The Official Newsletter of the University of Saint by tristan baliuag

The Official Newsletter of the University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City, Philippines Volume IX

ISSN 1908-7683

FEBRUARY 2009

USL is no. 1 in NLE 100 percent passing rate for the first batch, with 2 placers Dr. Ferdinand Cortez In what seemed to be a euphoria of success, from Top 1 in the CPA board exams last year, the Cordis Mariae Nursing students first batch had all passed the NLE, with two placers: George Vega, Jr., 6th Placer and Arlette Quinan, 9th Placer. Soon, the news spread far and wide, making a halo of wonder at the magnificent feat USL is making in all board exams.

The motorcade extolled the enormous academic bounty, where the passers waved and cheered. They, too, were cheered by the community. At 3:45, the Vice President for Administration, Dr. James Pattaguan, gave the signal for the blast off, and the vehicles toured the city. A mass was held at the chapel, and after that, the Testimonial Dinner at Pensione Roma. Preliminaries were given by Rev. Fr. Neil Sta. Ana, CICM, who, in his invocation, profoundly thanked the Lord for such a blessing. Opening Remarks was given by Mrs. Rosario Canazares, MSN, who congratulated the passers. First Nursing Graduates, 100 percent passing, plus two placers is not coincidence. It is excellence. “I remember quite clearly that when we were here last time, we whispered to the Lord that we will be back. Now, that silent prayer is answered. We are here again,” Dr. Pattaguan, who was the toastmaster, said. He acknowledged the presence of the guests, all

Upon knowing the official result from PRC, USL administrators led by the University President, Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, thanked the Almighty, the architect of the destinies of men, for another notch added to the university’s history. Mr. Dindo Asuncion, CHAS Dean, unluckily was sick when the results inundated the wires. He recovered in time for the Motorcade and the Testimonial Dinner. friends of USL, and the Nightingale Review dirty their uniforms, to help. They all heaved Center who gave Vega and Quinan free trip to together, soldiers and their officers, put the Hong Kong, for three days. lever on their shoulders, and pushed the trunk Meanwhile the University President gave to the side of the street. The gentleman rode a stirring message: on his horse again and before he rode away, “Let me begin my message by relating to said: Captain, if you still need someone to you a true story.” rally all your men to do their work together as “During the American war for a team, call your Commanding General. The independence, a group of soldiers were on gentleman’s name was George Washington. their way to the battlefront, to bring supplies Just like the story I have just mentioned, and fresh recruits. Along the way, a huge tree the message of working together, as a team, is a fell across the street and its massive trunk clear evidence of the true spirit of the Louisian prevented the troops, their supplies and their Family. Let me refresh your memory why I horse-driven carriages from getting across. made this statement. The captain of the regiment commanded the About five years ago, when the University engineers to clear the way. The engineers tried signified its intention to open a new program to move the trunk but failed. It was obvious and this was the nursing course, we were met that the trunk was too heavy, so the captain by objections from almost everywhere. Worst, also commanded the fresh recruits to help. The there was even a black propaganda being heavy trunk budged a little. Then a tall, neat circulated around that USL was operating its and elegant gentleman arrived and got down nursing program illegally, that is, without any from his horse and in his uniform, asked the CHED permit. junior officers who stood aside not wanting to

Tamano steps at USL; opposes CHED’s five year curriculum proposal Atty. Adel Tamano, United Opposition Spokesman visited the different private schools in Tuguegarao and had an audience with the would be freshies about the five year curriculum program proposed by CHED. One of the schools visited by Tamano is USL. In an audience with the fourth year high school students and some representatives from the SEAS, he said that “such a proposal is not good (sic) for both parents and students. In the said forum, he gave his opinion about CHED and opposed

the 5 year curriculum. Citing, he did not come for politics, but in the essence of his presentation, he said only 8% of the National Budget is allocated to Education under GMA. During Erap’s time, it was 16%, and during Marcos time, it was 18-20%. He said under GMA, education

is only the 3rd priority. First priority under GMA is debts and pork barrel. No wonder, according to him, the economy is going down. Schools he visited were MCNP, CCT and USL. He was accompanied by Dr. Edmund Jove.

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USL Newsletter

USL is no. 1 in NLE Because of the “lies” being peddled around that time, we have to admit that our enrollment for the second year of our operation of the program decreased abruptly that we had even difficulty of putting up one section of our first year. The class belonging to this batch shall graduate this March 2009 – with only 37 in their batch, after of course going through the University policy on the screening process for our nursing students. Nonetheless, despite the setbacks, USL, a CICM school, persevered and rallied on with its desire of offering quality nursing education at an affordable cost. And the hard work, dedication and commitment of the teachers and the Dean of the College of Health and Allied Sciences to make good and prove our detractors wrong, paid of in this outstanding achievement of the first batch of our nursing graduates. For the information of the body, USL ranked No. 1 along with two other schools for the category of 30-99 examinees in the last release, as per PRC record. 82 out of 82 of our graduates passed the board for a 100% passing rate, with two topnotchers. The 100% passing rate was already a blessing but with the two topnotchers, that was an added bonus from God! This is the primordial reason why we are all gathered here tonight to pay tribute to our outstanding graduates who, once again, gave glory and honor to their Alma Mater. While the topnotchers shall again be presented to the community in the Commencement Exercises this April 2009 in order that they would give inspiration to the new breed of Louisian professionals, tonight, however, we are initially letting the board passers know the pride and honor we feel in our hearts for their achievements.” The President said. “Follow where there is no path, make a trail instead. I am very proud of you, who have hurdled all the odds.” Dr. Rosalinda Valdepenas said. She acknowledged CVMC, Peoples Emergency Hospital and Clinica De Leon for their support. Dr. Albert de Leon, a Louisian himself, was present during the occasion. The DOH Regional Director was also present, and one of those who gave impressions during the Testimonial Dinner. “We are so blessed we made it,” Vega said in his testimony. “The most important is, no one went home crying n despair. We all made it.” “Our happiness would not be complete without our parents,” Arlette Quinan also said. “The USL Administrators, the Clinical Instructors are all supportive.” Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, in her message did not forget that “one should have been there too;” the late, Alsie Gandeza, (+) and she asked a moment of silence for the repose of his soul. Dr. Rosalinda P. Valdepenas, the 11th President, has once again proven that with her affable leadership, USL can beat all odds, even beyond that, par excellence.

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Consultant of the Champions

Taala joins SBP nationals Dr.Ferdinand Cortez

Mr. Jose Boy Taala, a basketball aficionado and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Regional Director, led his team last December 11-18 at Cagayan de Oro, Mizamis Oriental for the National League. Said event was sponsored by MILO. The event is the highest, from PALARO and PRISAA to Philippine Olympics. He said the International competition might be in Australia. Last February 14, 2009, his team left for Baguio for the all out screening of the best of the best. Overall Champion in the National Olympic Basketball Competition

held on December 11-16, 2008 at Cagayan De Oro City. The team was composed by Jerick Gamueda, Jonjon Verson, Jericho Maligaya, Arjay Danguilan and Diovani Layugan.Mr. Jose Boy Taala, SBP Regional Director for Region 2, has again reawakened the flicker of sports in basketball.

SEAFA retains their crown Avon Atabay and Mishelle Madrid

The School of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (SEAFA) ruled again over other departments after garnering a winning average of 71.06 % that made them the overall champion. “SEAFA has once again united to reach one goal and that is to defend the crown. I thanked all the players, participants, advisers, officers, faculty and volunteers. They have made it possible. This win is a testament that when SEAFA is united, the MAROONS are the team to beat! SEAFA AGBIAG!,” said Daniel Sedano, SEAFA Governor. SEAFA placed first in the following contested events during the 3- day festivity: Cheer and Dance Competition, Concierto 2009, Dance Fusion, Canvass Painting, Essay Writing in English, Slogan Making, Badminton Singles and Doubles Men and

Women , 100 dash Men, 400 dash Men, 4 x 100 Relay Men, High Jump Men, Table Tennis Singles and Doubles Men and Women, Boggle Women. Kaibigan ng Kalikasan Program Awardee School of Business Administration and Accountancy garnered 63.70 for the 2nd place, Basketball champion School of Information and Computing Sciences earned 62.829, 3rd place, Festival Queen title holder High School got 55.52- 4th placer, Dance Sport winner College of TourismTechnical Vocational Education gained

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USL Newsletter

Ferdinand N. Cortez

February

As I burn my years teaching, concerts 19th century. In 1840 Esther Howland of he month of the hearts is February. How nice it is to look back and cherish became a fad in Saint Louis. And it is because Worcester, Massachusetts, created the first the springtime of life, when love was the Foundation Days include February 14; we line of mass-produced Valentines for sale. blooming and everything seems to be lush brought the kids to the concert and have dinner Today, Valentine’s Day is second only to with youth. How many Valentine’s Day did after. Now, that made Lyka a hyperactive one! Christmas as the most popular card-sending Valentine’s Day is the annual holiday holiday. I celebrate just like Christmas? February 14 is looked forward to by Here in the Philippines, Valentine’s Day honoring lovers. It is celebrated on February is celebrated by wearing red shirts, dinner, 14 by the custom of sending greeting cards or lovers and couples the world over. As a concert and of course, dating. It had been gifts to express affection. The cards, known as Christianity came to dominance in Europe, an observance twelve years ago when I valentines, are often designed with hearts to pagan holidays such as Lupercalia were frequently renamed for early Christian was still a young lover that Valentine Cards symbolize love. The holiday probably was derived martyrs. In 496 Pope Gelasius officially are sent. Today, cards are no longer used. Christmas cards are waning, and Valentine’s from the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalis declared February 14 to be the feast day Day is inundated by text messages. Only (February 15), also called the Lupercalia. of two Roman martyrs, both named Saint Mass Cards and Thank You Cards are now In an annual rite of fertility, eligible young Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century. the fad. Look at how technology changes a men and women would be paired as couples Neither Saint Valentine seems to have an through a town lottery. Briefly clad or naked obvious connection to courtship or lovers. tradition! The name February, second month of I explained in my Cultural Anthropology men would then run through the town carrying class how a tradition could be preserved the skins of newly sacrificed goats dipped in the year, was derived from the Latin word or destroyed by technology. Technology blood. The women of the town would present februa, signifying the festivals of purification can preserve a tradition by storing it themselves to be gently slapped by the strips celebrated in ancient Rome during this electronically, I said. It could destroy it and marked by the blood to improve their month. It was not originally included in the Roman calendar, which began with March. by the vastness of scope, swiftness and its chances of conceiving in the coming year. Now, the red shirts must have According to legend, King Numa Pompilius classiness. Thus, the RnB and Alternative been patterned from the color added the month of January at the beginning Rocks have shadowed the Kundiman, s om of endin t of blood. of the year and February at its end. The Lappaw and O, Naraniag a Bulan s gg Despite attempts by latter was placed in second position in the in music. The Zarzuela and cu re e Christian church to Roman calendar in 452 bc. February was Moro -Moro is only now used e thesanctify the holiday, originally 29 days long, but one day was by middle aged columnist the association of later transferred to the month of August. and journalist like me. Valentine’s Day It is now 28 days long in ordinary years, a Years ago, my wife with romance 29th day being added in leap years. Notable f o and I r ly l ov and courtship United States holidays celebrated in e yh o ted n a v F r ebr i c o n t i n u e d February include the birthdays ida o leb u e through the of Abraham Lincoln on c n e a nual y th is Middle Ages. In the 12th and George h t .I medieval France Washington on the ar ru y 1 g r i i t and England it 22nd, which are now u p s a d l n lo reetin do was believed that celebrated together al a we birds mated on as Presidents’ Day February on the third Monday e v m o l e h t f ual holi of the month. 14, and n da n t h e Thus, the tradition was ting passed over to e e generations. overs However today, ing l . there are now , th modifications. r gifts to Instead of image ethereal and a re n of birds spiritual love as the exclusively symbol for lovers, of lovers they now use would began to this day for PMS, go out, appear in poems sexual experiment watch a late dedicated to the day. By the 18th and “if love me then we night movie, have a dinner do it” purposes. and have stargazing as part of Valentine’s century, it was common for friends Not so much had changed, isn’t Day. When we had kids already, we just and lovers to exchange handwritten prepare a special dinner at home, watch TV notes on Valentine’s Day. Printed cards had it? Happy Valentines! largely replaced written sentiments by the and go to bed.

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USL Newsletter

CHAS volley bells retain glory Jean Escanilla

The College of Health and Allied Sciences (CHAS) defeated the College of Tourism Technical – Vocational Education (CTVED) in the championship round of Volleyball women, 25-19. With the hardworking hand of Rosario Talay, CHAS team captain and tosser, they were able to defend their title as “the volley belle champ”. The CHAS volley bell team made a six-point lead against CTVED during the 1st set, 25-19, and on the 2nd set still CHAS owned the game living CTVED behind the score of 25-18. On the 3rd set, CTVED knights, shoved harder trying to capture the crown as they carefully answered the hard hitting serves and spikes of CHAS that eventually gave them the 3rd set, 25-10. In the 4th set, CHAS steadily building back their lost momentum by their incredible teamwork and simulation inside the court that weakened their opponent and made them the champ again with the score of 25 – 19. “We are determined to win the game, though players were busy with their duty and practicum, with the support of the CHAS family, the volleyball women made it,” Kenneth Panopio, CHAS governor said in an interview.

SEAFA retains crown from page 02

54.936- 5th place, Debate defender School of Education, Arts and Sciences acquired 54.69-6th placer, Volleyball Women Victors College of Health and Allied Sciences got 49.72- 7th placer. In the closing remarks, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Rodel Abuan, thanked and appreciated the Lousians for staging well the real essence of the theme “Mission of Oneness, Vision of Excellence and Sportsmanship” and he welcomes another year of excellence. “Let us move together as one, thank you” he ended. Three new events were introduced which includes Festival Queen, Himig Handog and Lawn Tennis.

SICS ousts SEAFA Jean Escanilla

44th Founding Anniversary Snapshots

The School of Information and Computing Sciences (SICS) savored the victory as they blasted the defending champ-School of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (SEAFA) in the final showdown of basketball Saturday, 70-61. The SEAFA maroons started the first quarter with all-packed energy making the crowd tense and boisterous as they left SICS down by two in the last minute, 18-16. The SICS managed to regain energy during the second quarter and in the 3rd quarter, Jerick Gamueda turned red hot making his team up by nine points (62-53) that emasculated SEAFA’s defense as well as offense. As both teams approached the final frame, SEAFA still cannot get over from its turnovers despite the agility of the team while SICS enjoyed being on the top as they continuously making points from a splendid transition and offense. Gamueda showed a very impressive performance as he poured three consecutive shots from the arc that put an end to the game. SICS coach Christian Laganse said they were very happy because it was the first time for them to win the championship. “We have the sportsmanship and camaraderie that’s why,” he added. Despite the grapple game, the SICS successfully shut down the defending champion. Gamueda, the star player of the game said, “Thank God for giving us the strength. My teammates are very strong; I led them through the spirit of the SICS.” “Salamat sa Crowd,” he added.