Heraldo Filipino Vol. 33 Issue 1

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 1

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018

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VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

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NEVER AGAIN, NEVER FORGET. Protesters flocked to Luneta Park on September 21 to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Various progressive groups, workers, mass organizations from different points around Metro Manila converged at Luneta Park for the United People’s Action against Tyranny and Dictatorship.

Photo by Pia Margarita Marantan

Number of undergraduate students ‘lowest in years’ - Registrar Student population to normalize by 2021

by Patrik Aboy With a total of 7,516 undergraduate students this academic year (AY) 2018-2019, having 5,411 upperclassmen students and 2,324 freshmen enrollees, this AY marks the lowest number of undergraduate students recorded in previous years, as confirmed by the University Registrar Paulino Gatpandan.

A total of 8,234 undergraduate students was recorded during the first semester of AY 2017 - 2018,

meaning that the undergraduate population dropped by 8.72 percent this AY despite the return of freshman enrollees.

Gatpandan confirmed that this is the lowest recorded number of freshman enrollees in years, since there was an average

of 3,000 freshman enrollees before the adaptation of the Senior High School curriculum of the K-12 program.

Freshmen enrollees drop Since the last admission of freshman enrollees during AY 20152016, before the implementation of

the K-12 program, the number of enrollees dropped from 3,478 to 2,324 this AY 2018-2019, by 33.18 percent due to the implementation of the free tuition law in local and state universities and colleges (LUCs/SUCs), as per Gatpandan.

“This (drop in freshman enrollees) could actually be expected because of the

mandate by the government that state and local universities are actually free in tuition fee, so malaki talaga ‘yong effect ‘non sa mga private school,” he said.

Last March 26, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 10931, otherwise known as the See ENROLLEES | page 3

Green Shirt Friday abolition continues despite USC, CSC, CSO opposition

by Bianca Isabelle Lariosa

TEMPORARY FIX. To provide the East Campus with electricity until the complete repair of Substation 1 and 6, generators are being utilized for the buildings affected by the power shortage that started on August 29.

Addressing students’ concerns regarding the abolition of Green Day Friday, Office of Student Services (OSS) Dean Arch. Antonio Gutierrez Jr. clarified that wearing of school uniforms during Fridays will continue despite petition letters sent by the University Student Council (USC), Council of Student Organizations (CSO), and College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student Council (CLACSC).

See GREEN DAY | page 2

Photo by Jean Quinto

SPECIAL REPORT

FEATURES

LITERARY

SPORTS

Lupang Ramos

Pagtawid

Roots

Patriots in the NBL

page 4

page 11

page 12

page 15

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 2

NEWS

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

GREEN DAY from page 1

NEWS BRIEFS

DLSU-D releases statement against EJK

by Patrik Aboy DLSU-D released a statement on the escalating number of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) in the country through the Social Transformation through Advocacy and Reform (STAR) arm of the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC), reiterating its “unwavering stand on the protection of human life and dignity.”

The statement was released on the University website on August 22, mentioning that “De La Salle University-Dasmariñas community denounces the unabated spate of killings that betrays due process of law and cheapens the inherent sacredness of human life.”

Opinions from members of the DLSU-D community, including students, faculty, and staff, were compiled after a survey through the University portal to formulate the uniform stance on the current administration’s war on drugs.

Spearheaded by STAR, the University celebrated Human Rights and Democracy Week last September 21 to 28, along with a month-long commemoration of the International Lasallian Day for Peace from September 21 to October 21 comprised of various activities to raise students’ awareness on human rights, democracy, and martial law.

Students’ concerns The petition letter from the highest-governing student body in the University signed by the USC executive board (EB) and college council presidents requested to continue the Lasallian Green Shirt Day until the graduation for the upperclassmen. The points mentioned in the petition include “they (upperclassmen) only own limited sets of the old prescribed uniform” and the continuation of the Green Lasallian Shirt Day will “provide relief from the inconveniences the weather brings.”

“It’s not that we’re against, it’s just that the students kasi ang may gusto na ibalik ang Green Day,” stated USC President Jessica Lorino regarding the letter of request.

Moreover, CSO addressed in their letter that the OSS’

announcement to abolish Lasallian Green Shirt Day was “too abrupt for the student body” as the dress code had been part of the Lasallian tradition since its launch seven years ago.

CLACSC also mentioned that the Green Lasallian Shirt Day brings the Green Patriot identity, stating that it is “an identity which has been long fought for so as not to be generalized [as] Green Archers.” The council further provided statistics to the letter, stating that “about 42.8% of the CLAC population has one to two sets of uniform,” while 16.5% of the population are dormers which make them unable to have an additional set of the uniform.

This is not the first time in recent years that students have spoken up to continue Lasallian Green Shirt Day. During academic year 2016-2017, the then-USC spoke out against the abolishment of the tradition at the time.

OSS’ statement As per Gutierrez on retaining the prescribed uniform on Fridays, “nakikita ko kasi na mas advantageous, generally speaking, ang naka-uniform tayo every Friday.”

The OSS Dean also added that the continuation of abolishment is due to the policy not being explicitly stated in the DLSU-D Student Handbook from the former AYs. “Wala naman talaga Green Day (in the DLSU-D Student Handbook). It started with a memo and may nag-request na mag-extend,” he said, furthering that no additional revisions regarding wearing of green shirt every Fridays have been made from the 2018-2021 DLSU-D Student Handbook released earlier this October.

He furthered that students may still wear their Green Lasallian shirts on wash days, such as Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Brother President holds open discussion with student leaders

by Bianca Isabelle Lariosa University Brother President Br. Augustine (Gus) Boquer, FSC held the “Journey to 2024,” a strategic planning conversation with student leaders to discuss the 5-year strategic direction of the University at the Luis Aguado Viewing Room, Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo on September 18.

Facilitated by the Presidential Management Office (PMO), representatives from the University Student Council (USC), College Student Councils, Student Commission on Election, Performing Arts Groups, Council of Student Organizations, Registered Student Organization, and Auxiliary organizations were present.

USC 2018-2019 President Jessica Lorino brought up students’ concern regarding the tuition fee increase and abolition of Lasallian Green Shirt Fridays, whereas the Brother President mentioned that the matter will be brought up to the deans involved and will hold a separate meeting to discuss the matter with the highest student governing body in the University.

Meanwhile, Council of Student Athletes (CSA) President John Joshua Tengco and United Patriots Football Club (UPFC) President Mary Angelique Ballesteros addressed their concerns regarding the lack of support from the DLSU-D community to the Patriot athletes and teams.

Office of Student Services (OSS) Dean Arch. Antonio V. Gutierrez Jr. explained that the OSS is currently developing a “Roadmap to Sports Development Program Sustainability” in coordination with Sports Development Office (SDO).

BACK IN BUSINESS. Garnering 642 freshmen students out of the 2,250 1st year enrollees, CBAA holds the higherst number of freshmen enrolees, with CEAT trailing close behind with a total of 606 freshmen.

Infographic by Stephanie Ann Arreza

R E AC T Following the 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law last September 21, The HERALDO FILIPINO asked DLSU-D students their stance regarding the statement of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos that millennials have ‘moved on’ from the atrocities of Martial Law from her late father Ferdinand Marcos’ regime, quoting “the millennials have moved on, and I think people at my age should also move on as well.”

“As a millennial, I do believe that everyone, not just the millennials, have not yet moved on from the atrocities during the Marcos regime, I believe that the only time people can start moving on is when the Marcos family admits to the atrocities when they finally return what they have stolen from the country.”

“Hindi, dahil kailangan natin malaman at matandaan ang lahat na nangyari sa nakaraan na nagmulat sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino na lumaban sa diktaduryang Marcos upang hindi maulit ang mga masamang nangyari sa nakaaran.”

“’Di pa dahil marami pa ding ‘di makapaniwala na si Marcos ay nasa Libingan ng mga Bayani. ‘Di pa rin matanggap dahil ramdam pa rin nila ang injustice na nangyari noong kapanahunan ni Marcos.”

Lindsay Macxine Posada First year Hotel and Restaurant Management

Dave Velazquez Fourth year Criminology

Jan Millicent Eleana Ebreo First year Communication Arts

“There is nothing to move on from. As a millennial, I can say that my knowledge regarding Martial Law is quite blurry, sources are not enough or insufficient for us to know the real Martial Law. As we’ve said, ‘experience is the best teacher.’ In any way, we should not bury ourselves in the past, rather take that a lesson not to repeat the same mistake twice.”

Jester Ilawan First year Accountancy

“I don’t think so. This issue will always be in the hearts of the Filipino no matter what generation it is. This has nothing to do with the law or government that was established but will always be about the democracy and the fight for freedom and dignity of the Filipinos.”

Jay Red Barrientos First year Accountancy

“I don’t agree that millennials have moved on from the atrocities of Martial Law because there are still people that fight for justice for what the Martial Law had done to their parents and grandparents.”

“I don’t think millennials have moved on from her (Imee Marcos’) late father’s regime.

The stories about what happened in Martial Law is being passed on from generation to generation. Filipinos will and shall never forget what happened in Martial Law.”

Aleca Anzures First year Human Biology

Nicole Ann Reyes Fourth year Elementary Education

“Yes, the millennials have moved [on].

Since we focus [more] on the recent events that happened in our country, we intend to focus on every little thing or we intend to focus to solve recent events [and] problems, rather than past events.”

“I don’t think we don’t care, we definitely do, we do not want such atrocities repeated and moreover applied in our generation, but we are ready to move forward and address current issues like the war on drugs and human rights.”

Sherwin Adrayan Fourth year Industrial Engineering

Meraiah Martino Third year Human Biology

NEWS

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 3

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

GMH to be converted as a ‘student engagement center’

by Bianca Isabelle Lariosa The current administration building, Gregoria Montoya Hall (GMH), is set to be converted into a student engagement center very soon, as per Office of Student Services (OSS) Dean Arch. Antonio Gutierrez Jr. “Very soon, the administration will be leaving the building (GMH) so this will be turned over [to] the OSS and different student organizations,” Gutierrez said.

Regarding the facility plans for the engagement center, the OSS Dean said it will hold vocation engagement centers, session halls for the University Student Council, study areas, and a multipurpose hall for students.

Gutierrez also stressed the need for individual studio units for the seven Performing Arts Groups (PAG).

“Basically i-ccentralize natin sila (PAG) para secured sila at mas convenient para sa kanila,” Gutierrez stated, emphasizing the need of PAG to have their own units so they no longer utilize the GMH Square for rehearsals.

Moreover, a ‘Student Center Spatial Design Committee’ initiated

by OSS comprised of selected student leaders and members of the administration will spearhead the spatial design of the proposed center.

“The goal of this [Student Center Spatial Design Committee] is to help the administration in determining the

different space allocations needed by the different offices [and] different organizations,” Gutierrez said.

However, he clarified that the committee is not in charge of GMH’s architecture design, but rather the spaces organizations need.

The OSS Dean plans to have the committee’s proposal completed within the first semester. The plan will then be forwarded to the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office (BFMO) and put into consideration for the renovation of GMH next semester.

Updated USC charter change in progress

by Bianca Isabelle Lariosa The University Student Council (USC) is currently collecting insights on the USC Constitution from the college councils before forming a ConstitutionalConvention (Con-con) and casting a plebiscite for the student body to initiate a charter-change, as per USC 2018 - 2019 President Jessica Lorino.

“Movement palang [ng USC] ngayon is tinitignan pa ‘yong constitution na napost online. [We will] see what’s wrong with it tapos ‘yong suggestions na ginawa ng college councils before (AY 2017 - 2018), ittake into account,” said USC Internal Public Relations Officer (PRO) Joshua Ladaga on the councils’s current actions.

The draft will be first presented to the executive board (EB and the legislative board (LB) of USC before the council goes forth with the Con-con involving the seven college councils.

After approval from the Concon, a plebiscite asking students to

STAND WITH THE LUMADS. In commemoration of World Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Lumads from Mindanao ascended to Union Theological Seminary (UTS), Dasmariñas to speak out on their schools being taken down by military forces. The Lumads are currently vacating different schools in Manila to continue their studies and fight for their right to education.

Photo by Justine Bea Bautista

Ayuntamiento to open this AY

by Marjorie Alanzalon After 13 years in construction, the Ayuntamiento building is set to open during the next semester of academic year (AY) 2018 - 2019, as per Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services (VCFAS) Deodoro Abiog II.

cast their votes on the amended USC Constitution will take place once USC disseminates the final draft of the constitution to the DLSU-D undergraduate student body.

“Kung it really needs to take time na maayos namin talaga ng pulido ‘yong constitution, then there’s a possiblility na aabot siya ng second semester—if ever lang,” Lorino confirmed. However, USC is aiming to hold the plebiscite during the first semester.

“We’re trying to make it (USC Constitution) solid na without further—–na parang mababatikos siya,” said USC Business Manager Nathanael Layugan.

Layugan furthered the importance of the revisions as it will affect the next generation of Lasallians who will experience the new USC Constitution.

The initial USC Constitution revision headed by the 2017-2018 USC included USC moniker shift to University Student Government (USG,) along with substantial functions and roles changes in the USC. The plebiscite results from last AY was invalidated due to errors with the online version.

As of press time, the EB and LB of the USC is crosschecking the drafted constitution along with their adviser, Edwin Lineses.

“[The target opening of the Ayuntamiento] might be March, it might be April, it might be February, kung mapabilis-bilis nang kaunti…

It still would be open within the school year.”

Abiog confirmed.

In a previous article released in The HERALDO FILIPINO Volume 32 Issue 3, Abiog said that the target opening of Ayuntamiento would be in 2018. However, the construction halted due to the Dasmariñas City road widening project that affected the Magdiwang gate (Gate 3). Other ongoing projects inside the university also halted the construction, such as the Retreat and Conference Center (RCC) extension and the new building for the College of Engineering and Architecture Technology building construction.

Moreover, Abiog said that the administration will move on to the finishing details of the

population among seven colleges, and I think one of the reason[s] is the Accountancy [program]. … If I’m not mistaken, they have nine sections, … kasi mapupuno na ‘yong seven and then nag-request pa sila ng additional [sections]”, Gatpandan said.

She furthered that the enrollment drop will last until AY 2021-2022, wherein the population of students in the University is expected to ‘normalize.’

Gatpandan addressed that for the student population to ‘normalize,’ there must be first year to fourth year students enrolled in the University.

He added that even when the population normalizes, the number of undergraduate students will still be lower compared to previous AYs due to the low number of freshman enrollees this AY. “What it means by normalize is that during that time meron na kasi tayong first year to fourth year,” Gatpandan explained. “But in terms of number of students, we could expect na mas mababa compare[d] doon sa mga [past] school year[s] na meron tayong first year to fourth year.”

Engineering curriculum revised to 4-year programs for freshmen

building, including the supply of electricity, air conditioning unit set up, and material work for the interior design. Once the plan is complete, the timeline for the interior design process of the Ayuntamiento will take up to six or seven months.

DLSU-D Brother President Augustine “Gus” Boquer, FSC mentioned that he aims to have the Ayuntamiento building operational by AY 2018-2019 as part of his legacy, according to the aforementioned article issued in The HERALDO FILIPINO Volume 32 Issue 3.

As of press time, Building Facilities and Maintenance Office (BFMO) Director Arch.

Dennis Pontanilla clarified that there is no definite date for the resumption of Ayuntamiento construction due to the negotiation between the administration and contractor of the building.

ENROLLEES from page 1 Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, to promote “universal access to quality tertiary education” with free tuition and other school fees in LUCs and SUCs. He added that despite the marketing by the Students Admission Office to encourage students to enroll in the University, students prefer state universities over private universities due to the implementation of the local and state universities free tuition mandate.

Gatpandan furthered that the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) still has the highest number of freshman enrollees due to the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program, with 264 Accountancy students out of the 642 CBAA freshmen.

“Even in the previous years, actually, CBAA has the largest

‘Normalize’ by AY 2021-2022 In an article published in The HERALDO FILIPINO broadsheet volume 31 issue 1 titled DLSU-D freshman enrollees drop from 3,478 to 105 this AY, former University Registrar Marialita Esberto addressed the drop of number of freshman enrollees from AY 20152016 to AY 2016-2017 which is due to the K-12 implementation, adding “sila ‘yong mga nag-stop [sa pag-aaral] at hindi nakapagaral noon,” pertaining to AY 2016-2017 freshman enrollees.

WORKERS, UNITE! In celebration of National Heroes’ Day on August 27, the Martsa ng Manggagawa Laban sa Kontraktwalisasyon protest was attended by various progressive groups to address the ongoing national labor issues such as contractualization and the minimum wage.

Photo by Pia Margarita Marantan

Non-STEM frosh to take bridging courses

by Patrik Aboy With a report from Micaela Carrie Concepcion All College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering programs starting this AY 2018-2019 have been reduced from five to four years due to curriculums adapting to the K-12 program, as per Engineering Department Chair Engr. Natalie Pineda. “’Yong mga basic Mathematics, like Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Trigo[nometry], [and] Geometry were already [taken] in senior high,” Pineda said, pertaining to the subjects already covered in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) track of the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum.

However, Pineda said that this will not differ from the 5-year education from previous academic years (AY), as there had already been specializations offered before the curriculum was revised.

Following the Commission on Higher Education’ Memorandum Order (CMO) and Policies, Standards, and Guidelines on updated engineering curriculums, Pineda furthered that the curriculums were revised accordingly upon approval of the departmental, collegiate, and institutional curriculum committee.

The programs affected by the curriculum shift include all engineering courses in the University, such as BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Computer Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering, BS in Electronics Engineering, BS in Industrial Engineering, BS in Mechanical Engineering, and BS in Sanitary Engineering.

Bridging courses Following CMO No. 105 Series of 2017, stating that “All Grade 12 graduates beginning AY 2017-2018 are eligible to enter college regardless of the track or strand taken in the Senior High School,” the University allowed the acceptance of freshmen enrollees regardless of their SHS track.

Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research Dr. Marco Saez clarified that it is upon the discretion of colleges whether bridging courses shall be offered for K to 12 graduates who have a different SHS curriculum track from their academic programs.

As such, CEAT freshmen who graduated with a different SHS strand from the STEM track shall take bridging courses during the summer of their first year for the Mathematics and Science subjects they were unable to take in SHS. “Kailangan [nilang] mag-summer [during their first year in the University], para makasabay during the second year,” Pineda furthered.

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 4

SPECIAL REPORT

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

Existing and persisting: Lupang Ramos The plight and struggle of our farmers Behind the emergence of huge establishments and vast subdivisions in the city of Dasmariñas, there is a flourishing and thriving agricultural land that prevails through the persistent struggle and collective action of the Katipunan ng mga Lehitimong Magsasaka at Mamamayan sa Lupang Ramos (KASAMA-LR). After more than 50 years, it’s time that Dasmarineños get to know and grasp the 372-hectare agricultural land known as Lupang Ramos.

As Lasallians who may have passed by the area of the picket line of KASAMA-LR along Governor’s Drive, get to know what the farmers and their families from Lupang Ramos are fighting and struggling for as long as they can remember.

The history of Lupang Ramos Through the years, the generations of farmers in Lupang Ramos have been through various disputes in developing their farmlands, such as going against landlords who have coerced the conversion of the agricultural land to residential use.

Under the American Colonial rule, the land was once called Lupang Kano. Through Public Land Act of 1903, which introduced the homestead system of landownership in the Philippines which was open for the public, it eventually paved the way to be an open homestead for residents of Dasmariñas during the Commonwealth era comprising of families of kaingeros who tilled the lands—whose labor and hard work are still evident at present time as the land of Lupang Ramos is still maintained and cultivated by its farmers.

The struggle of the farmers started when the proprietors who obtained homestead sold the farmers’ rights over the lands, demanding farmers to sign blank documents unfavorable for the farmers themselves.

From farm residents to farmworkers, the struggle continued in 1965 under the helm of the family of Emerito Ramos, to whom Lupang Ramos received its moniker, who after claiming ownership of the land ordered the cultivation of rice, corn, and wheat in the farmlands.

After the declaration of Presidential Decree No. 27 of 1972, limiting landowners to lands not exceeding seven hectares for farmlands cultivating corn and rice, the Ramos shifted the production in its lands to sugarcane.

In addition, the Ramos family through its real estate company, Emerito M. Ramos & Sons Property (EMRASON), after owning a

vast area of land in Brgy. Langkaan I attempted to flatten the lands for commercial use.

On March of 2011, EMRASON raised the matter to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, as eventually the courts ruled a favorable decision to the landowners, cancelling the notice of acquisition and issuing an exemption order of the lands. Moreover, in September of 2011, an order of finality and entry of judgement was issued.

The farmers of Lupang Ramos filed for a petition for the revocation of exemption order against EMRASON on September of 2017, alongside ongoing dialogues with various government agencies, such as Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, the provincial government of Cavite, and the local government of Dasmariñas City while KASAMA-LR is awaiting the decision for the petition.

Furthermore, Miriam Villanueva, a resident of Lupang Ramos and a member of the KASAMA-LR stated “kaya kami’y winawalangya ng kapwa magsasaka sa dating organisasyon, Buklod, mga magulang namin, magkakapatid … kasama din sa matandang Buklod na organisasyon, ang gusto nila pera, kami ang gusto namin lupa, kaya hindi magkasundo.”

In the midst of the feud between KASAMA-LR and Buklod, anonymous gunshots were reported to be fired with the attempt to intimidate KASAMA-LR farmers off the lands. A checkpoint has been placed in the middle of the land for the safety of the farmers and to mitigate the ongoing dispute between the two parties— along with an ongoing dialogue of both parties with DAR. “’Yong checkpoint na ‘yon … dahilan nila kaya ‘yan ay nilagyan nila, kami mismo ay pinamaril mismo doon ng mga kabilang grupo … ay para daw mahanap kung sino ‘yong namamaril kaya sila naglagay doon ng checkpoint,” Villanueva added.

Despite the conflict, the farmers have already tilled the land and as of August this month, have harvested corn and other crop followed by the celebration of the anniversary of Bungkalan “para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa” on September 26 which aims to reestablish the objective of KASAMA-LR: Revocation of the exemption order of the land.

“Dapat nga kasi, June lahat ‘yan may tanim, eh no’ng nagkaroon ng kaguluhan na-stuck ‘yong aming mga pagtatanim. Kaya eto ay, kahit nagkakaroon ng kaguluhan, sinikap naming makapagtanim para kahit papaano ay mayroong kitain ‘yong mga magsasaka,” Villanueva said.

Social and agricultural consciousness On June of this year, threat shadowed the protest camp in Lupang Ramos as armed men fired at a group of farmers at around 10 PM. “Sa huling balita, halos labinlimang putok [ng baril] ang narinig,” Kabataan Partylist - Southern Tagalog said in an online statement. At that time, while no one was reported to be hurt, the lives of 40 individuals were jeopardized, including not only farmers but also student volunteers who were at Lupang Ramos at the time.

At the emergence of the conflict between KASAMA-LR and barangay officials and residents, several local and national organizations have showed support for the farmers and their families who democratically fight for their right to till and develop the vast agrarian land. The College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), an intercollegiate alliance of student publications in the country, is just one of the organizations who strongly support the fight of the farmers and families from Lupang Ramos. “In these fascism-stricken times, the vast majority of the Filipino people have no choice but to resist and fight back against a regime that is filled with crimes against its own people,” the alliance said in a statement.

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 5

The fight for food security “Ngayon sinisikap namin ma-address yung kakulangan sa bigas,” Villanueva said, emphasizing that the farmers and families in Lupang Ramos do not only fight for themselves, but also for the Dasmarineño people. “Dahil may kakulangan ngayon sa bigas [at] nagmamahal ang mga bilihin, [isang] pride na may lupang agrikultural sa Dasmariñas na makakapag-supply ng pagkain sa siyudad.”

According to Villanueva, the government must recognize the need for inclusive and sustainable actions in response to the issue of food security. “[Dapat na] kilalanin [ng pamahalaan] ang panawagan para sa seguridad sa pagkain at suportahan nila ang KASAMA-LR,” Villanueva stated, furthering that the government often remain silent in the issue of food security.

“Wala na atang bigas na bababa pa sa sikwenta,” Villanueva said, pertaining to the price of rice found in local stores at present time.

During the fourth week of August, the average retail price of regular milled rice costs 43.86 PHP per kilo while well-milled rice soared to 47.12 PHP as reported by the latest price monitoring report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Compared to the rice price during the same period last year, these prices were 15.2% and 11.6% higher.

To bolster the production of rice as well as to further the use of the agricultural land, the farmers transformed a portion of the land into a water reservoir called “tubigan.” This tubigan will expedite the production of the farmers, and will be a great contribution in providing a stable

SPECIAL REPORT supply rice in the city.

Philippine agrarian land at unrest The ongoing plight of the farmers of Lupang Ramos for land to cultivate and develop only reflects the undying agrarian unrest in the Philippines, which has been plaguing for the past decades. Beyond the perimeter of the developing city of Dasmariñas, many farmers all over the country are repeatedly victimized by an epidemic of repressive actions from huge corporations and policies from the government.

A prominent instance occured in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac on 2004 wherein more or less 5,000 farmers and workers were placed in a parlous situations. At that time, the farmers and workers had been on strike and camped out at the gates of the Central Azucarera De Tarlac.

According to the reports of Bulatlat, an alternative media organization, the farmers and workers were calling for the reinstatement of 327 union leaders who were laid off by the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita, Incorporated.

This demonstration of collective action led to a violent dispersal wherein state security forces utilized water cannons followed by a rain of 200 tear gas canisters and bullets—causing the death of seven individuals and the injury of 200 people.

The struggle of the farmers is not only limited violent dispersals as commercialization and militarization were also common in several provinces in the country.

In Central Luzon, a vast agricultural land ancestrally owned by the Aetas will be converted into a multitrillion business district—New Clark City. Thousands of Aetas are estimated to have been placed in peril for the sake of commercialization and development aggression. Likewise, the Central Luzon was the home of several military camps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

DURING HARVEST SEASON

BEFORE HARVEST SEASON

Air Force, and the United States Armed Forces including the camps in Aurora, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

According to the reports of Bulatlat, the USAF and the US government led the construction of a warehouse at BASA Air Base in Pampanga, which is under the Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement with the Philippine government.

Similar with Central Luzon, the farmers in Southern Tagalog (ST) are continuously being harassed by the military, which has actively conducted aerial bombings and protected landgrabbers against the land occupations of farmers in Batangas. Thousands of farmers in peasant communities had to find refuge elsewhere after the AFP and PFA launched attacks and aerial bombings. The Visayas region is also home to some of the largest haciendas in the country. Haciendas in Negros Occidental, such as Hacienda Raymundo in Silay City, are transformed into large plantations of sugarcane where farm workers often earn less than 300 PHP every 15 days—which is undeniably lower than the daily minimum wage of PHP 295 in the region for agricultural plantations, and not enough to suffice for decent living. In the end, farmers are left landless, hungry, and poor. Worse, dissent and any sign of resistance leads to either death or harassment. 76 of the 150 killed farmers came from Mindanao. With 23 out of 48 of the biggest mines operating in the Philippines situated in CARAGA as recorded by the Barug Katungod, an alliance of human right workers in Mindanao, 5% of the total land area of the region is utilized in mining, with 500,000 hectares in Mindanao reserved for plantations. Both of which result damage to land making it incapable for the cultivation of crops in farmlands, as well as displacing Lumad communities.

These examples of aggression and repression toward farmers and their families ultimately is the reason for their upheavals against the government. Until today, the ranks of the farmers who rightfully fight for a land to till are being deafened by deceptive and oppressive policies and programs.

In an agricultural country like the Philippines, it is alarming that the only way for farmers to fight against landlords, who have the financial capacity to utilize resources in progressing industrialization and modernization, is by asserting their rights. Defenseless, having little to no resources, the farmers who produce the primary food resources of the country, along with the Filipinos, are in the position of lifting the political, social, and economic situation of the country yet they must be assisted in fighting back against the emerging despot.

These piles of false actions only cause Filipinos to deal with countless perils, which affects not only them, but also their families—most especially, the elders and children. These policies and programs trample the farmers right for recognition, support, and protection as a vital sector of the Philippine society.

According to Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elago, majority of farmers in the country remain landless while the state of agriculture remains backward and unresponsive to the needs of the local economy.

Regardless of their location, farmers are being forced to swallow the pill of industrialization, which compromises them exactly on the land they are tilling. *** While industrialization and development aggression continue to this day, the plight of the farmers remain.

Regardless of the terror and threat brought by those in positions of power, the farmers and their families will never be silenced in their pursuit for land to call their own.

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 6

OPINION

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

EDITORIAL

TRAINwreck Reaching an all-time high for the first time in nine years, the Philippine inflation rate reached a staggering 6.72% on September of this year according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Defined as the increase in overall prices of goods and services over time, inflation affects everyone that encompasses the Philippine economy, from giant conglomerates to small-scale livelihoods of those belonging to different sectors.

Despite the administration’s promises to control the worsening increase, the recent inflation rate has further exceeded the government’s estimate of 6.2%, and 4% upper target for 2018. Inflation is a natural occurrence in the economy, yet it should ebb and flow in a healthy and controllable amount.

Exceeding estimates is one of the red flags for the government to take necessary actions in economic cycles of the country.

Upon closer inspection, this whopping 6.7% in full context has been a long time coming in a country wherein our economic climate lacks focus and crisis management.

Rising from the rice import crisis earlier this year to the weakening Philippine peso ( PHP 53 per US dollar in September and the lowest in 12 years), the Philippine economy submerged into a deep crisis brought by various failures of this government to address economic concerns. Most regions such as Mindanao evidently experienced the booming inflation rate, as prices of goods and commodities in most provinces such as rice with an approximate 70 PHP per kilo.

Even with President Rodrigo Duterte assuming responsibility for the hike, we cannot dismiss the effect that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act brought, or at this point TRAIN II in its entire context, as even the PSA reported that the increase in the national inflation was driven by the annual increase in a number of commodity groups, led by alcoholic beverages and tobacco spiking at 21%.

In a macro perspective, stabilization of the prices lies on the efforts of the government to administer the country’s production, may it be the manufacturing or agricultural sector. Yet the Philippines being an agricultural country and our agricultural sector comprising the hidden majority of the population—including millions of the country’s poorest— their livelihoods are being adversely affected by the inflation brought by the government’s imposed rules and regulations.

It’s true that the inflation rise affects us students, but most especially the middle-class Filipino workers who do not get monthly allowances and have the same privilege that we do.

As members of the youth, putting pressure on our government officials to act and take responsibility is no longer a request, but a civil duty in today’s climate.

It’s not a matter of having a certain political affiliation when it comes to the country’s economics, as the Philippines’ inflation rates soaring to heights never before witnessed in years is a byproduct of not only the government’s actions, but our choice not to take any.

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines

EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2018-2019 Ma. Bianca Isabelle C. Lariosa, Editor in Chief Christian Ralf Dugan, Associate Editor Casvel Teresa A. Lopez, Managing Director Jason Christopher C. Paz Literary Coordinator John Zedrick E. Simeon, In charge, Sports Marco R. Belarmino, Art Coordinator Pia Margarita C. Marantan, In charge, Photo Paolo Lorenzo G. Salud, In charge, Web SENIOR STAFF Mikaela L. Torres and Justine Bea V. Bautista JUNIOR STAFF Marjorie Alanzalon, Jomar Villanueva, Jean Quinto, and Bermanie Jean Doniña Dr. Lakandupil C. Garcia, Adviser

The HERALDO FILIPINO has its editorial office at Room 213, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115.

Telephone: +63 2 8447832, +63 46 416 4531 local 3063 Email: officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Website: www.heraldofilipino.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the Editor in Chief.

DLSU-D’s official statement against extrajudicial killings (EJK) states that the university denounces the “unabated spate of killings that betrays due process of law and cheapens the inherent sacredness of human life.”

For the Patriots Another academic year has begun— and with it comes the surreal feeling inside the campus. It’s surreal for the upperclassmen to watch a new batch take over, and even more for the freshmen stepping into the undeniably sheltered world of DLSU-D and discovering what it means to be a “Lasallian”.

Being a Lasallian brings about numerous stereotypes that get debunked or ignored altogether, but there are terms that need reconsidering, even acceptance— I’m talking about “privileged”. Though we might snap back that we’re “not like the others” because we know the country’s social issues, we must accept that we are indeed sheltered. It’s not that we haven’t struggled ourselves (you might say we even have had classes in rooms without electricity), but we’re bound to admit that the background we were born in has given us an undeniable leg up in life. Because

the truth is, it’s no longer about “checking your privilege” but leaving it altogether.

There’s more to learn beyond what we see in our timelines. Quick infographics about contractualization, minimum wage, and the oppressed along with headlines on extrajudicial killings won’t tell you the daily struggles of the Filipino people.

We’ve barely scratched the surface when

You will never win if you don’t have the privilege to fight we say that we are aware, and when we say that we know that someone is being oppressed or a system is taking advantage of us.

We have the privilege to laugh at Atty.

Gadon’s memes when he hollers, share social justice posts in our spare time, and consider rallies as an experience because we get to arrive to the comfort of our homes when our fellow underprivileged Filipinos’ fight continues beyond the streets.

This is not to say that we have the capabilities to single-handedly save our country if we only get up and fight. We shouldn’t dispose a kind of savior complex when it comes to standing up for what’s right. We have the platform not to raise ourselves up, but to raise the voices of those controlled by an unjust system by letting them have the chance to speak for themselves. We will never win if we don’t have the privilege to fight, thus we must join in the so-called struggle by entirely excluding ourselves from the privileged narrative, stepping down from our ivory towers, involving in the discourse, and immersing ourselves with the people that we supposedly fight with.

A think piece by Indian scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak sums it up: “My privilege is indeed my loss.” Being born into privilege comes with the loss of experiences that we may never have if we choose the comfort our cages have. To be born into this sheltered life is not our fault, but choosing to shut our eyes when we’ve already been awakened will be our gravest mistake.

Aftertaste I used to hate coffee. When Starbucks emerged in the market, I learned that there was a plethora of coffee I’m going to hate.

Little did I know, a year after I joined The HERALDO FILIPINO, a distasteful flavor destined to ruin the socio-political adherence of this country will soon rise to power.

She was never new to me. I had seen her in magazines (my uncle’s adult magazines) and heard her girl group back when adults found it disturbing. When I hit pubescence, she taught me how to find that “spot” I was supposed to look out for, except that I never hit it nor tasted it. Tragic. She was a great educator on that part, I guess.

You see, we had a long and rigid way of uplifting women’s spirit and place in this patriarchal society, only to be tainted and ruined by few. For the past decades, government positions were mostly filled by men. That is why we rejoice every time a woman would take her place in Philippine politics with all the glory as her male counterparts. Yet problems persist when these women embody the rotting systemic oppression deemed to submerge the Filipinos in poverty and the new enemy, disinformation.

Her blog is not the kind of I barely read, and it is not interesting at all for my taste.

However, I was baffled when this dancer turned blogger vacated the position of the Presidential Communications Operations Officer (PCOO) Assistant Secretary (Asec).

It was a bittersweet phenomenon for the Filipino people. That time, I wanted my money (or my parents’ taxes) back. It was not clearly what we ordered for. But the greedy baristas have already served their poison menu, and it’s only a matter of time until the

Filipino people take a sip of the toxic iced salted caramel mocha.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t intend to shame people because of their past choices nor of their sexuality and sexual preferences, but if their decisions as government officers

A woman wielding much power does not automatically make her an empowered one deal with the lives of millions of people, that’s where the problem arises. No one wants their mind to be corrupted by a “fake news” peddler to pacify the anti-human tactics of a reactionary government. No one aims to mislead the people just to conceal human rights violations in every corner of the streets and ranges of mountains. No one wants to be represented in the United Nations by a person without the necessary and rightful credentials.

Indeed, no one wants their coffee cold.

I remember when my ideological emancipation changed my perspective toward women as people who can change the world beyond their stereotypical household and feudal duties. Except that some women can really have imposed so much change, like shifting and warping the mindset of thousands of Filipino people through a business of disseminating disinformation in social media or oversimplifying and labeling people who denounce the tyrannical actions of the government as “dilawan.”

Fair warning: This is not how we define woman empowerment. A woman wielding much power does not automatically make her an empowered one. For an empowered woman will never be a pet of a macho-fascist leader nor blind herself with the terrible

The 3-week electricity shortage in the East Campus has brought inconvenience to both students and faculty, along with the absence of telecommunication and internet lines when generators aren’t in use.

existing issues of the masses just to protect her political will and agenda. For she will respect all forms of human life instead of publicly committing ableist acts or lewdly explaining federalism through her blog.

Empowered women are deemed to empower the people instead of deluding them. With the constant efforts of this government to divide and corrupt its people, it is imperative to remember that the enemy is the distorted principle, not the genitalia.

On October 4, the PCOO Asec. resigned from her position to have a “fair fight” with the people who criticized her. I was joyed for a moment for after less than two years, the cup was finally finished. A lot have died, been poisoned, and have fallen to the trap. But the fight continues, as the aftertaste is screaming stronger than the initial sip. There’s a lot more bitter coffee to be served, and if the baristas successfully curate this one, a “fake news peddler” might possibly have her own seat in the Senate.

This is a reminder and a fair warning that despicable women like her draw their power from criticisms and media buzz. It does not matter whether people agree or disagree with her. As long as her name peddles across media platforms and mouths, she will continue to gain her strength. Aside from voting and taking the streets to call out the perpetrators and oppressors, one thing that will silence her is to dismiss her sole existence. Do not pick the least tasteful from the menu.

Soon enough, it will be gone, and the baristas will never make it available again.

This is the reason why I did not name her.

For silence truly kills the enemy.

An iced grande decaf, two-shot, six pumps caramel, soy, extra whipped cream salted caramel mocha please. Not for the 2019 Elections, by the way. Thank you.

The construction of the walkway in entering the GMH building has become more accessible for PWDs.

OPINION

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 7

Swipe right, swipe left Isang taon na rin mula nang magsimula akong maghanap ng mapagkakaabalahan para mapawi ang aking pagkabagot. Marami na akong nakilala, nakita, at nakasama.

Nakakatakot kung tutuusin, nakakakaba ngunit nang lumaon nama’y nakasanayan na. Samu’t-sari ang aking napagtanto—mga bagay na nakaapekto at sumalamin sa aking pagkatao. *** Sa pagdaan ng bawat araw, hindi natin maiiwasang mapa hawak sa ating mga phones upang tignan kung may nagtext at nag-chat sa atin—mga patunay na parte ng ating pamumuhay ang mga gadyets. Bukod dito, nariyan na rin ang samu’t saring appsupang gabayan tayo sa ating mga gawain, o kaya nama’y upang mapalawak ang ating pakikipagtalastasan at pakikipagkilala sa iba’t ibang tao saan mang parte ng mundo—partikular na sa tulong ng social media o kaya sa pagkakaroon ng tanyag na mga “dating apps.”

“You have a new connection!”

Nang isulat ko ang artikulong ito, malinaw na sa hinagap ko na iba na talaga ang uri ng pakikipagtalastasan sa henerasyon nating ito. Mula sa personal na pakikipagkilala noong panahon ng pluma, papel, at telegrama, ang “phone pal” at “pen pal” na kanilang pagsuyo sa isa’t isa ay naturingan na natin bilang makaluma dahil na rin sa asensado at mabilis na komunikasyon sa kasalukuyan.

Ang pagsulpot ng Tinder, Bumble, Tantan, Omegle, at iba pang dating apps na sa isang pag-swipe lang ay mas mapapadali ng ating pagkilala at pagpapakilala sa taong ating napupusuan.

“It’s a Match!”

Ayon sa sarbey na isinagawa ng YouGov—isang internet-based market research data analytics firm—nito lamang Nobyembre 2017, 56 porsyento ng kabataang Pilipino ang aktibong gumagamit ng online dating apps. Gayunpaman, kanyakanya pa rin ang dahilan ng mga kabataan sa paggamit ng iba’t-ibang plataporma na ito. Base sa mga nakausap kong gumagamit ng mga aplikasyong ito, ang kanilang pangunahing rason talaga ay ang paghahanap ng makakausap. Para sa iba,

Walang makakapigil at mangmamata sa kung paano at ano ang istilo ng ating pakikipagkilala malayo sa panghuhusga ang pakikipag-usap sa taong bago pa lamang nakikilala dahil na rin sa limitadong detalyeng nalalaman sa bawat isa. Dagdag pang dahilan ay ang mas simpleng paraan ng pakikipagkilala Ang kinaganda ng pagkakaroon ng birtwal na pakikipagusap ay hindi na asiwa ang isa’t isa sa kanilang unang pagkikita; dulot marahil ng mababaw ngunit sapat na pagkakakilanlan na nabuo sa tulong ng mga dating apps. Nariyan rin ang bukas na pag-intindi sa mga paksang nahahagip lalo na sa mga sensitibong usapin. Aminin man natin o hindi, malawak na ang ating ideyolohikal at kultural na pang-unawa na nabuo sa pag-usbong ng mga pagtanggap at pag-aaral, gaya na lamang ng kultura ng pre-marital sex. Kaugnay nito, nariyan rin ang mga kabataan na naghahanap ng relasyon sa pag-asang dito makakakilala ng taong makakasama pangmatagalan. Isa ring mabisang paraan din ang social apps sa pagkakaroon ng tiwala sa sarili. Sa ganitong paraan, walang makakapigil at mangmamata

sa kung paano at ano ang istilo ng ating pakikipagkilala.

“Boom! Connected.”

Para sa mga nakatatanda, ang ganitong pamamaraan ay lubhang madahil na rin sa mga panganib dulot ng pakikipagkita sa nakilala online tulad ng pagsasamantala, pagnanakaw, at kung sa kasukdulan— pagkamatay. Ngunit para sa mga milenyal, ito ay isang lunduyan ng malayang komunikasyon at paghahanap ng taong makakaintindi sa pinagdadaanan ng bawat isa. Sa kabila ng magandang samahan at relasyon na naidudulot ng dating apps, nakaakibat pa rin ang mga negatibong epekto nito tulad ng paglayo ng loob sa mga taong pisikal na nakakasama, pagkapuyat dahil sa magdamagang pag-uusap, at pagkastress sa mga pag-asang tatagal ang mga panandaliang pagkakaunawaan “You both liked each other.”

Sa kabila ng mga positibo at negatibong dulot ng online dating apps, marami pa ring kabataan ang patuloy na gumagamit ng mga aplikasyong ito. Ngunit tunay pa ring mas mainam ang pakikipagkilala ng personal at pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin kaysa sa mga taong walang katiyakan kung hanggang kailan gaganahang makinig sa ating kwento.

Mabibigyan tayo agad ng aksyon o mungkahi sa bagay na ating pinagdadaanan, kasama na ang pagkakaroon ng mga kaibigang nariyan kahit anumang kaganapan. Dagdag pa rito ang pagpapalakas ng loob sa paraang aktwal na pakikipagtalastasan ng harapan at pagpapakita ng kung anong mayroon sa taong nakakasalamuha. Hindi naman masama ang paggamit ng dating apps upang makakilala, ngunuit nasa atin ang desisyon kung paano ibabalanse ang buhay sa aktwal at birtwal— pati na ang mga limitasyon dito.

“You’re in control of this conversation.”

Sea of life Mental illness has come a long way from those saying that it’s just a phase. Yet despite the leaps we have taken, mental health is still subjected to stigmas and considered by some as taboo. What’s more concerning is the situation of being mentally ill and being a part of the LGBT community. It’s hard enough to live your life being depressed and anxious, not to mention if there’s the added challenge of dealing with two socially unacceptable phenomena: mental illness and being gay.

Others might say that there’s no difference between a depressed heterosexual and homosexual, but that’s untrue. The amount of negativity the LGBT community receives is alarming despite the efforts being made. Social media was even abuzz a few months back discussing teenagers coming out and soon ending their lives because of the harassment or pressure. Yes, there is respect and positivity but mostly, acceptance and validation is only limited to those who have the privilege and socially acceptable physical features.

Next, let’s talk about these Pride March that happens every year to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in all its colorful and wonderful glory. If you’ve done your research right, you would know that Pride was spearheaded by a black transgender woman named Marsha Johnson who harassed by the police. Now, a march is celebrated every year around the world to commemorate the bravery happened years ago and the fight against discrimination and stripping off LGBT rights. As long as people

coming out are beaten down and kicked out of their families, we will continue to fight and make a stand.

Although it seems as if we’re far from winning these battles, are we really that far from enlightening everyone? In the past, if you say you’re depressed, you’re going to be laughed at and teased that it’s all in your head. Even today, there is still an alarming number of students committing suicide due to academic stress. People still think that people with depression are too lazy to function while stating that you’re mental health still brings a lot of judgement.

During our Social Anthropology class, our professor told us that the cases of suicide are higher for men who are white and rich. Yet I think that the ones in the gay community are more likely to be mentally ill due to social stress brought by the pressure, expectation, and struggle for acceptance.

Picture this: You’re in a family gathering. You are stressed from the

You never know when someone might need that hand to hold on to. academic burden that seems too much for a student to handle. You plan to come out to your family as you felt like you have the courage of the bravest lion in the world because you came out to your friends and they accepted you, so you think: “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”

Everything, apparently. You come out during dinner, your father leaning in for a punch and your mother is silent and shocked

The abrupt changing of attire policies in the university without prior notice prompts students to question the context behind the changes.

in disbelief. You take the punch as well as all the harmful remarks your family gives you. As if the pressure of school wasn’t enough, they made you feel more worthless than you already did. Heartbroken, you run to your room crying your eyes out because everything is falling right before your eyes and it’s too overwhelming that you want it to stop. Completely.

As depressing as it might sound, this happens more frequent than what the media portrays. Think of all the children, teenagers, and even adults who cower in fear of being disowned or shunned. It adds to the never-ending list of things you overthink at night which makes breathing just so tiring to achieve.

However, before anyone is trapped in this sad column, let me lighten things up a bit. As someone who has struggled with clinical depression and anxiety for almost over a year now, things may always feel like an endless spiral down but really, it’s disguised as something better. As rock bottom and helpless everything may seem, one can fly if one believes he can.

Open your eyes more and listen a bit more carefully for the cries of those who cannot be heard or seen. There are a lot, so keep your senses clean.

Now is not the time to be passive especially when some of us are fighting themselves in the process.

You never know when someone might need that hand to hold on to.

And for those that are having a hard time catching their breath from this drowning sea we call life, take it from the depressed and anxious person writing this column: It gets better. In some sort of way, you will be able to keep your head above the water.

Delegates from different Lasallian schools all over the country participated in DLSU-D’s first-ever environmental summit event titled Lasallian Youth Environment Summit (LYES).

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

WITBREAD

Me too

by Angel Nicole Carungcong (COM42) Imagine this: For the first time, you’re seeing dim lights and colorful drinks in the eyes of a 19-year old college girl. You and your friends decided to spend your Friday at a local bar. As the night progresses, suddenly, everything is in reverse— the lights are too colorful and faces look dim. Heavy hands drive you into panic, yet you remain silent. “You were asking for it,” you heard, but you’re not sure whether the voice was from someone else or from your own mind. Then you remember, from a young age, you have been taught to “be nice” and respond passively in face of conflict. In the same way, boys have been brought up to assert dominance. And for too long, we have been trapped in this mindset.

All these norms contributed to what we call rape culture.

We are trapped in a culture that dictates what you can and cannot do based on your gender—a culture that dictates how women asked for it and how men are entitled to it.

There have always been these double standards that we turn a blind eye to. Our society has become quick to blame sexual harassment victims rather than perpetrators. Victim-blaming leads women to believe that harassment is their fault, thus making them less likely to speak up and report sexual offenses. In the same way, alcohol consumption has been used to excuse the rapist’s behavior, and yet it is also often used as a reason to blame the victim for letting it happen.

“Not all men!” a fragile male cried. And yet, how is it that there has always been more concern for the image of good guys who would be harmed by the mere existence of other wicked men? More energy has been spent worrying about how men were affected by a call-out, than worrying about the pain women have suffered.

As an observer and victim of these injustices, it has always crossed my mind to speak up about how I have been violated. Yet for so long, I have chosen to remain silent. Nothing more beyond a mere nod and whisper, “me too,” beside other victims with the same stance.

A culture that dictates how women asked for it and how men are entitled to it The pressure for women to be polite has been deep-rooted to the point that it can make speaking up about harassment very difficult.

That is when I realized, I was part of the rape culture problem.

Because here’s the thing: There is no neutrality when talking about sexual consent. When we aren’t actively fighting against the damaging messages of rape culture, we are passively supporting and extending it to future generations.

But despite social consciousness, I don’t blame my parents who taught me to protect myself against dirty eyes, nor do I cry to take down posters of self-defense reminders, as I know that previous generations have been blinded by rape culture. For too long, society has been conditioned to teach women how to avoid being raped rather than to raise men to not rape.

Culture does not seal our beliefs and morals, it only influences them. I am tired of hearing the “boys will be boys” line to justify every rape case when our society deserves better judgement. When we are indoctrinated to believe that our entitlement and limit is based on gender—that is the essence of rape culture.

“Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone.”

The HERALDO FILIPINO is accepting contributions for Witbread.

Witbread, the official opinion section of The HERALDO FILIPINO broadsheet, is open for bonafide DLSU-D students, faculty, and staff.

Send your opinion pieces to officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Witbread pieces are subject for selection and will undergo proofreading from The HERALDO FILIPINO editors.

Contributions must also have not been published in any way beforehand.

Despite being a long-lived Lasallian tradition, the decision to remove the Lasallian Green Shirt Day has caused an uproar among students.

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 8

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 9

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

F E AT U R E S

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 10

Of monsters and superstitions The cultural impact of our peculiar beliefs

by Paolo Lorenzo Salud Graphic Art by Stephanie Ann Arreza

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

With the Philippine’s long history, our ancestors have passed down stories for the next generations.

Some of them are filled with wisdom such as proverbs and myths, while some are just plain weird enough that we can’t rationalize. From silly superstitions to spooky mythical creatures, the Filipino culture is riddled with supernatural beliefs to this day, despite the transitions in our modern culture and lifestyle.

Misfortune is just a broom swing away It’s hard to take adults seriously when they tell us to believe that sweeping at night will drive our luck away, but as children, we didn’t know any better. We listened, partly because our elders told us to, but mostly because we never wanted to sweep the floor anyway. By the time we’re grown up, it already left a mark on our lives, making it a difficult voice to dismiss.

We have Student A from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), who testified that his parents put books under his pillow so that he’d be smart when he would grow up. His mother, a solid pamahiin believer, even took him to coffee at a gas station kiosk after visiting a wake, or “pagpag” when people would go to different place rather than directly going home after a funeral with the intent of “shaking off” the evil spirits that might be following you. It sounds a little something like: “Someone died? Tragic. Let’s go to the mall!”

Then we have Student B, a College of Liberal Arts Communication (CLAC) alumna, whose family was apparently advised by a mystic (glowing crystal ball and all) to take superstitions seriously. One of which was that if a group of three takes a picture, the one in the middle dies first (another reason to quit third-wheeling).

These testimonies only prove that superstitions are matters of the spiritual realm. There’s likely hundreds of superstitions that us Filipinos abide by today, but not because we fully believe them. Some of us do it just to be safe, but nobody’s willing to cancel plans just because they passed by a black cat on their way.

“Monsters aren’t rea—wait, did you hear that?”

Another aspect of Filipino folklore is the scary stories of demonic creatures prowling in the darkness, commonly referred to as multo or aswang. They have been told and retold by one generation after another, often derailing from the original tale, and immortalized in our culture. To start with the most famous ones, there’s the tiyanak. Often mistaken for pesky brats, a tiyanak is an infant who died before receiving baptism rites. These undead babies-turned-goblins reside in the woods to attract unlucky passers-by with their infantile cries for a hearty midnight snack.

Next on the list is the manananggal—an aswang that can separate its upper half body from the lower half when the sun disappears from the sky. The manananggal soars during nighttime, searching for blood of their victims which makes them immortal and possess eternal beauty.

Onto the not-so-beautiful category is the tikbalang, a creature with the head and feet of a horse, and a body of a human. Tikbalangs are known to misguide mountain travelers and give people hallucinations, which make them a lot less friendly than their animated counterpart who’s only as harmful as its nihilistic outlook in life. These horsepeople may or may not be huge fans of reversible jackets, since the only way to counteract their magic is to wear your shirt inside out.

Unlike superstitions, there’s uncertainty as accounts from people who claim to have encountered them vary.

Multos and aswangs are often seen by people who possess a “third eye,” and their stories are so believable most of the time that it’s hard to dismiss it as a lie despite there no scientific backing to any of these stories.

Scared into submission Real or not, there’s no denying that these stories have affected the way we were raised. While some of it are plain ridiculous, some pose too much of a risk for traditional Filipinos to ignore. Others might have been created simply to scare children from wandering at night though.

In Student A’s case, he recognized these things simply as “a part of our culture. All these rituals and beliefs are what makes us Filipino.” Student B, on the other hand, found it annoying and never really understood the essence of these superstitions. Suffice it to say that these two embody the typical mindset of a Filipino when it comes to dealing with the supernatural.

Perhaps one of the reasons why we irrationally cling to these ridiculous beliefs is that we are still being pressured by the traditions of our families. We might sneakily remove those books under our pillow, or rebelliously sleep at night with our wet hair, but there’s still a part of us that chooses to respect the superstitions we grew up with. Logic and tradition don’t always go hand in hand, and we millennials are in the sweet spot in between both.

*** A lot of Filipinos seem to agree that there’s another plane of existence beyond what we can perceive in our everyday life. But there are also some who would refuse to acknowledge something so unscientific. Either way, these stories as part of our culture undoubtedly affected us growing up, if it’s something that our children will inherit is entirely up to us.

Breaking the loop On nonconformity: Thinking, seeing, and acting differently

by Jomar Villanueva

Art by Kimberly De Villa

Truth: We were always told not to sweep the house at night. Doing so will sweep the fortunes away, at least according to them It’s confusing how our grandparents would sometimes fail to recall our names yet will never forget to call you when your dead relatives pay a visit in the form of butterflies.

Arguably, living in a traditional household is monotonous when our actions are constantly noticed and corrected. This can be vexing especially at night when all we need was rest, but we’re barred from sleeping because our hair is wet. Unluckily, superstitions are only a meager thread in the extensive fabric of Filipino culture which requires scrutiny more than ever.

Examining the fabric There is no denying that our inherited culture from our ancestors speak vibrancy and diversity. Looking into the picturesque Filipino festivals as well as our distinct ethnic identities can give you a grasp of our cultural range—but there’s more to it than what the senses meet. Anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor describes culture as “a complex whole that includes knowledges, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and capabilities and habits acquired by a person as a member of society.” Culture is a kaleidoscope—a multifaceted and multilayered lens where we can view the world differently.

Unfortunately, culture has become a pattern that—in the eyes of the older generation—the youth must revere.

To our elders, culture is the burning flame and guiding light that our generation must keep alive and hold on to.

Yet, it has become our generation’s hard-to-swallow pill.

Often, they would tell us there is nothing wrong about it, and the next thing we know is that we’re compelled to follow, yet forbidden to question the patterns made.

In present time, the feudal and backward idea of women born for household chores and men under macho and patriarchal lifestyle still prevails.

“Palagi kong nararanasan ‘yan lalo na nung naging first year college ako,” Fe (not her real name), a fourth year Communication student, confessed. “Nagdo-dorm lang kasi ako, and my mom would always tell me to stay in my dorm after class. She told me it’s better safe than sorry. Babae daw kasi ako; baka daw may mangyari pa sa’kin.” But the more she lives in a cynical pattern of dormitory and school, the more she questions the cycle that seems to cage her. “Sinabi ko kay mommy, while we were talking [over] the phone na I want to learn more on the outside world—with real people and real

situations. Sinabi ko na hindi pwedeng nakakulong lang ako sa dorm after my class.”

This was the same sentiment that Ruben (not his real name), a student from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, have kept within him for as long as he can remember. “Nung high school, mahilig talaga ako sa drawing. Kaya sumasali ako sa mga [drawing] contests dati. Pero naaalala ko, pinapagalitan ako ni Papa dati kasi I like arts more than sports. Matatangkad kasi kami sa family.

Kaya yung mga kuya ko, mahilig sila sa sports—syempre, pwera lang sa’kin. Nagalit din ako dati kay Papa—hindi naman porke matangkad ako e basketball na agad ang gusto ko.”

Questioning the pattern It is compelling how the stories of Fe and Ruben can reflect the reality that we live in—cultural patterns in the form of traditional, backward, and irrational mindsets among others bring more burden to us than courage, especially because they commonly occur in the confines of our home. These patterns seem almost like a flourishing tree whose shadow is perfect for resting. We relax under it, believing everything is fine and right. But looking closely in its entirety, we can see that not everything in it is lush—some its parts have become rotten and spoiled that soon might poison than nourish us.

Writer Maria Popova warns us on this destructive pattern. While examining novelist Nicole Krauss’ letter to painter Vincent Van Gogh, she contemplates that repeating a baleful pattern without recognizing that we are trapped in its loop is one of the greatest tragedies in life. “We all too often end up creating patterns that ultimately don’t serve us,” Popova writes, which emphasizes that living within patterns is one of our greatest trials as human beings. These patterns of beliefs shape our behavior, which in turn shapes our reality— revealing our natural inclination for conformity. Conformity is like a switch that has become hard-wired within us, which when turned on compels us to comply to culture.

“Traditional family kasi talaga kami, especially yung lola ko,” Fe said. “Kaya ever since [I was young], we always follow the rules lalo na ‘yong mga rules na si lola mismo ‘yong nagset—like I should not wear shorts because I’m a woman.

Nakakahiya daw [sa mga taong nakakakita]. Kaya I’ve always believed dati na I should follow everything they say—even if it stops me from doing what pleases me.” According to Fe, she understands her lola who shows the same affection and protection with her mom. “But, there are times na nagagalit ako kasi they have the tendency to compare me with other people—as if being different is bad. One day, I learned to demand for explanations other than because I’m a woman.”

Yet not all people are like Fe who refuse to be muzzled.

“Na-pressure kasi ako sa papa ko—kasi ako lang daw sa amin yung walang sports. Sayang daw kasi na naging matangkad ako—kaya I gave up [my skills in drawing] and I tried basketball. Hindi lang din kasi si papa yung nagsasabi sa’kin—pati mga relatives and friends namin.”

Thinking differently While there’s conformity as our automatic mechanism, it’s equally important to remember that within us is a hidden button waiting for a push: Nonconformity.

Norris Haynes, a clinical professor in Yale University, defines nonconformity as an individual’s rejection and violation of norms. But it is important to understand that nonconformity does not equate disobedience—it is simply challenging the status quo. It is not to comply to the standard culture that majority perceive to be the norm; instead, it allows our generation to be critical and conscious on the beliefs our elders failed to question.

“Failure para sa akin yung sumuko ako [in honing my skills in drawing] just to deal with the pressure [from my father],” Reuben said. “Iniisip ko kasi dati na

it’s better for me to do what they want me to do—pero it did not benefit me in the long run.” According to Reuben, if he did not conform to what his father wanted him to be, perhaps he is a graduating graphic artist now.

Sadly, Reuben is only one of the many people who lived in restrictions because of culture. “Ganoon kasi talaga sa family namin. Very traditional. No choice [but to obey] kahit parang nadi-disregard yung [personal] decisions mo.” He said he regrets failing to fight the status quo— and failing to fight for himself.

As the new generation is tasked to foster and secure the future, we have the collective capacity to scrutinize and sift the culture served to us—and not to conform with it. After all, there’s not enough reason why we must pass to the next generation the patterns that cause us peril than advantage—like the anti-feminine culture or the macho mentality that we have. In her letter to Van Gogh, Nicole Krauss affirms that “it is unquestionably within our power to break the loop; to violate what presents itself as our nature—by choosing to think, see, and act in a different way.” *** Truth: As a part of our identity, culture challenges our life, like superstitions among many other patterns we deemed as foolish and strange. Thus, culture itself compels us to question and challenge it—developing and fostering critical thinking and broad consciousness.

So, the next time they push us to conform to their standard, our tendency should be to ask why. As novelist William Somerset Maugham puts it, culture has become a part of us to be “a guide, not a jailer.”

F E AT U R E S

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 11

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

Aklat ng Mga Gunita Isang pagtingin sa tradisyunal na hilot at panggagamot

By Christian Ralf Dugan

Nagugulumihanan, napaluhod na lamang ang babae sa gitna ng kagiliran. Kasabay ng kanyang pagtangis ay ang mga pangyayaring hindi niya maintindihan. *** Pumunta noon sa Quiapo ang mag-asawa upang ipagdasal ang karamdaman ng padre de pamilya. Madaling araw pa man ay ginising na ni Aling Marta ang kanyang asawa upang lumuwas ng Maynila. Lingid sa kanyang kaalaman, ang pagsisimba sa araw na iyon ang tuluyang babago sa kanyang pagkakakilanlan. Ang isang ordinaryong maybahay ay naging isang mistulang propeta.

Ang simpleng pananampalataya ay naging hudyat upang taglayin niya ang isang kakaibang lakas.

“Ginising ako ng Nazareno,” ani ni Aling Marta. Simula noong araw na iyon ay naramdaman niya ang kanyang kakayahan sa panggagamot. Maging siya’y inabot ng mahigit isang taon upang tanggapin at maintindihan ang tinamong milagro mula sa Nazareno. Ikinubli niya nang matagal ang pangyayaring iyon, ngunit maging siya’y hindi nakatakas sa himalang kanyang nasaksihan.

“Pag-uwi ko [sa amin], ayoko pang aminin.

Ayoko pang tanggapin [ang] panggagamot ko.

‘Pag ako’y hindi nanggagamot, nagkakasakit ako.”

Nakatindig niyang binigkas ang mga katagang ito. Hindi malinaw kung ano nga ba ang nangyari noong araw na iyon kay Aling Marta.

“Para ba ‘yong nabuang. Para bang nakalimot.” Ganito na lamang inilarawan ng matanda ang nangyari sa kanya habang nakasilong sa simbahan ng Quiapo. Bakas sa kanyang mga mata ang sariwang ala-ala na pilit niyang ginugunita. Para sa kanya, isa na lamang itong kaganapan na nagtulay upang ang kanyang mga ordinaryong kamay ay magbigay ng pag-asa at lakas sa mga taong lumalapit sa kanya, at sa kanyang matibay na pananampalataya. *** 1 Mga Gunita 12:19-21 19 Kumalat sa baryo ang nangyaring milagro sa babae. Naging usap-usapan ang mga kababalaghan na nagyari noon sa oasis. Marami ang nagtiwala, marami ang namangha, at marami rin ang hindi naniwala. 20Hindi kinaya ng babae ang kanyang mga naririnig, kaya’t nagkulong na lamang siya sa kanyang silid. Tumatangis sa tuwing naiisip ang isang mistulang sumpa na sumanib sa kanya.

21 Sa gabi, nagliliwanag ang mga mga kamay niya.

Magigising na lamang siya sa mga bulong at sa mga ingay na hindi niya mawari. *** “Una kong ginamot [ang] pamilya ko.”

Matapos niyang matanggap ang kanyang taglay na kakayahan, dumagsa na ang mga tao sa tahanan ni Aling Marta. Sa tulong ng mga salingdila at usap-usapan, kumalat na ang kanyang pangalan sa lugar. Dinarayo na siya ng mga taga18

The verses used by the writer are creative depictions inspired by the paragraph style of the Bible in order to depict the following narrative through prose.

“Sa ngalan Nazareno…”

ni

Hesus.

Sa

ngalan

ni

1 Mga Gunita 12:13-15 [12] 13Hinaplos niya ang katawan ng babae at sinabi niya: “Tanggapin mo ang ipinagkaloob ko sa iyong milagro. 14Bigkisin mo ang bawat isa patungo sa isang mapayapang pananampalataya at nang sa ganoon ay magbunga ang aking mga plano para sa sanlibutan.” 15Iniabot ng babae ang kanyang mga kamay na mistulang pag-aalay. Lumiwanag ang langit at siya’y nawalan ng malay. *** Mahigit animnapung taon nang naninirahan sa isang liblib na bukirin si Aling Marta** sa lungsod ng Cavite. Dito na siya namulat at nakipagsapalaran sa isang mapanganib na mundo. Nasaksihan niya ang pag-usbong ng industriyalisasyon sa lugar na kanyang kinalakihan—ang mga dating sakahan at palayan ay nagpunla ng mga establisyimentong tumubo sa pag-usbong ng bawat henerasyon. Kasabay niya ang kasaysayan sa paghulma ng lugar.

Hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral si Aling Marta kaya ganoon na lamang ang kanyang hikahos at sigasig sa araw-araw na pamumuhay. Sa kabila nito, nagawa niyang itaguyod ang kanyang pitong anak—isang namatay dahil sa malubhang aksidente sa La Union—sa pamamagitan ng paglalako ng samu’t-saring mga prutas at gulay.

Trenta anyos siya noong nagsimulang maglako, at suungin ang init ng noon pa’y probinsya upang matustusan ang pangangailangan ng pamilya.

Labintatlong taon ang dumaan, binawian ng buhay ang kanyang asawa dulot ng impeksyon sa atay. Gayunpaman, patuloy na gumulong ang buhay ng kanyang pamilya, ngayon pang may mga asawa na ang kanyang mga anak, at nagbunga ng mga apong kanyang inalagaan. Lumipas ang panahon at ang mga gulay ay nag-iba. Huminog ang mga prutas. Lumawak at bumigat ang kanyang pinapasang bilao. Lumakas ang kanyang mga kamay at ang dating hamak na magaspang na balat nito ay nagdudulot na ng milagro. *** 1 Paggunita 12:16-18 16 Nang magising ang babae, agad itong naglakbay papuntang kanluranin.

Walang saplot ang kanyang mga paa—binaybay niya ang mainit at mahanging disyerto upang makauwi sa kanyang tahanan. 17Sa kanyang paglalakad, lumiwanag ang kanyang mga kamay; maging siya’y nasilaw at nasindak sa kanyang nasasaksihan.

karatig na probinsya mula Batangas, Laguna, at maging mga taga-Maynila.

“Kapag ang bata’y galing ospital at may sakit pa [rin], sa akin dadalhin. Hihilutin ko lang ‘yon. Tatawasin ko.” Walang nagturo sa kanya ng pangagagamot. Walang sinuman ang nagpamana ng isang milagro na naging daan upang bigyang katauhan ang pag-asa. Tanging ang Nazareno lamang ang kanyang naging sandigan. Ipapaabot niya sa pasyente ang rebulto nito at kanyang ibubulong: “Sa ngalan ni Hesus. Sa ngalan ni Nazareno, pagalingin mo ang taong ito.”

Gumagamit rin siya ng langis ng niyog at Akura, isang uri ng espesyal na langis, upang hilutin ang mga nagpapagamot sa kanya. Mga herbal medicines kagaya ng dahong tahibo, lagundi, bignay, at dahon ng guyabano naman ang kanyang iniluluto o nilalaga upang gamutin ang iba’t-ibang uri ng sakit. Kung susuriin, marahil ay mahirap paniwalaan ang mga ganitong klase ng paraan upang lunasin ang mga karamdaman ggunit para kay Aling Marta, higit pa sa mga dahon at langis ang kanyang pangagagamot— pagka’t naniniwala siyang isa siyang instrumento ni Nazareno upang pagalingin ang mga taong may dinaramdam sa kanilang katawan, kaya ganoon na lamang katibay and kanyang pananampalataya niya rito.

Simula noong namulat siya sa Simbahan ng Quiapo, naging isang masugid na deboto na si Aling Marta ng Nazareno. Tuwing pista nito ay lumuluwas siya ng Maynila. Marami rin ang nakakakilala sa kanya sa lungsod, kaya’t mayroon pa ring mga taong humihing ng tulong sa kanya upang pagalingin ang kanilang mga karamdaman.

Hinihimok din niya ang kanyang mga ginagamot na maniwala sa Nazareno, sapagkat para sa kanya, wala nang mas mabisang lunas kundi ang isang malakas na pananampalataya. *** 1 Mga Gunita 12:22-25 22 Isang gabi, habang naghahapunan ang babae at ang kanyang pamilya ay may isang ketongin na lalaki ang kumatok sa kanyang tahanan.

Pinagbuksan niya ito at pinapasok sa kanyang tahanan sa kabila ng karamdaman nito. 23“Nalaman ko na may milagro ang iyong mga kamay. Ako’y nagbaka-sakali kung maaari mo akong pagalingin,” ani ng ketongin na may hiya at pagaalinlangan sa kanyang pagmamakaawa. Nagdalawang-isip ang babae kung tatanggapin niya ang pakiusap ng lalaki. Ngunit bigla na lamang niyang inilapat ang kanyang kanang kamay sa ulo nito. 24Pumikit ang milagrosong babae at bigla na lamang itong naghina matapos ang ilang sandali. “Humayo ka at maglakad nang matuwid. Ikaw ay hinilom na.”

25 Nagpasalamat ang lalaki, at gaya ng ipinag-utos ng babae, lumisan ito dala ang isang panibagong kinabukasan at pag-asa. *** Kung ating babalikan ang pre-colonial na yugto ng ating kasaysayan, mababakas na noon pa

man ay umiiral na ang konsepto ng panggagamot gamit ang mga herbal na medisina at paniniwala sa mga diyos at anito ng mga Babaylan. Sa pagdaan ng mga dekada ay nanatili pa rin ang ganitong kultura sa ating lipunan. Liban sa kultural na kalagayan, mayroon ring panlipunang-politikal na anyo ang sinasalamin ng pamamaraan ng panggagamot.

Sa kabila ng pagka Christian-ize ng ilang bahagi ng Pilipinas, nananatili pa rin ang ganitong tradisyon lalo na sa mga probinsya o kanayunan.

Marami pa ring mga mangagagamot at albularyo ang naninirahan sa mga liblib na lugar upang magbigay ng serbisyo sa mga barrio at bayan na hindi naaabot ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.

Kung susuriin, hindi lamang umaangkla ang mga ganitong paraan ng pangagamot sa kultural at panlipunang perspektiba. Sinasalamin rin ng ganitong kultura ang mabigat na pagkukulang ng gobyerno upang ipaabot sa masang Pilipino ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Sa kabila ng mg proyekto ng gobyerno artikular na ang Kagawaran ng kalusugan upang mabigyan ng health insurance ang bawat Pilipino, malaking tipak pa rin ng populasyon ang hindi nakakaranas na makapagpagamot o kahit magpatingin sa doktor lalo na sa mga rural at kabundukan ng bansa.

Dulot na rin ito ng kakulangan ng pondo para sa pampublikong kalusugan at kakulangan ng mga doktor sa bansa.

Dahil dito, maraming mga Pilipino ang lumalapit sa mga tradisyonal na manggagamot o albularyo upang magpasuri at magpalunas ng kanilang mga karamdaman. Bagamat marami nang herbal na medisina ang siyentipikong napatunayan na nakakapagpagaling ng ilang sakit, ang mga banal na paniniwala patungkol sa mga milagro at himala ay hindi pa rin pinapatunayan at kinikilala ng iilan. *** 1 Mga Gunita 12:26 26 “Matagal ka nang nakatakda,” ani ng lalaking nababalutan ng liwanag. “Ang iyong pagtanggap sa iyong misyon ay hudyat ng paghahanda ng sanlibutan. Itinadhana ang iyong kapalaran, at gaya ng mga buhangin sa disyerto, ikaw ay patuloy na tatangayin ng hangin patungo sa walang hanggan.”

Nawala ang puting liwanag, at kasabay nito ay ang mga pag-aalinlangan sa kanyang isipan. *** “Inaamin ko sa iyo ang buong katotohanan.

Hindi ako [nagsisinungaling].”

Marahil nga ay totoo ang mga paniniwala ni Aling Marta. Marami na rin sa mga nagamot niya ang nakapagpatotoo sa kanyang mga misteryo.

Marahil rin ay hindi nagsisinungaling ang sistema.

Ang realidad na sa likod ng mga tradisyon at paniniwala ng masa ay ang panlipunang krisis na kumikitil sa buhay ng iilan.

Sapagkat kung mayroon man na isang sakit ang hindi magagamot ng mga katulad nila Aling Marta, iyon ay ang kritical na krisis ng serbisyong pangkalusugan ng bansa.

LITERARY

AUGUST --OCTOBER OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 12

Gayuma

By Jason Christopher Paz

Mga kakailanganin: Hibla ng iyong biktima Salamin Pitong pulang kandila

Litrato ng iyong pinakamamahal na alaala Kawa

1. Patayin ang mga ilaw bago simulan ang orasyon. Hayaan mong balutin ng karimlan ang dating nagliliwanag.

Magtirik ng pitong pulang kandila. Maglalagablab.

Kakaway. Lilikha ng mga aninong makikipagsayaw sa hangin. Titigan ang usok nitong aalpas sa himig na higing patungo sa nahihimbing na mga talang ilang taon ka nang patuloy na binibigo.

Magbuhos ng tubig sa kawa—sindihan. Lakasan ang apoy—ang apoy ng iyong damdaming minsan nang nagbaga. Takpan at hintaying kumulo.

Roots

By Jason Christopher Paz

Ashes blanketed the earth, underneath, its core— a root reaching for surface.

2. Sa oras na kumawala ang mga bula, tanggalin ang takip, pagmasdan ang singaw na nagpapaunahang balutin ang apat na sulok ng kuwarto. Ngayo’y kunin mo ang hibla ng iyong nais akitin at ihulog sa sisidlan. Pagmasdan habang malunod ito nang tuluyan. Pulso mo’y hiwain, hayaang tumulo ang dugo sa tubig.

Tumindig. Tiisin. Ang sakit nitong dumadaloy sa laman mo’y ang kapalit sa iyong nais na makamtan.

3. Hawakan ang litrato.

Makakaramdam ka ng batingaw sa iyong puso.

Magmamakaawa

ito na iyong makilala.

Mananatili ito hanggang mabasag ang hawla na nakapaloob sa iyong puso.

Buksan ang mga talukap sa mga alaalang huli kang nakaranas ng totoong kaligayahan. Punitin ang litrato at ihulog sa tubig, hayaang malunod ito kasabay ng mga mithiing nabigo. Sa pagbisita muli ng mga alaala, patulugin ang mga luha mula sa iyong mga mata patungo sa kumukulong tubig—ang pagsasanib ng kamusmusan at ng kasalanan.

4. Ilagay ang gayuma sa sisidlang kristal.

I-alay sa buwang nakakubli sa panganorin. Ipagdasal sa

mga diyos at diyos-diyosan bagamat nalimutan na ang nakasanayang panalangin.

Matagal na rin simula noong huli kang tumingala sa langit.

5. Inumin—salatin ang likidong dumadaloy patungo sa kaibuturan ng iyong kaluluwa. Buwan, na ngayo’y lantad na, ay magiging saksi ng pagsasama ng laman at budhi—ang pagkikita ng liwanag at dilim.

Pakinggan ang dagundong ng iyong puso na mistulang batingaw sa iyong dibdib.

Gugustuhin man ng kalamnan mong isuka ang likidong ito ay pigilan mo. Manindigan. Magtiis.

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

LITERARY

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 13

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

Usapang move on

Ang kapangyarihan ay hinuhulma ng mga kamay ng oras—lumalakas lamang sa paglipas ng panahon. Ipinapataw ito ng mga hintuturong yari sa bakal, sinusupil at pinapahinto ang mga walang laban at mahihina. Hinuhulma ang mga ito base sa dikta ng oras—sa tanikala ng kasalukuyan hanggang sa pangako ng hinaharap. Nakikipagsabayan sa tinis ng alingawngaw ng mga sigaw at pagsusumamo ng isang masang ginigipit.

*** Ayon kay Imee Marcos, nakalimutan na raw ng mga milenyal ang madilim at masalimuot na mga pangyayari noong rehimen ng kanyang ama—ang yumaong diktator na si Ferdinand Marcos. Naisip ko noon habang binabasa ang kanyang pahayag, habang salubong ang aking mga kilay, kung gaano nga ba kadali ang makalimot—ang maka-move on sa panahon kung saan malawakan ang pagpaslang at pagpapatahimik sa masang Pilipino?

Nagdaan ang araw ng mga bayani noong Agosto 27 at muling sumagi sa ating isipan ang palihim na libing ni Marcos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani. Sa mga

panahong iyon, napagtanto ng iilan kung ano nga ba ang kahulugan at kahalagahan ng isang bayani; at kung matatawag ba natin na isang bayani si Makoy na ibinaon ang bansa sa P26.2B na utang na siyang papasanin ng mamamayang Pilipino (o ang mga taxpayers) hanggang 2025, batay sa datos ng GMA News.

Hindi lamang binaon ni Marcos ang bansa sa utang. Sa kanyang panunungkulan, sinupil niya ang midya at mga pahayagan na binalak kalabanin ang kanyang rehimen.

Ipinag-utos din niya sa tutang kapulisan at militar ang pagpaslang sa 3,240 na mga katao, pagpapakulong sa 70,000 na Pilipino kabilang na ang mga aktibista at mga mamamahayag, at pagpapahirap sa 34,000 na oposisyon gamit ang mga hindi makataong pamamaraan ayon sa Amnesty International.

Umalingawngaw pa rin ang kawalan ng hustisya matapos ang ilang dekada. Walang makakalimot sa mga kapulisang bumubungad na lamang sa mga kabahayan upang dakipin ang mga lumalaban sa pasistang at diktaduryang rehimen ni Marcos. Hindi maibabaon sa hukay ang mga bata, matanda, babae, at lalaking pinaslang at pinatahimik Marcos upang mapanatili ang “kapayapaan at kaayusan,” sa isang lipunang pininturahan ng dugo ang mga kalsada at eskinita.

Ang diktaturya ni Marcos ay hindi lamang nag-uugat sa matinding alitan ng mga Marcos at ng mga Aquino,

taliwas sa pahayag ni Imee. Ang paniniwala na dapat na tayong makalimot ay isang tahasang pag-atake sa ating demokrasya. Hindi ko hinangad na ibaon sa nakaraan ang martial law—na isang bangungot lamang ang libolibong mga buhay na tinuldukan at mga kinabukasan na sinugpo. Dahil ang panaginip ay nalilimutan, ngunit ang opresyon at pagpapatahimik, kailanma’y hindi mabubura

Dapat tayo’y manindigan sa pag-giit ng pananagutan sa ating kasaysayan. Kung iisipin natin na isa lamang itong bangungot, hindi natin makikita ang pangkalahatan at pangmalakasan na boses ng masa laban sa karahasan.

Para kay Imee Marcos: bilang isang kabataan, hindi namin makakalimutan ang karahasan na idinulot ng kanyang ama. Wala rin siyang karapatan upang kumatawan sa aming mga boses, dahil sila ang unang lumapastangan sa boses ng kabataan na dapat sana’y pag-asa na ng lipunan. Hangga’t hindi nagbibigyan ng hustisya ang bansang nilugmok sa opresyon, HINDI KAMI MAKAKALIMOT. Malinaw na rin siguro ang sagot kung madali nga ba maka-move on sa diktaturya ni Marcos. Hindi ito madaling malilimutan na parang isang panaginip,

isang pagkakamali, isang dalamhati, o isang galos sa ating gunita. Hindi sapat na tayo’y hindi makalimot dahil alam natin na kahit ano mang pagmamakaawa nila, hindi iyon magwawaksi ng kanilang mga krimen—dapat tayo’y manindigan sa pag-giit ng pananagutan. Pananagutan na mas dakila pa sa pagkilala ng mga biktima ng martial law o pagbigay ng kabayaran, dahil hindi maiwawasto ng anumang halaga ng pera ang pagkawala ng magulang, anak, o kapatid. Para tuluyan tayong sumulong (move on and move forward, ika nga ni Imee Marcos) bilang isang progresibong lipunan at bansa, kailangang managot ang mga Marcoses sa kanilang mga krimen dahil patuloy na mamamalagi ang masalimuot na alaala ng martial law sa isang lipunan na winasak ng diktaturya at tanikala ng kahapon.

Kailanma’y hindi tayo magiging ligtas o malaya—ito ang katotohanan kung saan nararapat tayong mamulat at magsilbing batingaw upang manindigan at lumaban.

Hindi man natin maibabalik ang mga buhay na nawala sa dilim, mayroon tayong boses upang palakasin ang pinapatahimik na masang Pilipino patuloy na nagiging biktima ng opresyon. Dahil lumipas man ang mga dekada, at matunaw man ang mga kandila sa pag-alala sa mga namatay, nawala, lumaban noong martial law—susulong tayo, ngunit hindi kailanman makakalimot.

Pananabik

By Jason Christopher Paz

Ginhawa

Yumugyog ang kama sa bawat daluhong ng mga anino animo’y nakikisping sa pader. Pagkaraan ng ilang baón ay napasinghap ang lalaki sa sarap at humiga na lamang sa tabi ni Mary. Hinarap ni Mary ang lalaki, nginitian at binigyan ng matamis na halik. Bilang ni Mary kung ilan nang lalaki ang napasok ang kanyang katawan, basta’t ang kanyang patakaran ay apat lamang sa isang linggo ang tanging bibigyan niya ng matamis niyang oo dahil tuwing Sabado ay nagtuturo siya ng Zumba sa Waltermart. Sanay na si Mary sa ganitong set-up. Dahil sa hirap ng buhay, sinusugal na lamang niya ang kanyang laman upang makalikom ng pera. Kaya nama’y hinahanap na rin ng kanyang katawan ang sarap nitong natatanggap. Kung may mga babae

na pinangdidirian ang matawag na isang puta, bayaran, o babaeng kinakama, ipinagmamalaki ito ni Mary na tila isang tsapa ng karangalan. Sa isip-isip niya ay kung ikahihiya niya ang kanyang trabaho, ikinahihiya rin niya ang kanyang katawan na kay tagal niyang inilagaan. Suki siya sa gym, dagdag pa ang pagiging isang Zumba dance instructor.

Tinitigan lamang ni Mary ang lalaki na may kinang sa kanyang mga mata nang tumayo ito at nanigarilyo sa balkonahe. Nakakailang hithit pa lamang ang lalaki ng sigarilyo nang umungol si Mary na parang pusang na tag-init, tila humihingi ng round two sa kanyang kasiping. Ngumisi ang lalaki, itinapon ang sigarilyo sa abuhan, at nagmartsa kay Mary na halatang hindi makapagtimpi.

Hinila agad ni Mary ang lalaki at pinag-isa ang kanilang mga labi.

Nilunod nila ang kanilang mga sarili sa init ng kanilang katawan.

Kaluskos ng kumot. Balibag ng kama. Ungol ng mga dingding.

Malagkit—ang paglapat ng kanilang labi.

Matigas—ang mga dilang nanatili na lamang sa kanilang bibig. Pinagisa nila ang kanilang katawan na sumusunod lamang sa tawag ng laman—paulit-ulit hanggang makalimutan nila ang sarili nilang mga pangalan. Naramdaman na lamang ng lalaki ang pagkalanta at ipinaalam ito kay Mary na nakatalukbong ng kumot.

Walang protesta. Wala ring ungol. Nagtaka ang lalaki at tinanggal ang kumot, ngunit ang bumungad sa kanya ay ang puwitan lamang ni Mary na kumakadyot pa rin sa kanyang ari. Napasigaw at napatayo ang lalaki; doon na lamang lumabas si Mary, ang itaas na bahagi ng kanyang katawan, mula sa banyo na nagbibilang ng perang kanyang naipon ngayong linggo.

Tanikala Tanging liwanag ng 7/11 ang nagsisilbing gabay ni Kaloy sa dilim. Alas-nuwebe ng gabi ang tapos ng kanilang klase, tanging siyap lamang ng mga kuliglig ang umaalingawngaw sa kanilang mga tainga upang hindi sila tuluyang antukin sa paglalakad. Kasama niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan nang sinalubong nila ang malamig na hangin mula sa aircon ng convenience store.

Habang bumibili ang kanyang mga kasama ng makakain, dumiretso si Kaloy sa counter kung saan nakabalandra ang mga kaha ng sigarilyo, condom, at mga lighter. Dalawang kaha ng Malboro Lights ang binili ng binata—“weak shit” ika ng kaibigan niyang lalaki tuwing bumibili siya nito. Ngunit lingid sa kaalaman ng kanyang

mga kaibigan na nakaka-anim na kaha si Kaloy sa isang araw; nagtatago lamang ang binata sa kanyang mga kaibigan tuwing siya’y maninigarilyo.

Paborito niyang tambayan ang malaking puno ng akasya sa likod ng kanilang kolehiyo.

Minsan nga’y makikita na lamang ang napakalaking usok na nakapalibot sa puno ng akasya dahil sa lakas niyang manigarilyo. Nagpaalam siya sa kanyang mga kaibigan upang manigarilyo ngunit binantaan siya ng mga ito patungkol sa mga pulis na nagpa-patrol sa kanilang lugar dahil humigpit na ang curfew sa paligid. Kibitbalikat lamang ang kanyang sagot at tumungo sa labas ng 7/11.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, hindi pa rin bumabalik si Kaloy. Nagtaka ang mga kaibigan nito, ngunit mas pinagtaka nila ang napakalaking

buga ng usok na humalik sa salamin na bintana. Tila nagmumula ito sa apoy, ngunit hindi nila nakikita ang pagliyab nito. Pagkaraan ay umalingawngaw ang tunog ng police mobile, nagkumpulan ang mga tao, at lumabas ang magkakaibigan upang malaman ang kaguluhan. Hindi sila makapaniwala nang makakita sila ng kapreng pinoposasan ng dalawang pulis. Malago ang mga buhok nito na binalutan ang kanyang buong katawan.

Nakangisi lamang siya na bumubuga ng usok mula sa kanyang bibig, habang hawakhawak ang isang sigarilyo sa puwang ng kanyang mga daliri.

“Alam mo na bawal tumambay sa labas ng ganitong oras. Sumama ka sa’min sa presinto.” Saad ng isang pulis sa kapre na kumindat sa kanyang mga kaibigan.

SPORTS

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 14

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

Spikers react to Mikko Gako’s resignation

by John Zedrick Simeon Last July, Patriot coach Mikko Gako resigned from the DLSU-D volleyball men team, as per Sports Development Office (SDO) director Fidel Rojales. This has been the fourth time the spikers have changed its coaches for the past four years. As such, The HERALDO FILIPINO asked the Patriot spikers on their reaction to the coach’s resignation.

Patriot spiker captain Al-Khaizer Que said he was demoralized but he was accustomed to the changing coaches within his four-year stay in DLSU-D. “Malungkot ako sa pag-alis ni coach Mikko, pero sanay na rin naman ako na paiba-iba ‘yong coach ko. Since first year ako hanggang fourth year ko, paibaiba ‘yong mga nagiging coach ko.

Kaya sanayan lang siguro, pero malungkot talaga.” he said.

Moreover, Patriot libero and Council of Student Athletes

President John Joshua Tengco shared that Coach Mikko’s resignation was unexpected.

“Malungkot, kasi sa term ni coach Mikko, ang daming nabago.

Tulad ng mga sistema, tulad no’ng commitment sa training, at tulad no’ng paglalaro ng may puso.”

For spikers Chandler Jr. B. Salapuddin and Jan Cedrick Item, they were saddened as Gako had taught them a lot during their trainings and motivated them through every game.

Item furthered that they have treated Gako as their family.

“Para sa ’kin, malungkot. Kasi parang naging pamilya na rin siya sa amin. Ang dami niyang tinuro sa amin na nai-apply namin.”

Spiker Jaric V. Racelis and setter Marco Polo R. Ordoñez were also dismayed, as Gako has already prepared plans for the team.

In the meantime, the DLSU-D volleyball men will rely on former DLSU-D women’s volleyball team head coach Joven Racelis as their temporary coach.

Rookies to watch out for

NEWCOMERS. From just 14 rookies last AY, the Patriots recruited 59 rookies locked-and-loaded for this AY 20182019, with CEAT garnering the highest number of rookies with 15 recruits this first semester.

Infographic by Stephanie Ann Arreza

by Rose Kristine Amarillo

As the University welcomes the first batch of the K to 12 freshmen, some fresh Patriot faces have taken the challenge of the action-packed world of DLSU-D sports. Some of them have even shown superb skills even before they signed up as Patriots. As the new AY emerges, get to know some of these new green-and-white players as they gear up for the years to come.

Meet the eighteen-year-old volleyball enthusiast, Caviteño Jubilee Anne Del Rosario. Influenced by his older cousin, Del Rosario started playing since Grade 7 and accumulated numerous awards such as Champion in City of Dasmariñas Association of Private Schools (CDAPS) 2017, Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Cavite Inter-School Athletic Association (CISAA) 2017, delegate in Provincial Meet 2018, MVP in Inter-Secondary Volleyball League (ISVL) 2018, and athlete of the year of DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) 2018.

Spiking since Grade 11, Patriot Spiker Gasper Jhon Gaspillo from Negros Occidental, 19, proves that volleyball is in his blood as his father and brother are volleyball players as well. Gaspillo became the champion in the municipal meet last AY 20162017.

Showing off his basketball skills since Grade 5, Pasigueño Louis Gene Montes has been competing in different leagues such as CAVSAA and NCAA and bagging MVP

awards, and being part of the Mythical 5 in the respective leagues.

Starting from playing chess as a hobby to joining tournaments, Rafael Dionisio, 18, started chiseling his skills in his first year in high school.

The woodpusher shared that his biggest achievement was being part of the Kasparov Chess Foundation Asia-Pacific (Age Group), a chess tournament founded by the World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov.

Moving to the table tennis world, meet Caviteño Janna Sophia Jarin who started playing since Grade 5. Paddler Jarin said that she tried other sports before but table tennis, being “enthralling”, captured her heart as she conquered CISAA, North Cavite Sports Unit (NCSU), and Imus Private Schools Athletic Association (IPSAA) since 2010 up to now.

Meet eighteen-year-old Timothy Espiritu, who excels in table tennis. When he knew that his friends in the school he transferred to were into table

tennis, he tried it and “loved” it ever since. Dominating the Bacoor Meet, he seized the silver and gold medals in 2014 and 2015.

From playing Taekwondo since third year high school, Jhona Santander Burce has been developing her talents as a Jin and earned gold and bronze medals in the NGBPhilippine ITF Taekwondo Council (PITC) National Tournament, Super Fighters El-Royale Taekwondo, and other competitions.

Last but definitely not the least, Tanker Roger Dante Giron started diving into pool of awards since Grade 7. “Destiny” brought this nineteen-year-old to swimming as he continues to prove that he was for this sport as he dives into pool of awards in national and international leagues. This tanker has been to other countries’ league like Bangkok, Australia, and Singapore. He was also hailed two times as the athlete of the year in Oxford Louise Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc. during AYs 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.

UPFC returns as a football club

by John Zedrick Simeon

After being suspended for one semester by the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) due to a four-semester probationary status and failure to submit necessary requirements, the United Patriots Football Club (UPFC) are now back in action after they successfully defended their case in the deliberation, as per newly-elected UPFC President Mary Angelique Ballesteros.

“My heart is just really happy… no’ng unang training namin, habang nagwa-warm-up kami, ‘di ko mapigilang tumawa kasi nakikita at nakakasama ko na ulit teammates ko and ibang alumni,” she stated.

The organization’s paperwork and attachments were approved on September 20. Ballesteros mentioned that the team prepared their plans and activities this academic year such as regular trainings which started on October 2 and will be held every Tuesday and

Thursday with the DLSU-D’s senior high school football team.

“We have activities planned for this school year na hopefully matuloy, this sem[ester].

Meron kaming apat na planned activities. Isa na doon ‘yong regular training namin.”

She also shared that problems might arise with the unfamiliarity with the DLSU-D organization system.

“Kasi we weren’t able to attend Pro La Salle and the body orientation of the CSO so kapa-kapa talaga kami sa mga

papers,” she said. “Sa venue, kase apat kaming naguunahan ng reservation ng field so medyo mahirap mag-schedule ng mga tune-up. Money naman, kasi since may four activities na required ‘pag org[anization], and baguhan pa lang talaga kami, we don’t have enough money para ma-support ibang events namin and doon napasok ‘yong problem sa time [na] kailangan asikasuhin agad proposal niyan, ‘pag sport related na event sobrang matrabaho talaga,” Ballesteros furthered.

Timeout I vividly remember when Mico Halili shouted “and the curse of Korea is about to be broken here inside the Mall of Asia Arena!” in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship Finals when the Philippine team finally cured the curse of South Korea. Chills went down my spine as the sea of frenzied crowd in white t-shirts shout their hearts out for the win. That scene plays in my head every time I remember the word “basketball.” Almost every Gilas fanatic took pride when the national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas broke in what was coined as the “South Korean curse.” One thing though, growing up, I don’t remember anyone cheering for our Filipino warriors competing in another realm of sport. I have been a huge basketball fan for as long as I remember. I used to get crazy watching the adults compete their asses up in a nearby half-court at my place.

And with that, I can say that in a typical Filipino

neighborhood, you can find basketball-crazed people shooting in hoops and drooling over television screens that display PBA matches.

Scrolling through Facebook, a friend tagged me in Isaac Reyes’ satirical research abstract at the time when the 18th Asian Games in JakartaPalembang was still ongoing. And then the thought came to me: Majority of the stories I saw in the span of the league was about the mighty Gilas Pilipinas. This hype isn’t wrong in a sense that we must “physically walk onto street courts during the game and deflate the ball whilst it is in play,” as what Isaac Reyes has manifested; it’s just that we put too much attention on basketball when in fact, we can divert ourselves in other sports that could draw our hidden potentials.

We Filipinos never go the easy way around.

We like the challenge—clutch moments and briskly games. Maybe that’s why we’re indulged in a sport that requires seven-foot-tall giants for more chances of winning. But it’s time we look at the sports that we have a competitive-edge in. Embrace the average 5’4 male height the Filipinos were blessed with. The thirst for the sport is costing us cold hard medals from

different international leagues. Say in Rio Summer Olympics 2016, we only took home one lone silver medal. We’re proud, yes, but at the same time, our neighbors had no trouble competing with other nations and hoarding medals. Thailand had two golds, two silvers, and two bronze that placed them at the 35th

It’s time we look at the sports that we have a competitive edge in

rank, and this is because their government has steady supporting hands in training their athletes.

Not only that, the Thais are now positioning themselves as a dream destination for sports tourism—world-class sporting facilities, wideranging expertise, and prominent hosting for regional and international sporting events and tournaments.

In 122 years, the Los Angeles Summer Olympics was still the most successful stint we

had in the international league since the first Summer Olympics. Our basketball team has to rely on private donors and naturalized players (Fil-Ams) in order to clinch the bacon. Look at the 9 medals the Philippines holds in the Summer Olympics, all of them are from sports that we actually excel in—boxing, athletics, swimming, and weightlifting.

We love basketball because it’s a fast, easily playable, fans can mingle up-and-close with players, it’s physical, it is a culture that can unite us from the grassroots level to upwards and lastly, it’s been in the Philippine school system since 1910.

All over the country, we have had a lot of athletes that could one day step into the highest stage, athletes that have the caliber to be Olympic Gold medalists if given the right training and equipment. This is not about defunding basketball.

I never said we should inflate basketballs or change the channels whenever PBA or NBA is on TV. However, there’s a time when we should let things light up to keep moving forward. It’s time to accept the evolution from the hoopster DNA in us. For the meantime, let’s drop the ball and walk out of that court.

SPORTS

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 15

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

Stepping into the Patriot plate Teams for the aspiring green-and-white athletes

by Casvel Teresa Lopez

The Patriots, the official varsity team of DLSU-D, represent our University in every nail-biting game and adrenaline-inducing league while continuing to bring home the bacon. As to preserve their legacy in living the Lasallian values through sports enthusiasm, their doors remain open to welcome new blood.

Spearheaded by the Sports Development Office, the Patriots are once again unleashing their blazing competitive skills to take leap in hailing the University’s pride and honor in tournaments such as Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA), United CALABARZON Collegiate League (UCCL), and Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES), to name a few. Representing DLSU-D to off-campus tournaments as Lasallian sports enthusiasts, here’s the array of our green and white teams—medals not included.

The Spikers Now headed by Joven Racelis, these volleyball men represent the school and bring home the triumph in various sports competitions, mainly in PRISAA where they hit the bronze for the National level. With their fearsome blocks and stunning spikes, this team consistently vies in the Nationals scene. Not to mention prominent players such as Alnakran “Ran-Ran” Abdilla, player and airman 2nd class from Philippine Airforce, and Eddiemar Kasim who has been part of Philippine Team in 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) were molded by the Spikers themselves.

The Lady Patriots Like the Patriots, the Lady Patriots show empowerment through stunning teamwork and compelling tactics. Reigning as the PRISAA - Provincials’ championship holder, Head coach Joven Racelis and Coach Vincent Carranza impart their knowledge and skills to assist the ladies in showing off their desire to notch the medals. This team also shaped the now-Lady Jet Setters Philippine Air Force player Iari Iongco, who is currently competing in the Philippine Volleyball League. As the team continuously form their strategies and leave legacy in volleyball leagues, the two coaches, together with the whole team guarantee that they are not just a team who plays volleyball but a squad driven by flaming desire and passion to make the Lasallian community proud in every tournament they’re contending.

The Cagers Providing stunning court rebounds and assists, the Patriot basketball men proved that they have what it takes inside the. Being the reigning kings of PRISAA Provincials 2018, the team is conditioned to retain their reputation trained and supported by their head coach Arnold Oliveros, a former member of San Beda Red Lions basketball team and lineup for Pharma Quick’s rookies in 2001 Philippine Basketball League Challenge Cup. Known to be the bearers of Patriots in leagues, the Cagers consistently set the courts on fire during their tournaments, making it almost impossible for opponents to extinguish the heat.

The Cagebelles

Like the Lady Patriots astounding the volleyball scene, these Cagebelles prove that the basketball court isn’t just for men.

Coach Tito Reyes Jr. teaches the offense-defense strategies to the team for these basketball ladies to keep their spot as the defending queens in Cavite with their 6-peat championship title as Region IV-A bearers for PRISAA Nationals from 2012 to 2017. Despite their defeat in the 2018 Nationals, they are more prepared than ever to bounce back and reclaim the national championship title.

The Shuttlers

Badminton is the game for those who are into single or duo events. Unlike team sports which require various players, these men and women Shuttlers manage to take spots in individual and team tie primarily mentored by their Coach Roderick Hinanay. Always prepared to heat up the court, the mixed duo Dana Enriquez and John Michael Navarro brought home the silver medal, while women’s doubles Enriquez and Jenniline Lupango, men’s tandem Navarro and Jan Adrian Pullon, and Shai Osorio won bronzes as the team smashed their way to a sweet victory during the PRISAA - Nationals meet.

The Paddlers

Specializing the hits down-the-line, DLSU-D’s men and women paddlers own the table, guided by the learnings and techniques from Coach Oscar Bucad to win over their opponents. This group really have the passion driven by perseverance as Corizza Soriano and Rosalyn Zapanta hit the last hooray to win two bronzes for PRISAA - Nationals meet.

The Tankers

Diving into the deep end of the competition, the swimming team of our University set themselves among the ranks with other Patriots. Plunging into success, lady tankers Red Galay, Erloise Lukang, Mica Rago, and Denise Tapawan secured the silver medal in the senior women’s 200-meter relay event in Nationals 2018 meet.

The Jins

From white belt to black belt, aspiring potent Jins are all welcome. The Taekwondo men and women’s team set high feet trained by Coach Rolando Futalan. Duality by its nature of self-defense and sports, the team finished with medals—as for being bronze medalist in 2018 Nationals—and brought home the bacon in representing DLSU-D, the Cavite Province, and CALABARZON. The Woodpushers

With their touch-move-checkmate techniques, green-and-white chess team sharpen their minds to battle their competitors. Coach Roderick Nava hones these tactics that the players incorporate with their own abilities to represent not just themselves but to keep the Animo spirit on fire. For last academic year, they garnered two top spots in the 25th Shell Chess Championships where Clinton Andres placed 34th and Genrech Lalas got 51st out of 120 participants. On the other hand, the women woodpushers placed 3rd in overall standing during the PRISAA - Nationals 2018 represented by Christine Hernandez and Paula Bianca Manalo.

The Tracksters

Racing to finish the line, the athletics team will leave no trace of being left behind on the track. Coach Arnold Villarube

guarantees the skills of our runners once they set their feet on the race and snatch the victory on their respective categories. Like other sports teams, the tracksters dedicate their sweat and tears to have a place in the prestigious levels of PRISAA tournament as Jasmin Martinez landed fourth place in the 100-meter dash, and sixth placer Christian Valdenarro for 200-meter dash event last Nationals at Tagbilaran, Bohol. ***

Unlike the UAAP and NCAA teams, our very own Patriots are making an identity in southern region leagues, national, and even internationally—given that alumni and players themselves represent the country.

Driven by the passion and commitment to bring home the victory, these green-and-white teams are not ones to be underestimated, but to be watched out for.

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018 | PAGE 16

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

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VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

SPORTS FEAT P page 14

SPORTS NEWS UPFC attains org status page 15

SPORTS BRIEFS Athletes react page 15

KINGS OF THE COURT. Patriot Cagers Jastine Kyle Amponin and John Cantimbuhan are bannering the Animo pride with the Dasmariñas Ballers Club, as they are currently competing in the National Basketball League (NBL) alongside novice players from around Dasmariñas.

Photo by Jean Quinto

Dasmariñas Ballers Club joins NBL, two Patriot Cagers compete Cagers Amponin and Cantimbuhan play for Dasmariñas Ballers Club

by Rose Kristine Amarillo

The Dasmariñas Ballers Club, together with Patriot Cagers Jastine Kyle Amponin and John Cantimbuhan, is currently competing in the National Basketball League (NBL), opening from August 25, with the help of the Dasmariñas City government and various sponsors.

NBL Chairman Celso Mercado, NBL Commissioner Nandy Garcia, and Vice President of Basketball Operation Edward Aquino commenced the NBL—a regional amateur competition for 18-29 year old basketball enthusiasts—to showcase the skills of homegrown basketball players from each region.

Playing in a home-andaway format on Saturdays and Sundays, the NBL hopes to expose the homegrown players internationally by partnering with other countries’ NBLs such as Australia and China.

As of press time, The Dasmariñas Ballers Club have a

1-2 record as they obtained their first win during their initial game against the Rizal Spartans and their first and second losses during against Camarines Sur Express and Bulacan Makabayan, respectively.

For Patriot Amponin, the Ballers joined NBL “[para] i-expose ‘yong talent ng mga players from Dasmariñas.”

For Cantimbuhan however, it’s about bringing the lessons from NBL to the Ugnayang La Salle court.

“Marami akong natutunan dahil puro veterans ang nakakalaban namin sa NBL na p’wede ko maapply sa game namin sa [De] La Salle [University-Dasmariñas],”

Cantimbuhan said.

Consistently notching the best player of the game title, Cantimbuhan contributed 21 points in their first game and 20 points in the second.

Regarding what the DLSU-D community can expect from the Patriots for this academic year 2018-2019, Cantimbuhan mentioned, “[mag]-double effort [kami] para buo ‘yong team na makapaglaro sa mga leagues para mas intact kami.”

Playing their way to the top, the Dasmariñas Ballers Club is currently battling against various teams in the elimination stage of the ongoing NBL.

PATRIOT COUNCIL. A Student Council of Athletes was formed to cater the needs of the Patriots in accordance with SDO Director Fidel Rojales and OSS Dean Antonio Gutierrez Jr’s plan to systematize the DLSU-D Sports program.

Infographic by Marco Belarmino

SDO continues to cut leagues and scholarships this AY

by Rose Kristine Amarillo Due to lack of budget from the aftermath of the K-12 implementation, Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Fidel Rojales confirmed that the office will continue last AY’s approved and implemented policy of “slashing” leagues and scholarships this academic year (AY) 2018-2019. “’Pag hindi natin ginawa ito (cutting of leagues and scholarships), magkakaroon tayo ng slash ng teams. So posible, ‘yong ibang teams [ay] magiging club and also the coaches, mawawalan sila ng trabaho,” Rojales explained.

Rojales shared that he and the coaches came up with that decision while considering the welfare and benefit of the players and the coaches.

Although there are freshmen enrollees this semester, the number of students is still insufficient to restore the normal amount of budget in the previous years, as per Rojales.

Regarding until when he foresees the slashing of leagues and scholarship, he mentioned “maybe [until] 2020. Kung magnormalize na, we go back to the other competitions.”

Two major leagues remained Before the cutting of leagues and scholarships, the Patriots regularly joined five competitions—National Capital Region Athletics Association (NCRAA), Private Schools Athletic

Association (PRISAA), United CALABARZON Collegiate League (UCCL), UniGames, and Universiade. However, NCRAA and PRISAA were the only major leagues that remained after the decision of the SDO Director.

According to Rojales, the expenses for airfare and transportation allowances have prompted the office to “slash” several competitions the varsities usually participated into alongside with the adjustment of the players’ scholarships. He also added that it is upon the discretion of coaches on how much percentage of scholarship discount will they grant to the athletes.

“Hindi na katulad ng dati na full scholarships. Binigyan lang namin sila ng minimum at maximum (percentage sa scholarships). [It’s upon the] discretion of the coaches,” Rojales furthered.

However, the DLSU-D Men’s Volleyball Team (MVT) and Men’s Basketball Team will be able to join the UniGames in Dumaguete this October 21-28 with the aid of the SDO and the

University Student Council (USC).

“Partnership ‘yong mangyayaring paglahok ng DLSU-D sa UniGames kasi ang airfare— which is costly— sasagutin ng USC tapos ang contingent fund para sa UniGames at allowance ng athletes at [accommodation], SDO ang sasagot,” said Council of Student Athletes (CSA) President John Joshua Tengco.

“Negative” side effects According to the SDO Director, the Patriots’ level of competitiveness deteriorated after the slashing of the five leagues.

Moreover, recruitment of rookies weakened as the coaches did not have much to offer due to the scholarship cut.

“Kahit ang mga coaches, hindi sila makapag-recruit ng caliber players kasi wala tayong mai-offer. ‘Yung recruitment, humina talaga,” Rojales expressed.

As the athletes are in the process of adjusting regarding the matter, he requested the Lasallian community to cheer on the teams during their games.