to inch their way to the top, dispatched heavy kicks but eventually landed on the wrong foot as the Green Archers denied and shut the lights out for the Tamaraws this season, ending with a 3-4 upset.

The kickfest started bad for the Tams as DLSU’s Kirk Barbosa struck first blood and nailed Miguel Alberto via sudden death for the finweight division; claiming their second victory, the green and white nipped FEU’s Nimrod Blas with 12-4 (flyweight).

Finding their way to strike Bantamweight, Jude Solis of the Morayta-based team stopped DLSU’s Kevin Sia with 4-1, but Keith Sembrano of the Green Archers quickly regained composure and counterattacked Raymar Bartolome (feather weight) to score 7-13.

Rookie Emmanuel Cazinares of the Tamaraws (lightweight) outclassed J Licayan with 14-9. Jeffrey Paulite (welterweight) won via DLSU’s forfeiture, followed by another win for the Archers bruising Heavyweight Alfonso Santillan ending with 0-6.

Round up Last September 11, the Morayta-based men’s team was stunned by University of the Philippines (UP) with a score 4-3.

The FEU Jins also set foot on the mats during day two of the tournament and faced Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU); where Fin weight Raphael Martinez of the Tamaraws draws first blood 4-1 and Heavyweight

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