FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015 | VOLUME 29 ISSUE 4
MEMBER, COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 1
February - April 2015
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS
PANATA. The re-enacment of the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday, April 3, at Brgy San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga as part of their traditions during Holy Week. Roxanne Valerie Rasco
DLSU-D HS Grade 10 opens in Changes on opening of classes discussed AY 2015-2016 By Patricia Anne de Leon
‘USC, CSO should not compete’ -SENTRO, Sinag USC candidates address issues from student orgs By Katherine Anne Aboy
The SENTRO-La Salle and the SINAG University Student Council (USC) candidates dismissed speculations on the increasing disparity between the USC and the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) by offering better support for student groups during a forum titled “Drop Everything and Listen” held on March 3. Although both offices aim for active student participation, Micah Gonzales, SENTRO USC presidential candidate, said they focus on the promotion of student’s rights and welfare, while the CSO is concerned with initiative development and wellness of students.
“The reason why the USC and CSO are in competition is because students find it hard to differentiate the functions of each organization in the University, so that’s why we intend to clarify what the roles of the student council and the CSO are,” Gonzales added. Based on the SENTRO platforms, she said they plan to organize their events and projects in partnership with the CSO to save funds and avoid redundancy of activities in the campus. Gonzales said they will also maintain transparency between the USC and CSO through proper coordination so they can address the issues encountered by the student organizations.
In line with the previous plan of junior high school completion, the De La Salle University – Dasmarinas (DLSU-D) High School will offer grade 10 next academic year 2015-2016, as confirmed by College of Education Dean Manuel Camarse.
“It’s not a new idea; it is part of the plan that [the offer] would continue. We offered [grades] 7, 8, 9 last year and then magcocontinue ng grade 10, 11, and 12. Sunodsunod na ‘yan,” said Camarse. Grade 10 will have five sections, which will come from this school year’s grade 9.
see GRADE 10 / page 2
Dormitory fee to increase by 10% next AY - Admin New building to be constructed
By Patricia Anne de Leon
The University student dormitory fee will increase by 10 percent next academic year 20152016, due to the increasing cost of operation, installation of wireless fidelity (Wi-fi), and closed-circuit
television (CCTV) cameras, as confirmed by Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance Belinda Narvaez. Dormitory Head Elizabeth Fernandez said housekeeping materials and labor cost are also considered in the said
increase. “Mayroong detergent na environment friendly talaga. Hindi na tayo puwedeng gumamit nang ganoong katapang na chemicals so ang observation namin, mas mahal siya. Sa housekeeping ‘yung labor, see DORM FEE / page 2
see CSO / page 3
CEAT to open Graphics and Multimedia department By April Ciaralei Cenedoza
In preparation for the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) Accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program, the Bachelor of Science in Graphics Design and Multimedia (BGM) program will be a separate
department named Graphics and Multimedia Department next academic year (AY) 2015-2016, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) Dean Jose Rizaldy De Armas confirmed. This is because the BGM program is not affiliated with the Architecture program, according to De Armas. “Parang sub-course
lang sila (BGM program) ng Architecture … Ang Architecture Accreditation, dapat ang linya niya, Architecture [program] … In terms of faculty, kapag tinanong tayo sa Architecture Department, dapat ang faculty mo doon ay licensed architect[s],” he furthered. According to him, see BGM DEPARTMENT / page 3
HEADSTART. Several children joined the rally on International Women’s Day along with SAF44 widows and different militant groups and activists, to express their grievances against the current administration from Bonifacio Shrine to Mendiola, Manila on March 8. Roxanne Valerie Rasco
NEWS
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 2
New payment guidelines to ease queue at counters
By Katherine Anne Aboy
The administration implemented new guidelines on bills payment since February 2 to address issues on long queues at Counters 14, 15, and 16 during enrollment period, according to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance (AVCF) Belinda Narvaez. Narvaez said the guidelines they implemented for the previous semesters failed to specify the type of account that can be paid in banks and payment centers, which delayed the enrollment process. She added that students should settle their old accounts only at Counters 14, 15, and 16. These accounts include the previous semesters’ unpaid balances, tours, uniforms, and other charges not appearing on their assessments. “Kapag sa bangko nagbayad [ng old account], akala ng student fully paid na siya pero ang nangyayari is a portion will go to surcharge, and nakakabagal iyon tuwing enrollment because the treasury officer will have to sort through the payments para malaman kung old or new account,” Narvaez said. “This time, we prefer that old accounts be paid here.” On the other hand, students are encouraged to pay their new accounts, or current semester tuition and other fees, through accredited banks and payment centers, such as branches of Metrobank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Maybank, and SM Payment Centers in Dasmariñas and Mendez. She said, “Sana magbayad sa bangko na lang lahat ng may current accounts para wala masyadong pila dito, so our cashier can do the issuance of official receipt.” Narvaez clarified that DLSU-D cashiers are still accepting payment for current accounts so students will not be required to pay outside the University. As per the records of the Accounting Office, at least 10 percent of the student population pay through banks and payment centers every semester.
Narvaez furthered that once a student pays through any accredited bank or payment center, it will automatically be interpreted as payment for tuition of the current semester. The University, moreover, is not planning to coordinate with other banks in the coming years due to the additional work needed to maintain several bank accounts. VISA, Master, and Amexco credit card payment, which are available online through the Student Portal or DLSU-D counters, may also be used for current tuition and other fees. “Gusto lang namin magbigay ng alternative way para makabayad ‘yung mga parents. With that, we shoulder the service fee of the credit cards,” Narvaez said. DLSU-D High School, meanwhile, have different policies on tuition payment since their students are considered minors, Narvaez mentioned. ‘No more deposit slip’ Students are advised to claim their official receipts, even without a deposit slip, within three to five working days after paying outside the University to ensure posting of transaction on the Student Portal, Narvaez said. “Uunahin kasi muna ‘yung nagbayad sa counter kaya hindi nakakapagbigay ng official receipt agad,” Treasury and Ancillary Services Director Beverlyn Dela Cruz said in response to the delay period in issuance of receipts. Since some students give incomplete names or identification (ID) numbers on payment forms, Dela Cruz said they will be required to present their deposit slips at Counter 15 for confirmation before the Accounting Office can issue them an official receipt. In a memorandum released by the office of the AVCF on January 7, students are reminded to write their complete and correct information legibly to avoid wrong posting or non-crediting of payment.
DORM FEE from page 1
s’yempre, ‘yung housekeepers natin at ‘yung maintenance …‘di ba sa labor mayroon naman talagang tumataas ang suweldo,” she said. The dormitory occupants were informed through a memorandum issued on December, according to Fernandez. She added that the said increase will not affect the number of the current dormers. “[Kung piliin ng dormers na mag-move out], option nila ‘yon ... Basta lang matapos nila ‘yung contract, refundable ‘yung deposit, pero kapag early
February - April 2015 leave out, case to case [basis],” Fernandez added. Narvaez mentioned that compared with the dormitories outside the campus, the University student dormitory rate is still reasonable and the increase is not a concern. She added that the University dorm is well secured, with all the support from the guidance office and in-house nuns and counsellors. On rise of the new building Narvaez said the vertical expansion of the Walingwaling dormitory, which can house additional 24 dormers,
is completed. Fernandez added that the said veranda converted to rooms for the current occupants, is being prepared for June. “Ililipat namin ‘yung [mga] nasa dorm 2 kasi ico-construct ‘yung dorm,” she said. Renovating the damaged left wing of the dormitory will be more costly than a full construction, according to Narvaez. She added that the University might construct a new dormitory building by next school year instead of repairing the old dormitories.
CAMARADERIE. The DLSU-D National Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit (NROTCU) formed the first ever ROTC Human Lasallian Star on March 7 at the University Oval to honor the people behind their success and promote the NROTCU program in the University. Christian Mateo
GRADE 10 from page 1
Camarse said another section with a maximum of 40 students can be offered in addition to the five sections, depending on the number of enrollees. “We have a provision on accepting another section if makakabuo for grade 10,” he added. As of press time, Camarse said the tuition for the new program is still under deliberation and will be discussed in the the multisectoral consultation meeting with students and parents. He added that grade 10 will follow the K to 12 curriculum. The number of teachers to be hired for the new program is yet to be discussed, according to Camarse. “We have [an] existing pool of faculty members now, we don’t know how many will be rehired after thorough evaluation … we will be hiring additional [faculty] kasi mayroon tayong 12 sections ng grade 7,” he added. Opening of classes rescheduled For the next school year, Camarse said they will move the opening of classes to July,
which will result to one month vacation for the high school students. The classes started late on August 1 and will end on the last week of May due to the arrangements for the DLSU-D High School campus. “For the following years, the University is planning to move the opening of classes on June. Most probably, that is also the plan na ibalik na sa June. Magiging 1 month ulit ‘yung bakasyon nila pero June, sabay sabay na ulit ang pasukan,” he added. The grade 10 offer contributed to the community by offering the Lasallian basic education, said Camarse. He mentioned that it will help the University with future finances. “Also kung mayroong gusto kunwari na mga part time natin to apply as a full time teacher sa high school, e ‘di maganda rin ‘yon”, he said. Camarse added that several part time teachers in the University are now full time teachers in the DLSU-D high school.
STUDENT SERVICE. A survey was conducted among 140 students from different colleges to rate the performance of the University Student Council (USC) 2014-2015 based on the objectives of the 2013 USC Constitution. | Infograph by Camille Joy Gallardo
REACT
As the University Student Council (USC) academic year 2014-2015 ends its term this May, we asked several DLSU-D students to evaluate its overall performance in terms of information dissemination, events or activities organized, budget transparency, and efforts to encourage active student participation. I think they should create more opportunities for the student body. Regarding the activities they organize, I am quite satisfied with the content and theme. Budget-wise, I don’t really have a problem. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of the student council this year. Donn Angelo Cruz Second year Electronics Engineering
I’m actually quite content with the happenings (sic) around the campus. But they really need to work on their information dissemination because I am not really aware of all the things around La Salle that is organized by the USC. Cristine Aye Balla Second year Electronics Engineering
Yes, they did pretty good on disseminating information to students and they try their best in encouraging students to participate in the event. However, they are bad in crowd control but if I were to rate it, I would give them a “9” for their effort and hard work. Hans Paño First year Communication Arts
This school year, I think the USC had been fair to their activities and programs. It only justifies their responsibilities and duties as leaders of the University. Charmaine Kate Bautista Third year Secondary Education
I am not really satisfied because I think that they can still improve their services to their fellow Lasallians, but I can say that whenever we have an event, I can say they are doing their best to keep it organized. Margot Rodil Second year Medical Biology
I am not really satisfied with the USC’s performance this academic year because they didn’t cause a stir in the whole University unlike the other student councils for the past years, when it comes to University-wide events. Oliver Ian Poblete Third Year Economics
Yes I am satisfied of our USC’s overall performance. I am aware that they made few efforts and activities this academic year, such as the Environmental Awareness Week (sic) and the Student’s Week. They are also active in social media sites. Mark Lester Ochea Second year Human Biology
I cannot fully feel the USC especially when it comes to information dissemination. They do have activities that are encouraging but not all students are concerned. As far as budget transparency is concerned, I cannot comment on that since we are not informed. There is also a lack of participation with students. Julien Tiu Second year Medical Biology
Yes, I’m satisfied with the performance of the USC. They are using the social media to disseminate the information about their upcoming projects for the school, which is very helpful because majority of the students are using social media. Earll Martin Cacanindin Second year Human Biology
NEWS
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 3
February - April 2015
Admin implements paperless payroll system DLSU-D Stallions competes in Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015 NEWS BRIEFS
By Katherine Anne Aboy
The administration launched an electronic payslip (e-payslip) system that allows employees to access their payslip online through the Faculty and Staff Portal starting February 15, as per the memorandum released by Assistant Vice Chancellor for Finance Belinda Narvaez. Systems and Applications Development Unit Head Jonah Mendez said, “na-suggest na itong e-payslip [dati] pero noon hindi pa handa ang mga employee sa bagong technology, which is through Portal, kaya ngayon lang natuloy ‘yung request kasi naexperience na nila ‘yung mahabang pila sa Counters.” According to Narvaez, the Accounting Office will no longer issue hard copies of pay slips for full-time faculty and staff, instead they are advised to view and print the said document from their Portal accounts, which includes the basic pay, deductions, and regular allowances. Mendez added that the full-time faculty’s teaching pay, or the added salary for taking excess units, will be available online next academic year 2015-2016 as it is currently being developed by the Information and Communications Technology Center. The part-time faculty, on the other hand, would still need to manually secure their payslip from the Accounting Window since they don’t earn a fixed monthly income. “Sa part-time faculty,
iba kasi ang rate sa number of teaching hours so separate na payroll yo’n,” he said. Mendez assured that this electronic payroll system will not affect the speed of the Portal servers. “Since walang transactions na ginagawa, hindi ganoon kalaki kumain ng resources at hindi kailangan ng budget kasi more on viewing lang ng suweldo.”
Advantages As stated in the memorandum, the University will benefit from implementing the electronic payroll system since it entails reduction on costs associated with papers, printer, toners, ink cartridges, and utilities. Since this new system involves paperless transactions, Mendez said, “makakatipid din sa space dahil dati no’ng manual pa, maraming forms na pini-print na hindi kinukuha [ng ibang employees] so tumatambak sa Accounting Office.” He furthered that the e-payslip would also ensure confidentiality of the employees’ income because in the previous payroll system, the administration distributed unsealed earnings statements. Benjamin Usigan, a part-time professor of the Allied Business Department, said, “Pabor ako diyan kasi maraming masi-save, tulad ng trabaho sa Accounting Office pati paglakad ng professor from one place to another to get the payslip. Malaking tipid din iyan sa opisina at sa school … mas magiging efficient [‘yung sistema].”
Multipurpose Hall opens for CEAT students
By April Ciaralei Cenedoza
A Multipurpose Hall located near the Mariano Trias Hall court has been built for the students of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) on February 20 to provide venue for exhibits, seminars, workshops, and other various activities. Edgardo Alasco, CEAT laboratory supervisor and building in-charge mentioned that the said venue is called CEAT Multipurpose Hall. He said that the hall is constructed as a collapsible tent. “Hindi siya (Multipurpose Hall) fixed … Puwede siyang ilipat sa ibang venue.” The construction of the Multipurpose Hall was a
collaborative project of the CEAT administrators and the CEAT student council officers for the academic year 2014-2015, according to Alasco. “Minsan ‘yung mga estudyante sa CEAT nahihirapang kumuha ng venue lalo na kung peak season, kaya nagtayo kami ng Multipurpose Hall.” The hall can be occupied by approximately 90 students. Its construction was completed in two months, said Alasco. He said the Building Facilities and Management Office and the CEAT laboratory staff assisted in assembling the air-conditioning system, which was acquired from the old CEAT building.
Meanwhile, the contract price of the two tents cost P270,000, with an additional fee for other materials used, particularly painting cost which approximately ranges from P50,000 to P60,000, Alasco said. However, he clarified that the expenses are “very minimal” and the equipment utilized in the venue such as liquid crystal displays and chairs were recycled. Furthermore, installation of concrete insulation on the hall’s ceilings is planned to avoid heat from direct sunlight during noon time, according to Alasco. As of press time, the installation of the concrete insulation will be built this March, he said.
BGM DEPARTMENT from page 1
the Architecture Department proposed the BGM’s separation. Moreover, De Armas said that CEAT is planning to expand the architecture program by offering master’s degree in architecture. He said they will also expand the enrollment and hire new faculty members next AY for the BGM program. They are also looking at the possibility of offering BGMrelated programs after the K to 12 implementation, he added. He mentioned the departmentalization of the BGM program will ensure that the implementation
of the programs are aligned in terms of faculty members, based on the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order. “‘Yon kasi ‘yung importante in terms of accreditation, dapat talaga bago ma-approve, [at] ma-accredited (sic) ang mga program natin, aligned ‘yung implementation natin doon sa program.” On the other hand, De Armas furthered that they made realignments in its departments. The Technology Department will be transferred to the Engineering Department, while the Architecture Department will manage its own program.
By April Ciaralei Cenedoza
The De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) Stallions competed in the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015 for the first time against 127 students from 17 countries in Asia, from February 26 to March 1 at the Quirino Grandstand. The DLSU-D stallions is composed of Mechanical and Computer Engineering students namely Franz Nichole Salomon, Herson Ross Sayos, Jan Ian Karlo Penalba, Joshua Loveria, Karl Joseph Tiong, Nazareno Mateo, Rainier Atienza, Rogie Balitustos, and John Edward Cua. Shell Eco-marathon is an annual student innovation competition which challenges students to create and race with the most energy efficient vehicle. As per the Shell Eco-marathon Asia Participants’ Handbook, the team can build one of two types of cars; a prototype, a futuristic and highly aerodynamic vehicle, and an urban concept, a highly economical and innovative vehicle that resemble today’s cars. The team was given a set of technical tests on the race track allowing them to see how far they can go with the least amount of fuel. Wilfredo Vidal, the DLSU-D Stallions adviser, said the team built a prototype car with gasoline as energy source which passed all the technical inspections during the four-day event. However, the team was not able to race its car because they failed to make it to the 2:30 PM cut off on March 1. The competition has strict instructions regarding time, according to Penalba. Vidal also mentioned that they assisted other foreign teams with insufficient equipment, “Kahit alam mong kalaban mo siya, kapag nangangailangan siya, tutulungan mo … Gusto mo rin kasi sila makatakbo eh.”
CEAT students garner top awards in ESTA 2015 By April Ciaralei Cenedoza
Electronics Engineering student Hexina Madolid won the championship award while a Computer Engineering student Glen Andrew Tadeo placed 5th among the 60 participants from different countries in Asia during the Engineering Student Talent Award (ESTA) 2015 held at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Thailand on February 7. ESTA is an annual engineering quizbee competition initiated by the Indian Institutes of Technology Alumni Association Thailand (IITAAT) which the RMUTT hosted. Students from the Southeast Asian countries such as from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines competed in the areas of Mathematics, General Engineering, and Alternative Energy to determine a set of the best engineering students in Southeast Asia. According to Madolid, joining ESTA was significant to show the capabilities of the Engineering students of our University. She said that it was their first time to join an international contest. Tadeo, on the other hand, mentioned that they were accompanied by College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology Associate Dean Conrado Monzon during the competition. After the announcement of winners, he said, “Hindi kami makapaniwala [na nanalo kami] parang nagkatinginan pa kami [ni Hexina]. Na-stun kami ng ilang seconds and matagal bago mag-sink in [na panalo kami].” CSO from page 1
“Kailangan din talaga mag-focus ang USC hindi lang on students as a majority, but also on student groups because they’re not just added manpower but added strength din sa University.” On the other hand, Sinag USC Vice Presidential candidate Lei Cabatay said they could address the competition issue between the student council and CSO by collaborating on events and providing sponsorships for student organizations with insufficient budget. “Ang napansin kasi ng ibang students [is] that we focus more on events, when in fact ganoon din ang ginagawa ng CSO so ang nangyayari ay nagkakaroon ng competition kasi nagkakaagawan ng tao,” Cabatay said. She furthered that despite the removal of CSO in the magistrate, its stand on election and impeachment matters will still be considered. According to CSO President Charmaine Molano, they recognize the USC as the highest representation of
students since the said student council serves as mediator between the administration and students. She said, “magkahiwalay man kami sa organizational structure, we’re not co-equals (sic).” Issues of student orgs Molano said the meeting they conducted allowed the executive boards of various student organizations to present their concerns on the CSO fee, request for sponsorships, and the new policy regarding medical certificates, which the USC candidates should address once they are elected in their respective positions. “Minsan nakakalimutan kasi nila na ‘yung CSO and RSOs (Recognized Student Organizations) are also students. Maganda na nalaman namin kung nasaan ba kami sa mga plataporma nilang mga tatakbong candidates,” she added. In an article on The Heraldo Filipino Vol. 28 Issue 1, former USC President Josephine Calanno said they found the CSO trust fund
questionable when they assessed the student fees which led to their suggestion that the collection of CSO fee should only be among members of organizations under CSO. This led to the decision of the multi-sectoral committee to cut the CSO fee from P30 to P10. Molano said the USC declined to give sponsorship for a student organization since the incumbent student council’s adviser didn’t approve. “Ang argument kasi ng isang RSO president ay [kung] hindi ba nao-overpower ng adviser ‘yung USC executive board, [kung] siya ba talaga ‘yung may final say if they are going to approve the sponsorship or not.” Cabatay, however, said that they trust their adviser, who is credible because he practices finance. The Office of Student Services also requires student groups that conduct one-day sporting events to provide medical certificates for safety purposes. This new policy presents a problem for the organizations since it entails further costs for its members, Molano said.
ERRATUM FULL HOUSE. The DLSU-D Communication and Media Society, Cavite Filmmakers Association in collaboration with the National Committee on Cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, organized the 5th Pelikultura CALABARZON Film Festival 2015 on February 18, 20, and 21. Rigel Almira
In the news article CLACSC to amend 2006 constitution this summer on page 2 published in the H eraldo F ilipino Volume 29 Issue 3, the correct title of the said article is SCE undergoes election code amendment. We regret this mistake.
SPECIAL REPORT
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 4
February - April 2015
A look into the breakdown of ‘other fees’ By Patricia Anne De Leon, Katherine Anne Aboy, and April Ciaralei Cenedoza Graphic Art by Camille Joy Gallardo
Student concerns and demands being raised during the annual multi-sectoral meeting are made to improve facilities in the University. In response to these requests, the administration requires the students to pay the costs needed for the said development, which is added to “Other Fees” in the Student’s Assessment.
As part of the student’s right to information and transparency, it is important to know how the University utilize these fees to provide quality education to students. *** In the Student Portal, the breakdown of “other fees” on the student assessment per semester includes the budget for the department trust fund, air-conditioning fee, internet connection, program development fee, achiever’s fee, college council trust fund, energy fee, test questionnaire, insurance, botanical garden fee, chapel fund, and alumni fee. Student organizations, such as Heraldo Filipino, Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), University Student Council (USC), Cultural Arts Organization (CAO), Council of Student Organization (CSO), Student Commission on Election (SCE), and Parents Association of La Salle Cavite (POLCA), are also covered in the said fee. Although the administration refused to provide the accumulated amount of the said fees as per their guidelines and protocol, University Controller Deodoro Abiog confirmed that collected fees that are not spent within the semester will be added to the new fund of respective organizations or offices for the following term. “But if it’s tuition or laboratory fees, it is accumulated as a whole and used for contingencies in the next academic year. The general practice of the University is if there’s any savings, it is used to purchase furniture and equipment, depending on the needs of the school in aid of instruction because teaching is our priority,” he added.
On departments and college councils
According to Abiog, the department trust fund include fees used by the college departments. He said this fund is different from the trust fund of college student councils (CSCs) and student organizations, which have their own respective budgets. For academic year (AY) 2014-2015, the College of Criminal Justice Education increased their student council fee by P100, Abiog said.
On program development fee
This part of the assessment covers all capital expenditures, such as purchase of additional furniture and equipment, for both the colleges and the administration.
He added that this is also the fund used by the entire University for buildings and facilities maintenance. Abiog mentioned that the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) and the College of Science and Computer Studies (CSCS) each have an exclusive capital development fund amounting to P200 per student, while the AB Communication Arts and AB Broadcast Journalism courses charge a total capital development fee of P1000. For the next AY 20152016, Abiog said the CBAA proposed to increase their capital development fee by P50 per student.
On achiever’s fee
According to Abiog, the achiever’s fee is for academic-related competition and activities of the students. He added that this fund is also used by a college for joining presentations, awarding, and recognition of certain students. “‘Yun ang general concept no’n, outside the University ‘yung mga contests, ‘yung mga subsidies,” he said.
On energy and air-conditioning units
Installation of air-conditioning units for the University library and classrooms was done due to the request of the students during the multi-sectoral meetings on tuition increase, Abiog said. For instance, he said that they installed air-conditioning units in the library [during the previous AYs] since the students are willing to pay additional “aircon” fees. Abiog furthered that they use the energy fund for additional electricity expense, acquisition, maintenance, and replacement of air-conditioning units in classrooms for the entire AY. “After some time, nagreklamo naman ang students to [provide] air-condition for the classrooms ... it all came from the students not the Administration,” he said. Due to this existing fund, Abiog said the colleges can request the Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office (BFMO) to replace malfunctioning air-conditioning units. “It’s the responsibility of the college to discuss with the BFMO regarding ‘yang mga aircon,” he added.
On insurance
The P20,000 “premium” paid to the insurance company for treatment expenses can be claimed by students who suffered from any accident that happened within the country, Abiog said. Accidents in war-prone areas however, are excluded. Abiog furthered, “It’s per semester and per accident basis. If you’re enrolled in the first semester and not in the second, you’re no longer insured in the second semester. Kung enrolled ka ng second semester covered ka pa rin
ng summer time. Kapag hindi nagamit, hindi na puwede i-reimburse.” The students have one year after the accident occurred to submit the necessary requirements for reimbursement request. Health-related concerns such as asthma, appendicitis, and the like are not included in the insurance. For accidental death, Abiog added that the insurance can cover a maximum amount of P50,000.
On internet connection
Maintenance, connection switches, server that oversees the processing of data, hardware and software licenses, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) connections, and all others related to the internet are charged to this fund. “We have to pay internet connection for our bandwidth, which we pay to an external ISP (Internet Service Provider), like PLDT. We have to upgrade our hardware because you [students] have (sic) a high bandwidth,” Abiog said.
On alumni fee
According to Abiog, a policy that requires at least two years of being a student for membership application in the alumni association was implemented, due to complaints on expensive graduation fees. He added, “‘Yung alumni fee ginagastos para sa office expenses, maintenance of the Alumni building.” Abiog said a student does not have to be a La sallian graduate to become an alumnus or alumna. “As long as you are a former student and you serve the purpose of the University and support its mission and vision and its activities, then you can be affiliated with the school and your affiliation is with the association,” he added.
POLCA fee
Since 2008, the allotted fee for Parents Organization La Salle Cavite (POLCA) is P200 per student according to POLCA President Frederick Godinez Sr. He said that the said fee was the working budget of the organization including their programs and projects such as POLCA Endowment fund. “‘Yung perang nalilikom doon sa budget na kinukuha sa fee ay nag-a-allocate tayo para makapagbuo tayo ng pondo para sa scholarship fund.” Godinez mentioned that the commitment of P10 million budget for scholarships in the University have not been achieved. However, he said that he is hoping to attain the P10 million budget next academic year. As of press time, they have reached approximately P9 million, according to Godinez. The said P10 million cannot be removed and is only deposited in the bank, he said. “‘Yung interest lang ng P10
million ang gagamitin for scholarships. Parang sustainable siya.” Aside from endowment fund, the usage of POLCA building and its facilities is also included in the fee. For programs, they conduct trainings and formations for parents. “We invite parents to attend seminars requested by different offices na sa tingin namin related naman.” Godinez added that there is an allocated budget for every recognized student organization who request funds for sponsorships. He said the students are benefitted through distribution of scholarships to deserving students. “When we say we give scholarship to these particular students, hindi sinasabi ng organization na hindi lang ‘yan scholar ng organization, ito ay scholar ng mga parents at ang binayad nila ay nakatulong doon sa partikular na bata.” Meanwhile, Godinez said that they decided to retain the allotted P200 fee per student with the help of board of trustees. “Burden na ‘yon para sa mga magulang. Huwag nang taasan pa … Gamitin wisely para makapag-extend ng assistance sa mga estudyante pati sa mga parent.”
PRISAA fee
In sports competitions, the fund is used as tournament fee and as budget for other incidental expenses for the students participating in such activities. Abiog said, “We don’t keep that money. We remit it tapos ginagamit ‘yon nila.” When asked if the budget is enough to cover all the listed priorities, Abiog said “Well, enough is enough when you say it’s enough and it’s not enough when you think it’s not enough. Work within your budget.”
On cultural arts office
The cultural fee is divided to the seven performing arts group in the University, which includes De La Salle University Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) - Symphonic Band, DLSU-D Chorale, La Salle Filipiniana Dance Company, Lasallian Pointes N’and Flexes Dance Company, Teatro Lasalliana, Lasallian Pop Band, and Visual and Performing Arts Productions Unit (VPAPU), as confirmed by CAO Coordinator Joel Refuerza. The P60 collected per student is insufficient for providing the needs of the organizations under CAO, Refuerza said. “Hindi naman lahat [ng pangangailangan ng performing arts group ay] kayang ibigay ng CAO.” They have to work for their own, to have other financial support from alumni and sponsors,” he said.
Barriers fail to see their real purpose and function in the University. Unfortunately, we overlook this kind of ethnocentrism and this becomes our
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organizations should not be walls that hinder students from seeing the world, but platforms which would introduce them to various perspectives in the society.
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Recently, I was surprised when one of my friends denunciated her support on her former political party in public. When I asked her why, she replied: “magka-iba na kasi ang pananaw ko sa kanila. Baka nga nasa maling partido na ako.” This made me realize that as leaders, or even as Heraldo Filipino members, we should never forget our own beliefs and our basic principles as individuals. While acknowledging their own opinions, I also believe that other campus associations should be open to the different views of people from other student organizations. Thus, student organizations would grow even better and serve its purpose not only in the Lasallian community but also to the entire nation.
There are several reasons students in the University join organizations. Aspiring leaders say they would like to serve their fellow students, while others want to satiate their cravings for self-improvement. When I asked my friends why they ran under their political party, they said that their ideals and principles as a leader are in line with the organization’s vision. These are the principles that they will implement once they get the opportunity to serve students. At that moment, I have seen and felt their burning passion and commitment to their political parties. Student organizations following a credo are fueled by these ideas and principles to perform their purpose in the Lasallian community. As members, students adhere to these principles as they perform their duties in the organization. They tend to develop a deep sense of attachment in their respective organizations and establish brotherhood among its co-members. With this strong attachments, however, some organization members forget their real responsibility to the community, which is to serve the students, and
barrier in serving our purpose in the Lasallian community as an organization. I believe this is one of the main causes why a lot of students are still apathetic in participating in different activities and discussions in the campus. A member could not efficiently take on
his role if he or she does not believe in the organization, its principles, its members, and especially his or her own abilities. For me, organizations should not be walls that hinder students from seeing the world, but platforms which would introduce them to various perspectives in the society. Further, students should never lose their own voice and identity in the process in striving to be a good member of their organization. Perhaps, members are not blinded with the ideas and principles but by these strong emotions and relationships they tend to develop while in the organization. Members of any student organization in the University should bear in their minds that becoming a member of a particular org does not automatically make you a great person. Being a member of an organization entails a lot of responsibility to serve the community. However, we often limit ourselves within our organization and perhaps, disassociate ourselves to other students. Sometimes, this ethnocentric view makes us hypocrites and impedes us in serving our purpose in the Lasallian community.
Volume 29 â–Ş Issue 4 | page 5
February - April 2015
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 6
OPINION
February - April 2015
EDITORIAL
Peace debates
A few years back, the spokesperson of the Aetas in Boracay was killed. Activist acquaintances of mine are blaming the government and their arguments, as toxic as they may be, support the accusation. As a little backgrounder, it is the Aetas who originally live in the beautiful island and have always served as its inhabitants. Due to the poor system of education in the country, most Aetas in Boracay are unable to read and write. The select few who are literate are then responsible for guiding the rest of the community, especially during the casting of their votes. Stating this, it is quite easy to connect the dots which are: illiterate minority, desperate political candidates, few and disposable capable members of the minority, trucks for people, and polling stations with poll watchers like the nurses in Silent Hill. The success of Boracay is a great contributor to our Filipino pride, alongside Filipinos who turned their dreams to reality in an international scope. This feat though is accomplished
SENIOR STAFF Katherine Anne Aboy, Danielle Vince Capuno, Jeff Treat Dimaano, Mary Jo Lara, Fernan Patrick Flores, Pamela Joven, Cerisse Madlangbayan, Chelsea Ann Montilla, JUNIOR STAFF Rigel Almira, Ishiel Aniñon, Lynoelle Kyle Arayata, Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Lexzene Dela Cruz, Patricia Anne De Leon, Carl Andrew Diaz, Yngwie Eusebio, Camille Joy Gallardo, Anri Ichimura, Christian Paul Macapagal, Felix Malicsi, Queenee Manaog, Christian Mateo, Nishtha Nigam, Jerome Quinto, Roxanne Valerie Rasco, James Fidel Tan, Enrico Paolo Topacio, Erika Uy Dr. Lakandupil C. Garcia, Adviser The Heraldo Filipino has its editorial office at Room 213, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115. Telephone: +63 46 481 1900 local 3063 Email: officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the editor in chief.
Thumbs up for the University’s continuous participation in the annual Earth Hour. The conservation of campus energy is not only helpful to the environment but also in lowering the campus’ energy expenses.
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All these time, I have always thought that responsibility is headed our way when it is us, as we grow older, that is headed toward it
In a world always headed for advancement, it is possible that our ancestors will be left behind. However, there is a difference between them not being able to cope and us not giving them the chance to cope by leaving them behind crawling as man continue to stride.
Perhaps, the government stands for the majority but the attitude and perception of the majority toward the minorities is blatantly unjustified and unbecoming. As a citizen and one of the country’s majorities, it is quite easy to conclude that we don’t really care that much about the Aetas. I’m trying to imply that we have got to change our perception for the better— not only toward the Aetas but toward life, in general. There are lots of phenomena that we cannot comprehend and control but we can manipulate our attitude and decisions for the better, unless you have hormonal imbalance or something. It is simply logical to say that we will never change the world by conforming to it and nothing will happen if we don’t start. Being exposed to the phrase “the children is the future” since we began to understand language does not make it any less true. As this academic year ends, this truth is all the more imposed on the youth. All these time, I have always thought that responsibility is headed our way when it is us, as we grow older, that is headed toward it. Taking a lesson from Chinese emperors and their pursuit for everlasting life so they can complete their visions, a lifetime is not enough to fulfill grand dreams. This is proof that we have to begin our life mission as early as possible if we want to witness its completion. We just have to begin as early as we can.
Immortality kills Being immortal has its stakes. I won’t deny that the idea of immortality is indeed cool—you will not grow old, you could stay young-looking, no lethal poison or fatal accident can kill you—but it’s the most painful of all pains. Physical immortality will not make your body cells deteriorate even as you age, which means you will not experience Alzheimer’s,
EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2014-2015 Crisselda F. Robles, Editor in Chief Denise Anne A. Valentino, Associate Editor Sheena Faye G. Lopez, Managing Director Daniella Shaira T. Cortez, Copy Editor John Paul R. Gonzales, Office Supervisor Florence Rio D. Bistoyong, News Editor Patricia Mae M. Estenoso, Features Editor Maria Anthonette B. Gadon, Literary Editor Krizza Mae M. Bautista, Sports Editor Chandler M. Belaro, Art Director Ricardo Martin O. Cabale, Chief Layout Artist Patricia Loise A. Lucero, Chief Photographer
at the expense of the minorities and our true Filipino identity. It is heartbreaking to know that this cruelty and injustice exist behind all the praises and worldly objects thrown at the island. Issues like this also gets me thinking about the way we let things like this happen because apparently, the Japanese, Americans, and other nationalities treat their minorities the same way.
There’s a reason why humans are not physically immortal, and it’s more than just because the Earth might ran out of space. Qin Shi Huangdi, first emperor of China, more than once drank mercury (and even used it as sauce) believing it would make him immortal. He’s not the only one who aspired to have physical immortality— without needing to be a member of the league of the undead. Many other people want and have wanted to live forever without experiencing the disadvantages of wrinkled skin and fading memories and nanotechnology and stem cell treatment validate the existence of this desire. Foreign folktales mention how alchemists have tried forging a stone that will give them eternal life and how some went on expeditions to find the Fountain of Youth. I’ve always wondered why many people would want that. If you come to think of it, immortality is not entirely ideal for humans.
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Physical immortality could prevent you from dying, but its costs will kill you inside
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The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Think bigger
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Throughout history, challenges helped nations grow because societies were required to be creative in order to formulate solutions for their survival and development. In the Philippines, the President is endeavoring peace between the nation and its largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), for the nation’s recovery from violence and death toward unity and progress. After years of pursuit, the Philippine government finally signed a peace agreement with the MILF on March 27, 2014. The deal allows greater autonomy to some parts of Southern Mindanao in return for an end to violence. To further the peace negotiations between the country and MILF, the MILF and the President separately drafted a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to establish Bangsamoro as a new political entity. As a controversial topic nationwide and, at a lesser degree, worldwide, people have been expressing rejection toward the bill in fear of allowing political power to the terrorist group involved in violent crimes resulting to the death of thousands. On January 25, the Mamasapano massacre took place where 44 Philippine National Police (PNP) – Special Armed Forces (SAF) Commandoes were deliberately shot in the head despite the declaration of ceasefire, while 18 MILF fighters and five civilians also died— exhibiting the destruction that undoubtedly causes the fear and hatred. Meanwhile, others who analyzed the Bill’s draft rejected it, because of the threat of secession, wherein the law catalyzes the Bangsamoro’s withdrawal of membership from the Philippines to be an independent state. According to the bill’s analysis at news website, Manila Live Wire whose authors appear to have pseudonyms, article 2 section 1 of the draft states right to “self-determination,” which suggests that it is upon the Bangsamoro government’s discretion to remain members of the Philippines. Furthermore, the analysis mentioned the Bangsamoro Government’s proposal to control finance, power over the police, and banking among others—which are usually controlled by the State. Despite the alarming provisions drafted in bill, the Senate is currently studying the Bill and discussing it through hearings. As of April 15, eight provisions were declared unconstitutional. Some excluded provisions include the creation of Bangsamoro government units (Commission on Elections, Commission on Audit, Commission on Human Rights, for instance), exercising control over Bangsamoro police operations, and the provision for nearby areas to be governed by the Bangsamoro government upon a pebliscite cast by 10 percent of voters. There is still a long process before the BBL can be approved or rejected. It is a commendable move that the Philippine government is working toward peace for the country, as war in its true essence would only weaken our nation and deplete our population. However, there are other ways the government could pursue peace, such as tribal sovereignty as practiced in the US. The law would allow indigenous tribes to govern themselves—as the Bangsamoro, during the time of foreign conquest, are considered the original inhabitants of Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago, and other nearby islands. Under tribal sovereignty, they are still under the country’s constitution and they are not allowed to transact foreign relations. Tribal sovereignty seems promising, but for the most part, future actions will still depend on the interests of the Philippine government and the people in Mindanao. *** We have a right to mourn for our countrymen and to thirst for justice. As videos reveal, there is no excuse for the MILF’s inhuman act during the Mamasapano massacre. However, it is insufficient to reject the BBL simply because of fear or mistrust of the MILF or the President, for his perceived apathy toward the massacred PNP – SAF commandoes. As students with the privilege for literacy and access to media reports, we should access these resources as responsible citizens who can form informed and critical opinions with basis and fact. Once decided against the bill, we have the power as a democratic nation to collect one million signatures to convince the President to trash the bill, the same way a million signatures had encouraged him to run for presidency. Disappointingly, according to Cilito Habito in his column for the Philippine Daily Inquier, even some public figures speaking against the bill have privately admitted to have not read the document. Perhaps then, society’s next hope is truly our generation.
dementia, or other mental diseases and disorders brought by physical aging, thus, your mind will continue to mature. And as one’s mind matures through time, one assumes that he or she is supposed to have deeper understanding of life the longer he or she stays alive. Just imagine all the knowledge you could have: the universe will let you drink all of her, let you taste the beauty of newborn stars
Thumbs down for this academic year ’s Seniors’ Convention lecture. Despite the good intentions of the event, it did not turn out very well for both the resource persons and the participants.
and dying suns, let you hear the silent cries of black holes and the songs of the moons, let you watch each ecstasy and misery of every living creature. The longer you stay alive, the more pain you feel from every experience, the more you’ll go insane. Sure, there’s the immortal jellyfish which was considered technically immortal due to its capability to regenerate itself and does not seem to have a problem with a never-ending life. But unlike the immortal jellyfish, humans are susceptible to heavy emotions and deep reflections. Humans find it difficult to cope with intense emotion in this lifetime of only a hundred years, let alone an unlimited one. To be immortal is too beautiful that it would become painful—the pain which has scarred us once will be with us till we die which will never come. The pain would just go on and on, not to mention watching everyone you care about die and leave you behind. Physical immortality could prevent you from dying, but its costs will kill you inside. I guess it just proves that not even immortality can save you from any form of death. And I guess being mortal isn’t that bad, since, as writer Chuck Palahniuk had said, “The goal is not to live forever, but to create something that will.” Thumbs up for the success of the Lasallian Festival with the theme Kulturang Pinoy. The event was featured in TV5’s Mobile Singko and created more opportunities for the University.
OPINION
Green light
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May mga tao talagang hanggang simula lang. Ningas-kugon, ito ang isa sa pinaka-kilalang bansag sa kanila. Sila ‘yung mga taong parating hanggang starting line lang, hindi umaabot ng finish line. Pangunahing halimbawa na puno ang Pilipinas ng mga ganitong klase ng tao ay ang pangyayari sa Maguindanao Massacre (sumalangit nawa ang kaluluwa ng mga taong hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nabibigyan ng hustisya). Kinailangan pa noon mag-extend ng 24 oras hanggang 9:00 PM kasi binabalita ang progress ng paghuhukay sa mga journalist na pinatay—tapos ngayong taon, nakalaya si Andal Ampatuan. Nakakatawa kasi ginugunita sa college
namin ang Maguindanao Massacre: nagsisindi kami ng kandila ng alas sais ng hapon tuwing anibersaryo nito at nag-aalay kami ng dasal para sa mga naulila at sa mga nawala. Ilang taon na naming isinasagawa ang paggugunitang ito, at ilang taon na rin ang nakakalipas, wala pa ‘rin—hindi pa rin nakukuha ng mga namatayan ang hustisyang nararapat sa kanila. Tila sa simula lang binigyan ng pansin ang issue, hindi lang ng media pero ng buong bayan, lalo na ang mga
Nanindigan ka sa una tapos masusuhulan ka lang pala
awtoridad na nakatakdang gumawa ng paraan upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga journalist na pinaslang. Hindi malabong mangyari rin ‘yon sa Fallen 44. Pupusta ako ng malaki; pagkatapos ng 10 taon, nilalangaw pa
WITBREAD rin ang katarungan para sa mga taong ito. Marami pa ring nagtuturuan kung sino ang may kasalanan. Magkakaroon muna siguro ng bagong presidente bago malutas ang mga kasong inaabot ng dekada para malaman kung sino ang may sala. Sa nakikita ko kasi, kung sino pa ‘yung mga taong noon ay sumisigaw para sa hustisya at kung ano-ano ang ginagawang pag-aaklas laban sa gobyerno, ay sila ring nananahimik ngayon dahil sa takot na maging biktima ng summary execution (o kaya ay dahil nabigyan na ng bahay at scholarship ang mga anak). Ang akin lang, nanindigan ka sa una tapos masusuhulan ka lang pala. Nakakapanlumong isipin na ‘unahan’ ang labanan sa ating mga Pilipino. Kapag una kang nakikigulo sa usapan, pagkakamalan kang may pakialam. Pero ang totoo, ginagamit lang nila ito upang makapagpabango ng pangalan. Sana magkaroon ng pagkakataong lahat ng tao ay magkaroon ng inisyatibong tapusin ang naumpisahan—upang makarating sa finish line at magkaroon ng katuturan ang mga bagay na sinimulan.
Education version 0.5
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It seems as if the Philippine education system says it’s enough to just mechanically memorize
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When I was in high school, I learned something important about life. You never truly know something if you have never understood it. I know I sound like Captain Obvious, but I think the Philippine educational system has not given enough emphasis on the development of critical thinking. As defined by the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking in 1987, critical thinking is the “process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/ or evaluating information.” The lack of emphasis is evident in the form of tests and exams, where passing subjects in the University mostly involves circling the right answer and naming specific terms. I can’t say it’s an effective form of learning. I’ve heard of students, and sometimes I am also guilty of, memorizing lessons without understanding them; such that we would never be able to answer why and how a concept occurs, if asked. Perhaps a diligent student would devote time in understanding subjects, but it seems as if the Philippine education system says it’s enough to just mechanically memorize. One may argue that reflection papers and reaction papers encourage independent thought, but I have seen
some papers where the event or movie was simply narrated—no insights were shared. Surprisingly, as these submitters’ grades seem to tell, professors accept those narrations as a ‘reflection.’ Perhaps some classes may have had a different experience with stricter professors, but such standards should be applicable to all students. After all, we are paying the same amount to access the same quality education.
The problem here is that remembering information can only take you so far. See, you can never drive a car just by memorizing its parts. Before you can get anywhere, you need to understand a car’s functions. And once you can apply these concepts, only then will your journey begin. By understanding different concepts, we can connect these ideas that could help us understand the world better, and even make see it as awesome. Take for instance, Darwin’s theory of evolution where all advantageous traits are passed on to future generations for the survival of a species, and psychological disorders. If you think about it, perhaps psychological disorders were previously advantageous. In other words, being crazy helped our ancestors
survive. Ideas may seem irrelevant until you understand them. As we grow older, I believe we develop the ability for individual thought. However, something as complex as critical thinking should be cultured in children so our country could raise mature individuals who can profoundly contribute to society. One of the most important things I’ve learned in Heraldo Filipino is that original ideas cannot be taught. As a result, something as basic as knowing the importance of understanding, should be encouraged at an earlier age. Perhaps this inadequacy is reflective in all-too-known rally scenes. When somebody involved in the rally were asked about the issue, they could not even explain the affair they were protesting against, despite widespread coverage in news (for some issues). Possibly the saddest part about it is that they do not truly know what they were fighting for. They wanted to make a difference, but it’s impossible if one cannot understand the problem before trying to come up with a plausible solution. *** As discussed previously, knowing how a car functions is only the beginning of the journey. There are various ways to understand how the car works. Reading may be the most cliché, but you could also go on an adventure: explore your personal ideas by writing, observe people, and question things like a child genuinely seeking anwers. And at the end of the day, how you process the information depends on how you want your journey to be, and where you want it to take you.
Commander in chief
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Like President Aquino, I am not a perfect leader … [but I know that] when I fail, the team also fails
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With evident progress in the country’s economic and overall state, as the 13th freest economy out of 42 countries in the 2015 Index, President Aquino (PNoy) certainly seems notable. His leadership as a president, however, is still being challenged. Today, PNoy faces allegations and other consequences from his failures and shortcomings as a commander in chief regarding the Mamasapano incident after he emphasized in his speech, in the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015, that all his decisions on the bungled Mamasapano Special Action Force operations were based on incorrect information. While the public may have already decided that Aquino is, to a lesser or greater degree, responsible, accountable, and culpable for the tragic fate of 44 PNP Special Action Force commandoes, he appears to
have already made up his mind that he will only acknowledge some responsibility—but he will not accept any blame. And it seems that no one and nothing can change that. President Aquino, like any other leader of a country, is a human being who commits mistakes. In my opinion, he has all the chances he needs to correct those mistakes. As long as he is still the President, he has the opportunity to prove to the Filipinos that he is worthy of their trust. The President must not waste his time arguing with his critics through his speeches from
time to time. Instead, he must work harder to improve the country in all the aspects it needs to be improved. Like President Aquino, I am not a perfect leader. Every now and then, I make mistakes,
Thumbs down for non-working student IDs which were confiscated late in the semester. It negatively affected the students by obliging them to pay for a new ID, some of which will only be used until this AY’s graduation date.
February - April 2015
I doubt my decisions, and I lose selfconfidence. But if there is one vital thing that I learned as Chief Photographer, it is that when I fail, the team also fails. Still, as a leader, one must not lose courage, for they must be the source of the team’s strength to become the best that it can be. And no matter how many times a leader would fall, he must get up, learn from his mistake, and start over. A leader must be confident about their work in order to lead and set direction. The will, wisdom, and strength of being a leader are some of the things that can be learned the hard way in the process of leadership. Although it is difficult, I am beyond happy and grateful to become the head of a group of wonderful and talented people. To lead a team that wholeheartedly works hard to serve the University is one of the greatest privileges of being the leader that I am. As for the President, I hope he does not waste the few remaining time of opportunity that he has of being a leader. Governance may be the toughest job on Earth, but it is also that one job that makes you gain experiences and allows you to do great things that even CEOs do not have the privilege of accomplishing.
Various University departments offering summer programs such as seminars and workshops are contributing to the University’s revenue. This effort also promotes the development of the community’s youth.
Ang mundo ay black-and-white By Danielle Vince Capuno ‘Di man ako Chinese, naniniwala ako sa konsepto ng yin at yang; na sa bilog na mundong ‘to (o sige na nga, oblate spheroid), ay pumapaikot ang liwanag at dilim sa isa’t isa, naglalaban at nagtutunggalian para makamit ang balanse. Ang dalawang elemento na ito ay hindi magkasalungat kundi konektado sa isa’t isa. Kung bibigyang-katauhan, masasabi kong magkaribal pero matalik na magkaibigan ang dalawa. Hangad nilang lamangan ang karibal pero ‘di nila gustong puksain ang isa’t isa. Patas na labanan ang gusto nila. Walang dayaan. Habang nagsasalpukan ang kanilang mga armas, nakangiti sila dahil kilala nila ang isa’t isa. Alam nila ang kahinaan at lakas nila. Sila lang dalawa ang kayang sumalo sa mga atake ng bawat isa. Gano’n sila ka-close. Pantay ang araw at gabi. May mga panahon na mas tumatagal ang umaga sa gabi o vice versa pero quits pa rin. Gano’n tumatakbo ang mundo. Kung may araw sa umaga, may buwan sa gabi. Kung may solar eclipse, may lunar. Ang lalaki ay may katuwang na babae. Tubig at apoy, buhay at kamatayan, oposisyon at administrasyon, langit at impyerno, itim at puti, good at bad bacteria, ikaw at ‘yong crush mo, at marami pang iba. Opposite attracts, ika nga. Kakambal na ng kabutihan ang kasamaan. Ang pagkawala ng kasamaan ay kabutihan at ang pagkawala ng kabutihan ay kasamaan. Kung mawawala ang isa sa dalawa, ay mawawalan ng dahilan upang maintindihan ang konsepto ng kung sinong matitira dahil walang magdedefine dito. Kung walang kasamaan, masasabi ba nating mabuti ang isang bagay, e wala ngang kasamaan para magpatunay na mabuti ‘yon? Ang gulo. Bigyan pa natin ng mas maayos na analogy. Kung walang kasamaan, bakit kailangan pa natin ng relihiyon at Bibliya? Hindi ba’t ang layunin nito ay magbabala sa mga tao tungkol sa kasamaan? Nakakatawa nga ang mga nangangatuwirang bakit daw ba mayroong incest, prostitusyon, pang-aalipin, at kung ano-ano pang taboo sa Bibliya. Kailangan ‘yon para isiwalat ang kasamaan ng panahong ‘yon. Aminin natin na ang Sagradong Libro ay tala ng parehong kasamaan at kabutihan. *** Balance. ‘Yon lang naman ‘yon eh. Lahat tayo ay may yin at yang na dumadaloy sa ating katauhan, kailangan nating tanggapin ‘yon upang lubusang maintindihan ang ating mga sarili at upang mas realistic ang ating pananaw sa mundo. Iyon din naman ang isa sa pinakapunto ng balance: na ang ating hirap upang intindihin ang mga parte ng ating pagkatao ay para lubusan nating malaman ang papel natin sa mundong ito. Ngunit, mahaba-habang paglalakbay ito tungo sa tunay na pag-unawa sa yin at yang ng ating pagkatao. Hindi rin malayong magmistulang adventure film ang paglalakbay na ito; mapanganib ngunit magbubunga ng mga yaman na hindi mo inaakala. Paalala lang na kung lalakad sa kadiliman, magdala ng flashlight. Kung magbababad naman sa araw, magdala ng payong. Ibig kong sabihin, ‘wag nating hayaang kainin tayo ng dilim at lamunin ng liwanag. Tandaan: nakakabulag ang dilim at nakakasilaw ang liwanag. Alagaan natin ang ating mga mata, na siyang salamin sa ating mga kaluluwa.
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Lahat tayo ay may yin at yang na dumadaloy sa ating katauhan, kailangan nating tanggapin ‘yon upang lubusang maintindihan ang ating mga sarili
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Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 7
The Heraldo Filipino is accepting contributions for Witbread. Contribution is open to all students, faculty, University staff, and everyone in the DLSU-D community. Send them by 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.
Thumbs down for the inconvenience that the slow renovation of the JFH restroom has caused. This inconvenience is extended not only to the students but the faculty as well.
Volume 29 â–Ş Issue 3 | page 8
November 2014- January 2015
Volume 29 â–Ş Issue 3 | page 9
November 2014- January 2015
F E AT U R E S
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 10
February - April 2015
Cautionary tales for travelers Traveling at your own peril
By Anri Ichimura | Art by Marco Belarmino and James Tan
Every adventurous soul feels that itch to travel—to leave everything and undertake endless escapades. Yet, an adventure has its hurdles and dangers. It might be exciting to duel with danger sometimes, but one should keep an open eye out for unexpected dangers. Hitchhiking Diseases The Unfortunate Event: Before departing for parts unknown, whether local or abroad, there are some precautions to take. Aside from an absence of vaccinations, being clueless of your meal’s source can easily make you fall prey to infectious diseases in the yet unfamiliar places you’re about to travel. In parts of Southeast Asia, the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a yearround threat for incoming travelers. Transmitted via mosquitos, JE affects the nervous system, exhibits flu-like symptoms, and can lead to a fatal inflammation of the brain. Outside of Asia, one of the biggest biological threats is Ebola Virus in Africa and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in the Middle East. No matter where you are, agents of disease dwell in hopes of subtly infecting and rendering humans powerless—sometimes to the point of fatality. A Sound Solution: For travelers, vaccinations for common conditions like influenza are readily available in local clinics. However, vaccines for diseases abroad are best found at large medical institutions. Since most diseases are either transmitted via insects or via water, invest wisely in insect repellant, bottled water (or a portable water distiller kit), and a bed mosquito net to keep those parasitic bedbugs away.
Seized and Ransomed
The Unfortunate Event: It’s one thing to be robbed of valuables—it’s another thing entirely to be the item being stolen. Kidnapping is all too common in unfamiliar parts of developing areas, like Latin America. Young or old, foreign or local, kidnappers prey on unknowing travelers, usually in hopes of receiving money in exchange for the hostage’s freedom. The rise of a new class of kidnapping include express kidnappings, or secuestro kidnappings, which are hourly occurrences in Latin America. Victims of this quick, common crime will find themselves kidnapped, ransomed, or driven to an ATM machine to withdraw cash for their kidnapper, usually within a span of a handful of days. The unfortunate targets typically aren’t the wealthy, but everyday students with parents willing to pay a steep, but not impossible, ransom. A Sound Solution: Kidnappers naturally target unaccompanied individuals, so practice the buddy system. If you’re unable to find a buddy on your travels, give a trusted friend or relative details of your travels to keep them updated of your whereabouts. Another simple preventative tactic is to practice common sense by avoiding alleys that look like a set out of a horror movie.
The Rip off
The Unfortunate Event: While certain diseases might not be common in all places, there’s one danger that remains constant throughout the world—con artists. Experts in using deception to rob people blind, con artists can easily spot tourists by their wide eyes and curious stares. These criminals are something we frequently see on the silver screen, but rarely catch in real life. Like a scene out of a dramatic heist film, the Spanish Trojan horse scam involves a contortionist disappearing into a luggage bag that’s then packed into the bus cargo of a tourist bus. As the bus carries the tourists from one destination to another, the contortionist proceeds to steal valuables of nearby suitcases. The ruse was discovered by workers who witnessed the contortionist’s accomplice talking to a suitcase. Although the cons were caught, Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police of Catalonia, Spain, confirmed that the odd scam still happens to this day. Absurd crimes like these aren’t entirely uncommon. It just goes to show that no matter where you are, a con will go to any lengths to loot your wealth. A Sound Solution: To outsmart the con artists, avoid appearing like a bull’s-eye. Try not to walk around with your head buried in a map, and keep your cameras, maps, guidebooks, and wads of cash out of the sight and mind of possible scammers.
Master Mystiques
The Unfortunate Event: Someone using your money isn’t nearly as harmful as someone masquerading as you. Yet such a feat is all too easy for masters of identity theft who can easily swipe a person’s identity. Already costly to obtain legitimately, passports (particularly from the UK) are sold at around $3,400 each on the black market to fugitive criminals hungry for a new name. Another more cunning method of identity theft is through a medium that’s all too common in this time—Wi-Fi. Fake free Wi-Fi hotspots are created by devices called “pineapples,” which patch together stolen Wi-Fi credentials to masquerade as a legitimate Wi-Fi network. Once logged on, the owner of the Wi-Fi pineapple can spy on users’ private activity. What’s even more alarming is that the device is completely legal and available to purchase. Equipped with a stolen passport, and account information on anything from a credit card account to a Facebook page, a crook could walk in broad daylight pretending to be you without getting caught. A Sound Solution: To prevent that from happening, passwordlock your phone and place your important documents in safes or secure luggage. In computer shops, surf using incognito mode as it doesn’t leave a trace to be followed. If you’re in need of Wi-Fi, stick to secure password-protected WPA or WPA2 networks that are formidable opponents to hackers.
From Sunshine to Shackles
The Unfortunate Event: Every traveler has one rotten experience to relate, which can be as dreadful as witnessing human trafficking—the slavery trade of 20 million subjected to sexual exploitation, forced labor, and even the removal of organs. More often connected with the leisurely skies than the dark underworld, the travel industry has been unwittingly fostering trafficking. For every photographer, spotting a baby held in the arms of the father is an irresistible scene to capture. In the case of Tanner Wendell Stewart, an American who was touring Bulgaria, the beautiful moment was shattered when the father offered to sell his baby to Stewart for $50. As staggering as it is to witness the slave trade firsthand, it’s another thing completely to be a victim. In 2010, The UN Human Rights Council heard the heart-wrenching testimony of Jana Kohut, a Bosnian native who relocated to Slovenia for her university studies. After moving away from home, she was subsequently kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery. A Sound Solution: To prevent yourself and others from such a fate, you need to be able to identify a possible trafficking situation. Look out for promises of a better life and idealistic opportunities for your deepest dreams. Moreover, don’t be afraid to alert people of possible trafficked persons. An unknowing middleman of human trafficking, the travel industry is fighting back by training 100,000 tourism workers in 60 countries to identify and aid trafficking victims. *** Vacation fantasies always edge closer to the idealistic than the realistic, and there’s nothing worse than walking with your heads in the clouds and bumping straight into danger. So prior to hitting the road with an idealistic travel plan, be well-versed of the possible perils along the way. After all, traveling can lead to the journey of a lifetime, but the memories of a good trip can be easily tarnished by treachery during travels.
Sources: www.time.com www.nytimes.com www.huffingtonpost.com www.usatoday.com
www.telegraph.co.uk www.cdc.gov www.ohchr.org
A footnote to my mentors Gradually, their criticisms taught me to discover more ways of honing my skills in teaching and
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you have to get used to working on difficult tasks now, so that dealing with them would be easier
“
For this last column, I want to skip the ol’ “I learned things not taught in the classroom and more in my organization” essay. Of course, it’s not that I didn’t learn much in my three years in the H eraldo F ilipino (HF). Truth be told, I’ll forever be thankful to HF for giving me a lot of valuable lessons outside the classroom. This time though, I’d like to highlight how I owe much of my social, leadership, and writing skills to my excellent professors. *** When some of my professors
learned of my membership in HF, the academic pressure shot up to a higher level. Most of the time, I was expected to excel in my class— especially when it comes to written works. They assume that I have minimal or no grammatical errors at all, and my papers’ content is at its best. Of course, this is far from easy. I still commit a lot of grammatical errors every now and then. And for such high standards, it wouldn’t be hard to build hate for those professors who made my college life miserable at some point. Still, I didn’t take any of those challenges as a cue to detest my professors. Instead, I took them as stepping stones—which they kind of are in the first place.
writing. They were even the first to give me important references, congratulate me on my published articles, and send me writing
workshop invitations. What appear to be harsh comments and high standards to others were simply reminders that mediocrity shouldn’t be an option. Such expectations taught me that you have to get used to working on difficult tasks now, so that dealing with them would be easier in the future. Certainly, those hell weeks developed my skills into finishing tasks in HF and my academics with speed and quality combined. Aside from honing my writing and teaching skills, they also taught me to be a good teacher and editor. They were quick to remind me, especially my professors in College of Education, that I should conduct myself as an educator in everything that I will do in and outside the
school. True enough, I didn’t just write comments and scribble red marks on articles I edit. As one of my staff said, I made sure that they know more than concepts—I made sure that they understood and can apply what they learned the same way my professors made me realize that the manifestation of comprehension is effective application. Even now, these professors continue to teach me and my classmates more about the teaching profession and my chosen major: English. Their passion for teaching is unwavering. I feel privileged enough to be their student—just as I feel lucky to be part of the University’s official student publication.
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 11
Under the microscope: Wanderlust
F E AT U R E S
February - April 2015
By Cerisse Madlangbayan | Photos by Jerome Quinto
Summer has come and the whispers of vacation have turned into fullon chatters. Whether you’ll be stuck at home, Googling about things to do when bored, or you’ll be out there lying on a beach, you could still get itchy feet and feel a sudden desire to go someplace else.
This feeling might consume you—you might start flipping through travel magazines and salivating over a picture of Tuscan green pastures or the view on Machu Picchu. That intense feeling—if not delirium—might be a little something called wanderlust.
Wander-what?
Wanderlust, according to psychologydictionary.org, is that “propensity or drive to wander or roam with no intended destination or purpose.” Otherwise known as itchy feet or travel bug, it’s basically a strong desire to travel. Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC)’s website says that the travel bug can mean many things, from taking a break from school or work, to leaving everything behind for a life on the road. Although it seems simple, QUIC says it’s more than just something people can get over with; it might also have underlying “societal misconceptions.” For long, we have been told to contribute to the community in some way like acquiring a job, and then settling down in one place. When people don’t settle down, we usually see them as vagabonds, migrants, or “nomads.” As QUIC informs, it is as if these people are “unfit to receive the same benefits from the state as those who contribute on a regular basis.” On that note, the book Travelling in Different Skins: Gender Identity in European Women’s Oriental Travelogues, 1850-1950 by Dúnlaith Bird states that in the fourteenth century, vagabonds were considered as a “social plague.” Vagabondage was viewed negatively then and maybe even now because it expresses deviation from common “social norms.” While it might not be perceived well back in the days, writer Marie Arana says in her The Washington Post book review on Maud Casey’s The Man Who Walked Away that wanderlust or the desire for travel and adventure birthed a “whole genre of literature.” It’s practically impossible not to come across an adventure book; just think of Indiana Jones and Gulliver’s Travels.
In history even, science editor Ian Sample reports in his The Guardian article that it was our female ancestors driven by wanderlust who moved into new areas while the males stayed behind. Steve Connor, science editor of The Independent, explains in his article early women had to go forth and multiply, while men stayed home that it’s possible our ancestors had a “social structure.” This structure possibly dictates that females were either driven out or moved away on their own upon adolescence while men were left to defend their area. Whichever way you view it, some of you might have experienced wanderlust at least once in your life; for others, it could be in their genes.
The travelling genes
If you’ve ever had that insatiable need to explore places you’ve never been to and learn about unfamiliar culture and languages, then you might just have the wanderlust gene. DRD4 is a gene related to the happy and feel-good chemical, dopamine. According to reporter Debra Black’s article Did a ‘novelty gene’ ensure man’s survival? on Canada’s news site thestar.com, this gene has various versions or variants, and one of them is DRD4-7R, This gene is pretty rare since it is carried by only “20 percent of all humans,” writer David Dobbs reports in his article Restless Genes on the National Geographic magazine’s website. He even adds that the 7R makes people take more risks and open to change and adventure. However, editor Dan Scotti’s article The wanderlust gene: why some people are born to travel on online news site Elite Daily states that although those who carry the variant might be inclined to have wanderlust, these people can also be more out of control and possibly have Neanderthalic or sensation-seeking behavior. Apparently, according to activist and author Garret LoPorto on huffingtonpost.com, DRD4-7R is also basically dubbed as a Neanderthal gene. Many researches even associate 7R to migration. As informed by the article, a 1999 study led by the now-professor Chuansheng Chen, the variant is more prevalent in “migratory cultures” compared to “settled ones.” While one might think only people may have the wanderlust gene, it is discovered in this one specific kind of fish too. The UBC Science website mentioned that the wanderlust gene might have effects on a stickleback fish’s inclination to move and relocate.
Asian travels
Best summer festivals in Asia By Jessone Purificacion | Photos taken from the internet
Chinese food, Bollywood, and Manny Pacquiao aside, Asia could also brag about its vibrant and thrilling festivals. Asian festivities have a variety of things to offer to the world—from a race up the towers of buns and spectacular lantern shows, to playful water gun fights and strutting water buffalos, Asia has it all for you. Here are some Asian summer festivals, which you definitely should include in your travel goals.
Splurge and purge: Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival Where: Thailand When to visit: April 13-15 As a kid, you might have once wished for a longer New Year celebration because it meant no school and more time for play. Apparently, Thais have been living this dream for a long time. During summer in Thailand, locals and tourists from other parts of the globe celebrate Thai New Year for three days. Originally, the festival is set by calendar calculation but now, Songkran has a fixed date every April 13-15. Songkran is a time for everybody to indulge in the best summer cooler: water. During this festival, water serves purpose other than rehydration. Instead, you have to use it to get others soaked. In case you’re planning to visit Thailand during this festivity, gear up with water guns, balloons, or anything that could splurge water at others. For three days, the streets of the Land of Smiles transform into battlefields of wet wars. The drenching of water signifies spiritual cleansing for Thais. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat while doing some spiritual cleansing, Songkran is the festival for you.
Fun with buns: Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Where: Cheung Chau, Hong Kong When to visit: (Eighth Day of the Fourth Lunar Month) Usually on May No, Bun Festival is not a festival wherein free hot buns are given away to people—it is much better than that. This Chinese festival highlights a bun tower climbing competition, which is literally like the Hunger Games, minus the violence. In this competition, twelve volunteers will be trained by professional mountaineers to race and collect as many buns as they can from a 14-meter high Bun Tower—a cylindrical tower covered by buns made of plastic (for hygiene purposes). Of course, the one who gets the most buns wins. Tourists can also wait for the parade which showcases children in costumes which seem to float in the air—an illusion made possible by steel rods. People who join the parade can also groove to the dragon and tiger dances.
Sky full of lanterns: Lotus Lantern Festival Where: Seoul, South Korea When to visit: between late April and early May During the Lotus Lantern Festival in Korea, it’s as if the stars (no, I don’t mean your K-Pop idols) descend from the skies to gather in Seoul. Thousands of lanterns are lit and hung along Jongno Street in Seoul throughout this Korean festivity, which lasts for two weeks. With the spectacle the lanterns create, it will not be strange if you’ll suddenly have this urge to hum that Bruno Mars song. Lotus Lantern Festival is celebrated in honor of Buddha’s birthday. So, aside from indulging your eyes and ears with the lights and various cultural performances, you could also feast on sumptuous Buddhist temple dishes like steamed rice cake and kimchi, which are sold during this festival. Plus, you might even get a chance to see your favorite Korean star enjoying the festival, too.
However, Dr. Luke Matthews says in Debra Black’s article on thestar.com that there is connection between migration and the wanderlust gene, but doesn’t believe that “the gene triggered the migration.”
Travelling fugue
Normally, we don’t think of migration when we hear the word “wanderlust.” What people may remember is usually either the comedy film or the urban slang defined by the desire to go out into nature. What they don’t know is that this strong desire to travel actually has ties to a rare condition called dissociative fugue, with fugue meaning “flight” in Latin. This condition, formerly known as wanderlust, is characterized by travelling away from home and a sudden inability to remember one’s “autobiographical memory” or past, the book Memory, Aging and the Brain: A Festschrift in Honour of Lars-Göran Nilsson by Lars-Göran Nilsson, Lars Bäckman, and Lars Nyberg states. Instead of being a separate diagnosis, the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) says that this psychiatric disorder is now classified under dissociative amnesia. Dissociative amnesia is a condition where the person blocks out pertinent personal information and may be due to trauma or stress, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)’s website. While “wanderlust,” which sounds like a good title for a heartbreak song, is a term used more loosely, dissociative fugue is no laughing matter. For one, it is not just simply the love for exploring and travelling; it could also be a dissociative disorder, which Cleveland Clinic’s website explains is a group of disorders that interrupts mental functions like memory, awareness, and identity. It is not just about the desire to go places; it also includes the inability to recall about your past and who you are. *** This summer, it’s almost unavoidable to get the metaphorical itchy feet, whether it’d be due to the blistering temperature or an extreme desire to go travel and have an adventure. While the rare dissociative amnesia is a concern, getting bitten by the travel bug—during the summer break, no less—isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Carabaos’ day out: Pulilan Carabao Festival Where: Bulacan, Philippines When to visit: May 14-15 Everybody deserves a day-off and so do our ever-industrious carabaos. Good thing Pulilan Carabao Festival was created to honor these hardworking beasts. During the festival, carabaos (water buffalos) in Pulilan, Bulacan receive a day off from work to get a spa deluxe from their owners where they will be bathed and dressed in fancy dresses. Some carabaos even receive a relaxing whole body massage. After long hours of pampering, the carabaos are made to strut in their colorful dresses in a parade to the church to kneel before San Isidro Labrador— the patron saint of farmers. Visit Pulilan Carabao Festival and let the carabaos amaze you with their vibrant and cool costumes and dancing tricks. However, spectators should be cautious about carabaos having tantrums. Perhaps, these diligent creatures feel the pressure of instant stardom, too.
Bang Fai into the Roof: Rocket Festival Where: Laos When to visit: Usually on May (sixth month of the Lunar calendar) If you’re ready to go a little extreme this summer, then fly to Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival in Laos. An exciting summer with rockets await in this Laotian festival. In a battle of creativity and strategy, the Laos Rocket Festival is the summer highlight as different communities in Laos compete in improvising rockets by using bamboos. The competition doesn’t end with the contestants coming up with a good design—the bamboo rockets have to be functional. This Laotianbased rain ritual is perfectly secured by an organizing committee, so you don’t have to fret over rockets going awry. Aside from rocket launching, the consequence for those with defect rockets is both fun and crazy. Clue: people get thrown down muddy waters. Now that’s a lot of pressure! *** It’s not surprising that Asian countries which are known for hospitality and collectivist culture could create and host the biggest, if not the best, gatherings in the world. So before you go exploring other continents, perhaps it is best to be familiar with the one where we reside.
Sources: www.english.visitkorea.or.kr www.southeastasiabackpacker.com www.tourismlaos.org
www.bulacan.gov.ph www.cheung-chau.com www.cute-calendar.com
LITERARY
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 12 12
November February January - January - April 2015 2014
Of stones and embers By John Joseph Gementiza
They always thought that I was a lizard. Never did they expect that this lizard would burn their faces into oblivion. They called me a lizard but I believed that I am a dragon.
All the ruse By Chelsea Montilla
Stupidity “Keep out of reach of children,” read the paper on the bottle of sulfuric acid Amanda’s six-yearold daughter was recapping as she sat among the clutter of small plastic tea cups near the still body of the babysitter.
Taken away “Mommy, why do you have the same name?” asked Emma as she tugged on her mommy’s dress, staring at the tear that traveled down to his beard, calling his attention away from the marble stone where Emma’s birthdate was engraved.
Wishful thinking Each night as you matured, you were fascinated by how I twinkle when you look up to me, wondering and wishing, you could own me when the right time comes. But you screamed and cried as I granted your wish and fell into Earth, surprised you weren’t glad to see me this close.`
The Jump By Nishtha Nigam Peroppi fuchsia gills, legless, lean and green nephew of Keroppi and Keroleen, Fan of all things beyond the pond, Fears being stranded in the monotonous, endless blue and never getting to leap to new boundaries, Needs to spring from his past to leap to his future, Bestows shivers to those he touches, Would like to catch and taste winged opportunities, Resident of the DLSU-D lake, Hasunoue.
What politicians do not read book itself is slim). But that’s all—they read but it did not make much difference. It did not urge them to make a difference. I guess that’s the problem with leaders who do not expose themselves to other kinds of reading materials, which is comparable to not exposing yourself to people of different social classes and religion when your task is to govern supposedly all citizens of a country. They will never understand how fiction, and reality, really works. They
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the way [politicians] present themselves to the public shows what kind of reading they commit themselves to
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Now that I am about to leave the University, I would say that one of the interesting things college has taught me was that many politicians in the Philippines nowadays, both from inside and outside the University, are not the smartest on some huge accounts in life. Notice that during election period, the first thing a candidate would usually boast about is his academic achievements and how he became a diamond when he was born an ordinary rock. I have nothing against it because it is a story of success. But as they continue to parade themselves to the public, it becomes more obvious that they unconsciously support poor literacy in the Philippines. They may be carrying tons of gold medals and awards as students but all these only support their abilities as a person—not as someone who can effectively lead the country. Every time I saw the line-up of candidates every election, I wonder what kind of books I would find in their houses when I get a chance to visit. I think about their favorite authors, both
local and international. I get curious about the genre of books they collect or how many essays they’ve written during their vacant periods in the congress. And I am hopeful that they find time reading literary books too because accounts of real life politics are twisted and improvised there, showing the worst and the best samples of how to govern effectively. Literature not only exercises our creative thinking but it also helps us feel empathy for others by seeing things from someone else’s point of view—which cannot be found in a non-literary textbook. And through a deeper understanding from literature, they will know upfront that most of the songs, especially those that are raps, and works of fiction such as poems and stories are about them and their profession—further proving that their gold medals do not take account of their ability to comprehend the basic English lesson of “figures of speech.” Or perhaps, if they really read, they should not let a development authority write a letter of protest to Dan Brown’s Inferno just because the book mentioned that Manila, with all its problems; traffic-jam, child trafficking, poverty, environmental issues, was called “the gates of hell.” Looking at the other side, at least, they read the Inferno article on the Internet (because chances that they got the information from the
will never get sliced open by metaphors and innuendoes no matter how sharp the words are. Any of Gloc9’s songs, as accurate as they may be, will never shake a government because they themselves do not understand the song. Or if just in case they do, then maybe I can now call
them heartless and numb beings who proclaim that they care for their people. Just two years ago, Senator Sotto was accsused by the masses of plagiarizing a speech of former US President John F. Kennedy— proving how some of them are ignorant in some basic areas of being a politician. I can choose: ignorant or heartless. Maybe politicians will never understand a sentence unless it is delivered as straightforward as the articles in The Philippine Constitution—their Bible that not all of them understands either. It is not an excuse to say that they are politicians and therefore, they shall focus only on making rules for the country and lead, because there are many politicians from other countries who write fictional novels (I am willing to enumerate all if Google does not exist). I am not saying that ours should write too. Reading will make them better at writing and critical thinking. I know they read but the way they present themselves to the public shows what kind of reading they commit themselves into. And if one day they grab a book that needs a deeper understanding of metaphors, then it is never too late to oppose this article and prove that I am wrong for saying that politicians are not the smartest in all trades.
LITERARY
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 3 | page 13
February - April 2015 November - January
Isang kahon ng krayola By Danielle Vince Capuno
VIII
I
KAlauna’y iniwan din nila akong YUmuyugyog na lang sa lumalangitngit na upuan MANGmang na daw at walang puwang, GIniginaw, inaagiw, at ‘di na makagalaw.
Dadating ang mga anghel at Iikot ang mga ito sa paligid. Lalabas ang isang munting kerubin. Ang lahat ng tao ay magpapalakpakan para sa Waging laban ng panibagong silang.
VII
II
Bawat butil ng abo na isinaboy sa dagat ay nagpapaalala sa Ubaning ulong tanaw kapag Ginagawang sasakyan ang kanyang balikat. Habang nakapangko sa puting bundok ng buhok na ito At giniginaw sa pag-aabang ng umaga, Walang kasing gandang lilitaw ang sikat ng araw.
Kinumutan ng kahel na sutla Ang langit at mga ulap. Hinele nito ang Eroplanong Lulan ang aking bayani.
III
VI
Lalabanan ang sakit ng mga hampas ng kamao at Iindahin at titiisin ang lahat ng hapdi ng mga pasa. Lalabas at tatakbo sa tindahan para bumili ng Alak na magpapahinto sa malalaking bisig na ito.
Ikaw ang dahilan ng kahibangang ito. Tinungga ko lahat ng mga peke mong halik. Ikaw ang dahilan nito at hindi ang Mapait na alak na gumuguhit sa’king lalamunan.
V
Panahon na naman para Umahon sa kampo ng terorista. Lumabas at bumulwak sa kanyang armalayt Ang pulang dugo—ang aking hatol.
Stand by By Maria Anthonette Gadon New rites, Strangers—the only audience left. Claps, cries, hugs, and goodbyes still not for me, Mommy.
IV
Lagi-laging ensayo at Unti unti akong nagiging dalubhasa. Nagpapanggap. Tumatalikod. Itago ang sarili.
Someone’s dream By Ishiel Aniñon Tears rolled Down my wrinkles As I toss the grad cap from my son’s head. My smile wide His, none
Apollo’s Muse By Rochelle Rivera Billions of stars make up the sky and yet, they don’t seem to catch my attention the way her thick eyeliner and dark eye shadow does. And when those beauty products blindfold her, she goes by borrowing sight from a star. When we kissed, her breath contaminated me with moon dust from her lungs, wreaking havoc on my senses—with her taste burning in my mouth like spicy-flavored ice cream and her scent sending an unregistered static in my chest while my vision kept swirling. When I dared to touch her face, she shunned me with the cracks of her wrists. They were forming craters of stories embedded by deep impact. When she unzipped the tight black dress that kept her remaining parts hidden from me, I let out a gasp. For a moment I was staring out in space, gazing at the full view of her skin flawed by the collision of asteroids and comets which she was unable to escape from. It was beautiful and sad. With her fingertips, she guided where I should land my lips. And I felt lighter and lighter—losing gravity— like I was levitating in her atmosphere. The next thing I knew, the black dress was back on and she was slipping away from me, slowly disappearing from my sight. It wasn’t long till I realized that she turned the tides inside me, manipulating the rise and fall of my chest—making me more desperate to crash into her once more. It would have taken much longer hours, days, even a month to get to see all her phases— but tonight was enough for me.
SPORTS
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 14
February - April 2015
Cagebelles rank third, drop NCRAA crown
By Fernan Patrick Flores
The DLSU-D cagebelles exited the 22nd season of the National Capital Region Athletics Association (NCRAA) basketball women league after they bowed down to the Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite (EAC-C) Lady Generals with a tight 72-76 score in the second game of the semi-finals round at the Makati Coliseum on February 17. Late comeback
The Lady Patriots led by as much as 15 points in the third quarter, before the Lady Generals stormed back and took a 64-65 edge with 4:05 left in the game. EAC-C’s Raymundo spearheaded his team from a 4-0 run through two consecutive layups that pushed their advantage further, 64-69. Highlighting an abrupt comeback, Patriot veteran Khaterine Mangahas blasted two doubles inside the final three minutes along with Divine Diaz’s free throw shot that leveled the scores at 70all. Points seesawed for a moment as both teams showcased astonishing defense that forced another deadlock, 72-all. The green-and-white team’s score froze at 72 as Lady General Ponce unleashed an unstoppable jump shot followed by Valenzuela’s layup that sent the Patriots out the NCRAA stint, 72-76.
Impressive start
The Lady Patriots built a strong opening quarter through MJ de Leon and Mangahas who fired early
three-pointers, 6-0. Attempting to snatch the lead, EAC-C cut their deficit down to two but the greenand-white cagebelles immediately heightened their advantage to 14 points, 18-4. DLSU-D’s Crystel Hilot released a swift layup assisted by de Leon to end the first period, 21-9. Maintaining the scoring rhythm in the second quarter, Mangahas led the Patriots to a 10-1 scoring spree, 31-10. In the middle of the period, DLSU-D committed series of fouls and violations that recharged the fading hopes of the Emilians. The Lady Generals gradually got back on track in the last minutes of the first half as the combination of Ponce, Raymundo, and Valenzuela decreased their shortfall to ten, 35-25. The clash between the two teams thrilled the crowd in the first part of third quarter as they exchanged shots until the scores climbed to 4030. As the clock ticked at 5:40, the Lady Patriots missed several ball possessions as the red-and-white cagebelles powered up their offense which helped Raymundo to easily secure three consecutive layups, 40-36. DLSU-D immediately widened the gap between the scores after de Leon sank two straight triples in just a span of 30 seconds, 46-36. Mangahas singlehandedly pulled up their lead after releasing nonstop sure-fire shots until the 3:00 time marked, 51-38. During the last two minutes of third period, turnovers persisted as both teams struggled to retain possession of the ball but they both immediately maximized the remaining time after exchanging shots, 57-42.
Lady spikers fail to defend NCRAA crown RTU Lady Thunder dethrones Patriots By Queenee Manaog
DOMINATE. Bagging 42 medals, the DLSU-D tankers extended their supremacy in PRISAA-Regionals swimming competition from January 30-31 held at Sienna College – Taytay Rizal. Jerome Quinto CAGEBELLES from page 16 sank in two points with seven seconds on the shot clock remaining, 37-29. The Rizal-based cagebelles lengthen their score as the final quarter initiated with Manahan firing a three-pointer, succeeded by a layup, 37-34. Cavite halted Rizal’s pace, pumping in consecutive points through their opponents’ offensive fouls, 44-34, but Rizal managed to bounce back as Buenamente and Junnelyn Quitomo lifted the team through baskets and a free throw, 44-39. SPIKERS from page 16 squad to gain points as they hurled an interchange of attacks and errors, 6-4. Stuck in their faults, Adam, E. Kasim, and Castro chipped in points for the blue-and-white team, and tied the scores to 7-all. Snatching the lead from their opponents, the Rizal spikers lifted their team as they retaliated with spikes, 9-12. The Caviteños,
Preventing Rizal from stretching their score, Almariego, Pasaol, and Dorio secured points consecutively for Cavite after Manahan and Ma. Victoria Tuazon added three points to Rizal’s tally, 50-42. Exchange of free throw shots dominated the last minute of the quarter until Dorio pitched one out of two free throw shot courtesy of Manahan’s foul, 53-47. Preceding the championship victory, the Cavite-based cagebelles outlasted Batangas in their only match in the eliminations round, 50-44.
however, quickly took away the lead through I. Kasim and Adam’s combination of offensive play, 16-14. The blue-and-white team managed to earn another point from I. Kasim’s service error but they committed five consecutive faults, handing the Cavite squad a 5-1 run, 21-15. Despite their few errors, the Caviteños successfully
defended their throne against Rizal as Sapida and E. Kasim buried kills on the opposite court before I. Kasim finally sealed the match with his winning spike, 25-19. Garnering awards, Adam, John Mark Pomada, and I. Kasim secured slots in the mythical six namely best receiver, best libero, and most valuable player, respectively.
Dropping the crown, the defending champions DLSU-D lady spikers bowed to the Rizal Technological University (RTU) Lady Thunders in a best-ofthree women’s volleyball championship of the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) 2015 held at the Philippine Merchant Marine School gymnasium on March 12. Thunders’ comeback
After the Patriots captured the championship against RTU last year, the Lady Thunders stormed back this season of NCRAA and thrashed the greenand-white volleybelles in the finals game one. Despite bagging the game two of the finals match, the Patriots experienced an early downfall during the first set of the do-ordie game three, 24-26. Dragging their misfortune to the second set, the green-and-white volleybelles failed to bounce back as the Lady Thunders buried spikes on the opposite court, 7-10. The RTU squad continuously battered the Patriots through Nicole Aquino’s block
and Sky Chavez’s service aces, 7-12. Lady Thunders Rosalie Egoc and Aquino followed up with a spike and service ace, respectively, after Chavez gave the Patriots a point with her service error, 8-14. Both teams exchanged attacks until Patriots Maribeth Lara and Mara Galicia broke the rhythm with their kills, 1217. Trimming their deficit, Lara together with Ladeisheen Magbanua hurled spikes before a green-and-white error, 14-19. The Patriots managed to revive themselves after several faults as Lara, Yongco, and Galicia consecutively pounded kills to their opponents and closed the gap to 21-23. The digits tied as Rowena Quinto of RTU committed a service error before Lara struck a spike, 23-all. However, the Lady Thunders secured the set as Monique Guia smashed a down-the-line spike before Shana Costillas defended their court from Lara’s spike, 23-25. Opening the third set with a tight match, Yongco and Lara set off the third set with a greenand-white advantage which Guia and Costillas quickly answered with kills and service ace, 2-3. The Patriots managed to tie the game to 5-all but Galicia and
Myka Tiangco committed faults that gave RTU the lead, 5-7. On the other hand, the Patriots lost their trail and committed seven consecutive offensive and defensive errors after Lara’s kill settled the blue-and-white squad up at 6-14. Increasing their lead, Lady Thunders Porcia Lim and Chavez pitched in more points to their team before Galicia’s outside spike, 7-17. Guia drafted another digit for RTU after the Patriots tried to recover through Galicia and Yongco’s attacks, 11-18. Garnering points from the opponent’s errors, the Cavitebased squad retaliated and cut the deficit, 15-20. Losing their grip to their crown, the green-and-white volleybelles failed to defend their court from Guia and Costillas’ spikes followed by Quinto’s service ace, 15-23. Exchanging attacks, Yongco hurled a kill while Costillas set off a drop shot, 16-24. Finishing the match without their crown, the Patriots bowed to the Lady Thunders as Galicia hit the ball outside the perimeter after Lara’s spike, 17-25. Although the Patriots failed to snatch this season, Lara, Galicia, and Cindy Amutan secured slots in the mythical six namely best attacker, best receiver, and best libero, respectively.
Nasilaban na ang mitsa exam at hindi siya nagkukulang sa pagpasa ng mga takdang aralin kaya naman kaduda-duda ang sobrang babang grado na
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Kakaunti pa lang ito sa marami pang ibang reklamo na nananatili na lang sa isip ng mga estudyante
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Bago ang lahat, nais ko lamang linawin na hindi magsasara ang programang BGM (Bachelor of Science in Graphics Design and Multimedia) ngunit maaring mawawalan lamang ito ng enrollees dahil na rin sa papalapit na K to 12. Anumang maling konteksto na naiparating ng nakaraan kong column ay wala sa aking intensyon. *** Noong nakaraan lamang ay kumalat ang video ng salutatorian ng Sto. Niño Parochial School na si Krisel Mallari kung saan pinipigilan siya ng mga guro na ilahad ang kanyang speech sa kanilang graduation. Kanyakanyang opinyon ang naglabasan
at marami ang sumang-ayon kay Mallari at isa ako sa mga humanga sa katapangang ipinamalas niya. Bilang isang estudyante sa kolehiyo, naisip ko lang na tila nawawala na sa atin ang lakas ng loob na ipaglaban ang mga ideya at sitwasyong sa tingin natin ay kailangang iwasto. Hindi naman natin kailangang mag-post din ng videos at hintaying maging viral ito—kaya naman nating idaan ang pag-aayos ng mga gusot na ito sa simple at mahinahong paraan. Katulad na lang ng ilang problema natin sa ilang propesor. May isa akong kakilala na hindi ko na lang papangalanan ngunit naging problema niya ang isa naming subject dahil sa kuwestiyonableng pagko-compute ng aming mga marka. Bilang magaaral ng klase na iyon, alam naming mataas ang grado na nakukuha ng nasabing kakilala sa mga quiz at
nakuha niya. Sa totoo lang, halos lahat kami ay nagtataka dahil hindi makatarungan ang grade na nakukuha namin sa subject na iyon.
Lumapit man kami sa propesor upang itanong ang breakdown ng aming grades, malabo ang pagkakapaliwanag niya at hindi rin sapat ang eksplanasyon na nakukuha namin dahilan upang tumigil na lang kami sa pangungulit. Sa kabilang banda, nakadidismaya naman ang ibang mga propesor katulad na lang ng isa naming guro sa isang asignatura na mistulang walang isang salita. Sa isang insidenteng naranasan naming magkakaklase, hindi siya sumipot sa isang usapan na siya naman mismo ang nagtakda. Nakalulungkot na may ilang propesor na sila pa mismo ang sumisira sa kanilang salita, dahilan upang mabawasan ang tiwala at respeto ng mga estudyante sa kanila. Kakaunti pa lang ito sa marami pang ibang reklamo na nananatili
na lang sa isip ng mga estudyante at naghihintay lang na maisiwalat. Ngunit ang problema, baka manatili na nga lamang talaga ito sa ating mga isipan dahil tikom lang ang ating mga bibig kahit na nilalamon na mismo tayo ng mga kamalian. Siguro, malaking factor din kasi sa atin na tayo’y mga estudyante pa lamang, takot na sa oras na magsalita na tayo tungkol sa ating mga napapansin ay baka tayo pa ang mapasama o mapaginitan. Mabuti na lang rin siguro at lumabas ang video na nabanggit dahil parang nagsasabi ito na simulan na nating mas maging matapang ngunit, siyempre, kailangan pa rin nating lumugar. Kung kikimkimin lang natin ang lahat, walang mangyayari at ang inaasahan nating pagbabago ay mananatiling mithiin na lamang kung wala tayong gagawin.
SPORTS
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 15
PRISAA BRIEFS By Fernan Patrick Flores
Karatekas rule reg’ls meet The DLSU-D karatekas clinched success in the Private School Athletics Association (PRISAA) - Regionals karatedo competition as they bagged five gold and three silver medals on February 1 at Siena College – Taytay Rizal. In the men’s division, the trio of veteran Michael Sumulong, and rookies Anton Alejandrino and Darren Carcellar dominated the group matches as they placed first and second in the team kata and team kumite events, respectively. Contributing two gold medals, Sumulong topped the individual kata and -55 kg bout after outlasting Laguna in both events. Meanwhile, Patriots Alejandrino and Carcellar sat at the second spot after kneeling to Laguna’s Kurt Aguilar and Cristopher Adalin in the -67 kg and -75 kg matches, respectively. Lady karateka Kennie Ramirez singlehandedly bannered the Patriot’s flag in the women’s division after notching two gold medals in the individual kata and -55 kg matches.
Jins harvest 6 medals
Bagging one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in the PRISAA - Regionals taekwondo competition, the Patriot jins knocked out their rival from Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon on January 31 at Siena College – Taytay Rizal. Clinching the only gold for their team, green-and-white jin Fernan Ecalarde bested other participants in the featherweight match. Meanwhile, Aries Abelardo and Er-John Marquez both sat at the third spot in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, respectively. Notching silver medals for the lady karatekas, Patriots Jhalyne Juanillo and Janica Parpan fell short in the finweight and middleweight matches. Completing their medal tally, Clare Failanga chipped in a bronze medal in the welterweight round.
Chessers book 3 nat’ls ticket
Extending the Patriot’s supremacy in the regional chapter, the DLSU-D wood pushers gathered three gold, two silver, and a bronze medal as they victoriously concluded the PRISAA – Regionals chess tournament at Siena College – Taytay Rizal, on January 30 to February 1. In the men’s division, Patriot Mario Abragon topped the Board 3 event. Meanwhile, John Edison Gedez sat on the third spot in Board 2. Ruling the Board 2 and 3 events, Christine Hernandez and Maythan Pangan led the lady chessers in securing the national’s slot. Adding two silver medals, Lindsay Mendoza and Paula Manalo captured second place in Board 1 and 4 matches, respectively.
Paddlers hail as over-all champs
Besting other contenders from Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal, the DLSU-D paddlers obtained three gold and one silver record of medals in PRISAA - Regionals table tennis competition at Siena College – Taytay Rizal, January 31 to February 1. Performing their quick foot works with agility, the new duo of Michael Luigi Jose and rookie Marthy del Rosario stunned the smashers from Quezon and Batangas. In the men’s singles A event, Steven Evangelista effortlessly achieved victory as he thrashed Laguna’s Gabrielle Bayedo and Batangas’ Wilson Mayuga. On the other hand, Green-and-white paddler neophytes Rosalyn Zapanta and Celine Pagtakhan joined forces to conquer the women’s doubles event as they edged contenders from Laguna and Batangas. Meanwhile, the combination of Marc Dulguime and Catherine Villafranca slipped at second spot after bowing down to Batangas’ Marvin Llaga and Kathrine Promentilla.
Shuttlers reap 6 medals The DLSU-D shuttlers earned three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals counter to Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal in the PRISAA - Regionals badminton tournament held at Valley Fair Aerodome, Taytay, Rizal, from January 30-31. Acquiring the championship title in the men’s doubles event, Patriot duo Aleckhine Aquino and Franklin Closas whitewashed Laguna smashers Sanderlee Ibrahim and James Pesquisa. Clinching a bronze, Carl Eugenio surrendered to Quezon’s Paolo Oliveros and Laguna’s Cristopher Marcos after a defeat in singles B. Patriot Danica Rose Enriquez succumbed to a defeat as she sat on the second spot against Quezon representative Claudine Villanueva. Contributing a bronze medal, Jaclyn de Leon fell short in the women’s singles A event. Dominating the women’s doubles event, the Patriots and Crusaders merged as Gilly Chavez and Alyssia Rubio sealed a gold victory against other contenders. On the other hand, Patriots John Michael Navarro and Camille Cabahug dominated the mixed doubles match that tallied another gold for DLSU-D.
VOLLEYBELLES from page 16 advantage increased through Lara’s two continuous errors, 13-18. Stretching UB’s lead, a rampant Montecer placed in three succeeding aces while Jamilla towered a solid defense, 14-22. Dominating the set, DLSU-D’s Yongco’s attacking error plus Montenegro’s nonstop service aces tallied UB’s second point of the game, 15-25. The Brahman duo of Ronnalie Castor and Montecer marked an early 4-0 advantage by maintaining a strategic offense in the opening of the
fourth set. The Lady Patriots and Lady Brahmans alternated in scoring before Yongco discharged a spike, 5-9. The green-and-white spikers lost several chance balls in the middle of the set as they miscalculated attacks that gave a seven-point lead to the opponent, 7-14. Cutting their deficit, Lara’s pair of attacks plus Abalos’ towering defense raised their team by four, 11-15. On the other hand, UB unstoppably released outraging attacks to extend their gap by four, 11-19. Towing the Brahman’s victory
closer, the Lady Patriots accumulated series of errors before Jamilla finally booked the national’s ticket through a quick hit, 18-25.
Spiking highlights
In the eliminations round, the Cavite-based spikers pulverized the squad of Rizal in a 25-13, 25-18, and 25-21 triumph. However, DLSU-D succumbed to a 19-25, 12-25, and 18-25 defeat in their first encounter against UB. Securing the final’s slot, the Lady Patriots outshone the Laguna spikers with a 25-11, 25-21, 19-25, and 25-10 verdict.
February - April 2015
Blue Thunders cut off Patriots in NCRAA 2015
Cagers exit tourney on eliminations By Queenee Manaog Failing to return to the championships, the Patriots ended their feat early after recording losses against Philippine School of Business Administration, Olivarez College, Philippine Merchant Marine School, and Rizal Technological University (RTU), and a single victory against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Cavite in the men’s basketball eliminations of the 22nd National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) held at the Olivarez College gymnasium, February 3.
Biding farewell to the league
On their final bout in the tournament, the Patriots battled against the RTU Blue Thunders during the eliminations. Setting off the match on the losing side, the green-and-white cagers fell behind the Blue Thunders as Ronnie Mayuyo and Storm Riva fired shots and free throws, 2-6. Patriot Luke Parcero trimmed their deficit with a basket but Riva and his teammate Algin Justiniani scored two consecutive layups, 4-10. The Cavite-based squad exchanged scoring with their opponent after their time out, however, the Blue Thunders already pulled their lead away at the end of the first quarter, 9-17. During the second period, the Patriots dragged their scores up as Jeoffrey Acain and Aril
Esperanza alternated in banking shots after blue-and-white Kerr Bangeles’s two consecutive quarter-launching baskets, 15-21. Although Blue Thunder Renel Montecillo detonated a threepointer, Patriots Cliford Castro and Esperanza kept their team’s momentum as they combined in assists and points, 21-24. Finally cutting their deficit, the greenand-white cagers led the match as Esperanza commanded the squad to three-point advantage, 28-25. But the DLSU-D’s upper hand disappeared immediately as Bangeles and teammate Alvin Pronto quickly recovered and led the game at the end on the first canto, 30-31. After both teams tied scores at 33-all, the Blue Thunders again stretched their lead through Pronto’s jump shots and Roque Estoce’s free throw from John Vernon Sablan’s foul, 33-39. Despite the Patriots’s attempt to forerun the match, Mayuyo fired two-of-two free throws from Sablan’s unsportsmanlike foul before Blue Thunder Cyrus Tabi’s layup, 40-44. Both teams alternated in scoring and finished the third quarter with 45-48. Launching the fourth quarter, the Blue Thunders headed by Pronto heated the court as he exchanged hurling shots with the Patriots before Mayuyo unleashed two free throws and a jump shot, 51-
58. Leading their team to victory, Tabi thrusted blueand-white shots to the basket that pulled down the Cavitebased squad, 57-66. On the other hand, Parcero and Acain teamed up in regaining their deficit while the Blue Thunders still managed to capture additional digits, 6469. The Blue Thunders got nailed at 69 as Parcero and Sablan consecutively fired the leather and paved a way for an overtime, 69-69.
Downfall on overtime
During the do-or-die five minutes for the Patriots, Sablan tied the game after Mayuyo’s basket opened the overtime quarter, 71all. Handing the lead to their team, Parcero plunged a jump shot on the basket after Pronto scored oneof-two free thrower from Castro’s pushing foul, 73-72. With their eye on victory, Acain released a jump shot with two minutes remaining on clock, 75-72. However, Mayuyo shot a free thrower from Acain’s foul followed by Tabi’s basket, 75-all. Despite the Cavite-based squad last timeout, their shots failed to sink into the basket until Tabi threw the Blue Thunder’s winning shot, eliminating the green-and-white squad from this year’s NCRAA, 75-77.
Spikers land 2nd in NCRAA ‘22 RTU nips DLSU-D, 3-2 By Krizza Mae Bautista
Outran by the Rizal Technological University (RTU) Blue Thunders, the DLSU-D spikers stumbled down to second spot in the 22nd National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) volleyball men championship held at the Philippine Merchant Marine School on March 12. The green-and-white spikers lost the hard-fought match with a 25-14, 22-25, 25-12, 2225, 12-15 score.
Expressing the eagerness to bag the gold next season, head coach Joven Racelis also shared the hardships they experienced during the final. “Sa ‘min na [sana] ‘yung fourth set na ‘yon, champion na dapat kami kasi kami ‘yung unang nakadalawa [ng panalo], ang problema … nagkaroon ng kaunting kaba saka mga bata pa. Kailangan pa ng experience para magmature ‘yung [mga] bata kasi almost first year lahat e ang old [players] lang, dalawa.”
Final Verdict
The deciding set started intense as the wild crowd cheered throughout the thrilling game. Both teams marked their first points courtesy of each other’s faults, 1-all. Blue Thunder Darrel De Vera’s kill succeeded by teammate Jaidal Abdulmajib’s block on Patriot
Aidam Adam’s attack dropped in two points for their squad, however, green-and-white team’s Ibrahim Kasim smashed a kill to follow behind, 2-3. The teams rallied till they locked three consecutive ties, climbing to 9-all, but DLSUD’s defense turned shaky in the middle of the set, turning over three points to the opponent’s side, 9-12. Regaining their spirit, the Patriots managed to halt the Blue Thunders through Adam and I. Kasim’s spikes but Abdulmajib immediately abolished the green-and-white team’s rising hope by walloping an attack to the opposite side, 11-13. RTU’s Jimwel Campoy drew the last point for DLSU-D after committing an error. Abdulmajid countered for the lost point and fired a kill, however, the Patriots loosely handed over the set after missing the service of the blueand-white team, 12-15. Though they failed to bring home the crown this season, two Patriots took spots in the mythical six. Adam and I. Kasim grabbed the best server and attacker in the list, respectively.
Taking turns
The championship match has been a tough road for both teams as they alternately succeeded in prevailing the first four sets.
TANKERS from page 16 the 50m backstroke and 200m individual medley games. Perfecting her regional record, Arianne Alcantara clinched an all-gold record in the 50m and 200m freestyle events while teammates Nempha Maestro and Anjiya Gimena finished second in both matches consecutively. Gimena also notched silver and bronze medals in the 800m freestyle and 200m butterfly matches. Meanwhile, Danielleca Borbe also embraced victory along with Gimena as she finished third in the 800m freestyle event.
The fourth set began smoothly for the Patriots as I. Kasim produced the first two points for DLSU-D, 2-0, but their fortunes altered in a snap when RTU posted a 5-0 run, 2-5. Attempting to demolish blue-and-white squad’s defense, Patriots Angelo Benitez and Eddiemar Kasim sneaked in two-point additional to their tally before RTU effortlessly gained another three from DLSUD’s errors, 5-10. Abdulmajib was on fire as he pumped in points for RTU but DLSU-D finally recovered after Adam and Bryan Castro initiated a close comeback on the set, 13-14. Just as the Patriots’ momentum started to build up, Blue Thunder Rashid Ladjahasan broke their streak by firing a spike, 1315. DLSU-D struggled to steal the lead from RTU but the blue-and-white team held a tight grasp on their advantage, allowing the Patriots to stay their closest at 1-point behind, 20-21. Exchange of kills sent by Adam, Abdulmajib, and I. Kasim crossed each other’s courts but as I. Kasim miscalculated a spike, the Blue Thunders earned their matchpoint and closed the set at 22-25.
Bagging silver medals, green-and-white lady tanker Analyn Hugo placed second in the 50m backstroke, 200m butterfly, and 200m breaststroke events, while Roxanne Maestro and Nikki Jaafar captured the second spot in the 50 and 100m backstroke, and 200m individual medley categories, respectively. Dominating the relay categories, the DLSU-D tankers capped 4 x 50m medley in the women’s match and 4 x 100m freestyle relays in both divisions. Completing their collection of medals, the Patriots clinched a silver medal in the men’s 4 x 50m medley race.
Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4 | page 16
February - April 2015
spikers slip •Lady championship crown
•PRISAA briefs exit NCRAA •Cagers ‘15 on elims Volume 29 ▪ Issue 4
February - April 2015
Spikers eye 5th PRISAA-Nat’ls crown Patriots mark a sweep regionals victory By Queenee Manaog Four-time men’s national volleyball champions, the DLSU-D spikers, represented the Cavite team and once again proved their supremacy among the CALABARZON contenders in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Regionals. The green-and-white team grabbed the chance to defend their throne on the upcoming national leg to be held at Iloilo City on April 12-16. The reigning victors finished the regionals tournament with a 3-0 sweep against Laguna and against Rizal spikers twice.
Straight to the top
The Cavite-based squad sealed their slot to championship after trouncing Laguna delegates, 3-0, and routing Rizal representatives, 3-1, during eliminations and semifinals, respectively. On the other hand, the Rizal team routed
the Laguna spikers and advanced to the finals round to clash against the defending champions. Launching the first set with a tight match, the Cavite and Rizal spikers kept their digits close to each other as they both played with strong offenses on court, 5-5. The Cavite squad earned their lead after Ibrahim Kasim successfully defended their territory against Rizal’s Jeremy Espinosa’s attacks, 7-5. Alternately, both teams showered kills on their opposite side until Patriot Aidam Adam and University of Perpetual Help JONELTA (UPHJ) – GMA’s Jovy Lachica committed errors and tied the scores at 10. Losing their grip on the lead, the Caviteños missed their attacks while the Rizalbased spikers detonated service aces and kills on the
green-and-white court, 1517. However, the defending champs immediately revived themselves as Adam and I. Kasim marked a five-tonothing run, 20-17. Recovering from their scoreless streak, Patrick Pascual of Rizal retaliated with a down-the-line hit but I. Kasim again buried a spike before the blue-and-white spikers’ two consecutive errors, 22-18. Although the Rizal squad managed to score three more points, the Caviteños still secured the first set, 25-21. Extending their supremacy to the second set, the Cavite spikers notched an early 8-0 run as Adam and I. Kasim threw kills and towered blocks against Marlon Agujar, Palattao, and Andreen Pascual’s spikes. Leaving their opponents behind, UPHJ-GMA’s Wilbert
Sapida and I. Kasim teamed up in stretching their advantage after Pascual’s kill and Sapida’s drop error, 11-2. The Cavite squad continuously fired kills despite few hit errors, which gave the Rizal spikers points, 16-5. The green-and-white spikers alternated their attacks and errors before executing a 3-1 run, 22-8. Sapida and I. Kasim committed consecutive faults before both teams exchange errors, 23-11. Wrapping up the second set, the Caviteños smashed two attacks and a service error, 25-12. With only a set away from the crown, the greenand-white spikers launched the third set with Eddiemar Kasim’s kill, Reenen Encisa’s service ace, and Adam’s hefty spike before Pascual’s hit, 3-1. However, the Caviteños paved a way for the Rizal see SPIKERS/ page 14
EDGE. The Lady Patriots forced a do-or-die match in the championship round through a nail-biting five-set game against the Lady Brahmans in PRISAA-Regionals women’s volleyball league held at Siena College-Taytay Rizal on February 1. Daniel Ray Rogando
Tankers retain reg’ls crown Cagebelles gear up for nationals stint By Fernan Patrick Flores
The DLSU-D tankers sealed another victory after gathering 14 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze medals against Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal in the Private School Athletics Association (PRISAA) Regionals swimming tournament at Siena College – Taytay Rizal from January 30-31.
The men tankers proved their prowess once again as they harvested seven gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. Contributing three gold medals to the team, Jerome Magallanes topped the 50m and 200m breaststroke, and 200m individual medley events.
Patriot John Vincent Llaguno followed Magallanes as he finished third in the 50m breaststroke match. Meanwhile, Jefferson Catelo and Ren Herejias placed second in the 200m breaststroke and 200m individual medley events, respectively. Collecting another two gold medals, Adrian Villanueva bested other contenders in the 200m and 1500m freestyle with Kevin Pascual grabbing the second and third spots, respectively. Rookie tanker Gene Paguia secured a gold triumph in the 100m breaststroke event, while fellow newbie Klinton Tuastumban also seized medals as he notched the second place in the
50m freestlye and 200m butterfly events, respectively. In addition, rookies John Paul de Leoz and Joshua Mantilla landed third in the 50m freestyle and backstroke games, respectively. Patriot Angel Villanueva overpowered the other contenders to seize a gold medal in the 50m butterfly event. The lady tankers, on the other hand, gained four gold, ten silver, and two bronze medals. Rookie lady swimmers Cyn Dabalos carved an early legacy by bagging gold medals in the 50-m and 200-m breaststroke events while Jessica Salazar notched the second place in see TANKERS/ page 15
Patriots led Cavite against Rizal
By Krizza Mae Bautista
The Cavite-based cagebelles extended their regional dynasty for the fourth time as the team, composed mainly of DLSU-D Patriots, embraced a 53-47 victory against the Rizal-based lady dribblers in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Regionals held at Siena College - Taytay, Rizal on February 1.
Patriot MJ De Leon stood out as this season’s most valuable player while other Cavite representatives Irah Joannah Almariego and Shennen Mae Dorio of University of Perpetual Help Jonelta – GMA sit among the mythical five of the game.
Regional veterans
It was not an easy start for the Cavite cagebelles as Rizal fought close to the green-andwhite team in the first quarter of the game, 11-8. Sharmaine Hilot opened the second quarter by tapping in two points to their tally however, Rizal’s Angela Buenamente and Therese Mae Manahan chipped in four points that drew the scores near, 13-12. Retaliating each other’s offenses, scores poured to both sides of the court as Almariego and Novelyn Pasaol plunged baskets for the greenand-white cagebelles while Ann Whitney Bentic and
Buenamente scored to trail behind the Caviteños, 17-16. The scoring series continued as the clock ticked down to 2:39, with Cavite still on the lead. Bentic and Buenamente worked to keep Rizal’s score distant by answering De Leon and Dorio’s attacks, however, the green-andwhite team still prevailed in the quarter, 23-21. As the third canto commenced, both teams exhibited a tight grip on the game as they alternated in earning points. Cavite finally broke off from the close tally and drafted a 9-point-high advantage after Almariego see CAGEBELLES/ page 14
Volleybelles finish second in regl’s Lady Patriots kneel to Lady Brahmans, 1-3 By Fernan Patrick Flores
The DLSU-D volleybelles dropped the chance of representing CALABARZON in the national’s bout for the second time around against titleholder University of Batangas (UB) Lady Brahmansin the second game of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Regionals volleyball championship match held at Siena College– Taytay Rizal, on February 1. The Lady Patriots suffered a 3-1 defeat tallying a 25-23, 17-25, 15-25, and 18-25 record.
Patriots Sigrid Abalos, Cindy Amutan, and Iumi Yongco secured positions in the mythical six as best blocker, best libero, and best receiver, respectively.
ACE. The Cavite spikers represented by DLSU-D prolonged their dynasty in PRISAA-Regionals Men’s volleyball tourney held at Siena College-Taytay Rizal on February 1. Jerome Quinto
Fueled up
Igniting the final’s heat, the Lady Patriots and the Lady Brahmans displayed a neckand-neck fight in the fifth set as
they alternately scored through long rallies, 6-all. DLSU-D quickly wrecked the deadlock via Yongco’s series of kills and Abalos’ mighty blocks, 12-10. Jeopardizing the national’s ticket, the green-and-white volleybelles committed a chain of faults resulting to a 4-0 run and a match point to the opponent, 1214. Two consecutive net spikes from UB’s Krissa Madalogdog revived the Lady Patriots’ spirit that intensified the crowd’s reaction through a breathtaking 14-all record. Regaining the momentum, Patriot Maribeth Lara poured down a sharp drop before Abalos launched a risky service ace that pushed a final encounter in the championship round, 16-14.
Losing the opportunity
Both teams started aggressive in the do-or-die second game as they maintained close digits in the first set, 11-all. Advancing against the Patriots, the Lady Brahmans powered up their offense to build a three-
point advantage in the middle of the set, 12-15. The greenand-white squad, meanwhile, attempted to turn the favor around as Mara Galicia cut their deficit to one through sturdy kills, 14-15. Alarmed by their opponent’s revenge, UB kept the scores distant through Cyren Montecer’s sure-ball aces and Garcia’s quick hits, 17-20. Posting a late comeback, Lara walloped hefty back-toback spikes while teammate Abalos released a swift drop to level the scores at 20-all. Lady Brahmans Kimberly Jamilla and Montecer unleashed quick spikes to snatch the momentum, but Lady Patriots Abalos’ and Lara’s mighty kills abruptly leveled the scores at 22-all. The trio combination of Abalos, Galicia, and Yongco sealed a surprise victory in the first period as they fueled up their offense and defense, 25-23. The deciding game of the championship match amplified the thrill inside the court as
six deadlocks intensified the beginning of the second set, 11-all. Executing uncontrolled attacks, Lara helped the opponent gain a 5-0 scoring spree through her receiving errors, 11-16. Yongco tried to reduce their deficit but the determined Lady Brahmans quickly regained the lead, 14-21. Both sides exchanged kills and errors in the end of the set which resulted to a 17-24 score before Garcia’s kill concluded the set in favor of the Brahmans, 17-25. Both teams harmonized a good scoring rhythm in the opening frame of the third set until the scores locked at 10. Jamilla single-handedly lifted her team by four through her perfect service aces, 10-14. Moving closer to the Batangas-based team, DLSUD’s Abalos smacked backto-back kills, however, UB’s Castor buried a pair of spikes to pull up their lead, 12-16. The Lady Brahmans’ see VOLLEYBELLES/ page 15