The Paulinian Mag Vol. 3

THE PAULINIAN Pillar of Truth, Mover of the Youth

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY MANILA Vol. XXIII No. 2

January-March 2010

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what’s inside: Editorial Board Genevieve Cenit Editor-in-Chief

Camille Nuñez Associate Editor

Marella Germaine Torrico Managing Editor

Cathleya Marie Co News Editor

Hannah Aven Guarin Features Editor

Ma. Raniel Santos Literary Editor

Jasper Joseph Ballecer Rennie Renato Papa II Columnist

Marc Pierre Jan Mondelo Photo Editor

Gladys Joy C. Bueno Layout-Editor Robert Pantoja Art Editor

CONTRIBUTORS:

NEWS

Taekwondo Team Soars with Flying Colors 4 SPUM Psychology Students attend 23rd PAPJA Convention Asian Youth day Celebration

5 Paulinians Celebrate Euro Week VISIT Hongkong 6 SIKOLOHISTAS Christian Formation Week CEAP 2009

7 CAS JUMP, BOUNCE, AND GIGGLE WITH gLee

STUDENTS AND ADMIN DIALOGUE ON STUDENTS’ CONCERNS

8 FESTIVALS TAKE OVER FRESHMEN PTM Tourism Quiz Bee 9 1st 4th Tourism Congress Chefs Go National 10 Paulinian Foodie Visits SPU Manila Celebrates Nursing Week 11 CNAHS CM turns 30

OPINIONS

MANILA COMMUNITY EXTENDS 13 SPU HELPING HAND TO ONDOY VICTIMS 14 Ondoy’s Fury:A Woman’s Metier For Change 15 TheWorst CouldBring Out The Best 16 26September2009 17 When Mother Nature Strikes Back 18 A Glimpse of Padre Pio’s Life & Miracles 19 Self-Help Books: Why women can’t stop reading them THE WOMEN OF TodAY (Changes in the Moralistic Values of Filipino 23 Women Today)

FEATURES

Announcement:

20 Achian: Existence in an School Dominated by Women 24SAY WHAT?!

Letters to the editor, literary pieces, comments, suggestions or any contribution or article which you think is beneficial to the students are welcome in The Paulinian. Submit your articles to the Paulinian Office at the Students Affairs Office (SAO) or sent it thru e-mail at thepaulinian_mag@gmail.com or to thepaulinian_spum@yahoo.com. For literary pieces please e-mail them to optimumpassion@gmail.com. The editorial board reserves the right to edit all submitted articles and publish only those that will meet the standards of the paper.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

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he Paulinian has been so silent after the first issue of the magazine was published.

No news was heard and no issue followed it. But just like a newly planted seed, The Paulinian has found the light and has finally sprouted. Each new leaf brings hope and new beginning. After all the sleepless nights of editing, the hasty decisions made, the tears shed, the stressful days of lay-outing, searching for a printing press and processing the contract, we now present to you the bulk issue of the Paulinian magazine covering all the events that took place in the 1st and 2nd semester of this school year. We, the Paulinian staffers have struggled a lot and have been through intensive tests in reviving the paper from its deep sleep, but we never lost hope. There were times we wanted to quit especially at times when after doing our best and after the all sacrifices we made, people seemed not to care. It felt so dumb to keep proving ourselves to people who in the first place would not listen or show even the slightest amount of appreciation. Anyway why should we be bothered? After all, we are not doing all these things to gain any recognition, but to remain committed to the promise we made, that is to serve our fellow Paulinians. Things may be very difficult and people may be very demanding but I always believe that the hardest thing in this life is the most rewarding of all.

I would like to thank the people behind this paper who have never failed to show their passion and dedication in writing and serving. We may have been groping in the dark for a long time, but God never ceases to shed light and to give us assurance that all these things shall pass.

We have toiled a lot and now is the perfect time to reap the fruits of our labors. As what we have said in our 1st issue, “We planted a new seed, nurture it!� Keep on writing, my dear Paulinians!

Caritas Christi Urgent Nos!

GENEVIEVE CENIT Editor-in-Chief

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news

Asian Youth Day

SPUM Taekwondo Team Soars with Flying Colors

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n 22 November 2009, the Taekwondo Team of the Philippines, in partnership with Smart telecoms, conducted an intercollegiate activity entitled “2009 Smart National Interschool Taekwondo Championships” in the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Students of different Merto_Manila schools competed in this event. The participating schools were College of St. Benilde, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Sto. Tomas, Don Bosco Makati, Lyceum of the Philippines, Letran, and St. Paul University Manila.

The SPU Manila team, with their coach and team captain Kamil Remigio from BSA 2, brought home four medals. Individual Paulinian winners were Sherreli Alano (HRM 3)-bronze medal and Maryle Dionne Bunquin (BSBA 2)-silver medal, both in the Welterweight Division; Zaguetth Cabonce (BSBA 3)bronze medal in the Flyweight Division; and Thea May Masilang (BSCS 4)-silver medal in the Bantamweight Division.

-Janine Acebedo

Psychology Students attend

23rd

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PAPJA Convention

he Psychological Association of the Philippines Junior Affiliates (PAPJA) held its 23rd National Convention with the theme “Character Strengths of the Filipino: A Positive Response to Current Challenges” on 27-28 November 2009 at University of Sto. Tomas and Miriam College. A delegation of Psychology students from all over the Philippines participated in the event.

On the first day, the keynote speakers presented issues on the previous tragedies

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that the Philippines have encountered and how the psychologists can help. Discussions on forgiveness and on how on-line blogging can help us were also presented, followed by a quiz bee competition. The next day, the organizers prepared a pool of workshops to enhance the knowledge of the participants in the field of Psychology.

-Cathleya Marie Co

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C E L E B R A T I O N

he Philippines, as the host country for the 5th Asian Youth Day (AYD), warmly welcomed thousands of youth delegates from different Asian countries on 20-27 November 2009. The 5th AYD, entitled “YAsia Fiesta,” had the theme: “Young Asians: Come together, share the word, live the Eucharist.”

The AYD cross, which was made of bamboo, was brought to different parishes before the main events.

On 7 November 2009, the SPU Manila Campus Ministry Student Volunteers (CMSV), together with the SPU Manila Chorale, took part in the Send-off Liturgy in the Santissimo Rosario Parish Church, UST Compound, España, Manila . The readers, choir, ushers and usherettes during the Mass celebrated

by Fr. Jade Licuanan were all from St. Paul University Manila.

The first AYD was held at Thailand in 1999 and since then, it has been celebrated every two years. It was announced that 6th AYD will be held in Korea in 2013.

-Genevieve Cenit

Paulinians Celebrate

Euro Week

On 2008, the Euro week in cooperation with Euro Union Embassies and Language Institution, grant St. Paul University Manila (SPU Manila) and Ateneo de Manila (AdMU) the honour of hosting the Euro Week celebration.

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aulinians are known to have the French Heritage, and this fact was no secret to the Spanish Embassy. In this regard, the second “Linggo de Lingua” celebration, once again took place at SPU Manila, as well as in ADMU and University of the Philippines- Diliman from 7 to 12 September 2009.

On 9 September 2009, varied competitions and seminars were held simultaneously at SPU Manila. The competitions include the EU Quiz Bee and GO Navigate.

Six teams from SPU Manila and one team from University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), each composed of 3 students, participated in the quiz bee contest. The questions were about some important facts on the EU countries and cultures. In the afternoon, seven teams competed for the “Go Navigate Contest” that was powered

by Google Earth.

The second day of the Linggo de Lingua started with a food demo at the HRMTC Coffee Shop. The second year BS HRM students gathered together to witness the culinary skills of Ms. Anna Maria Cinefra, an Italian who is very fond of cooking and Chef Tristan Encarnacion, Filipino celebrity chef Both of them showcased their talents in cooking European dishes

in line with the celebration of the European Week.

Afterwards was the Food Fest which was held at the Conference lobby. Third and fourth year BS HRM students set up stalls with their assigned European country. They competed against each other, displaying different delicacies of each European country and were even clad in traditional European constumes.

The last activity on the second day was the language classes that were conducted by the European guests. The languages offered wereSpanish, German, French, Finnish, Italian and Portugese.

Students from different year levels and programs attended and actively participated in this activity.

The objective of this one week celebration was foster friendship and cultural understanding between the EU countries and Philippines by encouraging the Filipino students to study and be familiar with the EU languages and cultures.

-Janine Acebedo and Ma. Raniel Santos

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SIKOLOHISTAS VISIT HK

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en psychology students visited Hong Kong on 28 September to 2 October to take part on an educational tour.

The students were Cathleya C. Co, Adama Deguilmo, Karen Manzano, Fatima Eusebio, Arbie Flores, Klarie Gutierrez, Meryl Jocson, Jill Ramirez, Euwenafe Milay, Raquel Magmanlac all from BSP 3. Ms. Joanne Osea, Psychology professor accompanied the students on tour.

BSP 3 students & Ms. Joanne Osea, Psychology professor accompanied the students on tour.

The students toured around the Ocean Park, a marine-themed amusement park in Hong Kong; Avenue of Stars; JC Jewelry factory; Fisher Folks Village and

Disney Land and shopped at Hong Kong’s shopping districts.

They also visited two universities, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The delegates met Professor Agnes Chan, Associate Investigator and Neuropsychologist at Chinese University and were given a chance to have an ocular visit in the psychological laboratories of the two universities. The students have seen their inventions during their ocular visits to the laboratories.

-Cathleya Marie C. Co

Christian Formation Week

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o celebrate our giftedness as one Paulinian community, the Christian Formation Program organized a five-day event for this year’s Christian Formation Week with the theme “A Heart that Beats for Peace and Service.” The week-long event was celebrated on 22-26 September 2009.

On the first day, an Institutional Mass, concelebrated by 22 priests was held in the Fleur-de-lis Theater, followed by a

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tribute for the priests and a luncheon in the Hotel and Restaurant Management Training Center (HRMTC).

In the afternoon, the Advocacy Exhibit on Pro-life was formally opened, as well as the Rummage Sale for the Drop-inn clients and CDC adopted barangays.

The second day was allotted for Taize Prayers ,facilitated by one of the Taize brothers, Br. André Frere.

The Common Freshmen Program (CFP) presented Rhythm Bash, a competition showcasing their talents in singing and dancing, on the same day. Several formation workshops and seminars were conducted on the 3rd and 4th day.

Originally set on 26 September 2009 to end the CFP week, the Paulinian Feast Day was moved on 18 December 2009, due to the typhoon Ondoy.

-Genevieve Cenit

CEAP 2009 F

our from the St. Paul University Manila family namely: Ms.Maribel Corcolla, Campus Minister; Ms. Wynna Medina, University President; Sr. Josephine Ramada, Chairperson of Christian Formation program and Dr. Runvi Manguerra, Chairperson of the Education program, attended the CEAP National Convention Program 2009 with the theme: “Hold it in trust: Leadership as Stewardship” on 16-18 September 2009, at the Manila Hotel.

CEAP had the following objectives: To provide an opportunity for Bishops and Catholic educators to engage in meaningful conversations on stewardship in the church and the country; to present matters of vital importance for the strengthening of the association towards more effective services to its members; to share trends, best practices, and strategies towards better management of educational institutions; and to provide a forum for national leaders to present their platforms on private education.

The opening of exhibits, registration, and distribution of kits took place on the first day. On the second day, they started the activity with a mass with His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., archbishop of Manila, as the mass presider. Some concurrent sessions were held for the betterment of the education system in the Philippines. On the last day, the synthesis and announcement of the CEAP National Board of Directors and Forum with National Leaders were held.

-Louise Angelica Gutierrez

STUDENTS AND ADMIN DIALOGUE ON

STUDENTS’ CONCERNS

CAS

JUMP, BOUNCE, AND GIGGLE WITH

S

tudents from the College of Arts and Sciences allotted three fun-filled days for the CAS Days with the theme “funCAstic Days:the Rise of the funCAStic Kids” on 17-19 September 2009.

The CAS Days started with a solemn mass at Chapel of the Crucified Christ led

by Fr. Mark Manabat. After the mass, the energy of the students leveledup when the Bagito band, a percussion band, hired by the CAS Council started to play.

Having a children’s party concept, the students on their party hats were enlivened to play the parlor games and were grouped according their sections. They have also showcased their talents in a variety show On the second day, a mock job interview for the 4th year Psychology students was held at the Conference room. The students got tips and information on how to act and make an excellent impression as an applicant. The mock job interview was followed by a fashion

glee!

show organized by the Mass Communication Program students and a seminar on Suicide Intervention.

The activity ended with a Book Bigayan along with RockEd: A Concert for Cause. The proceeds of this activity will go

to the public schools which RockEd supports.

RockEd is a non-profit organization that encourages the youth to vote and participate in a clean and honest election.

- Cathleya Marie Co

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he student leaders and school administration officials aired their views and answered each other’s queries on the Student-Admin Dialogue held on 16 November 2009 at the Founders Hall. Kaycee Garcia, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President, served as the master of ceremony.

Oreanne Onofre, SSC Auditor, led the opening prayer and followed by the presentation of the accomplishment report of the SSC for the first semester.

Student leaders from SSC, college councils and other school organizations shared their opinions on the school policies and aired their questions and grievances. In turn, Ms. Wynna Medina, university President, together with the Vice Presidents (VP’s), College Deans, Program Chairs and other officials from the administration gave their sides on the issues that were raised and discussed.

-Cathleya Marie Co

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FESTIVALS TAKE OVER FRESHMEN

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hilippine festivals” was the theme of the 2009 SPU Manila Freshmen Initiation on 19 September 2010.

The event was entitled “PAULO FIESTA! Sa Bayang Hinirang, Mga Pista’y Ipagdiwang!”

The Freshmen Initiation has been an annual tradition of the school to welcome new Paulinian students. The freshmen students were grouped according to their chosen programs and were assisted by the seniors. The activity this year aimed to recognize and appreciate the colorful and diverse culture of the country.

The following were the festivals represented by each course: Flores de Mayo (HRM), Pahiyas (Business Administration), Panagbenga (Nursing), Pintados (Psychology), Parada ng mga Lechon (Tourism), Masskara (Education), Santacruzan (Music), Moriones (Mass Communication), Sinulog (Computer Science and Information Technology), and Cañao

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(Accountancy,Financial Management Accounting and Entrepreneurship).

The participants paraded around the grounds and the streets surrounding the school. They also presented dances to portray their respective festivals, along with their costumes, props, and banners.

At the end of the event, some awards were given to the outstanding programs. The Mass Communication Program tied with Computer Science and Information Technology for the 3rd place, the Nursing Program took the 2nd place, and Education won the 1st place.

- Kerwin George D. Fortes

1st PTM Tourism T

housands of tourism and hospitality management students from the different universities and colleges in the country gathered for the 4th Annual Tourism Congress with a theme, “Tourism amidst Global Crisis” at Ugnayang building, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) on 29 August 2009.

The 4th Tourism Congress boasts the Tourism Skills Olympics that features the much-awaited tour guiding and tour packaging competitions, tourism quiz bee, cultural dance presentation, poster and slogan making contest, and Kasuotang Pilipino contest.

St.Paul University Manila (SPU Manila) has sent several representatives in each contest except in the cultural dance presentation. The following students who represented SPU Manila were: Ma.Cristina Lovella Tilar (tour guiding), Marie Kimberly Timpug and Aubrey Sebastian (tour packaging), Genevieve Cenit (tourism quiz bee), Coralie Morales and Diana Marie Oliva (poster and slogan making) and Donna May Balfour (kasuotang Pilipino).

Out of 30 competing schools from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Ma. Cristina Lovella Tilar, ranked 1st for the tour guiding competition and Genevieve Cenit, competing with 36 contestants, ranked 6th for the tourism quiz bee.

Aside from the Tourism Skills Olympics, the UFTE

Tourism

Quiz Bee

organizers have also invited important personalities to discuss on “Tourism opportunities amidst Global Crisis,” with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as the keynote speaker.

Students Shine in

: Ma. Cristina Lovella Tilar and Genevieve Cenit received their awards from Dean Celso Benologa and Ms. Sharon Manguerra, Tourism Program Chair.

4th Tourism Congress

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he Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in cooperation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) held its 1st Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) Tourism Quiz Bee at SM Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall during the 20th PTM “Beyond the Usual Philippines, Experience IT Here, “on 4-6 September 2009.

Among the top ten finalists from different universities, Genevieve Cenit, 4th year tourism student of St. Paul University Manila (SPU Manila bagged) the silver medal award (1st runner-up). Mrs.Cristina Williams, tourism program faculty served as the coach.

Before the final round, sixty contestants from twelve different schools within Manila participated in the elimination and semi-final round which was held at the DOT Auditorium on 20 August 2009. The sixty contestants were trimmed down to twenty-one during the elimination round until ten students were left to compete for the final round. Two tourism students

from SPU Manila, Genevieve Cenit (4th year) and Catherine Yvonne Manatad (3rd year), qualify for the final round. Other schools who also qualify for the final round were Far Eastern University (FEU), Airlink Int’l Aviation College, Cento Escolar University (CEU), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and University of Sto.Tomas (UST). A student from PUP was declared as champion, SPUM 1st runner-up and FEU, 2nd runner-up. Certificates and cash prizes with an amount of Php.20, 000 (champion), Php.10, 000 (1st runner-up) and Php.5, 000 (2nd runner -up) were awarded to the top three contestants who gained the highest points during the final round.

-Genevieve Cenit

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Paulinian Chefs Go National S

t. Paul University Manila participated in the 3rd National Food Showdown 2009 at A.Venue Events Makati Ave., Makati on 4-5 September 2009.

Six paulinians, Shiela Olivo (Cuisine Rapide); Karl Anthony Mendros (Petite Fours/Pralines); Abram Gerard Samson, Veijin Hazel Uy and Althea Marie Poriuncula (Creative Cake Decoration) and Mark Daniel Ongsip (Flair tending), participated and competed in the event.

Earning the highest score in the fruit and vegetable carving, Mark Anthony Gallano won the second place and a silver medal while Nikolai Cabral won bronze for Cocktail Mixing: The Mixmaster.

This annual event showcases talents from various hotels, restaurants and schools.

--Marc Mondelo

Shiela Olivo; Karl Anthony Mendros; Abram Gerard Samson, Veijin Hazel Uy and Althea Marie Poriuncula and Mark Daniel Ongsip, participated and competed in the event.

Foodie Visits SPU Manila

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oodie Magazine visited St. Paul University Manila on 3 August 2009 for the Foodie Campus Tour.

Chef Myrna Segismundo, editorin-chief of Foodie Magazine; Chef Jill Sandique, food stylist of Foodie Magazine and Caren Yrastorza, journalist and food writer, were the guest speakers of the event. They have shared their experiences in their respective professions and talked about how real life is in the culinary world.

Simultaneously, the Mini Chef Wars Chef Jill Sandique and Chef Myrna Segismundo was held at the kitchen laboratory two. Four teams composed of three sophomore students participated in the said contest. Each team was required to prepare three Filipino

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dishes with the given ingredients: saba, shellfish and milkfish. The participants of the said event were Christopher Estudillo, Angelica Luz Bondoc, Karisha S. Cantos, Paola Camille Obien, Roselle Lajom, Ralph Ceazar Salao, Maria Rosa Eloisa Cruz, Laurice Gadon, Quinee Ebon, Gina Canales, Rutchie Cruz and Kevin Clyde Reyes. The team of Maria Rosa Eloisa Cruz, Laurice Gadon and Quinee Ebon bagged the first place in the Mini Chef Wars.

-Ma. Raniel Santos

CNAHS Celebrates Nursing Week T

he Nursing Week was once again observed from 31 August to 2 September 2009. The event was marked with various activities at the SPU Manila quadrangle. Several booths, each with different tricks, manned by nursing students were also opened for everyone to enjoy. The second, third and fourth year nursing students who participated, pitted against each other for the mini-sports fest. At the same time, a medical-dental mission was held at the conference hall. The festivity was highlighted with the dancing prowess of clinical instructors and was capped with the Mr. and Mrs. Florence Nightingale contest.

-Rennie Papa II

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CM turns

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n its 30th year of building faithcommunity and ministering on campuses, the Campus Ministry Archdiocese of Manila celebrated its Pearl Anniversary on 29 July 2009.

Different schools, congregations, organizations and individuals gathered to take part in this special occasion at the Manila Cathedral. His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., Archbishop of manila, presided the Eucharistic celebration and commissioning rite of Campus Ministers, chaplains, lay collaborators and student volunteers.

A short program and luncheon was held at Villa Immaculada right after the mass. During the program, several testimonies were shared to affirm that the campus ministry has been an instrument in renewing and strengthening ones faith in God especially among the youths of today’s generation. Mr. Leonard de Leon shared his own experience as a former campus ministry student volunteer and now a campus ministry staff of SPU Manila on how it moved him to reach-out and give service to other people.

As a member of the Campus Ministry Archdiocese of Manila, the Campus Ministry Student Volunteers (CMSV) of SPU Manila served as the ushers and usherettes and during the mass and reception. The CMSV is headed by Ms. Maribel Corcolla, Campus Minister and Sr. Mary Vianney, SPC, Vice President Christian Formation.

-Genevieve Cenit

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opinions

SPU MANILA COMMUNITY EXTENDS HELPING HAND TO ONDOY VICTIMS

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couple of days after Typhoon Ondoy took everyone by surprise and wreaked havoc on the metro and its surrounding provinces, Paulinians geared up to help those in need. Although some of them were not able to get to their homes on that fateful Saturday due to the heavy rains and flooded roads, students, faculty members, and administrators worked together to set the wheels of St. Paul University Manila’s typhoon relief efforts in motion. In cooperation with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) through Sr. Roseanne Mallillin, SPC, the school community was able to generate funds and manpower to provide relief goods for those devastated

by the typhoon.

The relief efforts, which started in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the storm, was temporarily halted because another typhoon, Pepeng, entered the Philippines. However, after Pepeng left the country, there was an increase in the number of volunteers from the second day of the relief efforts until the last day when the classes were still suspended, since travel became easier and news of the school’s endeavor spread to other students.

The school’s relief efforts, in coordination with the SPU Manila Community Development Center (CDC), concentrated on packing relief goods and distributing them to some affected areas in

Pampanga, Rizal, Muntinlupa, Laguna, and Marikina.

The relief goods came in the form of starter packs--a collection of basic necessities which are aimed not only to give temporary and palliative resources to their recipients, but also to help them make another start from what they have experienced. The starter packs contained canned goods, instant foodstuffs, clothes, underwear, towels, blankets, sleeping mats, kettle, cooking pot, plastic plates and glasses, eating utensils, toiletries, rice, detergent, and other items that would enable the typhoon victims to survive for some time.

Majority of these items were donated by various sources while repackaging them into one kit was done by numerous volunteers from the students, faculty, and some

others who are not affiliated with the school, but came to help as well. The students, faculty, and administrators participated in delivering the starter kits to the distribution sites.

Aside from manpower, many people--members and nonmembers of the SPU Manila community--also gave donations in cash and in kind. Since classes were suspended for one week, per CHED order, the school was able to mobilize a large number of volunteers to repack and send off the relief goods.

-Jasper Joseph Ballecer

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Ondoy’s Fury: A Woman's Metier For Change

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t took me two weeks to get hold of Ms. cussed by a clinical instructor in one of our Emma Daylag, Clinical Instructor. Her tight Ms. Daylag lives in Cainta, Rizal, one of the classes. Lastly, I asked her if she had any schedule made the task at hand, which most affected areas aside from Pasig and parting thoughts to share with our readers, was to interview her, somewhat difficult. Marikina. If the day and night at the height of and she said all of us should be aware of I knew that her schedule was as hectic as Ondoy’s deluge was frightening and nerve- what is going on around us and how immine, but one day, when I didn’t expect to racking, the days after were pitiful and des- portant it is to protect our environment. As I see her., I did. She was greeted by a group olate. When she got home, she found out thanked her and bade her goodbye, I felt of nursing students who were waiting for their that the fruits of their lifetime work and sav- relieved that the interview was over and at bus to take them to their rotation. I rushed ings were all washed away. The sight of the the same time elated to have met a woman to her side and asked if she was free that devastation caused many, who were not so of resolute character. afternoon for an interview. For someone who strong, to feel wretched and inconsolably just went through the havoc wrought by Ty- heartbroken. Ms. Daylag, being strong-willed I shudder at the thought of having another phoon Ondoy, she looked composed and and resolute, took everything in good stride occurrence of such catastrophic proportion a relaxed. It was as if she did not have any and did not take the doleful and beggarly in the future and what it would make of us misfortune or yoke to carry after all of On- attitude of many other victims. After the wa- when we are the ones who will be directly doy’s devastation. I became affected by such. If interested in how this strong- “If the day and night at the height of Ondoy’s deluge was we cannot be aware willed woman coped with of what is happenfrightening and nerve-racking, the days after were pitiful and the situation and confronted ing around us, if we the reality at hand. Her story desolate. When she got home, she found out that the fruits cannot feel or see is just one of the many stories of their lifetime work and savings were all washed away. The the effect of these we have read or heard, but sight of the devastation caused many, who were not so strong, weather disturbances coming from one of our own, to feel wretched and inconsolably heartbroken.” in our lives or in our surit definitely inspires human roundings, what would interest. After my classes that become of us all? afternoon, I eagerly waited As it turns out, many for her in the nursing office. A few minutes ters had subsided, she did not waste time of these devastating occurrences can be later, she came in and pleasantly greeted to rise against all the odds. She took a two- known or predicted, and as such, people me. I could immediately feel the amiable week leave of absence and used the time of authority can eliminate, anticipate, preaura surrounding her. to clean, fix, and rehabilitate their damaged vent, plan ahead, or do proactive moves to house. Now, as we speak, she says every- lessen or prevent the devastating effects of

To start things off, I asked her how thing is spruced and cleaned up and they these natural occurrences. Sad to say, our she was and how it was for her during and are slowly refurnishing. government officials have lost their sense after Ondoy’s wrath. She said she is now doof priorities and put little effort in addressing ing well, trying to pick up the pieces to start When I asked what the effect of Ondoy in these needs. We also contribute to this mess anew. She went on to say that during that her life was, she said the incident made her in our environment. Only when we become fateful day, she was in school, stranded. a stronger person, with greater faith in God. a victim can we see the light.

There was no way she could be with her She is very thankful that while many of her family no matter how much she would like material possessions were either destroyed Ms. Emma Daylag is just one of the thouto go home. Wary of the typhoon, she en- or lost, her family is intact, safe, and well. sands affected and her story may not sound trusted her daughter to their neighbor who If there was a change in their way of life, it as grave as the ones we read in the newshad access to higher ground. During On- was her daughter who loves to play “bahay- papers. But as I said earlier, it is the way one doy’s onslaught, flood water crept into their bahayan” and who was deeply affected. rises from the ashes (or mud, if you please) house and in no time at all it was completely After the harrowing experience, her daugh- and the phoenixes in us that are more imsubmerged. Their house, a bungalow, was ter played her usual “bahay-bahayan” with portant in this times of devastation. Definitely, under five feet of water. Practically every- a twist--she started playing in an evacuation it is not nice to “celebrate” or spend a day or thing inside was under water. Furniture, appli- center, with the game centered on what a week of having no classes while others are ances, personal belongings, all went under places need to be rescued first or who shall suffering. So, who is the real victim here? Is it the murky water. Some floated up and out be the first to be evacuated. I then thought somebody who lost everything or someone of the house. of this fact as observational learning, as dis- who lost his or her awareness of reality?

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- Rennie Renato O. Papa II

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b y : G e n e v i e v e C e n i t

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6 September 2009- the heavy rain on television. No matter how much pain fices so that other people may live. Well, it all poured for several hours and unno- they had suffered from the loss of posses- depends on our choice. Being a hero espeticeably, little by little the level of water sions and family members, they still looked cially in times like this entails a lot of courage rose up to immeasurable heights, flooding forward with great hope and anticipation to and sacrifice. the whole Metro Manila and its neighboring the good things that can happen. Not only towns. Many were trapped in their schools, optimism was seen but also the creativity Some of those who survived consider this offices, and even in their own houses. Thou- of the Filipinos. People thought of ways to event as a miracle. They are very grateful sands of people were not only trapped, that they were given another but worst, they lost their own cars, hous“Others even risked their lives to save people, chance to live and learn from es, and in some cases, their families or a few at the expense of losing their own. It only that tragic experience. They their own lives. No one was exempted, have realized that although proves that all of us can make ourselves living they lost everything that they young and old, famous and unknown, sacrifices so that other people may live.” rich and poor, from the nightmare have worked hard for in their brought about by Typhoon Ondoy that entire life, they are still very hit the country. blessed that it was not their lives that were taken away. This Many have suffered from the typhoon’s survive, like transforming gallons of mineral experience has also helped us realize how wrath. Thousands of people have no choice water into a raft and copying meal stubs just short life is. It has taught us to love the peobut to stay in the crowded evacuation cen- to get extra food. See how creative Filipinos ple around us and to live our life every day ters since they have no place to run to and are, be it in a good or a bad way. as if it were our last. It has also reminded us no other means to survive, apart from the that prayer should be our first response, not relief goods that were given to them. On What stood out most during those days were a hopeless remedy. We must bear in mind the other hand, some of them chose to go the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan. that at times when we are left with nothing, back to their own houses although the place Many generous hearts were opened and there is Someone up there who always liswas still submerged in the waters for fear that many hands reached out. Day and night tens and who always sticks around. We just they might still lose their few remaining pos- people worked hand and hand to search for have to put our trust in Him. the missing or to pack relief goods. Students sessions. and teachers who could have enjoyed the Together let us rebuild our nation. Together However, despite the fact that we were in week-long suspension of classes sacrificed we will pick up the pieces and start a new the worst situation, it was so amazing that we their time to help and volunteer. Others even life, doing as the message from the movie Filipinos could still manage to smile, or even risked their lives to save people, a few at the Meet the Robinsons tells us: “KEEP MOVING laugh, at our misfortunes. It was very evident expense of losing their own. It only proves FORWARD!” in the faces of the people being interviewed that all of us can make ourselves living sacri-

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26 September

26September2009 T

he 26th of September fell on a Saturday this year. It was on that unexpected day that a catastrophe hit our country. Two months have passed but what I experienced on that day is still etched in my memory.

I woke up and looked out the window. The skies were gray just as expected. It was announced on the news that a typhoon would hit the country. I began to wonder if classes were suspended. I grabbed my cell phone to check if I received any messages from my friends about the suspension of classes, but there was nothing in my inbox. Since there was no news that classes would be suspended, I got up and prepared for school. When I got to school, it wasn’t raining. The weather was just really gloomy.

When I went to class, only half of the population of my section were present. Second period came and the number of students present still did not increase. The rain began to pour, the clouds grew darker, the students started to complain. Lunch time drew near and classes were still not suspended. By the time that it was announced that classes were suspended, the rain was continuously pouring. I was with my friends the whole morning. We decided to stay until the rain stopped or at least let up.

Unfortunately, the rain did not stop. It was

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like it could have continued pouring for what seemed like forever. I was glad that my family was safe at home. But I felt worried because I had no idea how on earth I would be able to go home. Ms. Fortes told us that we were free to spend the night in school. She said that it would be safer for us to stay than to risk experiencing the wrath of Ondoy outside school grounds. The school was flooded, what more on Pedro Gil and the rest of Manila?

For the rest of the day, I spent my time at The Paulinian Office in the Student Affairs Office (SAO). Lots of students were there. The SSC, friends of the SSC, The Paulinian staffers and their friends, and of course, Ms. Fortes and Ms. Annie were there. Everyone was welcome at the SAO. There was even a note taped on the door which said “Evacuation Center.”

SAO, a place that students do not usually dare to enter, became crowded. The ironic thing was people there seemed happy. It was like there was no a typhoon trying to destroy Metro Manila. My worries lessened when I saw their happy faces. I felt safe.

Free dinner was served in the canteen for everyone who was stranded. Students were the ones who served the food and cleaned up the canteen. Some cleared tables while others mopped the floor. It did not matter whom

they were helping. They just wanted to help out. To see and know that we, Paulinians, can count on one another in times of need made me smile. The rain had not stopped but I felt happy.

Honestly, my friends and I did not know what was happening outside. It was not until we checked out pictures online that we learned how badly Metro Manila was hit by Ondoy. We saw pictures of houses and cars submerged in water and of people who were trying to find a safe place to stay. I was thankful that I did not dare go home that day.

My mom fetched me mid-morning the next day.

On our way home I noticed that there were just a few people on the streets of Manila. What were usually busy streets suddenly became a secluded places. Even convenience stores like 7/11 and Mini Stop were closed. No one expected Ondoy to have such a great impact on our country. Even the government was not prepared for such a catastrophic event. How do we prepare for something we do not even see coming anyway?

-Ma. Raniel Santos

When Mother Nature -Cathleya Marie Co

eptember 26 was a crazy day for me. Metro Manila was submerged in floods due to Ondoy, a signal number 1 typhoon. Everyone was stressed and everything was in chaos: heavy rains, floods that grew higher than 10 feet, horrendous traffic, impassable roads, people on top of their roofs, panic everywhere, and evacuation ongoing.

S

According to weather reports, the six hours of rain that poured at that time was equivalent to 24 hours of a normally rainy day. No wonder the floods grew that high. The large volume of water plus the tons and tons of garbage that blocked the drainage systems became unbearable.

Everyone was caught off guard, even the government. It seemed Ondoy was underestimated. No one expected that a signal number 1 typhoon could result in this kind of devastation.

Describing the onslaught that typhoon Ondoy caused, I could say that the condition of the Filipinos has been aggravated. We face issues on environment, health, security, government, and poverty that we ourselves have caused.

But, have you ever thought that these things happened because of our selfishness?

In our Catholic Social Teaching class, we have discussed its 10 principles, and one of those is the Principle of Stewardship. It has been said that we show respect for the Lord by our stewardship of creation. We all have the responsibility to take care for the world’s goods as trustees of the Lord but unfortunately, we have over reacted as nature’s consumers.

From clean waters to poisoned

Strikes Back

ones, lush grasslands to mountains of trash, and fresh air to pollution, everything around us appears to be deteriorating. With the decreasing number of virgin forests, increasing temperature around the globe, and typhoons coming from time to time, nature seems to be saying something.

Many people nowadays do not notice the damages they create in our environment. Though they believe that the things they are doing are for progress, things are happening the other way around.

Trees in the mountains are becoming fewer, causing water to flow down to the plains on stormy days. On the other hand, the number of some animal species is nearing extinction because of illegal hunting.

The weather is changing almost every day due to the damage in the ozone layer caused by the poisonous gases that we have created. Clear waters become pools of dirt because of improper ways of waste disposal and irresponsible dumping of trash by some industrial companies.

Now, who is suffering? Mother Nature pays back worse than our irresponsible actions. All the disasters that are created by nature present only one idea-calling the people to change their ways and become more conscious of the effects of their actions that might eventually lead to the destruction of the entire human race.

This is a voice within reminding us to look around and be vigilant.

Ondoy was just another storm in our life that has made or will make us stronger. Yes, what happened to us on the 26th day of September was a disaster, but I think in one way or another we have

learned or realized something which has made us better persons.

Most importantly, we regained our strength in faith because of the continuous blessings that we receive from the Lord despite our losses. The typhoon may be considered as a blessing in disguise since we were given the opportunity to see beauty amidst disaster, people’s kindness and generosity in a fight for survival, unity that bridges physical and social barriers, cheerful smiles in times of hardships, and will instead of hopelessness.

Stop blaming, stop hating. Nobody wanted that to happen. I say look at the bright side, because if we do not, it is like allowing Ondoy to ruin our life TWICE. Let us forget what Ondoy has brought us and remember what we have learned from it.

Do not let the disaster pass without leaving something beautiful. We must always remember that the power of prayers never fails and that we should NEVER mess with Mother Nature.

Indeed! There are realizations under water

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A Glimpse of

Padre Pio’s Life and Miracles

T

he Campus Ministry of St. Paul University Manila (SPU Manila) collaborated with Mr. Ramon Jose C. Rodriguez Jr., Director of the Philippine Centre for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Inc., to bring the relics of St. Padre Pio to SPU Manila. The relics of the Saint were placed in the Chapel of the Crucified Christ on 13 August 2009 and remained there from 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. The students, faculty members, and devotees of the Saint came to pray and some to be prayed over for healing. Some testimonies to the miracles performed by Padre Pio were shared before the Mass to honor the Saint. Fr. Mark Manabat presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest, was born in the small farming town of Pietrelcina, Italy on 25 May 1887. Although the Forgiones were poor in material goods, they were certainly rich in their faith life and in the love of God. Even as a young man, Padre Pio already showed signs of extraordinary gifts of grace. From his early childhood, he already showed a kind of recollection of spirit and a love for the religious life. When he was fifteen years old, he was admitted to the novitiate of the Capuchin Order of the Friars Minor in Morcone, Italy and was admired by his superiors and fellow students for his exemplary behavior and piety. On 10 August 1910, at the age of twenty-three, Padre Pio was ordained to the priesthood. Padre Pio considered the Holy Mass as the center of his spirituality. Due to the long pauses of contemplative silence he entered in various parts of the holy sacrifice, his Mass could sometimes last several hours. Everything about him revealed how intensely he was living the passion of Christ. His parishioners were deeply impressed by his piety and one by one they began to come to him to seek for his counsel.

When he was thirty-one years old, the marks of the stigmata appeared. The wounds of Christ appeared on Padre Pio’s body on 20 September 1918, Friday, while he was praying before a crucifix and making his thanksgiving after Mass. With resignation and serenity, he bore the painful wounds for fifty years and became the first stigmatized priest in the Church’s history.

God also endowed Padre Pio with several extraordinary

18

spiritual gifts and charisms, including the gift of healing, bilocation, prophecy, miracles, and discernment of spirits. He was also gifted with the ability to abstain beyond man’s natural powers from both sleep and nourishment, the ability to read hearts, the gift of tongues (the ability to speak and understand languages that he had never studied), the gift of conversions, levitation, multiplication of food, the grace to see his guardian angel and other angelic beings in form, and the fragrance which emanated from his wounds which frequently announced his invisible presence.

Serene and well prepared, he passed away on 23 September 1968 at the age of eighty-one. He died with the rosary in his hands. His last words were “Gesú, Maria – Jesus, Mary,” which he repeated over and over until his last breath. Padre Pio was canonized by Pope John Paul II on 16 June 2002.

-Joana Olino

Self-Help Books: Why women can’t stop reading them.

by: Leigh April Anne Agahan

M

ost people say that women are according to Jonathan Alpert, a Manhatmore emotionally bonded than tan psychotherapist, “Society is set-up men. Women cope with their problems for women to be passive, thus more thoroughly than men do. Women they become more affected are more bothered by emotional and so- by what society reveals. Selfcial issues such as break-ups, getting the help books more likely enhance right guy, advice on divorce, becoming these kinds of problems and raise successful, etc. A number of women think more emotional status issues. The that reading so called self-help books main objective of these books is might be of great help in getting “These books are popular among the best solutions women probably because they can to their problems.

These books are listen to someone else’s ad¬vice popular among whereas men want things done in women probably because their own way.” they can listen to someone else’s advice whereas men to instruct women on a number want things done in their own way. of personal problems since these books focus more on popular Countless self-help books that can give psychology such as romantic women a competitive social edge are relationships or on human beeagerly sought out by them. According to havior and are said to be helpful Olivia Fox Cabane, an executive coach in increasing self-awareness and for psychotherapists, the reason behind fulfillment in one’s life. As a rethis is that women are more focused on sult, women turn to these books enhancing social ties for survival. They for help and pieces of advice want to know how to cope with their life that they cannot get from their issues and are more likely to seek ad- peers and for the solutions vice from others. Furthermore, they easily that they think might believe what they read, especially if the help them surpass book is popular or recommended. the problems they’re into now.”

Women are into books that discuss relationships and self-esteem issues. The more they can relate to the topic, the more they read these materials because of the similarities in their experiences and because of the solutions they contain. In addition,

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features

Achian:

Existence in an School Dominated by Women

A

chian is an all-male organization founded by Gener “Japong” Reyes, a senior student from the College of Music and the Performing Arts, a Bachelor of Music Major in Percussion, minor in Violin, of St. Paul University Manila. The word Achian came from a Hebrew word which means fraternal or brotherhood. The organization’s seeds were planted and its fruits have blossomed by the first semester (June-July) of 2009, with Japong Reyes as President; Lyndon Kenneth Baguisa (BS Nursing) as VP External; Michael Glas (BS Accounting) as VP Internal; Roel Christopher Encinas (BS Entrepreneurship) as Secretary; Remy Baquisa (BS FMA) as Treasurer; Justine Andrei Zamora (BS Nursing) as P.R.O; and with Dr. Joseph Balaoing as their adviser.

Achian’s objectives answer what kind of organization and the activities whic h the group would like its members to participate and get involve in. These objectives are:

>First, the most important and the organization’s focal point, is to create and instigate camaraderie among the male students of St. Paul University Manila. >Second objective is to promote environmental awareness and care through nature appreciation. >Third, to get involved with the school’s activities, may it be inside or outside the school premises.

Achian’s very first activity was the “Sobrang Cheesy Pare,” held last September 19, 2009. The said event has formally launched Achian and encouraged membership among the attendees. The organization’s second activity was the mountain climbing at Mt. Tayak, San Pablo, Laguna, which took place last December 21, 2009. Training for mountain climbing was held to brief and orient the participants for the much-awaited climb. Last, the most recent, was the rappelling. It was held during the school’s University Week 2010, which costs for only PhP 25. Furthermore, exciting and adventurous events will surely await its current and soon-to-be members. One of which is the survivor series. Just a glimpse of this activity, participants will be placed in a remote island for three days, equipped only with a knife that will serve as thgeir multi-purpose utensil. More so, the Aetas will teach and help the participants all throughout their 3-day stay. The said activity is still on process. Hopefully, it will be pushed through by the month of April.

Do you think Achian can live by its principles or objectives 5 years from now?

“I’m not sure. Pero, hanggat maari. Siyempre, di ko pa rin naman iiwanan yung organization kahit graduate na ko. Andito pa din ako if ever na may mga activities. Sana after 5 years, mas maging maganda, mas madevelop.”

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continue to page >> 22

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How do you see Achian, 3 to 5 years from now?

“More matured.” [In a sense na?] “Mas maganda yung mga activities, mas maayos, mas synchronized. Kung baga, parang, di na kami nangangapa.

Alam na nung mga officers ng mga panahon na yun kung ano yung mga gagawin. Kasi may history na eh. May pag gagayahan na. Mas magiging maayos na sa hinaharap. May background na. Kaya mas magiging mas maganda yung organization. “

Who shall replace you when you graduate?

“Si Roel sana, kung tatakbo siya. Iba’t iba kasi kami ng ideas or plano, paro ang nakikita ko kasi yung interest niya sa ginagawa namin.”

Message for the new set of officers and prospective members

“I-continue lang sana nila yung naumpisahan. If ever na magkaron ng bagong problema, wag silang susuko. Kasi, yung sa akin, yung mga nangyari, laging biglaan, laging may problema, pero di ako sumusuko kasi gusto ko ipakitang kaya kong panindigan yung ano yung naumpisahan ko. Pag nagdecide ako, yung ginagawa ko, minahamahal ko. At sana sila rin, if ever na maging officers sila, di lang dahil officers sila. Dapat alam nila kung paano maging officers. Dapat alam nila kung pano maging leader.

Dapat alam nila kung paano i-guide yung mga neophytes na future officers. Mahalin nila kung ano yung meron. ”

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THE

Y A d o T F O WOMEN

(Changes in the Moralistic Values of Filipino Women Today) by: Gellie Anne Abogado

W

e have been living in a country where women are expected to be conservative in all aspects. Over the past few decades, the Filipino women have grown but the stereotype never left. The women of today have been seen to have lost their moralistic values because of several reasons. First is the Westernized culture. Some people call it as “just being open-minded,� but some take it in a negative way. A concrete example of this is single parenting for women. Single mothers were often discriminated upon in the past. A single mother could not be fully proud of her child, whom she saw as a bad fruit, resulting in discrimination and stereotyping by the people around her. People tended to give names to such women who chose or who might not have a choice with regard to raising her child alone.

However, the single mothers living in our modernized community are known to be independent and strong-willed. The single mothers of today are proud and are shouting out loud that their lifestyle is their own choice. They are no longer afraid of what others would think about them. Some people of the older generations would probably still look down on them but more people today are openminded about the fact that their being single mothers does not define who they really are and how good a mother they can be.

Abortion is still illegal, as well as divorce. Our tradition and culture are still intact but glad to say, we have opened our minds and we accept that nothing is constant in this world but change.

The Philippines is not as liberated as some western countries and I guess no one is rushing things even though some people are pushing for westernization. Our people, true to our culture and religion, have nonetheless opened their minds and come to understand that things can change and unexpected things happen. All that we can do is to understand them, but the morals and basic values that our ancestors have left us should remain in our hearts.

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Say

What?!

BORING & PLAIN. Unlike kasi last year; puro seminars, forums and talks lang. Mas maganda dati may speech contest, dance contest. Dapat alive.

Kaso hindi eh, yung cheerdance lang pinakamasayang part eh. - Vice Ganda, BSP2 Masaya din naman, masyado lang strict yung mga guard magpapasok ng outsiders. Kailangan pa din ng guest form at walang rock bands na tumugtog. Pero pwede na rin. - Ashira, HRM2 Umm, mildly entertaining. Not totally BORING. - Mr. Anonymous, BSED 1 Boring! Ung program lagi na lang sa auditorium.

Walang excitement yung mga programs.

- Watever, BSED2 Too systematic. Predictable. But good thing sumunod naman most of the students.

- Conquesta, BSP4 Well, ang masasabi ko, ok lang kahit medyo boring, sana ginawan na lang nila ng bonggang closing ang last day..like night party. Ganun.

- Sexy, BSP2

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The Say What?! page is the brainchild of The Paulinian, dedicated to and for the use of all students in St. Paul University Manila who feel the need to express themselves. For this issue, The Paulinian gathered comments about the niversity week.

“What can you say about

the University week ?