Heraldo Filipino Vol. 31 Issue 4

APRIL - MAY 2017 | PAGE 1

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY - DASMARIñAS APRIL - MAY 2017

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VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

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groundskeeper. The University contracted Joseph Server & Associates (JSA) as the new agency to maintain the school grounds after the Almer Manpower Corporation lost the bid to be the University’s housekeeping and groundskeeping agency on April 8.

Photo by Angelica Aludino

USC President resigns ‘Hindi ko choice na mag-resign’– Fortunado

by Anri Ichimura Former University Student Council (USC) 2016-2017 President Christine Fortunado officially resigned from the USC on April 20, however, the decision was not made out of her own initiative according to Fortunado. In the aftermath of her resignation, former USC 2016-2017 Vice President (VP) Earll Martin Cacanindin has now assumed the role of USC President until the end of the academic year (AY).

Fortunado’s statement The following is Fortunado’s statement to the Heraldo Filipino regarding her resignation from USC 2016-2017: “I know a month na lang and two events na lang din kami at matatapos na ‘yong term namin, but unexpectedly, [the] decision has been made, so sadly, I resigned.

I have done things wrong and aminado ako do’n sa lahat ng pagkukulang ko bilang President ng USC and for that po humihingi ako ng sorry—sorry sa mga bagay na hindi namin naipaglaban dahil hindi gano’n kadali sa mismong loob ng council. Even though I’m the highest in position at USC, I still don’t get to decide all things,

especially sa events na gusto namin talaga ma-approved. Also, I’m very sorry this year hasn’t been easy.

Even though it was hard, I still continued my responsibilities.

Kahit na hindi ko ginusto ‘yong nangyari sa akin, I still want to thank my fellow students for giving me the opportunity to become the best version of myself.”

Decision of the executive board “Hindi ko choice na mag-resign ako,” Fortunado clarified. She carried on to explain that she wanted to finish her term given that only two months were left in the AY at the time of her resignation.

According to Fortunado, USC held an executive board (EB) meeting during Holy Week, and after settling

the original agenda for the meeting, they informed her that they had decided that she should resign from the USC. “’Yong [executive] board ang nag-decide na [mag-]step down na lang ako,” Fortunado stated. “Hindi ako nagsabi ng side ko sa kanila (EB) dahil nagulat din talaga ako.”

Due to the unexpected turn of events and desire to avoid conflict,

Fortunado made up her mind shortly after they confronted her regarding their request for her resignation.

“Nakapag-decide na sila (EB), nag-‘sige’ na ako, nag-OK [ako sa desisyon nila]. ‘Di ko pinaglaban ang side ko,” she expressed.

As one of the two USC members who were voted into position rather than appointed, Fortunado “grabbed at See USC | page 3

SCE continues with election sched despite SENTRO candidate’s late proclamation

by Yna Marisse Sodoy

Addressing concerns on the University Student Elections campaign period, SCE Commissioner Yna Patricia Tan said the Student Commission on Election (SCE) is unlikely to grant an election campaign period extension as the election date stated in the 2016 Amended University Student Election Code (E-Code) has to be observed despite the 26day late proclamation of College of Education (COEd) SENTRO La Salle candidate Mark Angelo “Gelo” Dela Cruz on April 21.

Unfulfilled promises. In celebration of Labor Day on May 1, thousands of Filipino workers marched and gathered in front of Mendiola Arc to voice out their concerns regarding the continuous implementation of contractualization.

Tan explained that if the campaign period of the elections was granted an extension, the election date would surely be affected, saying,

“Siguro it is very impossible to happen kasi ‘yong date ng election is kung ano ‘yong naka-state sa E-Code. Ang advice lang naming kay Sir Gelo ay i-maximize

Photo by Kristine Mae Rebote

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news REPORT

features

A disaster management plan page 4

niya na lang ‘yong natitirang time niya for campaign period.”

After consultation with SENTRO La Salle’s COEd college See SENTRO | page 3

Literary

sports

Lasallians for Lasallians

Play

Tankers bag 11 medals

page 10

page 13

page 14

NEWS

APRIL - MAY 2017 | PAGE 2

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

Admin clarifies: CHEd moratorium not preventing field trips

STARS DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS *

‘12 fieldtrips approved, 6 halted’ – Colleges

by Yna Marisse Sodoy Despite the imposition of moratorium on field trips and other similar activities as announced in Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)’s Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 17, Series of 2012 on February, Assistant Registrar Ronaldo Lagat clarified that there have been 12 approved and six rejected field trips this semester due to their full compliance to the stricter policies of CHEd. After the field trip incident in Tanay, Rizal on February 20 which took the lives of 13 college students, Lagat said CHEd raised safety measures on both field trips and educational tours.

“This alarmed the CHEd [people] so they are still reviewing this (CMO No. 17) kasi we don’t want that (accident) to happen again kasi buhay ng estudyante ang at stake,” he added.

As a result, several field trips and educational tours in various courses that were originally set for this academic year 2016-2017 were postponed.

However, Lagat clarified that there are still some field trips that CHEd approved as long as the required documents for the activity are met.

“Mayro’n silang (students) mga activity na napupuntahan, mayro’n namang activities na ‘di napupuntahan.

Mayro’ng na-consider at napayagan pa rin, pero ‘yong participation ‘di na ganoon ka-successful kasi ‘yong parents ay ayaw pumayag,” Lagat explained.

On a similar note, Lagat said that CHEd may reconsider a proposal even with a few documents lacking as long as there is a justification presented as to why the document has not yet been submitted, such as incomplete parental consent forms, after thorough deliberation and review from CHEd. “They (CHEd) will still review that and aalamin nila kung ‘yong reason ba ay acceptable. Halimbawa, mayro’n akong 120 students, it happened na 115 lang ang naka-comply sa due date. Majority presented naman, pinapayagan nila ‘yon,” Lagat furthered.

As of press time, the moratorium titled the “imposition of moratorium on field trips and other similar activities covered under CMO No. 17, Series of 2012” posted on the official CHEd website is the memorandum that the University complies with, as per Lagat.

The said moratorium will continue to take effect until proper safety measures have been implemented to ensure no such

cases of field trip or educational tour accidents will occur again.

“As long as compliant naman ‘yong organizer [ng field trip], pinapayagan nila (CHEd). Naging invasive lang talaga sila (CHEd), they want to see to it na lahat ng sinasabi doon sa CMO ay complied with,” Lagat mentioned.

As for the field trips and educational tours affected due to the moratorium, Lagat said that there are alternative activities prepared by the field trip or educational tour coordinator or subject professor.

As per CMO No. 17, Series of 2012 titled “policies and guidelines on educational tours and fieldtrips of college and graduate students,” Article V, Section 8 states that students who cannot join the educational tours or field trips shall be given a parallel school activity which provides similar acquisition of knowledge of the required practical competencies and achieves other learning objectives.

2011 CEAT bldg plan cancelled New bldg still on planning process

by Jazmine Estorninos

The planned building design for the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) made in 2011 was cancelled due to various reasons including the lack of budget for the construction, as confirmed by Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office Director Arch. Dennis Pontanilla.

However, the administration is currently in the process of creating a new plan for the CEAT building.

“Tinitingnan pa namin (admin) kung saan ba magandang itayo ‘yong CEAT building. Sa MTH

(Mariano Trias Hall) ba o kung saan mas OK dahil marami ring considerations and requirements ang kailangan,” Pontanilla explained.

Although it may take “long years” to finally construct a new building for the CEAT students, See CEAT | page 3

*As of February 28, 2017 PROCEEDS. After collecting a projected net income of P3,485,888 from the Share the Animo Raffle Surprise (STARS) Grand Draw, the administration distributed 50% of its proceeds to the One La Salle Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Infographic by Camille Joy Gallardo

Transfer of BFMO to GDO building ‘on hold’ – Admin BFMO: GDO classrooms not ‘ideal’ workplace

by April Ciaralei Cenedoza The administration has put ”on hold” the plan to transfer the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office (BFMO) to the GDO building and convert the said office into classrooms, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance Belinda Narvaez and BFMO Director Arch. Dennis Pontanilla confirmed.

In an article issued in The Heraldo Filipino Volume 31 Issue 2, the BFMO office in the BFMO building, located beside the Information and Communications Technology (ICTC), was supposed to be transferred to the GDO this second semester to begin the BFMO building’s renovation for classrooms.

However, there is no need for the BFMO to transfer since the classrooms, according to Narvaez, are “enough” to accommodate all classes.

“It’s a word of a committee [involved in the said plan] na they have an inventory of all classrooms so base [ito] doon sa kanilang survey of classrooms and ‘yong anticipated number of classrooms per the coming year kaya hindi kailangang umalis ng BFMO. BFMO naman is just part of the committee,” she explained.

Pontanilla, meanwhile, said he considers their current office as an “ideal” working area intended for building and facilities maintenance.

“Pero ‘yong dapat na lilipatan namin (GDO building), hindi naman ideal area for building and facilities office ‘yon e. Kailangan namin ng malaking space,” the architect described.

In the said article, Pontanilla explained that the GDO building was designed to accommodate the needs of a sports facility such as dug-out, locker rooms, shower areas and equipment storage.

He furthered that the said plan was “on hold” because the BFMO is considering other alternative buildings where they could transfer, but refused to disclose further details since it is yet to be finalized.

Moreover, Pontanilla said they may construct a new working area for their office.

“Temporarily dito muna kami [sa current office namin]. Anything is possible [to happen]. Kino-consider nga namin ‘yong bagong building.”

According to Pontanilla, the said plan to put the transfer “on hold” has not yet received a formal announcement between him and the office of the Finance and Administrative Services.

On the other hand, Narvaez said that the decision to put the transfer “on hold” was agreed by all.

“It’s not a big deal actually.

Maraming concern [ang administration] than the transfer of BFMO,” she said.

As of press time, Pontanilla said that the BFMO is still in the planning and designing stage.

R e ac t In March, the first impeachment complaint was filed against President Rodrigo Duterte by Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano on various charges including bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, other high crimes, and betrayal of public trust. Thereafter, a draft impeachment complaint was filed against Vice President Leni Robredo by Atty. Oliver Lozano and Melchor Chavez based on the grounds of culpable violation of the Constitution, and similarly, betrayal of public trust.

The DLSU-D students weighed in on the issue as to whether they agree or disagree that President Duterte and/or Vice President Robredo should be impeached.

“I do not agree with the impeachment [filed against] President Duterte and VP Robredo. It needs further investigation and [must undergo] due process before they should be impeached.”

“Karapat dapat i-impeach ang ating kasalukuyang presidente at bise presidente kung talagang nagawa nila ang mga sinasabing paratang at kung may matibay na pruweba na ginawa talaga nila iyon. Pero dahil sa estado ng hukom na meron tayo maaaring mag-alangan dahil mapapansin na may bias sa ating hukom.

“I firmly believe in the legal principle, Ignorantia legis non excusat or ‘the ignorance of the law excuses no one.’ Although I haven’t stayed updated in the current news about our country, if these charges against them will be proven to be true, then they must really be removed from the office.”

Rafael John Pabustan Second year Management Accounting

Martha Rhaym Legaspi Second year Business Operations Management

Marc Angelo Balon Fourth year Psychology

“Yes, because instead of doing/proving themselves to be worthy as our leaders, they are fighting among themselves and not uniting their power to make our country a better place.”

“Against po ako sa impeachment para kay Duterte at Robredo kasi taong bayan naman ang bumoto sa kanila, so dapat i-respect ‘yong choice ng nakararami. Instead na i-impeach makipag-cooperate na lang.”

“I think they shouldn’t be. Why? Because the Filipinos have already voted and millions of peso have already been spent. The current president and vice president should do their job given the idea that they are worthy of their positions.”

Azeka Sanz Fourth year Computer Engineering

Lorie Baltazar Second year Electrical Engineering

Nathanael Layugan Second year Biology in Environmental Science

“No. President Duterte and VP Leni Robredo still have a chance to prove themselves even in the face of judgment. The Filipinos must stand by the truth to be able to know who they really are and avoid listening to rumors.”

“No, kasi magugulo na naman ang pulitika, back to zero, tapos boboto na naman.

[Bakit] hindi na lang sila mag-focus kung paano masosolusyonan ‘yong issue ng Pilipinas.”

“Yes, Rodrigo Duterte is being connected to several issues of crime. It is highly doubtful that his promised clean government is being implied. Leni Robredo should be impeached because of some of her actions that are connected to attack Duterte’s administration.

I think someone is pulling the string behind Leni Robredo’s position.”

Joan Marie Baloja Third year Human Biology

Joanna Cathelyn Parza Second year Elementary Education

Jose Marion Adao Second year Elementary Education

NEWS

APRIL - MAY 2017 | PAGE 3

‘More displaced professors foreseen next AY’ – Former FA Pres

by April Ciaralei Cenedoza

More faculty members may face job displacement next academic year (AY) 2017-2018 due to the decrease of freshman and sophomore enrollees compared to last AY caused by the K to 12 program, former Faculty Association (FA) President Jose Domingo opined.

“When I was the president last year 2015-2016, I wrote them (admin) to at least give us the [exact] number [of professors who will not be rehired, but] they didn’t issue any until now. Still fluid, meaning to say, they are trying their best to at least hire everybody especially ‘yong mga regular faculty member kasi siyempre it would mean that if they not hire or not give any [teaching] load to a regular faculty member that will be a problem for them,” Domingo explained.

Domingo added that faculty members who teach General Education subjects from the Kagawaran ng Filipino at Panitikan, Languages and Literature Department, Religious Education Department, and Social Sciences Department will most likely be affected by the displacement.

Moreover, in an article issued in the Heraldo Filipino Volume 30 Issue 3, the administration and FA conducted an institutional faculty audition which resulted in the displacement of 125 faculty members.

During his incumbency, the administration said they would not hire part-time faculty as there are some part-time professors who can still teach next year, Domingo said.

“There are some subjects that need the expertise of the people in the industry. These people in the industry acquired certain skills that some fulltime faculty members cannot replace or cannot do,” he furthered.

As for giving priority to permanent and part-time faculty, Domingo opined that the administration would opt to retain the permanent faculty members until no

one from the said faculty can match the expertise of a certain part-time professor.

However, incumbent FA President Eduardo Garnace said that removal of part-time professors is normal since they are contracted by the University every semester.

“Kahit walang K to 12 program, talagang laging may natatanggal na part-time professor,” Garnace said.

As defined in Faculty Manual 2012, part-time faculty members are hired for a particular period of time, are not more than 70 years old, and may be given a maximum teaching load of 15 units.

Furthermore, Domingo and Garnace said that the FA continues to protect the rights and benefits of the faculty members in the University.

NEW HELPING HAND. The Citybest Janitorial & General Services was employed by the University to be the new housekeeping agency after 189 Almer Manpower Corporation workers left the campus on April 8. However, a number of former Almer workers joined the new agencies and continue to work in the University.

Photo by Justine Bea Bautista SENTRO from page 1 general, Dela Cruz said that still planned to campaign with his slate despite the short time left of the campaign period during the time of his late proclamation.

“Para hindi ko naman ma-feel na mag-isa lang ako kasi sana nagindependent na lang ako, gano’n. Tapos ‘yong platform namin [as a slate], ayon pa rin ‘yong ilalatag namin sa students,” Dela Cruz furthered.

The University Student Elections campaign period ended on Friday, May 6.

‘Public apology’ Due to the late proclamation, Dela Cruz asked for the SCE’s “public apology,” which was then given on May 3 after they posted a memorandum online stating the reason for his late proclamation.

Dela Cruz explained that, at first, he was surprised to find out that he was unqualified since he was able to submit all required documents for candidacy.

“Ikaw ba naman lagyan ng malaking ‘unqualified’, all caps pa.

Siyempre, sobrang laking sampal noon sa akin since alam naman nila na tatakbo ako as President ng COEd,” Dela Cruz expressed.

However, Dela Cruz accepted SCE’s announcement on its official Facebook page regarding his late proclamation as an apology on May 3.

Behind the story Reversing Dela Cruz’s unqualified status, SCE proclaimed him officially on April 21, but

announced the proclamation online on April 25 after the discovery of his misplaced name on the official list of candidates on March 31, as per Tan. According to the announcement posted by SCE on its official Facebook page, Dela Cruz’s name was an oversight due to the small font size used in the official list of members, causing it to appear in the master list instead.

On March 31, SENTRO La Salle Secretary on Internal Affairs Gerard Narvaez went to file their motion to appeal the disqualification of SENTRO La Salle’s 24 candidates from the election.

Tan said Narvaez also came to collect their filed documents when he found out that Dela Cruz was actually listed on their official list of members but was missing on the official list of candidates announced by SCE. Narvaez then submitted another appeal to proclaim Dela Cruz as an official candidate in the 2017 student elections.

“Ang SCE ay humihingi po ng sorry kay [Sir] Gelo dahil na-oversee po ‘yong pangalan niya sa listahan,” Tan mentioned.

She said the SCE started to create the Resolution No. 7 for the updated official list of candidates of the 2017 student elections on April 5. However, they noticed that the document was missing when they submitted two documents for signatories but only one document was returned on April 7.

Tan furthered that they were only able to start creating Resolution No. 7 on April 5 since they were

preparing for the student elections along with addressing appeals filed by Narvaez regarding the disqualification of 24 SENTRO La Salle candidates.

“Ginawa namin no’n is ‘yong appeal nila, decision ng SCE, common posting areas at tsaka ‘yong old matters regarding sa election so talagang nagpatong-patong ‘yong gawain namin and then natambakan ‘yong Reso[lution No.] 7,” Tan explained.

Due to the one-long week vacation in observance of the Holy Week, Tan said they had no choice but to wait for another week to look for the missing document. However, they decided to create another resolution as they were no longer able to find it.

The Resolution No. 7 was only finalized on April 21 as required signatories were not yet completed. “Si Ma’am Malou (Student Development and Activities Office Director) nakaleave siya ng tatlong araw, 17-19. So ‘di namin siya (Resolution) napapirmahan, [so] tumagal na naman hanggang sa nakumpleto ‘yong Reso[lution No.] 7 ng Friday ng 21,” Tan mentioned.

She added that the SCE was only able to post the Resolution No. 7 on April 25, four days after completion, which she claims was a mistake made by SCE. “Ang pagkakamali ng SCE is ‘di namin agad na-post sa Facebook ‘yong reso[lution].”

Meanwhile, two days later after being declared unqualified, Sinag candidates Fiona Dominique Raguin and Alyssa Marie Gamban were also proclaimed late by the SCE on March 29.

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

USC from page 1 the chance” to be elevated to the office of President in order to expand her knowledge and college experiences. As to how she feels at the moment, “Nakakalungot, personally,” seeing as this was as far as the said chance went.

However, there are no negative feelings between the two parties as Fortunado shared, “I don’t take it personally, since dahil ‘yon sa work … Outside the council, we’re still friends pa rin.”

Fortunado furthered, “OK sa ‘kin kung ano naman decision nila. Support pa rin ako sa USC kahit anong mangyayari.”

Moreover, Fortunado hopes that this issue will serve as a lesson for future student leaders “na ipaglaban niyo ang dapat ipaglaban.”

‘Request’ to resign In response to this, Cacanindin clarified, “Hindi siya talaga ‘forced’ [resignation]. Nag-request kami na magstep down siya. Puwede niya i-refuse.”

When they requested that Fortunado resign, Cacanindin said that they asked for her side on the situation, which she did not give.

As to the reason why the USC officers requested for Fortunado to step down, Cacanindin stated, “May iba pa siyang priorities to the point na medyo hindi na nagiging align sa ibang executive board [members].”

USC 2016-2017 Public Relations Officer Theresa Llorente added that their concerns regarding Fortunado were frequently discussed during meetings seeing as she was absent during most of these meetings.

“Ina-assess nila (EB) na, puwede bang si Tin [Fortunado] maging President? Kasi hindi tumatakbo ng mga papel, hindi siya uma-attend ng meetings, hindi siya pumunta sa mga meeting na kailangan siya, and since then, sa side naman ng council, sinasabi naman na from first sem daw, hindi na gumagalaw, and nahihirapan ang council sa progress,” Llorente elaborated.

As a result of these concerns regarding Fortunado and her responsibilities as president, majority of the USC officers supported Fortunado’s resignation.

Cacanindin confirmed that a meeting took place before their personal request for her resignation wherein the executive board members, with Fortunado absent, made a “consensus” as to whether they thought it would be best for the council if Fortunado remained USC President.

The meeting resulted in all of the officers agreeing that Fortunado should step down, with the exception of Llorente and USC 2016-2017 Secretary Jessone Purificacion. USC 2016-2017 Treasurer Mae Montehermoso was absent from the meeting, however she had a letter delivered stating her “support for request to step down.”

According to Llorente, five out of the seven council officers “voted” against Fortunado staying in the council, while Llorente abstained from voting and USC 2016-2017 Secretary Jessone Purifiacion did not participate seeing as he was not aware of the situation due to his leave of absence.

USC responds As to how the USC responded to her resignation, Cacanindin explained that it is not a decision one can quickly get over. “If sa tingin kasi namin na mas mag-gugrow siya sa desisyon na yun, [then] who are we para pigilin siya,” Cacanindin said.

Stating that their relations remain amicable, Cacanindin concluded, “If ready ka na magbigay ng statement ng side mo, makikinig kami. Open pa rin talaga ang USC para sa kanya.”

“Hanggang ngayon naman sinusuportahan pa rin sila [the officers who resigned] sa USC kahit nag-resign sila,” Cacanindin shared.

As to how Fortunado’s resignation will affect the USC given the few weeks left of the AY, Cacanindin explained that they will carry on to fulfill their duties and responsibilities as student leaders.

“Ituloy na lang natin. Gawin na natin lahat ng magagawa natin. ‘Wag na tayo masyado magpaapekto sa mga nangyari (resignation). As long as alam naman namin na walang samaan ng loob, okay na kami. Tuloy pa rin ang pagtatrabaho,” C acanindin said.

Changes in lineup With Cacanindin vacating the office of VP, former USC 2016-2017 USC Business Manager Louve Komatsu has assumed the position of VP. Meanwhile, Montehermoso retains her position as Treasurer and Joyce Castillo retains her position as USC 2016-2017 Auditor.

Following the resignation of former USC 2016-2017 Public Relations Officer (PRO) Bryan Castillo in January as well as the fact that former USC 2016-2017 PRO Micah Rubio did not enroll this semester, Llorente and Tania Mae Enerdecido were appointed to fill in the positions of PRO. Moreover, with Purificacion as well as Joyce Castillo on their respective leave of absence, Romel Manalo was appointed Officer in Charge (OIC) for the office of Secretary and Jake Virata was appointed OIC for the office of Auditor. As of press time, the position of USC 20162017 Business Manager remains vacant.

As published in the Heraldo Filipino Volume 31 Issue 3, former USC 2016-2017 VP Sacen Sacay and former USC 2016-2017 PRO Bryan Castillo also resigned earlier this semester in February and January, respectively.

ULO proposes academic mobility fee

by Celestine Samulde Due to the lack of funds to support the academic mobility of the University, the University Linkages Office (ULO) proposed additional fees to be paid by all students to support the faculty’s movement and student exchanges between the University and its foreign university partners, as confirmed by ULO Director Wilson Jacinto.

During the previous academic years, as stated in the rationale of the proposed fee for academic mobility, inbound activities (receiving students and faculty from other countries) have been continuous whereas outbound activities (sending students and faculty outside of the country) rest on the assumption that students will shoulder a significant part of the expenses.

“When there is a request coming from outside the University, we accept because there would be no corresponding expenses on our part that much,” Jacinto explained. “On our end, if we are to send students to the same university (abroad) for exchange, we cannot [send students] because we don’t have funds. So what we do, we ask the students if they are willing to shoulder part of the expenses.”

He furthered that during the visit of PAASCU on September 2014, they pointed out that there should be a strong academic exchange program between DLSU-D and partner universities

outside the country. However, PAASCU found out that the ULO has not yet fulfilled the recommendation. “[The recommendation] is partially accomplished and then, this year, we’re going to have a resurvey.

But we still have not fulfilled that (recommendation) continuously because we don’t have funds to support that,” he said.

Jacinto also mentioned that the ULO proposed the academic mobility fee seeing as internationalization is one of the priority areas in higher education which requires more funds.

Proposed amount “So, from that particular need, we came up with the idea: why not add another item in the miscellaneous so that all students will be able to support this. Nevertheless, it’s going to be them as the beneficiaries, plus the faculty because [of the] faculty and student exchange program. So, it’s coming from a need,” Jacinto said.

As stated in its rationale, the proposed academic mobility fee is P150 per semester which will be utilized for meals, airfare, and visa

processing of outbound faculty and students from DLSU-D, as well as for accommodation expenses of inbound faculty and students to DLSU-D. Furthermore, Jacinto said that the benefits of academic mobility to the DLSU-D community can be simplified into direct and indirect benefits.

“Direct benefits include fully-subsidized international short term education opportunities to students, international teaching experience to faculty, home-based internationalization, and cross border internationalization, among others. The indirect (benefits) are fostering good international relations, international presence of the university, maintain university accreditation, [and] internationalized education and more competent graduates globally,” he furthered.

As to when the charging of the fee will take effect, Jacinto said that they are looking to make it effective next AY 2017-2018.

As of press time, ULO is trying to establish the internal mechanisms, particularly the admission policy for inbound students.

CEAT from page 2 he affirmed that the construction will still be pushed through as the administration needs to “fill the void” of the demolished CEAT building.

“Wala na itong dating plan noong 2011. Pero gagawa na kami ngayon ng panibagong design,” Pontanilla added.

In an article issued on the H eraldo F ilipino Volume 30 Issue 4, the CEAT building underwent “controlled” demolition in April 25, 2016, after it was deemed as having structural defects.

As of press time, the new plan for the CEAT building is in the design stage and bidding process.

N E W S R E P OR T

APRIL - MAY 2017 | PAGE 4

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

A disaster management plan for “The Big One” Campus protocol in the event of an earthquake

by Anri Ichimura With a report from Celestine Samulde Illustration by Marco Belarmino With the impending “Big One” earthquake expected to hit the West Valley Fault situated in Metro Manila and extending until Silang, Cavite, the University‘s Disaster Risk Reduction Management - Safety and Security Manual comprehensively establishes the protocols and guidelines for the community to follow in case a disaster strikes, such an eathquake.

Given the unpredictability of earthquakes, it will hard to determine which areas around Dasmariñas, Cavite will be affected the most by “The Big One.” However, according to General Services Office (GSO) Director Edwin Bunag, “When earthquakes strike, everybody will be affected and that is why all of us should help one another in educating everyone on how to prepare for ‘The Big One’.”

Disaster Risk Reduction Management – Safety and Security Manual According to Bunag, “The key to effective disaster prevention is planning and we must all be ready when an earthquake strikes.” As such, the University has uploaded a copy of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management – Safety and Security Manual onto the DLSU-D portal to make it downloadable and accessible to all DLSU-D students. The manual consists of safety rules, procedures, and practices to be observed by the University in order to ensure the community’s safety regarding disasters ranging from inclement weather to bomb threats.

Along with the manual comes a Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services (VCFAS) with the supervision of the GSO. The task of the team is “to focus on identifying hazards, safety issues, recommending and implementing policies, procedures and physical changes in coordination with the key offices/departments of the University,” as stated in the manual.

As to what proper routes to certain locations Lasallians should take in the case of an emergency evacuation during an earthquake, the Julian Felipe Hall Parking and adjacent road, Museo Complex Fountain Area, Lake Park, and University Oval have been designated as the safe zones on campus, according to Bunag and as written in the manual.

Contingency plan The Contingency Plan of the University, as stated in the manual, directs students, faculty, staff, and admin on the steps to ensure the safety of the DLSU-D community in the event of a disaster.

First, a siren or bell will be rung to indicate that there is an emergency, such as an earthquake. Following this, the Disaster Risk

Reduction Management Committee (DRRMC) composed of admin offices will be activated and the Contingency Plan will be adhered to.

After the alarm is set off to alert the community, students, staff, and faculty will exit the buildings in an orderly manner through the nearest exit points, assisted by the Evacuation Team.

Once the buildings are clear, evacuees will proceed to the designated evacuation areas where a head count will be done by the faculty members present.

Meanwhile, the ten teams under the DRRMC, ranging from Evacuation Team to the Search and Rescue Team, will carry out their respective duties in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the community.

Danger posed by trees Seeing as DLSU-D is known to be the Greenest University in the Philippines, the abundance of trees may pose as a danger in the event of an earthquake.

Bunag furthered that “During an earthquake, we must be aware of falling braches from trees. This will happen if there are dried or dead branches. To minimize the risk of branches falling due to shaking, ERMaC (Environmental Resource Management Center) is regularly checking and implementing tree maintenance in the campus.”

In line with this concern, the safe zones mentioned are open areas away from potentially falling trees.

DLSU-D was originally proposed to be an evacuation location of the City of Dasmariñas by the Lasallian Community Development Center, as stated in the H e r al d o F il ip in o Vol. 30, Issue 3.

As of press time, the decision is yet to be finalized in the succeeding meeting with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Council, according to Bunag.

4 Designated Evacuation Areas

3 1 1 - JFH Parking and adjacent road 2 - Museo Complex Fountain Area 3 - Lake Park 4 - University Oval

2 How to access the manual: DLSU-D Portal > Features > Downloadables > Disaster Risk Reduction Management - Safety and Security Manual Before an earthquake The key to effective disaster prevention is planning: • Know the earthquake hazards in your area.

• Follow structural design and engineering practices when constructing a building.

• Evaluate the structural soundness of the buildings; strengthen or retrofit if necessary.

Prepare workplace or classrooms: • Strap or bolt heavy furniture/cabinets to the walls.

• Check the stability of hanging objects like ceiling fans and chandeliers.

• Breakable items, harmful chemical and flammable materials should be stored properly in the lowermost secured shelves.

• Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.

• Know where fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms, and communication facilities are located. Learn how to use them beforehand.

• Prepare a handy emergency supply kit with first aid kit, canned food and can opener, water, clothing, blanket, battery operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.

• Conduct and participate in regular earthquake drills.

After an Earthquake • Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building.

• Keep updated on disaster prevention instructions from battery-operated radios.

• Be counted – If an evacuation has been ordered, proceed to your evacuation area and be counted.

During an Earthquake When a strong shaking starts…

• Protect yourself.

• Stay away from falling objects such as pieces of broken glass windows, ceiling fans, etc.

• Get under a sturdy table/desk and do the “DUCK, COVER, and HOLD”.

• Stay put until the shaking stops.

As soon as the shaking stops…

• Leave the classroom immediately.

• Get out of the building in an orderly manner.

• Give the following instructions to students: - Walk - Do not run - Do not push - Do not talk • Proceed to the identified evacuation area.

If you’re OUTSIDE, move to an open area. a) Stay away from trees, power lines, posts, and concrete structures. b) Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides. c) If you’re in a moving vehicle, STOP and get out! Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses or flyovers which may have been damaged.

Don’t: • Don’t use elevators.

• Don’t enter damaged buildings.

• Do not use the telephone unless you have an emergency.

• Don’t PANIC.

Check: • Check yourself and others for injuries.

• Check water and electrical lines for damages.

• Check for spills of chemicals, toxic, and flammable materials.

• Check and control fires which may spread.

Source: Disaster Risk Reduction Management - Safety and Secutiry Manual

A call to stop catcalling As I was walking along the hallway of a certain college building in the campus, different voices coming from a group of men, or should I say DLSU-D students, caught my attention saying, “Miss!”, “Baby!”, “I love you!”, “Psst!”

At that point in time, my heart pumped faster than usual, and I felt under attack, helpless and silent about what happened. It was as if my emotional space was severely invaded by strangers. The last thing I knew, when I continued walking and no longer heard those voices, my tears almost fell as I managed to keep them from running down my eyes.

From what happened, I was not mad but disappointed—really disappointed. In my entire existence in this world, I’ve never been catcalled like that before—inside our very own campus

done by the students themselves to say the least.

With all the religious teachings and core values taught in each student here in our University, I could never imagine how some Lasallians can exact such degradation, which should never be experienced by anyone—ever.

As we all know, catcalling is not merely just whistling or flirting—it’s an assertion of dominance and sexual interest of a person over a victim. It happens anywhere and anytime regardless of how you look and dress in public.

Unfortunately, this everyday reality for women all over the world isn’t taken seriously—but it needs to be. Despite the fact that men can also be victims, catcalling more frequently affects women, going so far as to impact their mental health, selfesteem, and feeling of being safe in a certain place.

After experiencing that kind of degradation so many times in my life, including the scenarios I’ve had inside the campus, I am pretty sure that there are many students who have felt the same way as I did.

To fight against these shameful instances within our own campus, suffering in silence isn’t the answer as it only indirectly tolerates and encourages the catcallers even more. Voicing out and letting them see that you are strong enough—either by confronting them or by holding your head up high as you walk—might

Unfortunately, this everyday reality for women all over the world isn’t taken seriously—but it needs to be make these people think twice before harassing you again.

See, most of the time, they’re victims themselves of a culture that preaches that such harassment against women is acceptable. So perhaps a rude awakening might be just what

they need to know that this sort of action is certainly not acceptable, and if these catcallers can’t keep themselves from doing so, then we’ll help them. *** Upon realizing that this would already be my last column in the H eraldo F ilipino broadsheet this year, I would like to address this pressing issue that isn’t just happening outside our University, but also inside the campus. As surprising as it is, I hope that the readers would realize how Lasallians on and off the campus must act and represent what we learn from the teachings we acquire.

In fact, our second home is meant to serve as the foundation of building strong values and good relationships with each other, and not as a stepping stone for us to continuously commit such kind of harassment.

So the next time we walk around the University, we should all feel safe and comfortable in our second home—regardless of what we wear and how we look in public.

w

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VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

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VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL

An election against indifference Ask a random student about who’s running in this year’s University Student Elections and you are just about guaranteed a clueless answer.

Despite the efforts of the candidates to be known and supported on campus, they just can’t beat the fact that the majority of students are indifferent. This may come as harsh news, but it’s true nonetheless regardless of how much they might fight it. And in all honesty, it’s not even the candidates’ fault or the students’—it’s simply the fault of the broken representation system of the students mired by—excuse the term—trapo-style politics that’s made us equally numb and apathetic.

With history having a habit of repeating itself, it was no surprise when this year’s hopeful candidates mostly came from one political party: Sinag. Despite the expected backlash when the Student Commission on Elections (SCE) didn’t proclaim SENTRO La Salle candidates due to technicalities and requirements, the general reaction wasn’t one of outrage or victory—but only disappointment that later manifested into apathy—apathy at the elections and the political parties as a whole. After all, who are Lasallians meant to cheer for when one party tried to take credit for Ikot La Salle and the other gives you nothing but recycled speeches and strategies of yesteryear. While competition might have made the elections more entertaining this year, it would have hardly made that much of a difference given that voting rates for the past few years have never gone beyond 50 percent.

Suffice to say, the school’s getting tired of the same trapo-style politics making the same room-to-room stops and adding all your mutual friends on Facebook every election season.

Adding another nail to the coffin, with the number of officer resignations this year in the University Student Council alone, one can’t help but expect the faith of the students to decrease—or simply disappear. Of course, majority of the officers were appointed rather than elected, but the result was still the same: leaders quit, leaders left, and leaders gave up. If the candidates are worrying if they’ll reach the vote of confidence, then rightly so. If they don’t reach the vote of confidence, this isn’t just a sign that the students are indifferent to their campaigns— it means they have no confidence in their promises or their leadership.

There are quite honestly a multitude of candidates running in this year’s elections that have all the makings of true and genuine Lasallian leaders. But they’ve become mixed in with political parties that haven’t promised anything genuinely new or captured the confidence of the students. Yes, while “It Takes Courage” to run for a position in the student councils, “It Takes Courage” to also break tradition and create a leadership style that the students truly want and deserve—a style that is much better than what we’re being offered now. And yes, while we all want a “Stronger La Salle,” the tagline is easier said than done as it’s something that entails an actual call to change the school’s trapo political landscape.

But do not be fooled into thinking that the students don’t want a leader. Contrary to the student political apathy on campus, we do want a leader and we hope the elections will turn out better this year compared to the last. However, we need a leader, especially in these troubled times, to create a path for the Lasallians to trek that’ll have us all marching to the same beat under the same vision with the same spark of genuine service that lacks rehearsed speech choreography or color-graded Facebook videos.

But we don’t want just any leader. We want and deserve more.

So don’t expect Lasallians to settle for less.

Post-truth cancer Now, my thesis might define “post-truth” along the lines of an adjective that appeals to emotion over objective facts in shaping public opinion, but without the confines of the political correctness of the academe, let me explain posttruth in all its unfiltered glory.

“Post-truth” is, quite frankly, a load of bull propagated by con artists (aka politicians, trolls, and the like) to manipulate emotion and intuition as the basis for action and judgment, setting aside critical thinking and analysis for a gullible existence under tyranny.

That’s a lot to intake, so let’s start at the beginning. For those who are encountering this word for the first time, post-truth (dubbed as the word of the year by Oxford Dictionary in 2016) refers to instances like fake news and alternative facts, while post-truth politics refers to the culture borne from these onslaught of propaganda-fueled “facts.” Essentially, post-truth politics is George Orwell’s nightmarish Nineteen Eighty-Four made into reality in 2017.

And we only have ourselves to blame for letting the world get to this state. Reaching a point of counter-evolution, we live in a time when we have the most access to facts, yet facts are starting to matter less and less—and we’re letting it.

My theory is that with all this information to choose from, we want something or someone to

choose for us. Enter post-truths that deliver reality filtered, twisted, and tampered to fit the design we want to match our counterintuitive narratives.

But people didn’t count on the Internet’s once diverse and connected platform to lead us to division, not convergence, by creating a world of polarizing views thanks to bands of intolerant trolls. Honestly, a vast number of people are educated enough to know true from false, yet they may not seem to care enough— because deep down, we all fall back on human nature’s confirmation bias that tells us to seek

“Post-truth” is, quite frankly, a load of bull things that agree with what we want rather than what we need.

In this instance, I refer to fake news, and its ridiculous readership that can only be explained by psychology’s cognitive ease—the process of how hard our mind is working when we make sense of the world as easy, comfortable, and validating all of our pre-existing beliefs.

With cognitive ease, the more things are repeated and replicated—like fake news on our timelines—the more familiar and good they begin to seem, allowing us to tap into our creativity and intuitiveness, and also, our gullibility. Just think of Vladimir Lenin’s quote, “A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”

Yet when we decide not to agree with a certain story or belief—daring to defy ridiculous

political statements—we experience cognitive strain that forces our minds to work harder.

Despite the side effect of cynical skepticism, the value of cognitive strain is that it forces us to think more critically to avoid gullibility. It is, essentially, a form of higher thinking that we must willingly engage in rather than devolve our intelligence by settling for lies that agree with us rather than the truth that might not.

However, there lies the crux of the problem.

People don’t want to experience cognitive strain or cognitive anything—not when the world promises so much convenience. And so we sit back and let things like post-truths get a hold of the world even though we know we have the capability to do much more. In this day and age with our unlimited resources, there is no excuse for ignorance. We all are or have the potential to be media literate enough to take on the so-called facts of post-truth politics— it’s just a matter of how willing we are to let ourselves do so.

The truth itself is not something that should have a prefix, whether that’s post-truth or alt-truth or whatever else there it could be. And as a journalist, the very idea of posttruth to me is akin to cancer. One that’ll eat up society from the inside out, turning lies to truth and truth to lies, until we’re numb to reality—or until we find a way to stop it from spreading.

But the first step to fixing a problem is acknowledging you have one in the first place.

And we were the ones who made it to begin with.

Dad

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines Editorial Board AY 2016-2017 Anri Ichimura, Editor in Chief Fernan Patrick R. Flores, Associate Editor Ricardo Martin O. Cabale, Managing Director Naomi Lane T. Tiburcio, Copy Editor Kristine Mae H. Rebote, Office and Circulations Manager Jazmine N. Estorninos, News Editor Ma. Bianca Isabelle C. Lariosa, Features Editor Rochelle G. Rivera, Literary Editor Ezekiel A. Coronacion, In charge, Sports Lynoelle Kyle E. Arayata, Art Coordinator Kathelyn Ann M. Bravo, Chief Photographer Camille Joy D. Gallardo, Graphics and Layout Director Christian F. Mateo, Web Coordinator SENIOR STAFF Jose Mari Martinada, Nishtha Nigam, John Chesleigh Nofiel, Alphonse Leonard Topacio, Mikaela Torres JUNIOR STAFF Rose Kristine Amarillo, Chandler Belaro, April Ciaralei Cenedoza, Casvel Teresa Lopez, Glazel Ricci Noceda, Yna Marisse Sodoy, John Zedrick Simeon Mr. Mark A. Ignacio, 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.

The Lasallian Youth Summit 2017 (LYS) featured guest speakers the likes of Br. Jose Marie Jimenez, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Comm. Percival Cendana, and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan at the event held on April 8, 2017 at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

“Dad.” Hindi pumasok sa isip kong mayroong tatawag sa akin ng ganito sa murang edad ko pa lamang. Bago niyo pa man isiping ganap na akong “Batang Ama,” hindi ganito ang aking istorya. *** Para sa akin, ang pagiging lider ay katumbas ng pagiging isang magulang— mayroon kang responsibilidad na hindi mo dapat bitawan at kailangan mong mahalin.

Ganito ang na-realize ko nang tawagin ako ng sports staff ko bilang kanilang “Dad” bilang kanilang sports editor sa Heraldo Filipino (HF). Sa totoo lang, masarap sa pakiramdam na magkaroon ng tinuturing na “anak” sa ganitong edad pa lamang pero sa kabila nito, marami ring problema na kinakaharap—katulad ng isang normal na pamilya. At habang tumatagal, hindi maiiwasan na magkaroon ng problema na nagpaisip sa akin kung nagiging mabuti ba akong “Dad” nila—o ‘di kaya mabuting lider ng isang organisasyon.

Tumayo ako bilang editor ng anim na manunulat ng sports section noong nakalipas na dalawang taon sa HF. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko inasahan na ganitong karaming bata ang ihahandle ko sa taong ako ang naging Sports Editor dahil kadalasan ay kaunti lang ang kumakatawan sa sports section. Tila mga bata talaga sila dahil marami ka pang kailangang ituro sa kanila lalo na sa craft na kinakailagan ng section na sinalihan

nila—pero hindi naging mahirap para sa akin ‘yon dahil bilang kanilang editor, ramdam ko kung gaano nila kagusto ang ginagawa nila.

Sa loob ng isang taon, marami kaming masasayang moments katulad na lang ng sabay-sabay naming pagkain ng dinner pagkatapos ng aming weekly meeting kung saan napagtibay ang samahan naman hindi lang bilang isang grupo ngunit bilang din isang pamilya. At sa kabilang banda, marami ring pagsubok ang aming tinahak bilang pamilya sa isang organisasyon.

Mayroong mga tao—pamilya—ang nandiyan sa tabi mo para tulungan ka Ayon nga sa Forbes, ang pag-ma-manage ng staff ay parang pagtataguyod ng isang pamilya dahil parehong kinakailangan nito ang gabay, aral, disiplina, compliment, respeto, at compassion sa isang team. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung paano ko mag-handle ng mas bata sa akin dahil nasanay akong ako ang “Baby Boy” ng pamilya ng HF. Pero sa mga panahon na iyon, naisip ko kung paano ako ipinalaki ng mga magulang ko—lalo na ng tatay ko. Siya ‘yong sobrang nakakatakot dahil sobrang strict, pero siya ‘yong masasabi kong lider na strict pero fair. Mayroon dapat na rules at inaasahan itong sundin ng bawat isa sa pamilya— hindi dahil para ikulong sila sa sistema pero para ituro ang tamang disiplina. Sa lahat ng pagkakamali, dapat ay mayroong katumbas na parusa upang maturuan ng lesson ang nararapat turuan. Hindi naman sa dahil gustong kaming pahirapan, pero

An estimated 189 Almer Manpower Corporation employees left the University on April 8 after being informed late by their agency that two other companies won in the manpower bidding of the school.

kailangan lang niyang ipaalala na para sa amin din ang ginagawa niya.

Pero sa kabila nito, ang soft side ng isang lider ay ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat dahil dito makikita ang pagiging “tatay” ng isang lider dahil sa kabila ng sermon na inaabot ng isang anak ay dumadating din sa punto na titiklop din sila dahil hindi ka nila matitiis. Kung titignan, masasabing mahina ang dating kapag hindi pinapakita ang matapang na side ng isang lider, ngunit sa kabilang banda ito dapat ang magsilbing strength ng mga lider dahil ito ang nagdudulot ng katibayan ng buong grupo at hindi lang ng sarili.

Katulad na nga lang ng sinabi ng Filipino actor na si Dennis Padilla “Ang anak, kayang tiisin ang magulang, pero ang magulang, never matitiis ang isang anak.” Parang sa isang organisasyon, hindi hahayaan ng isang lider ang kanilang staff na malunod sa problema sapagkat ay sasama pa siyang susuong sa problema at sisiguraduhin na sabay silang aahon kahit mahirap. Tunay na maraming pagsubok na kailangang tahakin pero ang bagay na nagpapatibay sa isang pamilya ay ang sabay nilang paglaban sa mga problema. *** Walang sikreto para maging isang mabuting lider o kaya ay maging mabuting ama. Puwede kang gumawa ng sarili mong patakaran o ‘di kaya’y mag-set ng limits sa mga bagay pero importante na pangalagaan ang komunikasyon sa isa’t isa dahil ito ang nagpapatibay sa isang organisasyon o pamilya na tinuturing natin. At sa panahong dumating ang problema, hindi solusyon na iyakan at sukuan lang ito dahil kung titignan mo ang paligid mo, mayroong mga tao—pamilya—ang nandiyan sa tabi mo para tulungan ka hangggang sa kanilang makakaya para sa’yo.

Psychology students Kristine Bay, Jovie Ann Gabin, and Allana Joy Sasotana won Best Thesis among 187 undergraduate theses from 22 universities across the nation in Psynergy 11, a national research conference held from March 3 to 4.

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To talk about politics is too nakakapagod, Bimb Pasintabi sa mga pagod na mag-acads at kasalukuyang nasa “I need to put myself first din naman” stage: ang lahat ng bagay ay politikal— maski ang literatura at sining ay may espasyo sa kritisismong ito. Sa maraming napapailing sa pahayag na ito, madalas sa kanila ay ang napagbubuksan ng bintana ng politika—ang mga nabibiyayaan sa namamayaning istruktura ng lipunan. Bakit pa sila lalabas sa kanilang mga pribiliyehidong bubble, samantalang ang kanilang panlipunang uri, etnisidad, at kasarian ay malayong masamantala ng karahasan at pambubusabos ng bulok na sistema?

Kasalukuyan tayong naninirahan sa isang Third World country na nalulunod sa sarili nitong mga kontradiksiyon. Pagkatapos mong mag-ala First World shopping sa mall na may daan-daang mga manggagawang kontraktwal, maglakad ka ng onti sa mga kalye at mapapalingon ka— ate, akin na lang barya mo ‘te. Sa takot mong manakawan, dali-dali kang tatawid sa mga sakayan habang minumuning buhat ng lahat ng iyon ay katamaran ng mga magulang ng

batang musmos. Wala naman akong magagawa kung iyon ang itinakdang buhay sa kanila. Sa pag-alis ng iyong sakay, unti-unti mo na ring natatanggap ang kasalukuyang sistema ng uring panlipunan. Hindi naman ako naaapektuhan.

Iyon ang pribilehiyo mo, hinaharangan ang iyong mga mata’t bumubulong sa isipan mo.

Hindi naman ako naaapektuhan.

Iyon ang pribilehiyo mo, hinaharangan ang iyong mga mata’t bumubulong sa isipan mo Ngunit kailangan paahunin ang isda sa dagat na kanyang kinasanayan, upang makita niya ang kanyang ginagalawan sa mas malawakang perspektibo at lente.

Ang panlipunang uri ay hindi natural na

phenomena—ito ay socially constructed at itinaguyod ng kasalukuyang sistema. Sa mga salita nga ni Rolando Tolentino, “Paano ginagawang pinakamatamis na pulot ang pinakamasaklap na panlipunang karanasan?”

Mahigit sampung milyong Pilipino ang naghihikahos at nabubuhay sa pagsalunga.

Namamayani ang kontraktwalisasyon. Ikatlo ng populasyon ang naninirahan sa baba ng poverty line. Hindi pag-mamayari ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang lupang itinatrabaho.

Maaaring malabo sa ating mga lente ang laban ng mga manggagawa sa panlipunang uri, ngunit ito ang realidad para sa mga magsasakang patuloy na iniaalay ang kanilang mga dugo, pawis, at buhay upang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan sa lupa; sa mga manggagawang patuloy na nininingas ang laban para sa regularisasyon.

To talk about politics is too nakakapagod, Bimb. Ngunit tangan ang kolektibong aksyon at pagsasaboses ng mga karapatang pantao, ang pagod na nararamdaman ng mga isinasantabing sektor ng bayan sa lansangan, ang magsisilbing tanglaw sa pagpapalaya.

While I breathe, I hope I have the weirdest-sounding column ID—Dum spiro, spero—and you can scan the other column IDs to see what I mean.

Although it sounds like a Harry Potter spell, it isn’t—but it carries just as much power that can change our lives for the better (no matter how corny it sounds). Dum spiro, spero is a Latin term that translates to one of the most unique and striking proverbs that led me into discovering what I really wanted to do in life: While I breathe, I hope. *** I’ve always had my goals set before me: I’m going to work at a leading news network and take part in eye-opening documentaries.

But sometimes I get stumped thinking, when I achieve those things (and I hope I do), then what will happen next? I fall into a chilling void as I encounter the most mystifying question: What am I actually living for? (cue confused Jackie Chan meme).

Kidding aside, I figured out my answer when I scroll down my Facebook timeline and I witness the stories of people who are barely living enough times to ask that same question; the people affected by the famine in Somalia, the civil war in Syria, dictatorship in North

Korea, and the drug war in the Philippines.

Beyond the confines of these horrid issues, we witness injustice and poverty in all its simplest and often overlooked forms even in our own community, and all these issues pile up to fester in the shadows of the supposedly beautiful world we live in. It is the world where we spoil ourselves and compete against one another in the name of riches, power, and fame that we never think is enough.

For so long I’ve lived my life for myself, and I think it’s time to give a little bit of mine for others I never actually cared about these big social issues back then mainly because it takes a good lot of time to understand them and even if I knew about them, what could I, an ordinary college girl, possibly do about famine and war? Maybe the impossibility to solve such big social issues is the reason why the same question gets stuck in our millennial minds. But perhaps for us to reduce our bystander effect on pressing issues such as these is to put things in a simpler perspective: people are hungry, people are thirsty, people are fighting, and people are oppressed. In our

own little worlds, these are simple problems, but they are also the hardest to solve if you look at the bigger picture.

I basically have everything an ordinary (lucky) person has: I have a family, I don’t sleep hungry (unless on a diet), I have a safe home, and although I encounter problems, it’s not something that I don’t get by for a day.

And this is when I figured what I really want to do in life: for so long I’ve lived my life for myself, and I think it’s time to give a little bit of mine for others who are barely getting by in life. From little acts in your own community and helping the needy, to stepping up to face risks and visiting famine-stricken places in farflung areas—these little actions will not only benefit these people, but actually help rebuild humanity. Whether you put it in a religious or secular perspective, the fulfillment of living is not measured by the success of our careers and our personal agendas, but by offering a part of our life to fulfill another’s.

Hope drives humanity and maybe that’s the reason the proverb Dum spiro, spero got stuck in my head. In this world of extremism and prejudice, it’s the people who suffer the most. We carry the problems that make everyone weak on their knees and often feel hopeless—but no one else will or can help people but people. Everywhere, people are in need, and we can contribute so much to solve the problems of humanity by using hope to fuel our actions—as long as we breathe.

Magpahinga habang bùhay Habang pinagsasabay kong tapusin ang worksheets ko sa Genetics, reaction paper sa Environmental Ethics, at mga deadline ko sa iba’t ibang supplements sa Heraldo Filipino (HF), sumabay din ang inaabangan kong Convention for the Arts at Art Fair 2017 sa darating na weekend ng mga panahong iyon.

Pinili ko na lang hindi pumunta dahil bukod sa tinatapos ko ang tambak na gawain ko, sa susunod na linggo n’on ay prelim exam week na. Bigla akong ni-chat ng isa kong kaibigan at kapwa Biology student at hiningi ang aking limang minuto at sinabi niya sakin na naiinis at nagseselos siya sa mga kakilala niya dahil hindi siya makapunta sa mga art event dahil sa kailangan naming magaral. At habang kami’y nag-uusap, tumatak sa isip ko isa sa mga rant niya sakin, “I hate it when we have to choose between acads and other things we love.”

Sa tagal ko dito sa DLSU-D, marami akong nakilalang mga taong hindi kaya ipagpalit ang acads sa mga gusto nila talagang gawin tulad ng mag-bonding kasama mga tropa at pamilya, at higit sa lahat ang inaasam na tulog ng bawat estudyante. ‘Yong iba

nga diyan, hindi lang tulog pero lahat kaya isugal para makakuha ang mataas na marka.

Aminin natin na sobrang sarap matulog pero nagkakaroon tayo ng internal struggle kung ano ba dapat ang unahin. Alam mo ‘yong feeling na pinapapili ka sa mga bagay na pareho mong pinapahalagahan.

Halos magpakamatay na ang mga bio students para lang matutunan paano sumagip ng buhay Sabi ng iba na kaya siguro inuuna natin ang pag-aaral kaysa mag-pahinga, ‘pag bio student ka dahil we try so hard to be the best doctor we can be so we can avoid failing saving someone else life like our future patients. Tama nga naman kung tutuusin, ngunit sa prosesong ito, nababaon ‘yong layuning makaligtas at minsan ay nalalamon tayo ng ating ideya na dapat makakuha ka ng mataas na marka. Hindi ba’t napakalaking biro n’on? Halos magpakamatay na ang mga bio students para lang matutunan paano sumagip ng buhay.

Ayon sa isang research na pinamagatang “Depression in Premedical Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Survey,” natugunan ng bio

Three candidates were proclaimed late by the Student Commission on Election for the 2017 University Student Elections, giving them a shorter campaign period than the other candidates.

students ang screening criteria na nagpapahiwatig ng presensya ng major depressive disorder at pag-eksibit ng mas malubhang depression kaysa sa mga kumukuha ng non-premedical na kurso. Itong pag-aaral na ito ay nagpapakita na sobra talagang strenuous ang premedical curriculum pero hindi ibig sabihin nito dapat magpapalunod ka sa stress at pressure. Kung tinuturo sa ating pinag-aaralang medical books na minsan ang ibang sakit ay kailangan lang ng pahinga para malunasan, dapat gano’n din ang i-apply natin sa ating sarili. Magpahinga ka lang kahit saglit kung ayaw mo magpahinga habang buhay.

Hindi lang ito para sa mga premed students pero para na rin sa iba pang estudyante na nagkakandarapa sa pagaaral at lalong lalo na hindi rin lang ito para sa mga estudyante pero para narin ito sa mga nagpapagod magtrabaho. Parang kailan lang sumikat mga post sa Facebook tungkol sa mga doktor na natutulog habang nasa trabaho. Hindi talaga biro magtrabaho diredirestong 36 hours at higit pa dun. Tunay na mahirap ipagsabay ang work, acads, at lakad-s tapos isisingit mo ‘yong oras na magpahinga ka. Tamang balanse lang dapat at ‘wag mo abusuhin ang katawan mo dahil sa huli, masasayang din ang lahat kung bubuwelta ‘yong pagod mo sa’yo.

A total of 33 bird species were discovered in DLSU-D by a partnership avifauna survey conducted by Biodiversity and Watershed Center for Sustainable Development (BRAVE), Inc. and Environmental Resource Management Center (ERMaC) on April 1 and 2.

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

WITBREAD

Why so serious?

by Charles Juganas (COM22) Ito na ang tamang oras upang busisiin ang “mahigpit” at “konserbatibong” pamamaraan at pamamalakad sa DLSU-D. Magsimula tayo sa isang konklusyon. Kasabay ng mga istrukturang disenyong makaluma, kilala ang DLSU-D bilang isang “konserbatibong pamantasan.” Kung titingnan mula sa panlabas na pananaw, masasabing isa ngang “Katolikong Paaralan” ang pamantasang ito—may may mga nakabarong na estudyante at siyempre ang mga nakabarong na nanghuhuli na kilala pero iniiwasan, na animo’y guwardiya sibil ng nakaraan.

Sino nga ba namang Lasalyano ang hindi nakakakilala sa Student Welfare and Formation Office o SWAFO? Ang nakakakilabot na salitang ito ay kung hindi man nagpapanginig ay nagpapayamot sa iba. Hindi lilipas ang araw mo sa pamantasang ito na hindi mo maririnig ang mga katagang “Hanubayan ‘yong ID ko na-compis (confiscate) na naman!”, “Hala ate, hindi naman po lampas sa tuhod ko ‘yong skirt e,” “Kuya, business attire po talaga kami, tanungin niyo pa prof namin,” at samu’t-saring hinaing. Major man o minor offense ang naging paglabag ay tiyak na titino at magtatanda ka sa SWAFO. Ngunit kagaya din ng mga nag-aalab na boses noong EDSA revolution, nag-aalab na rin ang damdamin ng “teen-edgy-er ” ngayon sa ‘di umano’y hindi napapanahong pamamalakad lalo na sa konserbatibong pananamit. Kulang na lang ay magpunit ng cedula ang mga naghihinaing na estudyante upang iparating ang kalayaang gusto nilang makamit. Dahil din sa pagrerebolusyong ito ay hindi rin mawawalan ng estudyanteng nadadala sa SWAFO Office dahil sa paglabag sa batas.

“Why so serious?” Tulad ng sinabi ng namayapang Heath Ledger sa kanyang pagganap bilang Joker sa pelikulang The Dark Knight, hawig din ang sigaw ng mga liberal na mag-aaral

Hindi dahil nakakasakal na halos ang kautusang inilatag ng SWAFO ay hindi na tayo malaya ng La Salle Dasma na makipanahon din kahit papaano ang paaralan at iwan na ang makalumang sistema. “Why so serious?” nga naman daw sa panahon ng pagiging malaya?

Galing din sa mga katagang binitawan sa pelikulang Spiderman, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Ang pagiging malaya ay pagiging makapangyarihan kaya may kaakibat din itong responsibilidad. Hindi dahil nakakasakal na halos ang konserbatibo at pormal na kautusang inilatag ng SWAFO ay hindi na tayo malaya. Sa katotohanan, ang mga batas na ito ay para sa kaayusan ng buong pamantasan. Kaayusan at hindi lang anyo ang dapat pangalagaan ng isang matinong pamantasan ika nga.

Kung titingnan, ang lahat ng pormal at “konserbatibong” batas-pananamit na pinapalaganap ngayon sa La Salle Dasma ay para ihanda ang mga estudyante sa mundong propesyonal.

Isipin mo na lang na pumasok sa isang pormal na trabaho nang naka jogger pants, ’di ba masagwa? Malamang sa malamang ay ito ang iniiwasang mangyari sa atin ng paaralang ito kapag tayo ay nagtatrabaho na.

Hindi masama ang pagiging konserbatibo lalo na pagdating sa pananamit. Hindi naman dahil “konserbatibo” na ang tawag ay kailangan nang magdamit ng mga binibihis nila Simon Ibarra at Maria Clara. Ang kailangan lang ay magdamit ng hindi tayo mababastos ng iba. Sa huli, tayo rin naman ang mag-aani ng kung ano mang natutunan natin sa loob ng pamantasang ito. Tama nga na liberal at malaya na ang konsepto ng kabataan ngayon pero hindi naman siguro bubukol kung maiaangkop natin ang ating responsibilidad sa ating anyo at gawi. Hindi naman siguro masamang maging serious paminsan-minsan ‘di ba?

WRITE FOR THE HERALDO FILIPINO We are accepting contributions for Witbread, the opinion section of the broadsheet open to all students, faculty, and staff in the DLSU-D community.

Send them via email to officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Contributions are subject to selection and editing of the editorial board and should not have been previously published in any way.

The University received criticism from the students after earthquake protocols were not carried out on April 8 in some parts of the campus, particularly in ULS where thousands of students were not allowed to leave the gym during LYS after earthquake tremors subsided.

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F E AT U R E S

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

Lasallians for Lasallians The overlooked pride of DLSU-D

by Casvel Teresa Lopez, Glazel Ricci Noceda, and Christian Ralf Dugan Photos by Justine Bea Bautista and Jean Quinto No excuses, no words, and most of all, no sleep—this is a quick rundown of the cycle of a stressed student scholar, trying to pull off all their responsibilities and grasp their life at the end of the day.

For the past issues, we’ve dedicated this space for human interests and happenings. But this time, we offer this to you—the bravest, the strongest, and the most dedicated—because this space deserves your story as a student, a fighter, and someone who needs to be heard.

Lasallians on duty Not all Lasallians are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. As we roam around the campus, we can see students managing files and assisting adminstrators and professors inside the school administration and college offices. Extending the University’s aid, scholarships are given to deserving students in order to help them receive quality education—particularly for the student assistants (SA) who serve the Lasallian community.

SAs are commonly underestimated, overlooked, and mistaken for University staff—yet, majority can be commended for keeping their heads above expectations.

Guia Bianca Danta, a graduating student assigned to the CLAC Dean’s Office, shares, “Hindi lahat ng scholar matalino, ‘yong iba nagtiya-tiyaga para ma-prove na karapat-dapat [talagang] maging scholar.” Looking on the brighter side, Keiyron Mae Vidal, assigned to the Cavite Studies Center, said that there are many who have their back like their proud families and considerate professors that understand their hectic weekly duties as SAs. Whether we like it or not, stress is inevitable to college students, especially to these SAs who have to balance both academic and office duties. Danta shared that it’s no joke to maintain a certain grade every semester to be accepted and be retained in the scholarhip program, not to mention its effects on their social life. “Mawawalan ka na ng oras sa friends [at] minsan sa family mo kasi busy ka,” said Melvic Salasbar, also a graduating student assigned at the COEd Dean’s Office.

Meanwhile, serving isn’t just about the stress to and workloads to overcome; there are also perks, such as being trusted in handling responsibilities, gaining selfesteem, being aware of school activities, and forming friendships with fellow scholars. In terms of handling responsibilities, it’s no question at all that they sail two rivers at the same time—exerting much effort to complete their service to our University amid striving to excel in their repective courses. “‘Yong pagdu-duty, ‘yon na lang ‘yong kapalit ng scholarship na binigay nila (University) sa’min,” said Salasbar. From studying their lessons to fulfilling their tasks as office assistants, SAs are embodying the youth’s perseverance and dedication for their interest and engagement in University arrangements while they too are learning for themselves.

Young cultural advocates Through the various cultural groups, the University proudly shows off our pool of scholars, the Performing Arts Group (PAG) who exemplify outstanding characteristics far different from the ordinary—an important aspect embodying La Salle’s cultural identity. Rudy Alduñar, President of La

it’s up to you on how you’ll take it, Negado pointed out.

But fulfilling this duty is not an easy battle to face. As Alvin Jay Agetano, EVP for Academics and Finance of DLSU-D Chorale, expressed, there are still some scholars who are struggling to balance their priorities, which is why learning self-management is the best way to properly set priorities.

Salle Filipiniana Dance Company, quoted, “‘Yong ibang tao ... marami silang expectations sa’min [na scholar] in terms of academics, responsibilities, [and] at the same time being a leader.” He also added that once you’ve committed yourself to being a student scholar and a leader at the same time, you also need to learn how to handle pressure with grace. In the PAG life, their solid character makes them firm enough to be able to stand despite the heavy duty shaking them off their feet.

Aside from the ability to carry out their duties effectively, these scholars are also bound to share common interests that make them as a whole—a family within the group—showcase their unique fortes, as mentioned by Henniel Reyes, President of Visual & Performing Arts Production Unit. Another important matter is the way they have developed their communication skills which have boosted more of their self-esteem, shares Johniel Jedd Negado, Executive Vice President (EVP) for Property Management of DLSU-D Symphonic Band. Being a PAG member also requires letting yourself grow and learning to sacrifice. The scholarly duty is already served on the table—

The value of appreciating our passion is through recognizing and discovering the ways on how we can show our love for the culture and for the arts. It’s not about compromising your desires, but rather improving what you’re good at. The burning passion these scholars possess helps them to shape their talents—all while serving the Lasallian community with their advocacy and shaping future leaders to be at the forefront of keeping the Philippine cultural and performing arts alive.

Beyond stern shouts Tiger look, chest out, stomach in—sure, you see them roaming around and wonder if they ever indulge in those college parties on the weekends or if they just keep firing rifles all day. One look, and their serious faces reflect the commitment and passion for discipline and service, yet often, all we see are trainees and officers marching on the field.

ROTC is no joke. Behind their rigorous trainings and instilled discipline is the desire for the service they offer, both for the Lasallian community and the country. Sharing the privilege of being a scholar, C/Col. Emmanuel Quibal, First

Class, firmly said “Kung ikaw ‘yong ROTC officer, hindi mo titignan ‘yong sarili mo bilang scholar. Titingnan mo ‘yong sarili mo bilang nagbibigay ng service sa university, [at] sa country mo.” He even reiterated that scholarships are not the main reason in joining the corps, but the passion within the cadets and officers.

Like most of us, time management is also one of their hurdles. “Mapipilitan ka talaga na mag-manage ng oras. Dahil doon, mate-train ka,” said Jeremy Neil Alhambra, a graduate Military Assistant who has been in the ROTC for around six years. In his early years, he had a rough time expressing and controlling himself, especially with his humorous personality—which is truly evident in the way he talks—but as he marched and stood, he soon learned how to adapt to the seriousness his work demands. Quibal and Alhambra have learned through the years what responsibility is about, beyond its dictionary definition. “An ROTC officer, hindi ‘yan magtu-turn down ng responsibility. ‘Yon ‘yong masasabi kong pride ng ROTC,” Quibal proudly stated.

You’d be right to think that ROTC officers and trainees are pretty serious. But then again, their blank faces and stern looks are the product of what they have learned and a reflection of their values. For Alhambra, what upsets him the most is when ordinary students make fun or disrespect their commands, movements, and strong voices. “Ordinaryong estudyante lang din (sic) kami, na nagROTC, na naturuan ng bago,” as per Quibal, in defense of those who see them as peevish and unkind.

The ROTC officers’ willingness, passion, and desire boils down to the fact that discipline has become their lifestyle. In response to their definition of nationalism, while Quibal equates nationalism to self-sacrifice, Alhambra expounds it as not only about service to your fellowmen, but also to the country itself—with the strong discipline they possess making them worthy of the Lasallian community’s recognition and respect. *** Sharing the lives of the extraordinary student scholars—from the student assistants’ service in the University system, to the PAG members’ deep-rooted appreciation of culture, and to the ROTC officers’ unwavering commitment in serving the community— prove that while we may just see them as scholars, they are actively contributing in academic service geared up with their zeal as all-around Lasallian scholars—and leaders.

Bro-zoned

Your certified banal boys

by Kelsey Telo Photo by Bermanie Jean Doniña

They walked through the crowd. They blended in. Just another group of ordinary guys. It was Brother Chuck’s homecoming when they were introduced to that particular Lasallian community—the brother aspirants.

The next thing they knew, their world changed.

They walked through the crowd. They no longer blended in. “Hi, brothers,” people would greet. They never wished to earn the banal image. Three of DLSU-D’s aspirant brothers: Jullian Morabe, Christian Cabatay, and Andrew Cura thread the line where they don’t differ from other students—because they aren’t that different at all.

Where the lines overlap We’ve seen their smiling faces plastered on the poster across the chapel, but only a few truly know what’s behind these brother aspirants. Sitting down with them for a chat, their enthusiasm gleamed through constantly when asking for more questions and ecstatically answering back.

It starts off from what drove their aspirations: Jullian wants to be a brother simply because of his passion is teaching, Christian dreams of reaching out to the poor, and Andrew already knew he wanted to serve right from high school.

They share their common aspiration and unquestionably, also the same set of stereotypes. Laughing, they recalled being accustomed to volunteering to lead opening prayers and gospel-reading in classes. They have become the definition of “‘di ma-reach” and it does show from the fact that instead of high-fives, they now get “Pa-bless po.”

Christian enumerated the two kinds of friends they have: 1.) the joker, who in almost every day of their lives reminds them of their vocation by teasing them and 2.) the spokesperson, who gets to explain to others that they’re not that holy and they’re not brothers yet—just on the way there. However, they also shared that being on the way “there” isn’t easy. Jullian recalls often getting questioned even for their simplest mistakes inside the classroom, “Brother ba talaga ‘yan?”

Here is where the issue on pressure gets the TBH sentence-starter. When asked if they feel pressure to maintain

a good image, the three of them looked at each other casually.

Jullian answers with a straight no, explaining that they are in a formation program and there is no need to try to project something that they’re not—to others and to themselves. “It’s for discerning what we want in life—and if what you want in life is to become a brother, of course, you have to know yourself. ‘Di mo puwede lokohin ang sarili mo,” Christian adds.

As having judgmental eyes scrutinizing them is quiet a burden, Andrew consistently tries to turn this motivation to be better. He considers the aspiration program for brothers beneficial for self-reflection while not totally forgetting that they are students, and for the record, humans too.

It’s undeniable that the thought of closed doors rush in when discovering that someone is an aspirant brother. The three of them explain that things are not yet final—things can change along their way; and that gives way to ask the implicitly forbidden question everyone’s curious about: do you date?

There is no filter. Jullian admits to courting someone. Andrew nodded. Christian responded with a double yes; one perhaps is for the fact that they aren’t brothers yet and the second one is for his assumption that since it is not mentioned in their program contract, of course, they can have girlfriends too for now.

Their straightforwardness is a wake-up call—of course not of a single-and-ready-to-mingle announcement—but a note that wrecks itself from its core: they’re aspirant brothers

and it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re constrained and untouchable. “I’d like you to see us, guys, very much like you too,” Christian told with conviction.

Bros before woes They apparently like to seal off the conventional conclusion of having restricted walls around you if you’re a brother aspirant. Jullian confidently states that “It’s cool to be a brother,” although he knows that being “cool” also means having a big responsibility.

Nation-building jumps into this rail. “We are all nation builders,” Andrew fuels up persuasion with a truth we don’t always embrace. Even the littlest care for children and teaching them the right values and attitude might just have to be that one correct turn in their lives. And this is where these aspirant brothers walk upon—it fully shows from their words. Christian shares his outlook: upbringing of children ripples to better students, to better people, and then finally, to a better nation.

Even so, it is really easy to talk about the hope for the nation. But putting these words into action is a level where opinions must matter in more than just words, but in actions. Nevertheless, having a stand always fires revolution, condemnation, or endless questions. Welcome to the edi wow generation where arguments could result to insults. When asked what they think about the recent activism of Lasallian brothers of DLSU-D, Christian takes

courage, “At first, you’ll think why? But upholding the moral values taught valuing lives of people, I can tell, we are pro-Philippines. You’ll realize na ‘Ah, ito ‘yong tama.’”

Their goal is to serve and be guided by the core values of La Salle. This somehow sounds a little too philosophical on the ears, but the three of them together with the rest of all the aspirant brothers know that this is more than just according to their vow of obedience. It’s something bigger than themselves and the title “brother.” Though it might be a totally cheesy cliché, it is always a choice to have the heart to help and serve the community—and it shouldn’t be looked on as something impossible when it’s something that any other student can do too. *** For sure, we all walk past and see their big tarpaulin in campus, but those pictures give us only a vague view of them and their aspirations. Though they seem far away from the other students, Jullian, Christian, and Andrew clear the way—the way that is mostly bounded by the perception of “‘di ma-reach.”

The light rears in, featuring these students with an extra aspiration uncovered and unfiltered—the students enrolled in their courses, those living within the hoops of cram and wham, those pissed off by getting left behind by Ikot La Salle.

They’re no different from us, because after all, brother can be just another word for “kuya.”

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F E AT U R E S

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

The underworld Greetings from the south

by Paolo Lorenzo Salud | Photo by Justine Bea Bautista

DISCLAIMER: The intention of this article is not to entice people into trying the “baba life.” All it aims to do is to inform—about its benefits, its setbacks, and what really goes down there—and hopefully implore people to keep an open mind. After all, there’s only so much the campus life can teach you.

Here it is: the time of the day when you have absolutely nothing to do in school. It’s either your classes are over or you’re in the middle of a long and painfully uneventful vacant time. With the threat of the upcoming boring hours looming, you kind of want to go home, but not really. You’re looking for something— somewhere you can spend time in. And of course, like every typical DLSU-D student, you know just the place to go.

You take the first crucial steps downhill, and immediately the smell of grilled food and the loud banter of friends invade your senses. You see everyone in their uniforms, passing time, talking to each other and generally going about their business. Further down the busy street, you see laundry shops, eateries, and billiard halls scattered left and right. People pass you by as they rush about and some of the faces you recognize. As you greet them with a smile, you take a moment to ingrain this (possibly familiar) scene in your mind. Suddenly, boredom is no longer a threat.

There’s only one place this crowded and familiar to DLSU-D students: baba.

DLSU-D baba semestral tour 2017 Bang! The impact of the cue ball hitting and breaking the nine-ball formation resonates through the early morning air. Usually, one of the first establishments to open in baba are the billiard halls—the bilyarans, so to speak. This is the place people come to when they miss their 7 AM class, or arrive way too early for the 10 AM one. They choose one bilyaran to regularly play in, and would often

participate in betting matches with their friends or other people coming in, looking for opponents themselves.

Hiss! The sound of food being fried appeals to many starving stomachs as lunchtime approaches.

Within baba are numerous eateries that use the adjectives cheap and homemade to cater to broke and hungry students. For most people, this is the time where they settle in their favorite karinderya— or wherever there’s unli rice.

Shot! Late afternoon, people are done with their classes and have come to baba to eat, drink, and be merry. Bars have now opened, and even those in bilyarans have set aside their cue sticks and brought out the liquor. The fun doesn’t last the whole night, however, because the stores don’t stay open for that long. But all of that is just the surface, and the real nature of baba remains to be revealed.

Beyond baba A lot of people have opposing—often negative—ideas on baba, especially about those who are frequently there. “People in baba don’t take studying very seriously,” is a common stereotype— among many others. The truth is, there’s a lot more to these students than meets the eye.

According to one—we’ll call her Student A— she started going to baba because of her friends.

There, she learned how to drink and play pool, but she also learned how to be more social. Another, Student B, shares that he initially started out playing video games in internet cafes, and the people he met there eventually introduced him to the underground.

Lastly, Student C mentioned that during his first

year of college, he discovered baba through his friend who said that there were many hangout spots they could choose from to alleviate their boredom.

Although many do visit baba, not all of them make visiting a daily habit, and those who do regard it as a way of coping with college.

Unfortunately, having been associated with baba, many generalizations surround them as well, such being a “bad influence” to other people and not giving priority to their academics. Student B mentions that this is already commonplace, but according to him, the positives outnumber the drawbacks anyway. Simply put, there’s just something about baba that’s worth all the risk that comes with staying there.

These people from different colleges and courses all went through most of their college life in the same place, and the effects as well as opinions of it vary from one person to another.

Looking at it this way, you could say that baba is relative. How it’ll affect you and to what extent will depend entirely on the decisions you make.

That sounds awfully similar to life after college.

The yin and the yang Now that we know what’s really underground and what frequent visitors have to say, it’s about time to see it in a broader sense. To start, we enumerate the bad things, the first being that going to baba affects your grades negatively.

Student B openly admits this, saying that spending time down there really did make him want to skip classes. However, Student C denies

baba ever being a hindrance to his studies. Next is that staying in baba means you learn to drink, as confirmed by Student A who claimed she developed drinking habits in the same semester she started hanging out with her bilyaran friends.

But despite that, baba also has its merits. You can make lots of friends—not just your classmates or blockmates, but also the owners of dozens of surrounding establishments who are usually kind and welcoming. As you mingle with other people, you’ll probably end up drinking a lot, sure, but beer buddies make good companions you can spill your guts to. Plus when you’re buzzed, suddenly everybody’s your best friend. Student B also mentioned that his experience in baba has taught him to become street-smart. They don’t really offer “people skills” classes in DLSU-D (or any other university for that matter), so like in Student B’s case, people tend to learn it down there instead.

One can infer that baba is like a double-edged sword. You either end up getting swallowed by its less-than-ideal lifestyle, or you can use your experiences as a weapon in the battlefield where everything matters most—the real world. *** At the end of the day we’re all students, and whether we cope with a “pasok-uwi” mentality, a thrilling party-everyday attitude because YOLO, or just the right amount of both, we shouldn’t be shamed for how we choose to spend our remaining years in school. The road called “college” isn’t a straight one—and that’s why it’s worth traversing.

On the curb I entered this University wanting to make a name for myself—and like the many things I plan to do, it’s always easier said than done. This isn’t a subtle inspirational humblebrag about how to follow your dreams and keep pushing. Far from it, actually—I’m still a measly sophomore and I give up on myself more often than anyone else ever could. On the contrary, this is an ode to those small spaces that creep up in the middle of the melancholy of being put under pressure, those tiny quiet moments after the bombs have dropped— where we learn to be happy in the craters we create.

There’s always this antagonizing pressure to be perfectly alright and to assure people that your academics and mental health are doing good.

This unspoken culture of repression, bundled

up with half-hearted “I’m fine”s and thumbsups is something we’re all too familiar with.

Your progress doesn’t seem good enough until you’re on your third cup of coffee and one article—I mean, assignment—away from a mental breakdown. It’s become the unfortunate norm to sacrifice ourselves to prove just how productive and useful we are.

We spend so much time trying to be good students, we often forget to be good people— and that sometimes means putting ourselves first. I could pull up so many sources on the mental health of college students, but it seems like a waste to show what we already know and experience everyday. No matter how we twist it, we can’t approach our mental health the way we do our academics. All the answers can’t be solved through an all-nighter, and there are no reviewers to become the person you’re supposed to be. It’s a continuous struggle, to remind yourself why you put one foot in front of the other everyday.

You don’t have to force yourself to be okay, to push yourself into this ideal state of how you want to be. Sometimes, to sit on the curb with the weight of the world is enough.

At the end of it all, there’s nothing wrong with being found on the curb; it’s sturdy, stable, and there’s even room for a little chat with all your

We can’t approach our mental health the way we do our academics demons. The more we try to repress how we feel and what we’re going through, the more gruesome the backlash will eventually be. Our mental health isn’t something that can be ignored and assume can be fixed over time—we need to take a step back and reevaluate ourselves before another wave comes our way. Because believe me, the world will

forgive you for taking some time in the middle of your personal hurricane.

Like what Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “If you want to awaken all of humanity, awaken all of yourself.” This includes all the greasy and grimey parts we’d rather hide from the world.

Wake them up from their deep slumber and talk to them on the edge of the bed until you’re sure there’s nothing left to keep you up in the middle of the night. Stay on the curb, create a little makeshift space, then go ahead and keep walking once your legs allow you to. *** I’ve come to realize that I wanted so much to make a name for myself that I haven’t even begun defining who I am in the first place. But I know deep inside that I shouldn’t fret, because while the curb may be comfortable, the road ahead is winding and waiting to be explored. I know there will be lost weekends, lost lovers, and so much lost time, but I’ve still got two long years to go and I’ll keep you updated on what I find.

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LITERARY

VOLUME31 31ISSUE ISSUE43 VOLUME

Awareness at a crucial time

You log in to Facebook to post an update about yourself and to watch how your friends are doing. You scroll through your newsfeed, reading and watching funny posts, and even repeating them by sharing it to others. There you type your reaction and tag people who you know can relate, then you wait until they were notified, and you count the likes and eagerly respond to comments.

Then you sign in to Twitter, only to do the same thing. You quote and retweet inspirational quotes and tweet trending hugot lines. Doesn’t it feel good when someone or when many of your followers click the favorite button on your post?

Wasn’t it gratifying that they agreed, or that they liked what you said?

For a while, you use social media as merely to express yourself. A utility for self-gratification and entertainment. It doesn’t take long before older generations misjudge you for being vain and self-centered. Put it this way, they say, what if you use the same utility to express not your disappointment with your favorite band’s haters, but with socially relevant issues? What if you

participate in critical dialogues rather than linger in the comfort of the mainstream?

They thought they could teach you how to use technology better. They thought they could teach you to be better than what your generation is known for.

Until they see you out on the ground, raising cardboards and breaking silence all by yourself.

Until they watch you wear the color of resistance against oppression and injustice and inequality.

Until they stare with their mouths gaping open at your 1,000 words of opinion on your feed— whether anti or pro—they watch as you show them you can do it. That you know how to conquer both the digital and the real world you were born in. That you know more than to share funny posts and to tweet heartbreaking lyrics.

And when you’ve proven to them that you can do so much more, they ask, what were you doing there getting involved? *** It might be too late to argue with this issue about our generation—the millennials who were born in a “narcissistic, self-referential world of stimuli with near narcotic-effects,” as described by the Pontifical Council’s document about Ethics in Communications. The same millennials who, when they finally voiced out their thoughts on the fateful event of Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), were called to

“back-off” or questioned, “Anong kinalaman niyo, e hindi pa naman kayo buhay noong Martial Law?” It is true that our generation has been born in a world of technological advances that made life easier and more accessible. The Internet and the social media has contributed a lot to how the world has changed and become more connected than ever. Its feature of being instantaneous and real time has opened new ways of shared meaning and understanding, or of communication. That

Has the world gone terribly wrong, or have we just reached the point of active social awareness? information is exchanged in different parts of the world simultaneously. The exact reason which also gave birth to many challenges—digital divide, fake news, trolls, cyberbullying, virtual pornography, identity theft, etc.

With so much information ready to get absorbed every day, how can such young minds deliver what the society demands of them right away? It might be safe to say that we were born in a disruptive world, and therefore our thoughts and actions are disruptive in its own way. But growth

should not be taken out of consideration. Only the technology can work in an instant, but not development and maturity. We can react about the cuteness of a kitten and post it with emojis of different shades of hearts, but that doesn’t mean we can care less about extra-judicial killings (EJK) and rape culture.

At a time when so many things are happening—Duterte, Marcos’ burial at LNMB, EJK, De Lima’s scandal, terrorist attacks, Syria, bombings in Davao, earthquakes, rice importation—as I log in to my account, I see how my feed has been bombarded with these kind of news shared by my own friends with their reactions, thoughts, and arguments attached to it. At some point I thought, has the world gone terribly wrong, or have we just reached the point of active social awareness?

Indeed, this is not the time when the world has gone terribly wrong, but the moment of growth—when the millennials engage in topics that involve their future, the age to exercise the capabilities of the digital world to build a better world and improve quality of life. It is not upon the older generations to look down on us, nor to conclude a little too early for our time. It is not upon anyone’s consent to choose what we can fight for or agree with—simply because this is the point of transition, the point of change— our chance, our time.

Stoplight

By Rochelle Rivera

Moymoy, a seven-year-old kid, sat on the sidewalk, facing and watching the LED screen beside the stoplight. He knew it was counting down, but he barely recognized any of the numbers. Unlike other kids his age, he wasn’t in school. His foster father, Mang Enrique, said it would be better for him to start working early, so as not to waste time sitting in a classroom, knowing he would still end up nowhere.

As the cold night approached, he quietly sat still. In his dirty pale hands were a few coins he didn’t even know to count. He felt his stomach growling and with his little palm, he tried to stroke it gently, as if it was enough to make it stop.

When the stoplight turned green, he stood up and decided to walk home—like the signal was meant for him and he was just one of those moving cars, only without a clear destination.

He walked with his bare feet dusting the rough ground. He walked with the flies and mosquitoes following him, settling on his skin from time to time. He walked, never minding their buzz, never minding the red spots that formed on his limbs. When he reached their house, Mang Enrique, drunk and wasted, welcomed him, asking how much he collected from begging inside jeepneys and through crowded streets. Moymoy opened his palm and revealed three five-peso coins and four one-peso coins. Disappointed, Mang Enrique smacked his face with the bottle of gin he had been drinking all day. He cursed and cursed, while hitting the little boy’s frail and starving body. Moymoy didn’t understand why he was being beaten—he could only cry from the pain.

That night, he slept with bruises on his arms and legs, and a grumbling stomach that even

the murky water he drank from a bowl he found near a dog’s cage could not tame.

The next morning, Moymoy went on with his usual routine. He strolled around town, begging for coins. He walked past food stalls where he pleaded for something to eat, but the vendors shooed him away like a bug that could spoil their goods. They looked at him with disgust, and Moymoy felt himself growing smaller and smaller, like his bones and flesh were compressing themselves, shrinking away from a shameful existence.

As the day quickly turned to night, he sat on the same sidewalk, facing the stoplight.

He watched as the fancy LED screen flashed numbers. The cold breeze hugged his freezing body—he coughed and coughed.

When the stoplight finally turned green, he stood up but instead of going home, Moymoy

walked across the speeding cars. He thought he saw a carton of food thrown aside on the other side of the street. He recognized the image, the logo designed on the red box—if he only knew it as the letter “M”—another fancy light he stared at, apart from the counting down screen beside the stoplight. He went ahead without looking sideways and ran, hoping he could eat the leftovers inside. But he never made it across.

He thought Mang Enrique came to grab him and hit him again. But no, it was a silver jeepney with a big label “MABUHAY” on its front. He glanced at it in wonder before rolling lifeless on the cold pavement. The irony from when his mother chose to leave after giving birth to him to that moment of deathly impact did not register in his young mind. If only he knew how to read.

LITERARY

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Play

By Nishtha Nigam

Float away

By Shakira Austero Tiny hot air balloon made out of paper, caught up in momentary bliss —staring beyond the great skies where one’s reality meets the breeze of hopes and dreams, tempting attraction.

The fire inside fuels the need to fly away. Thin sheets of paper, fragile, as humans’ hopes can be—easily swayed and carried by the gentle call of the wind to stay and take flight forever. Up, up in the sky, where its weight is not a weakness, but a way to flatter and find its place among the stars. Up, where being ordinary is left way beneath the clouds of thoughts. It floats with glee—swaying and hovering beyond whispers

Lights With a ball clutched to her chest, she rehearses the script that plays in her head— a series of moves directed to the final shot, as she leads her team to victory.

For the court is her stage, and she, the star of the scene.

Camera All eyes are on her as a crescendo of camera shutters scrutinize every shred of her being: from the way her hair sways with defiant zeal, and her cheeks radiate a furious red; to how her dark green jersey defines every muscle, and each drop of sweat makes her skin sparkle as she glides into

Action

that came from earthly mouths, spreading lies that are taunting its ability to rise. Sailing the vast possibilities laid out in the atmosphere, until the fire inside burns out, and it is time to come back down, to where the sky is nothing more than a vast azurecolored ceiling, unreachable for those who can only look above.

With a grace only a lady possesses, she leaps across the court with fearless charm— her face expressing an array of unfiltered emotion as she and the ball perform a dialogue, elegantly sending it into flight as it soars into the hoop amid the crowd’s deafening roar.

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Patriot-infused Region IV-A tankers top off PRISAANat’ls stint with 11 medals CALABARZON team seizes two gold, four silver, and five bronze

by Djoanna Nikole Javier

Gliding their way to the nationals arena, the Region IV-A tankers, mostly represented

by Patriots, reaped two gold, four silver, and five bronze medals during the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals held at Zambales Sports Complex, Iba, Zambales from April 25 to 27.

A wave of team effort During the first day of the competition, the Region IV-A women’s team including the two Patriot tankers Nicholai Jaafar and Jessica Salazar secured the first gold medal for the team in the 400 long course (LC) meter freestyle medley.

After leading Region IV-A to their first gold, Patriot Jaafar grabbed two silver medals in the 200 LC meter butterfly and 400 LC meter individual women’s event. On the other hand, Salazar caught a bronze medal in the 200 LC meter freestyle.

Smashed Hopes. Patriot shuttler Gilly Chavez strove to climb her way up to the gold medal but fell short against the Negros Island Region during the PRISAA - Nationals held at Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba, Zambales, April 24-28.

Photo by Jose Mari Martinada SPORTS BRIEF

Jins go home empty-handed, Karatekas secure silver in PRISAA - Nat’ls

by Rose Kristine Amarillo

Failing to grab a place in the national’s level, CALABARZON Taekwondo team’s Patriot Muhammad Sajawal Waheed exited the event shortly after he succumbed to Region III in the featherweight division on April 26 at the Sta. Barbara Covered Court, Iba, Zambales.

Although owning a victory with a silver medal prize for the Region IV-A Karate Do team, Patriot karateka Mazel Cathleen Salazar fell short to Region VII and settled for second second in the women’s team kumite match on April 27. Meanwhile, Clyde Arlid Nava failed to secure a medal in the men’s kumite and team kumite on April 26 at the same venue.

Tallying another bronze medal for the Region IV-A, the men’s relay team including two Patriots John Paul De Leoz and Gene Paguia finished third in the 200 LC meter medley.

Racking up another bronze medal from the men’s event, De Leoz settled for bronze in the 50 LC meter freestyle.

On the second day of the bout, Patriot tankers De Leoz, Paguia, and Jan Vincent Llaguno with Batangas’ Jeffrey De Jesus clocked a 1.65 second advantage against Region V to capture gold in the 200 LC meter freestyle relay.

Bagging additional medals, De Leoz also acquired silver in the 100 LC meter freestyle event while Patriot lady tanker Jaafar clutched a bronze medal after placing third in the 100 LC meter butterfly women’s division.

Capping off their nationals quest, the combination of Jaafar, Salazar, and Danielleca Borbe, and De La Salle Health and Sciences Institute’s Red Galay caught one silver medal in the 4 x 100-meter medley, while Jaafar also baited a bronze medal in the 50-meter butterfly.

Ice cold quarters The red-and-white squad displayed early signs of cold shooting in the first quarter despite taking the driver’s seat, 15-12, pinning only five of its 16 shots.

In the dawn of the second quarter, the CALABARZON squad managed to catch fire as they broke away from the seemingly lost Region 11 squad with a 14-7 run lead by Campasa’s nine steaming points, 29-19.

However, a scoring drought that started at the 2:33 mark of the second canto, plagued the red-and-white squad and progressed through the late third span, spawning a 7-17 comeback helmed by Davaoeña Cate Dosdos’s nine heartbreaking markers that ended the third canto at 35-41 in the scoreboards.

Fouls were also huge factor in slowing the Region

IV-A’s pace, with the second quarter containing 12 of the 22 free throw attempts of the Davaoeñas.

But despite the setback in offense, the CALABARZON squad’s spiky defense spoke for the offense and kept Region XI at bay, says head coach Reyes. “[Sa problema], shooting number one talaga, depensa lang talaga ang bumuhay sa amin. Mainly ‘yong outside shooting talaga, kasi ‘yon ‘yong pinaka-strength namin,” Reyes said.

The Region IV-A supporters, mostly delegates from the region, aided the basketball squad with their will-inducing screams, which the head coach is thankful for.

“Thank you sa suporta, kasi kumbaga ‘di rin sila bumitaw sa amin. Talagang all-out din ‘yong suporta [sa kanila],” Reyes mentioned.

CAGEBELLES from page 16 the Davaoenas and lodged a goahead euro step basket to tie the scores, 48-48. Coroza once again stole the ball at 51.2 seconds but committed a traveling violation.

Spawning a chance to seal the game, Patriot Campasa was fouled in an attempt for a three in the corner. The stellar guard dropped only the last one of the three free throws but it was enough to win the cushion, 4948.

It was not over as tension invaded the court’s atmosphere when Region IV-A import from Perpetual – GMA Shennen Mae Dorio fouled Orilla in penalty situation but the Davaoeña failed to churn in the two free throws.

Getting a new lease on life, Davao squad rebounded the ball but was shunned by the gritty defense of CALABARZON in the baseline of their court— ending the tourney in favor of the defending champions.

Why UAAP sucks Para sa aking huling column, gusto kong punahin at balikan ang mga issue sa larangan at mundo ng sports. Minsan mo na sigurong narinig, napanood maski isang laro, o ‘di kaya’y nahumaling sa University Athletic Association of the Philippines o mas kilala bilang UAAP, ang pinakamalaking collegiate tournament sa bansa.

Sino ba namang hindi nakakakilala kay Jeron Teng at Mika Reyes na kapwang nagsimula sa UAAP at ngayon ay nasa larangan na ng professional sports.

Ngunit sa bawat pagpupunyagi ng mga tagahanga ng patimpalak na ito, ay ‘di ko maintindihan ang pag-usbong ng kapuna-punang kalakaran gaya na lang ng pagtutok sa sponsors sa halip na sa mismong laro.

Hawak-hawak ko noon ang remote control nang maalala kong may volleyball game pala ang La Salle laban sa Ateneo kaya dali-dali kong inilipat ang channel at laking pagkadismaya ko sa

aking nadatnan. Tadtad ng advertisements mapapagkain, telecommunications company, at bangko ay lumulubog-lilitaw na lamang sa TV screen. Hindi lamang iyon, dahil sa bawat limang puntos ay bigla kong maririnig ang katagang “let’s take a break and give way to our sponsors” o ‘di kaya ang highlight na “Brand x spike of the game” na susundan ng walang katapusang commercials tungkol sa shampoo na pampahaba raw ng buhok. Ilang puntos na ang nakalipas, hindi ko na rin naabutan kung ano na ang nangyari sa laro.

Marahil hindi natin masisi ang UAAP sa dami nitong advertisements at commercials dahil binabawi nila ito sa production mismo ng paligsahan. Subalit hindi ko rin maatim na nabahiran na ng komersiyalismo at kapitalismo hanggang sa unti-unting natatakpan na ang essence of sports ang tournament na gaya nito. Idagdag mo pa ang walang katapusang awards galing pa rin sa iba’t ibang sponsors gaya ng (brand ng sim) strong team of the season, (brand ng tinapay) player of the season, at (bank X) up and coming player award na may kalakip na cash prize na umaabot ng P50,000. Aba teka, ano palang koneksyon ng sim card, tinapay, at bangko sa paglalaro ng isang

atleta at bakit kailangang isang dipa ang cheke na may naka-imprinta ng perang napanalunan nila?

Sa aking pagkakatanda, hindi isang money contest ang mga patimpalak na katulad ng UAAP bagkus, ay naniniwala ako na makaroon lang ng tropeyo o medalya, masaya na ang mga atleta. Dalhin ang

Dalhin ang karangalan ng eskwelahan—iyan ang essence ng pagiging isang student-athlete karangalan ng eskwelahan—iyan ang essence ng pagiging isang student-athlete, hindi para sumikat at maimbitahan sa Tonight With Boy Abunda o maging cover ng isang tanyag na magazine.

Mas marami pang mga palaro ang dapat mong mapansin hindi lang ang mainstream na UAAP, nariyan ang mga patimpalak na sinasalihan ng ating Patriots gaya ng National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) na televised

at ang prestihiyosong Private Schools Athletic Association o PRISAA na kompetisyon ng mga unibersidad mula local, regional, hanggang buong bansa. Huwag nating i-pokus ang mga mata natin sa isang patimpalak na dahil lamang sikat at pinapanood maski ng kapitbahay niyo, ay papanoorin mo na din. Katulad na lang sa mismong Unibersidad natin, maraming koponan at mga atleta diyan na kailangan lang ang moral support o ‘di kaya yell and cheer—at hindi ang umaapaw na sponsors. *** Ito siguro ang sikreto ng UAAP kung bakit patuloy ang pag-improve ng TV production at coverages ng nasabing paligsahan. Ngunit kung patuloy din ang pag-agaw eksena ng mga kompanyang pilit ipinamumukha sa atin ang kanilang produkto imbis na mapanood ng maliwanag ang umaatikabong aksyon ng La Salle kontra Ateneo. Hindi ko sinasabing tanggalin na ang komersyalismo sa mga competition dahil isa itong marketing strategy pero ating tandaan na hindi mo kailangan ng mabilis na internet o ‘di kaya bagong sim card para maging isang matagumpay na koponan.

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VOLLEYBELLES from page 16

VOLUME 31 ISSUE 4

SPORTS BRIEF

Patriot Mara Allyza Galicia contributed 19 points as she was hailed as the Most Valuable Player, securing a spot in the mythical five with blocker Eunice Castillo who posted 18 points—including seven blocks.

Meanwhile, Patriot veterans libero Celia Cindy Amutan and setter Myka Tiangco also reserved spots in the mythical six as best libero and best setter, respectively.

“Tanggap ko naman ‘yong pagkatalo no’ng PRISAA. Preparation, kumpleto naman kaso lang sa piyesa talaga—sa tao kulang … pero hindi namin tinigilan ‘yong ensayo para makarating sa NCRUCLAA finals. So imbis na mamroblema, doon kami sa sagot pumunta— sa ensayo,” Patriot volleybelles head coach Joven Racelis shared.

Blemished barricade Prevailing in the opening canto, Patriot Galicia and Castillo joined forces as they easily destroyed and barraged the Lady Engineers with an astonishing nine-point advantage, 25-16.

Pulling the curtains of the second set, DLSU-D’s Castillo once again hovered the set with her impeccable spikes and

sturdy blocks that urged the TIP to heighten their defense, 12-3. Recovering from their insufficient performance, the Lady Engineers stunningly forced an 8-14 surge through their tall barrages that kept the ball to the green-and-white, 20-17. Ending the set with a close call, Patriot Galicia tried to chase the edge but eventually bowed down to the Engineers because of back-to-back errors, 22-25.

Getting back to the court with high hopes, Patriot Bartolazo together with Yasmin Shane Parohinog discharged relentless spikes producing a 7-3 set score. Fighting back from the four-point advantage, the Manila-based squad crushed the green-and-white team through unexpected spikes and drops, freezing the scores to 16all. Despite Patriot setter Myell Pasco’s sudden set drops, the Lady Engineers still successfully snatched the third set through a miscommunication error from their rival, 24-26.

Deconstruction Keeping their heads up, the Patriots continued to unleash attacks but the Engineers effortlessly used their height advantage to take advantage

against the Dasmarinas-based squad, 9-4. Showered with cold sweat, the green-andwhite team gave their all-out efficacy despite being exhausted from back-to-back rallies, 9-14.

Turning the tables once again, the Lady Patriots clutched the superiority after the Engineers committed consecutive errors in their courtside, 22-17. Closing the doors of the fourth quarter, Patriot setter Myka Tiangco successfully dumped back-toback dropballs that ceased the set, 25-21.

On to the final and deciding canto, the greenand-white volleybelles easily snatched the lead through their rival’s committed errors, 4-1.

The Lady Engineers retaliated with their towering barrages, keeping their scores slightly distant with the Lady Patriots, 8-5. Turning the cylinders again, Patriots Bartolazo and Castillo joined forces to release 5-3 surge, 12-8. Due to the visible exhaustion, the Lady Patriots committed a series of errors resulting to a 15-all deadlock. Not giving up until the final countdown, Patriot Pasco demolished the Engineers’ hopes as she unleashed two off-the-block spikes, 18-16.

SPORTS BRIEF

Paddlers end PRISAA - Nat’ls with two bronze medals

by Rose Kristine Amarillo The Region IV-A’s paddlers closed the PRISAA - Nationals journey with two bronze medals at the final match held on April 27 at the St. Agustine School, Iba, Zambales.

Patriots Corriza Soriano and Rosalyn Zapanta clinched a bronze medal after defeating Region XI in the doubles match-up event and grabbed another bronze in the team tie.

Bannering the Patriots’ flag in the national’s scene this year, the DLSU-D shuttlers, tracksters, woodpushers, paddlers, jins, and karatekas concluded their Zambales journey on a high note after bringing home 17 medals in this year ’s Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Nationals held at Iba, Zambales, from April 24 to 28.

Shuttlers smash 1 silver, 2 bronze in PRISAA - Nat’ls

by Rose Kristine Amarillo Joining the national’s stage once again, the green-and-white shuttlers of the CALABARZON squad pulled off one silver and two bronze medals held at Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU).

Adding silver to the Region IV-A’s pot, DLSU-D’s veteran shuttler Gilly Chavez continued to show off her badminton prowess in the PRISAA – Nationals as she held on until the championship match of women’s singles event and ranked second.

Meanwhile, Patriot shuttlers duo Jan Adrian Pullon and John Michael Navarro grabbed a bronze medal in the team event, as well as the team up of Pullon and Patriot Joie Elisha Orata in the mixed doubles event.

Tracksters snatch 8 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze in PRISAA Nat’ls

by Rose Kristine Amarillo Proving their excellence and dominance in the nationals’ athletics tournament, CALABARZON’s athletics squad captured a total of eight gold, one silver, and one bronze held at the Zambales Sports Complex.

Flashing their swift moves in the second day of the PRISAA - Nationals, the tracksters earned three gold medals and one silver medal in the track and field competition as Patriot Felyn Dolloso retained her crown in the women’s long jump competition with a mark of 5.96 meters, while trackster Robert Francisco dominated the 110-meter hurdles with a 14.34 second record, and Patriot thrower Ralph Gesulgon topped the javelin throw match with 54.69 meters.

Meanwhile, with a 1’03”83 record, DLSU-D’s Marimar Manzano captured a silver medal for the Region IV-A team in the women’s 400-meter run.

Despite having a worsening foot injury, Region IV-A’s jumper Felyn Dolloso still secured the first place in the triple jump bout with a record of 11.79 meters in Day 3.

On a similar victorious note, thrower Ralph Gesulgon and sprinter Jasmine Martinez executed great feats in the shot put men’s and 200-meter run women’s, respectively, that added two gold medals in the squad’s basket.

On Day 4 of PRISAA – Nat’ls, the athletics team maintained their performance and ended their journey on a high note afer Patriot sprinters Jasmine Martinez and Marimar Manzano clinched a gold and bronze medal in the women’s 200-meter run as they posted a 26.66-second and 26.86-second finish, respectively.

DLSU-D’s Martinez and the still-injured Dolloso, along with the other CALABARZON tracksters, secured the other gold medal for the Region IV-A after finishing the women’s 4x100-meter relay with a record of 51.16 seconds.

Woodpushers settle for 5th and 16th place in PRISAA - Nat’ls

by Rose Kristine Amarillo

A dive to glory. With an eagerness to elevate the name of Region IV-A in the 2017 PRISAA National swimming competition, Patriot tankers John Paul De Leoz, Jan VIncent Llaguno, and Elbert Gene Paguia grabbed for the gold in the 200 long course meter freestyle relay held on April 26 at the Zambales Sports Complex, Iba, Zambales.

Photo by Kathelyn Ann Bravo

Out of 43 contestants in the chess tournament held at the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU) College of Law on April 27, DLSU-D woodpushers Clinton Paulo Andres and Genten Lalas settled in the fifth and sixteenth place, respectively.

Never quitting to wave the region’s flag, CALABARZON chessers stood as number one in the overall ranking of the chess tourney. Attaining the first gold medal, Patriot woodpusher Andres earned the victory after grabbing the second highest rank in the Region IV-A’s team.

SPORTS COMICS Bes, hirap na hirap na ako maging volleyball.

Lagi na ngang pinagpapasapasahan, hinahampas pa ako para mapunta sa iba.

OA mo, bes. Like ako nga lagi na lang ako pinapa-ikot-ikot everywhere and palagi pa akong nasisipa. Like I’m dying na kaya.

‘Yon lang? Ako nga hilonghilo na dahil laging akong pinag-aagawan at dini-dribble pa para lang ma-i-shoot ng team nila. Hays, Ball is Life talaga mga bes.

Tama na ‘yan mga bola kong kaibigan.

‘Wag na kayong magaway-away.

Tandaan, walang mahirap na sports para sa isang atleta kung ito’y lalagyan ng passion at pagsisikap!

APRIL - MAY 2017 | PAGE 16

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sports BRIEFS Minor teams page 15

SPORTS COMICS Usapang bola page 15

play-by-play Patriot Volleybelles page 14 Sixth straight success. For the sixth season in a row, the Region IV-A cagebelles were crowned as champions in the 2017 PRISAA - Nationals women’s basketball tourney held at the Zambales Sports Complex, Iba, Zambales on April 28. Patriot cagebelle Mariel Campasa was hailed as the Most Valuable Player and best guard after unleashing a team-high 17 points.

Photo by Justine Bea Bautista

Region IV-A cagebelles emerge as six-peat PRISAA - Nat’ls queens CALABARZON creeps past Davao Region, 49-48

by John Zedrick Simeon 2007—the last year when the CALABARZON’s women’s basketball squad tasted defeat in the PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) - Nationals finals, and now ten years later in 2017, they’ve conquered a six-peat title.

After knocking down their last five opponents with deficits of dual figures, the Region IV-A squad experienced a rocky road versus third straight finals rival and a muchimproved Region IX, 49-48, on their way to the top of the PRISAA – Nationals women’s basketball competition held at the Zambales Sports Complex (ZSC), Iba, Zambales, April 28.

For Region IV-A and Patriot cagebelles’ head coach Tito Reyes, the determination of his team was the result of paying respect to the previous batches’ triumphs.

“Every year naman kasi, ‘yong preparation namin hindi nag-iiba. Laging goal namin to defend, kumbaga pahalagahan

‘yong paghihirap no’ng una pa, no’ng nagsimula. ‘Yon lagi ‘yong ini-instill sa mga isip ng players na bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ‘yong mga ganitong opportunity kasi hindi laging nangyayari ‘to,” Reyes shared.

CALABARZON had a 17 of 67 shooting clip, 2 of 20 in the third quarter, but Patriot, best guard, and Most Valuable Player Mariel Campasa spearheaded her team with 17 points, 14 in the first half, on top of a fearless game-winning swish from the free throw line in the twisted scores of 48-48, endgame time, to put them up by one, 49-48.

A game of superlatives The Region 4-A squad were down 35-41 in the last chapter,

but the defending champions proved their prowess with a much-needed 11-5 pursuit, 4645. After an offensive famine in the third frame, Patriot point guard Diane Reyes sparked the opposition through a steal that gave way to an easy bucket at 40-41.

The brave Davaoeñas did not back down as Pamela Etulle sank one freebie and Joelyn Orilla punched two free throws to retain the pivotal lead, 4648.

Region 4-A’s import Rizal Kristel Ann Escotido tried to hook a tying lay-up at 1:14 but missed. Luckily, Cavite import Chloewin Coroza from University of Perpetual Health – Molino snatched the ball from See CAGEBELLES | page 14

PATRIOTS PRISAA - NAT’LS MEDAL COUNT 12 7

A CHAMPION’s LEAP. Patriot hurdler Robert Francisco outlasted his opponents by a large margin in the 110-meter hurdles during the PRISAA - Nat’ls held at the Zambales Sports Complex, Iba, Zambales on April 24.

Photo by John Zedrick Simeon

Volleybelles debut as NCRUCLAA champions thru five-set victory Lady Patriots wreck Lady Engineers, 3-2

by Ezekiel Coronacion

10 Zambales medal haul. The Patriot delegates of Region IV-A took home 12 gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze medals in the 2017 PRISAA – Nat’ls held at Iba, Zambales from April 23-28.

Infographic by Camille Joy Gallardo

Prevailing as the first-ever National Capital Region Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (NCRUCLAA) volleyball women’s queens, the Patriot volleybelles sat on the throne as they nipped the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Lady Engineers through a close combat match 25-16, 22-25, 24-26, 25-21, and 18-16, in the NCRUCLAA championship tourney held at the National College of Business and Arts (NCBA) gym, Fairview, Quezon City, April 8.

See VOLLEYBELLES | page 15