croSSCuRrent 2014-2015

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editorial board editorial department Editor-in-Chief

Mr. JOEY G. VARGAS Associate Editor

Dr. MARIO H. MARANAN Creative Directors

Mr. ADRIAN OCAMPO Mr. LLOYD ZAPANTA Publication Coordinators

Ms. LEILA ANGELES Ms. GREY-AN KEITH PASCUAL Mr. DAVID EMMANUELLE L.TORRES During my inauguration as President, I mentioned five points for reflection. Among these five is the Sense of History.

I said: I envision a continued effort to clarify and establish our roots, our history, so that we may look and move forward into the future with more certainty and a complete sense of Sebastinian identity. Without being firmly rooted in our past, our future shall be weak: as branches and fruits to the roots of a tree. In this light, I encourage more studies or researches in the line of edifying our roots, and incorporating these in the education we give to our students.

business department Publisher

Rev. Fr. CRISTOPHER C. MASPARA, OAR Associate Publisher/Circulations Director

Ms. MARYGRACE A. AC-AC

Finance Director

Rev. Fr. WILLIAM C. VILLAFLOR, OAR

This year, therefore, we begin to more definitively clarify our past and edify our unity with the vision of the institution.

In particular, we begin the preparations for the 73rd Foundation Anniversary, the celebration of which shall be held in January this academic year. This must be taken with full excitement and expectation for what lies ahead of us especially when we celebrate our 75th Foundation Anniversary three years from now.

We also journey with the rest of the Philippines in terms of educational innovations and technological advancements; thus, our continued preparations for K to 12 and development of relevant programs and amenities.

But, more importantly, we begin to more concretely realize how it is to become part of an academic institution that is bound by a Recollect tradition and spirituality.

Indeed, greatness awaits one who recollects.

Managing Director

Ms. JAIVIE L. DEL SOCORRO

Publications Consultant

Rev. Fr. LEANDER V. BARROT, OAR

is published by the Office of Corporate Communications with office address at the Saint Sebastian Building, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Recto Ave. ,Manila.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express prior approval of Corporate Communications.

All comments regarding the content of this publication shall be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief.

Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR President

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June - October Issue

editorial

GREATNESS awaits one who

RECOLLECTS

The Gravissimum Educationis – or the Declaration on Christian Education included in the documents of the Second Vatican Council – and the Life Purpose of SSC-R Manlia present what an educational institution must strive for: excellence. Every educational institution must imbue among its constituents that desire for excellence, for greatness. This also applies to, or safeguarded by, the evangelical mission of a Catholic educational institution such as that of SSC-R Manila.This clearly seems to be in the minds of those who worked to formulate and define the direction of SSC-R Manila as stipulated in its vision written thus: “We want San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila to be a leading dynamic Catholic Christian educational institution whose graduates are intellectually and globally competitive individuals imbued with Augustinian Recollect values.”

The goal is clearly set: excellence at par with the intellectual movement of the society. But this movement towards greatness must be coupled with and guarded by that virtue of humility. If SSC-R Manila ensures the accomplishment of its vision, it naturally follows that it also realizes what the Gravissimum Educationis presented as a mission: “Thus there is accomplished a public, enduring and pervasive influence of the Christian mind in the furtherance of culture and the students of these institutions are molded into men truly outstanding in their training, ready to undertake weighty responsibilities in society and witness to the faith in the world.”

In order for the institution to accomplish such a daunting mission, therefore, there is a need for each of its members to consciously share in this said mission. Each must, ergo, be imbued with that desire towards greatness and a conscious effort to do things in the spirit of love and humility. In this light must we examine whether we accomplish this mission.

During the times when we absent ourselves at the expense of our students, for example, are we able to see this as a realization of the institution’s goal? Are we able to set examples to our students; or, with such acts, do we not relinquish our opportunities to mold them into becoming productive and proactive members of society? Along the corridors of the institution, we hear students remark about their professors’ absences. These remarks expectedly come in various types. There is that of a rejoicing remark, because it would mean not having classes; or a disgruntled remark, especially when the student came prepared or too early or rushed in order to make it on time only to find out the professor won’t be around; or a complacent remark, because the student already got used to having professors who absent themselves from their classes. This is a very saddening circumstance because our absence actually makes present the possibility of miseducating the young people entrusted to our care.

When we are not able to really evaluate and help our students and we simply cover our inadequacies with an arrogant attitude towards them, we do not allow

Con’t on p.29

cover story Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects as principle guiding the

SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts

by Joey G. Vargas (At this point when the school is beginning to plot the direction the institution will take in its celebration of its 73rd year until the celebration of its 75th year, the theme is suggested also to serve as a principle by which all endeavors must be guided. Said principle is the title used for this article, which presents a view on how this may guide one and all units. The writer is presently the Artistic Director of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, the Editor-in-Chief of the croSSCuRrent (Official Administrative Reports), and the Festival Director for the upcoming 73rd Foundation Anniversary Celebrations. ) At the beginning of the second year of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, I have written: A year after the creation of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, I am led to these reflections and decisions.

Majority of the members of the SSC-R Manila community must be led to understand the value of the arts in the institution.

They must be led to understand that the development of the arts also depend on the development of the other aspects of the school such as that of the propagation of the faith and that of education. The arts are by-products of minds and hearts molded in or through – and fortified with – knowledge and wisdom. This knowledge or wisdom necessary for artistic creation does not only come from subjects such as those focusing on language, literature, and the like.This comes from a guided combination of various principles and concepts learned from various or all subjects. I think that must be

Con’t on p.8

TABLE of CONTENTS cover story president’s report literary features news features

1 2 3 4 5 June-October 2013 Crosscurrent

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news

Masscomm Bags BBFF Awards

Int’l Art Confab shouts ACT now!

by Hannah Marie C. Untalan The Association of Recollect Mass Communicators (ARMACOM) bagged the award for the best cinematography with the film, Hula, directed by Ms. Catherine Arroyo, and is SSC-R Manila’s entry to the third annual Black Barong Film Festival held at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines last September 20 this year.

The event is held annually to recognize outstanding short films created by college students.

In association with the Alyansang Tuklas Sining Inc., ARMACOM and the Tomasion Cable Television (TOMCAT) invited different colleges and universities across the metro to participate in said festival. 42 film entries came in from different schools but only 14 made the final cut, 2 of which came from SSC-R Manila.

The three top finalists were from the Far Eastern University (FEU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

Artists, educators, and arts enthusiasts from different parts of the world gathered in the Philippines recently not simply to celebrate the richness of arts in Asia but to collaborate and use arts as an action towards national growth. 400 participants coming from 9 countries – Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Australia, USA, and Philippines – attended the 2nd Cross Cultural Asian Art Education International Conference held at Miriam College, October 8-9, 2013.

With its theme, Art, Culture, Technology or ACT now!, the conference sought to discuss the interrelationship of the three as tools for instruction and development.

“The conference encourages the exchange of ideas in the context of different cultures. We will realize that we can be culturally different and yet significantly the same in vision and mission as we work towards the ASEAN Curriculum in 2015 in general and the K-12 Philippine Curriculum, specifically in art education,” Dr. Lourdes K. Samson, conference convenor, stressed during the opening program.

Mga Gawain para sa Buwan ng Wika 2013, Matagumpay na Naisakatuparan

news

Matagumpay na naisakatuparan ng Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades at ng Supreme Student Government ang pinalawig pang mga gawain na taun-taong inihahanay para sa selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika.

Hunyo pa lamang ay nagkaroon na ng serye ng konsultasyon at nagpalabas na ng anunsyo ang Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades hinggil sa mga sumusunod na gawain: pormal na pagbubukas ng selebrasyon (banal na misa, indak-panlansangan, masayang pananghalian, konsyerto, art exhibit, at outreach program); ilang serye ng audition at elimininasyon para sa Pasiklaban sa Pag-awit at Pagsayaw (kategorya ng kolehiyo); Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw (kategorya ng Mataas na Paaralan o High School); Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina; Debate (kategorya ng Mataas na Paaralan); Debate (kategorya ng Kolehiyo); Pinal na Pasiklaban; at ang prestihiyosong Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika.

Sa nasabi ring buwan ay nagpalabas na ng mga liham at korespondensiya ang mga tagapamahala ng bawat gawaing nakahanay para sa maayos na koordinasyon nito at pagresulba sa mga usaping pinansyal na kailangang gugulin sa mabibigat at teknikal na gawain.

Samantala, bago pa man pormal na buksan ang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika ay isinagawa na ang audition at eliminasyon ng Pasiklaban sa Pag-awit at Pagsayaw (kategorya ng Mataas na Paaralan o High School) noong ika-24 ng Hulyo; Pre-pageant (talent showcase) ng Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika noong ika-31 ng Huyo sa Bulwagang Diego Cera; Photoshoot ng Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika noong ika-29 ng Hulyo sa GSM Bar; at ang Eliminasyon ng Debate noong ika-31 ng Hulyo sa San Sebastian Moot Court.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosario O. Lapus, President of Miriam

Con’t on p.25

SSCR-Manila Holds Summer Orientation on CMO No. 46, series of 2012 Dr. Catherine Castañeda, the Director of the Commission on Higher Education - National Capital Region (CHED-NCR), was the resource person of the seminarorientation on CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012 entitled “Policy-Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance (QA) in the Philippine Higher Education through Outcomes-based and Typology-based QA.” The seminarorientation was held on June 4, 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM at the Domingo Carceller Hall, SSC-R Manila.The Religious and Lay Administrators, Area Heads, Academic Coordinators and Faculty members of SSC-R Manila, SSC-R Canlubang and SSC-R Cavite participated in the event.

The Seminar- orientation started with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Alberto S. Avanzado, OAR, the School Chaplain and Director of the Campus Ministry Office.It was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The School President, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR gave the opening remarks in which he commended the presence of the Religious and Lay Administrators and thanked the delegates of other Recollect schools for their participation in the event. Mr. Ramon M. Montierro, the School Registrar, introduced the resource speaker.

Dr. Catherine

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June - October Issue

Q. Castañeda, a

much sought-after speaker locally and internationally, in her talk stressed the need to have a change of mindset of the school’s stakeholders, including the parents,towards the educational system.

There is a need for us to embrace the fact that the quality of education in our country is already lagging behind that of our neighbouring Asian countries. For the last twelve years, the passing rate of graduates in the Board Exams is only an average of 36.6% to 36.8%. Moreover, she cited that ¾ of the Nursing and Maritime schools in our country were given closure papers by CHED due to their failure to meet the implementation of standards, with zero or below the national passing rate in the Board Exams, and failure in the standardization tests given by international agencies.

What are we trying to do now?

For Dr. Castañeda, we must push on the education agenda. With this, she challenged everyone to focus on the concept of education through the need to have curriculum revisions, revisit of the school’s vision-mission goals, and implement quality assurance mechanisms. CHED has been working to enhance the Faculty Development Program by providing subsidy to faculty/ practitioners who are interested to study for their graduate degrees in the local or international universities with good

standing. The CHED is also working on agreements with international linkages such as the Washington Accord, APEC Registry of Engineers and now aiming to have an agreement with the Bologna Accord.

Dr. Castañeda encouraged the school managers to have an effective technology application and development. There is also a need to study further the opening of the oversubscribed courses. Thus, learning throughout life is the key to help individuals “adapt to the evolving requirements of the labor market” and better master “the changing time-frames and rhythms of individual existence.”

The importance of Quality Assurance (QA) mechanisms and systems in education was highlighted by the speaker for all the schools to address development concerns and to meet the national and international standards for disciplines and professions. In order to enhance quality assurance and improve the higher education system, CHED has to change its one-size-fitsall QA system, to a developmental QA that implements a common set of quality indicators for all Philippine HEIs regardless of their mission. Thus,

Con’t on p.25

Indak- Panlansangan, Unang Pasabog

kay Bb. Shiela Tandoc (punong-abala sa indak-panlansangan).

Indak-panlansangan ang unang naging pasabog sa pagbubukas ng selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika noong ika-02 ng Agosto.

Ginanap ito sa Quadrangle ng San Sebastian.

Sa bandang huli, tinanghal na kamp’yon ang klase ni Gng. Rebecca Minas, BST 4 A na nagbigay ng interpretasyon sa Kadayawan Festival na pinangalawahan naman ng klase ni Dr. Tessie Ong, BST 4B na nagbigay ng interpretasyon sa Panagbenga Festival.

Layunin ng gawain na ito na ipakita hindi lamang ang talino ng mga magaaral sa larangan ng pagsayaw, kundi maging ang maibahagi sa bawat Sebastino ang yaman ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng kultura at paniniwala.

Limang pangkat na nanggaling sa mga klase ng HU 102 o Humanities ang nagpasiklaban sa iba’t ibang sayaw na panlansangan na ginagamit sa mga kapistahan sa buong kapuluan ng Pilipinas.

“Walang itulak kabigin sa lahat ng pangkat na lumahok sa nasabing kompetisyon. Lutang na lutang ang kulturang Pilipino sa kasuotan at mga kagamitan na kanilang ipinakita habang nagtatanghal.

Maganda ang koordinasyon ng bawat kasapi ng pangkat. Matagumpay naman nilang nabigyan ng hustisya ang kultura ng lugar na kanilang kinakatawan”, ayon

Tumanggap ng Php 4000 ang kamp’yon samantalang 3000 naman ang ikalawang gantimpala bukod sa sertipiko ng pagkilala at insentibo ng kanilang klase na manggagaling sa kanilang mga dalubguro sa Humanities.

Samantala, nagdaos din ng Banal na Misa nang araw na iyon (11 n.u.) na sinundan naman ng Masayang Pananghalian sa College of Arts and Sciences Faculty (12 n.t.).

Matapos ang masayang pananghalian, ibinahagi ng College of Arts and Sciences ang kanilang mga biyayang natatanggap bilang isang masayang departamento sa adopted community mula sa Barangay 393 at 384 ng Quiapo.

Isinagawa ang outreach program sa tulong ng Outreach Coordinator ng CAS na si G.

John Irish Lira.

Ayon kay G. Lira “Kakaiba ang outreach na ito sa lahat ng outreach na isinagawa ng departamento sapagkat bukod sa pagkain, nagbahagi rin ng karunungan story reading/telling ang CAS sa pamamagitan ng mga dalubguro ng Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades na sina G. Cedrick Ravina at Gng. Clarissa Dungo. Naging makabuluhan din ang outreach na ito dahil sinuportahan tayo ng Rotaract sa pamamagitan ng mga pagkain at libro na kanilang ipinamahagi sa mga bata na aming benepisyaryo”.

Sa kabilang dako, higit na sumiklab ang saya ng emosyon ng mga Sebastino sa mga Pambungad na Gawain ng Buwan ng Wika nang magsagawa ng konsyerto ang Callalily at Banda ni Kleggy sa Bulwagang Diego Cera sa ganap na 2:00 n.h. Punungpuno ng manunood at mga panauhin ang Bulwagan sa simula hanggang sa wakas ng konsyerto. (Ang konsyerto ay inihandog ng Fox International Cable Channel sa pakikipagtulungan ng Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades at Supreme Student Government).

Con’t on p.26

Crosscurrent

5

president’s report As San Sebastian College –Recoletos Manila envisions itself to be a leading dynamic Catholic Christian Educational Institution with the holistic formation of its students; it has lined- up programs and activities for the college toward the attainment of this vision and mission.

president’s report

Upgrading Seminar in Catholic School Services” last July 31- August 1.

to produce graduates who are globally competitive individuals, schemes and guidelines related to academic programs and activities were undertaken.

Seminars/ Training Workshop Administrators from SSC-R Manila, Canlubang and Cavite and Augustinian Recollect Sisters attended the Seminar on CMO No. 46, Series of 2012 on Policy Standard to enhance Quality Assurance (QA) in Philippine Higher Education Through Outcomes-based and Typology-based QA with Dr. Catherine Castañeda, CHED-NCR Director as speaker last June 4.

A two-day training workshop was hosted for Computer Science/Information Technology accreditors composed of Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors of different schools with the talk of Ms. Concepcion V. Pijano, PAASCU Executive Director on the “OVERVIEW OF PAASCU” followed by the talk of Dr. Ma. Celeste T. Gonzales, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs of Ateneo de Manila University on “THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ACCREDITORS” last July 30-31.

Administrators, faculty members and Campus Ministry Office staff attended the REAP sponsored “Updating and

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June - October Issue

Renovation of NSTP, EDP Photo Booth and Student Discipline Office – July 2

Renovation ofCorporate Communication Department – July

Outreach Programs and Activities The Sebastinian Outreach Foundation Inc. is continuously giving assistance and services to the internal and external community members of SSC-R. For the first semester of Academic Year 2013-2014 the following activities, services and assistance were undertaken:

K to 12 Updates

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND UPDATES. In order

Dialogues and Consultations

The Administrators and College Students’ Dialogue/ Consultation was conducted at the Seminar Room last September 4.

Business Admin, Computer Science/Information Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management/Tourism, Accountancy Programs and Student Affairs and Services were given the rate of full compliance during the CHED’s Monitoring Visit last September 18.

Scholarship grants were extended to various beneficiaries.

Physical Facilities

The Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno had a dialogue and consultation with the twenty (20) lay administrators of SSC-R Manila and SSC-R Canlubang at the Seminar Room of the school last August 30.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES. The office of the VP for Religious Affairs (VPRA) and Campus Ministry Office (CMO) have conducted various religious formation programs and activities for the spiritual growth and development of the entire Sebastinian Community, such as masses of the Holy Spirit for the Basic Education and College Department, and the concelebrated holy masses for First Fridays, Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and that of St. Augustine; students’ recollections and retreats; confessions and first communion for grade school pupils; acceptance and investiture rites for Knights of the Altar; conduct of the Living Rosary; Christian Living seminars/formations; and pilgrimages to different shrines.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES.

Instruments are already in place.

The HRDC and the K-to-12 committee on faculty development program gave a series of trainings and seminars to the faculty members in preparation for the opening of the senior high school program and as part of the transition management program of the school: Curriculum Development (July 10), Content and Performance Standards in Different Learning Areas (August 7), Outcomes-Based Education (August 14), and Standards-based Assessment Framework/Test Construction (September 11).

PAASCU Schedule of Visits The Grade School and High School Departments were accredited by FAAP for five (5) years, through PAASCU, with Level III status. PAASCU visits will be in February and March next year.

The applicant status of the Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS) was accepted by the PAASCU and its actual Preliminary Visit will be on February 28 and March 1, 2014

SOFI extended P5,000.00 financial Assistance to MARY ROSS PAQUIS TRINIDAD , a 10-year old grade school pupil who is undergoing a Chemotherapy.

Repainting of Hallways – July

Materials for the repair of the ceiling of Barangay Day Care Center were donated last June 8, courtesy of Class ‘79.

Notebooks and pens were distributed to 60 Day-Care pupils of Barangay 393, courtesy of Class ‘79 last June 29.

SOFI with the College of Arts and Sciences conducted the “Share a Book, Build a Beautiful Mind” for 30 children of Barangay 393 last August 1.

Installation of 160 Study Tables and Repainting of Bookshelves at the Law Library – July (continuing)

SOFI, with the Class ‘79, distributed sets of notebooks and pens to 55 children of Barangay Nepomuceno last August 17.

A Relief Operation was conducted at Palingon Evacuation Center, Calamba City last September 15.

“Value Enhancement Seminar for the Youth” was conducted in coordination with the Student and Development Placement Center last September 25.

Renovation of IGS Classrooms and Dean’s Office – August

Repainting of HS Classrooms – September to October

Chon-Buk University students were accommodated during their 14- day visit to SSC-R Manila, from July 15-28, for their outreach program.

Renovation of HS Publications Office (to Renovation of the GradeSchool make way for the fire exit) – September Guidance Office – September

Human Resource and Development Manuals and Ranking Instrument The following SSC-R manuals have already been revised after the committee deliberation, consultation with the concerned departments, and approval of the School Board: College Student Manual, High School Student Manual, Grade School Student Manual, and the College of Law Student Manual.

The following manuals, on the other hand, are still in the process of committee deliberation and consultations: Administrative Manual, OPS and Maintenance Manuals, ANTF Manual, and the College of Law Faculty Manual.

The High School and Grade School Faculty Ranking

SOFI with the students of Chon-Buk University extended their CleanUp Drive.

SOFI, with IREP people, sponsored the Healing Mass for residents of Barangay Nepomuceno last August 16.

Installation of Bulletin Boards Inside GS Classrooms – September

Installation of Cork Boards Outside HS and GS Classrooms – September

Installation of Additional Handrail at the HS Building – September

Crosscurrent

7

cover story

cover story

Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects as principle guiding the

SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts

by Joey G. Vargas

Let it be clear, this early, that when I say or write SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, I mean to refer not just to one office within the SSC-R Manila community; I also refer to the very goal of that particular office, that is, to make the SSC-R Manila a center.

One very interesting and significant definition of center is: a point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions. Taking this definition, I would like to state that it must be the goal of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts to work towards establishing San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila as a center or as a point of origin, as of influence, ideas, or actions. This means that the institution must be an active participant in plotting the course of personal histories of individuals it comes to work with, and of the history of the nation and the world. This shall require a deeper understanding of the humanities. The Center shall work towards molding the hearts of SSC-R Manila’s constituents. It shall focus on their humanity.

The office shall strive to make the institution a center of excellence when it comes to culture and the arts.

But how do we come to establish this culture of excellence?

If SSC-R Manila becomes a center of excellence, if it must become a point of origin, then I would like to state that this point must indeed be rooted in the Gospels proclaimed and propagated by the Roman Catholic Church. No other institution shall be able to understand the humanities more than the Church does, with the Church being deeply founded on the Word of God made flesh, made human.

I, therefore, state that the Center shall assist in establishing a culture of excellence among SSC-R Manila’s constituents.

This refers to excellence in various aspects: faith, education, arts.

Con’t from p.3 expected from an academic institution: development of a holistic point of view among its constituents, or individuals who are able to see the interdependence of different areas of thought. I may, therefore, say that a well-developed academic culture inevitably creates a well-developed artistic environment.

To set the identity of this artistic environment that is to be created in San Sebastian, though, there is always a need to make sure that everyone and all endeavors must be founded and grounded on faith.

Ergo, the academic culture that must be developed must be fortified with Gospel values and paradigms that are taken from the Word of God. Without reservations, I must state that the ultimate paradigm the institution must follow in molding its members must only be the One and Triune God.

8

That is to say, in a figurative sense, faith must be the June - October Issue

ground on which education is the tree that is planted: the arts are its fruits. We may go on to say, though, that this is a cycle. The seeds from said artistic fruits shall also nourish said grounds of faith.

To concretize this, therefore, I worked to establish this sense of foundation on faith by understanding the very paradigm that must guide all endeavors of the institution: the Augustinian paradigm captured by the word Recollect.

In truth, these three concepts – faith, education, and the arts – must be perceived as intermingled, affecting one another. But everyone must not be led astray. These three things must be given attention to; but the greatest of these is faith.

I, more concretely, started to use this paradigm in directing the processes of one of the repertory groups of the Center, the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe.

In order, therefore, for the Center for Culture and the Arts to be able to accomplish its mission, it must work towards collaborating with the various units of the institution in making sure that each of the three areas mentioned is given ample attention and importance. It must design and implement projects geared towards the development of all three if it seeks to succeed in making the SSC-R Manila truly a center for culture and the arts.

In the past, the group uses DT to shortly refer to the group.

This simply stands for the very generic dance troupe.

Sometime last school year then, I started the process of moulding the group’s identity, taking inspiration from the very operative word: Recollect. This, even in dance, serves as principle and sets direction for the group, i.e., that in order to reach heights of glorious existence, it is imperative that the members be trained and deeply grounded on the rudiments of dance.

The name also naturally echoes the principles by which the Order of the Augustinian Recollects stands; thus, the members must also be led to develop themselves in the light of the Word of God. I then began to use The Recollects to refer to the group, and began the process of exposing the members of the group to various theories and philosophies, and various realities of life, and the process of using this knowledge for creation. I have written, thus: RECOLLECTS shall be the principle by which all efforts of the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe must be founded.

Recollect is from the Latin word, recolligere, which means to gather again; i.e., from a combination of the prefix re- and colligere, which means “to collect.”

Recollect, therefore, may mean different things in different contexts but with similar acts: 1. to recall to mind or to remember something; have a recollection; 2. to collect, gather, or assemble again (something scattered); or 3. to recover or compose (oneself).

In the context of the arts, what must be recovered or remembered are memories of human life, particular or general. Art, therefore, must always capture that which the human mind may remember.

It may remember a dream of a future that may seem impossible to occur, or a past that may not necessarily have happened, such as magic or those that cannot be accomplished by science.

It collects thoughts or desires for a better life or a better existence, and it recollects them.

It gathers questions – which may even lead to more

Con’t on p.17

The four major thrusts – Research Development, Academic Laboratory, Repertory Building, Linkages – of the Center are expected, then, to strengthen each of the three: faith, education, and the arts. They also are meant to solidify the relationship between and among these areas.

At this point, I would like to discuss the concepts of center and of culture.

Crosscurrent

9

features

Pulitiko si Lolo, Pulitiko si Tatay, at Lahat kami sa Bahay!

First Time Tourist

Ginoong Mar Fortuno

Leila Angeles

Ang pagkakaroon ng political dynasty sa Pilipinas ay maiuugat natin sa kasaysayan at istruktura ng ating lipunan.. Simula noong panahon ng Kastila, ang mga naghahari na sa ating pamahalaan katulong ng mga kolonista ay ang mga ilustrado o mga mayayamang angkan. Nagpatuloy ito hanggang sa panahon ng mga Amerikano. Nabago lang ang tawag sa kanila - mga “elite”.

Hanggang dumating ang diktaduryang Marcos at nang wakasan ito sa pamamagitan ng 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Nang manalo si Cory, isinaad sa konstitusyon ng 1987 sa Art. II sec. 26 ang pagbabawal sa “political dynasties” para diumano ay bigyan ng oportunidad ang mga karaniwang mamamayan na lumahok sa pulitika at lalo’t higit sa lahat ay upang masiguro na hindi na magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga Marcoses na bumalik pa sa gobyerno.

Pero ang malaking tanong dyan ay ito: napalitan ba ang mga uri ng tao (mga elite) sa pamahalaan? Hindi.

Ibang grupo lang ng mga elite ang pumalit at sila naman ang nagtatag ng kani-kanilang dinastiya sa pulitika.

Kaya sa kabila ng pagbabawal nito sa konstitusyon ay nananatili pa ring nakabinbin sa kongreso ang Anti-

Dynasty Law na pinaglipasan na ng mga nagdaang mga kongreso. Bakit? Dahil mismong ang ating mga kongresista ay masasagasaan dito. Ang kanilang uri (elite) ang naghahari dito. Kaya paano mo pahihintulutan itong isabatas kung ikaw bilang elite na kongresista ang unang unang hahambalusin ng batas na ito? Bagama’t may mga partylist representatives sa kongreso, nananatili pa rin silang minorya sa kongreso. Ang mga matataas na posisyon sa gobyerno ay pinaghaharian at sinusuportahan pa rin ng mga mayayamang angkan sa Pilipinas.

Hangga’t ang naghaharing uri ay ang mga iilang mayayamang angkan, hindi mamamatay ang isyung political dynasty sa Pilipinas; sapagkat sila ang nagpapairal ng sistema ng ating pulitika (gobyerno) at ekonomiya (negosyo). Hangga’t ‘di nababago ang sistema at nagbubulag-bulagan ang mga mamamayan (masa) sa tunay na kapangyarihan na dapat ay nasa ating kamay, hangga’t nanatili tayong tahimik at nagpapagamit sa mga mayayaman, at habang hindi natin ginagamit ang ating kapangyarihang baguhin ito sa pamamagitan ng ating mga boto (dahil marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ay nagbebenta ng kanilang boto), hindi magbabago ang isyung ito.

Gayundin, nananatiling mangmang ang mga Pilipino dahil sa bulok na sistema ng edukasyon na walang ibang laman ang kurikulum kundi ang magsilbi sa mga multinational corporation at mag-abroad. Habang patuloy na ibinabandera ang komersyalisasyon sa paaralan at sa kabilang banda ay patuloy na pinagpapantasya ng mass media ang mga mamamayan sa mga telenobela at mga balitang puro showbiz at puro karahasan, ‘di mamumulat ang taumbayan sa ugat ng problemang sistema natin ang dahilan. Dapat ang edukasyon ang maging behikulo ng pagbabago sa ating bayan. Dapat ito ay nagmumulat at nagsusulong ng mga ideya na makapagpapalaya sa utak-alipin ng mga Pilipino.

Kung magkagayon, tayo na mismo ang kikilos para simulan ang matagal na nating hinihintay na pagbabago na sa tingin ko ay di pa rin matutupad sa kasalukuyang administrasyon dahil nananatili pa rin ang mga elite sa poder ng gobyerno kasabay ng pagpapatupad nila ng mga polisiyang siyang dahilan ng ating paghihirap.

Dahil ang mga polisiyang ito mismo ang nagluluwal ng pagkakaroon ng korapsyon!

Sana ay maging bahagi ako ng iyong pagmumulat.

JAMIL ORTUOSTE

Jamil Ortuoste plays towards greatness Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundation of humility.

The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.

One may be led to remember these words of Augustine, the famed bishop of Hippo, when one comes to know Jamil Ortuoste. At first, he may seem simply shy. He would say that he feels comfortable wearing polo shirt paired with the usual jeans as he thinks this may make him look more decent and respectable; that is, comparing it with how he feels and looks wearing non-collared shirts.

This somehow says a lot about this man’s simplicity. Getting to know him more would lead one to realize that it is indeed possible for one to become great and yet remain humble. One may even learn that the only sure way to achieving greatness is through humility. This virtue is very much embedded in the education Jamil receives from San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila, which is run by the Order of Augustinian Recollects priests.

Some say that God gives this grace of humility to those who ask for it.

Sometimes, though, God grants this through experiences of humiliation. Only those who embrace and survive such experiences would receive the gift of humility. That gift is the key that shall unlock the door towards greatness.

10 June - October Issue

Con’t on p.22

features

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I have known this maxim for as long as I can remember. But I have come to understand these words in a more personal light only recently.

Since it would be my first time to travel out of the country, I had expected to have fun and enjoy the experience. Little did I know that it would be a learning experience that would open my eyes to the reality of life of Filipinos in a foreign land.

We Filipinos are known for our good sense of humor, resiliency, adaptability, helpfulness, hospitability, and patience. It is no wonder, therefore, why Filipinos are loved all over the world. This I have witnessed first-hand. We tend to look after one another when we are in a foreign country. Also, we go out of our way, figuratively and literally, just to lend a helping hand to our kababayans. Like the Pinoys we met in Hong Kong and in Macau (God bless them!), somegave us tips on how to stay safe and enjoy the trip, and some brought us to our destination even if they had to walk far back to get to theirs.

Filipinos have a strong respect for cultural and personal differences. We adapt to our foreign surroundings, the ways of people we meet, the needs of others, and the laws of their country. We do not insist on the practices we have been used to nor do we demand to get our way no matter how right or how educated we are. Instead, we try to bend and give way, not because we are cowards like others would think, but because it is the more diplomatic and humane thing to do.

The sacrifices we make help define who and what we are.

The first-time tourists that most of us were shared the same realization that being an overseas worker is not just difficult, it is a great challenge as well. A challenge on personality, psychology, and values. Making your earnings enough for food and shelter after sending money to the family back home is tough. Oftentimes, you have to forego a meal a day just to buy things for the family. More than the homesickness that an OFW faces, it is the way the employers treat Filipinos that makes his/her employment a great sacrifice. As foreigners in that country, Filipinos are not spared from the treatment some employers give the OFWs.So the next time one asks his/ her parent or sibling working abroad for gadgets or money, consider what sacrifices would be made just to give him/her what he/she wants.

An immigration officer told me that I have a smiling face.

He didn’t know that I was masking my nervous state by smiling at him. I was silently praying that he would allow me entry to their country without a hitch. Maybe, he knows that it is a fact that we Filipinos have a great sense of humor and that we love to smile a lot. We, Pinoys, laugh our way out of awkward or embarrassing situations. We always have a ready smile for everyone, especially when we hear someone speaking a familiar dialect. It makes one feel closer to home when one encounters a familiar spirit. And it doesn’t matter that you are a stranger, we would always strike a conversation as if we are friends back in the Philippines.

Take the case of my own blooper. I still turn red whenever I recall that incident. The observant that I am, from the time we arrived at NAIA, I have looked around and observed people.

I noticed this couple while we checked in our luggage and waited for our boarding time; saw them again as we boarded the plane and when we landed in Hong Kong International Airport. On our third day, we saw them again while we were lining up for the bus that would bring us to Ocean Park. We asked them to join our group since they were at the end of a very long queue. I struck a conversation at once with them and told him he looked familiar but I couldn’t recall where I have seen him. He simply smiled. Miss Milan, who was standing behind the couple, motioned to me that the guy is a musician. Only then did I realize why he looked familiar. Of course, the Bloomfields! How could I not have known? Smiling, he introduced himself as Rocky and his girlfriend as Love.

Meeting foreigners in your own country is definitely not the same as being a foreigner in another country. We should not expect to be treated there the same way we treat our foreign visitors here. Rather, we must learn to adjust to their culture if we were to visit their country. Unlike here in the Philippines, our foreign visitors feel at ease easily because we Filipinos have a welcoming and warm culture.

I have been teaching Afro-Asian literature for a very long time now. But this travel to Hong Kong and Macau gave me a deeper understanding somehow of the Chinese culture and its people. I believe that anywhere we go, there are lessons to learn. Some are learned the hard way, others the funny way.

So the next time I travel, I will remember that “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I will try to adapt to their culture, their people, and the situations. But I will also keep in mind that I should never lose my identity and my values as a Filipino. Now, I am more proud to be a FILIPINO.

SHHH . . .

In My Patmos

Ramos, Alvin Ray M.

Leila Angeles

One thing that separates publicity from privacy is the choice of either.

Webster Dictionary defines ‘vulnerable’ as ‘that can be wounded or injured’. Probably, when Mr. Noah Webster compiled his entries in the dictionary, he had not really experienced how it was to be really vulnerable. He had failed to mention the gravity of the pain, suffering or humiliation that accompanies the word.

Your thoughts, feelings, properties, and physical features define your personality. You found your reputation and dignity by managing responsibly your identity. The concept of publicity and privacy is relative since you personally determine which information is for which with respect to the conditions and norms set by the society you are part of. Hence, you constantly engage yourself to personal regulations with the information you set as public and private.

Con’t on p.24

I am one person who does not want to expose myself to vulnerablility. Like many others, I believe in the positive mantra of “I-can-do-things-when-I-set-my-mind-to-it!!” and “Mind over matter.” Don’t get me wrong, I don’t play God

Con’t on p.24 Crosscurrent

11

features

BAGONG - LUMA Atty. Ernesto C. Salao

There are some words or phrases in the vernacular that do not have exact English translation. The most common example is the word “sayang” denoting missed opportunity.

I remember when I was in grade school when there was this popular puzzle that goes like this— translate “pangilang presidente ng Pilipinas si Marcos?”Even my smartest classmates were not able to give a satisfactory answer.

I was never in the honor roll but I was never a pushover.

So I volunteered an answer. My answer was, “Marcos was the blank president of the Philippines. Fill in the blanks!” Well, that is the reason I never made it to the honor roll.

Back to the title. I chose the title when writing this article to describe my experience as the Director of Student Affairs because that was how I was introduced to the school community— that I was a “bagong-luma.” I was “bago” since I just assumed office April this year. But I am also “luma” since I was one of the Service Awardees for 10 years January this year as a member of the Faculty of the College of Law since 2003.

There are also other things that make me a “bagongluma.” I am “bago” in the sense that I practically do not know the people I will work with when I assumed office except Dean Lolita De Guzman who was my professor when I was a college student taking up AB Economics back in the late 80s which made me “luma.” I never had an experience working in the Student Affairs Department which made me “bago” but I involved myself in youth activities in our church which made me “luma” in terms of dealing with the youth.

Economics in college. After graduation, I immersed myself in the family business. But something was missing, so I enrolled in the College of Law while I was working in a bank. After I took my oath as attorney, I joined a publishing company initially as the chief editor of their law books and later became part of the management team, with which part of my job is to formulate business development strategies until my retirement from the company in 2011.

So what am I to do in the Student Affairs Office given my business background? Well, I think that what we are doing here is also business, a nobler kind of business. Every time we teach a child good value system, supplement his or her academic preparation with lifelong skills, nurture a student to become a leader, making them ready to work and be a productive member of the society, then we are investing. Not just for their future but also for the future of my own son. We are actually investing in the single most important resource of our economic system— our people, our students.

The only thing that we need to do in order to appreciate the value of this investment is to watch our primetime news telecast. We can also read newspapers, preferably the tabloids and the broadsheets that are written just like tabloids. Almost everyday, they narrate horrifying stories of crime committed by youth both schooled and out-of-school.

My work in the Student Affairs Office allows me to be an instrument to help today’s youth by partaking in the mission of the school— the same school that helped me become what I am today.

My being “luma” in the school presented a disadvantage.

I felt that I was not given a honeymoon period due to a newbie. For instance, barely a week in office, I had to attend to a group of angry parents who had a mouthful to say.

Barely a month in office, I was asked to appear before the congregation of freshmen students and their parents or guardians to explain school policies. Two months in office, I was working with a group of very important people in the school to prepare for a big activity called “Night Camp.”

But I had to admit that my work here is not just about helping students. I feel that I get a lot of help too because of my work here. For one thing, my work in this school helped me cope with the tremendous loss I experienced when my mother died in 2011. Admittedly, the loss still stings up to this point. But I saw how my mom loved to be in the company of the youth during her days of service in our church. The thought that she will be proud of me because of what I do now helps me a lot.

But of course, the advantage of being a “luma” far outweighs the disadvantage. My familiarity with the school was essential in getting the job done. My affection for the school and what it represents facilitate my motion of getting out of my comfortable bed, take my shower, dress up and drive for more than an hour from home to school. I also find immense satisfaction in my work in the Student Affairs Office.

I think it is important to note at this point that I really love to teach. It is my love for teaching that practically brought me here in the Student Affairs Office. I will never forget that incident when I was still working in my previous company when I told my boss straight that if he will implement a policy that would prohibit his employees to teach, then I will resign in an instant. Did I say that my boss is the owner of the company? (Well, that is another story.) I guess that’s how passionate I am when it comes to teaching.

My dealings with the students also provide constant source of laughter and comic relief. Well, I guess, Whitney Houston is correct when she sang “Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”

It is something remarkable because there is not a single teacher in our family. Both of my parents were into business when they were still alive. They raised us (me and my siblings) with the thought that we will also engage in business someday.

That thought was probably the reason I took up AB

12 June - October Issue

The greatest satisfaction I get is when I see the students accomplish their projects. As a consequence of their lack of experience, time and focus, students, even the best students, fumble so many times in their planning and execution.

There are so many factors that are working against them.

Sometimes, even their greatest asset, which is their boundless source of enthusiasm, becomes their weakness that leads them to commit lapses. They will succeed and it is always a sight to behold to see them rejoice after the successful staging of their events.

This is the reason I am trying to do my best with the time I am given to work in this school in the spirit of passion for excellence, one of the core values of this school. I wish I can do more for the school and the student but I am too old to know that I cannot. For now, I will try to do the best that I can until the end of my tenure.

Bravo Baste!

features

My First “Night” Atty. Ernesto C. Salao

It was something I did not experience when I was still a college student. There was no such thing then. I had a different experience when I was studying law. It was definitely not the same.

I am referring to the Night Camp last June 28 (for which) I was also a part of the planning committee. And what an experience it was!

It started with the information that since I am now with the Student Affairs Office, it is expected that I will become part of the committee that will organize the Night Camp. For some reason, it is part of those “unwritten” job descriptions attached to the office.

In hindsight, it was comfortable for me because I knew I had great mentors to guide me – people who have been with the Institution, who knew what to do and when to do it. I was right. All those who joined the committee did their part, and more. They were very supportive and willing to give the “extra mile.”

Then came the first big decision: the date. It was in midMay when we were told to start the planning. For some reason, there was this urge to hold the Night Camp within June. Some said it will be difficult. Some said better do it in July. But no one said that it cannot be done. And again, they were right. We did it on June 28, 2013.

volunteered not to eat their dinner because there were two (2) students who did not have their meals.

Some of my colleagues from the organizing committee did not sleep that day. I did not even see them take a break.

They were “the constant” in that one long night. Unlike me, I sneaked in my office to sleep for two glorious hours.

In my talk, I explained that the purpose of the Night Camp is, among others, to explain why we care. That night taught me that the faculty in this school really care.

Of course there were hits and misses as well. There were some miscues and lapses, but I think, over-all, my first Night Camp was worth it. It was worth the lack of sleep. It was worth the risk of driving home with one eye closed and 70% malfunctioning brain. Again, it was a miracle that I was able to go home that morning.

They say that the first is always the most memorable.

I guess they were right. That night will be one of the most memorable nights I will ever have. Bravo Baste!

Small miracles abound before and even during the Night Camp. The rains kept quiet that day except for that brief episode of rain that did not matter anyway since the participants were in the Bulwagang Diego Cera. The College of Law and the Bar Review suspended their classes that day, clearing the path for the organizers to prepare the venue with less hassles.

We also had difficulty regarding the budget, or to be accurate, the lack of it. Like all other organizers, we had grand aspirations for the event. I wanted it to be outrageously grand, since again, it was to be my first. But of course, we have this thing called reality. And the reality is that we had to do with limited resources. But again, the grace from above is unlimited. The end result was that we had enough – more than enough, actually.

But as far as I am concerned, the biggest miracle is to see the school administrators and co-faculty members show how much they love the students. I was particularly moved to actually witness two (2) faculty members who Crosscurrent

13

features

Benchmarking 2013:

“HS Faculty Goes to Hong Kong and Macau” Leila Angeles

In the past, the College’s administration sent its religious and lay administrative personnel composed of deans, principals, and coordinators for benchmarking activities in progressive schools abroad. These administrators visited schools in Singapore and in the United States of America.

This summer, the administration sent members of the High School faculty to a benchmarking trip to Hong Kong. With only a month to prepare, the faculty pooled their resources and sources to contact schools in Hong Kong and Macau while getting pertinent papers and documents ready to make their first benchmarking activity a productive and fulfilling one.

The International School of Macao.

Both teams were warmly welcomed by the school’s administration, staff, and students. The schools gave their Manila counterparts a tour of the school facilities and grounds, meeting the faculty and students, and opening their doors for classroom observation, photo opportunities, and random interview as they went around. In both schools, a good number of their teaching and non-teaching staff, even students, is made up of Filipinos.

Before heading back to Hong Kong, the group bravely ventured the streets of Macau’s old district, Taipa. Here, they discovered that the simple task of ordering food in a local restaurant was such a Herculean task since nearly no one speaks English in that part of the city. Finding local residents who can converse in English was like finding a needle in a hay stock.

The faculty was divided into Team Caritas and Team Scientia, with Mrs. Ma. Luisa C. De Vera, CLF Area Head, and Mr. Rhonel D. Nicolas, CP-TLE Area Head, as team leaders respectively. The delegation took the midnight flight which brought them From ordering food to buying to the city of Hong Kong on the early souvenirs, everything was done in morning of April 30. ‘creative’ means. Some

The delegation explored the city’s were taken to the kitchen to point at various attractions on their free time the ingredients of what they believe as part of their would make up a dish; others had to take the waiters to nearby tables historical, social, and aesthetic to point at what others were eating. immersion in the Chinese and Good thing, a young Chinese guy Western- influenced culture. They who looked like a student offered visited churches, museums, markets, to help translate for them in his local restaurants, and the famed broken English. For the task of buying Disneyland and Ocean Park. souvenirs, they had to ‘talk’ and Enjoying the icy breeze of bargain through the calculator.

TsimShaTsui (Kowloon), members of They went to the grand hotels in the delegation took the city and reveled in the amazing long walks along the streets and indoor gondola ride, the endless rode the underground MTR (their shops along the Grand Canal, the version of our MRT) to visit other parts architectural and interior designs of Hong Kong and get a glimpse of The Venetian and the Galaxy of the antiquity in the midst of Hotel. On their last day in Macau, modernization. Among the throng of the group headed to the famous St. bustling people in Hong Kong’s busy Paul Ruins and the shops along the streets, one cannot help but bump Plaza de Senado. onto kababayans who were either Members of the delegation tourists or local residents. Anywhere concluded that the trip to Hong you go, it would be impossible not Kong and Macau was interesting, to see a Filipino or to hear someone insightful, and beneficial. Each speaking our native tongue. one looks forward to the next For the actual school visit, the benchmarking activity. They believe teachers headed for the distinct city that meeting other people and of Macau on May 3, boarding the being immersed in the different Turbo Jet at the ferry terminal which cultures already made them more brought them to Taipa.Team Caritas aware and eager to tread new roads visited Macao Sam Yuk Middle in education. As one, they believe School while Team Scientia went to that the benchmarking experience was a complete success. (LGA)

14 June - October Issue

“Insights” For most of the members who went to the benchmarking trip, it was their first time to go out of the country. When asked which part of the trip was most memorable or striking, here are some of the insights of the ‘first-timers’ of the benchmarking teams: Ms.Cerqueña: “Every time I got to the Immigration Desk,I felt nervous.

I felt like they might refuse me entry, look for other documents, or have me deported or something. So every time I got through the Immigration, I would heave a sigh of relief.”

Mr. Noda: “The ride on the Mine Train in Ocean Park was really mindblowing! I have taken various rides but this one, I believe, was the most dangerous because its train was open,no seatbelts,and its rails were several thousand feet above the sea level, not to mention that it was raining then. It felt like we were hanging on air and we could be thrown into the sea any minute. I have overcome my fear!”

Ms.Allado: “What I found striking was our being resilient,our patience towards one another, and our sense of humor despite the hardships we faced. Also, how we were shown respect as Filipinos in the school we went to. I feel blest that I am a Filipino and not Chinese. Kindness and warmth are innate among Filipinos. Now, I appreciate my fellow Filipinos more.”

Mr.Nicolas: “The experience made me more careful or mindful of my finances. It made me think of how one should consider everything before spending.”

Ms. Milan: “The company I was with, especially when we visited the Wax Museum: we enjoyed the excitement of being lost in the culture, language and the environment. But in being lost, I found love in a hopeless place. J” Mrs.Mellizo: “I realized how difficult it is for Filipinos to work abroad,with foreign employers and how these employers treat our fellow Filipinos.

I think the family of these OFWs, especially the children, must realize what sacrifices are made before they spend what is sent to them.”

Mr. Ramos: “Traveling without any expectations makes the travel worth expecting.”

Mrs. Dimaandal: “The trip to Ocean Park was memorable. I took the cable car ride to the top of the mountain. I was able to conquer my fear of heights. And of course, it was my birthday that day, so that made it more special.”

Ms. De Vera: “Ordering for food doing the sign language; hard to communicate when you don’t know the language you are using.”

The International School of Macau School Academic Profile The International School of Macau (TIS) was founded in 2002 to offer an international, quality Kindergarten to Grade 12 educational program in Macau. Their diverse students receive an inquiry-based, liberal arts education with an emphasis on community service.

They are accredited by the province of Alberta and use the Alberta Education Programs of Study for all subjects at all grade levels. All courses except Mandarin are taught in English. All of the teachers teaching at TIS are Alberta-qualified or qualify for a letter of authority from Alberta Education.Representatives of Alberta Education inspect the school on an annual basis.

Their high school academic year is divided into two semesters: the first starts in late August and ends in January, and the second starts in February and ends in June.

Grade 12 students write the common provincial diploma exams administered by the Alberta Education. Last year’s graduating class of 52 students received university offers from over 80 different universities in Canada, Australia, United States, Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.

TIS is a vibrant and rapidly growing school with a student body of approximately 940 students from 42 different countries. An administrative team consisting of a Head of Schools, Mr. Howard Stribbell, a Secondary Principal, Mr. David Spreadbury, and an Elementary Principal, Mr.Vance Boisjoli, leads the school.

Tatlong Mukha ng Proklamasyon 1017 Dr. Mario H. Maranan

features

Alfred Aaron Peñaflor: Already At Peace Alvin Ray Martinez Ramos

“Ibon mang may layang lumipad, kulungin mo at umiiyak; bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas.”

Tulad ng mga ibong malayang ikinakampay ang kanilang mga bagwis, nais ko ring maging Malaya. Gagamitin ko sa pagkakataong ito ang wikang pinagkakakilanlan ng ating lahi upang ipahayag ang aking diwa at saloobing hinggil sa patuloy na pagsiil sa ating kalayaang makapagpahayag… sa pagpatay sa diwa ng demokrasya.

Sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bahagdan ng mga taong nawawalan ng pag-asa, pagtaas ng bilang ng krimen, pagbagsak ng ekonomiya, sa pagkukubli ng totoong mukha ng kahirapan at kalapastanganang pantao, nagugat at isinilang ang Proklamasyon 1017. Diumano’y pananggalang ng gobyerno sa banta ng pang-aagaw ng kapangyarihan at tangkang pagpapabagsak ng pamahalaan ang totoong motibo ng kautusang ito, subalit makikitang ang nilalaman nito ay mapanlinlang.

Diumano’y seguridad ng nakararami ang binabantayan subalit dama nating sa kapakanan lamang ito ng iilan.

Hindi ko nais na pagtuunan ng pansin ang isang usaping mahirap bigyan ng lunas sapagkat sa labas lamang natin nakikita. Suriin natin ang uod ng sugat upang dumating ang panahon na tuluyan nang maghilom ang lahat ng hapdi nito.

Con’t on p.21

The SSC-R Manila Research Center through the Years (1994- Present) Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod The Research Center, located at the 4th floor of St. Monica Building, is the heart and mind of the research endeavors of the Institution. It is also the depository of all research publications of the institution and is the official address for all research journal exchanges in favor of the institution with other learning establishments, foundations, associations, and professional groups whether local, national, or international. It is the office that publishes all institutional researches and is the hub for all the research branches within the institution.1 In every institutional undertaking is an office that will support all of its endeavors; thus, putting research into consideration as part of certain decision-making and planning processes. In 1994, the institution introduced research in the school community; thus establishing the Research, Planning, and Development Center (RPDC) making Dr. Guadalupe Carbonell2 as the first Director of RPDC3 and before the appointment of Dr. Danilo G. Deterala4 in 1995. The appointment of Dr. Carbonell was also the birth of the research journals of the institution. Dr. Deterala served RPDC until 1996. From 1996 to 1999, the RPDC did not have a Director and was directly supervised by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.5

Con’t on p.23

In every 3rd year poetry class I handle, particularly when the theme of the literature is death, I always ask my students, as part of the culminating activity, to write their epitaphs that they believe would immortalize them when it is time to kick the bucket.

Expectedly, there are some students who are quite hesitant to do it. They say, with such activity, it is as if I am anticipating their early reunion with the Divine Creator. I understandably welcome and entertain such hesitation. But I just let them work on it and eventually, they realize that what I am after is the memory - the memory that becomes a part of their identity.

Simply, what I would like them to ponder on in the course of the activity is: “How would you like to be remembered by people when the inevitable time comes?”

Unfortunately, I was not able to ask the same question to Alfred Aron, one of my scholastic children. At the young age of 13, he has already succumbed to the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. It was very unexpected ; it was very tragic; it was very dramatic.

I am certain, everyone misses him.

If you would ask the teachers, most first year students in their class were extremely hyperactive and terribly loquacious. Alfred was not an exception. But I understand his apparent playfulness because he was young, just enjoying his new academic environment and the company of his scholastic siblings.

Perhaps, he was also trying to shrug off the childishness in him to be able to embrace the greater demands of his teenage years. These may sound too defensive; but I was his adviser, so why would I not be defensive? Being his adviser somehow gave me the prerogative to get to know and understand him better.

To be honest, although I was his “adviser-kuya sir A.R.,” I only had few yet worth remembering memories with him. Most of those few were casual encounters in the presence of the most evaded personality in school, Ma’am RJ. Actually, the most vivid memory I have with him was his first ever disciplinary case.

Imagine a 5-foot 8” Alfred was knocked by his relatively smaller classmate. As they were grilled, he confided that he could have retaliated, but he chose not to for he was cognizant of the possible consequences of his retaliation.

Well, I believe, Alfred was one of the most unpopular or misunderstood students in my class. He may have been flaunting a childish curiosity and agility but concealed within this front was ‘the good, the rational, and the upright boy’ he really was. Sadly, only few people noticed it. Whether his goodness was noticeable or not, we grieved his death as an expression of sympathy to his family and love for him.

Paradoxically, we should grieve no more, instead we should celebrate his death for he is already enjoying the heavenly rewards of his goodness in the sight and care of our Divine Father and his consanguineous father.

Now I realize, we may not have kown how he would like to be remembered when his time comes, but he left us with good memories to cling to every time we long for his presence.

If I make an epitaph for him, it would write: “He was a young boy, bold as a hero. He may have gone so soon, but now he is free. The Young, The Bold, The Free is Already At Peace.”

Crosscurrent

15

features

The Chronicle of the Silent Minion: “Daybreak” Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod October 21, 2013

Nowadays, people will associate and imagine a minion as a cute, little, yellow, nerdy-looking creature who humbly follows orders from its master. Theoretically, a minion is someone who is not powerful or important and who obeys orders of a powerful leader or boss (Merriam-Webster, 2013).

Analyzing the two aforementioned statements, both clearly exemplify that a minion is a worker who obediently follows a leader or a master.

In a nutshell, to become an effective minion, one should understand that the earth is not a perfect world.

There are hurdles to traverse, uncertainties to conquer, and circumstances to reflect on; one should also understand that life will not only revolve or adjust within his or her own realm – humility and acceptance of one’s own imperfections define the existence of humanity. In the words of St Augustine, the very perfection of a man is to find out his own imperfections.

Hence, discovering, reflecting, accepting, and improving a minion’s own imperfections will further make him or her an effective worker. Once these are achieved, one will be able to patiently wait and work with gratification anywhere he or she is.

As silent as the deep waters in 2005, I was just a mere typical average graduating college student who was team captain of a state university’s badminton varsity team.

Balancing both studies and trainings was never an issue; in addition, an offer to become a member of the Philippine Badminton Team was at its peak. Persuasive as it may sound, I declined the offer because I have always believed in the importance of education; hence, I decided to continue my studies. With determination and discipline, I was able to obtain both master’s and doctor’s degrees within seven years at the age of 27.

In 2011, SSC-R Manila sought my services as a fulltime faculty under the College of Arts and Sciences; thus, making me leave De La Salle University, Taft Avenue for SSC-R, Manila. Many people would ask about my decision of leaving DLSU; I would always reply that I want to give back in terms of services to the school that formed my values as an individual. I may not be a graduate of SSC-R Manila, but I can proudly say that I am a true-blooded Sebastinian, a high school alumna of SSC-R de Cavite that carries the Sebastinian identity with humility and dignity.

My first year of service as an employee of SSC-R Manila did not end as smoothly as it was expected. On that same year, under certain circumstances, I was appointed as the Area Chair of Languages and Humanities for school year 2012-2013. Recalling my experiences, it was never an easy task to make a transition from a faculty member to Area Chair for the first two years of service; especially when you are scrutinized and judged because of your age, affiliations, and tenure as an employee. I can say that it was then a one-of-a-kind roller-coaster experience for someone who was just appointed by the administration. Although everything was overwhelming for someone at my age, still, I kept silent despite the excruciating circumstances that transpired within the school year and patiently worked based on my duties and responsibilities as mandated by

16 June - October Issue

Con’t on p.21

The article was written on the 1st day of March 2011, and originally published on the Feedback,the high school paper. The writer based it from an entry she wrote on her journal when she was still in her junior year as a nun. She belonged to the Missionaries of Saint Dominic, and is now teaching at the high school department of SSC-R Manila.

cover story

Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects as principle guiding the

SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts

My Poustinia

by Joey G. Vargas

Ms. Andrea Allado

Con’t from p.9

Sometimes, in the winds of change, we find our true direction.

Two weeks ago, I received an invitation for a Perpetual Religious Profession of a very close friend. Memories of the life I used to lead and the uncertainties and apprehensions of living in the secular world came rushing into my mind.

My life as a religious was a colorful one. As I described it in my first article with the Dominican Star, it is a kaleidoscope of colors. The memories of those six years will forever be embedded in my heart.

Now, my Source of Life called me to begin a new chapter in my life. As I see it, it is not actually different from the life I was accustomed to. It is the application of what I learned there. Maybe this is the time to make use of the training I had for six years, But then, trivial questions like will I still be able to keep my journal, considering how busy I will be and how precious time is? Could I still take a walk in the garden and commune with nature(like I used to do at the Novitiate) whenever I feel lonely? And the more serious ones like, willl I be able to make it? Could I still maintain my prayer life?

Would I be accepted?

Yes, I realized now how important it is to have a good formation. How important it is to get to know myself (my personality, my strengths, my weaknesses), to know what I really want and where I am heading to, to learn how to be prudent and firm in my decisions and to be grounded on the basics of religious life like prayer, the regular observances and the evangelical counsels.

At the Juniorate, if you are not fully grounded on the basics, it is easy to get lost with all the term papers, assignments, lesson planning, house chores, community life, apostolate and the endless activities. At first, it was really a struggle for me to balance my time. I used to want to finish everything at the same time. As a result, I was often sick and sleepy in class. The Regent would often call the attention of my Formator.

So, I learned to prioritize. I learned not to be too hard on myself. I take rest as my time allows me and if I have many tasks waiting to be finished, I try to loosen up by reading a good book. When I am relaxed, I find I can do my paper works faster and better, I stop most of the time when work overwhelms me. I leave my table and I go to a quiet place and think of beautiful things like flowers, silk cloths and ribbons in different colors, pretty writing pads and red knickknacks. These things cheer me up. And so with a genuine smile that lights up the face, little children singing at Holy Mass and even short homilies never fail to brighten up my day.

Being aware of my strengths and weaknesses help me to know wheremy limitation is. I am thankful because of the formation I had. I gradually got to know myself better. I believe I will never know myself 100%. No, not in this lifetime.

questions – and tries to look for answers to these questions.

It recovers pieces of lost things, confused thoughts, shattered memories; and tries to make sense out of all of them by composing a whole out of the various parts.

To keep on remembering, one must strive to go on living; to go on living, one necessarily goes on making memories; with new memories come endless possibilities of creation from remembering, from gathering, from recollecting.

To recollect must also mean being founded on the rudiments of art, not letting go of basic truths amidst new discoveries or explorations.

To recollect, ultimately, must be founded on the very origin of all creative thought, or the origin of all thoughts, the origin of all: the Creator.

Thus, all works of art that The Recollects must produce shall be founded on the truths presented by the gospels; or it must be an exploration towards understanding the human person in the light of the Word of God. The troupe, therefore, shall only move forward taking in new theories and knowledge only to let these new discoveries become vehicles for ancient truths; or to let them become vehicles that shall take the human being back to his nature and origin: God. All these with the faith that only in God can man find his fulfillment.

All these will not be possible, though, if the troupe will only rely on human strength. It must always be remembered, therefore, that the work is God’s and not the troupe’s. God must always be ahead of the troupe, behind the troupe, and beside the troupe; taking lead, serving guide, standing guard.

Making a little turn here, it must also be imagined that recollects is written thus: RE+collects. It must be remembered that RE also means –other than again – about. And the plus sign (+) must lead the troupe to remember Jesus the Christ who gave Himself up on the cross so He may gather everyone to Himself.

RE+collects, therefore, must manifest that members of the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe believe that all efforts of the troupe must always be (RE) about (+) Jesus Christ who collects everyone to Himself in glory. He collects all our hurts, our pains, our sins; so He may transform all this darkness and turn them to light. He collects all our memories and desires; and turns them into hopes and joys.

The San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe must then, from here on, be also known as The Recollects, or those who believe that glory may only be found in Him who has overcome death and sin.

The Recollects shall, in all their efforts, must gather all and give back to Him Who is the Source of all. To Him shall be all the glory forever and ever.

Saint Augustine is known to have written: “Do you wish to be great?

Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric?

Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”

I would declare then that this foundation that the institution must be founded on is the Recollect Identity or paradigm. I believe that each of the various units of the institution must also work towards excellence or greatness from this very same point. If – like that which Paul wrote to the Corinthians about faith, hope, love – greatness is the manifestation of love or charity, and greatness is our calling, I do strongly declare: Greatness Awaits One Who Recollects!

It must, even now, be remembered that greatness is not the end but the way towards achieving lofty things. As I said, this concept of greatness must be seen as a manifestation of the very same love that Paul spoke of in his letter. In 1 Corinthians 12:31, he wrote: Be ambitious for the higher gifts.

And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them.

Then, he goes on to write that treatise on love.

Con’t on p.23 Crosscurrent

17

literary

Ang Primitibo

(Isinalin ni: Mario H. Maranan mula sa orihinal na bersyon ni: Hermogenes F. Belen, “The Primitive”) Isang batang nakabahag buhat sa Surnip ang iniuwi ng aking ama, isang gabi sa panahon ng tagaraw. Ang kanyang maiksi at kulay kayumangging katawan ay umaayon sa kanyang manipis na braso na kung pagmamasdan ay bakas ang malalaking masel.

“Dito siya maninirahan,” ang wika ni Tatay. “Siya ang iyong magiging katulong sa pag-aalaga kina Pungil at Labang. Sapagkat papasok ka na ng high school sa Hunyo, naisip kong mapapakinabangan din siya sa bukid.

Alam mo naman kung gaano namin kailangan ngayon ng iyong ina ang makatutulong sa bukid,” ang dagdag pa ni Tatay.

Binigyan namin ng higaan at kumot ang naturang bata ngunit mas pinili niyang matulog sa may pintuan sa aming kusina. Hindi niya ginamit ang aking lumang damit at pantalon.

Naisip naming ang kanyang mga kilos at gawi ay bunga marahil ng mainit na panahon, ngunit ayon sa kanya “Sa tuktok ng burol, ay hindi kami gumagamit niyan.”

paligid, panghuhuli ng hayop sa gubat tulad ng baboy-damo, usa, at manok ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay ng mga taga-Surnip.

Tuwing Sabado ng hapon, karamihan sa mga matatanda ay bumababa sa bayan upang makipagkalakalan. May mga dala silang kamote, saging, at gabi na kanilang ipinagbibili o dili kaya ay ipinagpapalit sa mga produkto ng taga-kapatagan. Kapag nabili na nila ang kanilang mga kailangan ay agad silang bumabalik sa burol na kanilang pinanggalingan.

Isang Sabado ng gabi ay may magasawa na dumalaw sa aming tahanan (Badloy—lalaki at Sednai—babae).

Matagal ang naging pag-uusap nila ni tatay. Lumapit ako sa kanilang usapan upang apulain ang apoy ng kanilang niluluto, narinig kong si Mauro ang paksa ng kanilang usapan.

“Aalagaan namin siya nang mabuti,” ang sabi ni Tatay. Himithit si Badloy sa kanyang pipa at hindi na tumugon.

“Bakit?” ang aking pag-usisa sa kanya.

“Magaling ang kanyang kamay sa pagkakaingin,” ang wika ni Tatay.

“Hindi ko alam. Basta ang alam ko ay walang nagsusuot niyan sa bundok,” ang kanyang sagot. Ngunit, hindi ka ba naaalangan sa nakalantad mong katawan?” ang tanong ko sa kanya.

“Mangungulila kami sa kanya,” ang sabi naman ni Badloy.

“A, mas makabubuti kung tatakpan mo ‘yan nito,” ang dagdag ko pa.

“Susubukan ko,” ang agad niyang sagot.

“Masasanay ka rin sa mga ito,” ang sabi ko naman.

Sa bandang huli, nalaman ko na ang batang aming kinupkop at binigyan ng isang kristyanong pangalan bilang Mauro ay hindi pa nakaranas na makalabas sa Surnip— isang baryo sa silangan ng aming maliit na bayan. Kalimitan na mga taong-bundok ang mga tao sa Surnip kahit na may mga tagapatag na pumupunta roon upang magkaingin at manirahan doon. Pagtatanim ng mga pagkaing-ugat sa kanilang

18 June - October Issue

“Ngunit may iba ka pa namang mga anak. Meron kang pito. Ituturing namin siyang parang tunay na anak, bibihisan, at papag-aralin.”

Pagkaraan ng matagal na katahimikan, tumugon si Badloy “Tatanungin namin siya. Malalaman ninyo ang kanyang sagot.”

“Animnapung piso ang ibibigay namin sa inyo kada taon, makatutulong iyon sa inyong pamilya,” ang sabi ni Tatay.

Sa aming tahanan, nagdesisyon si Mauro na tumira. Kinakitaan namin siya ng pagkadismaya sa simula ng kanyang pag-aaral sapagkat tinatawag siyang taong-bundok na may buntot ng kanyang mga kamagaral. Nagdesisyon siyang palipasin ang oras sa bukid, katulong ni Tatay.

Tinutulungan din niya si Inay sa pang-

araw-araw na gawain sa bahay.

Nagsimula na siyang magkaroon ng interes sa pantalong ibinigay sa kanya ni Inay.

Isang Biyernes ng gabi, pag-uwi ko sa aming tahanan galing sa kapitolyo, kung saan ako nag-aaral, ikinuwento sa akin ni Mauro si Teria, ang katulong ng aming kapitbahay. “Mainam siyang babae,” Mahinahon niyang paliwanag.

“Oo,” ang sagot ko naman. “Mainam na babae si Teria. Paano ka nakalapit upang makilala siya?”

Sandali siyang tumigil at napangiti.

“Palagi s’yang pumupunta rito upang kumuha ng tubig sa balon. Isang umaga, ang patpat na kawayan na nagsisilbing pambalanse sa timba ay naputol. Pinilit niyang buhatin ang timba ngunit hindi niya nakaya, kaya’t tinulungan ko siya.”

Ang pagiging malapit sa isa’t isa nina Mauro at Teria ay nagsimula. Kapag ako’y nasa bahay, nagkukuwento siya ng mga bagong bagay tungkol kay Teria. Natuto siyang hatiin ang kanyang buhok sa gitna sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mantika ng niyog. Isang beses na siyang nagpabili ng pomada sa akin. Hindi nagtagal at nalaman ng aking mga magulang ang pagkahulog ng damdamin ni Mauro kay Teria.

Ang palagian nilang pagtatagpo sa bakuran ay hindi na naging sikreto kahit kanino. Nakikini-kinita ni Tatay na posibleng magkatuluyan ang dalawa kaya siya ay nagbalak ng isang simpleng seremonya na naaayon sa katauhan ni Mauro.

Ngunit isang gabi ng Sabado, pinapunta ako ni Tatay sa Surnip upang kunin ang tali na kanyang binili sa isang matandang lalaki na nabigong ibaba ito sa kapatagan. Isinama ko si Mauro sa pagpunta roon.

Mainam ang paglalakad mula sa maliit na bayan tungo sa kabundukan.

Habang kami ay naglalakbay, maraming bagay tungkol sa lugar na iyon ang sinabi sa akin ni Mauro. Sinabi niyang hindi ito masyadong malayo tulad ng iniisip ng iba.

“Napakaganda ng lugar,” ang sabi niya habang kami ay tumatawid sa malamig na agos ng tubig sa silangan.

literary Mabilis na kumakalat ang manipis na kulay abong hamog sa mga bangin sa pagitan ng bundok na nababalot ng kagubatan sa aming pagdating sa Surnip. Pinagmasdan namin ang isang bahay-kubo sa isang pamayanan nang huminto kami sa gitna ng bundok.

Pinaiikutan ng mga tao ang isang apoy. Sa saliw ng kakaibang awitin na pamilyar lamang kay Mauro at sa kanyang mamamayan. Patuloy sa pagpalo ng gong ang mga sanay na kamay. Bumaba kami, ngunit nang kami ay makarating sa pampang, bigla na lamang tumigil si Mauro sa paglalakad.

“Ano iyan, Mauro?” ang tanong ko, habang nakatingin sa tao sa pamayanan.

“Isang presentasyon ng mga kababaihan,” ang agad niyang tugon.

“Ibig mong sabihin, isang pagdiriwang?” muli kong tanong.“Hindi naman, ito‘y isa lamang kasayahan.

Lahat ng kababaihan ng pamayanan ay pumupunta rito. Nangangahulugan ng pag-inom ng basi, pagkain, at sayawan ang awit,” ang kanyang paliwanag habang nakatingin nang may pagkasabik sa tumpok ng mga tao.

Tinanong ko siya kung lalapit kami sa nagkakasayahan ngunit hindi siya umimik.

“May bumabagabag ba sa iyo, Mauro?” tinanong ko siya nang mapagmasdang wala siyang kakiluskilos.

“Kasuotan ko…” ang pilit niyang paliwanag. Malambot at mahina ang kanyang boses kung kaya napakahirap marinig ang iba pa niyang sinabi.

“Anong masama riyan?” ang tanong ko, kahit na alam kong maaaring magdugo ang kanyang puso. Alam ko na maaaring manariwa sa kanyang mga alaala na minsan ay nadampian ng mga kasuotang iyon ang kanyang balat at masel.

“Tingnan mo ang mga taong nakapaligid sa apoy,” ang sabi niya.

“Sino sila?” ang aking tanong.

“Yung kasama ng nakatayo na

malapit sa poste ay si Budhi. Si Medloi naman ang nasa kanyag kaliwa malapit sa balong bato. At iyong isa sa mga nakikipag-usap sa babae na may suot na puting kwintas ay si Gidoy.

Malalaki na silang lahat,” ang may pagdadalamhati niyang paliwanag.

“Nagulat ako sa talas ng iyong diwa.

Napakatagal na nang panahong kayo ay huling nagkita.”

“Kalaro ko sila noon sa rumaragasang tubig, kagubatan, at kaingin,” ang pagpapatuloy niya.

“Kilala mo ba ang babae na nasa gitna ng grupo?” ang tanong ko sa kanya. “Maganda siya.”

“Si Gadya na siya ngayon,” ayon sa kanya.

Isang kakaibang kislap ng mata ang nakita ko sa kanya, nagniningning at patuloy na nagbibigay sa kanila ng pag-asa. Nakita ko ang kanyang kabataan, ang kanyang lakas, ang kanyang mga naisin.

“Pumunta na tayo Mauro,” ang paalala ko sa kanya.

“Mayaman sa awitin ang katutubong pamumuhay sa pamayanan.” Tumingin ulit si Mauro sa tumpok ng mga tao at muli, nakita ko sa sinag ng apoy ng pamayanan na marubdob na nag-aapoy ang kanyang mga mata.

“Ngunit hindi na ito kakaiba, Mauro,” ang paliwanag ko sa kanya. Sinubukan kong paalalahanan siya na huwag nang masyadong isipin ang kanyang kasuotan sapagkat matagal-tagal na rin naman siyang nawala sa nasabing tribo.

Nagsimula siyang magsalita, ngunit siya’y naumid. Muling nagpaalab sa kanyang lumang paganong relihiyon, likas na katauhan ang kislap ng apoy.

“Makikisama na ba tayo?” tinanong ko siyang muli habang kami ay nakatayo at pinapanood ang mga tao.

Sandali siyang tumahimik.

Abala ang kanyang mga mata sa pagmamasid sa mga ginagawa ng mga katutubo, pinapanood ang mga kababaihan, pagkatapos ay narinig ko siyang bumulong: “Ang mga babae ay napakaganda, napakagaganda!”

“Babalik na ba tayo sa bayan?”

“Hindi,” sa wakas ay tumugon siya.

“Makikipagsaya tayo.”

Nang bumalik kami sa bayan ay mistulang nawala sa kanyang sariling ulirat si Mauro. Sinubukan ko siyang tanungin nang tungkol kay Teria subalit sinagot niya ako ng katahimikan.

Pagkalipas ay tumanggi na siyang pumunta sa mananahi para sa kanyang pantalon at damit.

“Hindi ko na ‘yon kakailanganin pa,” kalmado at walang interes niyang tugon.

“Ngunit paano ang kasal mo kay Teria?” ang tanong ko. “Kailangan mo ng bagong kasuotan.” Ang pagpipilit ko sa kanya.

Natagpuan naming walang laman ang kwarto ni Mauro nang sumunod na umaga.

Pagkalipas ng ilang linggo ng pagkawala ni Mauro, isang lalaki na may kasamang babaae ang nagpunta sa aming bakuran. Hindi ko agad siya nakilala kung hindi siya umimik.

“Mauro?” Tinanong ko siya habang papalapit sa hagdanan. Maliban sa lumang bahag, nakahubad siya at halos estranghero sa akin.

Natatandaan ko ang unang gabi na nakita ko siya—kasama ni Tatay.

Tumango siya.

“Bakit ka umalis?

Hindi ako komportable rito kahit na sa lahat ng bagay na ibinigay ninyo sa akin,” magalang niyang paliwanag.

Tumingin ako sa kanya at natanaw ko sa kanyang likuran ang isang babae.

“Siya si Gadya, ang aking asawa,” boluntaryo niyang pagpapakilala.

“Pakisabi kay ama na dumaan kami, hindi na kami makapaghihintay nang matagal sa kanya,” ang dagdag pa niya.

Pagkatapos, sinarahan nina Mauro at ng kanyang asawa ang tarangkahan at sinundan ang mabatong daanan na pamilyar sa kanila.

Crosscurrent

19

literary IKAW PALA Mario H. Maranan

Mahaba ring panahon ang aking hinintay upang mabanaagan ang liwanag na matagal ko ring inaasam-asam… Nainip ako kung kayat napilitang kumilos upang magbakasakaling IKAW ay mapasaaking mga kamay.

Nakakapagod, nakapanghihina subalit kailangang ipagpatuloy ang hamon ng buhay.

Lakad… Patuloy sa paglalakad hanggang naawa sa akin si INAY. Binigyan NIYA ako ng pagkakataong makita ang aking sarili. Iniabot ni INAY ang salamin sa aking mga kamay… malabo… luma… puno ng alikabok kung kaya halos hindi ko makita ang AKING sarili. Inalis ang balot ng mga pagkukunwari at mga kalapastanganan, hanggang sa ikaw ay maging isang obra.

Nagalak ako nang naging maliwanag ang repleksyon sa salamin na kanina lamang ay di-ganap na mabanaagan. Sa wakas, ito na ang Sebastinong bagamat may takot sa Dioys ay hindi nakalilimutan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang tao na balot ng prinsipyo, paniniwala, at lohika; Sebastinong kumikilos at hindi umaasa lamang sa resulta ng pananampalataya.

Mapalad tayo sapagkat ibinibigay sa atin ni INAY ang ganap na kalayaan upang sa panitik man lamang ay maipaalala sa iba na tayo ay mga tao na kung may kalakasan ay may kahinaan din.

Nang pinagmasdan ko ang aking sarili sa salaaming bigay ni INAY, nasilayan ko ang kagandahan. Napagtanto kong malayo na rin ang narrating natin, mga kaibigan, na tayo nga ay mga Sebastino.

Dahil ipinagmamalaki ko ang aking pinanggalingan, minabuti kong ibahagi sa’yo ang salaming ibinigay ni INAY sa pag-aakalang pasasalamatan mo ako dahil naalala kita bilang kapatid at kaibigan. Iisa tayo at iisa ang ating mga ugat. Nang ibinigay ko sa’yo ang salamin, inakala kong mapaliligaya kita tulad ng aking naramdaman nang nakita ko ang sarilirito. Maginoo, nakaaakit, nakatutukso.

Inakala kong pareho tayo nga pananaw subalit nakalulungkot isipin na iba ang iyong naging katugunan; hindi mo na nakita ang ganda bagkus ang nakita mo ay ang kapangitan. Hinahanap mo sa salamin ang kabuluhan ng buhay subalit ang nakita mo ay panay mura; hinanap mo ang pagbabagong batid ko ay mayroon subalit sa’yo ay wala pala. Akala ko ay bukas ang iyong mga mata subalit hindi pa. Sinabi mo pang Katoliko ka upang maipamukha sa iba na TAYO ay basura na may nakasusukang amoy. Panay himutok ka, kaibigan, galit, puno ng kritisismo kung kaya binasag mo ang salamin na ipinagkaloob ko sa iyo.

Akala ko ay matalino ka, marunong mag-isip, maprinsipyo. Nang nanlagkit na ang iyong mukha dulot ng maghapong pag-aaral, kumuha ka ng salamin.

Dahan-dahang iniangat upang makita ang kagandahan, subalit ang nakita mo ay siya mo ring nakita sa salamin na una kong ibinigay.

Ikaw pala! Ikaw pala!

news tidbits

para sa nakababatang makata….

Joey G. Vargas

ipagpatuloy ang paghabi ng mga taludtod at talinghaga: ang gamiting karayom, sanlaksang pagtatanong; ang sinulid maingat na piliin; marapat tiyaking ang mga kulay akma, nagkakatugma; tiyakin ding walang himulmol ang mga hibla ng mga halukipkip na damdamin, mga harinawa, haka-haka, hinuha. lubirin ang mga ulan ng karanasang humahagupit sa kasaysayan; marahang himayin ang bawat pisi, bawat patak ng ulang dumaloy at nagpadaloy, humalo at humugas sa mga luha ng pag-aalaala, pag-alinlangan, at agam-agam; hayaang mapagtibay ng paghahalo ng ulan at ng luha itong taling daluyan, panunuluyan ng mga tayutay. tangkaing ikulong sa mga salita ang mga unos na humahampas sa diwa; piliing maigi ang pintig ng bawat pantig gawing kawil, kabit-kabit, ipagkawingkawing ang mga himig hatid ng bawat patinig at katinig hanggang sa ang mga ito’y maging telang siksik, hitik sa mga halakhak at akala, katuparan ng pangarap at pag-alala.

73rd Foundation Anniv Preps Kick Off

It was only a few months ago when San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila celebrated its 66th year since its foundation . This year, though, the school begins preparations for its 73rd Foundation Anniversary. This sudden change is due to a study establishing 1941 as the year when the school officially opened. The study is that of UP Professor Mr. Emmanuel Luis Romanillos entitled: The Early Years of San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila (1941-1959). This year, the preparations for the 73rd Foundation Anniversary celebrations begin with the Vice-President for Student Welfare Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR serving as the Executive Committee Chairperson and the Director for Student Affairs, Atty.

Ernesto Salao, as the Vice-Chairperson. The School President, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, sits as the Honorary Chairperson.

20 June - October Issue

features

The Chronicle of the Silent Minion: “Daybreak” Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod

Con’t from p.16 the institution. At the end of my term as the Area Chair, I was then appointed Director of the SSC-R Manila Research Center. Apprehensively, I accepted the appointment and started my work as the newly-appointed Director of the Research Center this school year. Undoubtedly, I know that I will create memories and will experience further issues and difficulties with this new journey; just the same, I will live and work by the words of St. Augustine, “to rise is to begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds?

Lay first the foundation of humility.” With these in mind, I will remain and be a silent worker and exude this trait as one of the uniqueness of a true Sebastinian.

As the platitude would always go, things are easier said than done and everything happens for a reason; for whatever grounds that God had brought me to where I am right now, I know He has His own reasons. It is now up to me as His and the institution’s silent minion, to serve and accept His will and for me to discover my own imperfections as a human being. Thus, the essence of the journey of the silent minion is yet to be uncovered; and as vibrant as the daybreak, someday the silent minion will be able to prove her worth.

Tatlong Mukha ng Proklamasyon 1017 Dr. Mario H. Maranan

Con’t from p.15 Matagal nang naghahari ang Proklamasyon 1017 sa pinakamaliit na yunit ng alinmang institusyong pangakademiko subalit maraming saksi at biktima ang nagmistulang pipi at bingi sa paglalahad ng katotohanan.

Sa apat na sulok ng silid ng bawat klase, makikita ang realidad na ang dalubguro ang batas at walang sinumang maaaring sumuway sa kanyang kautusan. Ang pagtatanong ng mga mag-aaral ay itinuturing na gawa ng kaaway at ang pagbibigay ng opinyon ay isang gawaing subersibo. Ito ay nagbunga at patuloy na nanganganak ng isang lipunang animo ay bangkay na pinaglalamayan ng mga mapang-abuso at sakim sa pansamantalang kapangyarihan; lipunang tahimik at walang pakialam sa mga isyung dapat sana ay mabigyan ng agarang lunas upang maiwasan ang patuloy na pagkaagnas nito; lipunang hindi nag-iisip at walang ginagawa kundi ang magsunudsunuran na lamang. May mga ideolohiyang nakapanghihinayang na hindi naibabahagi sa kapwa sapagkat minarapat na sarilihin na lamang dahil itinuro ng eskwelahan na huwag pumalag kung nasasaktan, huwag lumaban kung nilalapastangan.

Ang paniniil sa karapatang makapagpahayag sa panig ng mga mag-aaral ay hindi malayo sa paniniil sa karapatan na nadaram ng ilang lahing manggagawa: paniniil na ang pinagmulan ay inggit at takot na mawalan ng kapangyarihan; paniniil na ang puno at dulo ay ang kawalan

ng tiwala sa sariling kakayahan kung kaya’t hinahanap ang kamalian ng iba upang mapunan ang mga sariling pagkukulang. Hindi ko hinangad na magsilbing daan ang pitak na ito upang ako ay kamuhian at isumpa ng mga taong inaasahang ako ay lagi nilang kapanalig. Ang tanging hangad ko lamang ay ang idilat ng bawat isa ang kani-kanilang mga mata upang makita ang hinahanap na katotohanan. Hindi masama ang magtanong kung may nais kang malaman. Hindi masama ang magingay kung mayroon kang nalalaman.

Nabubuhay ang karamihan sa takot na mawalan ng trabaho kapag nagsalita tulad ng lipunang natatakot na makibaka dahil sa pangamba na isang araw ay magising na lamang silang isang basura. Ang tingin nila sa pamahalaan ay Panginoong nagpaparusa sa mga makasalanan, kasalanang ang hangad lamang naman ay maipahayag kung ano ang kanilang mga sentimyento at saloobin.

Isang propagandang maituturing ang Proklamasyon 1017 upang sabihin na may bantang panganib subalit ang katotohanang ito ay isang likahangisip na sila lamang ang may gawa.

Itinuturing na makakaliwa ang mga Satur Ocampo, Crispin Beltran, at Liza Masa ng ating lipunan: itinuturing na rebelde sapagkat matapang, kaaway sapagkat tapat, at kriminal sapagkat nagmamahal sa mga kasamahan.

Hindi ko nais yurakan ang pamahalaan o saktan ang sinuman. Nais ko lamang

na maging isang Rizal sa panahong kasalukuyan na siyang gigising sa nahihimlay nating kamalayan.

Ang problemang malaki ay nasosolusyunan habang maliit pa ang apoy. Hindi maghihilom ang sugat kung hindi gagamutin ang ugat nito. Simulan muna nating linisin ang ugat ng ating mga sugat upang manatili tayong matatag sa gitn ng naghihikahos na bayan.

Isang panganib ang naghihintay.

Kumilos tayo. Buksan natin ang ating nakatatakot na ambisyon at kasakiman sa kapangyarihan. Dito, maaaring ipagdalang-tao ang susunod na pinuno ng bansa; dito, maaaring isilang ang panibagong lider na sakim sa kapangyarihan; dito, maaaring mag-ugat ang isang taong mapanupil sa kalayaan. Hangga’t nasa sinapupunan pa, hangga’t maliit ang sugat, hangga’t hindi pa humahaba ang sungay, huwag nang hayaan pang isilang; huwag nang laong paduguin ang lumalaking sugat; putulin na ang humahabang sungay.

Gumising ka, kaibigan.

“Lingunin natin ang kahapon, paghandaan ang ngayon para sa isang magandang bukas.” Sa mga palad natin nakasalalay ang pagbabagong matagal nang inaasam. Puksain ang Proklamasyon 1017.

Crosscurrent

21

features

JAMIL ORTUOSTE

Jamil Ortuoste plays towards greatness Con’t from p.10

Born on the 13th day of November in 1991, Jamil’s personal being able to play. This caused him much frustration that he history is definitely not without experiences that challenge almost decided never to play again. his fortitude.

In a significant twist of events, during those months of This young man whose concept of family is “masaya, buo, having a bout with depression, Coach Raymond gave kumpleto, laging magkasama sa hirap at ginhawa; hindi him another chance to play again. He came back to San lang sa sarap magkakasama, pati sa hirap,” remembers Sebastian as a member of the Team C for Stags. This proved that one of the lowest points of his life was when his parents to be providential, seemingly echoing words from Psalm 40: separated when he was just 4 years old. In spite of this, “He pulled me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and clay. though, he does not harbor any ill feeling towards any of his He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure.” That parents. He also maintains good relationship with his siblings, opportunity made Jamil realize that he has to do something, he has to work. It also made him see that he no longer seems who turn out to be much proud of him. to have enough time, and that he is not getting any younger.

Who wouldn’t become proud of him, especially now Doubting his capabilities did not leave him, but he worked that college basketball history begins to be adorned by his hard and persevered until he was chosen to play for Team A. name?

Disappointments and frustrations do not stop for this man, Interestingly, this recent and seemingly sudden rise to popularity also surprises Jamil who, clearly, is just passionate though. Asked what he may say about himself, or what his about the game and always sees everything as blessings realizations are, he answers: “Hindi ko pinupush yung sarili ko. Before magstart ang NCAA Season 89, madami na ang from God. naniniwala sa akin, pero ako, wala akong tiwala sa sarili ko.”

Influenced and inspired by his father who used to play basketball for FEU when he was in high school, Jamil As if life, like a mentor, was bent on changing this selfremembers starting playing this particular game when he esteem and was bent on teaching this man certain lessons was still 5 years old. Obviously, he is still very much into it. so he may be molded to become great, his resilience to endure trials was once again tested. During the recently-held He shares an amusing anecdote about the manner by FilOil games, he once again felt back pains that led Coach which he got himself into the team under Coach Raymond Michael Christopher “Topex” Robinson to advise him to rest.

Valenzona. He reveals that it was his brother who really That meant not playing during the game. This could have was bent on getting into the team. He narrates: “tinext ko si been taken as another obstacle to his desire to play if not for Coach gamit ang cellphone ng kuya ko. Tapos nagpakilala the Coach telling him that he needs him to rest so he may akong siya (his brother). Saka tinanong ko kung pwede play for the NCAA Season 89. That, like a flame, warmed his bang magtry-out si Jamil, yung kapatid ko. Tapos, nagreply heart and filled him with hope. He realized he has the chance naman si Coach: Sige. Okay lang.” Thus, as the cliché goes, to be lined-up for NCAA. This fueled his burning desire to go the rest is history. out into the court and battle it out with other teams.

Asked what and how he contributes to each of the games he plays, he responds by calling himself a role-player.

This, he explains, means that his mindset is to simply focus on every game and on the goal of the team, and to simply do what he must or what is required of him to do. This mindset seems to be a product of working with their coach, whom Jamil obviously highly respects.

That time, he had no inkling about one thing: that the moment he played would catapult him to a certain level of stardom. “Lahat siguro ng nangyari ay blessing: nangyari, kasi may purpose,” he later would realize. This realization always fills him with much gratitude. In the future, he says, he would also like to be able to share these blessings by teaching other aspiring players how to play basketball.

Jamil unreservedly mentions two main goals in life: to Asked until when he would play basketball, he answered: play in the Philippine Basketball Association league and to “Kung hanggang kailan ko kaya maglaro ng basketball; kasi have a family of his own (and be a responsible father). In mahal ko talaga ang basketball.” order to accomplish these, he shares that he strives everyday About the San Sebastian crowd during the games, he to balance his studies and training. He has to wake up early in the morning for training and has to attend his classes in says: “Sana mas dumami pa. Thankful ako, kasi kahit minsan the afternoon. He clearly knows, though, that all these are gabi na yung game, nandoon pa din sila. Sa kanila kami necessary sacrifices for him to have a better future. kumukuha ng lakas. Once kasi na makita mo na yung crowd, gaganahan ka na.”

He looks back to one significant event in his life that seems to serve as the most pivotal experience for him.

“Yung faith ko kay God, sa kanya lang ako kumukuha ng lakas. Especially nung time na na-frustrate ako at lubog After high school, he took up BS Education in the Far na lubog at walang mapuntahan kasi kahit family ko galit Eastern University where he also joined the FEU Tamaraws sa akin, sa Kanya lang ako lumapit. Araw- araw akong team so he may continue to play. There, he spent two years nagsisimba. Kahit na may mga hindi magandang nangyari as member of Team B. While doing some physical exercises sa akin thankful pa din ako” using weights, his back was injured. He thought that the injury was trivial; but, as it turned out, it would mean not This defines Jamil Ortuoste.

22 June - October Issue

features

The SSC-R Manila Research Center through the Years (1994- Present) Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod

Con’t from p.15 The research and publication functions of RPDC continued and were then led by Dr. Ernest E. Punzalan from 1999 to 2001.

Dr. Punzalan was able to produce more publications for the institution and at the same time continued the publication of The Rower.6 In 2001, Atty. Alfredo S. Vitangcol III7 was appointed Director of RPDC. Under his leadership came the beginning of the SSC-R Manila Research Journal. The journal was then continued upon the appointment of Dr. Cecilio D. Duka as the subsequent Director from 2003 to 2004.

Milestones were then again achieved by RPDC in 2004. The center was renamed as the Center for Research, Planning, and Development (CRPD) under the supervision of Dr. Vaughn Elwyn S. Buaquiña.8 As the new Director of CRPD, he managed to produce noteworthy publications such as The Academician9, The Student Research Gazette10, The Questers11, and the like.

Dr. Buaquiña served as Director until 2008 and was again appointed by the institution from 2010 to 2012. In 2011, the Otium12 was published by the Research Center after its conceptualization led by Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot.

In 2008, CRPD was renamed as the SSC-R Research Center and was set under the care of Dr. Winston S. Sirug.13 During his term came the birth of the maiden copy of the CABACS Research Journal.14 He served as Director for two years. The SSC-R Research Center sustained its services to the institution and its neighboring schools and universities; producing institutional publications to share knowledge and promote research awareness to the community. In school year 2012-2013, the SSC-R Research Center was then once more given direct supervision by the Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.15 With all the changes and challenges that are happening to SSC-R Manila because of the K-12 Curriculum and in preparation for the ASEAN 2015, the institution appointed Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod16 as the newest Director of the Research Center. Currently, the center is gearing its plans towards the bigger and bolder San Sebastian College- Recoletos, Manila Research Center as it celebrates its 20th year of service this coming 2014.

1 SSC-R Manila Research Center, excerpt from The Research Center, in Research Policies and Procedures Handbook (Manila 2012) 1.

2 Dr. Guadalupe Carbonell was also the Academic Dean of SSC-R Manila during her term as Research Director.

3 Research, Planning, and Development Center (RPDC) is the first name of the Research Center.

Dr. Danilo G. Deterala was a former faculty member of the Institute of Arts and Sciences of SSC-R Manila.

4

The Vice President for Academic Affairs during that time was Rev. Fr. Demetrio S. Peñascoza, O.A.R. 5

6 The Rower is the official faculty research journal publication of San Sebastian College-Recoletos, Manila. It was published semi-annually by the RPDC.

Atty. Vitangcol III is the General Manager of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) for 2013 of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

7

8

Dr. Buaquiña is the Dean of the Institute of Graduate Studies.

The Academician, formerly SSC-R de Manila Faculty Research Manual, is published twice a year by the Research Center.

9

My Poustinia Ms. Andrea Allado

Con’t from p.16

Only my Creator knows me completely. The conflicts I usualy encounter with some people reveal a part of me that I am not aware of. I see it as an opporunity for me to be a beter person. I always ask the Lord to let me know the message behind every struggle I encountered and blessings received. Sometimes, the response is quick.

Ordinarily, it takes time.

Well, the Lord is not a vending machine. It’s funny because my weaknesses became my source of strength as a person. Being weak taught me to trust God more and more. This I learned when I became an orphan. For if I rely mostly on myself, everything will surely be a disaster.

I hope and pray that what I learned there will stay with me until God knows when. It is only now that I fully

10 The Student Research Gazette, now the Research Gazette, is published once a year by the Research Center. The research articles are written by the college students of SSC-R, Manila.

11 The Questers is an interdisciplinary research publication of the Academic Non-Teaching Faculty of SSC-R Manila and is published once a year by the Research Center.

The Otium is a comprehensive collection of research abstracts from all research publications within SSC-R Manila.

12

13 Dr. Winston S. Sirug is the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2010-present).

14 The CABACS Research Journal is an interdisciplinary research publication of the College of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies Faculty.

15 The Vice President for Academic Affairs for SY 2012-2013 is Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, O.A.R. 16 Dr. Jerica Liza C. Baculod is the second female Director of the SSC-R Research Center and is currently the youngest Lay Administrator of SSC-R Manila to supervise an office at the age of 27. She was formerly the Area Chair of Languages and Humanities for SY 2012-2013 under the College of Arts and Sciences.

appreciate the wisdom I got in formation. Somehow, things became meaningful.

The ministry of teaching is also a vocation. As a teacher, there would be times when I need to recharge my batteries.

May I never allow myself to be so caught up with everything that I might forget the things that matter most.

My transition from the religious life to where I am is not an easy journey. Challenges come every now then. But grace and mercy abound through people continuously show their encouragement, suppport most of all, their acceptance of me.

now and who and

Home is where your heart is.

With bright hope, I am now in my new home, my poustinia.

Poustinia is a Russian word which interchangeably means sanctuary, place of meditation, or haven. The writer used it to mean home.

Crosscurrent 23

features In My Patmos Leila Angeles

Con’t from p.11

could have died of blood loss if things had worsened. The bleeding was a sign of something very wrong. What was worse was the excruciating pain that went with it. I would practically scream my head off, talk incoherently whenever the pain seared through my body, and beg God to take me.

nor do I believe I’m powerful enough to live my life as I wish. It’s just that I have gone through many trials in life that I have to be positive (hopeful, as well) to keep my sanity. And admitting that This was my condition which I later I am weak is simply out of the question. called my Patmos. In everything I went Like many others, I believe that showing through, I have come to realize that one’s vulnerabililty is a sign of weakness. there is a reason for all of these. And the The sudden turn of events in my life things I realized were drawn in blood in the past six months made me face and tears, literally and figuratively. reality. Hard as it was, I had to endure First, I am human after all and that the pain, weakness and humiliation like others, I hurt and have weaknesses. in its varied forms and intensity. My old It is perfectly normal to admit that I am. mantra was useless. And in my lowest point, I even changed it to “Let me die, Second, I need others. Asking help Lord!” Talk about positivity, huh? and admitting that I need others are new and humbling experiences for me, The profuse bleeding for several being always trying to be self-reliant. days, I passed off as normal monthly period. Doctors explained later that I Third, life may indeed be short; I

SHHH . . .

Ramos, Alvin Ray M.

Con’t from p.11 With the advancements in the world, personal regulations have become more difficult to effect. Media have found ways to challenge privacy. Through print and internet, information, even the most undisclosed, are now accessed by anyone – innocent, curious, nosey, and others. So what is still the point of privacy if the concept is already violated and defied?

Not only it is a choice but also a right, natural right. You exercise this right to privacy for two reasons: personal protection and societal exclusion.

You keep some information private to preserve the identity that represents your reputation and dignity. Let’s face it, you cannot totally control people; though some may respect this right, others may still violate it for their gratification. Say, the “others” are just curious and nosey.

But the more they get curious and

news tidbits

must enjoy it to the fullest. Yet I should not forget to put my health on top of my priorities. I should also appreciate more the people who share this precious life with me.

Lastly, God allows things to happen so His will can be realized. I may have my own plans which He has put on hold, yet surely He has greater plans for me.

In those months before and after my surgery, I have lived in my own patmos.

And like the apostle John who was banished to the island of Patmos where he wrote the Book of Revelation, I am hoping that in God’s perfect time, He will reveal to me His greater plans for my humble existence. All I have to do is listen and obey.

Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Ms. Leila Angeles)

nosey, the more violating they are.

trying to defend yourself worsens it. Just accept it. Your own words, excessively Colloquially, it is just keeping secrets, embroidered by “others,” have taken sometimes, shared secrets. Privacy does their toll by dragging you’re identity long not only apply to personal matters been protected. This is when you see but also to interests of cliques. It is a how powerful words are – either it would powerful in-group marker which sets the work for you or work against you. parameters of people’s accessibility to information. In cliques, consensus on The problem definitely lies on the what to be revealed and what to be insatiability of “others” for information concealed should be sought since they that apparently do not benefit them tend to be exclusive. But this exclusivity is at all. What makes it worse is “others” defied when “others” try to penetrate the assume that because they are deprived circle or when “others” act as flies on the of information, you ignore their existence walled circle. or connive with your clique for their desertion. But the truth is you are just “Others”may use the information they being modest in rejecting their identity supposedly shouldn’t know, particularly and excluding their personality. those that show human imperfection, to malign you or compromise your True enough that what you do not identity. More often than not, those are know will not hurt you. So “others” should already exaggerated, sensationalized, show some respect. If they cannot, and misinterpreted. You cannot please then return the favor. Let them gorge everyone. Sometimes, “others” may with the crumbs of your personality. not like what they know about you. If Let them enjoy but let them salivate for that happens, expect the unexpected. more because privacy breeds mystery.

You can defend yourself but usually, Remember, respect is earned, not asked.

SSC-R Manila Singers Ensemble Performs at Musica Sacra Festival

Last May 31, the San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. — led by Fr. Lauro Larlar, OAR, Fr. Rene F. Paglinawan, OAR, Ms. Tina Paterno, among others – organized the first Musica Sacra Festival at the world-renowned San Sebastian Basilica, the only steel-church in Asia. Among the choirs featured — performing sacred music from various eras and languages — was the newly-formed SSC-R Manila Singers Ensemble performing two black spirituals or traditionals, “Keep Your Lamps” and “This Little Light of Mine.” The choir is handled by Joey G. Vargas, the founding Artistic Director of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts. Vargas was also the Musica Sacra Festival Director. The SSC-R Manila Singers Ensemble opens the entire Festival with a rendition of Magnificat.

24 June - October Issue

Int’l Art Confab shouts ACT now!

Con’t from p.4

College, extended her gratitude as she believed that through the conference, nations are able to collaborate towards advancements in the arts, in culture, and in technology, and to bring in more significant contributions that will impact on a larger and global community. Such efforts are all critical to staying relevant and effective in this new and more complex world.

Keynote speeches from experts in the field of arts and education highlighted the event.

Dr. Samuel Leong of UNESCORLCCE and The Hong Kong Institute of Education discussed “Culture, Technology and the Emerging Futures for Asian Arts Education.”

Leong also emphasized the goal of UNESCO’s Education for All (EFA) movement, “If arts education were to realize its goals of quality education for all, learning and teaching practices must become, among many things, learnercentered, lifelong-oriented, inclusive, culturally and socially relevant, technologically connected, and community-based. It must be clear about the scope, purposes and goals pertaining to critical issues such as academic studies vs. arts learning, training vs. educating, and learning vs. assessing.”

Dr. Bernard Darras of University of Paris focused on “A New Model to Analyze Images and Media: A Case Study of the Images Website Project.” Mr. Angelo R. Lacuesta of Philippine Film Export Services Office (PFESO), Film Development Council of the Philippines, on the other hand, shared his paper on “Narrative Shift: Literature, Cinema, Media,” in which he mentioned what Harold Bloom wrote: Do we know who we are? Lacuesta told the audience that “the more urgently we quest for our authentic selves, the more they tend to recede,” which led to further exchanges of insights during the open forum after the first set of keynote speeches.

There were also simultaneous breakout sessions Category 1: Art and Culture; Category 2:Technology; Category 3: Arts Program; Category 4: Culture and Literature, Workshop; Category 5: Festivals; Category 6: Film and Theater; Category 7: Music and Applied Arts; and Category 8:

Arts Program, and Workshops. An Original Pilipino Music cultural performance prepared by Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation, Inc. was also showcased.

Day 2 started with the second set of keynote speakers.

Prof. Kim Jeung Hee of Gyeongin National University of Education, South Korea, discussed “Art Education for the Self-consciousness and Sociality.” Hee emphasized, “as art education will help students to foster their strength to live happily and to design and change their lives independently, the art humanity education should be discussed based on such essential characteristics of the art education.”

On the other hand, Dr. Lertsiri Bovornkitti of Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, talked on “Art Therapy and Art Education.” He asserted that “Art therapy is a new discipline of art by using symbolic communication in achieving insights, solving conflicts or problems and formulating new perceptions resulting in positive outcomes. Drawing is an effective therapeutic modality because it helps children express themselves in the way that language cannot.”

Mr. Graham Nash of International Society for Education through Art, put the last day of the conference in a good note as he inspired the participants with his “My Journey: Migrating Australian Art Education” as he shared, “The people of my country are a very small part of that village.

It must be the responsibility of all teachers to advance the levels of understanding and harmony in the village. The Arts are my means of achieving that aim.”

Spearheaded by Cross Cultural Art Education Association, the two-day event was supported by Srinakharinwirot University, Faculty of Fine Arts; Gyeongin University, Institute of Education; The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Department of Cultural and Creative Arts; First Academy of Computer Arts; Asian University Digital Resource Network; and the International Society for the Education through Art.

news

SSCR-Manila Holds Summer Orientation on CMO No. 46, series of 2012 Con’t from p.4

institutions are compelled to direct their QA efforts towards meeting CHED quality indicators that are not aligned with their quality outcomes, which prevent them from improving the quality of Philippine education as a whole. CHED adopts both horizontal typology based on the functional differentiation of HEIs vis-à-vis their service to the nation, and a vertical typology within each horizontal type as found in CMO no.46, series of 2012.

Horizontal typology is made up of three types of HEIs, namely: professional institutions, colleges and universities. Vertical typology refers to the classification of HEIs according to the three elements of quality: the alignment and consistency of the learning environment with the institution’s vision, mission, and goals; demonstration of exceptional learning and services outcomes; and the development of the culture quality. Three types of HEIs according to vertical classification are the Autonomous, Deregulated and Regulated.

The long-term goal of CHED is to have the majority of HEIs implementing an established quality assurance system and undergoing institutional assessment preferably using a standard type-based instrument, which can be used by accrediting agencies and CHED. HEIs have until 2017 to meet the standards for horizontal and vertical classification. HEIs can articulate their vision-mission-goals and use these to guide their strategic plans and execution. These will be the basis of their horizontal type, should they wish to be typed.

The process is voluntary and the HEI can choose their desired type; CHED will not impose the type.

The speaker left these remarkable words to the participants: “Those who will do well will be known well.” We have to take the opportunity and risk and be united in fulfilling the mission in promoting and enhancing the quality of education. Typology may be painful and expensive but we have to pursue our aim for continued promotion and enhancement of quality assurance system of our school.

The seminar-orientation was ended with the closing remarks by Rev. Fr. Leander V. Barrot, OAR, Vice-President for Academic Affairs. It was followed by refreshments at the HRM coffee shop.

The Office of the President and the Office of the Accreditation, Planning and Development (OAPD) of SSC-R, Manila organized and spearheaded the seminar-orientation.

Crosscurrent 25

news Con’t from p.5

Mga Gawain para sa Buwan ng Wika 2013, Matagumpay na Naisakatuparan

Top 8 para sa Lakambini: 1. Jamaica Eileen Bargan, 2. Diane Relucio, 3. Irish Kinatawan ng HRM at Political Dela Cruz, 4. Shieldeen Hernandez; Science, Kinoronahan Bilang Lakan 5. Nina Angela Gonzales, 6. Rossel at Lakambini ng Wika 2013 Bautista, 7. Angelica Ngo, 8. Claire Anna Mula sa labintatlong hanay ng Villanueva. mga naggagwapuhang Lakan at dalawamput tatlong Lakambini, • Lakan na Pinaka-photogenic: Bryce Mawanag kinoranahan sina Ahbid Mehmood • Lakambini na Pinaka-photogenic: Jahnsen M. Landicho ng BSHospitality Shieldeen Hernandez Management at Bb. Jamaica Eileen Bargan ng ABPolitical Science bilang • Lakan ng Zen Zest Asia: John David Martinez Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika 2013 sa • Lakambini ng Zen Zest Asia: Bulwagang Diego Cera noong ika-02 Shieldeen Hernandez ng Setyembre.

• Lakan ng Blackwater: Carlo Dy Pawang hindi gaanong napansin • Lakambini ng Pinkwater: Bleezy Gonzales sina Landicho at Bargan sa simula ng kompetisyon, subalit lumutang ang • Lakambini ng Careline: Bleezy Gonzales kagwapuhan at kagandahan nang • Lakambini ng Ever Bilena: Deniesa ipukol sa kanila ang mga katanungan Dee Guevarra sa Q&A na bahagi ng timpalak• Lakan na Pinakapalakaibigan: kagandahan.

Rizaldie Colvera • Lakambini na Ayon kay Landicho “Ang hagdanPinakapalakaibigan:Nina Angela hagdang palayan ay sumasalamin Gonzales sa buhay ng isang ordinaryong Juan • Lakan na Pinakapopular sa FB: Dela Cruz.

Sa bandang ilalim nito Cliff Nichole Isles ay matatagpuan ang paghihirap at • Lakambini na Pinakapopular sa pighati, subalit sa bandang huli ay FB: Nina Angela Gonzales mayroon itong tuktok upang maabot • Lakan na Pinakapopular: Ahbid natin ang ating tagumpay.”

Mehmood Jahnsen Landicho • Lakambini na Pinakapopular: Irish Si Bargan naman ay nagwika Dela Cruz na ang malawakang pagbaha sa • Lakan ng Talento: John David Kamaynilaan ay dulot ng kapabayaan Martinez ng mga tao. Ito ay isang paalala • Lakambini ng Talento: Shieldeen sa lahat na kailangan ng matinding Hernandez disiplina at kooperasyon ng bawat isa • Lakan na Pinakamahusay para sa maayos na Maynila… maayos sa Pagdadala ng Resiklong na Pilipinas.

Kasuotan: John David Martinez • Lakambini na Pinakamahusay Tinanghal ring panalo sa Lakan sina: sa Pagdadala ng Resiklong John David Martinez (Lakan ng Luzon), Kasuotan: Irish Dela Cruz Walter Fernandez ( Lakan ng Visayas), • Lakan na Pinakamahusay sa Rizaldie Colvera (Lakan ng Mindanao); Pagdadala ng Pangrehiyong Diane Relucio (Lakambini ng Luzon); Kasuotan: Carlo Dy Irish Dela Cruz (Lakambini ng Visayas), • Lakambini na Pinakamahusay Shieldeen Hernandez (Lakambini ng sa Pagdadala ng Pangrehiyong Mindanao).

Kasuotan: Irish Dela Cruz • Lakan na Pinakamahusay sa Samantala, narito ang talaan ng iba Pagdadala ng Pambansang pang natatanging gawad sa timpalak Kasuotan: Carlo Dy ng kagandahan.

• Lakambini na Pinakamahusay sa Pagdadala ng Pambansang Top 8 para sa Lakan: 1. Armani Miguel Kasuotan: Diane Relucio Narca, 2. Ahbid Mehmood Jahnsen Landicho, 3. John David Martinez, 4.

Matatandaan na makailang-ulit na Walter Fernandez, 5. Rizaldie Colvera, 6. hindi natuloy ang Lakan at Lakambini Carlo Dy, 7. Ryan Luna, 8. Cliff Nhicole ng Wika sa mga petsang dapat Isles.

26 June - October Issue

itong ganapin bunga ng maraming suspensyon ng klase dala ng masamang panahon at iba pang mahahalagang gawain sa San Sebastian.

Naging matagumpay ang Lakan at Lakambini sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Gng. Aiza Arlos, at suporta ng faculty, Zen Zest Asia, Uniliver Philippines, David’s Salon, Ever Bilena, Books atbp, Mindshapers Company, Corporate Communication Department, Property Office, at ng Center for Culture and the Arts.

Sina G. Cedric Ravina at Bb. Carla Valderama ang nagsilbing mga guro ng palatuntunan sa naturang programa.

Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina, Inilunsad Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nakapag-anyaya ng mga mag-aaral buhat sa iba’t ibang Mataas na Paaralan (High School) sa Kamaynilaan ang Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades ng Kolehiyo ng mga Sining at Agham ng San Sebastian upang lumahok sa Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina noong ika-04 ng Setyembre sa College Arcade.

Pinaunlakan ng mga sumusunod na feeder schools ng San Sebastian sa pamamagitan ng Corporate Communication Department ang paanyaya ng Departamento ng mga Wika na maging bahagi ng nasabing tagisan: Regina Apostolorum, St. Anthony School, 2 pangkat mula sa San Sebastian High School, Nazarene Catholic School at Paco Catholic School.

Naging kapana-panabik para sa mga namahala, mga panauhin at mga pangkat na lumahok ang konsepto ng Tagisan ng Talino na hinati sa dalawang bahagi: ang unang bahagi na lakas ng pangangatawan at diskarte ang puhunan, at ikalawang bahagi na talas ng talino buhat sa mga sumusunod na disiplina ang kailangan (Matematika, Siyensya, Literatura, Kasaysayan, Agham Pampulitika, Agham Pangsikolohiya).

Ayon kay Dr. Sirug (Dekano ng Kolehiyo ng mga Sining at Agham), “Maganda ang konseptong ito ng Tagisan sapagkat hindi lamang husay ng mga kalahok ang susukatin dito, kundi maging ang antas ng kanilang pagsang-ayon sa kagandahang taglay

news

ng San Sebastian. Sa bahaging Amazing Race, matutunghayan ng mga kalahok ang lahat ng pinakamagagandang pasilidad ng San Sebastian upang kanilang maisakatuparan ang mga pagsubok na nakaatas sa kanila. Ilan sa mga pasilidad na pinuntahan ng mga kalahok ay ang Ginebra San Miguel Bar ng CIHM, Moot Court, mga Laboratoryo sa ilalim ng CAS (Speech, Mass Communication, Psychology, Natural Sciences), Gymnasium, at ang San Sebastian Quadrangle.”

Dalawang pangkat buhat sa San Sebastian High School, isa mula sa Nazarene at Paco Catholic School ang nakapasok sa Pinal na bahagi ng Tagisan.

Sa huli, tinanghal na kamp’yon ang unang pangkat mula sa San Sebastian na binubuo nina Claire Angela B. Caballes; Roman Paolo Montalban; Richard Khyn F. Ceron. Nakakuha sila ng apatnapu’t walong puntos (48 pts); Ang ikalawang gantimpala naman ay iginawad sa ikalawang pangkat mula sa San Sebastian High School na kinabibilangan nina Luis Ignatius C. Katapang, Jhurem Rjell F. Ladisla, Victoria Nicolai Hope C. Maningas na nakakuha ng tatlumpu’t walong puntos (38 pts); ang Nazarene Catholic School naman na nakakuha ng tatlumpu’t pitong puntos (37 pts) at kinabibilangan nina Hillary Lyn Dato, Calvin Dave Nuqui, January Vince Ellorando ang nagkamit ng ikatlong gantimpala sa tagisan.

Apostolorum at San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos High School ang College Arcade nang pormal na magharap ang dalawang paaralan noong ika-04 ng Setyembre, 9:30 n.u. para sa kaunaunahang kamp’yonato ng Debate (Inter-High School Competition) upang pagtalunan ang paksang “Pamalo ang Pinakamabisang Kasangkapan sa Pagtatanim ng Karunungan at Paghubog ng Katauhan”

Unang naglatag ng mga argumento ang panig ng apirmatibo na binuo ng mga mag-aaral na nanggaling sa Mataas na Paaralan ng San Sebastian.

Matindi ang kanilang ipinakitang paninindigan na ang pamalo ay mabisang kasangkapan San Sebastian College Recoletos- upang kabutihan ang mangibabaw sa paghulma ng ugali ng isang High School at Legal Management indibidwal.

Pinalutang din ng panig Society, Pinakamahuhusay sa ng San Sebastian ang teorya na higit Larangan ng Debate 2013 na mahuhulma ang karunungan ng Dumagundong sa lakas ng ingay, isang indibidwal kung gagamitan siya hiyawan, at palakpakan ng mga ng matinding disiplina ng mga tao na manunood at tagasuporta ng Regina nakagabay sa kanyang paglaki.

Pinasinungalingan naman ng kalabang panig (Regina Apostolorum) ang mga naunang argumento na ibinigay ng San Sebastian. Ayon sa Regina, higit na magiging mabuti at may matalas na kaisipan ang isang indibidwal kung gagamitan siya ng diplomasya ng kanyang mga magulang at tagapatnubay bilang gabay sa kanyang paglaki.

Higit na naging mainit ang pagtatalo ng dalawang panig nang nagpalitan sila ng kuro sa ikalawang bahagi ng debate, ang cross examination.

Lumutang ang talino at husay ni Trixia Noriega sa bahaging ito ng debate, dahilan kung bakit siya ang tinanghal na Pinakamahusay na Mananalumpati.

Sa kabuuan, San Sebastian ang kinilalang pinakamahusay sa larangan ng pormal na pakikipagtalo, samantalang ang Regina Apostolorum naman ang ikalawang pinakamahusay.

Ang San Sebastian ay kinabibilangan nina Glenniedel Terania, Kyle Trixia E. Noriega, at Harry E. Osite samantalang ang Regina Apostolorum naman ay kinabibilangan nina Justine R. Pereda, Denise Jhasmin de Guzman, at Ronald Adrielle Cantonjos.

Sa kabilang dako, binigyan din ng pagkakataon ng mga namahala ng programa na ipakita ng mga Sebastino sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga samahan o organisasyon kung gaano sila kahusay sa larangan ng pakikipagtalo.

Matapos ang ilang serye ng eliminasyon, pormal na nagharap ang The Parliament at Political Science Society para sa paksang “Ang Wikang

Con’t on p.28

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Mga Gawain para sa Buwan ng Wika 2013, Matagumpay na Naisakatuparan

Con’t from p.27 Filipino ay Mabisang Sangkap ng Globalisasyon at Pagtahak sa Matuwid na Daan”; Legal Management Society at Sebastinian Tourism Organization para sa paksang “Marapat na Bigyang Pangil ang Batas at Karapatan ng mga Kababaihan sa Lipunan”.

Ranking system ang ginamit sa bahaging ito upang malaman kung kaninong pangkat ang higit na nakapagpakita ng kahandaan at determinasyong makapagpahayag nang wasto at naaayon sa katwiran.

Sa huli, pinatunayan ng Legal Management Society na sila ang dapat na tanghaling pinakamahusay sa larangan ng debate – Inter-Organization Category. Matindi ang kanilang mga argumentong ipinukol laban sa Sebastinian Tourism Organization na naging dahilan upang sa kanila din manggaling ang Pinakamahusay na Manalumpati: si G. John Elmer Coquico.

The Parliament ang tinanghal na ikalawang pinakamahusay na pangkat na sinundan naman ng Sebastinian Tourism Organization.

Ang debate 2013 ay inorganisa ng Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades,ABPS,Corporate Communication Department at ng Supreme Student Government.

Sina Bb. Chenee Diño, Dr. Winston Sirug, at Atty. Ernesto Salao ang mga naging hurado ng kompetisyon.

Marinell Dela Cruz, Itinanghal na Kamp’yon sa Pasiklaban 2013 Matapos ang ilang serye ng eliminasyon at mga matitinding hamon ng kompetisyon, pormal nang itinanghal si Bb. Marinell dela Cruz bilang kamp’yon sa Pasiklaban 2013 na ginanap sa Bulwagang Diego Cera noong ika-04 ng Setyembre, 1:30 n.h.

Tumimo sa puso ng mga hurado at ng mga sumaksi ang bersyon ni Dela Cruz ng awiting Tamis ng Unang Halik na kanyang inawit sa Pinal na bahagi ng kompetisyon.

Tinanghal ding panalo sina G. Philip Rosales ng Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Ikalawang Gantimpala) at Bb. Crisel Herandez ng Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Ikatlong Gantimpala).

Bago napagtagumpayan ni dela Cruz ang titulo bilang kamp’yon, dumaan muna ang mga kalahok sa maraming hamon bilang bahagi ng Pasiklaban. Mula sa humigit 30 na pormal na sumalang sa audition noong Hulyo 24 ay pumili lamang ng 16 na naging bahagi ng semi-finals na ginanap sa College Arcade noong ika-14 ng Agosto.

Mula sa orihinal na sampu na dapat sumalang sa Pinal na Pasiklaban ay napagpas’yahan ng mga tagapamahala ng Pasiklaban na pumili ng 12 dahil na rin pare-parehong marka na nakuha ng nasa ika-9 hanggang 12 pwesto.

Pasok sa Top 12 sina Eunica Vinteres (BST), Trisha Marie Osano(BAC), Dominica Espiritu(BST), Eden De Chavez (BSPsy), Kim Cedrick Galang (ABPS), Krisel Hernandez

28 June - October Issue

GREATNESS awaits one who Con’t from p.3

(BSPsy), Louis Christopher Gesite (BSHM), Maria Kathleen Luz E. Domanais (BSA), Philip Andrew Rosales (BAC), Dan Jorrel Santos (BST), Shyne Cheng (BSFM), Marinell Dela Cruz (BSPsy).

Sa araw ng Pinal na Pasiklaban, unang ipanamalas ng lahat ng mga kalahok ang kanilang husay sa pagawit ng Tayo’y mga Pinoy at Lapit mga Kaibigan bilang Pambungad na Bilang (Opening Salvo) na bumuo sa limang bahagdan (5%) ng kanilang kabuuang puntos para makapasok sa Top 6. Kasama ng labindalawang finalists ang Sebastinian Arts Society at College of Arts and Sciences Band para sa kanilang rendition ng mga awiting pinasikat ng Eraserheads at Rivermaya na siya namang bumuo sa nalalabing limampung bahagdan (50%) para makapasok sa Top 6. Ang nalalabing apatnapu’t limang bahagdan (45%) ay nanggaling sa boto (online at tiket) para sa mga kalahok at kanilang naging puntos noong semi-finals sa College Arcade.

Pasok sa Pinal na Bahagi o Pinal na 6 sina Eunica Vinteres, Kim Cedrick Galang, Dominica Espiritu, Crisel Hernandez, Philip Andrew Rosales, at Marinell Dela Cruz.

V. Mapa High School at BSPsychology 2A, mga Kamp’yon ng Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw 2013 Standing Ovation ang ibinigay ng mga hurado at mga sumaksi sa V. Mapa High School matapos nilang magpasiklab sa kauna-unahang Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw, kategorya ng High School na ginanap noong ika-04 ng Setyembre sa Bulwagang Diego Cera, 1:30 n.h.

Pinahanga ng nasabing paaralan ang lahat ng mga nanuood sa kanilang makulay at makapigil hiningang interpretasyon ng awiting Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas . Wagi rin sa naturang kompetisyon ang Manila Cathedral School (Ikalawang Gantimpala) at Espiritu Santo Parochial School (Ikatlong Gantimpala).

Nakibahagi rin sa naturang Pasiklaban ang Ermita Catholic School at Regina Apostolorum Academy.

Matatandaan na buwan pa lamang ng Hulyo ay nagpadala na ng imbitasyon sa pamamagitan ng Corporate Communication ang Departamento ng mga Wika at Humanidades sa mahigit dalawampung Mataas na Paaralan (more than 20 High Schools) sa Kamaynilaan, subalit limang paaralan lamang ang dumating at nagbigay ng kompirmasyon.

Samantala, binigo naman ng BSPsychology ang Bachelor of Arts in Communication na madepensahan ang titulo ng kamp’yonato na ilang taon ding hinawakan ng kanilang Departamento. Tinanghal na ikalawang p’westo ang BSHRM 1A at ikatlong p’westo naman ang Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Ang awiting Bangon Pilipinas ang p’yesa na binigyang- interpretasyon ng mga kalahok sa Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw, Kategorya ng Kolehiyo.

editorial

RECOLLECTS news tidbits

Recollects Attend HHI Certification Workshop

the Spirit to show us how humility can make a concrete and transformative impact on people’s lives.

When we seemingly find it easy to rate our students just so we may be able to meet deadlines and not really with a sincere intent of evaluating performances, this becomes an opportunity for us to be tempted to develop a culture that is way contrary to a culture of intellectual and spiritual excellence.

When we deliberately choose to take the work of another and use it as if it is our own, we commit intellectual and moral crimes; thus unbecoming of a member of an institution that is not just an educational one, but an evangelizing one as well.

When we are tempted to think of using our work hours for other things not related to our tasks, or when we use facilities and other resources only for our personal benefits – and we tell ourselves no one’s watching anyway – we question the work of the Spirit in us and in the institution.

When we develop among ourselves a culture of irresponsibility, lack of accountability, complacency, or idleness, we ultimately pass this on to the young people who expect us to guide them towards excellence.

Gravissimum Educationis clearly states: … let teachers recognize that the Catholic school depends upon them almost entirely for the accomplishment of its goals and programs. They should therefore be very carefully prepared so that both in secular and religious knowledge they are equipped with suitable qualifications and also with a pedagogical skill that is in keeping with the findings of the contemporary world. Intimately linked in charity to one another and to their students and endowed with an apostolic spirit, may teachers by their life as much as by their instruction bear witness to Christ, the unique Teacher. Let them work as partners with parents and together with them in every phase of education give due consideration to the difference of sex and the proper ends Divine Providence assigns to each sex in the family and in society. Let them do all they can to stimulate their students to act for themselves and even after graduation to continue to assist them with advice, friendship and by establishing special associations imbued with the true spirit of the Church. The work of these teachers, this sacred synod declares, is in the real sense of the word an apostolate most suited to and necessary for our times and at once a true service offered to society.

The Augustinian Recollect Fathers are now bent on formulating and clarifying the Augustinian Recollect paradigm of education. Until we are able to receive instruction and direction from this paradigm, one must realize one may not commit mistakes if one is to read, understand, reflect, and live the mission embedded in the Life Purpose and Vision of SSC-R Manila. One cannot go wrong if one is guided by the virtue of humility that goes with sincerity and love. One cannot go wrong if one allows the Spirit to guide and to mold. One cannot go wrong if one recollects and stands firm on the Word of God. Greatness awaits one who recollects.

Members of the Creative Team of the San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe — now calling themselves curtly as The Recollects — together with the Artistic Director of the SSC-R Manila Center for Culture and the Arts, Mr. Joey Vargas, attended the Hip Hop International (HHI) World Championship Standards and Judges Certification Workshop recently held at the Big Shift Creativ Centrale studios in Makati City last September 20 to 21. Big Shift Creative Centrale is the licensed affiliate of Hip Hop International here in the Philippines.

San Sebastian Recollect Dance Troupe logo

Said workshop, attended by some of the best hip hop choreographers in the country representing various genres and dance crews, was given by HHI Technical Director, Ian Levia, who came all the way from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Recollects Creative Team is composed of Carl John Aquino, Rymarc Bersalona, Samantha Danille Navarro, and Jose Venkar Gabayeron, the group’s Head Choreographer. Also in attendance was their coach, Mr. Erik Javier, who is a member of The Crew, the 2012 World Hip Hop Dance Champions, and who is already carving his name in Philippine Hip Hop Dance history.

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news feature

news feature

2013 Buwan ng Wika Activities: Dr. Mario H. Maranan The Area of Languages and Humanities together with the Supreme Student Government and the Department of Corporate Communications efficaciously propelled innumerable activities for the Buwan ng Wika last August 2013. Bearing in mind the imperfect resources, the three departments conceptualized activities that were selfsustaining but parallel with the school’s thrust to promote the institution.

This year, the organizers eradicated the concept of major and minor events, and instead, well-thoughtout all the events as major ones that necessitated tough organization and implementation.

The activities were categorized into two, to wit: (1) for the college students of the institution and (2) for the third and fourth year high school students within the area of Metro Manila.

Activities for the college students included Indak-Panlansangan, Debate Competition, Pagpinta, Pasiklaban sa Pag-awit at Pagsayaw, and Lakan and Lakambini, all of which were witnessed by some high school students from San Sebastian and nearby schools such as St. Anthony, Paco Catholic, Ermita Catholic, The Nazarene, V. Mapa High School, Manila Cathedral, and Regina Apostolorum. Those activities were rationalized not only to give the college students an unforgettable experience handling and participating in an event, but also to astound the would-be Sebastinians how grandiose

San Sebastian is in handling an event as such. Indak-Panlansangan or the street dance competition was unambiguously premeditated as the foundational salvo of the Buwan ng Wika. This was done at the SSC-R Quadrangle and was witnessed not only by college students, but also by some high school students of SSC-R. The Callalily and Banda ni Kleggy concert, through the Fox International Channel— although not initially included in the list of activities for the Buwan ng Wika— may be considered as add-on to the list of activities primed and organized by the department. After the concert, the social networking sites linking students of San Sebastian were flooded by different positive reactions from the netizens from San Sebastian such as, “Iba talaga sa San Sebastian, opening pa lang e Callalily na!” Debate and Pagpinta were simultaneously held at the College Arcade during the competition for the Tagisan ng Talino and Debate for the High School students. The idea of which is simply to show students the talents of the college students. Of course, the organizers only tapped the best college students as participants during the said final event to see to it that the high school students may somehow be enticed to try San Sebastian because of what they saw.

Meanwhile, the Department of Languages and Humanities was able to invite for the first time high schools students within Metro Manila area to participate in the following competitions: Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina, Debate, and Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw. The idea of the said activities is that the invited high school students will be given the chance to

news tidbits HS Class ’76 Supports Jammerstags As a way of giving back to their Alma Mater, members of the SSC-R Manila High School Class of 1976 donated 10 bass and 5 snare drums to the San Sebastian Jammerstags this year. Now led by its Chief, Mr.Arlan Girado, the Jammerstags traces its foundation year to 1975, just a year before said alumni graduated from high school.

30 June - October Issue

Concepts, Challenges, and Execution

explore what is within San Sebastian.

The Department of Language and Humanities thought that it is a promising marketing tool to allow the prospective clientele to experience what we have in San Sebastian.

Instead of the marketer going to the places of the high school students and beg for minutes of their time to listen to the promotional advertisements of our school, we brought the clientele to the school.

a series of eliminations, the idea of which is that by constantly visiting our school, the challenges will somehow imbibe the San Sebastian culture. Final competition was staged simultaneously with the Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina.

More than twenty academic institutions within the area of Manila, with a minimum of 20 students per school were invited to participate in the first Pasiklaban sa Pagsayaw InterHigh School Competition initiated by the Languages and Humanities Department and the students from the area of Mass Communication. Student organizers were made visible to the high school participants so that the latter would have an understanding that the students of San Sebastian are utilized to be hands-on in handling an event. The organizers showcased only the best talents that the San Sebastian can give, with the Nocturnal Dance Company (Talentadong Pinoy Finalists) giving an opening salvo and the Pasiklaban Champions, performing intermission numbers.

Tagisan ng Talino sa Iba’t Ibang Disiplina may be defined as an interdisciplinary quiz bee with the use of Filipino language as medium of instruction for the following disciplines: Mathematics, Psychology, History, Literature, Filipino, Grammar, Science, and Current Events. This competition was conceptualized according to the amazing race format and was strategically designed as a marketing tool to promote the course offerings of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of International Hospitality Management. During the competition, the participants were challenged to do their tasks in the following areas: Mass Communication Laboratory, GSM Bar, Psychology Laboratory, Science Laboratory, Speech Laboratory, and the SSC-R Quadrangle. Top four institutions advanced to the second round held at the College Arcade.

Buwan ng Wika activities are annually organized by the Department of Languages and Humanities to commemorate the annual celebration of the Buwan ng Wika in honor of the great father of Filipino Language, Manuel Luis Molina Quezon. The Department of Languages and Humanities made use of the said activities to realize one of the school’s thrusts, which is the promotion of San Sebastian in order to increase enrolment.

A debate may be defined as an art of argumentation about several issues such as social and political.

The recently-concluded debate challenge for the high school students was also first in San Sebastian. The competition was designed to have

On July 5 this year, representatives of Class ’76 visited San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila to officially turnover the instruments to the Jammerstags. Present during this simple yet significant turnover rites were Mr. Joey G. Vargas (Center for Culture and the Arts Artistic Director and adviser of the Jammerstags); Mr. Francisco P. Gusi, Jr. (Athletics Moderator); Rev. Fr. Joel A. Alve, OAR (Vice-President for Student Welfare), and the School President himself, Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR. Members and tryouts of the San Sebastian Jammerstags were also present to express their gratitude. The Class of 1976 was represented by Mr. William Go, Arnaldo Martin, Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal, and Urbano Vasquez.

After the turnover,which was done at the Bulwagang Diego Cera,the alumni representatives had an informal private meeting with the aforementioned school administrators at the Office of the President’s Conference Room.

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San Sebastian College - Recoletos Manila

Opening Minds, Forming Hearts

COURSE OFFERINGS UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS College of Accountancy, Business Administration, and Computer Studies Area of Business Administration: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Major in: • Business Management • Financial and Managerial Accounting • Financial Management • Human Resource Development Management • Legal Management • Marketing Management Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management Area of Computer Studies: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Area of Accountancy: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (5 years) College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts in Communication Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Bachelor of Science in Psychology

College of International Hospitality Management Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Specialized in: • Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management • Culinary Arts Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management Specialized in: Tour and Travel Operations and Management Short Modular Courses (TESDA Accredited) • Food and Beverage Service (F & B) • Commercial Cooking • Tour Guiding Skills • Baking and Pastry Production • Japanese Language INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES Master in Business Administration (M.B.A.) (with 7 specializations) Master of Arts in Theology (M. A. T.) Master of Laws (Ll. M.) (with 4 specializations) Ph. D. in Management (with 4 specializations) Ph. D. in Theology (with 3 specializations) COLLEGE OF LAW Juris Doctor ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program) HIGH SCHOOL (PAASCU Accredited) GRADE SCHOOL (PAASCU Accredited)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS COLLEGE: Form 138 (Photocopy) Testing Fee Php 400.00 Good Moral Certificate (Photocopy) Birth Certificate 2 pcs. (1 x 1) colored ID pictures ADMISSION INQUIRIES Monday – Friday, 7:30AM-5:30PM; Saturday, 8:00AM-12:00NN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION March-June, 9:00AM and 2:00PM (Monday to Friday); August-February, 9:00AM (every Saturday)

HIGH SCHOOL: Photocopy of Report Card 80% and above in Academics and Conduct (all grading periods)

GRADE SCHOOL: Birth Certificate (original and 1 photocopy) Baptismal Certificate (original and 1 photocopy) Medical Certificate Two 1x1 colored and recent pictures

CONTACT US: Trunkline: 734-8931 to 39 Accounting (loc. 106) • Guidance Offices: College-SDPC (loc. 114/115), Institute of Graduate Studies (loc. 158), College of Law (loc. 113), High School (loc. 308), Grade School (loc. 217) • ETEEAP (loc. 184) • Registrar (loc. 111) • Information Center (loc. 211) www.facebook.com/sansebastiangoldenstags

www.twitter.com/SSCROfficial