White&Blue European Tabloid 2012 by June Carlo Pabaira

MOVING OUT. Due to the booming population of Saint Louis University Laboratory Elementary School with which the School of Teacher Education shares space, SLU is currently constructing a new set of photo by Orange Happee Galanay Omengan buildings at Navy Base, Baguio City for STE.

NEWS

New SSC Inducted; Fernando, Santos bid goodbye PHOTO BY YNA DARLA OLARTE

After being postponed for three days, the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng San Luis/Supreme Student Council induction and oath-taking finally took place last October 2, 6 p. m., at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium of Saint Louis see more on page 2 University.

FEATURES

Gregory Villar III:From SLU to Mars IMAGE FROM THE INTERNET

The White & Blue team shared talks with one of the youngest Curiosity Rover engineers through an exclusive interview.

see more on page 13

SPORTS

RIGHTS edges REPORMA in ExeCom Banoar Abratique Back with four. Holding on with three. After a no-win last year, the RIGHTS party injected four of their candidates in this year’s Supreme Student Council Executive Committee including the top three posts leaving only three slots for their rival REPORMA-ACS and none for the newcomer SRP-CHS. Though not making it in the ExeCom last year, School of Law’s Victor Atitiw landslided incumbent President and ExeCom re-electionist Dianalyn Santos for the presidency with his 9,105

Navs clinch top spot in BBEAL first phase PHOTO BY JULIAN CARLO BARBADILLO

SSC Elections prolonged due to canvassing delays by

votes against the latter’s 5,370. SRP-CHS founder and standard bearer captured only 1,274 of the voters. RIGHTS’s Arnel Jay Padua with 6,622 votes merely held on to the vice president position after stitching the win against closest contender and incumbent Congress of Louisians Speaker John Paul Abando of REPORMA by only 140 votes. Pia Corazon Estillore of SRP-CHS managed to grab 1,639 votes. In the race for Executive Secretary, RIGHTS’s Amarra Robles with 8,503 votes

9000

ballots yellow. REPORMA’s Charisse Aquisay with 7,061 votes clutched the Secretary for Public Relations and co-yellow shirt Julius Wilson Lundang with 7,283 snatched the Secretary for Business Affairs completing the ExeCom slate after beating blueshirts Lorenzo Dominic Salazar and Reiner Cornelio Carajay III who only got 5,600 and 6,806, respectively. Aquisay’s contender Ella Veronica Camba sported only 1,655 votes. continued on page 9

KASAMA/SSC Elections 2012 Results

9105

8503 7845

7611 7500 6622

Shiela Marie Sandoval

SLU Commission on Elections Chairman Kenny Ralph Fernando admitted that the 2012 KASAMA-SSC election canvassing was“ the longest in SSC election history,” adding that it took 18 hours before the new set of officers of the SSC Executive Committee was declared. The canvassing suffered from delays after the student elections on September 8. All ballot boxes from the 51 precincts arrived at 9:00 p.m., deviating from the arrival schedule that was released to the press which was 7:00 p.m., and 7:30 for the ballot boxes from the School of Law. At 9:50 p.m., the ballot boxes were sent to Perfecto Building, the majority of rooms of which served as the canvassing areas. The parade of poll watchers, party members, media, and supporters of the three parties followed, taking nearly two hours before the official start of the canvassing. The first ballot box was not opened until midnight. According to Fernando, the canvassing schedule was hit with delays “because of sheer caprice and noncompliance.” No ID, no entry Commotions arose amidst the line of poll watchers entering the Perfecto Building at 10:30 p.m., when members

prevailed over REPORMA’s Alycia Tirol with only 6,055 ballots with her name. Meanwhile for the Secretary of Finance, a fifth year accountancy student gave the ExeCom its first yellow banner as Charmaine Codera’s 7,611 votes beat fourth year accountancy student Valerie Grace Vicente’s 6,789 blue ribbons. Also, fifth year accountancy student Cassandra Kein Co waved another blue flag with her 7,845 beating her fourth year REPORMA counterpart Kristine Grace Baluyot who only colored 6,495

7283

7061

6789 6482

6806

6495 6055

6000

5600 5370

4500

3000

1639 1500

1655

1274

0 President

Vice President

Executive Secretary

Secretary for Finance

Secretary for Audit RIGHTS

and supporters of the new party SRP-CHS were stopped by the COMELEC for not having COMELEC-validated IDs to enter the canvassing building. “It was basically a misconception because we were not properly informed due to our own shortcomings,” said Edward Kyu, Presidential candidate of SRP-CHS. He added that they “assumed that the official SLU ID is allowed since it was the only instruction they understood, that poll watchers are the only ones mandated to have a separate ID”.

HAPPY MEAL VS. BUDGET MEAL. McDonald’s Bonifacio serves as new hang-out place for Louisians but as competitor to nearby photo by Orange Happee Omengan food establishments.

continued on page 9

REPORMA-ACS

Secretary for Public Relations SRP-CHS

Secretary for Business Affairs illustrations by

Jasper Carl Kabigting

BLISTT gets Hechanova’s backing Karen Joy Bangibang Twenty two years have passed, the BLISTT development concept may finally come to its realization and behind to support it is the President of Saint Louis University. Father President Jessie Hechanova, after gracing the 103rd Baguio Day celebration last September 1, expressed his full support to the upcoming BLISTT development policy aiming to create socio-economic activities geared towards the development of education, economy, and the local government and the preservation of the natural resources. The project which is funded by the European Union will be catering not only to Baguio but also to the neighboring municipalities in Benguet: La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and recently added -Tublay. Thus, the project name BLISTT. The original plan was first drafted back in July 1990 after the earthquake. Since then, it has been on and off over the years. Back then, the policy was misinterpreted that it only benefits metro Baguio, but regional director Leonardo Quitos of the National Economic and Development Authority stressed out that Baguio will not be the focal point of the said policy and that adjoining municipalities will also have equal benefits from the project as well. by

Louisian’s part The first step of SLU adhering to the BLISTT concept was the choice for the Maryheights Campus land site. Instead of building the new campus in the crowded Central Business District, they elected a site – Bakakeng – away from the congestion in the urban areas. Hence, overcrowding would be lessened since a major part of Baguio’s over 300,000 population is composed of students. SLU is currently servicing over 29,000 students, almost 25% of whom are School of Accountancy and Business Management students, coming from not just in Baguio but also from other places in the Cordillera and outside the region. Developing the BLISTT areas also serves as a chance to distribute the growing population highly concentrated in Baguio. Through this, the natural resources will be protected from the rapid urbanization. Hechanova also challenged the implementing officials from the different municipalities and also asked the cooperation of big companies and businesses. In line with this, Quitos said that through the support given by the local governments of each municipality, growth will eventually be sustained even until the next generation.

New UFESLU chief looks back, calls for “real transformation” by

Gelliane Benlingan

“The administration, faculty and staff, together with the students are like the legs of a tripod. If the three legs are strong and of equal lengths, the structure is well-built; if only one leg is strong, the structure will be weak and easily bent” said newly-elected Union Federation of Saint Louis University President Joseph Porfirio Andaya in an exclusive interview with White & Blue. First organized in 1987 primarily for protecting the rights of the employees, UFESLU was hit by the competition in the education market. According to Andaya, in this competition, SLU needs to maximize the potential for profit through cutting costs. In the cutting of costs, the employees – faculty and staff, are the ones that suffer. He said that it was observed that the trend for the administration not only in SLU is to contractualize workers in order to save. “Labor is comodified – the administration turns employees into machine parts which can or will be replaced anytime the administration wants to,” he said. He added that many rights of employees under the labor code are threatened particularly in the security of tenure. Andaya believes that while schools nationwide and even globally are becoming more like corporations, there is a greater need for the unionization of employees. Loss of Strength The 1987 UFESLU, where Andaya was part of, was said to be the strongest union in Northern Luzon – stronger than the union in the mines. In Andaya’s recollection, with the respect and position of strength the administration has given to its employees, SLU had the best records in labor management. However, he observed that this kind of relationship was lost in 2001. “The management had influenced the leadership little by little thus the leadership was not very successful in protecting certain rights of employees,” he added. He also alleged that there were policies that lead to the suspension and dismissal of employees because of simple transgressions and the union had no capacity to protect and defend its members. continued on page 9

NEWS

Volume 16 issue 1

NOVEMBER 2012

MOVING ON. Former KASAMA/SSC President Dianalyn Santos and newly elected KASAMA/SSC President Victor Corpus Atitiw share the stage as Santos prepares to photo by Yna Darla Olarte hand over the key of responsibility to Atitiw.

Ex-officio auditor challenges new SSC to implement CBL by

New SSC officers inducted; Fernando, Santos bid good bye by

Myrrh Khalim Garnet Sacki

After being postponed for three days, the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Magaaral ng San Luis/Supreme Student Council officers induction and oath-taking finally took place last October 2, 6 p.m., at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium of Saint Louis University. The event was graced by the presence replace him and carry on the legacy. of Student Affairs Office (SAO) Dean Gil He also pointed out that the reason S. Espiritu, who inducted the incoming why he and his colleagues stay at officers, and attended by representatives of Comelec was friendship and service. various school publications, organizations, The key of leadership and other guests. After the dinner, outgoing KASAMA/ ‘Intense’ SSC Acting President Dianalyn Santos and After two intermissions including presidential contender passed the key of a song rendition by newly-inducted responsibility to the new president. Secretary of Finance Codera, Victor “Let us help each other,” said Santos Atitiw introduced the COMELEC in her legacy speech. Santos shared Commissioners of each college and stories and experiences as president, and the COMELEC Deputy Chairman. encouraged the new officers to “lead well” According to Deputy Commissioner as she bade goodbye to the SSC, where Jestvent Barlis, “[This year’s] elections she was elected in different positions were tough, [but] we were able to since her first year in college. overcome challenges.” To cap off the event, the newly He added that this year’s elections inducted President went on stage to deliver were “a bit more intense” than last years’. a message of thanks and encouragement Though with a lower voter turnout for the new legion of Louisian leaders. compared to last year’s historic elections, Atitiw expressed his gratitude to Vice Barlis still commended the commissioners President for Academics Noel De Leon, especially two who were ‘first-timers’ on KASAMA/SSC Auditor Edwardo Kidayan, the job and thanked the overwhelming the Comelec Commissioners, the Executive help of COMELEC members and Committee, and all who attended the said volunteers. event. Fernando bids goodbye Addressing the new officers, he In Kenny Fernando’s farewell emphasized on students as people who speech, he shared his experiences as ‘can get angry, who can get disappointed’. a COMELEC chairman for three years Furthermore, Atitiw added, “We are not and a commissioner for four years. He changing students, we are changing pointed out that this year’s elections people.” “What you instill in them, it’s were “the earliest delayed elections” in what they won’t forget,” he said. “Never his time. He also divulged that he has be afraid to make the right decision.” seen ‘many potential’ people who can He ended his speech saying, “We are

not leaders for now, we are leaders for life.” Tonight The night was “not just a night”, said Fernando in his opening remarks. “[The night] was the official oath-taking and induction of the student leaders,” he said. “[It was also] the start of a new leadership,” Fernando said emphasizing on SSC being the ‘mother organization’ of all organizations in the university. The induction of school assemblies was led by Espiritu starting from the School of Accountancy and Business Management to the School of Teacher Education assemblies. This was followed by the induction of the Congress of Louisians (COL). The COL is composed of the presidents of the different university-wide student organizations namely: Foreign Students Association, Cordillera Cultural Performing Group, Student Library Assisstants Society, Vinculum, Tinig-Himig SLU, Red Cross, Ecolodians, Debate Society, BIBAK, and the year level representatives of the schools. They compose the official legislative body of the student congress. Finally, the audience welcomed with an applause the incoming KASAMA/ SSC Executive Committee officers: Victor Corpus Atitiw (President), Arnel Jay Padua (Vice President), Amarra Robles (Executive Secretary), Charmaine Codera (Secretary for Finance), Cassandra Kein Co (Secretary for Audit), Charisse Aquisay (Secretary for Public Relations), and Julius Wilson Lundang (Secretary for Business Affairs).

and

Banoar Abratique

W&B CROSS CAMPUS NEWS CAR State Universities, Colleges tuition to swell 300%

SCANNED. The University Library is currently holding a pilot study on automated statistics access which monitors photo by Levin Ace Danganan library patrons.

Nelia Gahid

After questioning several actions of the previous student council officers, Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng San Luis/ Supreme Student Council’s ex-officio auditor challenged the present officers to implement its Constitution and By-Laws. Edwardo Kidayan, the Internal added that “SSC being an independent Auditor of the university and auditor of SSC, body has legislative power to make a also said that when it comes to SSC, he is resolution since we cannot randomly very much involved. He also said that in appoint an individual for a position if it is legal matters, he refers it with a lawyer. not in line with his or her interest.” Comelec’s Constitutionality Meanwhile, COMELEC Chairman Kidayan in an interview questioned Kenny Ralph Fernando claimed that it is the constitutionality of the creation of not COMELEC’s fault that 2012 Supreme the Commission on Elections and the Student Council Elections were delayed. appointment of its commissioners for He argued that they did not receive any academic year 2012-2013 as to why applications from other schools. members of the electoral board of every When asked to respond to this, school is not in line with their courses Kidayan said “KASAMA/SSC has the power like a School of Accountancy and to make resolutions but not contrary to Business Management being the electoral the Constitution and By-Laws”. board of the School of Engineering and Santos’ Authority Questioned Architecture. Kidayan claimed that then “Every school has an electoral board incumbent acting president Santos, should so that students, say for example, of the have resigned upon filing her candidacy in School of Law cannot be a member of the compliance with the SSC By-Laws. Thus, electoral board of the school of Nursing the resolution regarding an organization and so forth. It is clearly stated in the seeking funding from SSC through her was Constitution and By-Laws of the KASAMA/ not allowed for lack of authority. SSC dated 1995 and 2000,” he said. “Article 3, Section 2 of SSC ByArticle 1, Section 5 of the SSC Laws dated 1995 and 2000 mandates any By-Laws 1995 and 2000 mandates that incumbent officer seeking for re-election “the Congress of Louisians, through the to resign before filling his/her certificate Commission on Appointments, shall of candidacy.” create an Electoral Board in every college However, Santos claimed in a and appoint members thereof.” letter addressed to SLU President Fr. In response to this, the COMELEC Jessie Hechanova, CICM asking for his in an official statement dated July 2, mediation, Santos argued that she is not 2012 stated that due to questions and running for re-election and is therefore issues challenging the validity and precluded from resigning. In last year’s constitutionality of the creation of elections, Santos was proclaimed vicethe Commission on Elections and the president. When then SSC President appointment of its Commissioners for AY Francis Abad graduated, she took over his 2012-2013, the Congress of Louisians in position. In this year’s elections, Santos is a meeting held last July 02 resolved to running for president. revoke Resolution No. 14, AY 2012-2013 The COMELEC, after being forwarded issued and promulgated last June 19 the question by Santos, resolved that Santos creating the Commission on Elections and remains as the President of the KASAMA/ appointing the Commissioners. SSC saying that she is not running for reConsequently, COMELEC Resolutions election and therefore not resigned. It also No. 01 on the election of the COMELEC added that her signature remains effective chairman and vice chair, No. 02 about the and that her candidacy does not violate establishment of the election timeline and the Constitution and By-laws. No. 03 regarding the release of funds were Because of this, funds of and for considered void. the activities of the SLU Debate Society, In the results released on June 21, SEA Honor Society and Ecolodians of 2012 which was revoked, of the ten (10) SLU were not released by the auditor and commissioners, six were from the School releasing officer even after the resolutions of Accountancy and Business Management, approved by the SSC then headed by three from the School of Humanities and, Santos. She argued that they are the one came from the School of Engineering appropriate approving body for funds and Architecture, meaning not all colleges requested by student organizations. were represented. Santos added that upon the He said this was in violation of Article instructions of Kidayan, she went to 6, Section 4 of the Constitution and By- the Students Affairs Office to clarify the laws of the KASAMA/SSC which stated that matter. According to her, SAO Dean Gil the Student Court shall be composed of a Espiritu said that the appropriation for Chairperson and ten (10) members who are funds collected in the first semester is appointed from the different colleges of under the sole authority of the elected the University. officers, adding that they are prioritizing Then acting SSC President Dianalyn the elections over other organizations Santos claimed that the reason behind activities in the first semester. She added not being able to appoint students that Espiritu said he cannot comment on from different schools was the lack of validity of her signature. applicants from different schools. She continued on page 9

Al Ibarra Espinosa

It’s not 100, nor 200 but a 300 percent increase for Cordillera’s State –funded tertiary schools. Students of the State Universities and Colleges of the Cordillera Administrative Region, including the University of the Philippines-Baguio and Benguet State University, are set to experience a significant 300 percent rise in tuition per cent over next seven years. This comes as a result of insufficient funding from the national government, as well as budget cuts and decreases in subsidies such as that for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures. Combined with a budget cut of an accumulated P79 million from six SUCs, this shortfall in budget for public tertiary schools has led to tuition increases in SUCs throughout the country with its effects particularly prominent within the CAR SUCs. The Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges has implemented a timetable in which the tuition will increase by 20 per cent every year, gradually reaching the 300 per cent mark by the 2018-’19 school year.

This process was initiated last summer, after which students of UP Baguio experienced an increase of tuition rates from P60-P80 to P100-P130 per unit enrolled. At the end of this transition period, the per unit cost will be a minimum of P298.59, but students with higher family income brackets will pay as much as P388.17 for every unit. The lack of enough funds from the government is felt most especially in the continued zero appropriation of the national budget for Capital Outlay, a fund that is designated for construction and improvement of facilities to accommodate the student population. Private universities have also notched up their tuition and miscellaneous fees but at lower percentages as compared to SUCs. In Saint Louis University, the biggest university in the Cordillera, the administration imposed a 3.75% and 5% increase in tution and miscellaneous fees, respectively. SLU represents one of 222 private institutions of higher education. Other private educational institutions slated up to 15 per cent upsurge in student costs.

NEWS

3 PRC, CHED disclaim top 20 PH schools list White&Blue

Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Banoar Abratique A list of top 20 schools in the country circulating in social networking sites and blogs that ranked Saint Louis University tenth is a fake, according to the Commission on Higher Education and the Professional Regulation Commission. PRC issued a disclaimer on the list allegedly the results of a study conducted in its official website on October 23 saying by the two government agencies every ten that they have not posted any article or years “based on the average passing in the announcement with the heading “TOP board examinations of all courses of all 20 SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES” in universities and colleges in the Philippines” the websites www.mastercradle.com and as of October 2012. www.iamjammed.com, where the origin of However, according to the Office the posts was traced. of the Chairperson of the Commission on PRC stressed that “it does not Higher Education, there was no such survey. conduct a study on a 10-year interval and While CHED and the Professional does not merge board exam results of all Regulation Commission conduct an annual its regulated professions based on their evaluation of board exam results, this is average passing rates.” done to look into the statistics, and not to In a statement in the news rank schools, according to CHED. program “Bandila” of the ABS-CBN, PRC First posted in the social networking Public Information and Media Relations site Facebook via the official page of the Department Officer-in-charge Norman De University of the Philippines-Los Baños Guzman said they only release official Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, information on their website. the list bears both the logos of the two The post which went viral from the government agencies. third to the fourth week of October was Topping the fake list were UPby

Diliman followed by UP-Los Baños then UP- Manila. On fourth and fifth places were Siliman University in Dumageute City and Ateneo De Davao University while premiere schools Ateneo de Manila University and University of Sto. Tomas were ranked sixth and seventh, respectively. Of the 20 universities, 16 were on the list of the CHED’s Centers of Development and Centers of Excellence including Saint Louis University, UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, Silliman University, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, University of San Carlos, Xavier University, Mindanao State University-Naawan, De La Salle University, Mapua Institute of Technology, Adamson University, and Central Mindanao University. As of August 2011, there are 2,247 higher education institutions in the country.

SLU Libraries want to know what students want Banoar Abratique To increase student participation in the choice of books to be purchased by the university, Saint Louis University has recently formed the University Libraries Committee which began operations this semester. The committee was aimed to help in the selection, development, and collection of books that involves all the members of the academe including teachers, the administration and the students. Aside from a university-wide committee, a parallel committee is being formed in the different schools of the university. In the school level, this committee will be composed of the dean, who will act as the chairman, the graduate program coordinator, the associate dean, all department heads and three or four selected student representatives. According to Dr. Rina Diaron, the by

SLU Director of Libraries, the Library Committee will be a comprehensive and proactive way to involve the stakeholders of the library. “Students are allowed to recommend books,” she said. She added that she was overwhelmed when she overheard a student saying, “Finally, we have a library that cares.” Through the committee, students will be able to recommend the books that they need in the libraries being the primary end-users of the libraries. She even welcomed all kinds of recommendations in her speech during the 15th Book Fair, where she also said that the students can even recommend “manga” or “Naruto” and even board games such as scrabble and chess. In the School of Accountancy and Business Management which is housed

at the Maryheights Campus and which has its own library, the committee head and Dean Dr. Reynaldo Bautista said that he has already instructed his members to study and research on the viability of opening the library during Sundays as his first step. He said that opening the library on Sundays will be based on the recommendations of the students. Additionally, Gerardo Claveria, the head of the Maryheights Library, said that he observed an increase in the number of visitors of the library annex. The twofloor Maryheights Library now features a fiction-reading area and a board games area aside from the movies archives where students can watch available films. It was observed that these new additions to the Maryheights library contributed to the influx of library patrons.

Library brings 15th Book Fair to Bakakeng Banoar Abratique The most overwhelming book fair yet since the first one 60 years ago has debuted to Saint Louis University’s forest-covered campus. Cutting down from 32 applicants, only 15 book intermediaries were accommodated by the SLU Libraries in its 15th Book Fair held last August 6 to 11 in two installments – one at the Diego Silang Lobby of the Main Campus and the other for the first time at the Devesse Plaza of the Maryheights Campus. “We didn’t expect an overwhelming response from all the invited [book intermediaries],” said Dr. Rina Diaron, Director of SLU Libraries. Diaron added that due to limitations in space, only 15 intermediaries can be accommodated by the university. She disclosed that from the 32 initial applicants, they had to cut it down to 22 and then to the final 15, which included local- and Manila-based book companies. In her speech, Diaron welcomed the book intermediaries and announced the creation of the University Libraries Committee and the ongoing formation of parallel committees in the various schools of the university. She also encouraged teachers and students alike to take some time to browse the displayed books because their responses will be used to know which books should be purchased by the school. Through the book fair, students and teachers were asked to fill up recommendation forms which reflect which books they wish to see in the school libraries. This year, the famous Manila-based book store Fully Booked was the big hit to students because it is the only book intermediary to offer fiction books. Other book concessionaires included Rex Book Company and Forefront Books. In the opening ceremonies held at by

GRAND SLAM. SLU ranked 1st during the 2nd National Inter-School Quiz Show and 2nd for the LAB-anan Sa Norte, both sponsored by Philippine Association of photo by Levin Ace Danganan Medical Technologist (PAMET).

W&B NEWS BRIEFS Immoliap leads Congress, Elemen heads LoG Banoar Abratique School of Law 3rd-4th year Representative Kendall Immoliap, who ran unopposed, will serve as this year’s Speaker of the Congress of Louisians while School of Accountancy and Business Management Governor Karen Elemen will chair the League of Governors. The Congress of Louisians is the official policy-making body of the Kataastaasang Samahan ng mga Mag-

aaral ng San Luis/ Supreme Student Council composed of representatives from different schools and the presidents of University-wide organizations. Ecolodians President Winnie Ace Culaton was voted by the law-making body as deputy speaker. Immoliap will succeed Outgoing Speaker John Paul Abando, who ran but lost in the vice presidential race under the

REPORMA-ACS. Meanwhile, the League of Governors is the official collaborative body of the school governors who may implement and suggest projects in cooperation with the KASAMA/SSC Executive Committee. Elemen ran under the RIGHTS party. Six of the nine seated governors are her partymates while the two others are from REPORMA and one ran as independent.

Gelliane Benlingan Political Science professor Joseph Porfirio Andaya dethroned school nurse and outgoing president Alice Lerma in the this year’s Union of Faculty and Employees of SLU elections. In an interview with White & Blue, Andaya said he strongly believes that the reason the members chose him is because the members want to try a new set of leadership and that people wanted try something else. He supposed that the

basis of the people who chose him was his presence in their time of need. In an open letter to its members, Lerma thanked Andaya for not attacking and respecting her during the campaign. Andaya defined it as an emotional letter and that both of them are friends. Lerma, being the president from 2007-2012, had discussions about certain proposals given by Andaya for the union. He recalled that Lerma always

remembered to thank Andaya every time members gather for their General Assembly. The other newly elected officers are Roy Revilla as Vice President, Ronald Taggaoa as Secretary General, Emily Joy Aquino as Treasurer, Conrado B. Chan, Jr. as Auditor, Lawrence Dexter D. Ladia as Public Relations Officer, Ronaldo S. Felizco as Business Manager, and Julio S. Bersamira Jr. as Marshall.

New UFESLU leaders elected by

SLU Admin lifts regulation on gadgets Aldrick Agpaoa Citing the frequency of the use of electronic gadgets in the university, the SLU Administration decided to lift its regulation on a Memorandum released last August 30, 2012. With the increasing necessity in the use of electronic gadgets in research and academic work aid, such technologies are now allowed to be brought inside the university without securing an by

entry permit (being required under SLU Memoranda of May 24, 2006 and June 1, 2009) from the Student Affairs Office. This permission, however, is still subject to University Policies and some advisories: (1) that it shall not compromise the implementation of pertinent University Policies and other laws / ordinances concerned; (2) that normal academic and work activities are not jeopardized; (3)

that the holder of such gadget shall take personal responsibility of its handling and; (4) the University reserves its right to be free from any liability if ever the holder of such gadget breaches any law, ordinance or University Policy. Due to the expediency of such usage, the implementation of the Memorandum took effect immediately after its issuance.

the Diego Silang Lobby, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Noel De Leon in his message on behalf of SLU President Rev. Fr. Jessie Hechanova, CICM, voiced out his dream of growing the Louisian book fair into the biggest book fair much like the Frankfurt International Book Fair. Meanwhile in a separate opening ceremony held at SLU’s Maryheights Campus, School of Accountancy and Business Management Dean Dr. Reynaldo Bautista welcomed the book intermediaries to the new campus and enjoined the business students to visit the exhibit. He also emphasized on the increasing number of students in who visit the satellite library in the Devesse building. Both opening programs were attended by Diaron and the library staff and emceed by Office for Linkages and Exchange Programmes Director Rosario Marzo. Good Samaritan Louisian After speaking of the importance of books as “friendly drugs” in a response message on behalf of the book intermediaries, Forefront Books Operations Manager Roselie Ching relayed her experience of losing her mobile phone in the university. According to her, as they finished setting up the exhibit in the Diego Silang Lobby, she went to the rest room to freshen up. Leaving afterwards, she noticed that her mobile phone was missing and upon effort to locate it, she dismissed that it was gone. However, not long after, it was returned to the security office by a student who said that somebody left it in the ladies room. It was subsequently returned to Ching. With this experience, she congratulated the school for developing good values in its students. She then encouraged the students to become book addicts.

Hechanova honored by Belgian King Banoar Abratique For the first time, a native-born Filipino member of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was conferred a distinction by the Belgian royal throne and government. Saint Louis University President Rev. Fr. Jessie Hechanova, CICM, received by virtue of a royal decree of King Albert II of Belgium the title of “Officer in the Order of Leopold II” upon the proposal of Belgian then Minister of Foreign Affairs Steven Vanackere. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul Jan Verbeeck and First Secretary Jozef Naudts of the Embassy of Belgium awarded the title to the university president in a short ceremony at the Camp John Hay, Baguio City last October 12. The title was the second level of the five degrees in one of Belgium’s three by

major orders, is granted to “individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional or sustained service to the Belgian nation, its royal family and its civic values, in a variety of disciplines or functions.” The other two orders are the Order of Leopold and the Order of the Crown. According to the university’s official website, “by conferring this award to the SLU president, the Belgian royal family and federal government give evidence of their continued interest in and support to Saint Louis University, founded in 1911 by Belgian missionaries.” The order is awarded for meritorious service to the Sovereign of Belgium, and as a token of the King’s personal goodwill. It can be awarded to both Belgians and foreigners.

NEWS

4 OPEN DOORS. A member of the religious group Hare Krishna gives an introduction of their meditation techniques during the annual photo by Daniel Mark Kelvin Eblahan Spirituality Awareness Week.

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Board passing rates sweet and sour for 2012 by John

CHED, SLU iron out policies on field trips Banoar Abratique In an effort to rationalize the conduct of educational tours and field trips, Saint Louis University has adopted the policies and guidelines set out by the Commission on Higher Education in a memo pursuant to an en banc resolution dated June 11 this year. In a parallel memo issued last September 27, Fr. President Jessie Hechanova, CICM emphasized that only the field trips and educational tours required and specifically included in the course syllabus will be allowed subject to the provisions of in CHED Memo 17 series of 2012. A new form will have to be accomplished by students who wish to join an educational tour or field trip in accordance with a requirement of a subject the student has enrolled. Unlike the regular parent’s or guardian’s consent, the consent form by

for educational tours and field trips are required to be notarized as the CHED memo confers the foremost responsibility for the safety and security of the students to the higher education institution. However, in an earlier memo dated October 26, 2005, SLU said that health, safety, and security are a shared and joint responsibility of everyone. However, Graduate Program, Medicine and Law students do not need to accomplish the parent’s or guardian’s consent form. The university physician should also give a medical clearance to the student who intends to join the activity. Also, the collection of the payments to the school’s official travel agency should only be coursed through the accounting office. Only tour guides and operators accredited by the Department of Tourism should be engaged by the HEI.

The memo also noted that joining field trips and educational tours is not mandatory. The decision to join is to be determined by the student. Students who choose not to join should be given a similar activity where the same learning objectives, knowledge and practical competencies can be acquired. Special considerations are also given to persons with disabilities, learners with special needs and pregnant female students. Additionally, the CHED memo prohibits any employee to personally profit from educational tours and field trips. Fraudulent information, documents, signatures and certifications will also be punished by a minimum of a 15-day suspension to a maximum of dismissal or non-readmission with revocation of credits in the subject and forfeiture of payments.

ONE WAY OUT. Louisians queue themselves in one file for jeepney ride as they walk through the newly built railings along Gate 2 of photo by Raiza Nerissa Veridiano SLU Maryheights Campus.

ay kuwento ako. Isang araw, may dalawang tao – Si Balahura at si Balasubas. Sa susunod na makakaranas ka ng pambabalahura sa iyong araw-araw na pagsakay sa jeepney patungo sa kakahuyan ng Bakakeng, alamin mo kung anong puwede mong gawin kay Balahura. Ito ang kuwento ni Balahura. Hawak nila tayo sa kanilang mga manibela. Hawak nila ang ating kaligtasan at ang ating oras. Masahol dito, hawak nila ang ating mga puwet na pilit nilang ipinagsisiksikan sa maliliit nilang palad. Ipinagkakatiwala natin ang lahat ng ito sa kanila dahil mayroon silang hawak na “Certificate of Public Convenience” o sa simpleng salita, “Prankisa.” Kaya kung binabalahura nila kayo sa hindi wastong panunukli o sa pagsisigaw sa inyo na parang mga hayop o sa pagpilit na isiksik ang malusog mong likuran sa pangkalahating taong upuan o sa biglang pagtigil sa gitna ng kalsada at pagpapababa sa inyo dahil sa may hindi pa nagaabot ng bayad o sa pagbabawal sa inyong sumakay sa mga dumadaang jeepney mula sa gate 2 at pilit na pagpapahintay sa mga jeep na nakatengga o sa pag-iba iba ng rutang kanilang dinadaanan o sa iba pang paraang nararamdaman mong binabalahura ka na, ipakita mong hindi ka magpapa-api nang ganun-ganun na lang.

Ray Pucay

The passing rates of Saint Louis University on licensure and board examinations had both ups and downs in its passing rates results for the running year 2012. This academic year, board examinations for Electronic Engineers, Nurses, Civil Engineers, Radiology Technologists, Social Workers, and Teachers had sweeter results for the University while Pharmacists and Medical Technologists kept their untarnished records of a perfect 100 per cent passing rate. However, Mechanical Engineers, Physicians, Architects, Certified Public Accountants, and Chemical Engineers marked declines for this year as they slipped behind previous higher records while the other courses maintained their board results. Like a Boss 14 Louisians were welcomed this year in SLU’s roster of topnotchers led by School of Engineering and Architecture graduates Engr. Rue Lei Acuna Balicaco who ranked first in the nation for the licensure examinations for Electrical Engineers and Architect Victor Conrad Alinio ranked 8th in with a board rating of 82.10 per cent. Meanwhile, the School of Natural Sciences upheld its tradition of topnotchers as Trixia Marie Ellado ranked third and Trina P. lbis tailing her at 4th spot in the Medical Technologists board exams. The School of Accountancy and Business Management’s elusive topnotcher for Accountancy board exams was finally captured by Wayjorie Depayso who ranked third in the nation. School of Nursing dominated the latter half of the top ten rankings having newly Registered Nurse Maryelle Go Casupanan leading the Louisian flock with an 84.60 per cent board rating at 7th place. Anna Lee Demas Bantasan landed 8th while Louella Corpuz Ariola, Ebony Pinono Quinio, Hazel Monique Racqueden followed suit, all of whom placing 9th with a score worth 84.00 per cent. Capping the top Louisian nurses are Alexis Nacionales Aguinaldo, Billie Jane Tanacio Diawan, Ma. Charmaine Cebu Fallorina, and Gerald Tangonan Pagaling who all landed 10th. School of Teacher Education’s pride Marisol Mazo Barnachea who scored 84.80 per cent in the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the secondary level ranked 10th in the board. Skyward Although SLU’s Electrical Engineers did not create fluctuations in its board performance, they were still able to grab First place in the National Rankings for top performing schools. Bouncing up from a 65.79 per cent performance last September, Louisan Primary and Secondary Teachers rocketed to 86.67 per cent: this academic year’s highest board rate fluctuation for the past ten years since 2002. Meanwhile, the University managed a 60.23 per cent passing rate during the May 2012 Board Examination for Civil Engineers, beating its 42.25 per cent

performance in May of the previous year. SLU Electronics Engineering graduates beat its 45.33 per cent performance last year with 61.67 per cent, a 16.34 per cent difference. Also, Pharmacists showed Louisian pride as they ranked 1st in the National Rankings for Top Performing schools nationwide. This year’s board exam results for SLU Radiology Technologists also rocketed to 100 per cent from 83.33 percent last year surpassing the National Passing rate which only slated 47.03 per cent. Nurses and Social Workers made marginal improvements with small ups in their board rates this year compared to those in 2011. The School of Nursing ranked 6th among the top performing schools nationwide, beating 50 others. Downcast Board exam results for the University, however, continued turning sour as Physicians, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, Chemical Engineers, and Certified Public Accountants dissolved the remaining sugar of the Louisian passing rates. Physicians experienced a drop to 50 per cent from 88.89 per cent creating 38.89 per cent difference from the previous year’s accomplishment. Also dropping are the results of Mechanical Engineers who have gone through a series of downward fluctuations in their board rate results, creating a continuous downgrade despite its highest peak in 2001. From 85.67 per cent, Mechanical Engineers (ME) dropped to 82 per cent as they steered clear from topping the Board, thereby landing 3rd as Top Performing School on March 2012. MEs were able to rank as 2nd TPS the previous year. Meanwhile, SLU Architects neither managed to maintain nor improve their passing results as they slipped to 75 per cent from their former 81 per cent last January and June 2011, and, at the same time being completely slashed from the national rankings of top performing schools. Also, Chemical Engineers continued their gradual lowering of passing rates as their 2001 result of 51.75 per cent consistently went down in a span of more than ten years, until it reached 32.43 per cent last November 2011. Though they were able to recover in the April 2011 exams which resulted to an increase to 58.33 per cent, Chemical Engineers once again dropped to 55.56 per cent this 2012. Certified Public Accountants also made marginal drops from 45.81 per cent of May 2011 to 44.68 per cent of May this year. SLU was able to qualify only architects, nurses, teachers, and medical technologists this year, compared to last year wherein almost all graduates in the university had a representative in the topnotchers’ thrones. Board exam passing rate is one criterion in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings where SLU was one of its Top 201 + in 2011.

Si Balahura at Si Balasubas Dahil sa “Certificate of Public Convenience” na hawak nila, mayroon silang responsibiladad na siguraduhin ang “Convenience” ng publiko, kasama ako, ikaw at lahat ng mananakay. Hindi dapat maging karumaldumal ang karanasan mo sa iyong paglalakbay, gaano man ito kaikli at kalayo. Ipaglaban mo ang karapatan mong magkaroon ng ligtas at maginhawang biyahe. Ngunit ang problema, malakas ang loob nilang gawin ang lahat ng mga iyon dahil nakasalalay ang ating paglalakbay sa kanila. Marahil ang nasa isip nila, “Kung wala kami, wala kayong biyahe.” Pero hindi dapat ganoon ang sitwasyon. Kung tutuusin, mayroon silang “monopoly of transportation.” Wala silang kakompetensya kaya kahit balahura ang serbisyo, ang akala nila wala tayong magagawa. Mali. Meron tayong magagawa. Kung gagawa ang ating KASAMA/SSC ng paraan upang kausapin ang LTFRB upang payagan ang mga jeepney ng Camp 7 na magsakay sa Amparo Heights sa may Gate 1, magkakaroon tayo ng pagpipilian. Kung sino sa kanilang dalawa ang may masmagandang serbisyo, doon sasakay ang mga estudyante. Konting sipag sa paglalakad lang mula sa mga estudyante, magiging masmaginhawa na ang ating paglalakbay. Hindi man siya malapit, hindi rin naman siya malayo.

Neverland Banoar Abratique

Puwede rin namang kausapin ng SSC ang grupo ng mga tsuper at barker o ang LTFRB upang iparating ang ating mga daing. Kung isa tayong pupunta, pagtatawanan lamang tayo ng mga tsuper pero kung isang grupo tayo sa pamamagitan ng SSC, masmalaki ang pag-asang pakinggan tayo. Ayon sa nakausap kong abogado, hindi naman ito bawal dahil nakaayon naman ito sa prinsipyo ng “Public Convenience.” Ang kailangan lang ay gustuhin ng mga mag-aaral at gawin ng SSC. Sa ngayon, ipaglaban mo muna ang karapatan mo sa maginhawang paglalakbay sa pamamagitan ng “Certificate of Public Convenience” na hawak nila. Huwag niyong hayaang sigawsigawan lang kayo, dahil may magagawa kayo laban kay Balahura. ****** Sa susunod na magkakaroon ka ng pagkakataong makalamang sa iyong mga kaklase, isipin mo kung anong

ipinagkaiba mo kay Balasubas. Simpleng tao lang si Balasubas. Mandaraya – laging may kodigo o may vandalism na formula o may nakasulat sa kamay tuwing exams. Mandurugas - laging may “kaibigan” mula sa kabilang klase na naunang nag-exam. Mandarambong – laging may taga-gawa ng assignment o project niya. Kaya nga simple lang mag-aral. Di na kailangan magreview ni Balasubas. Aanhin mo pa ang review kung may biyaya na sa kanyang mga maruruming kamay. Sa huli, hindi naman titignan kung malinis o marumi ang kamay mo kung nakapasa ka. Ang tinitignan lang naman sa huli ay kung ilan ang nakuha mo, makatarungan man o hindi. Ngunit hindi ko sinasabing masamang tao si Balasubas. Tulad ng ibang pagkakamali, madalas, dala lamang ito ng pangangailangang panandalian. Ang masama ay yung halimaw na Balasubas. Yung paulit-ulit. Yung pabalik-balik. Kung nagawa mo at itinigil mo, ikaw ay tao pa rin. Halimaw ka na kung ginawa mo at inulit mo at inudyok mo ang iba na gawin ito. Kung itinigil mo ito, ikaw ay nakatingin sa pangangailangang pangmatagalan. Kung itinuloy-tuloy mo ito, ikaw ay nakapikit na sa pangangailangang pangkahirapan. Madali man mambalasubas ngayon, huwag kang pakampante. Mahirap

mambalasubas sa totoong mundo, sa totoong buhay. Higit na mahirap mambalasubas sa langit, sa kabilang buhay. At sa dulo ng kuwento ko, apat na ang tao – si Balahura, si Balasubas, ikaw at ako. ****** Pasasalamat ang handog ko sa aking pamilya, Mom, Dad, Bro, Sis, Manang the Mayor Doma and “The Alagas” – Jai, Brandon, Lucky, Snappy, Snappier, Keoh, Kiyah. Pasasalamat and hatid ko sa aking mga guro, kapalitang-talino (kaklase), kaut-utang dila(kaibigan), PBF, SA, SQC, JPIA at marami pang iba. Pasasalamat ang alay ko sa White &Blue at sa Inkblots ng The Varsitarian (UST). Pasasalamat sa kalian lang ay aking mga nakasalamuhang sina Ricky Lee (Para Kay B, Trip to Quiapo, Amapola), Eros Atalia (Ligo na U, Lapit na Me atbp.), Mariz Umali, Niko Baua, Quinito Henson, Christian Esguerra, Manix at Jess Abrera at Former Senator Aquilino Pimintel, Jr. at kay COMELEC Commissioner…. Hon. Kenny Ralph Fernando. Higit na salamat sa Panginoong Lumikha na nagbigay ng buhay, kagalingan, kapatawaran at lahat lahat ng iba pa. ****** Kung may kuwento ka, ikukuwento ko. I-email ang kuwentista sa banoarabratique@gmail.com.

nt elections officially September 8 - Stude lege campuses. col U SL all start in

7:30 am - Students at the Main Campus cast their votes.

ghts

yhei ents at the Mar 8:00 am - Stud s. te vo r thei Campus cast

9:00 pm - Presidential candidates pose with COMELEC Chairman Kenny Fernando before transferring the ballot boxes to the Perfecto Building.

ers, poll watch ndidates, ss a re C p e m th p f 10:30 bers o , and mem g. supporters canvassing buildin enter the

3:30 am - After a short break, the canvassers resume counting of the ballots.

10:53 pm - Fe rnando explai ns to Edward that COMELEC Kyu will not allow anyone to ente canvassing bu r the ilding without a validated ID .

6:00 am - Canvassing on several ballot boxes reaches a conclusion. Opposing parti es begin to predict the results of the elections .

es ends. All ballot boxes 7:00 pm - Casting of vot to the Silang Lobby. were sealed and sent

candidates, and the 11:50 pm - COMELEC members, short reminders and ng briefi final a for er gath press g at midnight. assin canv poll before starting the

3:15 pm - COMELEC

accomplishes election

returns.

Sept. 9 , 1:55 a m - Two start of hours a th fte canvas e poll canvas sing, e r the sers co lection ntinue to coun t votes.

5:00 pm - Fern ando finalizes the election results for the SSC ExeCom .

5:56 pm - Proclamation of the newly elected officers of the KASAMA-SSC ExeCom

e their rifies to White & Blu 3:30 pm - Kyu cla try” En No , t the “No ID party’s stand abou day. us vio pre the of incident at 10:53

ere an oath of s k a m rs e c ffi o cted The newly ele ts during the n e d tu s n ia is u . vice to the Lo tober 2, 2012 c O n o n o ti c u C Ind KASAMA-SS

photographs by Orange Happee Galanay Omengan, Raiza Nerissa Yna Darla Olarte, and Daniel Mark Kelvin Eblahan

Veridiano,

6:24 pm - Whi te & Blue inte rviews newly elected SSC President Vict or Atitiw about his plans for th e school year .

OPINION

Volume 16 issue 1

NOVEMBER 2012

Where are the people?

Originally, the induction ceremony was scheduled last September 22. But it was moved to September 29 due to the election’s delay. Ultimately, October 2 was the final date – just a few days before the students would about to forget the elections. Just like how they forgot last year and the year before that. Students were not prohibited to watch the induction but they were not invited. If the uninvited students were given the chance to witness the officers’ take-off, a sense of involvement would have been created among them. Yes, the dignitaries came. Then the newly-elected KASAMA/SSC officers and some student organizations representatives. But not even a common student showed up. Why? Because the students were not even aware of the induction, or even the series of changes in the induction dates. Even just of the simple fact that there is an induction every year, some students still remain clueless. We believe that the purpose of the induction is not only to formally recognize the newly-elected KASAMA/SSC Officers, but also to make them familiar among the students. Rather, the event seemed to be a yearly parade of glamour, an Emmy awards night anticipated every year by the elected ones but not the ones who elected.The glamourous night was funded by the students themselves, isn’t it just right that at least they have to witness the event? We understand that the event commenced late evening in a school day. We also know the fact that this has been the practice every year. But, don’t you think that’s the problem? Every year, students are not involved; every year students seem that they don’t care. Nevertheless, if they were invited, there will always be a chance that some students may have the interest to attend the event. Not all Louisians want to remain clueless. Some Louisians also care.

W&B editorial

Editorial Board 2012-2013 working staff for this issue

Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor Exchange Editor News Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Chief Layout Artist Chief Photojournalist Editorial Cartoonist

Henri Lomeus Ching Karen Joy Bangibang Joshua Ganay Aldrick Agpaoa Banoar Abratique Hazel Luy Ivan Ramil Ferrer June Carlo Pabaira Orange Happee Galanay Omengan Kyth Pallogan

Senior Staffwriters Maryrose Castillo, Johanna Mariz Dario, Jermaund Ivan Junio, Cheri Danielle Leyaley, Patricia Denise Magisa, Diane Kaye Migallon, Ace Navarro, Gabrielle Paul Pascual, Jared Kenan Pasion, Shiela Marie Sandoval, Rasha Faye Tulas, Gerald Turqueza Staffwriters Renante Andres Jr., Marian Dominique Aurora, Gelliane Benlingan, Juvy Claire Danigos, Sherwin Nico Emiliano, Al Ibarra Espinosa, John Ray Pucay, Daniel Reyes, Myrrh Khalim Garnet Sacki Senior Layout Artists Junix Jerald Delos Santos, Carlo Gatdula, Orlando Angelo Santos Jr. Layout Artists Imoan Shallom Aguas, Jolas Burayag, Stacy Ellaine Castañeda, Roselle Nympha Lim, Feme Nathalie Serquiña Senior Photojournalists Levin Ace Danganan, Ivan Gedrick Lopez, Raiza Nerissa Veridiano Photojournalists Julian Carlo Barbadillo, Daniel Mark Kelvin Eblahan, Yna Darla Olarte Senior Cartoonists Renz Juno Abreu, Anthony Garlejo, Jasper Carl Kabigting, Flora Mae Santos Cartoonists Gabe Awao, Joanna Keziah Dacaimat, Ranielle Marrero, Adrian Nicolas, Jon Carlos Tabios, Marianne Vergara Advisers Engr. Jeffrey Des Binwag, Mr. Miel Albert Laoyan White & Blue is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and the National Council of Campus Journalists of the Philippines Editorial Office: Rm. 06 Student Center, Saint Louis University, Assumption Rd., Baguio City 2600

aya mo bang kumain ng 300 slides ng powerpoint presentation para sa isang pagsusulit? Nakikisimpatya ako sa ating mga kapatid sa lower years na pinagkakaitan ng pagkakataong mapanday nang husto ang isipan. Palibhasa, pinalalamon ng mga libro, ng mga powerpoint presentations, mga reviewers, glossary, at kung anuanong nakaboldface at nasalungguhitang mga salita. Nakikisimpatya rin ako sa mga kapatid natin diyan na nagtitiis sa mga reading classes. Mga tipong, “Read pages blah blah to blah blah. (After 10 mins) Are there any questions?” Napagtanto ko kasing ganoon din ako dati. Ang kaso, ngayon, ang pakiramdam ko ang bobo ko na. Pasingit Ang mga uniporme po ng mga ka-batch ko sa SABM, pakitapos naman. ‘Yung mga kapatid ko sa Entrep, July pa daw po nagpasukat. Mas mahuhuli pa ata ang uniporme nila kaysa kanilang mga diploma. Panimula Ang kolum na ito ay para sa mga bata-bata, sa mga guro, at sa lahat ng mga nagbibigay-halaga sa learning. Ilang brain cells ang pinarusahan mo sa pagsaulo ng mga salita na pati ibig sabihin ay ginawa mo na lang pamilyar sa isipan mo para may makuha ka sa pagsusulit? Sunod na tanong, naaalala mo pa ba ang mga iyon habang binabasa mo ito? O ibinasura mo rin lang pagkatapos mong kunin ang pagsusulit? Sa semestreng ito, nangyayari ba ulit? Ano nga ba ang tunay na sukatan kung gaano kadami ang naaral ng isang mag-aaral? Kung gaano karami ba ang naisaulo niyang mga nakaboldface at nasalungguhitang teksto? O kung gaano niya naintindihan ang mga leksyon? Ang Suliranin Tinuturuan yata tayong maging naglalakad na external hard drives at USB flash drives. Pumasok po ako ng unibersidad upang matuto, at mag-intindi ng mga bagay-bagay na kakailanganin ko sa mapangahas na hinaharap. Hindi po upang matutong magmemorize. Pagdating ng mga sunud-sunod na quizzes at mga pagsusulit, hindi rin daw pwede ang mga sagot na kasingkahulugan

I am a STUDENT journalist. Writing is my passion. I should have the eyes of an eagle for those who can’t see, a set of ears as big as an elephant to hear what other’s might say, mouth like that of a parrot to say what people are withholding , and a heart, a concrete heart to receive whatever insult, mockery or threat they might throw on me. Yes, a heart that’s fearless yet can learn to apologize. This column will serve as my apology to those whom affected by the things I write. I better do it this way. The column I wrote entitled “True Colors” in the recent August issue of

White&Blue garnered so many reactions, comments and misunderstandings. For that, thank you for bringing the issue to my attention. Please lend me a bit of your time to explain the said column. The column is full of metaphors. I admit that the use of words ‘DILAW’ and ‘ASUL’ pertains to the election parties. But the use of Dilaw and Asul stopped in the first paragraph. Meaning, I did not further mention any parties in succeeding paragraphs. The first paragraph actually described the scenario when the yellow party dominated the 2011 elections. Jumping to the last paragraph, ‘LUMULUBOG NA NGA BA ANG ARAW’ is not a prediction that a party will be failing the 2012 election but a metaphor that the incumbent administration will be signing off once the ‘BUKANG LIWAYWAY’ (meaning- Election Day) comes. Moving on, someone told me that I have violated a provision in the Omnibus Election Code which is: University-wide or School publications are prohibited from utilizing such publications as a means of endorsing or campaigning for a particular candidate. But as I said earlier, the metaphors were misunderstood. Never did I favor or advertise any party in my column. In case

Double Rule Henri Lomeus Ching

ng tamang sagot. Dapat eksakto. Dapat surroundings. Hindi pwede ang things around us o kaya environment. Dapat big. Hindi huge. Eh kasi nga, ‘yun daw ang nasa libro. Sir, ma’am, hindi po ba nagmumukhang mas matalino ang estudyante dahil nakuha nila ang konsepto ng leksyon? Eh pa’no naman ‘pag hindi talaga nasanay ang kokote namin sa kakamemorize? Pa’no naman kung ang paraan ng mga Louisians ay pag-intindi, ang pagsasagawa, at pag-apply ng mga natutunan? “The key difference between the copy-cat and the independent thinker is that the copy-cat is capable of merely reading and memorizing words and phrases. He never develops the critical thinking skills needed to analyze other ideas and compare them to personal experience and the rest of his knowledge. Rather, he merely memorizes them, stuffing them into an ever-larger closet full of contradictions and inconsistencies.” www.rationalmind.net Ang Simpleng Dahilan Hindi ko ito sinulat para sa sarili ko. Napagdaanan ko na ang mga iyan – mga uri ng ganito at ganyan, mga petsa, at lalong–lalo na ang mga glossary terms. Lahat ng nakaboldface. At hindi lang iyan, may mga nagpapasaulo pa kahit mga articles, prepositions, at conjunctions. Naalala ko lang kasi pagkatapos kong mag-scan ng mga grades ko – ng mga pink forms ko. Tanong ko sa sarili ko, hanggang saan na nga ba ang naaalala ko dito? Hindi ko alam kapag mahihiya akong ganoon iyong grade ko tapos wala na akong maalala dahil nagsaulo lang ako dati o sadyang nakalimutan ko lang talaga. Alam kong kasalanan ko at hindi ko na talaga maalala. Pero sa tingin ko, hindi na kasalanan ng utak ko kung ginamit lang siyang pangsaulo dati. Sinulat ko ito upang hindi maging biktima ng ganitong sistema ang mga susunod na Louisians.

Ang Solusyon Hindi po ba mas maganda ang experiential learning? Mas maganda yata kung mga estudyante mismo ang makaranas ng kanilang mga natututunan. O ‘di kaya tanungin po sa exam ang paano at bakit at hindi puro ano. Hindi ang pagkopya lang sa libro mismo, o mga reviewers. Nagiging modos tuloy ng mga magaaral na maghanap kung saan kumukuha si ma’am ng ganito, ganyan. Kung saan makakabili ng librong ‘yun dahil kung meron ka noon, tiyak, pasado ka na. Disclaimer Hindi naman ito sa pangkalahatan. Pero kung nakataas na ang kilay mo ngayon, Ma’am, Sir, malamang ginagawa mo po ‘to. May mga guro namang talagang pure application ang ginagawang panukat. Hello, Math! You’re the best! Hindi rin naman magpapahuli ang English at Management. Ang Suliranin Ulit ACADEMIC FREEDOM, bow. Para sa impormasyon ninyo, mga kapatid, ang academic freedom ay isang karapatan ng isang unibersidad na naglalaman ng apat na aspeto: ano ang ituturo, paano ituturo ang mga ito, sino ang maaaring magturo, at sino ang mga maaaring turuan. Iginagalang ko naman po ito. Nagpapahayag lang naman po ako ng opinyon. Wakas Isa man lamang akong mag-aaral at journalist, karapatan kong magkaroon ng isang magandang pundasyon at armas para sa pagsabak sa labas ng unibersidad sa aking pagtatapos. Malaya kong ihahayag ang gusto kong sabihin na sa tingin ko ay para sa ikabubuti ng lahat. Natamaan ka man, eh ‘di natamaan ka. At sana bumukol. May academic freedom ‘man, naniniwala pa rin po akong hindi naman ito absolute. Dagdag pa, sa aking pananaw, pasya ng isang taong maging guro upang maibahagi sa mga mag-aaral ang lahat ng kanyang nalalaman tungkol sa isang asignatura, sa pamamagitan ng mga malilikhain niyang paraan. Baka ang nangyayaring sistemang ito pa nga ang isa sa mga dahilan sa lalo pang pumupurol na utak ni Juan dela Cruz. Bobo na. Ako rin.

Public Apologies

Printed by MJC Press Corporation, 1720 Pres. Quirino Avenue, Pandacan, Manila

Written: September 13, 2012 First of all, I would like to reiterate that the students are the sole publishers of this student Publication. You are the lifeblood and the reason of this publication’s existence. So, it is natural for us journalists to uphold your interest amid issues. The things a journalist write here is not just his or her opinion; it is the voice of the multitude, the students. **** “Push me in the corner and I’ll come out fighting. I may lose but I’ll always keep my face”-country strong

Bobo na

I did, what in the world is my motive? When I wrote that column, I have no intention of affecting the Election. A proof can be presented that I have written and sent that article to our former Editor-inChief early January this year. My mindset was different back then. I did not intend to manipulate the votes. By the way, ‘baka pagsisihan mo nanaman ang boto mo’ (last line) was a way to let voters be aware of their choice. It is not surprising that we hear some student voters complain about the student government every year. So, I’m not just saying that some voters were unsatisfied with the recent student government but also with the student government even before the recent. All is just a matter of timing. The issue was released a day before the elections. Also, I don’t have a control over some people from the other competing party who tried to distribute the newsletter and make the students read the column. The column was not a campaign material in the first place. For me, that’s over the top politics. I end here, I might be criticized again. I want a break for once in a while. Lastly, the column is my opinion. Opinions are not subject to screening by

Mockingjay

Karen Joy Bangibang

the editor unless for grammatical errors. Also, the column does not reflect the collective thought of the publication. In the end, it comes down to this; I’M VERY SORRY FOR THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS. Don’t underestimate the voters. They see beyond the colors. *** “You may take my music, but I will never stop dancing”-Troupe Another issue to apologize for is the fifth statement in DA HOY. The statement was very harsh. Also, it was another matter of timing. Running a publication requires so much time. The time from the layout period, to printing in Manila until it will be sent back to be distributed, I tell you, is a long time. You might be reading this now after two or three months.

Going back, that statement was included in DA HOY when the issue was at its peak. That time, many were outraged pushed by emotions. By the time the issue was explained and resolved, the newspaper was printed. Again, the statement was the voice of the multitude who knows how to react like normal people. Still it is not right to be disrespectful. But again, I sincerely apologize. *To my accounting batch mates: even if life takes away our music, don’t ever stop dancing. Let’s create our own beat, our own steps… *** “Death did not warn me to live the same but to enjoy Life even if it’s my second chance… ”-R7EN I apologize to my parents who are not aware of all this. Still, you taught me well, thank you. Lastly, I apologize to the White & Blue staff for being caught in the middle. *** Do you have something to apologize for? Apologize to them. Comments, reactions, suggestions, threats are all welcome. You can send it to my email: karenjoybangibang@yahoo.com

OPINION

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Study now, get rich later “Poverty is the schoolmaster of character.” - Antiphanes I will be graduating at the end of this semester along with thousand others who aspire to get rich and help their family get out of poverty. Sometimes I dream (or daydream) of the day when I march onstage, clad in toga with a cap atop my head, ready to receive the diploma I have toiled and suffered for, for the last five years. A crowd of fellow graduates cheer. Rah, rah, rah! I take glance towards the bleachers where my parents are seated. Smiles are painted all over their faces. Pride emanates from their weary yet still strong physique. I look to where some of my instructors are seated, and see delight in their expressions. My most-admired mentor nods. Then I stop. I think of what I have been through for the past twenty years of my life – almost three-fourths spent in education. Ten years in basic education and an additional five for my engineering degree. Then I ask myself: Why go to school? Is it to learn new things? To have fun? To meet new friends? None of these reasons, I think, is even close to reality. The main reason why most of us go to school is to have a degree, have a big-earning job, and get rich! Even I consider this to be my prime goal. And many of you, I assume, are in agreement with me. What happened to what our firstgrade teachers taught us, that is, we go to school to explore the world we live in, to obtain answers to the deep mysteries of the universe, and to develop our own potentials? The true essence of being in school has gotten buried in the back of our minds, clouded by the present condition of the country. Our culture has brainwashed us that the best way to alleviate our lack of resources is to go to school and finish education. When I was in the second-grade, my teacher asked everybody in the class what our dreams were and why we chose it. Many of us answered they want to be a doctor in order to help those who are

Sounds Greek To Me Joshua Ganay

sick. Cliché. Others say they would like to become teachers to teach kids in the future how to write and read. Still the same old things. Ambitions perceived by children are for the benefit of others or of the country, selfish ambitions are set aside. It was when I was in high school when the idea of having luxury cars and extravagant mansions came to existence. It was then that I recognized the reason of our parents sending us to school. Yes, it is still the same thing – to help – but with a shallower, more selfish intentions. They want us to help our families get out of the mire of deficiency and poverty. A clearer, more pronounced understanding of the getting rich scheme became engraved in my mind as I entered college. It was then that I experienced getting to class with just a fifty-peso bill tucked in my jeans’ front pocket – saving every centavo for the most important things such as food and jeepney fare. Add to that, I saw my parents work their butts off in order for them to earn money for my allowance. In short, I have learned the real value of money. During the semestral break, I joined the Lunduyan of the College Editor’s Guild of the Philippines. One of the topics discussed in the Luzonwide journalism gathering is the current situation of education in the Philippine. It was said that the present Philippine education system is commercialized. This means that schooling is made as businesses of various capitalists. It now deviates from the ideal scenario that education should be free. Education is now becoming a privilege rather than a right of everyone. This can be evidenced

by the soaring prices of tuition and other fees not only in private higher education institutions but also n private schools offering basic education. Funny enough, state colleges and universities are joining in on this scheme. In the University of the Philippines, for instance, where students are dubbed mga iskolar ng bayan, the tuition rate is comically higher than the rates of most private universities and colleges. Isn’t it ironic that in order to get rich after attaining a degree, we must get poor first? Education is like a business, you need capital investments before it can operate and generate profit. It is so sad to think that this is the trend of the present society. One can only assume that one day, he or she could go out there, equipped with the diploma and transcript, not just the skills and knowledge, to land a job and earn for his or her family. Five months from now, I will be clutching my diploma and transcript in hand, applying for the job that I have dreamed of for almost three-fourths of my life. But have I really enjoyed my search of knowledge and wisdom? Did I consider my education leisure? The sad answer is no. I have gotten nowhere from the fact that education is just for the future. Education is basically just a way of getting out of poverty. *** Ask me if I enjoy my schooling. Yes, I do now. This column made me realize my mistakes, my selfish ambitions, and ultimately shun the status quo of having education just to get rich. I hope this made you think twice about your real motive in entering the academic world. Is it to enjoy and have fun learning new things or to study hard in order to land a job that will alleviate you or your family’s poverty? I don’t know. You decide. *** Thanks to my parents, Narcisa and Rafael, for sending me to school. Comments, send them to joshuaganay@ yahoo.com.

Magpaka-”aktibista” tayo

ko’y magsusulat muli sa Wikang Filipino dahil ako ay nasa Pilipinas, dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas at dahil ako’y isang aktibista (pasensya sa mga Foreign Students na makakabasa nito). Sa kolum na ito, dapat seryoso, dahil kapakanan ng bayan ang nakasalalay sa mga susunod na talata. Aktibista ako. Kayo din. Lahat tayo. Ang pagiging aktibista ay may iba’t ibang ibig sabihin. May iba’t ibang pananaw ang mga tao tungkol sa mga aktibista. May mga aktibistang aktibo sa pakikilahok sa mga rally at may mga aktibista rin namang pasibo lang pero patuloy pa ring nakikilahok sa mga isyu ng bayan sa mas tahimik na paraan. Ano nga ba ang kailangan upang maging isang aktibista? Wala. Simple lang. Makialam ka sa mga isyung makaaapekto sa buhay mo bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino. Malaya ka. Dapat mong ipaglaban ang karapatan mo, basta’t ito’y tama sa mata ng Batas at sa mata ng Diyos. May mga isyu ang bayan na dapat talagang tutukan ng pansin. Siguro tinatanong na ng inyong mga isipan kung bakit ko sinusulat ito bilang kolum ko. Ito lang ang aking tanging paraan upang maipahatid sa inyo na ang Pilipinas ay nawawala na sa ‘tuwid na daan’ na ipinangako ng mga naghahariharian. Ako’y walang pinaparinggan at pinapanigan. Marahil, ito lang talaga ang napapansin ng mga mapagmasid kong mga mata. Magsilbi kang mata ng bayan. Alam naman nating walang perpektong sistema. Hindi lahat kayang masolusyunan sa isang iglap lamang. Makilahok at makibaka. Hindi kailangan na sa marahas na paraan palagi. Maraming ibang puwedeng paraan upang maihatid na isa kang aktibista – aktibista ng bayan mong sinilangan. Sa madaling salita, magkaroon ka ng silbi. Pinakinabangan mo ang mga ‘pribilehiyong’ binibigay sa ‘yo ng bayan mong naghihikahos at nauuhaw na sa tunay na kalayaan. Nauuhaw na ang bayan mo sa tunay na pagbabago. Gumising ka. Gawin

Homogenous Chikinensis Aldrick Agpaoa

mo ang parte mo bilang mamamayan ng Pilipinas. Maging aktibista ka. Ikaw ang digmaan na pinaglalaban ng bayan. Gawin mo din ang parte mo bilang isang ‘boss’ ng mga nasa dulo ng tatsulok. Maging agresibo para sa pagbabago ng bayan. Hindi kailangang baguhin ang sistema, kundi, baguhin ang mga nagpapatakbo nito. Manindigan ka sa mga ideolohiyang pumapaloob sa iyong mga paniniwala. Kailangan mo ring maniwala sa sarili mo kahit paminsan-minsan lang. Kailangan rin ng iba na marinig ang iyong panig, para patas ang laban. Magmulat ka ng mga isipang pilit kumukubli sa kasalukuyang bulok na sistema. Gawin mong ‘pagbabago’ ang iyong sarili. Maging isang halimbawa ng pagkukusa – para sa pagbabago. May karapatan ka. May laban ka. May kapangyarihan kang baguhin ang tadhana ng bansa. Isa kang Pilipino, taas noo mong ipagmalaki na ang pagiging ‘aktibista’ mo ay may bungang unti-unting babago sa mukha ng isang naghihirap na inang bayan. Ipakita mo ang pagmamahal mo sa bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal mo sa kapwa. Bilang isang aktibista, kaya mo ring magmahal. Lahat naman tayo’y may pusong tumitibok – tumitibok sa lunduyan ng mga himig na humihimok para sa pagbangon ng bayan mula sa kalugmukan ng prinsipyo ng mga nakatataas. Umibig. Walang masama sa pag-ibig lalo na kung para ito sa baying sinisilbihan mo ng buong puso. Hayaan mong sumaliw ang mga titik ng aktibismo sa libro ng ating kasaysayan. Lahat ng aktibista ay gumagawa ng kasaysayan. Lahat ng aktibista, kasayasayan. Bahagi na ng kasaysayan ang pagiging isang aktibista. Nag-iiwan

ka ng magandang lamat sa paghahangad sa tunay na ‘matuwid na daan’ – hindi ‘yung sumasang-ayon ka na lang at sumusunod sa agos ng sistemang pilit mong tinatakasan. Umayon ka sa kung ano ang bago, hindi sa subok ngang sistema, bulok naman. Ang iyong mga karanasan ang magsisilbing saksi sa mga pangyayaring hindi kayang isambulat ng punso. Nawa’y sa mga karanasang ito’y may mapulot kang mga aral na gagabay sa iyong paglalakbay tungo sa kaginhawaan. Ang pagiging isang aktibista ang susi sa pagiging bukas mo sa posibilidad ng pagiging instrument ng muling pagmumulay ng sistemang kinabibilangan mo. Ito na ang unang hakbang tungo sa pagbabago. Huwag mo nang pakawalan ito. Ito’y pawing opinyon ko lamang sa pagiging isang aktibista. Hindi ko kayo hinihimok na sumama sa kilusan ng mga aktibista dahil lahat na tayo, aktibista na sa simula pa lamang. Kailangan mo lang ng tamang pagkakataon para mapakita ito sa bayan, sa bayan mong sadlak sa kahirapan ng kaalaman at kasarinlan. --This is where I can also say, ‘An Activist’s sanctuary is the people’. Sumulong. Sumulat. Manindigan. Magmulat. --Inaalay ko ang kolum na ito sa mga kaibigan ko sa College Editors Guild of the Philippines at sa mga aktibistang naghahangad ng tunay na pagbabago. Tayo ang pagbabago! Tayo ang digmaan! Sa mga BFFs ko (QM, HJ, D, JN, KL, RC, MJV, KE) at LU buddies na naniniwala sa propesiya ng ating dakilang propeta (PJE), salamat sa lahat ng mga pinagsamahan natin, sa HTM Department (talong), sa SLU Band (sa tuition ko), sa Check My School Baguio Chapter, sa kaestudyantehan ng Unibersidad ng San Luis at sa pamilya ko sa White and Blue… para sa inyong lahat ito. --Aktibista ka ba? Magkumento na sa chikiness_32892_goddess@hotmail.com :)

W&B DAHOY!

Kawawa ka naman, gastos mo sa kompetisyon galing pa sa sarili mong bulsa, hahalimuyak din naman ang pangalan ng eskwelahan pag nanalo ka. Mataas ba masyado ang pride niyo at ayaw niyong pakinabangan ang mga kagalingan ng estudyante para sa ikauunlad ng enrolment system? Sa wakas, puwede mo nang ipasok ang very expensive mong VAIO! Pero magdala ka nga lang ng matinong baterya at hindi puwedeng makisaksak! Bawal na po palang kumita sa field trip. Promise. Kailangan mo ng proof? May CHED Memo 17 S2012 na po. Ang White & Blue po ay hindi campaign material. Kuha mo? Puwede ba? Pati induction, kinulayan. Akala ko ba wala sa kulay ‘yan? Madami daw nananakawan sa may Main Gate? Hindi ba nakikita sa CCTV? Ano brother? Pritong taba. Adobong taba. Palabok na ang toppings ay taba. May ilulusog pa ba ang mga pagkain sa kantina? Reklamo ka nang reklamo, hindi ka naman bumoto. Ano ka, hilo?

White & Blue values your contributions. We are accepting articles, photos, illustrations, or letters to the editor from the Louisian community. Articles must be encoded, while photos and illustrations should be provided with descriptions. Include your name, course and year, and contact number. Works with deficient information will not be entertained, but names can be withheld upon request. Submit your entries at the White & Blue office (Student Center, Rm. 06) or to any White & Blue staff.You can also contact the editors via their e-mails or interact with us via our Facebook account (www.facebook.com/whiteandblueslu). Submissions are still subject to our screening process.

W&B LETTER TO THE EDITOR Pasintabi po, NSTP Galileo Bachelor

Science

ummer had passed and many students weren’t able to enroll in their NSTP classes. The only reason I’ve heard for the cause of this is the lack of instructors to handle classes. Instead, they let us took the subject in a regular semester. This is where the challenges begin. The start of the semester was quite easy. We were having activities in every meeting that I know is what National Service Training Program really means, and that is to train the youth to serve the country. But the subsequent months were far different. We started to attend compulsory seminars and fora almost every Sunday. These educational events are good in nature and the purpose of the NSTP Administration as I believe is pure but the time used is not just and reasonable for the point of view of students. There are several reasons why we, students, despise these mandatory gatherings. First, Sunday is our only time to rest and to free our mind from all the mind-boggling stuffs in school. We, Louisians, are going to school six days a week and we only have one day to take a break, do some household chores and other requirements. Second, it is our responsibility as Louisians imbued with Christian spirit to go to church and do our ministries. What the NSTP administration failed to realize is that many students have their own church responsibilities needed to be fulfilled. Some are choir members, band members, altar servers and youth leaders in their bible study. All of them are serving the Lord through their time and talents. Those time and talents that are supposed to be for the Lord were taken by that NSTP. For the culminating activity of the NSTP 1, the students were gathered to showcase the different tribes of the Philippines. It was an excellent way of celebrating the richness of our culture. But the untainted purpose of the event was stained with the luxurious, lavish, costly and time-consuming way of celebrating it. The event was composed of singing contest, dance contest, food competition and fashion show. Each class was given a tribe to represent during the show. For my own estimation, each student, who attended the show, spent more or less P1,000.00. Each student was required to pay 100 pesos for the tribe pictorial and additional 50 pesos for the soft copy of the pictures contained in a CD. We should also put the picture in a frame that costs 250 pesos (if we are going to buy it to them). But we can just buy outside if we want the cheaper one. In our tribe pictorial, we were required to wear the ethnic attire of the tribe where we originally belong. The

Accountancy 2

rental fee ranged from P150 to P300 excluding the collateral.Some students were lucky to represent the same tribe where they originally belong with the tribe where their class belongs for they will not rent two different ethnic attires anymore. It is written in the guidelines that the outfit to be wear in the cultural show should be the native dress of their class tribe. For some students, this means an additional expense for they will rent another one. For the food to be presented in the show and the props to be used during the competition, every student contributed certain amount of money for funding. Some classes collected P60 each while others P150. We weren’t able to see any financial report if where all those money went. What we know is that the excess money weren’t given back to us. I am not against any person here, what I am against here are the ways of preparing and celebrating the event. Not all students are capable enough to pay all those obligations. Some students are only working for their allowances and this event is an additional burden for them. We also lost most of our time for our studies for we spent it in practicing for the competition and in preparing food for the event. I know that the past will not be changed anymore but I chose to write a letter to the Editor-in-chief to voice out our grievances as students. I believe that through White and Blue we can safely tell to the Administration what and how we feel about it. This is a letter not to hurt anybody but to protect the future NSTP students from these superfluous undertakings. It should be better if we just simply celebrate the event without the tribe pictorial for we see no great use for this or they should just chose models to have the pictorial. It would be more practical if we showed simple presentations rather than competitions, for I believe that no tribe is better or superior than the other. I believe that the true meaning and purpose of the event were lost because of the way of its celebration and because the students didn’t do their tasks out of willingness to serve and to learn but out of compliance and conformity. In short, they took it for granted. I, in behalf of the NSTP students, hope and pray that this will serve as a wakeup call for the NSTP Administration to be more sensitive, practical and sympathetic to the situations of their students. It isn’t bad to conduct events like those as long as the students’ conditions are taken into consideration. Thank you, GOD Bless you and more power.

8 W

ala raw permanente sa mundong ito maliban sa pagbabago. Maganda ka ngayon. Papangit ka rin sa nakatakdang panahon. Lumalangoy ka nga sa ginto ngayon. Malay mo, mamaya, sa sarili mong dugo ka naman naliligo. Lahat ay nagbabago. Ang opinyon na ito ay hindi tungkol sa mga taong mayayabang na pakiramdam nila’y habang buhay na silang masaya kapiling ang kani-kanilang pagmumukha at kayamanan. Hindi. Tungkol ito sa mga taong ang bilis makalimot at sa mga taong hindi rin nag-iisip ng maayos. And poof! They became irrelevant to my life now. Sana Koko Krunch na lang. Mabubusog pa ako kapag ganoon. ******* “Magkikita lang tayo sa hallway. Hindi katulad dati magkakasama sa iisang room. Alam mo yun. Nang-iiwan ka.” – Rochelle, Row My Boat songstress ******* Dear random Louisian na nagbabasa nito ngayon, Labing anim na gulang ako nang pumasok ako rito sa kolehiyo. Unang araw pa lamang ng klase ay marami na akong nakilalang mga ituturing kong mga bagong kaibigan. Sa katunayan ay apat na pu’t siyam silang lahat. Sa loob ng isang semestre, matatag kaming magkakasama. Walang sumuko sa mga laban. Nakakatuwa. At ngayo’y

OPINION

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Nakaaalala ka pa ba? lumalayo na ako sa aking paksa. Ayaw ko ng balikan pa ang nakaraan. Sabi nga ng isa sa iilan lamang na iniidolo kong Pinoy na si Eros Atalia sa kaniyang libro na It’s Not That Complicated: Bakit Hindi pa Sasakupin ng mga Alien ang Daigdig sa 2012, “Tama siguro ang sabi ng ilang matatanda, na ang nabubuhay sa kahapon ay nabubuhay sa buntong hininga at ang nabubuhay sa kinabukasan ay nag-aaksaya ng hininga. Ngayon ka dapat mabuhay. Ngayon ka dapat huminga.” But I guess it’s nice to reminisce every once in a while. Nothing compares. No worries or cares. Regrets and mistakes, they are memories made. But who would have known how bittersweet this would taste? ******* Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa, Louisian. Isa sa mga pinaka-ayaw kong ugali ay iyong hindi marunong magpasalamat. I hate ungrateful people. I despise them. After I did something good to them or for them, not even a single damn gets in to my system, to my inbox, or to me personally. I know that I shouldn’t expect anything in return when I do good deeds. But for crying out loud. Like seriously. Will it be wrong if he or she will just show any signs of gratefulness? Is saying “thank you” a bad thing? Mayroon pa. Matapos mong tulungan ang isang tao sa kung anumang

Night Stars June Carlo Pabaira

bagay at paraan, makalipas ang sandaling panahon ay nakalimutan ka na nito. Agadagad. Oo. Iyong totoo. Nauntog ka ba sa kung saang pader o poste? Kung nasaktan ka man sa pagkakauntog mo, mabuti naman. Siguro sapat na kabayaran na iyon sa lahat ng idinulot mong perwisyo sa buhay ko, linta ka. Walang hiya ka. Nakakatawa ka. Mas napapatawa mo pa ako kaysa kay Vice Ganda. May future ka. Nararamdaman ko na. Magaudition ka na. Para naman may silbi ka. Ang pinaka-nakakatawa pero nakakainis din ay may lakas ka pa ng loob na bumalik-balik sa akin. Ay. Baka hindi pala “lakas ng loob” iyong tamang mga salita. “Kapal ng mukha” pala dapat. Nananadya ka ba o sadyang insensitibo ka lang? Puwedeng mong linawin sa akin. Madali lang naman akong kausap. Pero kung hindi ka talaga magbabago… *hingang malalim* *tawagin ang back-up singers* *ihanda ang mic* *burrrrrh* *prrrrrrhhh* You’re gonna wish you. Never had met me. Tears are gonna fall. Rolling in the deep.

****** Gayunpaman, Louisian, mayroon pa rin akong mga kaibigan na hindi ako iiwan kahit anong mangyari. Maliban na lang siguro kung napatay ko ang isa sa mga mahal nila sa buhay, o ‘di kaya nama’y nakalimutan ko silang batiin sa kaarawan nila kahit mag-post man lang ako sa timeline nila sa Facebook. Hindi ko na kayo kailangang isaisahin. Kilala niyo na kung sinu-sino kayo. Baka ipabasa ko na lang din sa inyo ito. Kapag hindi, alam niyo na. Sabi nga ng Kuya ko na si Scotty McCreery, “There ain’t one second, times erased. Every detail’s still in place.” Oo. Medyo nagsisisi akong nakilala kita. Pero salamat din sa mga alaala. Wala akong magagawa. Those times are still clear as day. *sigh* Wala ngang permanente sa mundong ito maliban sa pagbabago. Pero bakit ko iisipin ang bukas kung puwede ko namang isipin ang ngayon? Bakit ko iisipin ang kahapon kung puwede ko namang isipin ang ngayon? Bakit ako nagsusulat ng mga kung anuano tulad nito kung hindi naman talaga ako manunulat? Bakit ako mataba? Bakit wala pa rin akong amazing facial hair? Bakit hindi ako nabiyayaan ng talent sa musika? Ha? Bakit? Bakit? Ano iyon? Hindi lang siguro pagbabago ang permanente sa mundong ito. Siguro’y pati ang mga katanungan ng bawat isa sa atin

na naninirahan sa planetang ito rin. May patutunguhan man o wala. May saysay man o walang katuturan. ****** “Lahat naman tayo naghiwalay eh.. Okay lang yan, puso’t isipan magkakasama tayong lahat. <3” – Daniel Luis, malawak ang pag-iisip ****** *roll credits* Kuya Henri, salamat at hinayaan mo pong mailabas itong walang katuturan kong opinyon. Kuya Neil, salamat at patuloy pa rin ang iyong paggabay sa akin at sa buong White&Blue [yata]. Sa mga Kuya at Ate ko sa W&B, salamat at marami akong natututunan mula sa inyo. Sa mga ubod ng galling kong mga instructors, then and now, salamat at ang gagaling ninyo. Sa mga kaibigan kong hindi pa nakakalimot at nag-iisip pa ng maayos, salamat. You and I, we’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky, so that means that we are high. Shine bright like a diamond. Shining bright like diamonds in the sky. ****** Hulaan ang pamagat ng episode ng NKPB na ito. Ipadala ang iyong mga hula sa juunecarloo@facebook.com at baka magkaroon ka ng pagkakataong makasama sa aking alaala until the end of time. I would wait a million years. Keep making me laugh. Let’s go get high. Because it’s you. It’s you. It’s all for you. Every little thing that I do.

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Leadership Communities formed among Louisians by Henri Lomeus Ching Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the 60 duly-recognized school- and university-wide student organizations and publications underwent the Ayala-based 8thLouisian Convergence themed, “LC 8: SLU LeadCom: Servant Leadership Beyond Borders” last August 13 to 14 at Living Hope Camp, Taroy, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. LeadCom, a contraction of Leadership Communities, is an “initiative of Ayala Foundation that aims to develop, inspire, empower, and nurture the leadership of young Filipinos and promote servant leadership to student leaders in various parts of the Philippines.” The participants underwent a sixphased leadership training program that included talks, group discussions, reflection activities, and experiential learning challenges aimed to help each participant learn and better understand himself and his leadership. Spreading It Unlike previous Louisian Convergences, LC 8 required only two representatives per organization. In an interview with Mr. Andrew Macalma, Associate Dean for Men of the Student Affairs Office, he said that the vision of this year’s LC was to “build a leadership community among the presidents [and vice-presidents]”. “These same leaders will be

expected to be the ones to train and create leadership communities in their own schools,” Macalma added. The facilitators of the 8th LC came from LeadCom Baguio Benguet who had trainings with Ayala Foundation, Inc. They were from different universities in Baguio and Benguet including University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and Benguet State University. Student co-facilitators were from SLU who were also trained by LeadCom Baguio Benguet Facilitators last May. More to Come “[The] activity was fully and smoothly facilitated,” said Macalma. “Minor problems and concerns were overshadowed by the enthusiasm and active participation of the student leader participants who seriously went through all the prepared activities, challenges, and reflections.” When asked what is in store for the next Louisian Convergence, Macalma added, “We plan to launch the ‘999’ – 9th Louisian Convergence on the 9th day of the 9th month of the year. It will be for sure a different format and hopefully, venue.” The 8th Louisian Convergence was made possible through the efforts of the Student Affairs Office, Guidance Center and Sunflower Children’s Center with the support of the university administration.

Ex-officio auditor challenges... from page 2

“During the first semester of the new academic year, all SSC activity should be toward the conduct of election such that any resolution [by the SSC] which is not connected with Election is not given much priority. [However] if the given the assurance that election will continue [even with the resolution] then we release the funds,” Kidayan said in approval to the opinion of Espiritu.

In the same letter, Santos retorted that the term of the incumbent officers ends only upon the proclamation of the newly elected officers. During election period, the operations of SSC cannot be halted. She argued that the operations of SSC must be on-going. “I am not after the power,” she added.

New UFESLU chief looks back... from page 1

Some members even pay for lawyers to help them with their cases and this kind of position as Andaya asserted is detrimental to the long-term welfare of employees. Offer a better fight This year Andaya ran for presidency because he supposes he could offer a better fight for employees than the preceding leaderships who were not very successful in the struggle for securing the rights of employees. He said that he does not want to waste the opportunity that something better can be done to improve the situation of his fellow employees and the university as well. Andaya admitted he has a very grand aim - one of which is to get to the point where in the union members will not be anxious to the administration from a position of strength that comes from legal support which is not only based on the member’s principles or self-confidence but on what is right. He believes the law and jurisprudence on their side, aside from the moral strength they already have. “The UFESLU office is not a symbol of exclusivity”, Andaya said and continued, “Hindi na siya opisina ng admin kundi pag nakita niya (miyembro) ang UFESLU office, makikita niya ang kanyang sandigan, ang kanyang panangga, magbibgay ng lakas para maniwala siya sa kanyang sarili bilang isang empleyadong may dignidad at karapatang dapat ipaglaban.”(When the members will see the office, they will not perceive it as the administration’s office, but an office where they can rely on for support, defense, and strength for them to believe in themselves – that they are employees who have dignity and are worth fighting for). Challenges in UFESLU Andaya confessed that there are major challenges that he is currently facing one of which is the loss of the member’s trust. He wants to regain the trust of the members by making certain that incumbent officers won’t deny them. Andaya also affirmed that there should be improvements in the way the union addresses labor concerns. Some of these include an implementation of the clearance committee and grievance machinery to afford the employee all the help and protection they need during

difficult times and this importance should be recognized. The second major challenge is on how to educate the UFESLU officers. Andaya said he is aware that the UFESLU officers who ran are people who had matured under a union that does not have done its work. He considers that the officers who vied for their position possess the willingness to serve and the desire to help their co employees and all they have is fearlessness and the desire to fight but they still have to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able to fight a good fight for their co members. Another challenge for Andaya is the absence of a database. When he was the Secretary General for UFESLU during the 1980’s, they made a project wherein there is a record of family size, family needs and other details about the union member’s needed support. The figures and information will be necessary when they will be on the negotiating table with the administration, according to him. Andaya disclosed that he desires for a system that will enable them to gather and organize the data that they need to fight a rational fight. Union’s strength to be tested Another issue thrown to the new set of officers is the upcoming K+12. Andaya affirmed that K+12 is not a union problem since the employees are protected by law in terms of their security of tenure saying that the university should still absorb the employees. “Pag may tatanggalin sila sa amin, ilalaban namin,” he said. Andaya clarified that it is not the job of the union to look for jobs, and that the administration’s duty is to ensure that the employees will not lose their jobs. Union not the Enemy He concluded that the final challenge is on how to convince the management that the union is not the enemy. “The union’s presence is not to destroy the management but to help SLU become a better institution by making the employees of the university more secure, more confident and more satisfied. Confident and satisfied employees are productive employees,” he said. He added “Altogether they [administration and UFESLU] could move SLU to a real transformation.”

NEWS

JAW-DROPPING. SLU CCA continues to bring quality performances as it stages the 6th Pagninilay-nilay. Spectators were left with their mouths photo by Orange Happee Galanay Omengan open.

RIGHTS edge REPORMA... from page 1

First Blood Voting one day prior to the actual elections, the Commission on Elections commissioners, board of election inspectors and volunteers through a special ballot box revealed more yellow ballots than blue in six out of seven Executive Committee positions. For the Comelec special polls, REPORMA standard-bearer Santos, who only lost this election since her first year, with 86 votes shuffled Atitiw by a thin 3-vote margin while her partner Abando with 78 votes crept away with a ten-vote lead against Padua. Estillore dug up 30 votes from the Comelec. Only Executive Secretary Robles’s 104 nods got a blue shirt in the Comelec’s Execom votes beating Tirol’s 65 votes. The yellow squad continued to lead the Comelec’s special precinct 51 as Codera’s 97 beat Vicente’s 71 for the Secretary for Finance, Baluyot’s 91 outclassed Co’s 81 for the Secretary for Audit, Aquisay’s 112 trounced Camba’s 22 and Salazar’s 31 for the Secretary for Public Relations, and Lundang’s 94 topped Carajay’s 58. Unstoppable Atitiw won in all schools in the presidential race while his partner Padua went through a tough fight after Abando captured the Schools of Accountancy and Business Management and Engineering and Architecture, the two most populated

schools. Padua took strong hold of all the other seven less populated schools, giving him a higher grand total. Robles took hold of the two biggest schools plus six others while Tirol only took a gasping 86-vote lead in her home school, the School of Natural Sciences. Codera also captured the greater number of ballots of SABM and SEA adding it to her 80-vote lead in SCIS to maintain her over-all lead against Vicente who won all other schools but was not enough to break Codera’s castles. Though winning the battle in her home school, Baluyot only managed to scrap up a 390-yellow shot margin against her contender and schoolmate Co who dribbled away with her blue balls in all the other schools. Holding on to four schools including the two biggest in population, Aquisay flew away with the win over Salazar who landed in the five other schools’ top elective ranks. Even if Carajay was the man for the less populated Schools of Natural Sciences, Humanitites, Medicine, Nursing and Law, Lundang fastened the last bolt to hold up the yellow flag as he nailed the four bigger schools in the university. Dominating Keeping their party’s domination down to the school assemblies, the RIGHTS party captured 54 seats while the REPORMA-ACS will handle 35 local

positions. SRP-CHS took hold of one slot while four others were won by independent candidates. Six blue flags will be raised in the League of Governors representing the Schools of Accountancy and Business Management, Engineering and Architecture, Computing and Information Sciences, Law, Medicine, and Natural Sciences. Only the Schools of Nursing and Teacher Education voted for a yellow year while the School of Humanities gave their governorship ballots to past presidential contender Jan Michael Vincent Rillon who ran independent. In the Congress of Louisians, 11 members will be wearing the blue shirts while only three will sport a yellow tee. The only one win for SRP-CHS was SOH 3rd-4th year Representative Loraine Cereza while independent candidate Kendall Immoliap will represent the SOL’s 3rd-4th years. RIGHTS also grabbed 17 mayoralty and 16 vice mayoralty positions while REPORMA has 15 and 12 of the same. Independent candidates in SOL seize one mayoralty and one vice mayoralty posts. In the School of Law, all candidates were unopposed either running under the RIGHTS party or independently while School of Medicine Governor Jesus Soriano Jr. was the only candidate and was unopposed running under the RIGHTS banner.

BIRTH OF A NEW SOUND. Pinay singer/songwriter Agat is featured in Project Genesis, a debut performance of SLU photo by Daniel Mark Kelvin Eblahan Orchestra.

SSC Elections prolonged... from page 1

Kyu asked Fernando to let the party members into the building anyway, arguing that “it was late and it is unsafe to stay outside the university premises.” The former even stated in an interview with White & Blue, “I am ready to take the liability in terms of the technicalities as long as I assure that the welfare of our constituents will not be neglected.” As per rules, COMELEC would lock down the canvassing building and would issue election IDs as scheduled to the press, election candidates, and supporters

who wish to enter the building. After a compromise between Kyu and the COMELEC officers, SRP-CHS’s members and supporters were allowed to enter the building. Longer canvassing, smaller turnout Despite the record-breaking 18 hours of canvassing this year, the voters’ turnout still went down from 58.57%, the highest in SSC history, last year to 55.14%. A total of 16,250 students voted in the 2012 KASAMA-SSC Elections, out of 29,476 SLU students.

School of Teacher Education still holds the highest turnout of 71.20%, or 1,110 out of 1,559 students. This was followed by School of Accountancy and Business Management with 68.53%, or 5,665 of 8,266 students. School of Humanities came third in the highest number of voters with 65.68%, while School of Computing and Information Sciences took the 4th spot this year with 50.90% turnout. School of Natural Sciences came 5th in voters’ turnout, with 47.32%.

ith each passing day, he lived in fear. He lived as if each day was the same as the next. He would walk along the corridors, mustering enough courage and strength to fight harm that could come his way. A few more steps and he realized his ordeal was over. But as he turned a corner, little did he know it was far from over. And as the shadows continued to consume him, he was left with no choice, but to close his eyes to his unending misery. The state’s policy values the dignity of every human person and guarantees the respect of individual rights. With this being said, many laws have been passed and enacted to provide the protection of rights. In a modern society where people are capable of wielding power into their very hands and using this to take advantage of the weaker ones, time has come to equalize things. In an interview with Atty Jennifer Asuncion, a faculty member of Saint Louis University’s Department of Political and Social Sciences, the issue of exploitation that sealed mouths and quieted the weak was unveiled. Exploitation defined Exploitation is an act that tends to endanger, demean, and ridicule the victim. In most exploitation cases, there is always the intention to gain by the exploiter. There are many laws when it comes to exploitation, and it is divided particularly on the nature, subject, and even the intention of the exploitation. Women, children, and workers alike Walang inaapi kung walang paaapi (No one becomes a victim if no one allows himself to be a victim), as people would say. When asked about the circumstances that could lead to exploitation, Atty Asuncion cited the very subject or person as a major factor. For one, it depends on the subject. Say for example, on the exploitation of children; children are passive, one of the reasons why they are considered minors. Kung mahina ang isang tao, madali siyang i-exploit (A weak person is easily exploited). Another is on the exploitation of women, particularly because of our culture. Our culture says it is just okay to exploit women because in the past, society viewed them as secondary citizens. As for workers, they are exploited because they need the job, and the exploiters are providing their jobs. These employers are taking advantage of their vulnerability. Tip of the sword Desperate times call for desperate measures. And when desperation hits, one can do almost anything. There have been issues, both local and national about these kinds of incidences in the academe. And in the event of a faculty member doing an act or acts of exploitation towards a student, Atty Asuncion prefers that the department head is approached first since he or she has control over the faculty.

“No student discount on Sundays and holidays, even Saturdays for some: That’s very wrong.” In cases of exploitation that have already caused trauma to the student, for instance, when the trauma has already caused moral disturbance; the guidance counselor is fitted to be approached. And for the students, the SSC is available. These are the authorities students can approach. A trusted faculty can also be one of them. But one has to make sure this faculty could really help, rather than aggravate the matter because it cannot be denied that they are still colleagues with the exploiter. However, when the roles are reversed and the student becomes the exploiter; it cannot be regarded anymore as exploitation. Exploitation is between a weaker person and a stronger person. Red card Just like any offense, exploitation is punishable by law, depending on the circumstances. For workers, we have Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. To protect the interests of children against exploitation and other forms of abuse, we have Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. For the Indigenous Peoples, we have Republic Act No. 8371 or The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, and other forms of international law which were already adopted as part of our law on discrimination and exploitation. In light of this, situations which could present an opportunity for exploitation were also laid out. No student discount on Sundays and holidays (even Saturdays for some) “That’s very wrong. Kasi, hindi naman kayo nagsa-stop maging estudyante ng Saturday at Sunday (You don’t stop being a student during Saturdays and Sundays)”, says Atty Asuncion. If such is the case, it goes into saying that a student is not a student during Saturdays and Sundays, and that he would have to re-enroll on Monday, to avail

“Desperate times call for desperate measures. And when desperation hits, one can do almost anything.”

by Maryrose illustration by

Castillo Flora Mae Santos

of the said discount. You remain to be a student during these days, provided you are enrolled. That is why they should collect from you the discounted rate. But then again, the problem is that if there is no complainant, these infractions are not corrected. You can complain to our policemen, or before the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and even to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) so that their franchise can be revoked if they are not following the law. Increase in rent Under the rent law, the student should be notified of the increase in rent, and such increase shall not be abrupt. A rate is provided under the law of the supposed increase in the rent, and the time the landlady can increase the rent. As regards to house rules, they are the discretion of the landlady. Padlocking, or getting the tenant’s things is not allowed, in the event of non-payment of rent. The tenant cannot be evicted all of a sudden; the landlady must issue him a notice to vacate, and they need to give the tenant time to look for a place to stay. Stalking Stalking does not necessarily equate to exploitation, as Atty Asuncion explains. If a man is stalking a woman with some lewd intention, Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 is provided by the law to protect the woman’s rights. However, ordinary students stalking other students is punishable by another offense, not necessarily exploitation. People who exploit have the means, and for most victims of exploitation, there exists a gap either in moral ascendancy, or influence between their exploiters. Overpricing Since the school canteen is a private entity renting in the university, there must be an arrangement between the concessionaire and the school. Nevertheless, the mark-up on the food items must not exceed the rate set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for retail. It must not be unconscionable. Not so fair weather, my friend Let’s say that on a cold Monday morning, it is raining as if there is no tomorrow. The wind is picking up at a speed good enough to turn people’s clothes inside out. Water is coming from everywhere. And because of this, a mudslide caused the road going out of your place to be impassable. Obviously, you can’t possibly come to school. Unexpectedly, your teacher gives a quiz; you, being the fifth element to be absent. Question is, are you rightfully excused from taking the quiz? Atty Asuncion answers “I find that excusable, for humanitarian reasons. But one must look into the circumstances. Just because it happened to one, it does not mean making it a rule already. As they say, ‘Different folks, different strokes’. Nevertheless, social justice and fair play must be observed in making decisions like this.” No permit, no exam “It remains to be a bill. It has not yet been approved by the Congress and the Senate. This is pro-student, but we should also look into its effect when it comes to the school, because a student’s contract with the school via the brown form is on a semestral basis. The said contract protects the interest of the school in the event the student does not come back to pay his outstanding balance. Well, for me, the no permit, no exam ‘policy’ can be applied except during prelims and midterms”, Atty Asuncion states. When asked if these circumstances enumerated present an opportunity for exploitation, ‘it depends on the intent’, she says. ‘If you will take it in that sense, it is not a form of exploitation. But if the intention is to harm, endanger, or demean you, then it now becomes a form of exploitation.’ What can be done by those people who are being exploited? “Most exploitation cases remain unreported or unresolved because the victim eventually backs out. The best thing to do is for the students to know their rights. They must educate themselves. But to self-educate is not enough, they must also know how to apply it. In addition, know the agencies you can run to for help. Since you are students, I bet you have friends. Just like what I would always advice students, as friends, you need to help each other out. Have an understanding of the problem. As I also said before: no complainant, no case”, tells Atty Asuncion. While he kept his eyes closed, it was as if bright lights were blinding him. This gave him the opportunity to bring out that inner courage and strength he has been harnessing all this time. When the time came for him to unleash these, he opened his eyes. And much to his surprise, his tormentors were gone.

n August 5 of this year, another Louisian had made the SLU community proud. Gregory Galgana Villar III, a graduate of Saint Louis University Laboratory High School formerly Saint Louis University - Boys’ High School, worked as part of the team of the latest NASA project known as the Mars Curiosity Rover. “The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is important because it will help us understand whether Mars has, or is, able to support microbial life,” Villar said on earlier interviews. He described the rover as ‘the most sophisticated rover we ever sent to another planet.’ It weighs 2,000 pounds and is the size of a Mini Cooper. On top of that, Curiosity has 10 scientific payloads, a total of 17 cameras, an arm, a drill, and even its own laser. The White & Blue team shared talks with one of the youngest Curiosity Rover engineers through an exclusive interview. Here is Gregory Villar III talking to us about the stars and mars, his stay in SLU, and his story. White & Blue: What exactly did you do as an Operations Systems Engineer and now, as a Science Planner? What combination of skills do you use? Gregory Villar III: Prior to landing on Mars, my role as an Operations Systems Engineer included conducting training exercises for the flight-team. These were operational tests that simulated the different phases of the mission involving hundreds of engineers, and occurred in a flight-like timeline. The objective was to ensure that all of the tools, procedures, processes and interactions between the teams functioned correctly. Now that the team is operating the Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars, I transitioned to my new role as a Science Planner. Every day, Curiosity reports back to Earth and based on the information that comes back, the operations team plans the next set of activities the rover will execute. This planning process involves hundreds of scientists and engineers and as a Science Planner, I am responsible for building and maintaining the plan for the day. As a Science Planner, I have to interact with hundreds of scientists and engineers, so I have to have good communication skills to be able to understand everyone. And all those scientists are from around the world and everybody have different accents, cultural styles. Thus, I have to adapt to accommodate them. I also have to put a lot of patience and I have to work well under time and pressure. W&B: You are one of the youngest engineers in the laboratory. Is there any pressure whenever you are working with people that have been there in the industry for a long time? Gregory Villar III: It’s an amazing experience, I wouldn’t say that there’s a lot of pressure. I am one of the youngest engineers but there are some engineers who are younger than I am. It is an honor to work with some of the best scientists and engineers in the world because they are just that – the best! I remember when I was still in college and I watch videos about Mars and I see people like them on TV and now it’s such a pleasure to be working side by side with them. Everyone treats each other just the same as if we are all colleagues and that’s a really great thing to have at Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). And it’s a very great experience learning from all these senior engineers. There is a saying, “you are only as good as those who surround you” and luckily I am surround by the best. W&B: How do you unwind after a long and stressful day? Gregory Villar III: Probably the best thing that I do is I try to work out regularly because it keeps me relaxed and in shape. I also like music; I play the guitar, a little piano, sometimes drums and harmonica. I love to play instruments.

by Patricia Denise Magisa illustration by Orlando Angelo Santos, Jr.

W&B: We have read that you have been awarded a scholarship for NASA’s Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology (MUST) program while you were studying Physics. How were you chosen? Gregory Villar III: I was in junior college and I saw this application for NASA scholarship. I applied and it was a very, very thorough application, probably the biggest application that I have ever filled out. Definitely, I was selected out of a bunch of applicants. I am much honored to have that scholarship and that scholarship came with an internship at the NASA center of my choice so I have chosen JPL, one of the NASA centers. W&B: What keeps your feet on the ground? Gregory Villar III: Gravity (laughs). Let’s see. It’s how interesting my job is. I go to work not thinking that it’s work. If you want to create something, you should make sure that you have fun doing it. And so I am very excited every morning to work, to be able to operate a rover on Mars. It’s very, very exciting. That’s what keeps my feet on the ground. It’s also very helpful to have people that support me, like my family and friends and my supportive girlfriend. There’s a combination of lots of things that help me become successful.

W&B: Who was your mentor who guided you for you to be where you are? Gregory Villar III: I had a bunch of mentors. It never has been only one. It’s something very important to understand. I have a mentor in high school, I had a mentor when I was college, I had a mentor when I was still an intern, and I had different mentors when I got hired. I have tons and tons of mentors and they are very important. If you want to seek out people who can give you good advice and who can also care about your progression in life. W&B: Did you ever think of giving up your dream to be part of the Curiosity Rover? Gregory Villar III: I never thought of giving up that dream. It’s amazing to work on another planet. W&B: What’s your favorite subject? Gregory Villar III: Science. But I was very good in math. It was interesting. I remember being able to compete with other schools to represent our batch in different science and math competitions. W&B: What’s your least liked subject? Gregory Villar III: Filipino (laughs). I had a very hard time learning Filipino when I was in high school and that was the only class that I had

my lowest grades in but it was a good learning experience because now I can speak Tagalog fluently. W&B: Were you interested in the extraterrestrial ever since you were a child? Gregory Villar III: When I was about eight or nine years old, I look up to my cousin who wanted to be an astronomer so I, too, wanted to be an astronomer at that time. Ever since I was young, I would set up my interest on the stars. It was very amazing to work with something that you’ve once dreamed about as a child. And not all people can do that. W&B: What celestial body do you take with exceptional interest? Why? Gregory Villar III: Well, aside from Mars because the rover’s there, it would be planetary nebula. I used to work on them when I was still an intern at JPL. Planetary nebulas are one of the end state of a star when it dies. I really like them and I find them interesting because they come with different shapes and sizes and whenever you see different images of beautiful, colorful images in space, these are usually planetary nebula. I really like those. W&B: What’s your all-timefavorite sci-fi movie? Gregory Villar III: Armageddon…

or Star trek. I like Star Trek. That is very good. W&B: You’ve studied high school in SLU Lab HS. Can you please share us some of the things that you will not forget in your stay in the institution. Gregory Villar III: The camaraderie I felt. At that time it was boy’s high, we are all just male in that school but the curriculum at boys high was very good. I attribute my success to my academics at boys high. I remember all the great teachers I had. I learned a lot from everyone. It also helped me very much to be in a school in the Philippines because I’ve learned about lots of values that we don’t learn here in the States. W&B: Are there also people whom you met in high school that inspired you to be who you are today? Do you have any messages for them? Gregory Villar III: There are people in high school that had inspired me like some of my close friends who were at the top of the class. Mark Chatto: he just finished Med School at UST. He is always someone whom I look up to in highschool; we kept each other going. And also another friend of mine is Raymond Caluza. He also attended SLU. He was also very brilliant and I learned a lot from him. He’s one of my mentors. Competitions have also been a key to my success; and though we are competing with each other we all know that we are friends. I also had lots of inspiring teachers like Sir Fontanosa. I think he’s the principal now. He really inspired me and kept me sharp when I was in school. W&B: We are sure that they are so proud of you now. Are you planning any visit to the Philippines? Gregory Villar III: Since I’ve graduated, I think I visited there twice. And I definitely missed everyone in the Philippines and I want to be able to come back, I think next summer or whenever I get less busy. But definitely I have plans to visit my old high school and also my friends and family that I have in the Philippines. W&B: We all know that Physics is not an easy subject, what tips can you give to the Louisians regarding Physics? Gregory Villar III: (Laughs) Physics is really not a non-easy subject but I think anyone can learn anything as long as you put enough work into it. Some people might learn faster than the others but as long as someone puts on the right amount of effort and work, you can understand as much as the other person. It may take a little more time but they will eventually understand as well as their classmates. It is also important to understand that there are people to help you out. Besides your classmates, you can always ask your teachers. You never get to where you are in life without the help of others. So if you don’t understand something, feel free to ask questions. Do not be bothered that you ask more questions again and again. It’s something that I do all the time when I was learning from these engineers. I ask them these questions and they answer me and if I still don’t get it, I ask them again. You shouldn’t be embarrassed in asking questions. W&B: The Filipino community is so delighted as well to hear that a Filipino is working in NASA. Are there any messages that you can leave for the Louisians? Gregory Villar III: If you have a dream, do not be afraid to go out and get it. All you really need is a lot of hard work, and patience, and perseverance. Anything’s possible. That’s something I learned. I never thought that I’ll be working for NASA one day. When I was a kid, I just see NASA in the news and say that: ‘Oh that’s really cool.’ But I never really thought that I’ll be working in NASA today. You just have to put your mind into it, work really hard and be patient. Never give up.

FEATURES I

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 nOVEMBER 2012

SLU IT’S MORE FUN IN

by Patricia Denise Magisa illustration by Ranielle Marrero

f you saw the smorgasbord of promotional materials appearing on television and the Internet lately, then you would not be a stranger to the Department of Tourism’s latest catch phrase. From our country’s beautiful scenic spots to our unique culture, everything and everyone in our archipelago of 7, 107 islands had been immortalized in those witty punch lines. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and we pay tribute to this now famous line by tweaking it with our own brand of Louisian ingenuity. It’s more fun in the Philippines, and it’s more fun in Saint Louis University as well. Exercise: More fun in SLU Remember Chris Tiu’s commercial about those daily 10, 000 steps being good for your health? No need for a speed-counting pedometer, because aside from Physical Education classes, our beloved Stairs and Ladders University guarantee that we receive our fair share of workout with its seven-floor buildings and sky-high stairs. If you do not have money for a gym membership, then make it your daily routine to walk from the first floor of Vath to the seventh floor and back. See immediate results with bonus bulging calves. Microsoft 2003: More fun in SLU Out with the old, in with new, though maybe not for SLU. Our fountain and Giant Steps have received a centennial makeover, but many of our computer units are still left in an era where the language understood by computers involve shaking, thumping with clenched fists and threatening them to boot up. By the way, maybe the reason why Microsoft 2003 is still in use in the computer laboratories is because it has high sentimental value to the university. Arts Festival: More fun in SLU Aside from the Intramural games, the annual Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated events in SLU. This triple treat delight, where students outperform each other in various music, dance, and drama competitions, is always well-attended. There is also the element of shock and surprise when you see your instructors gyrate like a pro to the beat of the latest Lady Gaga or Katy Perry song. Green Fountain: More fun in SLU It has been a year since the SLU park had undergone a major, major facelift and a fountain emerged from what had once been a lonely ‘frog pond’. Green plants were intricately designed, and just recently, the proud fountain came to life and discharged water, the color of which complemented the green motif. The water spewing forth became a threat to the lives beneath the structure. Also, students have been complaining about the fishy smell lingering in the air whenever they pass by. Maybe they will clean this again when the next centenary comes.

13 Line of the North: More fun in SLU Aside from falling in love, falling in line is also more fun in SLU. The line starts from the north, and ends at the very tip of the south, especially during enrolment. Another example of this scenario is the endless lines at the university canteens during break times, when hungry Louisians line up to eat. Magic Wands: More fun in SLU Have you ever imagined how wonderful the inspection process is at SLU? It is simple. They just poke inside your bag and off you go. Presto! Giant Poles: More fun in SLU The giant pole near the Rizal building is a landmark of its own. It is pretty during the Yuletide season, where it plays house to a colorful and beautiful Christmas tree. However, once the holiday is over and all the decorations have been stripped off, it only seems to become a big pile of mess. Perhaps it is high time that we think of other uses for the pole, lest it becomes a practice area for aspiring bungee jumpers and Spidermen. PBB Teens: More fun in SLU The reality TV show hits closer to home as more and more couples and quasi-couples grace the hallways with their presence and hands clasped together, as if it were just a walk in the park. For some, it’s just the holding hands, the impromptu smack on the lips, or the instant peck on the cheek. But for the others, it’s more than that. Case in point is the “will you be my girlfriend?” proposal that happened at the bridge connecting the Silang and Adenauer building. The picture of the sweet gesture was posted on Facebook, but the Student Affairs Office (SAO) thought otherwise. They were reportedly sent to the office to explain themselves. Oh well, so much for the proposal. Indeed, it’s when reality imitates reality TV. Shining, Slippery Lobby: More fun in SLU Although this only applies on rainy days, the Silang Lobby has been the stage for those unfortunate souls who have had their fair share of embarrassment. It’s either missing a step, running too fast, or plain carelessness that causes one to slip, fall, and have their 15 minutes of fame. The remedy? Makeshift pathways of flattened boxes that look like God-knows-what when already worn out and soggy from all the rainwater. First Day High: More fun in SLU P.E. 402 is far different from P402. Who knew that a letter difference in the classroom would spell the difference between being confident on your first day and suddenly being lost? Unfortunately, some freshmen didn’t know. At the start of every school year, the university has always been experiencing an increasing trend of enrolees. That means more minds to educate, more feet walking up and down the Main Gate, and of course, more freshmen getting lost during the first day of school. Sorry, first years. Been there, done that.

KEEP CALM AND ENJOY

Summer to Winter Valium Meal Hazel Luy

ately, my lips are dry. It takes some effort to moisten them with my tongue. Perhaps my body is aging. My skin starts to stretch like a plastic bag. My physical being is drawing to some form of phase change, like a cocoon breaking open to a butterfly, or a tree shedding leaves. Then I start having back aches, especially on my lower back. A somewhat blunt sting starts creeping from my lower spine whenever I bend or twist. Then there’s this thing about my nails. The margin that marks the fine line of which I cut the growing nails are getting bigger gradually. When I hit my 40s, this line may sink about a quarter of a millimeter or so. The white region of my eyeballs starts to have nervy spots and yellow blurs. And as I stare at a mirror, I notice the subtle streak of lines tapered against the skin of my neck. As I observed, they form readily on the areas of skin where slabs of flesh usually fold, like areas that fold when I turn my head, or when I look up at the skies. My knees and elbows lose a small fraction of their elasticity, and so they look a tad saggy when observed up close. I’m beginning to have short breaths when taking brisk walks. It’s as if my body is disintegrating, like a corroding metal gate, taking its fair blow of time and mortality. Not only that, my scars now fade extremely slow, and so I’m reminded always of the many wounds and cuts I have taken for the past years. And so I come to know that I’m dying slowly, and that my body undergoes this cycle of decay and aging. I’m losing life with every minute that passes by, with every breath that enters inside of me. There will come a time that my last whiff of air will happen as unexpected as cats appearing on the sidewalk. I might not be forewarned of this last whiff of air; I believe it will come to me abruptly, and thus I want to take into consciousness this shell of a body I own. I want to eat ice cream as I desire, and be with people I want. And I may never really appreciate the parts of this body that made me experience life on earth as it is. The hands I held, the food I ate, the words I spoke, the steps I took are all possible because of this shell of flesh I live in. I will not acknowledge every moment in its completeness, but I appreciate the reality that these moments build up the memory that by the time I die, I shall trace in retrospect. It is certain that I’ll forget some details, like the dirt in my fries, or the tender look of my mother yesterday as I stepped home. So I accept this lapse of memory, the frailty of my mental capacity. And so I’ll take things as they are. I’ll probably try to remove the dirt in my fries. *** The edge of nails sinking deeper into the flesh is a sad, sad thing.

YEAR by

n a forest, you must have the necessary things and mind-set in order to survive. Without the essentials, you’d be left dead in that massive space. You must know where you’re going in order for you not to get lost. Know your surroundings. Just like the forest, college is also a massive jungle. You get to see a lot of new people, and not-so new people, and some people you never thought existed. “Gising naaaaaa!” It was 5:00AM. Her alarm tone she downloaded from some website blared from her mobile phone’s speaker. She hid under her fluffy, blue covers and dozed off again. She still doesn’t want to get out of bed. The bed was just too comfortable, and the cold wind was hitting her gently. The feel of it just makes her want to stay in bed forever. Fifteen minutes later, her alarm tone blared off again. She reached for her phone on the other side of the bed occupied by extra pillows, and turned off the alarm. She got up and took a peek at the phone’s screen. 05:15 AM Jun 04. It’s official; she’s already a freshman in college. She was absolutely stoked, not only because she’ll get to wear her new shirt to school but also because she’ll get to see new faces; probably those who are going to be her blockmates for the next five months, or those who she will only be seeing around the campus but either way, she was still stoked. She was nervous, too. She was nervous of facing a whole new environment. She let out a sigh and checked the phone’s screen once again. 6:00AM Jun 04. She spent the past thirty minutes spacing out, so she chuckled to herself and got out of bed. Introduce Yourself, Okay? “Class, my name is Mrs. Maria Batumbakal, and I will be your instructor for this subject for the next few months. So, today…” she spoke in this monotonous tone. All she could hear was “bla bla bla”. Her eyes drifted around the room, studying each person that would catch her eye. She brought her attention back to their instructor who was writing some things on the board. Name: Course and year: Gender: Special skill: Talent: Blood type: OA. Shoe size: Waistline:

Marian Dominique Aurora

Sexual orientation: Vital signs: Bakit ang irrelevant na? She closed her eyes for a little bit and rubbed circles on her temple. She opened her eyes again, only to find out that she was, once again, in her alternate universe. Her eyes went to the white board once again. Name: Course and Year: Expectations: a. From the subject b. From the teacher “Okay class. Write the following information on a half sheet of paper, and then pass it forward in a few minutes.” She reached for her pen, and started writing on her piece of paper. Suddenly, she felt someone tap her shoulder. “May ½ ka pa ba? Nagkamali kasi ako ng nasulat,” a deep, male voice asked. She turned around and saw a handsome-looking, young man looking at her, waiting for an answer. “Ay, wala na eh. Sorry, last na kasi ito eh,” she replied with an apologetic smile plastered on her face while holding up the last piece of paper she had. “Ah, sige,” The young man smiled back, and left her alone. College is not 100% studies Being a college freshie, she was still not used to the environment she is in. Students walking back and forth, holding all types of things: T-squares, file cases, thick textbooks, manuals…everything! Some were clad in statement shirts, some had their hair dyed, some had black-rimmed glasses, and some wore blank stares in their eyes. She was not yet used to the fast-paced life that college was. There was noise everywhere. And there was silence everywhere. She let out a huff and headed to her next class. (Stereo)typical Ayan? Nerd yan. Ang daming dala na books eh. Naka-eyeglasses pa! Ang bango ng Axe ni Kuyang dumaan. Nakalowwaist jeans pa with his checkered boxers poking out. Naka-butt-out si Kuya umupo. At ang landi ng t-shirt nya. Naka-leather sling bag pa siya. Becki siguro siya. Ang higpit ng mga damit nya. Naka-leggings at

4”-wedge pa si Ate. She must be sassy. It looks like I’m going to be stuck with these people for a while. Hay nako. Those thoughts ran in her head as she looked at her block mates one by one. She knew it was wrong to think of them in a stereotypical way but she could not help it. “Hi! May I sit next to you?” She heard someone ask. She shot her head up and saw her “tightly-clothed, sassy” block mate. She sounds nice, she thought to herself. She nodded and smiled at her block mate. Suddenly, her “geeky” block mate approached them and told some jokes. Okay, I stand corrected. It looks like I’m going to have fun with these people. Erase the stereotype. Keep Calm There were so many things to do, yet so little time. She threw her head back. She had her Theology textbook in her hand, trying to suck in every inch of information. Turn page. Read. Turn page. Read. Repeat 5 times, and then fade. She was doing the same thing over and over again. Still the same book, still the same routine. Incarnation… See-Discern-Act. Ang daming binasa. Ang tanong, naintindihan mo ba? All of a sudden, she felt her eyes getting heavy. It was time to hit the sack. She set aside her book and tucked herself under the covers. The next day, she woke up to her mother’s ear-crushing wake up call. Her eyes immediately shot open. She looked at the clock, and was shocked. Hala! 6:55 na! She immediately jumped out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. After her bath, she just wore whatever was on top of her pile of clothes in her closet. Before she headed for the door, she felt her phone vibrate in her hand. She immediately looked at the screen. There was a message from her friend. It read: Kita naman tayo sa main gate oh. Please? :) Thank you. She grabbed her backpack and headed out. Run! Run like the wind! During college, you are already able to find yourself. First, because of the course you took up. Second, and most importantly, because of the people you spend time with. If you want to pursue something, go for it. Do not mind what other people will say because in the end, it is your decisions that matter most. Do not try to hide in another person’s shadow when you could shine out being yourself. College is all about finding your special place by being the special you that you are.

Renante Andres, Jr., Diane Kaye Migallon, and Myrrh Khalim Garnet Sacki Orange Happee Galanay Omengan and Julian Carlo Barbadillo

photographs by

As the actors and actresses bow, applause echoes around the CCA Theatre. As the singers exit, the audience calls for more. As the dancers do their final graceful step, the crowd is still holding its breath. When the show is over, the audience will stand and give a final round of applause. The artists will bow for the performance they have long been rehearsing for. Until the last audience leaves, the performers stand by the stage with hands held together up high for a victorious night. But when the curtains have fallen, when the lights are turned off; it’s back to reality.

We’ve seen them onstage all the time. We watch their majestic movements, listen to their soothing voices and laugh with their jokes and cry with their dramas. But beyond the costumes, the makeup and the props, who are these performers in front of us? Somehow, there is something we just can’t put a finger on these extraordinary performers. So read on as the Tanghalang SLU, Glee Club andDance Troupe talk to us on moments they live for schooling and what brews deep within these artists.

White &Blue :Describe to us your ultimate acting / singing / dancing moment. Tanghalang SLU Christine: Tula-Dula. Because that was the first time I performed on the CCA stage. It was also the time we got scolded, that’s why I could never forget it. Madelaine: My first major-role in Zwardeena, as Duday. I would never forget it. But my ultimate experience is being chosen for the role I have long waited for five years as Enang in Pagninilay-nilay. Anthony: For me, the ultimate moment as an actor comes when the audience applauds for you. Glee Club Julian: MBC (Manila

Broadcasting Company) Choral Competition 2010 [where they won 1st place]. For me, the title didn’t matter. As a performer, singing on a national stage representing Cordillera with the song Banoar iti Cordillera. Showing what you’ve got on a national stage, that’s something to be proud of. Roland: During the competition, (MBC 2010) you could really feel the whole group become one. And you could feel that every singer there gave their 100 per cent. Dance Troupe Nelmark: Every performance, we try to feel that this is the last or that this is the performance where I should put my all, my best. Alvin: It’s like we our mindset dictates that we don’t want to give a mediocre show. Ayaw naming ng okay na, gusto namin the best. White & Blue: What to you is an artist?

Tanghalang SLU Ben: When you are an artist, you do not impress, you express. Anthony: Pag artist ka, ano ka…mapaglinlang. Kailangang mapaniwala mo sila na totoo yung nangyayari. Madelaine: An artist is also human who has his own feelings and emotions. At the end of the day, an artist has to face his/her trials, the real life, not just the one on stage. John Melvin: Let’s symbolize an artist to a mirror. An artist is a mirror of every person. Being an artist is about connection too. When the audience watches, they need to see themselves in your acting. Glee Club Julian: An artist sticks where his passion is. Roven: Attitude. Attitude lang talaga ang binubuo dito. Dance Troupe

Joy Marie: An artist is an epitome of beauty. An artist reaches for excellence, hindi siya nagse-settle sa okay na. White & Blue: What do most Louisians not know about you?

Tanghalang SLU Blytton: One fear I have is being super-active inside the classroomthat some would call us boastful. Liezl: Some teachers tell us, “Ganyan-ganyan ka pa, unahin mo ‘yung studies mo.” But some teachers are also supportive. Glee Club Roland: There was a time we heard that ‘mayabang daw ang Glee Club’. Pero hindi. We are approachable.We are also normal. Julian: We have our own world here [in Glee Club] that whatever we do in a classroom setting, we also do here. Normal din. I think our bond is just better formed here. We have more foolishness. Like what I said a while ago,“ipakita mo panty mo” (laughs). Parang magkakapatid na rin kami. Roven: With respect to some of our instructors, as much as possible, we wouldn’t want to perform when we have quizzes most especially in our major subjects. But sometimeswe are really asked to perform. Because some instructors tell us, “Sige, magGlee Club kayo, ‘yan nalang priority ninyo.”They don’t know that we also prioritize our studies. Since we are scholars, we need to budget our time. (!!!) Julian: In my case, in Mass Communication, we mostly have group works. And my group mates have their free time between 4-7, so sometimes; I can’t really come since I have rehearsals. Some of my classmates get angry because I’m usually not around. Sa akin naman, hindi naman sa ayaw kong pumunta

sa meetings, pero ipinaglalaban ko din yung scholarship ko. ‘Yun yung hindi nakikita ng ibang students usually. They think that just because I’m a CCA member, I use that as an excuse for me not to attend meetings. Pero kung tutuusin, kami rin may problema. Roven: Some students think that we are in Glee Club just for the fun of it. But we see in ourselves that we are so differentfrom others: instead of playing DOTA games, instead of watching movies, instead of giggling with some friends, we are here working in becoming a better person. Dance Troupe Peter: We are also normal and we sometimes have our own disputes. We get reprimanded too. But that’s a part of the learning process. Julianne: We are also ordinary students. Joy Marie:Before the day ends, iniisip mo pa rin yung studies mo, yung grades mo.It’s like we have more to think about. Sa part namin, mas hati ang oras. Our social life is less than the usual. Sometimes, we can’t even go to our family affairs because we have rehearsals. Ferlie: On stage, we are more professional and we follow every step with caution. But behind the scenes pasaway din kami minsan. Some get scolded.Each of us has their own mischief. Normal din kami. White & Blue: Where do you usually hangout? Tanghalang SLU Madelaine: Rehearsal room. Blytton: We are also a community [at the CCA] that has individual differences. Some wander around while others don’t. ‘Yung iba tumatambay sa ganito-ganyan, parang normal din na studyante. Dance Troupe Padi’s Point. But that’s only when we’re very stressed. It only happens once in a blue moon. The dance there [in Padi’s] is different compared here where our every move is controlled. White & Blue: Who is your ultimate acting / singing / dancing icon? Tanghalang SLU Ben Jan: John Lloyd, he’s a very natural actor. Madelaine: Eugene Domingo because you could really see the different emotions in her even in just one line. Melvin: I don’t have any. The moment I acquire an idol, the tendency is I would mimic him and I could lose my identity. Glee Club Roland: As a group, we idolize the Philippine Madrigal Singers. What bands do you listen to? Roven: Our adviser told us that for us not to get disoriented in choral singing, we shouldn’t listen to bands. But we realized that as long as we know how to differentiate our orientation in singing as choral singersfrom singing in bands, there would be no problem. Dance Troupe Nelmark: Bayanihan Dancers, Melanie Moore from So You Think You Can Dance. Golda: Ballet Philippines.

White & Blue: Do you dream of an acting / singing career after SLU? Tanghalang SLU Anthony: It would be nice to have a job and at the same time have a sideline [i.e., an acting career]. But when it comes to desire, we are all sure that we want an acting career. If there’s a chance, why not? Madelaine: If there’s really a chance that I could perform after graduation, I would really grab it. Glee Club Julian: Why not, kasi kung nasa puso mo naman na talaga yung isang bagay,‘di mo na pakakawalan pa. If ever given a chance in doing this [singing] as a profession or as a hobby, why not? Roven: Maybe after graduation, sooner or later, we’d come back to singing. White & Blue: How do you reward yourselves after the rehearsals? Tanghalang SLU Blytton: We have practices every school day from 4-7 pm on a regular school term. After long hours of rehearsals, I would give time for myself because rehearsals are so rigid and so stressful that we still need to be presentable. Ben Jan: The rehearsals itself is my enjoyment since that’s my passion. After academics that is bewildering and confusing, rehearsals are my stress relief. Madelaine: It’s already a reward when I’ve given my all at rehearsals because I can’t reward myself when I know that I haven’t given my all. I feel that I can’t tell myself that I deserve the reward. So once that I know that rehearsals have been successful in Tanghalan, that’s my accomplishment, that’s my reward to myself. John Melvin: We pour our energy into our rehearsals. A person needs to have a reservoir to place their energies. For me, it goes to Tanghalan. That’s what relaxes me, that I have a focal point where I can put all my energy. Anthony: Rest, that’s it. I rest myself because that would be fun. Dance Troupe Nelmark: Lots of water. Golda:To feel relaxed, I separate from the group for awhile, eat and watch-by. Peter: It’s already a form of rest when we, the members of the Dance Troupe, are together not as professionals. Because inside the CCA, we are professionals as dancers but outside, it’s rewarding to be together in a very informal way. You could joke around with them. As they all say,the reward is the bond we make with each other,the friendship we make. Glee Club Roven: Usually, we go out as a group. We have dinners together. There are also times when we’re all together and with our number, we look like we’re taking over McDo (laughs). The reward for us is the realization that after training, our performance is different. Ibangiba kami, compared nung new members pa lang kami. And we’re also very proud of ourselves that at a very young age, we are trained

and disciplined compared to the other students here in the university. Some of us here are also teaching so we are future trainers and future teachers as well. Ardeen: Rest is already the reward, when we’re just at home. It’s already a big thing for us to be able to rest. White & Blue: What would you like to share to your fellow Louisians? Tanghalang SLU Anthony: Banat namin sa isa’t isa dito sa CCA; CCA ka ba? And they answer: Bakit? We respond: Kasi hello po. Dance Troupe Golda: We don’t just dance for a technique we want to learn. When we dance, we don’t just want people to see that we’re good at it because we are Dance Troupe members. Instead, we show our passion—the heart, that we love what we’re

doing. Alvin: A lot of people tell me, “buti kaya mo pa,” but in my mind, mahal ko yung ginagawa ko, gusto ko yung ginawa ko. That’s why I can create a way to make balance in my life. Basta may puso ka, kaya ‘yan . Glee Club Roven: Everything is just a matter of time management. Studyante tayo, nandito tayo para mag-aral. Scholar kami, para magaral. So we are very proud to say that even if we are in Glee Club with 4-7 pm rehearsals every day, we still have time. Julian: Every audition,what happens is some students get scared. But why not try? Try to join, hindi naman kami nangangagat ‘pag may nag-aaudition. Ang point lang namin, tao din kami. Gusto lang naming buksan ang pintuan para sa ibang tao. Danica: Do what you want.

Don’t let anyone decide for you. Julian:Don’t base what you want to do on what people say. Kung gusto mo, bakit ‘di mo gawin? What if you’re good at singing? It will take you places, when you follow your dreams. In the most likely manner, we view them only as our captivators in every show. But behind the veils of drama, projection, and awe, a new perspective of art lies. We thought we have already seen everything on stage, but as White&Blue delves deeper, they prove that there is so much more than meets the eye. They are students like us. Beyond the brilliance of their talents, a human lives within, a human with frailties and witha tendency to make mistakes. “. . . what they reveal is interesting, but what they conceal is vital. “– Aaron Levenstein

Tickle our funny bone. Submit your comics strips and if you can make us laugh, we will publish it in the next issue of White & Blue! Comics stripcs should be in lead & drawn in a 1/2 bond paper (lengthwise). You can submit as many as you want! Submit your entries at the White&Blue ofFice, Room 06, Student Center or to any White& Blue stafF.

SPORTS

Volume 16 issue 1

NOVEMBER 2012 SPIKING IT HARDER. Coming back from a loss, in the 2nd game of the finals, the SLU Navs surfaced as champions over CDCC Admirals in their photo by Julian Carlo Barbadillo succeeding clincher game.

SLU Volley squad tames UC Jaguars By John Daryl Decafe

Navs clinch top spot in BBEAL first phase by

Sherwin Nico Emiliano

After finishing in the third spot last year, Saint Louis University Navigators were off for a good start after dominating the first phase of the 26th BaguioBenguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL), seizing six championships in eight sports events. Conquering the top places in women’s archery, badminton, chess, table tennis, and men’s and women’s volleyball, SLU took the lead, trailed by University of Baguio (UB) Cardinals and University of the Cordilleras (UC) Jaguars with four titles each. The Navs ruled at volleyball for

topping both divisions, which serves as the third in a row for the men, and a first for the women after being stagnant for eight years. The Lady Navs remained in their thrones in archery, badminton, chess, and table tennis. However, the Jaguars still reigned in basketball for both categories, letting SLU trail at second in the women’s, while leaving the men far behind at fifth place. SLU men archers were not able to defend their crown and were replaced by the Jaguars.

BULL’S EYE. An SLU archery team member goes to battle with pride and honor during the BBEAL on September 17 at UP Baguio winning a gold for photo by Raiza Nerissa Veridiano the women and silver for the men.

The SLU Badminton Men came up short this season for landing at third, ending their four consecutive reigns. Also, men’s swimming and chess content themselves the same place. Sepak takraw still trailed at second after the new title holder - Benguet State University (BSU) Musangs. Men’s table tennis took a great leap this season for bagging second from last year’s fourth. SLU Athletic Director Henry Fuentes said the Navs had good accomplishments in the first leg, and also commended the rookies.

“Happy ako. Sa table tennis kasi, we have four rookie players, pero nasa championship agad sila, [I am happy, since we have four rookie players in table tennis, yet they were in the championships],” Fuentes commended. He also added that the present batch was much disciplined. With SLU’s year- round training, the Navs are fully braced for the next phase in seven men and women events: arnis, judo, taekwondo, lawn tennis, wushu, softball and athletics, and two men’s sports: football and baseball.

It’s a battle of hearts. Although down at the first two sets, Saint Louis University Navigators stood firm at the clinching five-set match against the University of the Cordilleras Jaguars in the 26th Season of the BaguioBenguet Educational Athletic League Volleyball Eliminations last September 15 at SLU Prince Bernhard Hall. Rough Start In the first set, Jaguar JR Barana offered the first attack on the Navigators, which then was countered by Navigator Bryan Biscocho with three consecutive spikes. The Navigators built a four point buff, 9-5, early in the first set. However, UC quickly coped up to the chase with Jadway Milet’s and Jennar Tulingan’s vengeful strikes to SLU’s defense, breaking the game even at 12-12. The game continued with the impressive displays of offense from both teams. The battle continued at several deadlocks before the Navs hooked first at 24 after a long rally, even with UC’s tight defense. Both teams executed excellent plays that caused the opening set to extend until the final draw at 29- 29. Finally, the Jaguars ended the rally in the first set at 29-31. Both teams sharpened their swords and hardened their shields in the next set. Biscocho, Mark Lloyd Miguel and Rusty Cruz of SLU worked harmoniously, establishing attacks against the Jaguars, but UC came back with spikes from Milet and Randy Gallardo. Barana and Milet followed up another set of strikes for UC, while SLU’s Marlon Lopez and James Riolalas focused on defense as the set comes again at stalemate, 9-9. Gallardo’s blocks rejected the Navs’ attempts thrice while Barana crushed SLU with three spikes in a row, which caused a 5-0 run for the Jaguars. Biscocho attempted for offense, but Tullingan paid back also with another attack while Gallardo declined SLU’s chances to score. UC seized the 7 point lead, nailing the Navs at 11 points. With both blocks and spikes, Goodfrey Velaque and Cruz tried to chase UC’s score, but Barana and Tulingan individually responded cunning offense, while Gallardo and Tablang countered on the defenses. Tablang finally concluded the set at 20 - 25. continued on page 18

SLU bowswingers dominate BBEAL archery by

Sherwin Nico Emiliano

The Saint Louis University Navigators’ lady archers hit the target as once again, they bagged gold while their male counterparts remained soaring at second place in this year’s BaguioBenguet Educational Athletic League Archery Competitions held last September 15-16 at the University of the Philippines-Baguio. The archery category comprised of four events: First and second 18-meter distance which were done on the first day of the contest, the Olympic round and the

team event, both held on the second day. In the women’s division, Rosa Patricia Legaspi captured the first, second, and fourth place in the first, second and overall 18-meter distance respectively, Amelyn Matis bagged fourth, second and third at the same events respectively, and Jenny Gundran managed sixth place in the first 18 meter distance. Men’s division archer Julius Victorio Cootauco conquered the top for the men’s first, second and overall 18-meter distance.

Lady Navs surge at home, down rival in basketball elims by

Gerald Turqueza

and

Ace Navarro

There’s a fight in your mind that transcends your physical limitations. Defending Champions Saint Louis University sent out a clear message after their loss against University of the Cordilleras as they outplayed the University of Baguio Cardinals, 85-52, leading throughout the ball game at their home court last September 11. Friendly race The Lady Navs took over the first perfect playing position with an initial 6-0 run led by Costales. With the Lady Navs trying to shut down the Cards early in the game, Gapuz capitalized a threepointer to load the score up to 10-3. Pagaduan of the Cardinals answers back with a three pointer right after, as they strugglecrawling up to tie the game. The score meets slimly at 14-13 as UB scores two successive perimeters, but Navs’ Dela Cruz and Abratique intensified

their team’s offenses to retain a six point margin, 19-13, widening the gap before the end of first canto. One giant leap SLU’s momentum remained intact as their combined efforts boosted the deficit to ten points early in the second quarter. The Lady Navs’ streaky shooting and defense led them straight to a clear win. SLU executed a commendable 8-0 run midway the second period to lengthen the gap against the Cardinals, 33-17. However, with two minutes remaining on the second quarter, UB scored sticks on free throws, taking advantage of the Navs’ multiple blunders, forcing SLU to call for a time-out eight seconds before the buzzer. Costales ends the play at another successful jumper to add up to the lead, 42-26. continued on page 18

Cootauco and Matis both ruled the Olympic round in their categories, seizing the gold, while Gundran trailed them with bronze. The SLU archery team comprises of men archers Julius Victorio Cootauco, Elleney Pineda, Mark Jo Vincent Hidalgo, Azri Hajimasri, and Melvin Isican; women archers Ejnny Gundran, Amelyn Matis, Kathlyn Manzo, Sheena Yap, and Rosa Patricia Legaspi; and coach Daisylyn Buciyat.

SPORTS BITS as of November 2012 BBEAL 2012 - FIRST PHASE Event

Men

Women

Basketball

5th Place 3rd Place

Volleyball

Champion Champion

Archery

2nd Place Champion

Table Tennis 2nd Place 4th Place

Badminton 3rd Place Champion

Chess

3rd Place 2nd Place

Sepak Takraw 2nd Place

Swimming

---

3rd Place 2nd Place

SPORTS

18 FRUSTRATED EFFORTS. After stumbling over PMA’s chivalrous offense, the gold drought continues for the SLU driblets as they fail again to qualify for photo by Julian Carlo Barbadillo the finals during this DO-DIE game.

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Louisian volley squad tramples PCC for 4th straight victory by John

Daryl Decafe

Only ruthless offense was needed by the Saint Louis University Navigators for them to quickly wrap up the game against Pines City Colleges Warriors in a three-set match,25-9,25-11,2514,during the elimination round of the Baguio- Benguet Educational Athletic League Men’s Volleyball last September 2 at the SLU Prince Bernhard Hall. The Navigators displayed dominance early in the first set by conquering the lead in the opening. Rusty Cruz delivered a cunning service which scored as ace, while Bryan Biscocho projected a spike that bolted the Warrior’s defense. SLU seized an early 5-0 run through Matt Luis and James Riolalas, who continued offense through their spikes, and Goodfrey Velaque who established defense by blocking PCC’s attacks. Riolalas and Mark Lloyd Miguel’s spikes and services still continued to break through the Warriors’ shields, greatly increasing SLU’s lead to 15 points, 21-6. The green shirts tried to cope up, but were not able to chase

the blue shirts before the set came to a close, 25-9. The Navigators ignited the second set with Miguel’s double service aces, which contributed to their 6-1 run against the Warriors. The latter struggled to close up gaps between the scores to a three-point trail for them, yet SLU nailed down the PCC’s digits to five as the second set progressed. The Warriors upgraded defenses at the late part of the second set, with Jonas Elio blocking the Navs’ attacks. However, SLU still continued striking hard blows on PCC, as Billy Narciso hit another spike to take the Warriors down again in the set, 25-11. Early in the third set, with PCC still on the rear end, SLU took the lead at 7-3, with Riolalas scoring another service ace. The Navs’ relentless offense did not cease, after Biscocho served another wallop cutting through the Warriors’ defense. Pinned down again, PCC remained stagnant at eight points, while SLU snatched four, 16-8. PCC trailed at a great interval of 10 points after the Navigators dictated the 8- 4

run, and finally conquering the third and final set at 25- 14. SLU Coach Gerald Peralta said that the Navs were able to seize the victory especially that the rookies have already adapted to the team’s system. He emphasized that his players should have dedication in practices in order to defend the championship title. “Dedication sa practice; ‘pagnaglalaro, ibigayang 100%;‘wag patatalo, [Dedication during practices; when playing, give the 100%; Do not allow defeat]”, Peralta said. The Navs secured a 4-0 win loss card after winning over PCC. Before defeating the six- man army of the Warriors, the Navs already seized three victories, all via three sets: against Baguio College of Tecnology (BCT) Atoms last August 26 at 25-8, 25-17, and 25-10;University of the PhilippinesBauio (UPB) Fighting Maroons last August 27 at 25-8,25-8,25-11; and Philippine Military Acedemy (PMA) Cavaliers last September 1 at 25-9, 25-8, and 25- 14.

Navs halt Maroons’ shooting spree, boot rival by 5 by

SLU Volley squad tames... from page 17

Come from behind SLU took revenge on the third set with Cruz launching a strike to equalize Milet’s spike and a service ace earlier in the round. SLU took the two point advantage after Tulingan and Tablang provided another attack on the Navs, which was then answered back by Biscocho. The Navs fueled a quick 3 - 0 run, yet responded back by a spike from Tablang, and then countered with bashes and blocks from Biscocho and Cruz. SLU continued to take lead, despite unceasing offense from the Jaguars. Lopez and Cruz retained a fourpoint lead until the set ended at 25-21. The Navigators carried on paying back in the fourth set, immobilizing the Jaguars and accelerating the momentum after pacing an 8-0 run. Biscocho performed well in both offense and defense to follow up the team’s progress, yet UC strived not to let the SLU’s fourpoint lead increase. At the late fraction of the set, Biscocho disallowed attacks from the Jaguars, followed by a drop shot from

really don’t know what to write. Seriously, I’ve wasted so much time trying to write something. So before you read, let me apologize if in case I bore you, or even annoy you with what I came up with. Most of the persons I wrote about might not be known to you, but they can be inspirational to others. ________ Lately, I’ve been a little addicted to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Real fights, real sweat and blood spent in an octagon. Following these fights in the internet, however, made me realize what these guys are really made off. It’s not just brawls or talking trash or money in the bank after getting punched or knocking out someone. Even though these fights are organized for our entertainment, the side stories mix in the little emotions they show at the octagon. These fights have real stories behind them that were not written by a scriptwriter like those done in WWE. Behind the smirking faces of these tough gladiators, you wouldn’t expect the things that run through their minds. ________ Humility. After being humiliated for months prior to their fight, Anderson Silva laid down his UFC belt and Brazilian

Lopez to cause the their lead to increase to seven points, even with Gallardo’s successful defensive attempt. The Navs continued to dictate the lead until the set ended, 25- 17 with Tulingan’s service error, forcing the clincher set. Rubber match The first five scores at the beginning of the set see-sawed between the teams with exchanges of ruthless and tricky offenses and tough defense. Rigor Degay did not allow the Navs’ undefended attacks to score by retrieving them and converting them to establish offensive plays, but did not stop SLU from dominating the greater score at 10- 8. Blocks from Riolalas and Lopez brought the team at the match point, with UC trailing close by only three points. Cruz threw the Navs’ final blow at the Jaguars to seize the game at 15- 11. “Actually, it’s a battle of hearts. Nakita ko sa game na ‘to na ayaw nila magpatalo, [I saw in this game that they (the players) didn’t want to be defeated.]” said Coach Gerald Peralta after the game against the Jaguars.

Gerald Turqueza

Surmounting a 12-2 display on the fourth canto, the University of the Philippines Baguio Maroons stood no chance against the Saint Louis University Navigators as they fend off their rival’s relentless momentum to seize a fourth straight sweep in their first face-off match during the BaguioBenguet Educational Athletic League last September 1 at the SLU Prince Bernhard Hall. Fast and furious At the opening quarter, the Maroons orchestrated an initial four-point deficit to gain a significant advantage against the Navigators. L.A. Gallano of the Navs sank two jump shots to tie the contention at 4. After a successful steal from UP’s James Casamayor, Rommel Soriano started the Louisians rampage, with Hanz Acosta cementing a two-pointer midway the first

quarter. Justin Rosal of the Navs knotted a three-pointer to lock the score up to double digits, 20-10. Keeping their pace in the second quarter, Navigator Dwight Segundo unleashed a sparking obstruction after Robert Abella’s lay-up attempt, forcing UP to call their first time-out at 6:43. Unyielding their offense bid, the powerhouse team stormed an 11-2 run at the five-minute mark of the second quarter to widen the gap against the Maroons, 37-23, revving the throttle before halftime. Blitzkrieg Exchanging charities one after the other, the Maroons, struggling from a 14point gap, managed to close the post three minutes before the end of third period. Dan Mark Leynes, bombarding with two three-pointers, dominated the lead late in the third period. Taking advantage of

Lady Navs surge at home... from page 17

Overkill Costales began scoring points at the start of third canto, despite her team’s multiple fouls. The Lady Navs’ points grew immensely immediately after the middle of third quarter. The audience watched the two crewsbank points one after the other, until Gapuz fires up with two consecutive runaway fastbreaksafter the 1-minute mark, 64-38. The Cardinals tried to climb the 26-point wall at the start of final period, but the Lady Navs’ shooting rampage

thwarted their rivals early in the basketball arena. SLU blazed through crunchtime, with the powerhouse team boosting numbers through threes and twos, 77-44, midway the fourth quarter. UB called for a time-out at 3:33, after SLU’s star point guard Dela Cruz orchestrated a successful jumper. The Lady Navs did not look back, nailing back-to back shots, ending the contention at a relentless 33-point gap, and mortifyingly ripping their rival at their own territory, 85-52.

the Navs’ multiple turnovers, the Joshua Lee-Kevin Sadueste tandem fired up two consecutive baskets and cutting the lead down to single digits, 46-42. The scorching 7-1 blitz purged the Navigators in an allUP crowd uproar, ending the Maroons’ apprehensive display, 48-42. Three shots more Enraged, Lee took advantage of the Navs’ scoreless stretch, pulverizing SLU’s defense tactics by another point on the perimeter. After Raymond Austria’s successful jumper, the referee halted the game and called for a technical foul for Lee in an alleged punch to Austria. The latter blazed toward Lee in a hunger for revenge, calling for another technical to the Navigators. Compensating both teams, UP got the ball. However, the Louisians managed to score fast breaks from the Maroons’ failed score attempts, with Jordan Gimeno intercepting two consecutive spots through crunchtime, 6048, with two minutes left on the clock. Sadueste stole the spotlight before the one-minute mark with a 6-0 run, turning up one notch in the nipand-tuck period – the Navs calling for a time-out, with 47 ticks more on the final quarter. Another inside hoop from Casamayor closed the deal at 63-58, in a hope to send the game to overtime. The Maroons maximized penalty fouls on the ensuing plays, forcing their rivals to score sticks on free throws. Thwarting UP’s commendable strategy, the main stringers outclassed every Maroon stride, tallying a 2-2 score just before the final buzzer, ending at 65-60.

Lessons from the Modern Gladiator Jiu-Jitsu black belt and bowed down to his opponent, Chael Sonnen, after their match. During the fight, Sonnen fulfilled his promise to give him a beatdown, but in the end, the champion wins via submission. The bow emanates a clear show of respect as Silva acknowledges Sonnen’s skills, almost leading to his first loss in the UFC. ________ Motivation. The draw against BJ Penn and his knee injury hadled Jon Fitch to a financial crisis. Other than that, it led him out of title contention, since he almost got another shot at the champion GSP. Piling up the circumstances, Fitch was depressed and unstable. He was losing his sponsors and even had to fight with injury to sustain his bills, eventually losing miserably. However, with the birth of his first child, Fitch has been given hope on his career, even though the odds are not on his favor. With his family onhis mind, he fought Erick Silva, putting him on the ground and beating him down, surviving several submission attempts, and went home with “Fight of the Night” honors and a big check for his family. ________ Dreams.Days after leaving for the ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Live’, Michael

Crunch Box Ivan Ramil Ferrer

Chiesa received the news that his father had died after a long fight against Leukemia. Before he could leave, his father urged him to continue to fight for his dreams, even though Chiesa could be away on his father’s last days. After the funeral, Chiesa continued on TUF and won the title against Al Iaquinta, the crowd favorite, via submission on the very first round, together with a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a smoking sixdigit UFC contract. _________ The Heart of a Champion.Georges St. Pierre maybe one of the biggest names in MMA history today. As the welterweight champion, he defended the championship six times, with the ninth coming on November. However, the road to the top wasn’t easy, as everyone tries to say. GSP was once overshadowed by the biggest names at that time. On his first

title shot, he lost to Matt Hughes via an arm bar a second left on the first round. As devastating as it could be, he fought again and gained contention. He won his first title on his rematch with Hughes. After winning, he immediately lost the title to Matt Serra. Yet again, GSP regained momentum and made his way to the top by defeating Serra on their rematch. ________ Come-from-behind victory.Scoring a win can’t be more dramatic than this. First you get beaten down, next time you hit him, and the next moment he’s down. I’ve seen a lot of these in the UFC. Several of them had almost been knocked out, or submitted, but never gave up. A good example was how Martin Kampmann submitted ThiagoAlves after being hit by a brutal high kick. Kampmann was all wobbly, and as Alves decides to put on a takedown to end the match, Kampmann sinks in an arm on Alves’ neck to finish the guillotine. He capitalized on the mistake, and won. He won a similar fight after seeing Jake Ellenberger’s mistake to knockout the latter. ________ Nationalism. We’ve seen such prides of the country like Manny Pacquiao fight in the ring with so much support from

the Philippines. However, in the UFC, I’ve seen much better. When Brazilian contenders such as Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva, or MinotauroNoguiera fight in Rio, you would see how a crowd should be. Chanting and yelling in unison, and a big boo in unison makes you not want to be their opponent. And if you’ve seen Aldo’s win, you would be amazed on how these people unite as Aldo ran out of the octagon, giving high fives and getting carried by his fellows, celebrating like it’s the first win of his life. On the other hand, these people also have the respect to applaud non-Brazilians who had shown skill and defeated their countrymen. ________ So there. I’m not trying to change your viewpoint of MMA, or the UFC mainly. I certainly hate the administration of UFC, whose ways are slowly turning into something like the WWE. What I like about it is the way the fighters in the cage, these gladiators, show their heart in the cage. _________ Special thanks to my parents, especially to my father who is my partner in watching the UFC. Comments? Throw them down at ivanferrer@hotmail.ph

SPORTS

White&Blue Volume 16 issue 1 NOVEMBER 2012

Knockouts

Checkmates and by Johanna

“Fighting is done in the ring and wars are waged on the board.” The slogan of the Berlin-based World Chess Boxing Organization describes the sports combo which is now gaining popularity in the sports arena. Strange as it may be, chess and boxing are being merged not only in the United States as a way to teach kids the significance of strategy and nonviolence but also in Europe, where a bloodier version is flourishing. Tracing the shifts and uppercuts Chessboxing. At first, there are probably no two sports that are more ill-matched: one minute you are having your skull battered, the next you are trying to work out how to maneuver your 16 chessmen deployed on the chessboard. But for many, the combination is fascinating. The basic idea in chessboxing is to combine the number one mental sport and the number one physical sport into a hybrid that demands the most of its competitors – both using the mind and body. A 1992 comic book, The Nikopol Trilogy, told how the men of the future box on a chessboard floor. Dutch performance artist Iepe Rubingh felt the method described in the book, a boxing match followed by a chess match, was impractical and so instead decided on alternating rounds of chess and boxing. The sport is governed by the World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO), whose tag line is "The

Mariz Dario

smartest toughest man/woman on the planet." The first world championship was held in Amsterdam in 2003 and was won by Rubingh. Several other chessboxing events have taken place around the world, including in Los Angeles, France, Iceland, Amsterdam and Russia, although Berlin and London in particular have emerged as the most important centers for chessboxing. Match rules and structure The competition consists of up to 11 alternating rounds of boxing and chess. It begins with a four-minute round of speed chess, followed by three minutes of boxing, with rounds of chess and boxing alternating until the end. There is a one minute break in between to get the gloves off and hunker down at the chess table. For the chess round, the player may win through checkmate or exceeding the 12-minute time limit. For boxing, it is either through a knockout, or referee decision. If a competitor fails to make a move during the chess round, he is issued a warning and he must move within the next 10 seconds. The players put on headphones during the chess portion so that they do not hear any shouted assistance from the audience or the live chess commentary. If the chess game reaches a stalemate, the scores from the boxing rounds are used to determine the winner. If the boxing score is also a tie, the player with the black pieces wins.

Sari-saring Laro ni Jasper

To compete in chessboxing, ones must be a Class A strength chess player. This is to ensure that everyone has a fair chance in competing in the ring and as well as keeping an emphasis on the chess. Olympic punches and killer moves According to professional actor turned chessboxing entrepreneur Andreas Dilschneider, every sport has Olympic ambitions. And chessboxing is not an exception. Since chessboxing is just in its rough beginnings, players and supporters need to make sure that they have two to four events a year to help establish chessboxing less as an art form or concept and more as a sport. Excelling at any sport requires physical and mental discipline. But hybrid athletes must bear an additional burden – convincing people that their sports are actually sports. They point to governing bodies that operate under the belief that legitimacy is directly proportional to the number of “official” rules on their Web sites. Nonetheless, the proponents are still determined to develop chessboxing and make it part of the 2016 Olympics. Will chessboxing be the new ultimate sport that will take the world by surprise or will it be just another trend that will disappear in time? Time will tell if it will turn out to be a checkmate or a knockout.

Unibersidad

Karl Kabigting

Inspiring a Generation: The 2012 London Olympics

by Jared

Kenan Pasion

he gathering of the world’s greatest athletes come full spectrum in what could be the largest and grandest multi-sport event in the history of the summer games. Featuring over 10,000 athletes from all over the globe, the Olympics boasts yet again a wide array of superhuman feats, abilities and recordshattering performances.The ceremonies never felt short of spectacular, from the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron to the passing of the Olympic reins to Brazil for the 2016 Summer Games. Strength, will and might were Basketball MVP Kevin Durant, team USA tested as athletes from all over the world punished the opposition by a winning assembled to what might have been the margin of 32.1 points in all 8 games played most competitive Olympics to date. Will including their gold medal match against the United States’ overall dominance reign Spain. Lebron James’ heroic 4th quarter supreme once more or will another rising of the final game gave Team USA the win. nation bring the leviathan to its knees? An additional tidbit: James became the This year’s Summer Games featured a first player since Michael Jordan to win number of remarkable and inspiring the NBA season MVP, NBA Finals MVP athletic stories and each one never failed and a gold medal in the Olympics. This is to disappoint. also Kobe Bryant’s final Olympic stint and The World’s Greatest Olympian second gold medal win. In 2008, Michael Phelps surpassed Philippine Team’s Olympic Crisis fellow Olympian Mark Spitz by overtaking The 20th appearance of the his record of 7 medals in an Olympic country in the Olympics became another event by winning 8 medals—6 gold and interesting topic in the still controversial 2 silver—in swimming, cementing his feat sports programs of the Philippines. The as one of the greatest performances in delegation, consisting of 11 participants, Olympic history. and one of the smallest delegations sent His stint here in the 2012 Olympics by the country, still failed to earn a medal turned the page in another chapter to put a stop to the country’s Olympic of his epic career. 22 was the magical medal drought. The Filipinos’ last taste number. Phelps bested former Olympic of the medal was Mansueto “Onyok” record holder and gymnast Larisa Velasco’s silver at the 1996 Olympics. Latynina’s record of 18 medals in the However, the country had not given up Olympics, becoming the world’s most its dreams on adding up to its 9 Olympic decorated athlete and the Olympics’ total. most triumphant. His career 18th gold However, with roughly three and a medal and 22nd medal overall came on half years of preparation for the next one, a 1st place finish in the 4x100m medley the Filipino athletes show great promise relay. After this year’s Olympics, Phelps for another bid at the metal. The victory declared his retirement from the Games. of the Smart Gilas II team at the Jones No Legs, No Problem Cup was well celebrated by the whole This man just wanted to compete, to country. Although the cup was just on the represent his country in the grandest stage Asian level, this gives the team morale, of them all. Many people saw his disability and gives them an edge as they enter the as an advantage and disadvantage, but qualifiers, since they defeated last FIBA this never stopped him from reaching the Asia Champions Iran in the Jones Cup. pinnacle of his young career. The Azkals, even though short of the With mechanical limbs to replace his Younghusbands, had once again pumped amputated legs, Oscar Pistorius of South up the growing football fandom in the Africa ran as much as he could but failed country, as they topped the Philippine to reach the 400m finals, finishing last in Peace Cup. The Azkals had shown great the said event. Kirani James, a Grenadian, promise in the tourney, and Filipinos saw the determination of Pistorius and continue to follow the team’s progress. in honor of this, they swapped name To 2016 and beyond… badges. Pistorius earned the respect of The Phoenix was hoisted, the many Olympians in none less than his Cauldron of the Olympic flame was larger-than-life determination to win for extinguished and the keys finally turned his country. over to Brazil, the next host in the 2016 USA Basketball’s Redeem Team Summer Games. The Summer Games Lacking the size inside the paint was a really fun ride for many athletes gave the USA Men’s Basketball team and spectators alike. This celebration ample problems to worry about after of talent showcased the will and heart losing much of the core of the 2008 of competitiveness of these amazing team in Beijing to injuries. They were individuals, inspiring a new generation practically lost coming in to the Summer of youth to follow in their footsteps while Games. Many doubted they would win leaving a great legacy behind them. The the gold this year. But in the end, they work ethic, the discipline and the victories were wrong. they leave become imprints and blueprints Led by the recently crowned 2012 for many future competitors. There will NBA Champion Lebron James, 5-time still be only one goal, to be faster, higher, NBA Champion Kobe Bryant and FIBA and stronger. Citius.Altius.Fortius.

photo by Ivan Gedrick Lopez words by Diana Ann Bisares