September issue 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017

VOL. XXI NO.1

www.issuu.com/feuadvocae

SAMPALOC,MANILA

Start of a new decade

FEU GOES FOR ‘GREAT’ IN SEASON 80

BY DIAMOND Y. MELENDRES

Go for Great. Tamaraws raise placards with the UAAP Season 80 theme as they hold the opening ceremonies at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on September 09, 2017. (Photo by Mykee Vhon T. Beleran)

M e d Te ch to ps B o a rd

BY CHRISTIAAN P. CAJOCSON

Three examinees from Far Eastern University (FEU) were listed among the 10 highest scorers in the August 2017 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination.

Renrenz Tiangco Payumo listed third among th e h i g h e s t s c o r i n g students, garnering a 90.70 percent rating. Jester Daniel Johnson Montano placed seventh in the same list with 90.30 percent. Meanwhile, Christian Joseph Barrion Cruzado scored a 90.10 percent rating, placing him on the ninth spot.

“Actually, never did I expect to be one of the topnotchers of the board exam although this is really my goal since I started reviewing for t h e M T L E [ M e d i c a l Technologist

Licensure Exam] so I was really overwhelmed when I got the news,” said third placer Payumo.

FEU-Manila ranked ninth out of the top 10 performing schools in the M e d i c a l Te c h n o l o g i s t Licensure Examinations, having a 97.43 percent passing percentage while FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (NRMF) ranked fifth, rating 98.20 percent.

Out of the 304 first time takers from FEU, 300 passed while three passed out of the seven re-takers.

Sharing how they prepared their students for the examination, Department of Medical Technology Program Head Francisco Gellecanao Jr. said, “[We] provide them with the best training both in theory

and practice.”

Aside from the “excellent laboratory facilities”, Gellecanao also mentioned tha t they ha ve “ go o d affiliate hospitals” for the students’ clinical internship a n d that they conduct seminars on a regular basis as a sort of “in-house review” as part of their preparation.

“Knowing that FEU MedTech’s performance during the licensure examinations is really impressive, especially last February 2017 board exam, it just gave our batch the pressure to do well. I think our batch took this pressure in a good way that drove us to give another excellent performance

READ MEDTECH | PAGE 2

IABF addresses concerns on e-books, LMS implementation After an online petition gained more than a thousand signatures, the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance (IABF) Administration together with the IABF Student Council (SC) facilitated a forum with the students to settle complaints against the electronic books (e-books) and the Learning Management System (LMS) implementation at the Architecture and Fine Arts Building LAP Hall, September 11.

Neil Ross Goco Jr., second year Business

Management student, created an online petition form shared on Facebook last September 6 to call for a forum that will deliberate concerns about McGraw-Hill Connect and CengageBrain LMS.

He said that the petition earned around 1,700 submissions before he closed it the night before the forum. Aside from Goco, many students also posted their complaints online and caught the attention of the IABF SC and members of the administration.

“What really pains me a lot is that somebody would accuse us of milking

you for money. And that was so painful, considering that there’s so much effort that we’re trying to do. And we’re trying to do this not for anything else but to improve the teaching and learning in IABF,” IABF Dean Alma Emerita Dela Cruz expressed at the start of the talk.

According to an online advisory posted by the IABF SC, the digital books seek to offer different ways of learning; students may read it like a printed book or listen as the application reads the content.

READ E-BOOKS | PAGE 11

After eight years, the hosting responsibilities for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) eighth decade fall on the hands of Far Eastern University (FEU).

With the chance to once again improve the UAAP, FEU looks to contribute towards its ongoing betterment.

The last time FEU hosted the UAAP was back in 2009 during Season 72 with the theme “One Color, One Goal”.

The theme for that year aimed to unite the eight participating universities by showing that despite the different colors they had – the UAAP was a place for sportsmanship.

With a different goal in mind this year, FEU settled for the theme “Go for Great”.

The University’s goal for this year was to encourage the student-athletes to strive for the title of “Great” in their respective sports while paying respects to the greats of the different universities.

Instead of choosing the University’s colors – green and gold – as the base colors for this season’s logo, the color teal was chosen instead. It was revealed in an online post by the official Facebook page of FEU that the color was chosen because it symbolizes “unity and being ready to take a new age, and serving as a primer to a brand new kind of greatness”

whereas, the spark on the logo “connotes inspiration, dynamism, and energy; representing the driving force within to become legendary.”

Aligned with this, the UAAP Opening Ceremony was held last September 2, 2017 at the Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena.

The ceremony was attended by the student-athletes of the participating universities – Adamson University, Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU), FEU, National University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, and University of the Philippines – along with the greats of their respective universities.

One FEU

The performances for the said event were spearheaded by the President’s Committee of Culture (PCC) groups along with FEU’s Taekwondo teams and the FEU Cheering Squad (CS). The PCC groups that participated were: FEU Chorale, FEU Bamboo Band and FEU Dance Company (FDC). The members of the PCC groups came from the different campuses of FEU – FEU Diliman, FEU Manila and FEU Senior High School.

Jean Louise Lapus, event director of the Opening Ceremony, stated that they wanted to “level up” the entire production by incorporating a mixture of traditional and mod-

ern styles along with the talents and resources that FEU had to offer.

“Our main target was to really come up with a concept of preserving the traditional components of a typical sports opening ceremony and adjust it at the same time to the audience that we have – who are the millenials,” Lapus said.

FEUCS Coaches Randell San Gregorio and Christopher Nocon choreographed the opening dance number performed by the FDC, FEUCS and FEU Taekwondo teams. According to Nocon, working with Lapus’ team and the students was “a pleasure”.

“It doesn’t matter that they come from the FDC, cheering squad or the Taekwondo.

As long as you can see that they are really working hard and you can see the amount of talent na (that) they bring sa (in) performance, it’s exciting,” Nocon expressed.

A greater UAAP

Last August 7, the UAAP appointed Atty. Rene Andrei Saguisag, Jr. as its new executive director and commissioner of the UAAP Basketball Tournament. This is not Saguisag’s first time as commissioner as he was appointed the position previously in Seasons 78 and 79.

READ ‘GREAT’ | PAGE 11

FEU implements new Uniform Policy

BY CHRISTIAAN P. CAJOCSON

Following the approval of cross-dressing in Far Eastern University (FEU) last semester, an updated University School Attire policy was implemented in the campus this Academic Year (A.Y.) 2017-2018.

“The new policy seeks to be more student-oriented and friendly. It gives more options for the students; they can choose to wear from among the options what is more comfortable for them,” said Student Discipline Director Rosalie Cada

Student Discipline arranged what the University established as proper school attire, these being the following: (1) Standard Uniform, (2) P.E. Uniform, (3) Institute Corporate and Clinical Uniforms, (4) NSTP Uniform, and (5) the FEU Institute Shirt. Aside from wearing the appropriate attire, the school I.D. with an FEU lanyard should always be worn whenever students enter the university and while inside the campus.

Meanwhile, not all FEU shirts are allowed. Only FEU Institute polo shirts, which are not yet available at the Tams Bookstore as of writing, will be allowed.

“I think it is fair enough to implement a policy like that but the thing is, they must be able to comply with the large number of students

Key in no more. Tamaraw students wear complete campus attire as the security implements stricter checking of uniform upon entering the school.

(Photo by Novelyn Kaye Y. Contratista)

enrolled in FEU. Let's admit it, mas madami talagang may gustong mag-polo shirt (more students prefer wearing polo shirts) topped in a denim pants because it is more casual and we can move freely unlike wearing the school uniform,” said BSBA major in Marketing Management student Regina Maica C. Cababaro.

“The administration is now keen [in] monitoring the uniform policy among the students. I feel like it could strengthen the security inside the campus. On the other hand, it limited the students from wearing civilian clothes inside the university for other rea-

sons,” said BA Communication student Eliel Jeuz M. Sayo.

Nonetheless, Cada said that students should learn how to adapt to these new policies.

“While we do realize that some students clamor for the total elimination of the required school attire, I think everyone should at least be grateful at this time when the school attire is no longer confined to the FEU uniform and the students are given options to wear as school attire,” said Cada.

READ UNIFORM | PAGE 11

Admin Building functions again after delay

BY CHRISTIAAN P. CAJOCSON

‘GREAT’| FROM PAGE 1

“He’s really accepted by all of the eight schools, meaning [in] the two years that he has been in the UAAP – there are no issues against him. His integrity is unquestioned, he’s very unbiased,” FEU Athletics Director Mark Molina stated.

“Now this is his [Saguisag] first year as executive director. So he will be the one tasked of running the day to day operations of the UAAP along with the host school,” he added.

Being assigned as the commissioner once more, Saguisag revealed that they are currently working on the improvement of how the games are being officiated.

“The problem year after year is that we outsource the referees but fortunately

MEDTECH| FROM PAGE 1

Renovations still ongoing. As the semester starts, partial areas of the University's Administration Building are now occupied by campus offices. (Photo by Raymond S. De Dios)

After around two years of inactivity due to retrofitting and renovation, Far Eastern University (FEU) Administration (Admin) Building started functioning again.

According to Vice President for Facilities and Technical Services Edward Kilakiga, the Administration Building is already fully functional except for the Auditorium.

The Admin Building underwent retrofitting, which started on September 6, 2015, followed by its renovation. In an interview with FEU Civil Engineering and Architectural Design (CEAD) Head Marcial Edillon from a previous FEU Advocate issue, he mentioned that the projected completion of the Admin Building was within the third or fourth quarter of last year.

Kilakiga shared that the inability of the hired contractor to meet the target deadlines caused the delay of the completion of the project.

The lapses pushed the projection to a later date and caused the replacement to a new contractor.

The Admin Building houses the administrative offices, including the Office of the President which is located at the second floor. As of writing, the Admin Building’s first, second, third, and fourth floors are already fully-functional while only a portion of the fifth floor has yet to be completed.

“The moment we allowed [the] entry of FEU employees, staffs, and administrators, we ensure their safety,” said Kilakiga. Accord-

ing to him the whole building is considered “safe” since the retrofitting was completed.

Meanwhile, the University Auditorium is still under renovation and is expected to be finished “in 3 months’ time”.

In coordination with the FEU Campus Ministry, a blessing of the Admin Building’s new offices and facilities presided by Fr. Paulo Freitas, FdCC was conducted on August 4, 2017.

Kilakiga also shared that the next building to be renovated is former Law Building, now called Architecture and Fine Arts Building. He added that planning is already underway while the execution is expected to be within this year.

last August 2017 licensure exam, adding up to the good reputation of FEU MedTech,” said seventh placer Montano.

Despite their achievements from the previous licensure exams, efforts from the FEU Department of Medical Technology to maintain their performance will continue.

“We always have to be vigilant, we cannot

[with] the host right now lead by FEU – naka-align ‘yung vision namin (our vision is aligned).

We want a long term engagement with the referees or even create our own pool of referees,” he shared.

Saguisag also enclosed that the UAAP already started training its referees by having them attend seminars not just “about the nuts and bolts of the game” but on the different aspects as well such as stress and anger management last August 16.

“We’d also like to put a numerical value on the rating of the referees kasi ang hirap naman sinasabi namin (because it’s difficult to identify them as) senior referee or junior referee,” he added.

Along with their own internal evaluation, surveys regarding the officiating of the referees after games will

be answered by the coaches and board members as well in order to give feedback to the UAAP. Some of the possible changes that are planned for this season include the addition of an All-Star Game for basketball and volleyball, a 3x3 basketball tournament, and a cheerdance competition for the Juniors division.

“The UAAP is in a better place now than in 2009, the organization is stronger. Before kasi when you hosted, talagang (really) it was left up to you, I mean the school does most of the work but now, the UAAP has its own organization. Although it’s not that big, but there’s a lot of coordination now with venues and talks with the media.” Molina expressed.

rest on our laurels,” Gellecanao said. “[We will] continue on our policy of 75% based zero passing [in] all og our professional or board subjects.

Instilling discipline in our students and the core values of Fortitude, Excellence, and Uprightness” he continued.

Meanwhile, ninth placer Cruzado shared advice to both undergraduates and graduates.

“For the third year and fourth year students, my advice is that do good in your studies because preparation for the

board exam starts there. For the graduates, my advice is that don’t be afraid to take the boards. Be serious in your review and focus first on your weak subjects. Knowing for the fact that you are an FEU graduate, build that confidence that you will pass and might as well top the board exam,” he said.

-With reports from Monique S. Pamintuan

K-12 effects ‘still in action’

BY CHRISTIAAN P. CAJOCSON

“Ma?”, “Dungaw” enter international scene Short films “Ma?” and “Dungaw” directed by Ralph Lauren Y. Quincena, an alumnus of Far Eastern University (FEU) AB Communication, earned numerous recognitions from various local and international film festivals.

“Ma?” recently represented FEU and the Philippines as one of the three Filipino films in the International Inter-University Short Film Festival in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The film will also be screened at the Curt’Arruda Film Festival’s horror category in the city of Arruda dos Vinhos, Portugal this October.

Meanwhile, “Dungaw” represented the Philippines last August 24 at the Short+Sweet International Film Festival Gala Final in the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood after winning the Audience Choice Award at the Short+Sweet Film Festival’s Regional Gala last July 30 at the SM Aura Premier Cinema 1.

It will also be included in FEU’s University Flix (UFlix) line-up, which will be held at the Cinematheque Manila.

“It’s really overwhelming and mindblowing to still be representing Far Eastern University even

months after graduating, as well as representing the country in such a young age in international festivals. It’s very satisfying to see that our hard work has bared more fruits than we could ever imagine,” he shared.

Both films by Quincena, which he made while he was still a college student, have already gathered several awards, recognitions, and selections. As of writing, “Dungaw” has already bagged 30 awards and two international recognitions.

On the other hand, “Ma?” has already scored 18 awards and seven local and international selections.

“Dungaw” follows the story of a problematic nursing student Lea who happens to meet a woman that knows her deepest secret while “Ma?” is a story about a boy named Andre who is looking for his disappointed mother who disappeared during a blackout after finding out his real identity.

“A Fresh Mind” Being a part of the FEU Film Society (FilmSoc), an organization inclined with experimental films, Quincena was described as a “fresh mind” because of his style.

“So when Ralph came, he was like a fresh mind, one who is an artist who doesn’t want

to be identified solely with experimental so his style is narrative,” said Department of Communication Program Head Karen Panela.

Panela also shared that Quincena’s penetration to a category once not explored by FEU opened a platform for students to explore the other side of filmmaking, not limiting them to what they were used to.

“He was able to inspire students na (that) we need just not you know, produce something because you were required to do it but because you like or you love what you wanna do. And that’s what he perhaps unwittingly imparted to the students,” Panela shared.

Reporting every award and recognition that Quincena’s films received, the Department of Communication is proud of the director’s achievements.

“So ‘yung (the) sense of pride [is] nakakatuwa (gladdening), even the management of FEU has requested a session, film screening of the works of students particularly “Ma?” and “Dungaw”,” Panela stated.

-Aliesha Rae J. Johnson

Hard at work. A group of FEU Senior High students gathers to do their projects at the gazebo.

(Photo by Novelyn Kaye Y. Contratista)

The K-12 Program continues to affect the number of professors in Far Eastern University (FEU).

“Unfortunately, the wave of the ill-effects of the implementation of K-12 program appears to be still in action. We still expect this to continue for the next two years,” said FEU Faculty Association (FEUFA) President Roger Sison.

This academic year, there are little to no college freshmen nor sophomores as the batches who graduated in the last two years are still in Grades 11 and 12. Furthermore, even after their graduation, there are still no guarantees that they will pursue a college degree because the government already promised potential employment to K-12 graduates.

“We all know that one of the effects of the implementation of K-12 program is the reduction of the students in the university. This means reduction of available subjects for fac-

ulty members to handle,” said Sison.

Meanwhile, FEU Human Resource Department (HRD) also took efforts to address this situation. One of their efforts is the offering of an early retirement program.

“Although, we’ve tried to maintain our professors, but of course, we can’t maintain everyone, so we basically offered voluntary program. It’s a voluntary thing. Nobody was asked to leave,” said Vice President for HRD Renato Serapio.

According to Serapio, a six-month financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was also granted to those who opted to leave and avail early retirement.

Serapio said that there were fewer faculties who availed it this year compared to the early retirement program’s first run.

However, with the teachers availing this program comes the decrease

in the number of members in FEUFA.

“With the enhanced program, several faculty members and employees availed the package offered by the University. This resulted to a drastic decrease in the number of regular faculty, who are mainly the memb ers of FEUFA,” explained Sison.

Meanwhile, aside from the said program, a Commission of Higher Education (CHED) scholarship was offered to some professors so they could pursue their highest academic degree.

“We cannot just sit and wait for whatever negative effects this K-12 program is set for us, the faculty and the University. In this regard, the university and the other concerned departments like FEUFA [have been] continuously discussing and thinking of programs that will help ease the effects of K-12 program and avoid displacement,” said Sison.

FEU [Far Eastern University], masarap magtrabaho sa FEU (In FEU, it’s fun to work in FEU),” echoed a voice sailing through the halls of the university that day. More than just a local celebrity in the green and gold community and creator of the feel-good cover video made to create smiles, the elevator operator Jaylord Calumba redefines a new meaning of work along with rides of joy and sacrifice.

Although his version swims in the big pool of viral parody videos online, Calumba’s self-composed lyrics, a Filipino rendition of Luis Foncis’ song “Despacito” is one that stood out across and beyond the borders of the green and gold fields.

With his cup overflowing with people’s admiration, Calumba looks back at the long string of his gleeful years inside the University.

In 2012, Calumba took his leap of faith inside the Tamaraw lair with hopes of getting a better salary from being an assistant baker in Divisoria. After two years of scrubbing halls, his unwaning spirit promoted him toward the light of operating the elevators; a job that opened doors for him to exchange minutes of joy, whether it be to a stressed or a happy-go-lucky student.

During his prime year, he would only breathe silence across the elevators. But with his innate s p r i g h t l y character, to sprinkle joy towards these young Tamaraws became one of his goals. ”Kasi madalas nakikita kong stressed na stressed sila, ako na lang gumagawa ng paraan kung paano sila mapapatawa (Because I often see them very stressed, I decided to be the one to make them laugh),” he shared.

Smiles or frowns, whatever he gets, he always tried to uplift their mood. For him, as long as there were minutes to spare, every Tamaraw deserved a joyful ride.

However, the day Calumba made the viral video was not a regular work day. Summer break was on the rise, and the Tamaraws were far from the university. Silence pervaded the halls and with the extra 30 minutes he had remaining before his eight o’clock morning call time, Calumba decided to give his day a little twist.

nilang sayangin kung anumang meron sila ngayon kasi hindi habang buhay andyan pa ‘yung pamilya nila na sumusuporta para sa kanila. Para din naman sa kanila din naman ‘yung pag-aaral, kumbaga ‘yun ‘yung kayamanan na ipapamana sa kanila ng m a g u l a n g nila (I hope they will not waste the opportunity given to them because not everyone can study most especially in a good school. There are many out there who want to study, and I am one of them. I hope they will not waste what they have because their family will not be there forever to support them. Education is a treasure their parents will give as heritance to them),” he shared.

“Kaya kung ako sa’yo mag-aral ka na dito, may future ka pa dito, dito sa FEU (So if I were you I would study here now, you have a future here, here in FEU),” resounds his final line. For him, education is still the greatest treasure trove any student can keep for the rest of his/her life.

Operating an elevator may just be his job description, but for Calumba, as soon as the button lights up and the small space starts to fill up with weary passengers, his simple act of lifting spirits up is the job he knew could go a long way in reminding everyone that although there are hardships and sacrifices, there will always be reasons to lay back, be grateful, and enjoy the ride.

- Arianne Jeanel Calumbiran

“

Five years na ako dito. Sobrang pasasalamat ko na lang sa kanila.

Kasi maraming nag-aalok sa akin na mag-apply ka sa ibang bansa.

Parang hindi ko maiwan-iwan kasi parang na-attach na talaga siguro ako sa mga estudyante dito. Mahal na mahal ko kayong mga estudyante dito,

“

“Sa

“Nakakita ako ng yellow pad sa may stairs, tapos ginawan ko ng [lyrics] na ganun, tutal malapit na naman ang pasukan (I saw a yellow pad on the stairs, then I wrote down the lyrics that way, since the start of c lasses is near),” Calumba narrated.

With his witty rhymes and smart wordplay, his version of “Despacito” went viral, with more than 9,000 shares, 402,000 views and 15,000 likes less than a day after it was uploaded. Sparks of features were also ignited by Facebook pages like Trending Stuff, Local Pulse, and Filipino Vines.

Days after he uploaded the video, Tamaraws came rushing towards him with revelations of how he inspired and brightened up their dark-on-edge days.

When the doors opened, a pile of students would smile and call him, “Despacito” often singing and cracking jokes with him.

But before Calumba ended up where he is today, departing from his dream was never a piece of cake. He remembers shedding tears the day he knew university life would not be there waiting for him due to financial matters.

“May sakit din pero kapag naalala ko ‘yung mga magulang ko, okay na din (There is pain, but every time I remember my parents, it becomes okay for me),” he expressed.

Surrendering his chance to study to make way for his younger sister was a choice he will never regret. He believes his time will come, but for now, safeguarding his family’s future is all that supplies bliss to his heart.

From once being an assistant baker, Calumba is now on the road to station his own bakery. Streams of abounding blessings brims his toil as FEU offered him a scholarship to pursue his hope of being a businessman, wisdom to usher him in the future. It all came like a river flow of grace, all rooted in heart of gratitude and loyalty.

This is all bounded in my gratitude for them. I received a lot of offers to apply overseas. But I can’t seem to leave because it feels like I have been attached to the students here. I love you, students, so much),” he expressed with a smile.

More than being gifted with good humor, Calumba never ceases to pour out love towards his green and gold family. The video he made was not just a mere cover, but a gift shaped in pure honor for the university along with citadels of advice. “‘Wag nilang sayangin ang opportunity na binigay sa kanila, ka s i hindi lahat talaga nakakapag-aral lalo na’t magandang eskwelahan talaga. Kasi nga andami-daming gustong mag-aral, isa na ako doon. Kaya sana ‘wag LAYOUT BY AIRYL KATHRIZ C. BISMONTE & ARA DG. AFABLE

E D I TO R I A L Something greater The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has always been the highlight of the academic year for many students belonging to the eight participating universities. Students and fans view it as a chance to see their favorite teams and student-athletes go head-to-head with one another. Some follow it to keep an eye out for the rising stars in the Philippine sports scene, and others see it as a chance to show off their school spirit.

The last time that Far Eastern University (FEU) hosted the UAAP was during Season 72 back in 2009.

The theme for that year was “One color, One goal” which was inspired by the Sarimanok, a legendary bird with colorful feathers. The University showcased that despite coming from different universities the UAAP was all about unity through sportsmanship.

With the UAAP being on its 80th season, and the hosting responsibilities being given to FEU once again, it is clear that the university is set to prove that the UAAP is more than just a way for the host school to gain recognition.

During the pre-season preparations, we were able to see firsthand that FEU knows how much the UAAP means to so many people and wants to make it a memorable one.

It is refreshing to see a new design for both the ABS-CBN broadcast logo and the official logo released by FEU which incorporate all of the colors of the participating universities. These logos do not only signify change but also show that the UAAP is being steered into the right direction.

Getting inspiration from “Alexander The Great” and “The Great Wall of China”, FEU conceptualized the theme for Season 80 – “Go For Great”.

With this idea in mind, the University wants every UAAP athlete to give their all this year so that one day they will hopefully achieve the title of “Great”.

Many questioned the theme for this year by saying that it lacked originality and was even grammatically incorrect. But what the naysayers failed to realize was the overall message that FEU wanted to convey for this year. The theme aims to have all UAAP athletes, no matter what university they belong to, exceed and not settle for complacency so that one day they could get the chance to be one of the greats in their respective sport.

The University wanted to pay homage to all of the great athletes that were produced by every UAAP university by having each of them create their own “Wall of Greats”. This was done to pay respect to the achievements of these individuals and their contributions not only to their respective universities but also to the history of Philippine sports. FEU hopes that these walls will serve as reminders, not only to the student-athletes but also to their respective communities, about the rich history that their universities have.

The UAAP has always played and will always play a big role in the lives of athletes, students, and sports fans. It has brought glory and enriched the history of every UAAP university. The fact that it is on its 80th year and every university aims for its improvement affirms that it will always be something greater that it was before

A lot has been happening in our country in the last couple of months. More citizens are standing up against the Duterte administration, others question the morality and values of our police officers, the justice system is being highly criticized as faulty, laws are deemed useless by the public and people are crying out for justice for the wrongdoings done in the past and present.

The Filipino people are starting to panic and people have started to take action by openly showing their dismay about the recent issues involving the country. Netizens share and post their stands regarding the current state of the country whereas activists roam the streets and cry out for change.

But amongst the acts of panic lies peace – chaotic peace. This kind of peace is only experienced by those unfazed by the panic surrounding them. They ignore the cries of the oppressed, use fallacious statements against those who seek out justice and defend our so-called “leaders” from their acts of incompetence.

We fool ourselves into thinking that there’s this false sense of peace because of the

While most of you lingered for class suspension on the night of September 20 and scrolled a hundred times on Twitter to spot the students’ most awaited #WalangPasok, my attention was caught by a d i f f e r e n t t r e n d #YestoEquality.

After the series of brawls during Congress sessions and their absurd decisions on national matters, the country has finally glimpsed on a rainbow as the House of Representatives approved the final reading of th e S e xu al Ori e n tati on , Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill.

Gathering a landslide of 198 votes, this bill seeks to e l i m i n a t e g e n d e r discrimination and penalize discriminatory acts against gender queers such as harassment, denial of access to public services and denying the application for professional licenses.

Last August, we have heard the cry of Bunny Cadag, a transgender who applied for a job in Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) and experienced discrimination from

The peace and the panic

promises that the Duterte administration has laid out for us.

But if we look around and open our eyes, we can see the price that must be paid for this chaotic peace to be instilled – our human rights are now priced at a menial cost, people fear those who are supposed to protect them and the country’s strongman continues to wage war on his own people.

I suppose that ignorance really is bliss.

Recently, President Duterte announced September 21 – the day that Martial Law was declared – as the “National Day of Protest”. Many claimed that the only reason he did this was so that he could explicitly

glorify the 45th Anniversary of Martial Law but he claimed that it was for safety measures for the expected protests and rallies. It was a rational reason but like many others, I didn’t buy it.

People have speculated that sooner or later, history will repeat itself once more and the Philippines as a nation will jump back to square one. Being a person that has similar fears about the current state of the country, I can’t help but feel the urge to panic as well.

I’ve seen others sit silent and remain indifferent about the current issues. They state that it’s useless to argue or pick a stand because nothing will change and that our effort to

# Ye s t o E q u a l i t y

the said office. Although an apology was issued, we can’t ignore the fact that there are still some companies who barred the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) from the workplace.

If you have friends who belong to the LGBTQ populace, you know for sure that most of them suffer from the prejudice of closed-minded folks, and that there is a need for a law that will promote their welfare.

Using this bill as a lens, I contemplate on the Tamaraw community and the prejudices toward the

LGBTQ pride. Though the University welcomes a diverse group of students, it is undeniable that inequality still abides in the corners of the lair.

One of the things I noticed is the absence of comfort rooms for the rainbow community that they can use without eyes awkwardly prying at them from head to toe, judging their sexual orientation. We can’t also deny the tacit bullying and inside jokes that actually had hurt the feelings of our fellow Tamaraws.

Although many of them ooze with skills, some are also worried about how

fight for what is right will end in vain.

Whether we like it or not, we all have our stands.

Many have tried to reason out that people shouldn’t take stands and that we should all have an open mind when tackling these social issues. I actually understand why they choose to see things in an idealistic manner because think about it: if we were all able to set our biases aside and take into consideration the perspective of others then we might as well have found the formula to world peace.

But such idealistic ideologies can only get us so far, we need to face reality and the fact still remains that we have to take a side. In the end, we all want what we think is best for the country whether it be us supporting the administration or continue to criticize it.

We have to choose whether to indulge in this chaotic peace or panic against it.

Do you have anything to say about the peace and the panic we’re experiencing? Send your say on the matter at diamond.melendres@gmail. com

the industry they will pursue in the future will accept them when they leave the warm oasis in University Belt.

Using my pen, I encourage you to fight the stigma towards the rainbow community, and contribute in making the FEU more LGBTQ-friendly. Taking our first steps, we can start by respecting how our fellow students express their genuine selves.

Eliminating inequalities is something that we can’t achieve in an instant. It requires sustainable efforts.

But with the SOGIE Equality Bill on the run, we are now a step ahead from the discriminatory practices of the past.

As I support the decision of the Lower House in passing the SOGIE Equality Bill into a law, I look forward into the verdict of the Senate, and how this will eradicate the discrimination and inequality towards the LGBTQ community.

If you also anticipate the pot of gold after this bill, share your rainbow thoughts at castromarissaa@gmail.com

On August 29, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 10951. This law is also known as “An Act Adjusting the Amount or the Value of Property and Damage on which a Penalty is Based, and Fines Imposed under the Revised Penal Code.”

Among the provisions in this new law is the amendment of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. From 200 pesos to 1,000 pesos, the new law raises the penalty for “unlawful means of publications and unlawful utterances” to 40,000 pesos to 200, 000 pesos.

In this modern time where media credibility is questioned, citizen journalism is easier to do, and sharing avenues are much more accessible. It is high time that efforts to develop regulations should be enacted.

The advancements in

It was 2pm of May 23 when the fortress shattered. The citadels of hope broke down. The walls of joy fell in utter ruins.

S t re a m l i n e s of reaction s flooded my usual Facebook surfing routine that night. Like a matchstick ignited, everything was irreversible.

The wings of terrorism have unfurled in the innocent city of Marawi. The siege has begun.

I could still remember that night. I remembered sitting immediately at the nearest corner near our door due to a physically draining internship application. Barely anticipating threads of good news on my feed, what I saw left me writing this piece to you.

H a s change really come? The five-hundred words of space I got will not be enough to unearth the real answer to this question. Dear reader, let me fit my burdened heart out on this page with you.

The manifold of people has gone with the wind like Jamie in the classic romantic movie , “ A W a l k t o Re member.” However, the fight to see change is a tragedy as old as time or may I simply

Hello there, reader! Good thing I got your eyes to read my message. I hope you learn something.

Anyway, have you asked yourself, “Am I a hero?”

If you have, how do you define being a hero?

Some hero underwent serious ‘superhuman’ serum experiment to save the world from a war, but then woke up after being put into cryostasis, just knowing that the world didn’t become any better.

Some hero came from another planet, saving our own with his god-like feats, neutralizing threats both from the earth and other planets.

Some ‘heroes’ fight for justice while some fight for revenge and balance.

These heroes put their armors and wits on and venture forth to the dragon’s castle to save the princess or the prince. ‘Cause come on, who knows what’s in there, right?

But let’s talk more about you.

Do you have your own favorite superhero? One that gave your childhood and

Purveyors of false information, beware!

technology have definitely revolutionized the media landscape. Information dissemination, a process which used to take laborious and tedious efforts, can now be accomplished in a minute or two. With just a few taps on your mobile phones or laptops, you can readily share your message to a massive audience. Aside from this is

the enhanced accessibility to content and its dissemination.

Recently, we have been hearing cases of misinformation and fake news online. While many are by common netizens, some are committed by organizations and people who hold a position in the government – people who are supposed to have our trust and work in our best interest.

Mara-WE

flash-forward to the phrase “enduring forever.”

Gazing upon the a b y s s o f t h i s i n c i d e n t ’s aftermath, all I can see is our beloved home close to reaching the brink of wreckage. Soldiers fall to heartless hands, terrorists slaughter dreams, captives sleep with empty stomachs, and innocent citizens die in vain. One might not even embrace change swaying in this country in his or her lifetime. But, there is one thing I would like you to know.

When the breach of a great light shone upon me, I realized the long-drawn-out battle for change is not only confined in the physicality of this world, for its real magnitude is bound towards

a route enveloped deep down inside - your heart. This is not a sequel to the blockbuster animated movie, “Moana,” but just like Te Fiti, these terrorists’ hearts have been infected with the virus of violence they never should have suffered.

This war in Marawi is not just a battle of fully refined armories or domineering battalions. It is a fire rooted in the deepest origin of hurt and division. It was a successful retaliation and slavery from corrupted beliefs. This siege is nothing but a product of giants sowing love for power and authority.

In my not-to-be-told years of existence, the quest to defeat terrorism has always

Am I a hero?

even your college days a bit of flavor as he, she or it shows off his/her own style and way of being a superhero.

I do.

He’s Spider-man, a.k.a. Peter Parker, the web head who swings over the buildings of New York. He goes from helping an old lady get across the street, to webbing up criminals, to saving the world by joining up with The Avengers, but most of the time, he just cracks silly jokes, while of course, saving citizens.

With his enhanced strength, enhanced flexibility, stick ‘em powers, spider-sense and mechanical web shooters, he saves New York from all

kinds of threats and villains.

He may have these awesome powers, but Spidey’s history isn’t the best in the roster. He may have one of the worst, if not the worst. But he chose to become a hero anyway.

He saves anyone in New York who needs help; he juggles his time with school and being a hero. He eats his meals on rooftops, he hides his identity from his friends and loved ones, and what’s worse he holds the guilt when he fails to save someone from harm.

But isn’t this kind of familiar? A person who acts strong and composed but is really scared and weak, someone who feels the weight of

This just reflects how bad the situation already is.

The cases and the purveyors of false information are highly problematic because not only they further distort an already faulty reality, but also cause confusion and insecurity among the citizens.

There might not be a guarantee on this law’s efficiency.

However, even though its implementation does not absolutely entail the eradication of "fake news", I still staunchly support this move because of its potential contribution to lessen such misinformation. I look forward to how this will be implemented, especially if the mistake is on the government’s part.

Do you agree? Or do you think otherwise? I am interested with what you have to say. Send them to christiaancajocson@gmail. com

been one of the hardest.

The existence of chaos in the southern area has created division among the bonds of Filipinos. False mindsets have ignited drastically across every island; fear inevitably grew.

How long will we still be blinded?

I personally reached out to you due to the amount of gravity I felt. This violence causing deep scars was not done by militants, but by someone who has been enslaved by a violent heart.

This breakout fight of injuries started as a heart issue which was left unresolved. Let’s break these wrong mindsets.

This is everyone’s battle.

Bridging the non-spatial continuum towards the present and future is never my ability, nor a superpower I have.

All I know is that this is never an accident that we met right here at this exact moment, because even when I do not know you yet, I believe that there is one destiny that links us to gether - to res olv e violence by starting with changing our hearts.

Have you experienced a change of heart? I will b e glad to hear from you. Email me at alyssaabario@gmail.com

the world but still manages to smile, someone who wants to change and help but thinks that his job is too small to matter.

No matter what you’re into - drawing, photography, singing, financing, filming, writing or maybe even studying - as long as you don’t harm and aggrieve people, know that what you do matters.

There may be big threats now that you want to help solve, but remember, even comical superheroes have their own Achilles’ heels.

Not directly helping in solving problems does not mean you’re not helping. Look who’s writing and trying to boost the morale of his countrymen. Or am I?

Focus on the righteous things that you do, focus on what you love, and no matter how small or how big, you will help the society.

So, if you ask yourself, “Am I a hero?” know that you are one.

Want to save the world together? Call your friends and let’s assemble at gregoryjingco@gmail.com

Greatness by braveness

Greatness is the word that comes to my mind when I think of the Far Eastern University’s (FEU) sports program because of its phenomenal historical achievements made through the years of joining in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The green-and-gold is considered as a benchmark when it comes to medals and trophies bagged in the prestigious sports league.

Why do I consider it as a benchmark? Let the achievements speak for themselves. The FEU Men’s Basketball Team (MBT) garnered a total of 21 championships, the Women’s Volleyball Team (WVT) has a collection of 29 golden trophies on its shelves, the Men’s Volleyball Team (MVT) has 25 on its resume, and the Track and Field team earned 57 medals hung up on the wall.

I’ve been watching the UAAP since I was nine years old. That time, the league was on its 71st season, and it was hosted by the University of the Philippines (UP). Since then, I truly adored the players especially the FEU-MBT big three Marc Barroca, Mac Baracael, and Aldrech Ramos. I was also impressed of the FEUWVT key players Rachel Anne Daquis and Maica Morada, so I started to root for the green-and-gold.

As the years passed by, I observed that FEU became a school that has been producing not just good, but phenomenal athletes

FEU honed names like Janelle Frayna who became Philippines’ first Woman Chess Grandmaster.

Another is Terrence Romeo, a player in Gilas Pilipinas and now one of the top point guards in Asia. Tracksters Janry Ubas and Clinton Kingsley Bautista also started in the Tamaraw lair before representing our country in the last Southeast Asian Games, bagging medals for our motherland.

And to add more, I went to the books to mention the two former King Tamaraws – Arwind Santos and Johnny Abarrientos, who did exceptionally well in the pro-leagues. Long jumpers like Marestella Sunang and Elma Muros who contributed history in the Philippines also took a leap from the green-and-gold lair.

With all those players honed and championships won by FEU, I came up with a conclusion that the Tamaraws are truly great when it comes to sports. How? It is because of their bravery.

Brave not in the context of fearing other competitors but having courage against the odds, not being afraid about the consequences, and having the eagerness to work hard to obtain the precious prize. I’ve noticed that their dedication to win by facing all the obstacles in their way also made them great.

The theme of UAAP this season - “Go for Great” - is the right theme for FEU as the host because of what the university has done for the sports industry in our country. I strongly believe that the Tamaraws this season will surely go for great, and FEU will still be producing great players.

And for the green-and-gold community, our job is to support and to trust our current players that they will excel in their respective sports and create another history this UAAP season.

Together let’s raise the green-and-gold banner and go for great!

Want to do great with the stiff meister? Tap me at marcelorupert@gmail.com

Still reignin

FEU Jins target to surpass Final 4

Tracksters aim to ext

BY PETER ALBERT F. SORIANO

BY GIO CARLO D. CASTRO AND OHMER R. BAUTISTA

For every setback, a blazing force awaits to hit a higher point.

Relentless, pressured, and challenged - these are the words that best describe the Far Eastern University (FEU) taekwondo teams as they gear up for University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80. With that in mind, will the FEU taekwondo teams succumb to pressure or will they use the situation in their favor?

Deflect from defeat

Last season, the FEU men’s taekwondo team had a setback in the battle for the championship. They finished with a 4-2 record putting them in third place behind the National University (NU) Jins and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Jins.

But the challenge continues as the team braves through a hard time transitioning from last year to this season due to drastic changes in the roster.

“Siguro ‘yung adjustment namin ngayon, meron kaming nawala na key players from last year na grumaduate, and then nawalan din kami kasi ‘yung iba, failed in their classes. Ang natitira na lang sa amin ay almost six na lang din talaga kaya nahihirapan kami (Our main adjustment, as of now, is we lost our key players from last year because they graduated, and some of them failed in their classes. And we’re really having a hard time because we only got six players left in the roster),” Assistant Coach Ian Hernandez confessed.

Despite the lack of players, the green-and-gold squad still eyes the prize equipped themselves for the upcoming season.

“Siguro ang preparation namin, nag-start kami nang mas maaga ng season namin, almost five months ago, twice a day. And then, nag-tu-tune up kami sa ibang school and then, sumasali kami ng mga competition...’yun ‘yung mga adjustments naming ginagawa ngayon (In our preparation, we started practicing early for this season, almost five months ago, and twice a day. And then, we tune up with other schools and we joined in other competitions… those, those are our adjustments and [those] are what we are doing now),” Hernandez stated.

Strike back On the other hand, FEU women’s taekwondo team failed to land a position in the Final Four last season and ended with a seventh runner-up finish in the completion.

Like the challenge faced by the men’s team, the women’s squad is also experiencing difficulties in transitioning but due to the sudden additions in the roster and change in tournament location.

“Maraming adjustments. Marambagong [pumasok]. Based [on] last season, malayo kami sa [place], so kailangan talaga namin mag-improve ngayon (Various adjustments. Many rookies entered the team.

Based [on] last season, we were too far in the ranking, so we really need to improve this time),” explained Bolinas.

To stretch their time for more drills, the Female Jins cut their vacation time in their respective provinces. Amid the tough twice a day gearing up since the summer term, the squad know that they need to step-up before the UAAP commences.

With grit and passion running through their veins, Far Eastern University (FEU) men’s and women’s track and field teams are all set to embark on another battle in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80.

Being the winningest teams in both men’s reaped with 25 titles and women’s with 24 crowns, they have been proving that FEU is a living empire for track and field, and a force to reckon with in this competition.

The FEU Tracksters dominated last season with their impressive performance. The men’s team successfully defended their title, making it their seventh-straight championship, while the women’s team once again fell short against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses, finishing in second place.

As they pledge to bag the crowns this season, the green-and-gold Tracksters are ready to battle it all out.

New lead for eight-peat Since 2010, it has been considered a mission accomplished for the Male Tracksters if they defend their title, and with a new head to helm the pack, this season’s team-to-beat will not let their guards down as they keep their eyes on the seven other t eams.

After copping their 25th title, the Male Tracksters bid farewell to Janry Ubas, Season 79’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), as he had already maximized his five-year UAAP career.

Performing exceptionally well in previous years, the Season 78 MVP, Clinton Kingsley Bautista, has been appointed as the new team captain. Bautista bagged medals last season together with his UAAP record-setting 52.81 seconds in the 400m hurdles.

Bautista represented the Philippines in the South East Asian (SEA) Games men’s 110m hurdles event last August 26 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur Sports City, Malaysia.

Clocking 14.15 seconds, Bautista copped a bronze medal.

Defending their title from the seven teams that are eager to surpass them, the champions have been doubling their effort and heightening their confidence to safeguard their reign.

ing

Charge to win

With the season fast approaching, and FEU being the host university, the first time men’s team captain Kristian Tagarao is facing the pressure head on and is using it to lead and motivate the team.

“Mas nakaka-inspire para sa’min kasi host tapos nabibigyan kami ng confidence na ibigay pa ‘yung best namin para makuha ‘yung championship (Knowing that we will be the host, it inspires us and uplifts our confidence to give our best in claiming the championship),” Tagarao proclaimed.

Similarly Coach Hernandez stated that they considered it as a big challenge not to be affected by the pressure but to be better and to exceed last season’s performance.

Amid the change in the rosters and the pressure of hosting the season, the conditioning and the routine of the taekwondo teams are some of the factors that both the players and their coaches have been steering towards in order to dominate the tournament.

The Jins and Lady Jins are set to soar high by eyeing a Final Four spot and bringing back the taekwondo title to Morayta.

Catch and support both teams at the FilOil Arena in San Juan on the tentative dates from October 19 to 22 this UAAP Season 80.

Aiming for e veterans spear

Redeeming last year’s defeat, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Table Tennis Teams are prepped to step-up their gameplay with the experienced captains in the lead to rule this season.

With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Table Tennis tournament fast approaching, Shamiela Pineda is tasked to pilot the pack once more after steering the Lady Paddlers last season while the men’s squad is led by its last season’s assistant team captain, Christian Jay Villanueva. These two pillars will be the focal points of their respective team, maneuvering them during training sessions and throughout the tournament.

Amid the pressure

Aside from honing her skills on the table, two-time captain Pineda equipped herself with strategies in heading the team. After last season’s defeat under her governance against University of Santo Tomas (UST), she grew more determined to bring the gold back to FEU, pushing herself and her teammates to the limit.

“Sa training, lagi ko silang gina-guide kung saan sila nagkakamali.Parang coach narin ‘yung nagiging dating ko, kaya ‘yung iba ‘yung tingin sakin parang negative ‘yung pagle-lead ko pero ginagawa ko lang ang part ko as a team captain (During training, I always guide them when it comes to their mistakes. It’s as if I’m the coach which is why some of them perceive my way of leading as negative but the thing is, I’m just doing my part as a team captain),” Pineda explained.

On the other side of the table, Villanueva, who received captain duties for the first time, has been experiencing the weight of the responsibility and the pressure that goes with being a leader of a promising team. “’Yung feeling ko ngayon na team captain ako, medyo pressured kasi alam ko na hindi maganda ‘yung standing

ng supreme

Done settling for second best

tend their dynasty Eager to dethrone the queens

Falling short uncrowning the mighty Tigresses from their third straight title, the Lady Tracksters are now thirsty to reclaim their lost glory since Season 76, and they plan to quench this thirst by giving it their all this season.

With the exit of Evalyn Palabrica, Jerremay Rubias, a fourth-year javelin thrower armed with leadership and experience, is now the new team captain for the Lady Tracksters.

“Nagka-injury ako last year sa elbow ko. Nakapag-compete pa ako pero hindi ko nabigay ‘yung lakas ko kaya parang sabi ko babawi ako this year. Kung ano ‘yung mga kulang samin noon, ngayon sana mapunan namin ‘yon. ( I had an injury last year in my elbow. I still competed, but I was not able to give my all so I told myself that I will make a comeback this year. Whatever is lacking in us, we hope that we will fix it),” Rubias narrated.

Stuck at the second place for three straight years, the Morayta-based Lady Tracksters aim to oust the ones who are at the top. Determined to push their limits this year, they learned from their mistakes last year and have adjusted their training regime accordingly in hopes of maximizing their efforts this year.

“[Last year,] nagkulang kami, may mga na-injured sa amin, so kumbaga, kapag buo talaga kami ‘yung walang na-i-injured, siguro kaya talaga naming lamangan sila. Dapat balance lang lagi [‘yung training.]

‘Wag ‘yung sobra-sobra, ‘wag din ‘yung kulang. Dapat ingatan talaga ang sarili at dapat ang bawat isa ay magkaroon ng lakas ng loob pagdating ng laban ([Last year,] we fell short, there were some who were injured so to put it this way, when we are complete, without anyone being injured, maybe we can be ahead of them. There should always be a balance, not too much nor too less. We should take care of ourselves, and everyone must have courage during the match),” said Rubias.

Eager to end their three-year drought, the Lady Tracksters target to fill up all the events with players who are enthusiastic to contribute gold medals. They share a common goal in their minds, and that is to bag the championship, but they admit that teamwork and cooperation are needed to claim the title.

Together with hard work, determination, and the dedication of every player, the FEU Men’s and Women’s Tracksters are set to create a new legacy this season for the green-and-gold community.

Beach Volley Spikers ready for redemption

BY DIAMOND Y. MELENDRES

“So close yet so far” would be the best way to describe both of Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Beach Volleyball Teams’ run last year after they both fell short of their goal to University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Beach Volleyball finals.

Persistent to prove that they are more than just meant to be the bridesmaids and groomsmen of the tournament, the women’s duo – Bernadeth Pons and Kyla Atienza – and the men’s duo – Jude Garcia and Richard Solis – plan on giving the tournament another shot.

With both teams now training and practicing together in order to fill in the puzzle pieces missing from last year, they set out to be the teams that conquer the sands this UAAP Season 80.

Third time’s the charm

With both members of the women’s squad being on their last playing year and having settled for second place two years in a row, Pons and Atienza are more than determined to show that they deserve to be the queens of the sands this year.

Being veterans in the UAAP, the two are more than capable of handling themselves in pressured situations. So what sets the combo apart from the other teams?

It’s their five years’ worth of chemistry and teamwork. “ ‘Yung pagtitiwala, tsaka ‘yung pag-mo-motivate namin sa isa’t isa kasi gan’on, ‘di ba? Kapag sa game may isa talagang nawawalan ng motivation during the game (It’s the trust and motivation we give one another, right? During the game, there’s someone that will lose motivation),” shared Atienza.

With having full trust in each other, Atienza is confident of having a voice to rely on when their backs are against the wall.

“Syempre si Pons, siya ‘yung laging nag ano sa’kin na ‘T’ra!

Kaya pa natin ‘yan’ (Pons, of course, is the one that’s always telling me ‘Come on! We can still do it’),” she added.

The Pons-Atienza tandem recently claimed the championship title in this year’s Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) Albay Leg after sweeping the entire tournament. Despite the BVR tournament being a good set up for the upcoming UAAP season, the two are still not satisfied where they stand.

“Lahat naman ng player competitive naman talaga when it comes ‘pag game na pero iba pa ang usapan ‘pag UAAP kasi ‘yun ‘yung number one league ng collegiate, so iba ang preparation (All players are competitive in general when it comes to the game but it’s a different story when it’s the UAAP because it’s the number one collegiate league, so the preparation is different),” said Pons.

Once is enough

elusive gold; rhead Paddlers naming last year (Now that I’m a team captain, I feel pressured knowing that our standing last year wasn’t really good),” Villanueva confessed.

But amid the pressure, Villanueva has been motivating the men’s team to focus on their goal this season. Being hands on in sharing his knowledge and experiences he gathered as he rose through the ranks, he bonds the team as they take a leap towards the championship.

Switch up, rank up

In order to reach their goal and have a shot at the title, the Paddlers’ captains, together with their coaches, Noel Gonzales, Philline Danabar, and assistant coach Julius Del Rosario, formulated a plan of changing their workout and training schedules.

Villanueva stated that they made changes in their practices - training in the gym everyday instead of the usual Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule and hitting the Sparks gym for physical training every Tuesday-Thursday before training on the table.

To succeed in UAAP’s table tennis team format, the green-andgold representatives worked on building and strengthening their bonds while developing in-game chemistry.

“Sa ngayon, binubuo pa namin ‘yung bonding namin as a family na walang hihiwalay, walang sariling mundo, dapat sama-sama lahat para pag dating ng laro, lahat mag-che-cheer sana para magbigyan ng boost ‘yung naglalaro (As of now, we’re still building our bond as a family which will eventually boost our morale),” Villanueva shared.

With a couple of weeks left before the tourney, the FEU Paddlers are determined to bring fruition to their efforts and snag the golden crowns back to the Tamaraws.

The members of the men’s team, made up of the Garcia-Solis combo, are younger in their playing careers than their women counterparts. But this hasn’t prevented them from putting up a good fight last season and the two aren’t planning to settle for silver again.

UAAP Season 78’s Rookie of the Year, Garcia, is no stranger to the sands as it is his third year. With his partner from last year, Solis, battling alongside him once again, the duo is aware that they have a lot of work to do if they want to get to the top.

“ ‘Yung endurance, ‘yan ‘yung kapos namin last season. Parang nagkulang kami. Ini-improve pa ‘yung skills namin, tapos ‘yung mga patterns namin sa loob ng court kung pa’no kami mag-communicate (Endurance, that’s what we lacked last season. We didn’t have it.

We’re still improving our skills, then our patterns in the court and how we communicate),” explained Garcia.

Hitting the sand for beach volleyball training every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, along with indoor volleyball training is not easy. But it's obvious that the two are dedicated to do whatever it takes to rev up their game.

“Mas mahirap ‘yung training namin [ngayon] kasi naghahabol kami sa ibang team gaya ng last [year’s] champion, UST, tsaka NU [National University]. Sa NU kasi, malalaki ‘yung mga player nila, (The training is harder this year because we’re trying to catch up to other teams like last year’s champion, UST, and NU. We’re including NU because their players are taller),” disclosed Solis.

One of the advantages that the men’s team has is that they are able to also rely on their third member – UAAP Season 79’s Rookie of the Year and BVR Albay Leg champion Jeremiah Barrica – for additional backup.

Armed with years of experience, strong bonds and strict early mornings and late evening training regimens, the FEU men’s .and women’s teams are ready for their return. All they need to do now is show the fruit of their labor and be the missing green to the court’s golden sand.

-Ohmer R. Bautista

LAYOUT BY ARA DG. AFABLE, AIRYL KATHRIZ C. BISMONTE & BETINA MARIE C. GAW

The worst opponent

By Vina Marie Angelika T. Jayme

Victory

Have you met your worst opponent?

It’s not the one you clash

By Vina Marie Angelika T. Jayme with every season.

It’s not your closest fight.

When everything else was still, It’s when you hear the applause and it’s your heart of the crowd, the approval that you can only hear, you are the best; the moment comes the deafening buzzer when you’ve won every battle, along with scream and cheers. when everyone believes you’ll win, and you find the truth in those Palms up, hitting each other words. with glee, It’s the battle inside together with the proud look that scares you the most. on their faces It’s when your guts are your fray while in my unsteady white hands a fray that only you can beat. are the cold furnished metal coins.

Made of Steel

By Trish Marie R. Antonio

Whenever you want to raise the white flag while training, imagine yourself like you are made of steel.

You’ll experience the harsh heat of the blacksmith’s flame and pasting; chasing breath and losing sweat.

A sturdy weapon’s blade isn’t made with just one bang but hammered to perfection before it becomes a premium sword.

Being an athlete means you would start as scrap metal before transforming into a weapon that’s tough to the core and sharp on the edge, forged to win battles and bring home victories.

Stand Up

By Trisha Marie R. Antonio You were given two feet to stand.

In your youth, the least you can do is run.

Chase your dreams until you wear your limbs out.

Though exhaustion will cause you to have doubts, don’t forget, mostly when you hit the slump, you were given two feet to stand.

The Champion’s Child

By Henry M. Syjongtian III

“Right jab.”

I can hear the screams and chants of the crowd; it was as though their voices were taking off the roof of the stadium.

“Did fame serve you well, Mr. Ramirez? You’re always one step away from coming back to this prison cell, champ,” the guard said as he lead me outside.

“Left, right, uppercut.” The crowd stood to witness the final blow.

“No, I won’t have any contact with drug lords again,” I said.

I swing a right jab to my opponent’s face, and he received the full blow.

“Three, two, one.” I could see the circle painted bell but I couldn’t hear its sound. The world seemed to drown in the deafening shouts of victory.

“Your undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Ramirez, Donito!”

There was a loud clamour from the crowd; it seemed as though the stadium itself was jumping off from its foundation to join the crowd in its cheers. But the lights dimmed and the pack retreated to their seats.

I was pulled out of my reveries when the jail guard bathed me with a bucket of water. As soon as he left, my cellmates started to beat me up, trying to provoke me to commit another offense. But I’ve had enough of this prison. The rats were better companions than the rotting inhumanity these people possessed.

“Right, left, uppercut.” they all cheered as they continued to beat up my weak and swollen body.

I’ve been hearing the ‘cheers’ of my fellow inmates every day for 12 years. The non-stop ‘joy’ they’ve shared is something that stayed in my head, and even took over my mind at some points. But I couldn’t fight. I couldn’t retaliate. I’ve been waiting for so long.

I was about to fall unconscious and close my eyes when the guards entered the cell. “Today’s your release, Mr. World Champion.” Those words gave me instant strength. a glimpse of a green pasture that awaits my return was now in my sights.

When I stepped out of the prison walls, the outside world seemed like it was amidst an unknown galaxy: cars belched black fumes and smoke that choked the air with thin foul smell. the littered streets were like stars scattered in the night sky. But in the middle of all the chaos stood a home I once deserted.

Oh! How I’ve missed to feel the fiery embrace of my son. The front door opened without making a sound, and there stood the boy who had grown up to be a proper man. His hands were clothed with the gloves I wore during my last championship.

“Dad?” – in shock, he asked.

I was trying to catch my breath as I hurried to offer the warmest embrace. “I’m back and you’re a grown-up man!” I said. I felt the tears running down his cheeks as we embraced. I saw a nine-year old child in his eyes and the longingness to recover a lost piece of his life’s puzzle.

“I want to be a famous boxer like you,” he uttered.

My son was my savior; the thought of being reunited with him was what kept me from rotting and going insane during those 12 years in my cell.

The dreams and goals I had for myself were not over. I saw redemption in his eyes as he showed me the jabs and footwork techniques he had been practicing. He was a lot better than I was.

“I’m sorry for leaving you and if that’s what you really want, then I’ll coach you, son.” I said, finally seeing a wide smile being formed on the face that I had longed to see.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOHN LORMER DG. DE DIOS LAYOUT BY RIVA LOUISE L. VICENTE

Nagkukubling katapangan

ni Alyssa Maureen L. Yusi Handa ka na ba? Ilabas ang lapis at tara na’t sumabak sa labanan! Ang pagsusulit ng isang estudyante ay tila pagsabak sa isang labanan at ang kaniyang panulat at utak ang nagsisilbi niyang sandata.

Reporting, assignments, at quizzes, ang mga bundok ng gawaing ito ang nagpapatunay na hindi madaling maging estudyante. Hindi mawawala ang magkumahog upang ibaon sa isipan ang hindi maubos na mga terminolohiya, ang umiyak habang pilit na pinalalabas sa mga calculator ang mga numerong mailap, at lalong hindi madaling magsunog ng kilay upang makapasa sa mga pagsusulit na kahit anong paghahanda ang gawin ay nakalilito at nakapanghihina ng loob.

Tila ang mga mahihirap na pagsusulit ay maihahalintulad sa makulay na buhay ng isang mag-aaral. Ikaw, ano nga bang klase ng pagsusulit ang buhay mo?

Multiple Choice:

Eenie meenie miney mo, alin dito ang pipiliin ko?

Marami ang nagsasabing mas madali raw ang multiple choice tuwing may pagsusulit. Bagama’t hindi mo tiyak ang sagot, may pagkakataon kang ibigay sa kawalan ang kapalaran at kahihinatnan ng iyong marka.

Sa buhay, madalas rin tayong nagkakaroon ng mga pagpipilian, mga choices o hindi kaya ay opinyon kung alin ba ang mas madaling gawin at kung ano ang mas makapagpapabuti sa atin. A, B, C, o D, kahit umabot pa ito hanggang letter Z, ang pinakanakalilito ay ang mismong proseso ng pagpili. Walang kasiguraduhan ngunit ang mahalaga ay pinag-isipan ito nang lubos.

“Maihahalintulad ko ‘yung buhay ko bilang estudyante sa multiple choice type of exam, kasi ‘yung pag-aaral naturuan ako nito na kahit gaano karaming choices ang ibigay sakin ng buhay, mayroon at mayroon pa rin na namumukod-tangi, ‘yung tipong nag-iisang tamang sagot,” paglalahad ni Andrea Mae Debil, 17 taong gulang at mag-aaral ng Our Lady of Fatima University.

Nakalilito man ang mga pagsusulit sa loob at labas ng itinuturing na ikalawang tahanan, hawak ng bawat mag-aaral ang plumang guguhit ng kanilang kapalaran. At sa bandang huli, ang mas mananaig ay ang bagay na idinidiktang tama ng puso nila.

Fill in the Blanks: Paglapat sa mga palaisipan

Ang mga patlang na bumubungad sa unang sulyap ng estudyante sa palatanungan ay madalas na nagpapabilis ng pintig ng kanyang puso at nagdudulot ng mga butil ng pawis sa kabila ng malamig na panahon.

Katulad ng ganitong uri ng pagsusulit, ang buhay estudyante ay puno ng mga patlang na bagama’t nakahihindik ay napupunan sa pamamagitan ng mga desisyon na nagpapaunlad sa kanilang mga sarili.

“Para sa akin ang buhay estudyante ay parang fill in the blanks, kasi sa exam, lalagyan mo ng best answer ‘yung sentence para mabuo ‘yung ibig sabihin o gusto iparating ng tanong.

Nabuhay tayo para gawin o hanapin kung anong gusto natin. Kaya sa continuous na pagtakbo ng buhay, unti-unti nating nalalagyan ng mga sagot ‘yung katanungan natin na tayo lang ang makakasagot,” wika ni Gerald Pineda, 18 taong gulang at mag-aaral ng Mapua University.

Sa mga pagsusulit, ang mga patlang ay pilit na pinupunan ng mga angkop na kasagutan. Sa mga taong gugugulin ng isang mag-aaral, may mga tanong na kailangan pagisipan kung iyon na nga ba ang makapagbibigay ng tunay na kahulugan sa gustong ipahayag ng pangungusap, sa nais iparating ng buhay.

True or false: Dalawang mukha ng pag-unawa

Sa oras ng pagsusulit, ang mga nakanoot na noo ng mga estudyante habang pinag-iisipan kung ang mga pahayag ay tama o mali ay sumasalamin sa hirap na pinagdadaanan ng isang indibidwal sa pagtimbang kung ano nga ba ang nararapat.

“Bilang isang estudyante, lagi ko munang iniisip kung tama o mali na ba ‘yung mga bagay na ginagawa ko. Kung tama pa nga ba ‘tong landas na tinatahak ko, kung tama pa ba ‘tong mga tao na sinasamahan ko kasi bilang estudyante, pag-aaral ‘yung nagsilbing gabay ko upang malaman ko ang tama sa mali,” saad ni ni Angelie Claudette Pineda, 15 taong gulang at mag-aaral ng University of the East High School.

Ang pagpapakopya sa kaibigang nangangailangan, ang pagtulog sa gabi sa kabila ng tambak na gawain, at ang pagpilit sa sarili na gawin ang isang bagay na taliwas sa sinisigaw ng damdamin, ilan lamang ito sa mga panahong mahirap timbangin ang tama o mali. Ngunit bilang isang mag-aaral at bilang isang indibidwal, nasa iyong mga palad ang pagpapasya kung ano ang tama, kung ano ang pinakamakabubuti sa lahat.

Identification: Ibigay ang hinihingi

Sa bawat pagsusulit na iyong kailangang sagutan, mas nakikilala mo ang iyong pagkatao.

Mula sa pagpasok mo sa paaralan hanggang sa iyong pag-uwi, maraming kasagutan ang tila sumasagot sa iyong mga ‘ano nga ba?’ sa buhay.

“Para sa akin ang buhay ko bilang estudyante ay parang identification, kasi dito ko mas nakilala kung sino ako, dito ko nalaman kung ano pa ba ‘yung mga kaya kong gawin,” paglalahad ni Brithney Jane Fernandez, 13 taong gulang at mag-aaral ng Llano High School.

Walang sinuman ang nakilala agad ang kaniyang pagkatao sa simula pa lamang. Sa loob ng silid-aralan, matatagpuan mo ang mga taong magbibigay-alam sa’yo kung ano ang iyong mga kalakasan at kahinaan. Bubuksan nito ang kaisipan mo sa napakaraming katanungan sa hinaharap na maaari mong maging sandata sa ano mang unos na ibato sa iyo ng buhay.

Ikaw ba ‘yung tipo ng tao na masaya kapag napupuri ng iba o hindi naman kaya ay gusto mong lagi kang nabibigyan ng atensyon? O baka naman ikaw ‘yung tipo ng taong mahilig sumunod sa uso at hindi magpapahuli sa kung ano ang trending sa social media.

Kung mapapansin tila nilamon na tayo ng social media, mula sa mga gusto nating malaman hanggang sa ating pinagkakalibangan. Tila nagpasakop na nga tayo sa sistemang binuo para sa atin, ngunit paano kung nakakaapekto na ito sa iyong pagkatao? Kakayanin mo bang iwan ang minsan mong naging sandalan?

Likes, favorites, reactions, retweets, ‘yan na ‘ata ang pamantayan natin ngayon ng ating halaga sa ibang tao. Ito ay isang basehang nagdudulot kasiyahan ngunit paano kung ito rin ang maaaring sumira ng iyong pagkatao? Dedepende ka pa rin ba sa mga komento at reaksyon ng ibang tao patungkol sa kung sino ka?

Noong nakaraang buwan, isang application na naman ang biglang nagpaingay sa mundo ng social media, isang application na nagbibigay laya sa lahat na magpadala ng mensahe nang hindi nakikilala. Kung iisipin, pagkakataon mo na ‘to upang makapagtapat kay crush ngunit isa rin itong pagkakataon para maglabas ng sama ng loob sa taong ayaw mo.

Tila milyong bilang ng tao na ang gumagamit ng Sarahah, ngunit marami man, maaaring naging daan pa rin ito upang maging malaya ang mga taong manira at makasakit ng iba.

Bakit pa nga ba tayo naeenganyo sa mensahe na hindi naman kilala kung kanino galing? Madalas kuriyosidad na lamang din naman ang nagiging dahilan kung bakit natin nais subukan ang lahat ng bagay. Kung minsan gusto lang din natin maging “in” para hindi mahuli sa kung ano nga ba ang bago ngunit kailangang maging wais din tayo sa pagdedesisyon.

“Think before you click,” ika nga nila, ‘wag basta pindot nang pindot. Isipin mo muna kung ano nga ba ang positibo at negatibong epekto nito sa iyong sarili at sa ibang tao.

Kung ako ang tatanungin, gusto ko ring mabasa ang mensahe ng mga tao tungkol sa akin, mga mensahe ng taong hindi ko kilala upang malaman ko kung ano nga ba ang tingin nila sa akin. Ngunit naisip ko rin na bakit pa nga ba kailangan ng Sarahah para malaman ko ang gusto nilang sabihin, bakit kailangan pang magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng application para masabi mo ang totoo sa isang tao?

Duwag ba sila na purihin ako o hindi naman kaya ay takot ba sila na harap-harapang sabihin ang hinanakit nila sa akin? Ang Sarahah ay tila isang kaduwagan para ipagmalaki o maging daan upang magbigay ligaya. Bakit nga ba ako magiging masaya kung hindi ko nga alam kung totoo ba ang sinasabi nila at bakit ko rin kailangan masaktan sa mensahe ng taong nagtatago sa likod ng teknolohiya?

Minsan napapaisip ako kung paano ba talagang gustong patakbuhin ng teknolohiya ang mundo na pilit naman nating tinatangkilik. Ngunit kung iisipin, tayo lamang din naman ang pumipili kung magpapalamon ba tayo sa sistema ng social media o hindi.

Ikaw, gaano ka ba katapang para sambitin nang harap-harapan ang iyong iniisip at nararamdaman?

Kailangan mo pa ba ng Sarahah para maiparating ang nais mong sabihin? Halina’t ating pag-usapan ang iyong katapangan sa rtfrfrancisco@gmail.com.

Sanaysay:

Ang aral at iba’t ibang kwento ng buhay

Mula sa mga blankong pahina, ang mga titik ay malayang nailalapat ng isang estudyante sa pagsusulit na ginagamitan ng sanaysay. Sa bawat pagdampi ng mga pluma sa puting papel, namumulat ang isang mag-aaral sa kung ano pa ang kayang abutin ng kanyang pang-unawa.

"Each student have their own way of thinking or perspective parang sa essay, mayroong mahaba mag-explain ng sagot mayroon din namang isang sentence lang at 'yung iba naman galing pa ng ibang mundo 'yung ideya pero ganoon tayo lumago and that's what differs us from each other," wika ni Soren Ramos, 19 na taong gulang at isang fresh graduate mula sa AMA Computer University.

Tayo ang magsusulat ng sanaysay ng ating buhay at dito natin makikita ang mga bagay na ating napagtagumpayan sa paglipas ng panahon, at mga bagay na dapat pa nating pagbutihin. Isa itong magandang pagkakataon upang maipakita sa iba kung ano ang aral sa kwento ng buhay natin.

Ang bawat tsek sa papel ay may katumbas na puntos at ang bawat ekis ay may katumbas na leksyon na magtuturo sa atin na ang lahat ng bagay ay dapat pinagsusumikapan at pinaghahandaan.

Ang buhay mag-aaral katulad ng isang pagsusulit ay isang digmaan na pinagpaplanuhan, at pinag-aaralan. Bilang mandirigma, ang mga estudyante ay humaharap sa mga unos sa pagtuntong nito sa eskwelahan. Isa na rito ang mga pagsusulit na instrumentong nagbibigay-daan upang masagot ang higit na malalim na mga katanungan na haharapin sa buhay ng isang mag-aaral.

DIBUHO NI DAN ACEDILLO LATAG NI ARA DG. AFABLE

PHOTOS BY JONAS IAN G. IGOY, ALLEINE JOERWEL S. GOMEZ, MYKEE VHON T. BELERAN LAYOUT BY MYKEE VHON T. BELERAN

ARTS MASELANG BAHAGI

By JOHN LORMER DG. DE DIOS

JUICE COLORED!

FRUITKEYK!

BY BRENT CORADO

By DAN ACEDILLO E-BOOKS | FROM PAGE 1 Students can also assess themselves through practice quizzes and other interactive features of the application.

Human Resource (HR)) Management Program Head Maria Carmen Lapuz explained that they are still requiring the HR students to buy the digital books as they are strengthening the course in a manner of trying to combine it with online learning, industry immersion and voluntary certification.

“We are piloting this kind of activity for you [HR students] to be able to have a more feel of the real world experience. Examples of the real world inside the classroom are not enough. So that’s why we’re allowing you to get access to a lot of resources that will allow you to have a better learning,” Lapuz explained.

Dela Cruz clarified that Human Resource Management and Marketing Management are the only subjects required to buy e-books.

For the other subjects, it is upon the discretion of the students whether they will avail it or not.

Lapuz further explained that the cost of the e-books offered by external sources is twice the price than the ones offered by FEU to its students.

Moreover, a Financial Management student shared his concern with the expiration of the license of the digital books they bought. He, together with the rest of the attendees, asked the admin to at least allow the access to their notes in the e-books for them to use it as a reviewer in future exams.

Dela Cruz assured them that the administration will try to resolve the expiration issue and will negotiate with the publisher to get a permanent license for the e-books.

After the heated exchange of questions, the forum ended with resolutions to the raised concerns of the students. In exchange, Dela Cruz asked the students to raise their complaints to the adminis-

tration instead of posting it online.

“I believe that it was a successful event because all the concerns were raised and all the questions personally came from the students, so we really went to the grass root level,” IABF SC President Maria Estrella Datinguinoo said.

The department, in coordination with the IABF SC, will conduct a formal survey whether the students want to push through with the e-book or not before deciding on what learning method is to be used next semester.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) President Jose Gabriel Bayan said they are planning to have an open forum between the students from other institutes and the university administrators to deliberate and discuss problems that remain unheard in the activity period on September 26.

The temporary I.D. is an FEU Identification Card which has the holder’s name, picture, and student number. When issued, the ID comes with an FEU Generic I.D lace and holder which must be surrendered to the security officers at the gates every time the student leaves the University’s premises. Failure to do so will constitute to a minor offense.

“Please remember

also that a student can avail the temporary ID three times only for the whole semester. On the fourth instance within the semester that a student forget[s] his/her ID, the student can no longer avail the temporary ID and has [to] apply for a new replacement ID,” Cada explained.

The cost of a new I.D., which Cada described as “more than the usual cost of an ID”, is 414 pesos.

Furthermore, as the student is issued a replacement I.D., his or her old one will be invalidated and required to be surrendered to the University.

-Monique S. Pamintuan

UNIFORM | FROM PAGE 1 Cada added that the students, as adult learners, should understand that policies are put in place for valid reasons, and not simply for whimsical purposes.

With the implementation of the provisions, the cross-dressing policy will continue to be in place.

Gate violations no more In line with the new policy, gate violations will not be tracked anymore.

However, non

compliance with the proper school attire when already inside the campus will constitute to a minor violation which will be counted by the Student Discipline instead.

Meanwhile, if students do not comply with the university’s prescribed uniform, they will be denied of entry to the campus.

While gate violations stopped being tracked since August 22, gate offenses committed

by the students prior to the first semester of this academic year are still subject to corresponding sanctions.

New I.D. Policy in place Along with the new school attire policy, FEU implemented a new I.D. Policy.

A temporary I.D. is now issued to a student who fails to bring the official school I.D. However, this is valid for only one day.

With reports from Aliesha Rae J. Johnson and Monique S. Pamintuan

FEU triumphant over winless UST

BY RUPERT BHETZ D. MARCELO

After losing to the Blue Eagles in their last game, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws bounced back and stopped the University of Santo Thomas (UST) Growling Tigers from bagging their first win with the scores, 7865, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 last September 23, held at the Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena in Pasay City.

The green-andgold squad started slow as they were outmatched by the Tigers in the offensive end, with FEU shooting 29.73% in the field over UST's 36.11%, it resulted to the game's first half score, 31-36, in favor of the yellow and white jerseys.

“Sobrang lamya namin ‘nung first half kaya hindi kami makakuha ng magandang output (We’re too sloppy in the first half, so we can’t get a good output),” FEU’s small forward Ron Dennison quoted.

As both teams entered the third canto, FEU changed the tempo of the game by controlling the boards and managed to tie the game with 45-all after off guard Wendell Comboy

swished in the free throw coming off an unsportsmanlike foul by UST’s threepoint specialist Carlo Escalambre with 2:08 minutes remaining in the quarter.

FEU started a stampede in the fourth frame, as big man Arvin Tolentino knocked down back-toback three pointers, 5548, with 9:15 minutes remaining in the game clock.

Those shots created momentum for the Tamaraws to ignite a 21-to-seven run against the Tigers, 76-57, with 3:27 left in the game.

The lead made by the Morayta-based cagers was the largest one against the opposing team throughout the entire game.

“First half namin medyo flat siguro na-miss namin ‘yung presence ni Prince [Orizu] kasi may sakit din siya, pero at least ‘nung second half nag-step up naman, kaming mga bigs and ‘yun na-control namin ‘yung rebounds doon [kami] nagkaroon ng mga runs, good second half for us (Our first half was kind of flat and maybe we missed the presence of Prince because he is sick but at least in the second half we stepped up, we, the bigs

and we controlled the rebounds and with that we came up with runs, it was a good second half for us),” Tolentino quoted.

“We came out flat.

Ang sinabi ko sa kanila, they need to come out with intensity, energy, and effort. ‘Yung second half, ‘yun ‘yung nangyari (We came out flat, and I told them that they need to come out with intensity, energy, and effort. Then it happened on second half),” FEU Head Coach Olsen Racela added.

With only 59 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Tamaraw rookie Alec Stockton dished an isolation lay-up against his defender to create a safe cushion for his team to secure the win, 78-63.

“Hindi ko alam na ganito pala sa UAAP, it’s hard to get wins, it doesn’t matter if you play Ateneo, La Salle, UST, UE. Mahirap manalo and that’s what I told the players na we have to grind it out walang sure win at lahat kailangan pagpaguran namin, and this game tonight showed na kailangan talaga paghirapan ang mga panalo (I didn’t know that it’s hard

to get wins in the UAAP, it doesn’t matter if you play Ateneo, La Salle, UST, UE. It is hard to win and that is what I told the players that we have to grind it out, there are no sure wins and we need to work hard , and this game showed that we need to work hard to get wins),” Racela shared his insights about the game.

FEU’s veteran Ron Dennison still continued to emerge as the go-to-guy of the team contributing 15 points, four boards and two assists. While power forward Tolentino helped his team with a double-double performance scoring 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. On the other hand, big man Jeepy Faundo topped UST's stats sheet with a double-double performance, giving his team 16 points and 11 boards.

The green-andgold squad improved their standing with a 2-2 win-loss record. Their next opponents will be Coach Jamike Jarin's team, the National University (NU) Bulldogs on September 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

Against the odds. FEU Tamaraw Kevin Ebona (8) goes up against UST big man Steve Akomo (0) and Regie Boy Basibas (5) for the rebound during their match up in the MoA Arena. (Photo by Novelyn Kaye Y. Contratista)

Lady Tamaraws unsuccessful to nab solo lead

BY RUPERT BHETZ D. MARCELO AND GIO CARLO D. CASTRO

After successfully escaping the claws of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles in their last game, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws bowed down to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs after four thrilling sets, 22-25, 28-26, 29-27, 25-22, suffering their first lost in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference last September 17 at the FilOil Flying V Arena, San Juan.

“Sabi nga ng coaches namin hindi kami tinalo ng kalaban, tinalo kami ng errors namin (Our coaches said that we didn’t lose to our opponent, we were beaten by our errors),” FEU skipper Bernadeth Pons said.

The Lady Tamaraws started the first set slow as they were down by six points, 9-15, due to the errors committed. But FEU were able to take control after creating a 12-to-five run and captured the lead with the score, 2120, allowing them to snatch the set. Jerrili Malabanan’s open hit that gave them the lead highlighted the run.

Exchanges of scores and forced errors happened in the early minutes of the second set, until FEU’s Angelica Cayuna committed a double contact violation that caused the set to enter its first deuce point, 24-all. The

Aggressive determination. FEU Lady Tamaraw setter Kyle Negrito (12) goes for a block as NU Lady Bulldog wing spiker Audrey Paran (15) attempts to outsmart the defense of the green and gold team through an off-speed attack. (Photo by Raymond S. de Dios)

scores were at a stalemate until NU got the lead with 26-27; the Lady Tamaraws were unsuccessful in their back-set play to Toni Rose Basas after NU’s Audrey Paran neglected the attack to win the set, 26-28.

The FEU volley-

belles still gave NU a stiff fight in the third set as they found themselves in another deuce, 27 apiece, but the Lady Bulldog’s front liner Jaja Santiago anchored her team after scoring two consecutive points to take the set.

The fourth set of the game spelled disaster as the green-and-gold squad started off clumsy allowing the Lady Bulldogs to take the lead, 15-10. The Tamaraws were able to find hope when they created a nine-to-four run to tie up the game, 19-

all. But NU secured their win by sticking with their impressive offense, Aiko Urdas’ attack in the middle highlighted NU’s win in the fourth set.

Set to improve “’Yung skill nandoon eh pero ‘yung decision making kasi sa kanila then ‘yun

kailangan medyo dagdagan pa ‘yung mental toughness sa game (The skills are there but the decision making, it’s on them and then they need to improve their mental toughness to the game),” Head Coach George Pascua quoted after their loss.

Despite their loss, anchor Pons bucked in a total of 18 points while behind her was Toni Rose Basas who tallied 10 markers for the volleybelles which gave away a total 35 points off errors. While on the opposing team, NU’s Santiago scored 26 points.

“Ako kasi syempre ‘yung captain ng team so kailangan mag-lead ako by example, so ‘pag nagawa ko ‘yung role ko susunod naman sila, tapos ‘yun syempre gustong gusto namin manalo kaso syempre kulang talaga, marami pa kami kailangan i-improve (As the captain of the team I need to lead them by example, if I play my role well they’ll follow, and we really want to win but still it’s not enough, there are still more to improve),” Pons shared.

Standing with a 2-1 record, the Lady Tams will now look to recover and seek to charge back as they face the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers on September 27, 4:00 pm at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.