La Estrella Verde August - October 2018

August - October 2018

Volume 3 Issue 1

Groufie. Grade 11 students participate in Campus Tour Groufie Challenge during Orientation Week. Photo by Juvilee Galacgac.

East Campus power failure affects students’ acads Admin sets contingency plans Charles Jeffrey Reyes and Lexi France Angeles DLSU-D East Campus experienced major power outages for almost two weeks starting on Aug. 29 due to the malfunction of the transformer and the vacuum fault interrupter of the electrical substation that powers the University’s East Campus. The power outages prompted the administration to suspend the classes due to the unconducive environment in the classrooms.

Regular classes in all buildings in the East Campus resumed on September 12. Senior High School (SHS) classes held at the Junior High School (JHS) Complex, however, were not affected.

Affected classes During the two-week power outage, most of the SHS classes held in CIH, PCH, and COS buildings were suspended. The following week, the

classes in the COS building were transferred to vacant classrooms in the JHS Complex.

“The suspensions due to power Power, see page 2

SHS faces insufficiency of teachers Faculty lacking due to department transfers Enrico Jose Taguinod and Lexi France Angeles DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) faces an insuffiencent number of teachers to handle all classes at the start of the academic year due to a number of faculty members who were temporarily assigned in SHS returned to their respective college departments.

SC Exec Board named Via Marifaye Nazareth

After an election with the presidents of Senior High School (SHS) classes, the SHS Student Council (SC) Executive Board for the academic year 2018-2019 was officially announced last Sept. 27.

The Search for Mr. and Ms. Teacher 2018

Features

last year, the law (stating) that [the] SC officers will come from the roster of (class) presidents.”

Lina stated that the SHS cannot use the party list system due to the previous constitution. Future parties must first form their own bylaws and a governing body should also be firmly established beforehand. “Support from the admin is badly needed to push the partisan election, which I think we can have under this new admin,” Lina added.

Additionally, Lina also shared her expectations for the new set of SC Executive Board. “First is to build or update (the) constitution and bylaws.

Sa bawat pagsipol at pagtawag

SC, see page 3

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Editorial

his thoughts about his responsibility as president. “May halong kaba, gulat, at saya. Kinabahan ako kasi kahit may experience na ako (bilang) student council president noong Junior High, bagong school ‘to (kaya) hindi ko alam kung paano ang kalakaran ng proposals and how to execute it here…(Pero), masaya [ako] kasi nagkaroon ng tiwala (yung) old and new students…sa akin.” he said.

Furthermore, Lina elaborated the election process and addressed why the student body was not included in the elections. “The reason why only class presidents have the authority to vote is (because) we just followed the old constitution and bylaws used

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Rommel Tuppal (ABM23) was elected as SC president, while Joshua Paulino (ABM12) was elected as vice president. Paolo Jimeno (ABM11) and Leslie Baltazar (STM24) were elected as the secretary and treasurer respectively.

A representative from each strand was also chosen among the Council of the Presidents. These are Miguel Nolito Teodoro (STM21) for STEM, Jileen Marie Tagalog (HMS13) for HUMSS, Narumie Sarmiento (ABM16) for ABM, Kate Ignacio (ICT11) for ICT, and Nathaniel Vergara (TVL12) for TVL. They will be joined by SC Adviser Patricia Lina.

After the election, Tuppal expressed

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are substitute teachers that handle and regularly meet these classes while the new teachers finish the recruitment process.

On the other hand, STEM had two teachers who transferred from JHS and 11 college faculty members who returned to their college departments.

Meanwhile, for TVL, one JHS teacher transferred to SHS, while three left for their mother departments.

Due to this, students expressed their disappointment with the University’s lack of preparation for the SHS program.

“I think the school should have done a better job in providing substitutes and (ensuring) that the students are up to date with their lessons,” Joshua Pablo (HMS21) stated.

Additionally, Pablo stressed that the scarcity of teachers directly affect the students’ learning experience. “I find it alarming because it really hinders a student when it comes to studying for a particular subject,” he added.

Meanwhile, there was a lack of teachers who will handle the Filipino Teachers, see page 2

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Tuppal, Paulino, Jimeno, and Baltazar. Photo by James Zagada.

Currently, a gradual transfer of Junior High School (JHS) teachers to the SHS is being done in order to address the issue.

However, there is a noticeable difference in the number of JHS teachers who transfered to SHS and the number of college faculty who returned to their departments. Twenty one college faculty returned to their mother departments, while only seven JHS teachers transfered to SHS. According to HUMSS/ABM Track Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, the college professors were only temporarily assigned to teach in SHS. “They are only considered as onloan faculty of SHS for about two years. [Since the agreed two-year term has already passed], they (must) return to their mother departments,” Eullo said.

In HUMSS/ABM, four teachers transferred from JHS, while seven college faculty members returned to their mother departments.

Additionally, they are currently in the process of hiring two more teachers.

Eullo assured, however, that there

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SHS admin addresses concerns in Parents’ Orientation Lexi France Angeles

Over 400 parents and guardians of Grade 11 students attended the annually held Parent Orientation on Aug. 18 at Ugnayang La Salle where concerned parent attendees were given a chance to raise their queries and worries.

In order to address the parents’ concerns, various representatives from different Senior High School (SHS) offices entertained numerous issues through an open forum.

Due to this, parents were put to ease after their problems were given attention. “[Nalaman] namin kung saan kami ilalagay, at kung saan namin linalagay ang mga bata. Nalaman rin namin kung ano ang gagawin namin para [magampanan] ang pagiging magulang sa isang Lasallian student,” Jonathan Pesebre stated, father of John Robert Pesebre (STM12).

Earlier in the event, President and Chancellor Br. Gus Boquer and

Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research (VCAR) Dr. Marco Saez graced the ceremony with words of inspiration and oriented the attendees concerning the ideals and visions of the University.

Afterwards, Director for Basic Education Dr. Marlon Torres briefly tackled the objectives of the administration and introduced the SHS administrators, track coordinators, publication adviser, and Grade 11 academic class advisers.

Assistant Director for SHS Marlon Pareja further elaborated Torres’ statement by detailing the actions plans that the University is taking

to achieve its goals and explaining the SHS programs, policies, achievements, and services to the parent attendees.

Pareja also mentioned the importance of the shared responsibility the University and the parents have in regards to the students academic career.

“We expect [the parents] to be aware sa mga policies and guidelines natin.

At the same time, ma-emphasize yung tinatawag nating ‘shared responsibility’.

We really have to work together para maabot natin ang full potential ng estudyante,” he said.

SHS gathered at the Museum Complex during the city-wide earthquake drill. Photo by Princess Mijares.

SHS participates in city-wide earthquake drill Lexi France Angeles

evacuation areas for students from different buildings were carefully chosen. “The earthquake drill and designated evacuation areas are based on the University’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan,” he said.

Although the University participated in the exercise, some students did not take the drill seriously according to STEM Track Coordinator Liza Buitizon.

“Although students may not take it seriously, earthquake drills are helpful in familiarizing students with the ‘duck, cover and hold’ and the evacuation plan,” she stated.

According to Niño Arellano (STM13), the students took the

earthquake drill more seriously when they were still in JHS. “I don’t think it was a success or even near that.

My fellow Grade 11 students (and I) didn’t take it as seriously as when we were in Junior High School. No lines, no seriousness, no discipline,” he continued.

Additionally, he explained that this might be due to the lack of teachers that guided them during the drill.

“Maybe because [there was] no faculty and only marshals were there.

Not even the marshals were assisting us, they were just standing there and telling us to go to the parking [area in] a chill manner, like it wasn’t a drill at all,” he commented.

learning through online platforms and actual class meetings. “Schoolbook may be there [as an alternative to face to face lessons], but there is no real assurance that (the students) caught up on their missed lessons. Students tend to be more active when a teacher is right in front of them,” Malvar explained.

The University also adjusted schedules to allow the suspended classes to catch up on their lessons.

In a Sept. 18 memo to the SHS faculty, Assistant Director for SHS Marlon Pareja announced that the Midterm Examinations for the current semester is rescheduled to October 15-19, a week later than the set schedule in the released Academic Calendar.

the first time it happened after 25 years,” he said.

Immediate replacement of the defective transformer to restore the power supply is not easy, according to Abiog, as this entails buying a new transformer from another country.

Delivery, he said, will take about six months.

The offices under the office of the VCFAS undertook steps to ensure that there will be temporary power supply in the affected buildings. “We had [rented] a transformer until the new (one) arrives…then we separated… the electrical lines between Substation 1 and 2.... We (also) rented…generator sets [for] the East Campus,” Abiog said. “We (also checked) all circuit breakers, wires, everything we could see as possible causes of the problem to ensure (that) they are working well.”

Abiog said that generator sets are still supplying power to JFH and PCH buildings, while the rest of the buildings in the East Campus already have normal power supply.

Power, from page 1

outage really did have a big effect in our studies. There were [lots of] assessments given by our subject teachers [online] and there were [a lot of] lessons that weren’t discussed [in a face to face class],” Tiffani Jallorina (STM14) stated.

Jallorina also expressed that class suspensions would affect their midterm examinations and requested that the faculty discuss the remaining topics in the short time frame that they have.

Meanwhile, Kyan Malvar (ABM16) believes that the University should have solved the issue more efficiently.

“This was definitely a setback for the people occupying [the buildings in East Campus],” he added.

On the other hand, Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research Dr. Marco Saez said that the power outage stressed the importance of an online learning platform. “It also made us realize the need to better intensify and efficiently maximize the online learning environment,” he stated.

However, the students acknowledged that there is a difference between

Addressing the power situation Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services (VCFAS) Deodoro Abiog II mentioned that the University has always conducted daily preventative maintenance and inspection of the facilities which is why the incident was a surprise. “This was

DLSU-D reorganizes HS admin Lexi France Angeles DLSU-D has announced the implementation of the new Senior High School (SHS) administration starting this current academic year in order to strengthen the SHS program.

“We are strengthening the High School program. So, as we strengthen the High School program, we are slowly dissolving the Junior High School but, that will happen in three years [time],” stated former Office of Student Services Dean and newly positioned Director for Basic Education Dr. Mario Torres.

Currently, DLSU-D is offering the Basic Education Program which encompasses both the JHS and SHS. However, an intensified SHS and college-aligned program, the Enhanced Basic Education Program, will be soon developed.

With the reorganization, the University appointed a superior head who is tasked to handle both higher and lower high school divisions.

However, separate assistant directors were positioned for the two divisions.

Included in the strengthening plan is the gradual removal of the JHS Division which has already begun

this academic year wherein Grade 7 students were no longer accepted by the University.

“If you noticed, we did not accept any [new] Grade 7, Grade 8, or Grade 9 [student]. Next year Grade 11 shall be occupying one building in the (JHS) complex tapos, at the end of year three, only Grade 10 will be left from Junior High School and, this time, Senior High School will be occupying a greater area in the complex,” Torres said.

The program will follow a fiveyear timeline wherein, by 2022, the University will no longer accommodate JHS students. “Eventually, at the end of this year, 2021-2022, ito na yung fullblast Senior High School, wala nang Junior High School,” he added.

The new administrators were introduced to the student body during the merged JHS and SHS General Assembly on Aug. 10 and the Parent’s Orientation on Aug. 18.

SHS is now part of Cisco Networking Academy Ella Lorraine Regudo

Students and teachers of DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) took part in the recently held City-wide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill of Dasmariñas on Aug. 24.

The exercise was conducted at 10:30 in the morning as per the Memorandum Circular Order No. 07-S-2018 released by the Office of City Mayor Elpido Barzaga, Jr., which contained details regarding the drill.

According to the memorandum, all offices and schools were urged to participate in the earthquake drill.

Students with classes in the COS building proceeded to the parking area of JFH and PCH while students in the CIH building went to the Museum Complex. On the other hand, SHS students situated in the Junior High School (JHS) Complex were asked to go to the University Oval.

Assistant Director for SHS Marlon Pareja elaborated that the assigned

August - October 2018

Cisco Networking Academy, a global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and networking learning program, is officially implemented in DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) starting Aug. 22.

According to Gloria Del Rosario, Computer Studies Department faculty and laboratory supervisor for SHS, now that SHS is part of the Cisco Networking Academy and Academy Support Center, students have access to various Cisco-offered courses and can now explore and learn more through online classes.

“Students can access more than what Empowerment Technologies and Entrepreneurship can offer them. There are courses that could complement their interest if they want to explore more. Courses like Internet of things, Cybersecurity, Linux, C, C++ and Python are accessible via netacad.com,” Del Rosario said.

She also added that this program is expected to help students not only with their skills in ICT but also on the other aspects of learning like problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. “[Cisco] prepares them with foundational knowledge for

ICT and should lead them to what technology field they are interested in – networking, Internet of Things, cybersecurity, programming, technopreneurship, operating systems, etc.,” she stated.

The basic requirements to become a Cisco Networking Academy are internet connectivity, computers, and the commitment of the administration and the teachers to deliver the best class in ICT courses.

According to Del Rosario, in order to provide exemplary ICT classes, a Learning Management System called Netspace was integrated to prepare students in the modern age of technology.

Meanwhile, SHS Assistant Director Marlon Pareja expects positive outcomes from this program. “If we are talking of our expected effects, it would be having access to world class online learning materials and be provided an internationally recognized certificate,” Pareja said.

Contingency plans According to Abiog, one of the University’s contingency plans is to purchase standby generator sets and to continue its daily preventive maintenance to avoid the same situation.

Part of their plan is to determine the maximum life for optimal performance of each equipment and facility and replace them as necessary.

In addition to this, Saez mentioned that alternative venues have already been identified as alternative classrooms.

They have also developed guidelines for make-up and alternative classes to help the affected students cope with the situation. “We will continue to be more flexible based on the needs of the situation,” Saez affirmed.

Teachers, from page 1

subjects at the start of the semester.

STEM Coordinator Liza Buitizon said that students disclosed their worries because they may not do well in their midterm examinations.

Nevertheless, the track coordinators assured that substitute teachers are assigned to these classes and that there will be a complete set of SHS teachers soon. “[The SHS admin] has also tapped the help of (JHS Filipino) teachers and college professors to fill in, until new teachers are hired,” Buitizon stated.

Buitizon guaranteed that, as of Sept. 27, all Filipino classes already have teachers. with reports from Via Marifaye Nazareth

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Taunang programa para sa Buwan ng Wika, naudlot Via Marifaye Nazareth Naudlot ang taunang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika ng DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) ngayong Agosto dahil sa kakulangan ng mga guro ng Filipino.

Infograph by Monica Montaño

Matrikula ng Grade 11, tumaas Rheine Noelle Requilman Nakaranas ng pagtaas ng matrikula ang mga mag-aaral sa Grade 11 ng kasalukuyang akademikong taon sa DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) dahil sa pagpalo ng implasyon sa bansa.

Ayon kay Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services Deodoro Abiog II, direktang naapektuhan ang Unibersidad ng implasyon na kasalukuyang kinakaharap ng bansa.

Kinakailangang taasan ang matrikula upang magkaroon ng pondo para sa pagsasaayos ng mga pasilidad, pati na rin sa pagpapasahod ng mga guro at iba pang empleyado ng SHS. “Kunwari, kung ang nabibili mo sa isandaang piso eh tatlong piraso [na], baka kung hindi tayo nagtaas ng tuition fee [ay] hindi na tatlong piraso ang nabibili natin sa ganoong halaga kung hindi isang piraso na lang na baka kulangin ‘yon sa ating mga pangangailangan dito sa Unibersidad,” ani Abiog.

Tiyak naman daw na makikita ng mga estudyante ang bunga ng pagbabago sa matrikula.

“Nag-aagree pa rin naman ako, in

a way, because makikita naman natin yung improvements niyan sa experience natin sa school,” paliwanag ni Kane Rancapero (HMS12).

Nilinaw din ni Abiog na hindi magbabago ang matrikula ng mga mag-aaral sa Grade 12 maliban na lamang kung mayroon silang idinagdag na units.

“Mababago lang ‘yon [tuition fee] kung dumami ang units. At saka kung [yung] subject nila dati [ay] walang laboratory, [maaaring] ngayon nagkaroon ng laboratory,” paliwanag ni Abiog.

Dahil sa pagtaas ng matrikula, inaanyayahan ni Abiog na lumahok ang mga estudyante sa ipinagkaloob ng Department of Education na voucher program para sa mga mag-aaral ng SHS upang makatulong sa bayarin.

“Sa ngayon, for Senior High, actually ang ating programa diyan ay mayroon tayong installment payment kung [ang bayarin ay] medyo mabigat talaga. Pangalawa, yung iba naman

nating mga estudyante ay voucher recipients so tulong na rin iyon ng gobyerno para sa kanila. So basically, yun yung mga pamamaraan para... ang impact ay hindi ganoon kabigat sa mga magulang at saka estudyante,” dagdag ni Abiog.

Naglabas naman ng mga saloobin ang ilang mag-aaral nasabing pagtaas.

“Nangangamba po ako para sa mga magulang ko na marami nang gastusin,” saad ni Andrei Lee (STM14).

Nilinaw naman ni Rancapero na maiitindihan niya kung mabibigyangrason ng paaralan ang nasabing isyu. “…kapag basta-basta na (lamang) silang nagtaas nang hindi gaanong nagpapaliwanag sa lahat ay hindi ako sang-ayon sa kanilang desisyon,” dagdag ni Rancapero.

Sa kasalukuyan, wala pang kasiguraduhan kung muling tataas ang matrikula ng mga mag-aaral sa mga susunod na taon.

Hindi tulad noong nakaraang dalawang taon, walang programang naihanda para sa Buwan ng Wika ngayong akademikong taon sapagkat tatlo lamang ang kasalukuyang nagtuturo ng Filipino sa SHS. Bukod pa dito, ipinaliwanag ni STEM Track Coordinator Liza Buitizon na ang napahuling iskedyul ng pagbubukas ng klase ang isa pa sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi tinuloy ang taunang programa.

“Nagbukas ang klase natin na kalahati na ng buwan ng Agosto kaya’t wala na ding oras upang magplano at mag-prepara ng programa para sa Buwan ng Wika,” paliwanag niya.

Ayon kay Marciala Malapit, isang guro sa Filipino, nakaapekto rin ang pagpapalit ng mga namumuno sa SHS at ang pagbalik ng mga guro sa kolehiyo sa pagpa-plano ng programa.

“Ngayong taon kaya hindi

nagkaroon ng pagkakataon upang magkaroon ng programa..., ngunit hindi ibig sabihin noon ay nakalimutan na ang diwa ng Buwan ng Wika,” ani Malapit.

Dagdag ni Buitizon, mas naging abala ang mga guro sa Filipino na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng guro sa Filipino at turuan ang mga klase na wala pang guro.

Matatandaang nagkaroon ng pagdiriwang noong nakaraang taon.

Nakapaloob sa programang ito ang mga patimpalak sa pagsulat, spoken word poetry, at ang Pistang Pinoy, kung saan ipinakita ng mga mag-aaral sa Grade 11 ang mga pista sa bawat rehiyon at ang mga pagkain doon.

Sinigurado naman ni Buitizon na paghahandaan muli nila ang programa para sa Buwan ng Wika sa susunod na akademikong taon.

LEV, pasok muli sa RSPC

Avila, Padulla sasabak sa puspusang trainings Ella Lorraine Regudo Matapos magwagi sa kani-kanilang kumpetistyon, opisyal na itinanghal ang dalawang miyembro ng La Estrella Verde (LEV) bilang pambato ng Dasmariñas City sa Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) na gaganapin mula Nobyembre 5-9 sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

yung isa sa pinaka-nagbigay talaga sa amin ng boost.”

Binanggit din ni Cipriano na malaki ang papel na ginampanan ng mga miyembro at ng mga tagapayo sa kanilang pagkapanalo.

Hindi naitago ni LEV Web Editor Izabelle Siarot, na hinirang na kampeon na layout artist sa Creative Magazine Publishing, ang tuwa sa dami ng napanalunan ng LEV sa prestihiyosong kompetisyon. “Feeling mo nasa ere ka siguro, [na] na-meet namin ang expectation ng iba...sobrang proud ako sa LEV,” ani Siarot.

Ayon kay HUMSS/ABM Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, malinaw na ipinahahayag ng

pagkapanalo sa kumpetisyon ang kahusayan ng mga miyembro ng organisasyon.

“We have proven the brand [of] campus journalism that we are working as a real press of the University,” batid ni Eullo.

Dagdag pa rito, ipinagmamalaki at patuloy na sinusuportahan ni Assistant Director for SHS Marlon Pareja ang publikasyon. “[T]hey took home 27 awards. It is a big achievement and I send my congratulations to them. We will support more of these endeavours,” aniya, Sa kabilang banda, sinabi din ni Eullo na marami pang bahagi na kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin ang LEV upang mas maging maganda ang mga ilalabas nitong dyaryo sa hinaharap.

Kasama si LEV Art Editor Romeo Christopher Avila at News staff Edcel Derick Padulla sa mga kakatawan sa Dasmariñas sa kategoryang Editorial Cartoon for Collaborative Publishing at News Writing.

Lumaban ang dalawang mamamahayag sa Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) kung saan hinirang si Avila bilang kampeon ng Editorial Cartoon sa Collaborative Publishing English. Nakamit naman ni Padulla ang ikatlong pwesto sa News Writing Filipino. Ginanap ang DSPC noong Setyembre 6-8 sa Dasmariñas II Central School.

Lubos na ikinatuwa ni Padulla ang pagkapanalo sa DSPC. “Sa pag-qualify ko sa RSPC, sobrang blessed talaga kasi hindi lang naman yung school yung bitbit ko papunta doon, dala ko na din yung name ng Dasmariñas sa pagsali ko sa RSPC,” aniya.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Avila na kinakailangan pa nila ng mas maiging paghahanda para sa darating na kompetisyon sapagkat mga mamamahayag mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ang kanilang kalaban.

“Sa tingin ko ang kailangan talaga [ng] matinding training kasi mahirap talaga ang labanan pagdating sa RSPC,” sabi ni Avila.

Iisa naman ang naging mithiin ng dalawa para sa gaganaping kompetisyon, kung saan hindi lamang manalo kundi para matuto sa kanilang karanasan.

“For me, this time, gusto kong matuto ng mga mahahalagang bagay bilang

As part of the SHS community, Gurmukh Birring (STM17), also voiced his anticipations. “I have high expectations for the SC Officers. I wish they would be trustworthy and responsible in their elected positions because no one wants to see failures,” he stated.

Future plans Tuppal responded to the expectations by promising to do their best. “Siguro ang mapapangako ko lang ay hindi ko madi-disappoint yung adviser ng SC, students, and admins na humahawak sa SC basta hindi sila magexpect ng beyond ng aming makakaya.

Also, mapapangako ko rin na lahat kami ng SC officers ay gagawin ang lahat para ma-implement ang mga projects na magpapasaya sa school year natin,” he said.

Regarding future activities, Tuppal revealed that the SC officers are already arranging their plans for

LEVgacy. Humakot ng mga parangal ang LEV sa katatapos lamang na 12th National Campus Media Conference sa Angeles City. Kuha ni Princess Mijares.

Cipriano: Matibay na samahan, nakaambag sa pagkapanalo ng LEV Edcel Derick Padulla Pinahalagahan ng mga miyembro ng La Estrella Verde (LEV) ang matibay na samahan nito na naging susi tungo sa pagkapanalo nila sa ginanap na 12th National Campus Media Conference noong Setyembre 12-14 sa Angeles City, Pampanga.

Naghakot ng 27 na panalo ang nasabing organisasyon, kasama na ang paghirang sa kanila bilang ikalima sa Top Performing Senior High School, matapos ang tatlong araw na kumpetisyon. Mahigit 600 na kinatawan mula sa iba’t-ibang paaralan sa Pilipinas ang lumahok sa nasabing kompetisyon.

Ayon kay LEV Editor in Chief Xander Cipriano, naging mahalagang parte ng kanilang pagkapanalo ang pagiging malapit nila sa isa’t isa dahil hindi lahat ng organisasyon ay nagtataglay ng katangiang ito.

Aniya, “Sobrang laking bagay [ang pagka-panalo sa kumpetisyon], ito SC, from page 1

Then, I know they (will) plan a lot of events for students’ development.

And hopefully after the bylaws, they will build our own commission on election with election rules and laws.

Lastly, is to show (the) Lasallian core values and be an example to other students,” she said.

isang student journalist na maaari kong ibahagi sa iba at magamit na rin sa paraan ng pagsusulat. Yung winning naman, goal din yan pero it’s like a bonus,” pahayag ni Padulla.

Ayon kay HUMSS/ABM Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo, matindi ang suportang hatid ng komunidad ng DLSU-D SHS at LEV sa paghahanda at paglaban ng dalawa sa darating na RSPC. Bukod kina Padulla at Avila, nagwagi din sa mga indibidwal na kompetisyon sina Clarisse Bianca Bucu at Zion Jil Villela na nakamit ang ika-apat at ika-pitong puwesto sa Feature Writing English at Feature Writing Filipino.

Nanalo rin ang LEV sa Collaborative Publishing English na binubuo nina Princess Mijares, ikatlong puwesto para sa Best Photo; Willem Dimas, ika-apat na pwesto para sa Best Layout and Page Design; Blesilda Mae Padolina, ika-pitong puwesto para sa Best Editorial Page; Lexi France Angeles, ika-walong puwesto para sa Best News Page; Pauline Meneses, ikawalong puwesto para sa Best Sports Page; at Kristine Mae Evangelista, ika10 puwesto para sa Best Feature Page.

Nakapasok rin sa final round ang Radio Broadcasting team ng LEV, na binubuo nina Xander Cipriano, Kenneth Tabaquirao, Ciela Roasa, Joamme Tomelden, Allaine Grafil, Pauline Gelacio, at Zoei Monteclaro.

Bukod pa rito, napabilang rin sina Tabaquirao at Cipriano sa finalists ng Best Anchor at Best News Presenters.

the Teacher’s Day and Students’ Week. However, he stated that these proposals need to be approved by the administration and SC Adviser first and did not disclose any specifics regarding the activities.

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OPINION

La Estrella Verde

August - October 2018

In or Out:

La Estrella Verde The Official Senior High School Student Publication of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

Pinoy LGBTQ+ Edition

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2018-2019 EDITOR IN CHIEF Xander Lauren Cipriano

Averting Oblivion

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Blesilda Mae Padolina

Xander Lauren Cipriano

MANAGING EDITOR Pauline Anne Marie Meneses

H

NEWS EDITOR Lexi France Angeles FEATURES EDITOR Kristine Mae Evangelista SPORTS EDITOR Gian Eldrich Sandoval LITERARY EDITOR Liana Reigne Bongao ART EDITOR Romeo Christopher Avila LAYOUT EDITOR Willem Dominic Dimas PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITOR Princess Korrinne Mijares WEB EDITOR Izabelle Mari Siarot RADIO PROGRAM MANAGERS Xander Lauren Cipriano Blesilda Mae Padolina NEWS

Via Marifaye Nazareth, Edcel Derick Padulla, Ella Lorraine Regudo, Rheine Noelle Requilman, Charles Jeffrey Reyes, Enrico Jose Taguinod

FEATURES

Aaron Silas Bernaldo, Wallace Roland Beltran, Clarisse Bianca Bucu, Diana Galang, John Benedict Silla, Psalm Mishael Taruc, Alyssa Uy, Zion Jil Villela

SPORTS

Winona Eunice Alindogan, Chelsea Janelle David

LITERARY

Paulene Abarca, Aaron Silas Bernaldo, Princess Samira Lisbo, Geraldine Rambano, Ciela Andrea Roasa, John Benedict Silla, Psalm Mishael Taruc

ART

Rachelle Ann Calaustro, Sim Daeun, Jennifer Diola, Courtney Ivannah Gracio, Danielle Mari Tanael, Ailene Joyce Puzon, James Martin Rafols, Ayumi Wada

LAYOUT

John Benedict Aguirre, Sim Daeun, Zacheus Emanuel Gonzales, Monica Albert Montaño

PHOTO AND VIDEO

Kristine Estenilo, Juvilee Galacgac, Aldrin Otagan, Louise Antonio Peñaflor, Kristine Mae Saroca, John Paulo Templo, James Zagada

WEB

Zion Jil Villela

RADIO

Shannen Marie Flores, Pauline Gelacio, Allaine Frances Grafil, Leila Diane Mendoza, Zoei Coleen Monteclaro, Shane Jhastin Picson, Ciela Andrea Roasa, Kenneth Tabaquirao, Joamme Tomelden

EDITORIAL

The Search for Mr. and Ms. Teacher 2018

O

ver the past two years, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) has been continuing its search for well-trained educators who are competent and efficient enough to provide quality education the University strives to achieve.

The administration ensures a promising perception; however, their efforts to avoid the scarcity of teachers seem to be insufficient and lacking from what they envision.

As the third year of SHS commences, the department experienced drastic changes to its core, from the reorganization of the High School administration, to the entrance and exit of faculty members in each of the different tracks, where teachers from the Junior High School (JHS) transfer to the SHS while full-time college professors, who are contracted to their two-year service in SHS, flying back to their respective college departments. At this point, the core unit of the faculty is in its vulnerable state.

Evidently, the administration has been prioritizing quality over quantity in the process of hiring smart educators, particularly, putting in teachers with intensive background and competencies of their subjects and progressive teaching strategies. Not only that, they also equip promising faculty members who are not only limited to their respective courses, extending their services through their acquired skills in research and the arts.

Therefore, some teachers must take overload classes to amend with the said issue.

One reason is the slow hiring process of teachers. This aspect is truly understandable due to the fact that the administration wants to really filter out the job applicants who are qualified to teach the subjects. However, because of this long, dreadful process, the said issue still persists. The change in the administration, also, greatly affects this certain aspect.

Perhaps, a better way to resolve this is to have a faster but still meticulous hiring process. It may be a big leap for the administration complying to such suggestion, but the effect of this will be of great help to teachers and to the administration itself. With this, the number of teachers will increase without compromising the quality DLSU-D maintains. At the same time, teachers will not be taking overload classes because of the balanced distribution of teachers per class.

Quality education remains as the mission and vision of the administration.

Every academic institution wants nothing but the best learning for its students.

The present situation at hand may be one of the bumps along the way, but it is not the end of the road. To grow and improve, downfalls are needed to be experienced along with the lessons that come with it. Through the joint efforts of all the members of the SHS community, the bright future of today’s learners will be attained – through our teachers.

ADVISER

Memoria Visum

COORDINATOR, HUMSS/ABM

Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo

Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +63-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3402 Email: laestrellaverde.dlsud@gmail.com Facebook: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde Twitter: @LeviOfLEV Contribution, comments, and suggestions should be addressed to the Editor in Chief and should bear the writer’s full name Articles may be edited for clarity and space.

“

Tanggap na ba talaga natin ang LGBTQ+ community o nakikisakay lang tayo dahil iyon ang uso?”

Oo, alam kong mahalaga ang pangangalaga sa mga kulturang ating kinagisnan, at mataas ang respeto ko ukol rito. Pero pakiusap, hindi nakabubuti ang lahat ng mga kulturang kinasanayan natin. Kahit kailan, hindi naging magandang katangian ang panunukso sa kapwa, maging ano pa siya.

Kung ikaw nga, simpleng pang-aasar lang, naiirita ka na, ano pa kaya yung lait-laitin ka sa harap ng maraming tao, at sumasabay pa sa pang-aasar na iyon ang mga nasabing tao.

Kung nabigyan sana ng mas malinaw na pagtingin ang mga Pilipino ukol sa mga ganitong sitwasyon noon pa man, hindi na sana naging isang “uso” lamang ang aspetong ito. Ngunit, hindi pa huli ang lahat, dahil sa iyo nakasalalay kung in ka ba sa pakulong ito, o out ka at magpapakatotoo ka sa hangarin at pagtanggap na nais ng LGBTQ+.

#NeverAgain and again and again…

Venetia Bruza

La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room 311B, Hotel De Oriente (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management) De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, DBB-B City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115

abang isinusulat ko ang artikulong ito para sa LEV, naalala ko ang dalawang lalaking nakasabay ko pauwi. Tandang-tanda ko pa ang usapan nila noon, tungkol sa nag-iisang lalaking anak ni Mang _______. Maayos naman ang naging usapan nila…hanggang sa binanggit ni Kuya 1 ang mga katagang ito: “Sayang ‘to pag naging bakla,” na mas pinagtibay pa ng “Oo nga eh, sayang talaga,” ni Kuya 2. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magiging reaksyon ko nong araw na iyon: kung magagalit ba ako o maiinis sa kanila. Basta ang alam ko, hindi ko sila pinatulan noong mga oras na iyon.

Ito ang isa sa mga di ko maintindihan pagdating sa kultura ng mga Pilipino ngayon, tanggap na ba talaga natin ang LGBTQ+ community o nakikisakay lang tayo dahil iyon ang uso? O mas malala, bakit nagiging uso na lamang ang ganitong aspeto?

Ayon sa isang artikulo ng Philippine Daily Inquirer noong 2013, bagama’t mataas ang bilang ng mga taong relihiyoso, kabilang ang Pilipinas sa mga bansang may mataas na lebel ng pagtanggap sa LGBTQ+.

Ngunit, ayon kay TLF Share Collective Executive Director Jonas Bagas, kulang pa ang pag-aaral na ito dahil sumasalamin ito sa pagtanggap ng mga Pilipino sa mga stereotypes ng isang miyembro ng LGBTQ+: gay entertainer, tomboy na security guard…isang ideyang mataas ang pagsang-ayon ko.

Sa ating makabagong henerasyon ngayon, dapat matagal nang nabura itong nakakalasong mentalidad ng mga Pilipino, kasi kung tanggap na talaga natin nang buo ang LGBTQ+, bakit may mga pasaring pa rin tayo tungkol sa kanila? Sa halip na puna at pang-aasar ang nakakamit nila, hindi ba dapat buong suporta at malalim na pang-unawa sa kani-kanilang sitwasyon ang kanilang nakakamit?

Marahil, hindi sasang-ayon ang iba sa aking pananaw ukol sa isyu na ito, pero subukan ninyong ilagay ang inyong mga sarili sa sapatos ng mga LGBTQ+. Hindi ba’t mas lalo mong ikahihiya ang sarili mo at iisiping

“Ano pang silbi ko dito sa lipunang hindi naman talaga ako tinanggap ng totoo?”

Sabi nila, ikinayaman daw ng Pilipinas ang malagong kulturang ating minahal at inalagaan. Ngunit ako na ang unang magsasabi: ikababagsak ng ating bansa ang kulturang ito. At totoo nga, sa sobrang pagmamahal ng ilan sa mapanlait na kulturang ito, lumaki at tumanda ito nang hindi natuturuan kung ano ba talaga ang mabuti sa hindi.

Blesilda Mae Padolina

E

xperience is the best teacher, they said. Learn from your mistakes, they said. Let bygones be bygones, they said.

And as far as I am concerned, Filipinos aren’t an exemption to these sayings of wisdom, none of us are. It is beyond proven that to learn from ours and others’ experiences, to not repeat any mistakes and to accept the past and start anew are the best ways to ensure a brighter future, for yourself, and in this case, for the Filipinos.

Martial Law is a sensitive but ironically trending topic here in the Philippines wherein it has always been a debate between those who support it and those who don’t.

The general idea of the public has is a negative representation of what happened in the Marcos regime: killings, suppression of the press, lack of justice, violated human rights, and abolished civil and political rights.

Those are just some parts of the imagery the succeeding generation has painted for us. It is what I have learned and what I was told.

Nothing is completely bad or good.

That may be the reason why some chose to look at the bright side of the so-called dark period of the history of the Philippines. It is possible that all the narratives of the events during Martial Law, all the books published and all testimonies regarding this could be oppositely sugarcoated and vaguely manipulated. It is a possibility; I am not denying.

But I am denying the possibility of putting our country back in the dark alley it already had an escape from.

“

I am denying the possibility of putting our country back in the dark alley it already had an escape from.”

As the #NeverAgain hashtag fills the feed of my social sites, it urged me to search this hashtag on Google and to my surprise, some articles date back to 2015, with the same tagline: Never Again.

It is common knowledge that one mistake and everything you did right will be overlooked. What happened during Martial Law wasn’t just one mistake and it might be even greater than what was right with it.

I shout for people in the front, the administration who are supposedly serving us and providing what is best for us. I shout for the people in the middle, the youth and the Filipino citizens who should work together in making a stand to prevent another threat to our liberty. I shout for people at the back, who believes that the Martial Law was ever justifiable. I shout, “Never Again!”

OPINION

August - October 2018

Paggising mula sa lumilisang liwaliw neutrals of shade Pauline Meneses

“

Hoy, ang init!”

“Ma’am, Sir, pwede early dismissal?”

“Kailan ba babalik ang kuryente?”

Isang pagtakas sa napapatagal na kainitan. Iilan lang iyan sa mga katagang naging bukambibig ng iilan, o sabihin ko na bang, karamihan sa mga katauhan ng Unibersidad sa naunang mga linggo ng Setyembre.

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na nagkaroon ng malawakang kawalan ng kuryente sa East Campus, kung saan ang Senior High School (SHS) ay isa sa mga naapektuhan ng kabikabilang patay-sindi ng ilaw at aircon sa mga gusali ng COS, PCH, at CIH. Dahil dito, sunod-sunod din ang pagsuspinde ng mga klase sa nasabing mga gusali sapagkat makahahadlang daw ang mainit na silid-aralan sa pagkatuto ng mga kapwa kong kamagaral. Umani ito ng samu’t saring reaksyon; tuwa dahil may mga hindi gigising ng alas singko ng umaga para pumasok, inis dahil may mga kailangang ipasa ngunit naantala, lungkot dahil hindi nila makikita ang

kanilang mga natatangi’t minamahal, Ngunit, kung pag-iisipan nating mabuti: tunay nga bang makahahadlang ang kawalan ng kuryente sa pag-aaral? Hindi ba’t ganito rin naman ang nararanasan ng mga kapwa nating estudyante sa mga pampublikong paaralan; naiinitan, napapaligiran ng kanilang mga umaalingasaw na amoy, nahuhulas ang mga kinoloreteng mukha?

Tingnan mo ang sitwasyon at

“

Ang pagkatuto ang pinakaimportante na dapat maiuwi sa tahanan.” mag-isip-isip ka. Maaari ngang ibinabawi sa iyo ang masaganang patikim ng kaginhawaan kapag ikaw ay nasa loob ng mainit na silidaralan, ngunit hindi mo ba naisip na panandalian lamang ito, na maya-maya, matutulog ka rin lang sa inyong mga kwartong napapalibutan ng sariwang pakiramdam ng aircon,

sabay nakabalot pa sa inyong mga kumot?

Sa lahat ng ito, tulad ng buhay, kakailanganin din natin ng kakaunting sakripisyo.

Kung makakasanayan natin na puro sarap lang ang natatamasa, hindi tunay ang magiging pakiramdam sa bawat tagumpay na malalasap.

Hindi pwedeng ang dahilan lang para pumasok tayo ay para magpakaliwaliw sa palamig ng ating mga silid-aralan. Nais sana ay maalala natin ang tunay na diwa ng pagpasok sa eskwela, kung saan ang pagkatuto ang pinakaimportante na dapat maiuwi sa tahanan.

Maaring nakabubuti nga ang pagpapaliban ng klase upang makaiwas sa iilang mga kapahamakan na maaaring idulot ng hindi nakakasanayan sa pang-araw-araw na sistema, ngunit para sa karamihan, hindi na sapat ang paupo-upo lamang sa tamis at ginhawa. Kailangan na natin gumalaw at makaranas ng iilang saglit ng kainitan sa gitna ng isang nalilihis na disposisyon at karanasan, sapagkat umpisa na para magseryoso sa malupit na landas na tatahakin para sa kinabukasan.

Privilege check Unmasked Monologue

Gian Eldrich Sandoval

A

s seen in the news, Filipinos have been welcomed by skyrocketing prices of food items in the market due to the increase of the inflation rate.

Rice prices have accelerated, per kilo of vegetables and fruits have doubled and some tripled, your favorite Hany, from being just a peso snack, has now gone up to P5. Criticisms have been coming from everywhere especially in social media. But what really bothered me is how some people from the upper class problematically responded to the issue and somehow overlooked the situation of the poor as to how they reacted to the inflation.

“Huwag na lang magreklamo.” Some people, from their moral high horses, have the audacity to utter this while people from lower classes are almost being deprived of their basic human needs. Stop blaming the poor for wanting to afford basic human necessities. They have every right to complain mainly because it’s them who appears to be hit rather than people who come from higher income groups.

“Magsipag kayo lalo para makaangat sa buhay.” Let us look at the situation of our common Filipino workers. There are street vendors, jeepney and tricycle

drivers, minimum wage earners, and more. You cannot compare any more people more hardworking than them. If they have been pushing themselves to work hard ever since who knows when, how come they still aren’t successful? How come they still haven’t attained the status that they’ve been working for their whole lives?

“

Instead of saying ‘I have to help them,’ why not say ‘I get to help them.’?”

“Sana ‘di na lang kami mahirap.” You can eat meals three times a day, sometimes more, while others are already happy after getting that one meal that could feed their family for a week. You have the luxury to sleep on such comfortable bed while others strive to get a good night sleep on a

single old and tattered cardboard. You brag of your collection of Jordans in your closet while others go from end to end of the city on foot, trying to find a place to stay. You can have all of these because you carry a privilege that others cannot have.

Unfortunately, our background and social status are different from those that come from poor families.

They have faced a different kind of struggle than us. Come to think of it, we could have been in the shoes of those people in the lower class. It just happens to be that we were born from a middle-class family. In fact, we did not earn what we possess right now. We have no right then to look down on poor people.

These are only some of the remarks that I saw on social media. I know that most of you are unaffected by this sudden increase and may think that all of this is fine, but that doesn’t give you the freedom to invalidate the struggles of poor Filipinos especially due to the recent price hikes. Instead, we must turn this advantage to something that can help the poor.

Instead of saying “I have to help them,” why not say “I get to help them.”? That’s where privilege enters the picture. That’s where you get to do something about that privilege.

So, before you say anything that can belittle the social status of the poor, better check your privilege first.

La Estrella Verde

5

Crazy Rich Lasallians Sprechen Oder Sterben Lexi France Angeles

U

p. Up. And up.

History repeats itself as Lasallians’ tuition fee has risen once again. It is largely to blame the higherthan-expected inflation rate we’re seeing lately, with the 6.4 percent figure being the highest in years.

Every institution must adjust to this, and DLSU-D is not an exception. It can be remembered that last school year, students were also bombarded with increased tuition fees and were left with their mouths (and wallets) hanging open.

What makes it even more pernicious is that the impact will be with us for decades to come. My family has been loyal patronages of the Lasallian education wherein all three of my siblings have once studied in La Salle and two of them are now Lasallian alumni. In 2010, one of my sisters, who was taking up Civil Engineering at the time, paid around P40,000 per semester. In comparison, Civil Engineering students in the current year must pay a whopping P70,000 per semester. Prices are continually rising and, if lucky, decrease by a little, only before blowing out of proportions again.

“Rich.” When I asked my friends from outside the campus to describe Lasallians in one word, this was what came up the most. It is widely known that the tuition fee in De La Salle is far more expensive compared to other universities. We are often

seen as snot-nosed spoiled kids that spend thousands on the daily. Yet, people cannot see the parents that we have under our shadows that are continuously sacrificing and shedding sweat and blood in order to pay our school fees. What’s most excruciating of them all is that, sometimes, even their own children do not acknowledge all the trials and tribulations that their own mothers and fathers are facing in order to pay their bills. Sometimes, we are too caught up in our bustling life that we forget to thank those who make it possible to live such a life.

“

Sometimes, we are too caught up in our bustling life that we forget to thank those who make it possible to live such a life.”

Let’s be real, it isn’t the students that are mostly affected by the inflation.

Yes, we are also directly engaging with the consequences it has brought, in the purchase of goods, transportation and leisure but, it is nothing compared to the stress it has inflicted on our parents. The crushing weight of the increased fees are only adding to the burdens that are already in the weak shoulders of our mothers and fathers.

As Lasallians, and as their children, we must strive to ease their strains and make their worries go down.

Down. And down.

The 8th sin of the world: Despond Trouvaille Will Prevail

Kristine Mae Evangelista

B

eing a Filipino is not as easy as anyone thinks. Lately, a lot of toxic culture has spread to the social community and when you think it’s just you, apparently everyone feels the same way.

“Ma, naka 19/20 ako sa Chem,” you say to your mom or dad with the gummiest smile you could ever give.

Wanting the ratification of your family, you did all what you could just so you could attain it. And you wait for their approval, only to return in your home with their dismayed face, asking you why you had a single mistake when you could’ve made it perfect.

“

It’s just going to be you, and only you, against the world.”

You must be tired. It’s even rather stupendous that you’re reading this column right now. Academics has been poured all over you like you’re in a hydro concert, but the singers in front are your subjects, singing what you need to memorize and what you need to do. It was never an easy brawl. One doesn’t really create such a wonderful number in the sacred papers without actually doing something. We all try to learn, love, sometimes we even get mad, but it

was always worth all the blood, sweat, and tears you gushed out. Always for the same reason – for your family and your future self.

You must be tired. A single congratulations would’ve been alright. But the world has turned his cheek against the Filipinos, and you want to keep going, you know you do. But the more this happens, the more you lose your motivation to do so. But that’s also all right. You’re in the corner of this horrendous box drowning when there isn’t much water to begin with. It just so happens that you were too fatigued, you laid down, and you can’t breathe underwater.

You must be tired. It wasn’t facile.

No matter what you do, it’s just never enough. Filipinos try to make it seem like academics is everything, and people who don’t go to school properly are doomed to be penniless.

But is money really just the worth of all this education?

You must be tired. Hearing excuses all the time, trying to understand all of them who’s trying to bring you down.

“I’m just making you strong, honey.” No, we became fragile.

“I just wanted you to excel.” No, quite the opposite.

“It was reverse psychology.” And you gave them mental health issues.

It’s tiring. It will and always be. But still, understand that you are not a guinea pig just so you could be tested how smart you really are. Don’t find your worth or validation from others because someday, you’re going to be the only one you’ve got. Not your mom, or your dad, or your friends.

It’s just going to be you, and only you, against the world.

6

OPINION

La Estrella Verde

Under Duress

Liana Reigne Bongao

T

ell me if this sounds familiar: there’s a project due in a few days and you’ve created a schedule to maximize your progress but in the corner of your eye sits a phone or a laptop—perhaps both—and you think to yourself to do the project tomorrow and relax for the day. No harm done, right? Well, that’s the mañana habit.

The mañana habit is a trait the Filipinos have learned from the Spaniards. If translated, it means “tomorrow” and this refers to relegating tasks for an indefinite time in the near future. This unprofessional habit leads to a costly procrastination

Just Do It cycle that students should avoid and yet we always fail to do so.

But before of all of that, I’m not saying taking a break is bad. In fact, everybody’s taken a short break once in a while and sometimes, it creates a better working environment for whatever project you’re trying to finish. It helps with clearing a cluttered mind and gives you just enough time to get your priorities straight. Besides, it’s hard to say no to a well-deserved break.

But when a break becomes a repetitive cycle eating up most of your time, it’s troubling. Remember that project? By then, it’s nothing more

“

We’ve become painfully unaware of how a simple decision could affect so much.” than a glorified draft crammed in the last minute.

And the project’s quality won’t be the only factor affect by the mañana habit. Communication with people—your friends and family—will also suffer and thus your personal relationships. It’s bound to cause

August - October 2018 a rift with the people you love, misunderstandings that could’ve been avoided.

Not to mention the most important factor affected, your health. Cramming and skipping sleep because of a deadline you could have met days ago won’t do any good. It’s not healthy for anyone.

Above all, all the cramming makes you mentally and emotionally drained, and leads to yet another break. With that, the cycle continues, raging havoc on your schedule, your life, your relationships, and your peace of mind.

Today, the mañana habit is a dangerous trait for students, especially because of the competitive workload the curriculum established for SHS. Again, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break, but letting it take

over your schedule is clearly counterproductive.

We’ve become painfully unaware of how a simple decision could affect so much. It’s even more worrying how we’re unable to distance ourselves from the cycle as we continue making the wrong decisions our habit. It’s evident that we have to break free from this destructive habit if we want real progress, real change.

So, whatever it is you have to do, do it now. Don’t wait until the last minute to start making a dent on the bulk of what you’re supposed to do. Distance yourself from the distractions that have captivated your attention before. Finally, resist the temptation of taking a prolonged break midway.

In the spirit of Shia LaBeouf’s immortal words, just do it!

The Golden Age of Philippine Cinema From the Fossils

Micah Juliana Montano

H

ere’s something to ponder about: some Filipinos tend to have a mindset that international films are way better than the local ones. This may be because they were used to seeing and watching cliché plots and storylines such as richboy-falls-in-love-with-poor-girl flicks, love triangles and mistresses, siblings separated at birth in the past and meeting again at present as rivals or on two conflicting sides, or stories of

being mistreated and getting revenge.

This isn’t entirely false to say the least. However, these past few months have manifested how Filipino filmmakers proved this wrong with game-changing movies which are shattering the Filipinos’ negative perception about locally produced films. And it is something that all of us should be proud of.

Films of different genres have emerged. Say for instance, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is a historical film that tackles a well-known young hero which showed how someone flawed and imperfect can still be brave enough to fight for his nation. This

Truth Serum Princess Mijares Willem Dimas Izabelle Mari Siarot

“

Philippine (cinema) has a league of its own.” film reminds us that we shouldn’t be blinded by decisions made by those in authority and to always uphold what is right and just no matter the cost. It is a very timely film, considering the fact that it reflects the current situation of our country.

Another recently produced film is

a local remake of a Korean movie entitled Miss Granny. It highlights the outstanding and remarkable talent of Filipinos with its musical aspects and doesn’t forget to feature the innate charisma seen in the characters. The unique and unorthodox concept it has makes it very enjoyable to watch; definitely worth every cent and every bit of your time.

Of course, Filipinos love a good romance movie, and The Hows of Us encapsulates love between two people and the rawness, truth, pain, and sacrifice that inevitably comes with it. This film is a reminder that true love conquers all. “Together, we face

endings, and together, we welcome new beginnings.”

These are merely few of the many examples which support the statement that Filipinos have been really breaking boundaries with their creativity and zeal in quality filmmaking. What is also worth recognizing and appreciating are the technical aspects which include the cinematography, color grading, sound mechanics, soundtracks, etc.

And don’t try to say that Filipinos are finally attaining the level of international movies because no, Philippine (cinema) has a league of its own.

Overlabelled

NEWS FEATURES

August - October 2018

La Estrella Verde

7

Infograph by Monica Montaño

Bilang ng estudyante sa Grade 11, lumobo Edcel Derick Padulla

Muling tumaas ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral sa Grade 11 ayon sa tala ni Assistant Registrar Ronie Sarcos sa DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) ngayong taon, taliwas sa sitwasyong dinanas ng nasabing institusyon noong 2017.

Doble ang itinaas ng bilang ng Grade 11 ngayon na mayroong 25 na seksyon, kumpara sa 12 seksyon ng kasalukuyang Grade 12.

Matatandaang lumiit ang bilang ng Grade 11 noong nakaraang akademikong taon, mula 33 noong 2016 na naging 12 noong 2017.

Ngayong pang-akademikong taon, nasa 1,457 ang mga mag-aaral sa SHS, kung saan mahigit kalahati ang estudyanteng Grade 11.

Sa kasalukuyang semestre, mayroong 980 estudyante ang naka-enroll sa Grade 11, habang nasa 477 ang Grade 12.

Ayon kay Sarcos, positibo ang pagtaas ng bilang sapagkat nagpapahiwatig ito na mas maraming estudyante ang nahihikayat na magaaral sa DLSU-D. Matatandaang kinakailangang matapos ng mga mag-aaral ang dalawang taong itinakda

ng Department of Education sa kanilang programang K-12 kung nagbabalak ang mga estudyante na tumuloy sa kolehiyo.

Sumang-ayon naman ang ibang mag-aaral na positibo ang epekto ng pagtaas ng bilang ng estudyante. “Sa aking palagay, ang biglaang pagtaas ng populasyon ng mga estudyante para sa (taong) ito ay nagpapakita lang na maraming (tao) ang gustong-gustong mag-aral sa paaralan na ito, lalo na dahil sa mga naririnig na magagandang bagay tungkol sa ating paaralan na nagbigay dahilan [kung] bakit ito ang napili nila,” paliwanag ni Charlyn Angela Cheng (STM11).

Pinuna din ni Cheng ang negatibong dulot nito, “[Maaaring] maging mas mababa ang tyansa ng bawat isa sa kani-kanilang mga nanaisin dahil maraming mga estudyante at

“

Ito ay nagpapakita lang na maraming (tao) ang gustonggustong mag-aral sa paaralan na ito.”

lahat ito ay may kanya-kanyang abilidad,” aniya.

Dagdag pa ni Raiza Balina (TVL11), “Imbis na mag-focus yung teacher sa ibang students parang ngayon hindi na nakaka-focus yung attention sa iba [dahil sa mas maraming estudyante].”

Bilang preparasyon sa bagong taon, masusi namang pinaghandaan ng Unibersidad ang mga pasilidad at kagamitan nito sa pagdami ng mga mag-aaral. “Nag-give way ang college at nagbigay ng mga facilities na pwedeng magamit,” dagdag ni Sarcos.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi na tatatanggap pa ang Unibersidad ng estudyante na nagnanais makapasok ng SHS sa susunod na semestre dahil sa mataas na bilang ng mga mag-aaral sa kasalukuyan.

Art by Sim Daeun

Pareja implements STRIDE: the ‘helping-hand’ for students’ research Charles Jeffrey Reyes and Lexi France Angeles

Assistant Director for Senior High School (SHS) Marlon Pareja announced the implementation of the Student Research Innovation and Development Program (STRIDE) for the current academic year during the Parents’ Orientation on Aug. 18.

According to Pareja, STRIDE aims to enhance the students’ skills in academic writing and conducting researches. “Our target is for students to be adept in writing, researching, gathering literature, summarizing literature, [and] paraphrasing [literature],” he stated.

The program links three of the subjects the students take in Grade 12, which include Practical Research 2 (PR2), Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion (III), and the Capstone project. This also streamlines the output of these subjects into one research paper.

In the previous academic year, these three subjects require three separate research papers that need to be completed in a semester. This, according to SHS alumni Lance Mejico, did not give them ample time to create a good research output. Their outputs are often hurried and halfbaked, Mejico said. Discussions are also repeated in these three subjects, he added.

STRIDE aims to address these concerns, according to Pareja. “Before (the students) enter Grade 12, they are expected to have [achieved] a mastery of writing papers, and for the whole [period] of Grade 12, they will be writing their magnum opus, their masterpiece—the

research masterpiece—and then present it to stakeholders,” he said.

Practical Research 1 will teach the students the rigors of writing research papers to prepare them for the actual research papers that they will start doing in PR2. The students are expected to write their research proposals in PR2, which is normally taken by Grade 12 students during the first semester. They will continue their researches during the second semester in III, where they gather and interpret the data they have collected. The students are then expected to present their completed researches for Capstone.

Research groups from varying tracks are encouraged to collaborate with each other in their researches, where several groups of students can work on one research topic. Each group will cover the aspects of the topic that are related to their track or strand.

Aside from their research teachers, each group is also required to have a research adviser who will work with them, hand-in-hand, in their research. They will also be guided by a research consultant, who is a college faculty.

Additionally, STRIDE orients the students

with the advocacies and partner communities of the University through the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC).

“

Our target is for students to be adept in writing, researching, gathering literature, summarizing literature, [and paraphrasing [literature].” “(LCDC) will present to (the students) what the problems in a community are, for example, a barangay in Dasmariñas, and (this will) tell you the kind of research you have to conduct that will help the University formulate effective programs for that community,” said Pareja.

On the other hand, the program received mixed criticisms from Grade 12 students. “[Having research advisers] will be an enormous help for us while doing our research, since we need to make an (actual) output. Another good thing, is the (collaboration with other groups) that could be a possible way to see where/ what we can improve on and hopefully also meet some new people,” stated Maria Isabel Cantiller (STM24) But, she also expressed apprehensions with the merging of the three subjects subjects, saying that they may not be thoroughly taught.

“It could mean that the lessons taught before isn’t going to be thoroughly taught like it was when the subjects were separated [...] and sometimes that could make or break a student’s performance to pass the subject,” she added.

However, a launch event for the program is not yet being conceived. “At this moment in time, a launch event for the STRIDE program is not on my mind, although, I am meeting up with the research teachers to orient them about how we will be able to implement [STRIDE],” affirmed Pareja.

8

FEATURES

La Estrella Verde

August - October 2018

Zion Jil Villela

Araw-araw, magkakaibang klase ng tao ang nakakasalamuha at nakakasama natin. Kahit na panandalian lamang, gaya ng mga taong nakakasabay nating maghintay ng jeep o mga taong lagi nating nakakasama at nakakasalamuha sa loob ng ating mga silid-aralan, iba’t ibang karanasan ang maaari nating danasin.

Positibo man o negatibo ang maging epekto nito, maaaring mag-iwan ang bawat isa ng marka sa atin.

Sa panahon ngayon, napapaligiran na tayo ng panganib. Maka-iwas man mula sa mga magnanakaw o mga mamamatay-tao, nakaabang naman ang peligrong may isang estrangherong sisipol sa iyong pagdaan. Kung pamilyar sa iyo ang karanasang ito, marahil nabiktima ka na ng catcalling.

“Binati ko lang naman” Pagbati—ito ang isa sa mga pinakamadalas na depensa ng mga catcaller sa kanilang ginawa. Kahit saan ka man pumunta, maaari kang maging biktima ng mga catcaller.

Sa pag-aaral na isinagawa ni Colleen O’Leary noong 2016, kadalasang iniisip ng mga kalalakihan ang catcalling bilang papuri sa mga kababaihan, samantalang tumataliwas naman ito sa mga nararanasan ng mga nagiging biktima. Kadalasan, naiuugnay ito sa mga iniuulat na krimen gaya ng rape.

Bagama’t tinuturing na isang “depensa” ang pagbati, hindi pa rin maikakailang maaaring humantong ito (catcalling) sa mga mas malalang sitwasyon. Ayon sa depinisyon sa diksiyunaryo, ang catcalling sa mga kababaihan at wolf-whistling sa mga kalalakihan ay ang akto ng pagsipol o pagbibigay ng

komento sa pisikal na kaanyuan ng mga estrangherong dumadaan. Kung hindi na kumportable ang isang tao dahil sa kanyang narinig, maituturing na itong isang kaso ng catcalling. “‘Sus, binobola lang ‘eh” “Dirty. It makes me feel like my value as a person got reduced into a pretty object,” ani Joanne*, isang mag-aaral ng DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS), nang tanungin siya kung ano nga ba ang kanyang nararamdaman sa tuwing nakakaranas siyang ma-catcall. Dagdag pa niya, hindi niya nararamdamang kumportable at ligtas siya sa kanyang ginagalawang lugar sa tuwing nakakarinig siya ng mga ganitong kumento.

“Uncomfortable,” ito naman ang naging tugon nina Liam*, isa ring mag-aaral, at Bb. Sarah*, isang guro sa SHS, nang kanilang ipaliwanag ang kanilang pakiramdam sa mga ganitong karanasan.

Hindi man ito kadalasang nararanasan ng mga kalalakihan, may ilang mga pagkakataon na nararanasan ito ni Liam sa loob ng paaralan. Sa kanyang pananatili

sa Unibersidad, may mga iilang pagkakataong natatawag siyang “oppa” ng mga nakakasalubong sa kanya lalo na at mayroon siyang lahing Koreano. Bagama’t hindi man ito nakakasakit ng kanyang kalooban, may pagkakataong pakiramdam niya na siya ay “exposed” lalo na kung sa labas ito ng paaralan.

“Wala naman akong ginagawang masama” “I once tried speaking up when I was younger,” sabi ni Bb. Sarah tungkol sa kanyang pagsubok na kausapin at itama ang mga nang-catcall sa kanya.

Dagdag pa niya, “since they’re in groups, it resulted to a more degrading action.”

Ngayon, ipinapakita na lamang niya ang pagkamuhi niya sa mga gumagawa nito sa kanya.

Gayunpaman, hindi masyadong malaking problema ang mga naririnig ni Joanne, ngunit ang kanyang nakikita ang tunay na mas nakakaapekto sa kanya. Sa kanyang pagbabahagi, mayroon siyang karanasan mula sa kanyang kamag-aral na hinding-hindi niya makakalimutan. Noong nakaraang taon, nakaranas siya ng ilang hindi kumportableng sitwasyon mula sa kanyang kaklase. Aniya, “Earlier last

year, he followed my friends and I wherever we went despite not being invited. That’s when I started feeling uncomfortable around him.”

Hindi rin siya kumportable sa klase lalo na at may pagkakataong nahuli niya itong nakatingin sa kanyang dibdib. Nang kanyang punahin ang ginawa ng kanyang kaklase, halos nag-atubili pa itong tumalikod mula sa kanya.

Bukod sa pagtawag sa kanya ng “oppa,” naranasan rin ni Liam ang mga pagkakataong sinusundan siya ng ilang estudyante para makuhanan siya ng litrato at mailagay sa social media noong nasa Junior High School pa lamang siya. “That offends me,” pagbabahagi niya. Mas maiintindihan pa raw ni Liam ang pagkuha ng litrato niya ngunit hindi niya maintindihan ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan pang ikalat sa social media.

Dahil dito, lalo itong nakadagdag sa pagiging hindi kumportable ni Liam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya.

“I am not a celebrity or someone who’s special,” dagdag niya. Sa kabila sa mga karanasan ni Liam, hindi nagbago ang kanyang tingin sa mga mag-aaral ng Unibersidad.

Sa ilang mga siyudad sa Pilipinas, mayroon nang mga aksyong ginawa ang ilang lokal na pamahalaan ukol sa mga ganitong pangyayari.

Sa lungsod ng Maynila at Quezon, may mga ordinansang ipinapatupad na pinoprotektahan ang mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mga

“

kababaihan mula sa mga salarin ng catcalling. Kasama rin ang mga stalker sa mga mapaparusahan ng batas na ito at kung sino mang nagiging dahilan ng pagiging hindi kumportable ng mga kababaihan. Maging sa ating paaralan, may aksyong ginagawa ang Opisina ng Prefect of Discipline sa mga ganitong gawain. Base sa Code of Conduct ng DLSU-D SHS, nakapaloob ang “Acts of lewdness” sa Category 2 Major Offense. *** Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, mahalagang siguraduhin na nasa ligtas na komunidad tayo.

Importanteng mapanatili ang respeto sa bawat miyembro ng paaralan.

Para kay Joanne, mas mabuti kung itigil ang mga pang-ca-catcall. Paalala niya, “People are not sexual objects made for your pleasure, so I’d appreciate it much if they stopped acting like they are.” Sa palagay naman ni Liam, mas mabuting batiin na lamang siya ng isang simpleng “hi” kaysa kung anumang komento ang ibato sa kanya.

Para maiwasan ang ganitong sitwasyon, pinaalala ni Bb. Sarah na magpapaunlad ng isang hindi ligtas na kapaligiran [sa bawat isa] ang catcalling. Mungkahi niya na sanayin ang pagiging propesyonal sa ating mga pagkilos. Aniya, “[Catcalling] (does) not make them much of a man or a woman [as] they think they are.”

Editor’s note: Ang mga tunay na pangalan ng mga nakapanayam ay itinago ng manunulat para sa kanilang pribadong pagkakakilanlan.

[Catcalling] (does) not make them much of a man or a woman [as] they think they are.”

Art by Danielle Mari Tanael

FEATURES

August - October 2018

La Estrella Verde

9

The Pawn and its Playground Kristine Mae Evangelista

“Don’t go outside for too long, or else you’ll get hurt.”

“Don’t play too hard or else a roughhouse can burst from misunderstandings.”

These were all uttered by the worried mouths of our parents, but we were children, we still chose to go either way.

Children view the world as a happy playground in which joy and friendship always subside, a place where fun never dies out. Every time the sun is out, it is familiar to all that children are going to run and play with their fellow friends, never looking back and just, having the time of their lives. Ironically, it is sad for people of age that has nothing but responsibilities on their shoulders.

The scenario of life is too vague and yet so clear owing to the fact that ghastly enough, everyone would always be on a stage where they are always cooped up in the expectations of others. Knowing this, life isn’t that happy playground we make it to be.

How did life become an unplayable zone, you ask? First, we become vain. People then would have an unhealthy form of self-love rooted in jealousy, pride, and vanity. They would never stop comparing themselves to others.

Christian Catinguil, a teacher in DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS), explained why so. “As individuals grow old, their roles, standards, responsibilities, and expectations also evolve. As you grow old, you will feel the society pressuring and instilling these ideas to you through its members (friends, families, groups) and apparatuses (mainstream media, institutions, etc.).”

People would keep trying to fit in a world where there are requirements to be met, only to know in the end, that these does not matter. Who knew that the playground we once pictured as a source of happiness would be a warzone for years?

Second, we become aware—aware of what people might think of us and what it might get to us. We become mindful of what people want or don’t like. “[The students] are bothered by other people’s ideas of us because our behavior and actions are restricted by their constant observation and checking,” Catinguil mentioned.

We base everything in these kinds of standards society has put on whatever we do, which is one step closer to immure yourself up into darkness.

Children value moments, but now that we’re older, we’re scared of what our friends, and neighbors might think of us, resulting in a tattered fearful state—only thinking of what they might think of us.

Miki Yap, also a teacher in DLSU-D SHS, comments, “Romanticized and close-to-impossible social standards [that] are celebrated by the media and young minds are conditioned to think that they have to live up to them, else, they will have the public’s disapproval and might be labeled as odd or worse, outcasts.”

Lastly, we become conscious. We

Art by Danielle Mari Tanael

“

And if ever the world might seem burning in front of you, where all hope seems lost, giving up is not just the answer.” are sentient enough to make a facade out of people’s accounts to what they yearn for in a person. We are responsive enough to know what we should be according to what society tells us to be. It’s not going to be an easy stage. This will just keep attacking you every single day, thinking if you were good enough or worse, not at all.

Thoughts will just keep entering your mind with no hesitations, because you lose sight of yourself. Your defenses are breaking, and it will keep breaking if you give in to the pressure of it. “Our social life is like a “stage play,” where we have a front stage, and a backstage,” Catinguil stated.

He said that in the front stage, we are bound to have a role, one we should keep doing. But the only place we are comfortable is the backstage—where no one will judge us. But not all gives in to its attacks. There are people who are stronger than one thinks, and takes their role head-on, no matter what judgment.

To be the child who they once were in a world full of “be this” and “be that,” is a gift that one should look for. People have been corrupted by the society’s baseless standards and has now been the reason why people seem to have countless downfalls, self-hate, and of questionable worth.

And yet, these experiences in life make people undeniably beautiful once

they grow out of it. “On the brighter side, education is always present and there’s still hope; educators can instill values and encourage a progressive mindset among the young ones,” Yap proposed. We become the person we once were the moment we fight for our worth. Always remember, sometimes, people with lots of scars, can also be the most winsome of all.

And if ever the world might seem burning in front of you, where all hope seems lost, giving up is not just the answer. Life is a game of chess, and life itself is your opponent, it might get you down, but there will always be a reason to get back up. Struggle to live so that you can see life’s face of defeat. You might be in a warzone, but your friends, family, and loved ones are always there supporting you on the sideline. “You are playing, but the time is also limited, while some have all the time they need.

Sometimes, you are playing but not as the decision-maker, but as the chess pieces,” Catinguil answered.

Spoon Forks:

The CLAYGO Menace Aaron Silas Bernaldo

The Food Square—a melting pot of varying cuisines, where ravenous stomachs and appetites converge to calm the hunger inside them. Solo or not, Lasallians patronize this hub, whether student, teacher, or staff. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Food Square, we savor every meal, or wolf it down as we attempt to grab a bite before the bell rings.

Photo by Princess Mijares

Wherever the eye can see, the term ‘CLAYGO’ (Clean-As-You-Go) can be glimpsed from any corner at the Square. However, after filling ourselves with sumptuous servings, an eyesore materializes. A used plate rests on the ‘Used Glasses’ shelf, half-filled with uneaten vegetables, a chicken leg ends up among the spoons and forks in the ‘Utensils’ section, and mysteriously, a saucer makes a quantum leap from Darlynn’s to Nanay’s Cuisine.

Apparently, there is a discrepancy when it comes to the implementation of CLAYGO, where patrons do not faithfully abide by the policy when it comes to returning commodities, and the number-one culprits appear to be students. Jezreel Ronario and Olivia Bondad (HMS22) both admit to not properly following the CLAYGO policy.

“Sinusunod ko naman kaso minsan, ‘di ko nalalagay sa tamang lagayan o ‘di ko nahihiwalay,” says Ronario. The same goes for Bondad, who admits that although she does return her plates

and utensils, she does not separate them; rather, she puts them back stacked together.

The staff aren’t blind to such misdeeds, as Aika Corpuz, a cashier at Kulpy Chicken, points out, “Binabalik nga nila, pero ‘di naman nila hinihiwalay.

Dinidiretso lang nila.” Either the students do practice CLAYGO and do not segregate their commodities and return them stacked together, or outright just leave them on the tables. Danica Batencila, a staff member of Nanay’s Cuisine, also states, “Kadalasan, kami [na] ang nagliligpit ng mga pinagkainan nila [the students].” The staff are forced to clean up after the students’ mess.

Belonging in an institution that promotes cleanliness and environment mindfulness, this is an issue that is overlooked. Whether we forget to return our plates or don’t separate them beforehand, it has brought a huge burden to the staff working at the Square. Corpuz reiterates that things have been like this for a long time now, and the staff have always

had to put away the plates, glasses, and greasy utensils. Though it may seem like nothing to students, it’s a pain that they’ve had to deal with everyday.

“

[CLAYGO] is something we can practice for the better. It’s simply a discipline to abide by properly.”

As some members of the DLSU-D Senior High School faculty observe, there is a plethora of reasons for the students’ non-compliance. One reason may be time constraints. “Minsan, kailangan nilang humabol sa klase, kaya naiiwanan nila. Para kasi sa’kin, maiksi pa rin ‘yung break na binibigay sa mga students. And after eating, may iba rin silang priorities, tulad ng pag-review sa

quiz, mga ganoon,” explains Ersyllen Biñas, a faculty member.

Aside from lack of time, it could also be the ‘culture’ ingrained in us for a while now. From the students’ perspective, Bondad thinks, “Tingin ko katulad lang din ng ginagawa ko ‘yung sa ibang estudyante, ’yung hindi pinapansin yung labels ng mga plato. Minsan kasi, pinagbabasehan na lang din natin kung anong ginagawa ng iba.” For Jose Apollo Mabini, another faculty member, it’s rather the general lack of keeping CLAYGO in mind. “Siguro ‘di nila nakikita yung signages, kaya ‘di rin nila naalalang gawin ‘yun.”

However, CLAYGO isn’t algebraic.

Even if it seems like we’ve gotten used to indifferently putting away our spoons and forks improperly, this is something we can practice for the better. It’s simply a discipline to abide by properly. “Dapat nare-remind sila [the students]. Siguro ‘pag sa orientation.

At tsaka kailangan din ng disiplina,” says Jennifer Antonio, owner of Happy Tummy.

Biñas agrees similarly, elaborating that the implementation of CLAYGO needs to be intensified, and we once again may be need to be reminded, not only to return our used plates, but also segregate the spoons, forks, leftovers, glasses and plates.

Batencila also agrees, “Dapat nasa kanila yung initiative na iligpit nang maayos yung pinagkainan nila. Nasa mga estudyante na lang ‘yan.”

However, the qualities and discipline need to spark from us. Bondad suggests, “Simpleng pakialam sa ibang tao. Respeto lang.” She implies that CLAYGO is the same as every courtesy you practice in public: falling in line properly, flushing the toilet for the next user, and the likes.

And finally, it’s something that we must gradually develop as a habit, as Mabini alludes. “Sana maging practice, sana tingnan yung signages para maremind tayo.” Slowly but surely, with a bit patience, we will continually infuse our meals with the spice of being a responsible Lasallian.

SCHOOL DISCO

by Ayumi Wada

NOT TODAY

by Courtney Ivannah Gracio

by James Martin Rafols

HATAW by Romeo Christopher Avila

Levi's Picnic

Levi needs your help!

Find the missing objects in his memories to help him enjoy his fun-filled picnic. Try to find all 10!

LIFE AFTER DEATH

by Ailene Joyce Puzon

WITCHING HOUR

by Sim Daeun

Photojournalists: Princess Korinne Mijares, Aldrin Otagan, Louise PeĂąaflor, Kristine Mae Saroca, John Paulo Templo, James Zagada Layout artist: Willem Dominic Dimas

Limitless

Determination is a player’s maiden step to push himself beyond his limits with burning passion.

It does not seek just about how great, skillful or strategic a player is. Rather, it is about how an athlete manifests his faith in himself, how he commits himself to serve the sport with an utmost will of continuous improvement and learning in order to grow as an individual of the sport and of his identity. Determination is one of the main contributors why athletes succeed, materialistically, the arm raised high enough to let the others hear their hunger for success. This hunger is spoken through the hopeful eyes of those who observe and concentrate well enough, through those who stood steadily, aiming for an exact target to hit their goal, and those who jump into the right opportunities. This will be the athlete’s key to unlock the goals he instills for a dream in the lifetime.

12 La Estrella Verde

I

t was just a little over 8:30 at the local bar when Det. Jose Jimenez had just received a 1-1-7 call from a woman so frantic that all she managed to tell him was that he needs to come as soon as he can, that she’s fearing for her life because her husband was “going to beat the hell out of me,” repeating it like some sort of mantra.

Jose opened his mouth to ask for more information, if she was okay or where did she live, if her husband was armed when the line was cut abruptly with a strong, male voice resonating with anger and rage that Jose knew from experience would do no good. He knew how easy it was to lose control, how easy it was when you suddenly snap, that time was of the essence. So, even though his vision danced and that his uniform reeked of alcohol, he raced down the streets to reach the house.

When Jose reached the place, he had almost

Disabled John Benedict Silla

we are but a lowly crippled mind from dawn we ask the moonlight shine its mighty prowess fill the heavens with glaring stars from dusk we plead for sunshine besieged by the darkness illuminated haze like crystals we are but the eyes of the weary drips down the furrow to far savors the ocean’s anguish red paves from the inside never content until extremities bold but nowise naked blazing folds of skin armors entirety we are but a rusty heart of senescence pounds from and to lavish mayhap jaded ticks and tacks turn to languish perhaps strengthened cast doctrine to soul of misery only is me can bring back glory

LITERARY

August - October 2018

1-1-7 Liana Bongao

crashed the car into a ditch. The front tires had jumped over the curb and his head slammed against the steering wheel. His eyelids felt heavy and wanted to sleep the pain off, but he rushed to slip out of his seatbelt and out of the police cruiser, his mind and feet racing to reach the door of the condominium when Jose felt something lodge in his throat. He knew something was incredibly wrong. The alcohol got to him and he felt his head woozy to every move. He closed his eyes for a second before slamming door open and his heart faltered and skipped a beat as his breathing came to a short halt at the sight before him.

In front of him was the gory scene of a man beating up a woman so brutally that it made Jose woozy as his vision whirled when he tried to grab his baton from its holster. He didn’t know what happened, but there was something with the scene that made everything more surreal.

Jose had trouble holding the baton straight as he swayed from left to right, his mind feeling light like a feather and heavy as an anvil at the same time. “Hey, put your hands in the air—hey, your hands where I can see ‘em!” he slurred out.

But it was like he wasn’t even there. The man didn’t even acknowledge his presence as he tried to trudge on and stop the fight and the break the two apart.

Jose then found himself charging towards the man armed with a baseball bat and yelled at the top of his lungs, trying his best to separate the man from the woman when something came swinging towards him. The minute the baton had strike the man, Jose was hit in the head.

He fell to the ground with a loud thud.

He felt nauseous as if the living room was spinning. His head felt like it had been hit by a 12-wheeler, especially when he was being helped up when there were loud murmurings and rapid

movement. Jose swatted his hand in front of his eyes and groaned, desperate to stop noise.

Suddenly, he was up and there was another cop. Jose’s brows furrowed together, and he frowned; he didn’t remember calling for back-up.

Lights, in the color of blue and red, danced around him as cold steel framed his wrists while inaudible voices hung around him as he was being led outside the condominium he had charged into when his eyes landed on the floor where a pool of blood replaced the linoleum floor.

It was his wife, bloodied on the ground and beaten to a pulp. He surveyed the condominium—his condominium—and his gaze was fixed on a mirror: his eyes were bloodshot, his face had specks of blood, his shirt was untucked, and he had in his hand was an aluminum baseball bat.

Mga Tulang Di Mo Na Maririnig Pa Ciela Andrea Roasa I. Mga Tanda Pinaglalamayan ko ulit ang mga alaala natin (Sasabihin ko sa iyo kung anong tunay na nangyari) Ang mga masasayang araw na lumiwanag sa atin (Ang mga litratong nakuha ang ating pekeng mga ngiti) Ang mga oras na nais ko sanang baliktarin (Ang mga panahong pilit ko, gusto kong kalimutan) Ating pulseras na parehas ang kulay at disenyo (Aking mga sugat, taimting nakatago sa pulso) Mga hinliliit natin matindi ang kapit sa isa’t isa II. Mga Tanong Bakit mo ako iniwan sa Walang Hangganan?

(Bakit mo ako tinulak sa bangin ng kadiliman?)

Bakit ba kinuha ng Diyos ang natitirang pag-asa?

(Bakit ba binigay ng Diyos ang walang pag-asa?)

Katahimikan ang sumagot sa akin III. Ang Katapusan Di ko masilayan ang ligaya sa iyong mga mata (Sa wakas, makakalaya na sa iyong mga titig) Pagkabukas ng kwarto, biglang tumahimik (Hindi na kita hihintaying pumasok pa) Pulang tali nakapulupot sa iyong leeg, walang hangin (Ako’y lalaya na mula sa pagsasakal mo) Alam kong tayo’y magkikita sa langit

Art by Rachelle Ann Calaustro

LITERARY LITERARY

August - October 2018

La Estrella Verde

13

Divine Interaction Geraldine Rambano

A

t first, he hadn’t realized it was God. The rain was torrential, a result of the heat built up from the day.

Chris had been taking shelter in the stairwell to some rental building. The sign stated of several establishments on different floors, from a notary office to a computer café. His socks were sopping wet, and so was the back of his jacket, a slow, creeping chill crawling into his uniform. His umbrella dripped an ocean at his feet. The only thing dry, at this point, was his bag.

“Stupid, cheap thing,” someone grumbled as he wobbled into the slightly-less-wet hall.

“Stupid rain.”

The stranger had his hood on, standing half a foot taller than Chris, currently slamming the hilt of his compact umbrella against the wall, trying to press it in so that he could open it again.

“Missing my show for this,” the stranger said to himself, as if the rain should stop so that everyone could watch their nighttime soaps.

In the hall, the rain poured louder than the struggled pounding of the compact umbrella against the drywall. After a few thuds, Chris began to fear for the integrity of the plaster.

The stranger dropped the umbrella, grunting, and then dramatically slid down the wall to sit on the muddied floor.

Chris chewed on the inside of his cheek, reaching down to grab the umbrella. Having misjudged the distance between them, he took a step forward before grasping the cheap, muddied thing. Grabbing both ends, he gave a swift push, relishing in the click it made when it locked back into its small form.

The stranger shifted, accepting the umbrella when Chris gave it back to him . “Thanks,” he muttered, sounding guilty, as if Chris had been offended by his outburst.

“No problem,” Chris said. “Bad day?”

“Bold of you to assume most of them aren’t,” he replied, voice drier than it currently was, making Chris laugh. “Ever heard of Murphy’s law?”

“Doesn’t that only work in, like, books and movies?”

“It’s applies. Everything that could’ve possibly gone wrong, went wrong.”

Chris chewed on his tongue. The rain continued to pour. He decided that this stranger was an okay person, if a little odd.

“What’s funny is that, it shouldn’t technically apply to me, y’know?”

Chris stole a glance, seeing the outline of a cheek and the bridge of a nose, both characteristics ultimately forgettable and plain, just another face in the crowd.

With nothing to do as they waited, Chris

offered, “Like, it shouldn’t apply to you because people expect a lot from you?”

The stranger shrugged. “Among other things, it’s just—I have a life. I can do a lot of things but I’m just one person. I can’t be in two places at once, and a lot of people have so many demands!”

Chris flinched at the volume, eyes glued to the stranger’s hands. Apparently seeing this, the stranger brought his hands back to his sides, looking sheepish.

It took a few minutes for Chris to get over his embarrassment of having flinched. The white noise was deafening before he said, “So I take it you’re working in retail?” Then, he winced. “That, uh, sounded better in my head.

I just, people who work in retail usually have to put up with a lot of expectations, y’know.

It’s slave labor.”

The stranger huffed a laugh. “No, no, it’s kind of spot-on, actually. Like, I work part-time in retail and full-time at school.”

Chris perked up at that. “You’re a teacher?”

“Waiting to get regularized.”

“Oh, then you can just drop—unless you can’t provide without it, huh, just. You do you.

Ignore me.”

“I can provide without it,” the stranger assured. “Teaching doesn’t do much but I’m okay to live with just it. I just can’t drop the

A home that can never be returned Ailene Joyce Puzon

The second star to the right shinned brighter than usual more beloved than the moon, known less to a few It was a leap I took and a faith of dust to grip the star was so ethereal—too real to be in it.

Clouds as soft and fluffy as a sheep’s wool, Ocean that is enormous but shinier than jewelries the echoes of “tik, tok, tik, tok” as croc goes near Mr. Hook and forests where I’ll sing endlessly with the lost boys I was 13 when I started to believe in fairies, Same age when I believed that Tiger Lilly exists Mermaids where they’ll splash sparkles to my bland eyes flowers that gave me more color than the crayons I had A boy clothed in leaves claimed the whole land, while a man with a metal hook had nothing in scrap the place had more songs of canons and laughs with decorated pixie dust and a couple of sand This is a place where people would dream all day, and nights where they will all play Boys who seemed to careless “who-is-who” as one forgot to keep mine in his hands that had wounds He filled the mornings with sounds like a humpback whale, danced gracefully with swords at his delicate hands cried a bit louder than a wolf filling the night with its howls and played games that would make every girls’ heart ache If I was old enough to know what “love” is I wouldn’t have regretted to give the vow to his cheek Peter Pan was my first and only, I to him was only a mother at an age of 13 Growing-up was an inevitable process with white long dresses and a golden ring at your hand I thought and knew that Peter Pan is my Hiraeth— A home that can never return and never was.

“

part-time thing. It’s—uh, family business.”

Chris winced in sympathy. He couldn’t possibly understand the feeling of having that kind of pressure on oneself, being a sibling-less orphan, but he knew it wasn’t easy. “No siblings to pass it onto?”

The stranger gave a mirthless laugh. “We’re all children of God.” Chris, in an attempt to keep the gag going, replied, “But most of us can’t be God.” Then the joke hung in the air, and died.

In the silence that followed its death, Chris thought maybe the stranger should have laws for joke homicide. Make it punishable by stoning, maybe.

He really just wanted to go home.

As if someone were listening to his thoughts, the rain came to an abrupt stop, a faucet turned off.

“Yeah,” he said, before walking out into the quiet streets. “There’s just me.”

Chris blinked after the stranger, trying to think about why he felt like he should apologize for something. He tried to remember if he’d said something to offend the stranger or not.

He stepped out of the shelter and walked to the jeepney stop. The rain started once again as soon as he got on.

Balintataw Psalm Mishael Taruc

Ito ang Onism,” bungad ni Claudia sa pangkat ng taong pinagmamasdan ang pinakaengradeng pinta sa exhibit. “Ito ay ang kamalayan kung gaano lang kaliit ang mundong iyong mararanasan.”

Hinayaan ni Claudia na sila na mismo ang magbigay-kahulugan sa kaniyang likhang napupuno ng guhit na itim, puti, at pula na dapat tingnang maigi upang makita na ito’y bumubuo ng mukha ng isang babaeng luhaan.

Sa tuwing pipikit siya, bumubukas ang mga mata nya sa matinding liwanag at kalabog ng mga metal at makina.

Pinilit niyang ngumiti at marahan na umiling upang hindi na mag-alala pa ang mga napatingin sa kanya’t nag-aalala. Naglakad siya papunta sa iba pa niyang obra na naghihintay na mapaliwanag.

Kukunin pa lang ni Claudia ang atensyon ng mga tao nang tumindi ang sakit ng ulo niya na parang hinahagupit hanggang sa mapaupo siya sa sahig. Sa kagustuhang hindi gumawa pa ng eksena, tumakbo siya palayo hanggang makarating sa dulo ng museo kung saan walang makakakita sa kanya.

Tagaktak man ang pawis at umiikot ang paningin, nagawa niyang magtago sa isang silid. Isinara nito ang malaking pinto saka hinabol ang hininga. Umikot ang paningin niya sa paligid at ang mundo’y binalot ng dilim.

Bahagya siyang humakbang habang rinig ang pagkabog ng dibdib.

Usok, apoy, dugo.

Ang mga mata niya’y sarado ngunit kita niya ang ulap, pati ang mga taong nagsisigawan.

Ipiniid ng malakas ang pintuan. Agad siyang tumakbo ngunit hindi niya ito mabuksan.

“May tao dito!” kinalampag niya ngunit hindi bumukas. “Tulong!”

“Charles Bonnet Syndrome, huh? Gaano kadalas ang mga atake niya?” napasinghap siya nang may marinig na boses sa silid. Para itong

Art by Rachelle Ann Calaustro

bumubulong sa kaniyang tainga.

“Sino kayo?” bulong niya sa takot.

“Madalas, kumpara sa iba. Buhay niya ang mga kulay at pagpipinta, at noong nawala ang kaniyang paningin, ‘di na ko nagtakang desperado ang utak niya sa mga ‘yon,” sabi ng isa pang boses na walang bakas ng pagmamalasakit.

Napatigil siya sa kinatatayuan at tila binuhusan ng malamig na tubig.

“Bilang pintor, pagkatapos ng nangyari, nawala ang lahat sa kanya—” “Sino kayo?” sigaw niya habang nakahawak sa ulong namimilipit.

Animo’y may pumupukpok sa magkabilang gilid ng ulo. Napatili siya sa kirot na nararamdaman.

“Tumawag ka ng tulong! Yung mga kamay nya!” sigaw ng isa sa mga boses. Tila ba may mga daliring pumupulupot sa pulso niya bagama’t wala siyang nakikita. Sa pagpigil sa kaniyang mga kamay, nawawala ang sakit sa sentido niya subalit pinili pa rin nitong magpumiglas sa takot.

“Mga nurse kami! Hindi ka namin sasaktan,” tarantang sabi ng boses ngunit hindi na ito maintindihan ni Claudia dahil sa takot, hilo at pagkabalisang nararamdaman.

“Bitawan mo ko! Hinihintay nila ko!” Pilit pa rin niyang binabawi ang mga kamay. Wala siyang ibang gusto kundi tumakbo pabalik ng exhibit—ang makasama muli ang mga taong humahanga sa kanya.

Hindi nagtagal, nakarinig siya ng nagmamadaling mga yabag. Dumami ang mga boses, “Hawakan nyo siya, bilis!” dumami rin ang mga kamay na nakahawak sa kanya. Wala nang nagawa si Claudia.

Mistulang may isang matulis na karayom ang tumagos sa kaniyang laman at pinaso ang kaniyang dugo. Tahimik na lang siyang lumuha habang dahan-dahang ninanakaw ang liwanag sa kaniyang mga mata.

SPORTS

14 La Estrella Verde

August - October 2018

Patriot Chessers crowned overall champs Nogot bags bronze Winona Eunice Alindogan The DLSU-D Patriots Chess team acclaims success as Overall Team Champion in the one-day rapid chess tournament of the 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Games 2018 held at Ugnayang La Salle on Sept. 22.

Jordan Rafael Nogot bagged a bronze medal for scoring 4-1 in the tournament for Board 2. Off to a great start, Nogot won his first game but failed to sustain it in the second round, however this worked in his favor as he fought harder in the following three rounds.

Nogot admitted disappointment for his loss, but took it in stride and optimistically viewed it as a chance for improvement. “Ang mahalaga, pinakita ko ang best and 4-1 isn’t a bad score,” Nogot stated. .

Chess team coach Roderick Nava expressed his delight to the outcomes of his team. “Ngayon, napakaganda [ng]

results natin,” Nava stated.

Apart from Nogot, Junior High contenders Kenzel Lawas, Christian Jose Manuel, and John Paolo Acol on boards 1, 3, and 4 represented the University with promise as Lawas and Acol both took home gold medals.

The training and mental conditioning done by the team shined but Nava reiterates the importance of focus as the mindset in the game.

“Every game is a new game. Every game mag-focus….kapag leading ka na, wag mo i-[u]underestimate kalaban mo, baka mawala ang gold…focus pa rin hanggang dulo,” Nava ended.

With reports from Enrico Jose Taguinod.

she expressed.

Ramirez shared that focus is an essential factor for the preparation of the whole team this season. Though the pressure is immensely felt by the team, he believes, “Kaya naman ng mga bata, [sa] tingin ko, dahil mas high ang morale nila [ngayon] kasi may title silang pinanghahawakan.”

Bobadilla laid down the team’s mindset for the whole season, eyeing for a back-to-back championship for the season. “This season doesn’t differ from last year’s. Our inspiration will always be the same and that’s TTC: teamwork, tiwala sa sarili, and

communication,” she stated.

As they play for their last playing season in high school, Bobadilla and her fellow seniors affirmed their ultimate motivation to start for their run this year. “Gasgas man pakinggan pero we will really give our best shot in this season, not just for ourselves but [also] to those people who helped us to be in this position--God, our family, friends and special people whom we consider as our inspiration,” she ended.

With reports from Rheine Noelle Requilman.

Nogot, Manuel, and Acol prepare for a move during 2018 CISAA Chess Competition. Photo by Juvilee Galacgac.

Lady Patriots aim for sweet victory to start in CISAA opener Pauline Meneses As a new set of spikers is set to go, the defending champions DLSU-D Lady Patriots launched their newest stint in the Volleyball Girls division of the 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Games 2018.

With the team winning by default against the St. Scholastica’s CollegeWestgrove on Sept. 22, Coach Raymond “Bunso” Ramirez did not consider the game as something to be celebrated for, despite marking a 1-0 record. “Syempre, masaya na manalo [nang] nilalaro yung laban, hindi yung masaya na manalo na na-default ‘yung kalaban,” he stated.

Team Captain Erin Bobadilla shared the team’s dismay to play for the match, as well. “We really want to start this season with a ‘bang.’ The first game is really important because it sets the impression on the team,”

SPORTS FEATURE

Taekwondo engages in school sports Chelsea Janelle David In today’s generation, Korea has influenced their culture worldwide, including Philippines, with its tasteful music, aesthetic fashion, fancy dances, and also sports. With the school’s endurance in implemeting sports, from basketball to volleyball to badminton, DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) has continued to explore the world of sports, bringing a new club in the form of a Korean combat sport called taekwondo.

Kicking arises Taekwondo is a Korean sport for combat and the martial arts. It is wellknown with its yell “hiyah” and its white uniform with belt called dobole.

Tae meaning “kick,” kwon as “first,” and do as “the way.” By definition, it is the art of kicking and punching in which it can be applied in hazardous situations where fighters could wield their self-defense taught in taekwondo.

Taekwondo vs. Karate International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) are under taekwondo. ITF extends more to self-defense which is used in North Korea; whereas WTF is for sport sparring which is practiced in South Korea.

Many people tend to get confused between karate and taekwondo.

The distinction between the two is that karate was raised in Japan, while taekwondo in Korea. A karate instructor is called sensei, while for taekwondo, it’s su bam.

These two sports are both martial

arts but taekwondo highlights more of kicking.

Acquiring points A fighter scores a point when you throw a good deal of kicks and punches to the opponent. There are three sturdy rounds to play, two minutes each with one-minute interval between rounds.

Body kick and body punch contribute 1 point; back kick and head kick with 3 points; back-head kicks give more points. Golden point is what you called when you get a tie after three rounds, meaning one hit could give you the dominance.

Unless penalties occur, it happens when someone breathes tiredness such that when someone falls to the ground, withdraw a fight, or 10 seconds being inactive on fighting. If a fighter endures multiple kicks and punches, he could win if the score has a 12-point gap against the rivalry.

Colorful belts, which is which?

Ever wonder why taekwondo fighters have different belts? There are various color belts and it defines your

level of advancement in taekwondo.

White as being the beginner turning the level to yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red, and black as the most advanced fighter.

Gaining a different kind of belt Taekwondo aids a fighter’s selfesteem from low kicks to reaching it higher, soft punches to rigid fist, it gives you the midset in aiming for the black belt.

It cultivates discipline in life by following the instructions of your su bam. If a figher could do that, then he can also build and further strengthen his decisions and will in life.

In the same vein, Taekwondo supplies confidence to a fighter from being an underdog in the practice to participating in competitions until earning an honor.

Creating the moment, students can shine on their own with taekwondo since this is unique. It helps the students improve their physical strength and mental ability to conquer a fight. With this, taekwondo provides positivity in life by improving himself to his limits.

SPORTS

August - October 2018

La Estrella Verde

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SPORTS EDITORIAL

Pundasyon ng atleta ang disiplina Gian Eldrich Sandoval

Simula pa noong bata tayo, kapag may nagawa tayong mali, pagsasabihan agad tayo ng mga magulang natin. Kapag may gusto tayo ngunit hindi agad natin nakuha, hindi maiiwasang magwala tayo at kasunod niyan ay pagagalitan tayo ni nanay. Iilan lamang ito sa mga pagdidisiplinang ipinaranas sa atin noon-hanggang ngayon. Katulad sa pangaraw-araw na buhay, mahalagang salik din ang disiplina sa isports.

Itinuturo ng disiplina ang importansya ng pagpupursigi. Kung hinahangad mo na maging kasinggaling ni LeBron James o kaya naman ni Alyssa Valdez, dadaan ka muna sa puspusang pagsasanay bago mo iyon makamit dahil wala namang madaling daan tungo sa ating mga pangarap. Disiplina ang kailangan upang magawa ng isang manlalaro ang tamang serve sa bola, tamang tindig sa paghampas ng raketa, tamang porma ng langoy, at marami pang iba. Walang katumbas ang galing ng isang atleta sa kaniyang isport kung hindi ito sasamahan ng pagpupursigi at disiplina.

Sa isang laro, hindi maiiwasan ang pagkatalo. Ang ibang atleta ay sumusuko agad samantalang ang iba

naman ay nawawalan agad ng pagasa. Ngunit, itinatatak ng disiplina sa isang atleta na huwag pagtuunan ng oras at lakas ang pagkatalo at sa halip ay mas lalo pang pag-igihan sa susunod nilang laro.

“

Sa bawat tira ng bola, sa bawat hampas ng raketa, at sa bawat pagkatalo at pagkapanalo, hindi mawawala ang disiplina.”

Dahil din sa disiplina, natutunan ng isang manlalaro na magtakda ng sarili niyang mga layunin at mag-pokus patungo sa hangarin na iyon. Natututunan niyang magsakripisiyo ng ilang bagay para sa layunin na iyon.

Maaari niya rin itong ilapat sa totoong buhay at hindi lamang sa isports.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit pundasyon ng atleta ang disiplina. Ito ang bumubuo sa karakter ng bawat atleta na gumagabay sa kanilang tunguhin na matamo ang tugatog ng kanilang mga pangarap. Sa bawat tira ng bola, sa bawat hampas ng raketa, at sa bawat pagkatalo at pagkapanalo, hindi mawawala ang disiplina.

The DLSU-D SHS Basketball team guards their home court. Photo by James Zagada.

SHS try-outs, inilunsad Gian Eldrich Sandoval and Pauline Meneses

Kasabay ng pag-alis ng mga manlalaro sa iba’t ibang athletic teams mula sa unang batch ng Grade 12, nagsagawa muli ang DLSU-D Senior High School (SHS) ng try-outs sa iba’t ibang isports para sa mga interesadong estudyante mula sa kasalukuyang Grade 11 at 12 noong Hunyo hanggang Agosto.

Ipinamalas nila Sedantes at Soque ang kanilang husay sa CISAA 2018 Table Tennis. Kuha ni Princess Mijares

Paddlers, nasungkit ang 1st runner-up sa CISAA 2018 Gian Eldrich Sandoval

Hindi nagpatinag ang DLSU-D Paddlers at rumatsada upang makamit ang first runner-up para sa team event ng Table Tennis Boys category sa 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) noong Setyembre 22 sa Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

Umarangkada sina Miko Sedantes at Chester Pamintuan mula sa Junior High para sa Singles 1 at Benedict Soque para sa Singles 2. Hindi rin nagpahuli ang Patriot tandem nina Pamintuan at Renzo Arnao ng Junior High para sa Doubles.

Nang tanungin si Soque patungkol sa naging pagkukulang upang makamit ang panalo, isinaad niya

na nagkulang sila sa mentality at mas pinangunahan daw sila ng takot. Sa kabila nito, nakabawi naman sila at nakaabot sa finals.

“Iniisip namin na dapat mas malakas kami dapat kaysa sa utak namin,” giit niya.

Dagdag pa niya, kahit lalong humusay ang mga naging kalaban nila ngayon, hindi

sila nahirapang lampasan ang bawat atake ng kalaban dahil sama-sama nilang pinag-isipan ang next play na gagawin nila, na mas lalo pang nagpalakas sa kumpiyansa nila.

“Nalampasan namin ‘yun by thinking what will be the best for us,” aniya.

Samantala, gaganapin sa Nobyembre 24 ang laban ng Table Tennis Girls para sa nasabing liga.

Kabilang sa mga isports na naglunsad ng try-outs ay basketball, volleyball boys and girls, badminton, at table tennis.

Mula sa mahigit 30 na atletang nagtapos ng SHS, nadagdagan ang mga koponan ng iba’t ibang sports ng mahigit 50 na atleta, mula sa mahigit 260 na sumailalim sa proseso ng try-outs.

Isang hamon ang turing ni Sports Coordinator Alex Balbio sa naging resulta ng try-outs. “Of course, the burden of coming up with the forms for competition, talagang extra mile [galing sa akin] ang kailangan. So, ‘yun ang challenge, mas marami [kasi] ang [participating] players ng Senior High School, compared to the Junior High,” paglahad niya.

Bukod sa mga nasabing isports, nagbukas din ang try-outs sa

koponan ng football at taekwondo.

Ani Balbio, isinalang ang football at taekwondo team upang tingnan kung mailulungsad ito bilang opisyal na koponan ng SHS. “Nung nakita ko ‘yung enthusiasm on the part of the players and on the part of the coach to really join the regular tournament, I wrote a written request to [Director for Basic Education] Dr. Mario Torres regarding [the] external sports participation of high school football team.”

Agad namang sinimulan ng mga atleta ng SHS ang kanilang paghahanda para irepresenta ang Unibersidad sa iba’t ibang liga na kanilang sasalihan sa buong taon.

Sa kasulukuyan, kalahok ang koponan ng DLSU-D Patriots sa 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Games 2018 at Dasmariñas City Meet 2018.

Patriots, from page 16

Intensifying the momentum, the back-and-forth of the ball occurred on the set point by backfiring defenses and spikes on both teams.

The Patriots came up to rise but fell down as the Sabers led its way to victory, ending the match at 27-25.

“Kasama na siguro na ‘yung factor na sila ‘yung defending champions but for

me and sa nakita namin, hindi naman sila mahirap kalaban,” Estrella ended.

As of press time, DLSU-D is on its 0-1 win-loss record in the elimination rounds of the league and will be facing Cavite Institute at the Imus Unida Christian School Gym on Sept. 29.

Sports La Estrella Verde

August - October 2018

Volume 3 Issue 1

Calaustro aims to shoot to overpower Golden Cubs in CISAA opening at ULS. Photo by James Zagada.

Patriots dominate BIL Golden Cubs in CISAA opener, 101-54 Pauline Meneses Marking their first win for the season, the DLSU-D Patriots outscores the Benedictine Institute of Learning (BIL) Golden Cubs at 101-54 in the Basketball Boys division of the 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) held at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

Coach Arnold Oliveros discussed the winning formula against the squad in gold. He emphasizes, “’Yung experience kasi. Matagal na sila magkakasama sa team, so medyo alam na nila yung sistema, yung bawat galaw ng bawat isa.”

Oliveros also relayed the team’s goal for this season, running down their runs for the past seasons in the league. “Ngayong year, [ang] target namin [ay] lumaban [sa] championship.

Ever since nag-participate [ang team]

sa CISAA, puro third place kami.

So this year, talagang nag-aim ako for [the] championship game,” Oliveros stated.

Eager to advance early in the game, the cagers in green rallied to a 19-4 run up before the Golden Cubs gained composure and slowly took shots to catch up with the Patriots’ lead. Yet, after pedant execution of their defense, the Patriots rose up to make an impression, ending the first quarter at 22-15.

The Golden Cubs continued to struggle as the Patriots continued to put up deep lay-ups and putback shots, leaving them at an overpowered 12-point deficit at the half of the second quarter.

With the help of their back-toback steals, the Patriots moved onward and forward as they kept banking in lay-ups, establishing a doubled 24-point advantage at 51-27 by halftime.

The Patriots sustained their

momentum and intense defensive plays in the second half of the game, keeping the Golden Cubs silent all throughout the third quarter, scoring only from free throws.

As the last quarter progresses, the Golden Cubs brought back their mindset to keep up with the aggressiveness the Patriots set up.

However, it was far back to catch up to the lead as the Patriots steadily imposed their 35-point advantage above the team in gold, taking reign

of the match at 101-54.

Team Captain Adrian Dimapawi shared that the team aims to make a statement for itself, especially for the graduating seniors. “Alam naman natin [na] kapag La Salle, hindi talaga ‘yan nagpapatalo. Syempre, gusto naming manalo kasi pinaghirapan namin ‘to. Ayaw naman namin masayang [ang] lahat ng efforts, hindi lang ng mga players, [but] also ‘yung mga sumusuporta sa’min,” he ends.

With reports from Edcel Derick Padulla.

Patriots fall against IIST Sabers, 0-2 Chelsea Janelle David

Students showcase their utmost support for the DLSU-D athletes. Photo by John Paulo Templo.

29th CISAA Games officially open Tamondong, Yape crowned Mr. and Ms. CISAA 2nd runner-up Pauline Meneses After a week-long delay of the official program, the 29th Cavite Intersecondary Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Games 2018 finally opened its ceremonies on Sept. 22 at the Ugnayang La Salle (ULS).

The said league is composed of 14 participating schools from the different cities and municipalities of Cavite. The teams of each school will compete in the individual, dual, and team events to attain the championship of the respective divisions.

Mr. and Ms. CISAA was held during the opening ceremonies, where Gino Tamondong and Jermae Yape of the Junior High School (JHS) Division were recognized as 2nd runners-up of the pageant, following the champions Elizabeth Seton School-South and the 1st runners-up Fiat Luxe Academe.

Tamondong and Yape expressed the nerve-wracking feeling of joining, and

shared how they overcame that to enjoy the results of the competition.

“Honestly, no’ng una pa lang sobrang kabado na ako, pero sobrang saya ko kasi naging part ako ng La Salle, na-represent ko yung sarili kong school,” Tamondong shared. “Sobrang kinabahan ako pero during the competition, parang ‘Go with the flow’ na lang ako so medyo nawala yung kaba ko,” he added.

With the loud, creative chants of the JHS, the candidates were given a boost of confidence due to the massive support exhibited by DLSU-D in the said competition.

“Just be yourself, and i-enjoy mo yung stage. Sa una kakabahan ka, pero after mo [rumampa], super saya kasi the

crowd is there to support you, and the Lasallian people [as well],” Yabe said.

Afterwards, the DLSU-D Patriots reigned above the Benedictine Institute of Learning Golden Cubs in the Basketball Boys division with the score of 101-54.

The volleyball team, however, fell down against the Imus Institute of Science and Technology Sabers in the Volleyball Boys division scoring 19-25 and 25-27 at the ULS later that day.

The CISAA opening was supposedly held on Sept. 15, but was later postponed due to Typhoon Ompong.

With reports from Ella Lorraine Regudo.

The DLSU-D Patriots marked its loss against the defending champions Imus Institute of Science and Technology (IIST) Sabers scoring 19-25, 25-27, in the elimination rounds of the Volleyball Boys category of the 29th Cavite Inter-Secondary Athletic Association (CISAA) held at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) on Sept. 22.

“One error or point is very crucial plus first game ‘yon, but syempre mahalaga [‘yon]. It’s a wake-up call for each [and] everyone of us na ipakita ‘yung team, na kaya naming ibigay [ang lahat] as a volleyball team of DLSU-D,” team captain Yukio Estrella expressed his sentiments towards the loss.

Exchanging attacks and service errors, the Patriots and Sabers cleared up tied points in the early minutes of the match, 10-10.

The Patriots garnered several block errors on the start of the first set, but they did not pull away as they serve aces and delivered solid spikes, 15-12.

Stepping off the game, the Sabers stretched their points by throwing away rigid spikes and errors from the Patriots, snatching the 19-25 win over the green squad.

“Nahirapan akong i-motivate sila dahil syempre pressured and full of errors

‘yung iba [sa amin] and hindi naman sila matulungan,” Estrella stated as the errors endured on the first set.

As the errors consistently occurred on the second set, the Patriots couldn’t catch up on a tide, 3-8.

After their first timeout, the spikers in green settled to team up by firing attacks and defenses on the court, 12-17. But with consecutive attack errors from the Sabers, the Patriots improved their points only to 17-20.

Proving once again their command on the court, the Sabers wrestled spikes and errors from the Patriots, 20-23. “’Yung pinaka-kalaban talaga ng team namin ngayon is not the opponent on the other side but ourselves.

We planned na mag-rebuild ng first six and to focus more on floor defenses,” Estrella said, mentioning the opponent’s superiority.

Patriots, see page 15