Chi Rho
Issue One Volume Twelve S.Y. 2007-2008
letter from the editor
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t is a glorious feeling to be in an institution that advocates sincerely for the proclamation of truth. The immensity of the thought is empowering and challenging at the same time that one might be ashamed to renounce it. This is actually the time, after everything we’ve written in innumerable essays, term papers, and after all that we’ve memorized, after knowing so much, to act and do something. This is the time we must open our eyes and not let anything pass us by. If we don’t like something, act and change it. If we like something, act in order to preserve it. A professor once said that it is disappointing when one can not articulate her thoughts, and he is absolutely right. We are known for our brilliant ideas, and those ideas mean nothing unless we let it out and make a statement. In a recent interview by a fellow student publication, they asked about how Chi Rho tackles social issues in terms of the stories it publishes. The answer to that would be, we take on social issues through stories tailored for our community, enveloped in issues relevant to the students of the community and not necessarily to the whole the world—we are after all, a student
Many thanks to Jhun Epres of the CA Department, Iyett Labang (model) and Marquita Santos (for the goggles). And of course, Eona Sarmiento for her wonderful photographs and for helping me make this cover possible. – Creative Director
OVER
THE C ABOUT
publication; we have national broadsheets (and heavens, tabloids too) to take care of all the big headlines. Yes, some stories we feature are a far cry from those plastered in daily newsstands, but all of it, true. There is this thing called “reading between the lines” that should rouse our intuitions, where there’s probably more to the story than meets the eye and then you tell us what more is out there. Today’s popular culture has certainly taken over the whole community, the whole society, the world. It is an outbreak no one could do anything about but to take it the constructive, intelligent way. It has affected how we all think, how we judge different matters, how we react in an assortment of events, it has even penetrated so deep that we have become soldiers of it without us even knowing. Like it or not, it is a force we are compelled to embrace or suffer getting left behind. This issue takes on the pop culture mania inside Miriam College, stories which stand as proof that Katipuneras are never detached nor indifferent. Stories that tell everyone we are bending to the curves of this culture to make things happen, in our own special, gentle and feminine way. The newest mobile models, iPods (or is it iTouch now?), laptops (of which is making the OLC and LMC run out of electric outlets), Friendster, Multiply, Facebook (and the list goes on) play no significance in our “real” lives if we are living in lies or uncertainty. If there is one thing I pride most in being part of MC, it would be having a conviction. Believing in something and standing up for it yields the greatest feeling one could experience, because in all honesty, what matters most in the end is knowing that you stood for the truth, and that you are part of the truth. For one of the most challenging, stressful, tiring, but nonetheless unforgettable school years we have had, thank you for sticking by. God speed, let’s roll.
Drowning or swimming???
The clothes we wear, the gadgets we use, even the music we listen to are nonetheless influenced by this so called pop culture. We are so in touch with what we see in media. It dictates what’s hot and what’s not. The next thing we know is that we are already part of this bandwagon effect of fads and trends. It is okay to follow trends as long as one can keep herself in balance. Remember: “Don’t be drowned. Learn to swim ☺.” – Creative Director
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June 2008 5 CA Launch Party » February 09, 2008. The CA launch party presented the department’s journey toward success.
6 PAYAPANG DAIGDIG 2007 Miriam performances from the Miriam College’s community celebrated the Payapang Daigdig 2007 or the Miriam College Christmas Concert last December 7, 2007 at the Marian Auditorium. Semestral Dean’s Assembly » Percentage of the Miriam College Dean’s Assembly for the 1st semester of SY 2007-2008 Porridge For Peace » The “Lugawan para sa Mindanao” aims to intensify a harmonious relationship of peace amidst differences in belief.
7 MC Hosts Massive Psychology Student’s Convention » Over 1,500 psychology students from all over the country from as far as Ilocos to Bicol participated coming. The Battle at The Big Dome » The event started with a groundbreaking performance from the 2006 Hip-hop World Champion, the Philippine All Stars
8 MC Holidays 2007 » OPM band Kjwan rocked the night away with amusing performances of their hits Shai, Daliri, One Look, and Pintura. The band’s lead singer, Mark Abaya expressed gratitude for inviting them to the event. Bisita Escuela » The St. Scholastica’s College School of Music conducted a erformance forum entitled “Bisita Escuela” last January 31, 2008. What’s New in Ilaw? » The Integrated Lifestyle and Wellness (ILAW) Center is now open to alumni, employees, high school and college students, parents, relatives or even friends of employees and students.
9 5% Tuition Increase Confirmed » In the Higher Education Unit Tuition Fee Increase Consultation held in the LMC Viewing room last February 18, it was finalized, MC increases its tuition for the next school year 2008-2009 by 5 per cent. SOMA 2007-2008 » The SOMA 2008 revealed the key result areas as PURPOSE.
10 Proud to be the Big Girls » "Big Girls Don't Cry: Young Women's Search for Identity," aiming to promote women empowerment and a conviction for inner beauty. YFC Jams » He got me, you’re next! Calls this year’s Youth for Christ campus tour, with MC as one of their destination stops. The YFC held JAM: Jesus and Music.
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College Christmas Concert » Astounding
Last Order sa Penguin » The Teatro Kolehiyo ng Miriam (TKM) performed Chris Martinez’ “Last Order sa Penguin” on stage under the direction of Mr. Armando Rutaquio Jr. Superdance Celebration » Dance groups from different colleges and universities also participated in the said event such as Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Assumption College, and St. Scholastica's College.
11 MC Makes Noise for Truth » Sobra na,
tama na was a call for those who are shameless in denying what needs to be told. Armed with colorful banners, placards, even the back parts of lecture handouts, cooking pans, ladles, drums, and megaphones, a successful noise barrage took place along the busy road of Katipuna.
Sumilao Farmers Walk for Justice in MC » Together with other schools, Assumption
College, ADMU, DLSU, Don Bosco College, San Beda College, San Sebastian College, St. Scholastica’s College and UST, we join them in their call for equal rights, something that has long been overdue.
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Swimming in POP Culture
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What’s New in Your New Year?
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Everything POP
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Beyond Popularity
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Fab Fad
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Let’s Go Rat-Ratan
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New year’s resolutions: made to be broken?
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Clash of Utensils
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Miriam Advertisers on the Go
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Triumph of an Underdog
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In the Eyes of an Outsider
Jade Flora Editor in Chief Bianca Soledad Managing Editor Versailles Tabanda Business Manager Con Andres Creative Director MM Portez Layout Editor Marqui Santos Art & Photo Editor Hannah Paguntalan News Editor Jessie Borlagdan Features Editor Celine Martelino Reviews Editor Angeli Soriano Literary Editor/Folio Coordinator CORRESPONDENTS Mikaela Lagarde Nolaine Puig Fiona Alvero Rakiel Talan Natasha M. Cabrera Camille Rivera Angelica Gracia R. Sabio Vita Dizon Viel Cabanawan Kristelie Yap Felice Jeanine B. Marquez Ivanee Bongosia CONTRIBUTORS Aidel Charisse Salangsang Danielle Panelo Lyane Janel Ocampo ARTISTS Corina Arenas Danice Ohara Judith Encarnacion PHOTOGRAPHER Eona Sarmiento MODERATOR MR Medina, English Department
NEWS
Hannah Meryl Paguntalan
The Communication Arts and Advertising Society (CAASOC) and its various suborganizations, with the assistance of their chairperson Ms. Lynda Garcia, launched a one night party last February 09, 2008 at the college parking lot. The CA launch party presented the department’s journey toward success. It encouraged one another to achieve and to learn more than what is expected from them—a better department.
CA y t r a P h c n u La
Presenting all the CA activities, milestones and achievements through an audio visual presentation, performances from C*Catt models, C*Catt street dancers back-to-back with MAPUA dancers, C*Catt singers, the TKM Band, Salagubang in Space, Anggulo Band, super bands Urbandub and Kjwan rocked the night away.
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NEWS PAYAPANG DAIGDIG 2007 Miriam College Christmas Concert Hannah Meryl Paguntalan Astounding performances from the Miriam College’s community celebrated the Payapang Daigdig 2007 or the Miriam College Christmas Concert last December 7, 2007 at the Marian Auditorium. Special guests include the administration and staff of Miriam College, Mrs. Sonia Roco, wife of late senator Raul Roco, and the families and friends of the performers. The performers were the students from the Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf (SAID), grade school, high school and college glee clubs, high school and college Liturgical choirs, Miriam Adult Education (MAE), MC Chorale, and the Ballet Dancers. For the finale, all gathered together onstage and sang Aba Ginoong Maria and Simbang Gabi together with the Metro Manila Community Orchestra.
Semestral Dean’s Assembly Hannah Meryl Paguntalan
Percentage of the Miriam College Dean’s Assembly for the 1st semester of SY 2007-2008 College of Education (CED) Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
5 out of 55 = 9.09% 7 out of 55 = 12.72% 9 out of 59 = 15.25%
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
17 out of 517 = 3.28% 19 out of 352 = 5.39% 20 out of 344 = 5.81% 15 out of 267 = 5.61%
College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Administration (CBEA) First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Fifth Year
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8 out of 175 = 4.57 % 14 out of 191 = 7.32% 9 out of 209 = 4.30% 15 out of 138 = 10.86% 9 out of 68 = 13.23%
Mikaela Lagarde
Porridge for Peace
Mindanao has long been beleaguered by armed conflicts because of injustice, poverty, political issues, and differences in ideology. The dispute began during the 1960s, after the central government in Manila implemented the homestead policy and “legal” land-grabbing occurred. Many people from Luzon and Visayas migrated to Mindanao and obtained the ancestral lands of the Moros (Muslims in Mindanao) and other indigenous tribes in Southern Philippines. Responding to this, the Moros took up arms, and thus set fire to a drawn-up battle between the BangsaMoro people and the Philippine government. The Mindanao Week of Peace held last November 29 to December 5, 2007 is a celebration of peace, harmony, and solidarity among people of different faiths. In line with this event, the Center for Peace Education (CPE), Pax Christi, International Studies Society, Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Miriam, and UNESCO Youth Club of Miriam spearheaded the “Lugawan para sa Mindanao” last December 4. Members and officers of Pax Christi sold lugaw (rice porridge) to students and employees in the college department. The proceeds were donated to help build a classroom at Raja Muda High School in war-torn Pikit, North Cotabato, Mindanao. To entertain the dining guests, Pax Christi also held a program, “Himig at Kasayahan para sa Kapayapaan” that featured singer-musicians from the Miriam College community: Jeresha Ador (IV-ISD), Kathleen Aquino and Athena Abanto (II-ISD), the Drink Moderately Band composed of the Pax Christi officers, and MC Glee Club president, Mirma Mae Tica (III-ISI). Halfway during the program, the Teatro Kolehiyo ng Miriam presented a comedy stint to the amusement of the diners. Distinguished guest Ms. Carol Bello of the Pinikpikan Band also delivered a virtuoso performance. The “Lugawan para sa Mindanao” aims to intensify a harmonious relationship of peace amidst differences in belief.
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Jade Flora
MC Hosts Massive Psychology Students’ Convention
NEWS
The Battle At The Big Dome Hannah Meryl Paguntalan
When our own Marian Auditorium screams for air, it’s something big. The 21st annual Psychological Association of the Philippines – Junior Affiliates (PAPJA) convention took place in MC last December 7 and 8, 2007. Over 1,500 psychology students from all over the country from as far as Ilocos to Bicol participated coming. Dr. Jerry Jurisprudencia, a Psychology faculty spearheaded the PAPJA organizing committee. Day one began with a plenary session held in the auditorium (proving the strength of its balcony), a short forum. In the afternoon, the inter-school Psychology quiz bee took place in the high school cafetorium. MC delegates Michelle Ponce, Jeleice Uy, and Abigail Valera placed 3rd, while it was a grand slam win for UST. The following day had all the workshops, utilizing almost every single room of the whole college unit. Interesting workshops varied from Hypnotherapy to the Dark Side of Love, the Power of Charm to Writing a Winning Thesis and so on. The convention also had a best thesis competition of which fourth year students Katrina Balangue, Patricia Palmaras, and Michelle Perfecto won 2nd best with their study on Selfdisclosure of Female Adolescents under the supervision of Dr. Malou Baybay, Ms. Ying Barros and Ms. Gail Galang.
The C*Catt Street Dancers competed at the big dome last December 1, 2007 for the Sketchers Streetdance Competition Year 3 college division. The event started with a groundbreaking performance from the 2006 Hip-hop World Champion, the Philippine All Stars. MC student and model Andy Manzano, radio jock Mo Twister, and TV personality JC Cuadrado were the hosts for the event. The program started with the high school division, another number from the Philippine All Stars, the contenders of the college division, the freestyle battle, and ended with the awarding ceremony.
A total of 197 Psychology Guild members volunteered for the event bringing everyone closer together. The humbling experience fostered wholeness and enforced ‘Unity Amid Diversity’ among everyone in the Psych family. ■Jade Flora is a member of the Psychology Guild.
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NEWS
MC Holidays 2007
Bisita Escuela Hannah Meryl Paguntalan
Nolaine Puig Fiona Alvero Rakiel Talan The Sanggunian ng Mag-aaral ng Miriam College held a Christmas concert last December 13, 2007 entitled “Christmas Holiday Getaway” at our own parking lot. The event was hosted by the Sanggunian president, Erika Salinas together with Mirma Mae Tica. The event started exactly at six in the evening with an opening rap number “Isang Milyong Bayani“ from a Gawad Kalinga volunteer promoting the organization. In the performance, he also expressed his deepest gratitude to the Miriam College’s Gawad Kalinga volunteers. It was followed by a lively routine from the Miriam College Pep Squad, a number by the C*Catt Singers, C*Catt Street Dancers, TKM, the Company of One and Desdemona. Finally, OPM band Kjwan rocked the night away with amusing performances of their hits Shai, Daliri, One Look, and Pintura. The band’s lead singer, Mark Abaya expressed gratitude for inviting them to the event.
The St. Scholastica’s College School of Music conducted a erformance forum entitled “Bisita Escuela” last January 31, 2008. The program started with opening remarks by Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, the SSC Dean of Music. She spoke about the College of Music’s history and its development. Five captivating classical performances including songs from sopranos and the use of different instruments (piano, flute, guitar, bass and violin) were presented by the students of the SSC School of Music. Miriam College, Assumption College, and College of the Holy Spirit attended the said forum. MC was represented by the members of the Miriam College Glee Club together with Ms. Ying Barros, associate dean for student affairs. Bisita Escuela aims to encourage students to appreciate music with passion and interest, to learn and develop new skills, and to acquire camaraderie from other schools.
What’s New in ILAW? Contributor: Aidel Charisse Salangsang (II-ABCA) The Integrated Lifestyle and Wellness (ILAW) Center is now open to alumni, employees, high school and college students, parents, relatives or even friends of employees and students. Two of the most well-known services are the massage and the gym, which are all open for students and staffs. The massage really helps one to lessen stress and relax. The gym is the most accessible fitness center after a long day from school granting a person time to stretch his/her tired body. Starting from the month of January to March, ILAW Center offers new fitness and wellness workshops. It includes Hip Hop Abs, Painting, retro dancing, ballroom dancing, and yoga.
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ILAW Center is open for suggestions. Anyone may visit their office at the top floor of Paz Adriano or call 580-5400 local 1134 for slot reservations and other inquiries.
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5% Tuition Increase Confirmed
NEWS
Jade Flora In the Higher Education Unit Tuition Fee Increase Consultation held in the LMC Viewing room last February 18, it was finalized, MC increases its tuition for the next school year 2008-2009 by 5 per cent. This is the fourth time that the campus increases the tuition by just one figure. The increase, primarily due to the economic inflation rate—merely adds to back up everything the school is accountable for. Among the affected areas, the per-unit cost, basic fees (library, registration, guidance, AVR, medical, instructional materials), and miscellaneous fee (electricity, insurance, internet, ID, recollection/retreat, drug test & laboratory) are the ones which will carry on with amounts 5% higher this coming June. Because of the increase, certain adjustments have yet again to be made. One parent calls that because instances like these could not be controlled, it is therefore up to the students (their daughters) to help keep themselves sane in these expensive moments. The challenge for us students is to come up with activities with the same objectives but lesser costs so that through it, we also contribute something in keeping their pockets a little lighter. The increase was moved by Sanggunian president Erika Salinas and seconded by Internal Vice president Alexa Poon.
SOMA 8 0 0 2 7 0 0 2 The State of the Miriam Address (SOMA) was initialized in the year of 1999. The astounding accomplishments of the institution from the preceding year were the major highlights of SOMA. The details werel be presented by president Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, last January 29. The SOMA 2008 revealed the key result areas as PURPOSE. P - Program Quality and Innovation. It is the benchmark for highly quality of education especially for young women from different levels stating the institution's Basic and Higher Education, Advocacy and Special Centers, Athletics Office, Workshops and Projects, and Students' Achievements. U - Upbeat, Effective and Empowered Community. It focuses on how the Miriam College Administration grew professionally towards their work. It specifies employees' benefits, training and development, different programs, and achievements.
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Hannah Meryl Paguntalan R - Resource and Physical Plant Improvement. The modernization of the campus’ environment leads to construction and improvements of the campus and grounds.
E - Economic Viability and Growth. This pursues the building of adequate funds from budgets and finances, planning and resources, and also marketing.
P - Partnerships and Linkages Building. This serves as one of the greater public recognition for Miriam College. It shows the triumph on how this institution collaborates with other schools, parents and alumni, to the Maryknoll Sisters and educational partners, and even international involvement.
The leaps of SY 2008-2009 will focus on continuity and addition of new plans. Some includes the student well-being regarding their positive and developmental approach, the appeal towards developing resources for the u p c o m i n g u n i v e r s i t y, l o c a l a n d international partnership, and the succession planning.
O - Organizational Development. It aims to be a dynamic, high performing organization that instills v a l u e s t o e n s u re p e r f o r m a n c e , productivity and participation. Expansion of systems, improved MC website, Maria Katipunera, projects and strategic planning are involved in the development. S - Social Involvement and Neutral Formation. It presents greater participation in social responsibility, and provides the institution’s active involvement to different communities locally and internationally to acquire fulfillment through its advocacy.
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NEWS
YFC JAMs Jade Flora
Proud to be the Big Girls Natasha M. Cabrera
The Consortium of Women's Colleges (CWC), Events Management Class of Miriam College, the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), and the Young Women Leaders' Conference (YWLC) held a 2-day affair last February 18-19, 2008 aptly themed, "Big Girls Don't Cry: Young Women's Search for Identity," aiming to promote women empowerment and a conviction for inner beauty. Three sessions were held with participants from all year-levels. The first was "Irreplaceable: Celebrating the Body," facilitated by Ms. Lorna Israel of WAGI, Pebbles Duque of Babaeng Aktibong Indibidwal (BAI). Irreplaceable featured issues that show women must feel content with their bodies. The second session, "Breakaway: The Body and the Product also featured a film in lieu of the said sessopn. The Sanggunian Presidents of the CWC schools were panel speakers for the last session, "Dance My Dreams: Voices of Women Student Leaders on the Culture of Consumption. The event was followed by "Umbrella" a concert for a cause organized by BAI that aims to celebrate the beauty of womanhood and to support the Marilac Community of battered women. The said event featured performances from CWC students, and Hale.
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He got me, you’re next! Calls this year’s Youth for Christ campus tour, with MC as one of their destination stops. The YFC held JAM: Jesus and Music, a musical concert was last February 13 at the college open ground (by the LMC and MPH, now a budding activity center for the whole college unit). The night blasted with colorful performances of dance and song numbers from many bands including Desdemona and SJE, and dance troupes UP Street Dancers and the Believe Dance Crew. The night ended at past ten in the evening with attendees wanting for more.
Last Order sa Penguin Contributor: Danielle Panelo
Chris Martinez’ “Last Order sa Penguin” was held at the Kublai’s Bar and Restaurant in Katipunan Avenue, last January 31 to February 16, 2008. The story focuses on five people who coincidentally met at the famous Penguin Bar. The characters began to know personal issues of each one such as life, love and career. They also found out they were similar in terms of struggling with their own problems in life. The Teatro Kolehiyo ng Miriam (TKM) performed on stage under the direction of Mr. Armando Rutaquio Jr.
Superdance Celebration Contributor: Lyane Janel Ocampo
The Company of One represented Miriam College at the Superdance Celebration held at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium of the De La Salle University - Taft last February 02, 2008. Dance groups from different colleges and universities also participated in the said event such as Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Assumption College, and St. Scholastica's College. The event rolled with their heroes as themes for every performance. Company of One showcased impeccable dance moves portraying the Almighty as their hero. All performers enthralled the event with their remarkable numbers.
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NEWS
MC Makes Noise for Truth Jade Flora
With the bomb dropped by instant political star Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, people are now shouting enough is enough. Lozada played witness in the Senate investigation of the anomalous and multi-billion peso NBN-ZTE network deal entwining the names Mike Arroyo and Benjamin Abalos as personalities fueling the said deal.
denying what needs to be told. Armed with colorful banners, placards, even the back parts of lecture handouts, cooking pans, ladles, drums, and megaphones, a successful noise barrage took place along the busy road of Katipuna. Passers by expressed their support through car horns, tapping of tricycle roofs, and muffler blares.
Last February 22, Miriam College students, faculty and administrators clamored for the hard truth. Sobra na, tama na was a call for those who are shameless in
The action began around 5 in the afternoon, the crowd got bigger after a few hours with more students and teachers and some friends from nearby schools.
Sumilao Farmers Walk for Justice in MC Miriam College supports our fellow farmers in their walk towards justice and hope. Together with other schools, Assumption College, ADMU, DLSU, Don Bosco College, San Beda College, San Sebastian College, St. Scholastica’s College and UST, we join them in their call for equal rights, something that has long been overdue. In a warm forum held last February 18, at the Sr. Mary Thomas room, queries of students and a number of faculty were addressed by the Sumilao farmers which, eventually led to an emotional outburst of one of the guests. “It is through prayers that we were able to walk from Bukidnon all the way to Malacaňang,” expressing unending hope for their fellowmen, and country. The Sumilao farmers hail from Barangay San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon and are still in quest to claim the land that is originally theirs, now in pompous property of the infamous Conjuangco family.
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Camille Rivera
SWIMMING
IN
Pop culture is widely expressed in anything mainstream, ranging from fashion, movies, gadgets, books, television shows, etc. A huge percentage of its market are adolescents and young adults. Modern pop culture was born in the early 50’s, when Elvis and The Beatles rocked the stage; when the Swing set the dance floor on fire. Pop Culture is so immense and far-reaching that it’s impossible not to be drawn. As long as you’re exposed to any of its numerous forms, there’s no escaping it. It creeps into society’s consciousness in ways nobody can resist. Today’s Pop Culture is undeniably celebrity-centered, with shows like ‘The Buzz’ and showbiz gossip segments on evening news. When asked whether Miriam students are no exception to such a culture, students responded with a resounding ‘yes’. One CA student concurs, saying most students imitate certain celebrities whom they idolize in or out of school. She adds, “[even] kids imitate them and they don’t even know what it’s about.” MC Students are very much into fashion although they still retain their distinctiveness fashion-wise. Even physique doesn’t stop students from following trends. “I wear clothes that people think I won’t be able to wear. Says a shapelier junior, who wears anything from shorts to mini skirts and heels regardless of her frame. Despite the impulse to follow trends, others say that MC girls are very practical when it comes to clothes. Our fashionistas, at one point or another, surely have paid a visit to the Ukay-Ukay and 168 where one admits “that’s where you find unique items,” Our concept of fashion isn’t about showing skin either. One observes, “If you watch and know fashion, it’s not about showing skin. MC students are generally conservative and well-covered. A lot of our students our very simple”. She also cited that practicality and simplicity are really the biggest and timeless fashion trends in Miriam College.
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POP
CULTURE
Past generations have been branded respectively as Generations X and Y. Anxious to capture our taste in order to generate profit, the corporate world is out to label our generation as well. They insist on calling us the “Digital Generation”. This particular label is more or less accurate, as MC students are big on gadgets. Cell phones, i-Pods, MP3 players, flash drives, and laptops are common items to students, maybe even a basic necessity for some. An IS sophomore claims that there's a trend in today's society: everything should be easy. True enough, our trusted devices can make things happen with a single click. Students practically carry their ‘lives’ to school in shoulder bags. Tiny, portable gadgets contain their homework, entertainment, hobbies, and even relationships.
Despite the fact that today's Pop Culture is drenched with stereotypes and
materialism, there's no denying its influence. It can sometimes overpower what we learn in school. Even the media doesn't take it upon itself to show what's appropriate and what isn't. But with our values, Miriam students call for balance. A student advices that we must all be critical, and believes "We have the potential to live up to the MC ideal." Pop Culture, has two sides to the coin. On one hand it bridges gaps enabling us to have a common experience; on the other, it dictates. In its sea, it is important to keep afloat and not drown in superficiality and false identity. Imagine this: you’re sitting in the lower lanai on a Saturday, minding your own business. Perhaps you’re waiting for a friend. Then, somebody crosses your field of vision: she’s wearing a scarf over her long, beach hair; over-sized sunglasses half of her face, caked with make-up. Her 3-inch stilettos click on the polished floor as she carries her pet Chihuahua in a little handbag. Your jaw flies open. Look familiar? Not unless you’ve been living underneath a rock for the past several years.
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FEATURES
What’s New in Your New Year? Angelica Gracia R. Sabio
Five…four..three…two… Oops! Not just yet. Let’s rewind a bit. The table is prepared with bountiful array of goodies, a basketful of round fruits and the surviving glazed ham from Christmas. Old folks have opened every single light bulb in the house and shelled the last centavo from their wallets to purchase the most eardrum-popping fireworks. On the other hand, good ol’ Uncles seemingly possessed by terrorists, grin in excitement as they hold their matches to light super lolos right before the clock strikes midnight. Little children dressed in polka-dots sagging with coins are ready to take off like bunnies on invisible trampolines. And then it happens: hands begin to tremble in excitement, there’s an unstoppable urge to go loco, and eyes begin to fill with whimsical reflections as playful lights dance in the sky. There‘s an explicable shower of euphoria. It goes on and on until smoke makes it harder to see, breathe. Seems you know it all too well. You must have. One way or another each one have lived through this scenario once if not every year. It is true Filipino tradition to rejoice the eve of January first with pancit or its equivalent, pasta, to signify long life according to Precious Pasia, a junior CDE student whose mom cooks Spaghetti during New Year’s Eve. And although it is unforgivable to cause noise pollution, it is “the night” when it is legitimate to clank and bang what is normally used for cooking (palayoks etc.,) to ward off bad spirits. Like junior student Suzanne Andaya of the CA department who happily obliges to this privilege by shaking her piggy bank for more sound effects. You know them all too well. So what about the rest of the population who does the New Year celebration with a twist? How do they do it?
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FEATURES Alexandra Poon, a BS Entrepreneurship junior, veers differently to the traditional celebration, by traveling to different countries every year with her family while Ionna Wasan, a junior AB Psychology student welcomes the New Year with delicacies not normally served in the dinner table. She shares that they have tried serving Isaw, Quekiam and fishballs on that special night. On one hand, junior Psychology major Candice Anne Ruanto along with her neighbors spice up the festival with videoke while on the other hand, Tanya Merrera sits down with her family and intimately shares their innermost dreams and goals for the coming year. Miriam students have different ways of meeting the New Year. To each her own as they say. But, be it contemporary or the traditional one, there is one constant element that never disappears, a Filipino trademark that pupils carry with pride when they were asked how they turn a new leaf in their lives: with their families. You see, there are approximately 80 billion people in the entire universe yet knollers choose to celebrate with their kin. Perhaps it’s just part of the tradition they got accustomed to. More than that maybe it’s the biological connection or the special bond shared. The last night of 2007 and the first morning of New Year is undoubtedly special because it will never happen again. The grand celebration, jaw-dropping lights, sounds without rhythm, the thrill in an attempt to a new lifestyle, the joy in looking at the new calendar, and the relief in the opportunity to start over --- all precious. Yet, despite all the changes the New Year brings there is security in the constancy of the presence of those you hold dear, people you know you’d still want to spent the next New Year’s with. Besides, witnessing the coming of the New Year and spending it together with loved ones: Priceless! In a sense, New Year is not that new after all! Welcome 2008!!!
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FEATURES
Jessie May S. Borlagdan
EVERYTHING
One Saturday while you’re waiting for a friend at the Our Lady’s Court (OLC), you can’t help but notice your co-students; everyone seemed to be so immersed with their little gadgets. You observed that most of the students have headsets of their mp3 players sticking out of their pockets and into their ears. With their top-ofthe-line laptops, others are privileged to gain access to the school’s Wi-Fi Internet service for free. Then one cares to supply the music for the people at the OLC who wanted peace and quiet; “I’m way too beautiful boy,” crooned the small but loud speakers. Then you’re surprised to see a couple of students flickering their thumbs on the latest mobile phone released by Nokia, Sony, or Motorolla. Face it, even in that small corner of the school, you could already see and even feel the pop culture mania. But who says it stops from the high-end gadgets? Students are updated with fashion. Come Monday or Saturday, you would see standouts among the typical shirt and jeans. For some time leggings were reborn together with the skinny jeans. Oversized or aviator glasses are on the come-back too. And when it comes to “expressing” oneself, the emo-look, practically composed of unmanaged hair and dark make-up, is definitely in. The “inside” too gets stuffed with this so-called mania. From the classrooms to the cafeteria, you could see people munching on those crepes. Trash bins are also overflowing with empty bottles of iced tea and cups of coffee whether from your suking vending machine or caffeine shop. And even if it has almost been a year since J.K Rowling released her latest book, Harry Potter
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POP
and the Deathly Hallows is still one of the most indemand books in the library. The likes of Paolo Coelho, Anne Rice, Stephen King, and Dan Brown are also indemand. From the sense of sight, you could also observe that pop culture also caters to the sense of hearing. Basically, pop music started way back when Elvis and the Beatles made trillions of ladies scream their hearts out. And after a few years of hate-brigade against the forerunners of pop, the Backstreet Boys and the Spice Girls, just to name a few, are making a comeback. But fear not for Ne-Yo, Usher, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Jojo, Justin Timberlake, My Chemical Romance, Fallout Boy, Greenday, Billy Crawford, Parokya ni Edgar, Bamboo, Kamikazee, Kjwan and the likes are here to make the longest impressions. Soldier Boy would probably say yes to that. And the same goes with the latest Koreanovelas, Chinovelas, Jdorama, and tele-cines. From the most drooled-over gadgets to the envied well-featured planners, to appetizing food and beverages, to the most sought after clothing and accessories, to the latest hit craze from the television and music industry, and up to the words or expressions that come out of our mouths, it’s clear that pop culture is not going anywhere. Try shaking it off your system and one way or another it will still influence you. Even if this is the case, don’t get to paranoid and blindly follow the “what’s in” and the “what’s hot”. Yes, pop culture is everywhere and almost everything is pop-influenced but this doesn’t mean that individualism is dead. Follow the trends but don’t forget who and what you really are.
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FEATURES
Beyond Popularity Vita Dizon “We want it now!” cries the consumer population, launching a rocket of instant commodities in the brink of year 2000. Everything could actually be brought in convenient ready-to-go packs: from noodles, coffee, and even soup. It was a whirlwind change for companies by shifting gears from quality products to mass production. This ideology was also existent among schools and universities wherein two-year degree programs under whatnot courses started sprouting like mushrooms across the nation. Products of these institutions were also distributed to foreign nations in “bulk” quantities. It was a way where manufacturing extended its scope beyond commodities. This phenomenon encompasses not just the recruitment agencies but also the humanity of individuals within the society. Challenge implies work, which equates to growth. Working hard for something that you want improves you as a person and adds to the value of the goal you worked for. This former fact of life is slowly becoming obsolete due to the numerous easy living products out in the market. And it is this same growing number that slowly causes a twang of greed. Greed that make people desire things they don’t really need. An average person would change his mobile unit more times than he cares to change his own socks. The insatiable want for new sets are due to the multitudes of added features, which are added to older models. This act again exemplifies the prevalence of materialism, something that has plagued humanity since time immemorial. Speaking of plagues, mediocrity in its negative form has also assimilated itself among us. Since everything has become conveniently accessible to us, little or no effort is needed to moderate human needs and wants. This mediocrity, however, goes beyond the aspect of self-provisions but also on the value of work and lifestyle that the people live. Laziness, greed, and mediocrity are the silent invisible forces that have rid the society off its former glory. People have become overly adapted to the thought that everything they need would be provided for them, that value is measured in number and that whatever they have and whatever they are is the limit of what they can be. Although there is a great deal of positive impacts that the current pop culture holds, there is a need for a transition from instant to quality items. The new voice of today’s pop culture screams, “We want perfection!”
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Fab Fad Viel Cabanawan
Heads up, people. This is the understatement of the century: We are all faddists. If you still need a textbook definition of pop culture I might pass out. It’s the very air we breathe. Pop culture is that part of the atmosphere that fills up our lungs and keeps us alive. Face it; without it, capitalism wouldn’t exist and so would we. In this generation, this is the weather forecast so far. Online Social Sites
So many social networking
sites specializing on various interests (eg. Shelfari for booklovers; Multiply for photo bloggers, Eskwela.com for schoolmates) have popped out for the past four years and in 2008, everyone seems to be sending invites to join Facebook. Facebook boasts of the cleanest user interface and impeccable privacy settings that users seem to prefer over Friendster and MySpace. Gaming The rumored new Slim Sony PS3 that should be out in summer. When a TV set, two or more j o y s t i c k s , a g a m e c o n t r o l l e r, multiple CDs in a CD rack, outlet pads, and even a competitor all
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merges into one, fits into a
mushrooms, henna tattoos, the list
handheld carry case no bigger than
goes on and on.
a Blackberry, is Bluetooth-enabled and becomes portable you know it’s
Food
destined to become a fad!
Fashion
healthy living has been there with us for a long time now. In 2007
If 2007 felt like the ‘70’s and
restaurants have started specializing
you find your parents smoking pot
in vegetarian and raw food. It’s a bit
again, don’t be surprised if 2008
on
would feel like the ‘80s. Maybe in
restaurants even promote healthy
2009 it’d be the ‘90s again and for
eating and lifestyles by not
all we know the world’s in a time
including smoking areas and bars.
warp, as if on loop.
Even restaurants known for all-time
Summer Boracay, Havaianas 2008 Flash, Crocs Alice, bumblebee
It’s not a new craze; in fact
the
upscale,
but
some
junk food are adjusting their menus to serve the health-conscious and on-a-strict-diet customers. In 2008, try exchanging your cigarettes for
shades, bikinis and maillots, Nothing
sugar-free lollipops, and order
B u t Wa t e r , Ro x y , c r a b a n d
veggie specials instead of meatvariety toppings at California Pizza Kitchen.
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Coffee Shops
And the award goes to…
Starbucks! No new coffee shops are fad-worthy this 2008. There are a number that have started to litter mal l kiosks and office buildings, but it seems classic is the fad nowadays, and when it comes to coffee, Starbucks is the classic.
canceled next. The up and coming
noteworthy entrant to the market
seasons of popular TV shows like
in many years. The new iPod
Prison Break, Grey’s Anatomy,
Touch should also make older
Desperate Housewives, and Heroes are
models of the iPod (Video, Nano,
to be looked forward to this year, because the age of the
Shuffle, etc.) instant “so-lastyears”.
Koreanovelas has finally passed. Not! Coffee Prince airs on GMA after La Vendetta (around 11pm). Pinoy Big Brother is essentially the most-watched reality show
Planners
according to 2007 TV ratings.
Getaways
The Starbucks 2008
Planner has competition. It’s pretty obvious the way they gave out double stickers to aficionados last year, and the line was simply outrageous even for a coffee shop. We have a range of planners to choose from, the GoNuts Donuts 2008 Disorganizer, the Starbuckslike Jollibee planner (can you say “copycat”?), and the Belle de Jour Power Planner. Look around and count how many has each (including yours, of course), and you have the answer. Let’s get ready for 2008. TV Shows
Cross your fi ngers and
hope that the Emmy’s doesn’t get
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For in-city it’s Serendra
and Bonifacio High Street both in Taguig. SM Mall of Asia is simply a little bit too large; Trinoma is new, so no surprise there, it’s the mall for ‘08. Past expressways there’s The Farm in San Benito in Lipa, Batangas and the heavenly Sonja’s Garden in Tagaytay.
It’s going to be a great year for techies as the biggest gadget companies struggle to invent the most compact, all-rolled-into-one gadgetr y that ever yone would seem to must have. If plastic surgery is suddenly the next best thing to last year’s blush on and eyelash extensions, then we would have no control over it. Nevertheless, it won’t kill you to follow a trend or two. Remember that tracking changes in pop culture and following trends is much a part of our lives in this world of high tech gadgetry, the In t e r n e t a n d Ho l l y w o o d - i s -
Gadgets
everything phenomenon, but it
The iPhone. According to
does not hurt to not know who starred in Shopgirl or what
The Times article entitled “What’s Hot in 2008:” Time magazine has
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s next
d u b b e d t h i s s e x y, s l i m a n d
After all, fad is fab!
adopted child’s name would be.
intuitive device the Innovation of the Year, and even Nokia has conceded the iPhone is the first
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FEATURES
Let’s go Rat-Ratan! Kristelie Yap
Another year has again ended. The year of the Pig-Boar brought us a lot of things, a combination of negatives and positives in every angle of our lives— school, family, community, career and relationships. Following the Chinese calendar, 2008 is indeed the year of the Rat. The Chinese believe that the people who were born under this sign are courageous, enterprising, and deserve to be respected. Among all the animal signs, the rat is known to survive most situations as they often use their instincts to find solutions to their problems.
2008
The year of the Rat is predicted to be a year of plenty that will bring good prospects and opportunity. However, we are warned that the rat is still ruled with the cold of winter and dark night. There is a tendency for us to take on too much, only to discover that we are unable to meet our other commitments. Nevertheless, given these ideas, we have now an additional guide in all our endeavors. We have seen the student organization’s efforts on catering the “balance” that we need in the stress that we get from exams and reports. The ‘luck’ that they need does not only depend on the Rat’s ‘positive aura’ but with the member’s participation and trust.
A Year of “Rat en Roll” Miriam College has numerous student organizations, which continuously organize relevant activities to give additional fun in learning. The calendaring of activities that was held in early No v e m b e r w a s a t t e n d e d b y m o s t s t u d e n t organizations, Sanggunian, and the office of Associate Dean for Student Affairs, to give order in planning and implementing activities for the MC community. With all these early preparations, will the Year of the Rat be ‘lucky’ for them? a The remaining months of the semester is still jam-packed with the student activities. Beginning December, outreach activities by JPICS, Child Development Education Circle (CDEC), Psychology Guild, Junior Council, Maria, MC Liturgical Choir (MCLC), UNESCO were spearheaded by officers. General assemblies and professional development activities such as workshops and seminars took place in January, while concerts and intramurals prevailed in February.
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Volume 12
FEATURES
New yearʼs resolutions: made to be broken? Natasha M. Cabrera
New Year’s resolutions are supposed to motivate people with things they want to accomplish in their life —beginning that year. Before the beginning of another year, most of them would list down all their resolutions on a piece of paper or journals and wish that if not all, most should be done. But then, due to our demanding milieu, people become so busy they forget that they vowed to a resolution that would help them become better individuals. The question that they now have to ask themselves is “Are new year’s resolutions made to be broken?” Most people who follow the tradition of listing down all their new year’s resolutions tend to be idealistic. They list down whatever that comes into their minds not thinking whether it’s what they need or are they just imitating others. For instance, they would include in their list the promise to lose weight. Losing weight is not that easy if there is no effort. People could not stick to their promise if they do not do anything about it. It is a useless initiative to make an effort to write their resolutions and not take action.
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Another reason why resolutions cannot be followed is because of we make impossibly long lists. Endless chunks of sometimes unattainable goals that should hamper them to follow everything else. They often think they need to follow everything on the list. Priorities people, priorities. If there is no sincerity and strong desire to fulfill their promises, they cannot have the motivation to follow their resolutions. Their resolutions will just be left hanging. Resolutions are made because it’s presumed to help them become better individuals. It is important to stick to your own promises since after all, the key to any goal is well, self-control. A BS Entrepreneurship student believes that resolutions are helpful as long as you plan—you want to do them. People should always remember that when they create a certain pledge, it must be realistic so it’s easier to follow. They are not just listing down what they want to accomplish the next year, but rather what they want to improve in their lives.
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FEATURES
Clash of Utensils Camille Rivera
Contributions by Jessie May S. Borlagdan
Trouble brewed in peaceful freedom board when a group of anonymous students expressed their displeasure with the college cafeteria by posting their sentiments last Januar y. The cafeteria’s main concessionaire, Lettered L Canteen, was accused of monopoly—students’ statements on the manila paper implying that the two of the more popular concessionaires, Cho-pan (flavored rice in boxes) and Potato Cuddler (flavored fries and chicken nuggets), were allegedly terminated by the school cafeteria in order not to lose in sales. Students were also displeased at the lack of choices, bad service, high prices, and dismal food quality. The Sanggunian’s credibility was not spared either, with one unknown student citing on paper that the said organization only addresses monetary issues.
Cho-pan came back for business after the holidays, it had a price hike from 50Php to 65Php due to economic reasons concerning rice. Ms. Arionday says that the school cafeteria, which observes price control (the highest price any product in the school canteen can be sold for is 50Php) questioned this dramatic price increase. The owners of Cho-pan had to sort this out among themselves and decided to resume their old pricing or come up with an alternative.
Ms. Vivian Ar ionday, College Administration Coordinator, says that before subconcessionaires can run business in the school cafeteria, they are required to specify what food products they will sell. This is to avoid duplication and rivalry between the sub-concessionaires. In the case of Potato Cuddler, the owner of the food stall initially specified in the contract that they would be selling potato food products alone. When the subconcessionaire in question started selling rice meals (chicken nuggets with rice), it violated that part of its agreement with Lettered L. When asked in an official meeting, the people from Potato Cuddler said that it would not generate profit if it sold only potato products and that they could not find any alternative product for their rice meal. Faced with the possibility of dwindling sales without its rice meals, the said sub-con decided to pull out business.
The school clinic also brought attention to Cho-pan’s “Alipusta Rice” as this particular rice meal contains clams. Ms. Marlene Piconcillo, nurse of the College clinic, says that with clams, the decomposition stage begins quickly and so they have to be eaten almost immediately after being cooked. She cites one incident in December of 2007 where Cho-pan’s clams have been left out for four hours (from eight to eleven in the morning). She then requested the sub-con’s employees to take their clams out of the refrigerator for an inspection. The label of their clams stated only the date when they were cooked, which was two weeks ago at the time, and the expiration date was not indicated. Ms. Piconcillo says that eating bad clams can result in diarrhea or food poisoning. Unlike Potato Cuddler, Cho-pan’s selling of rice meals was never an issue with the school cafeteria, since it was specified in their contract.
Cho-pan, on the other hand, had other issues. According to Ms. Vivian Arionday, when
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Ms. Noemi Arbilniyeda, who has been working for Cho-pan for seven months, adds that the sub-con’s rice meals were temporarily suspended because it wanted to test its new product, Wrap and Roll. However, this venture did not succeed and they had to resume their Rice-in-aBox meals at their original prices.
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The students’ voiced opinions did not go unheard. When the so-called protest ensued, officials of the College cafeteria, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA), and the Sanggunian held a meeting to clarify the issue and make sure that the students’ concerns were responded to. Information regarding the matter was delivered to the student body in the form of two letters (dated January 25, 2008), which were also posted on the Freedom Board. The cafeteria also took it upon itself to hold a survey, to receive student feedback on the current concessionaires. Ms. Arionday applauds the students who spoke up, saying that by exercising their freedom of speech, they debunked the myth that Miriam students only mutter to themselves when they have something to say. She says that the protest can be blamed on a communication gap between students and the cafeteria’s administration. When asked to imagine how the school cafeteria would have reacted had the students decided to boycott its products and services, she says, “You know, considering how calm the people who own the cafeteria are, they will just come here and ask for a meeting with the students. Because, what I always hear them say is, ‘How can we give you better service?,’ one of the owners of the cafeteria is a Maryknoll alumna (Mrs. Lourdes Marasigan). So she has a heart for Miriam [College]. The beauty of Miriam College is [that] we employ graduates, because they already know our values, so they’re not difficult to talk to. If there’s any concern, just find the right person to talk to” Mrs. Lourdes Marasigan, the General Manager of Lettered L, also said that she has nothing against students practicing their right to articulate. “They can say what they want, I respect their comments,” she said. For her, voicing out one’s opinions is a chance to prove one’s worth. With regards to the sub-cons who pulled out, she expressed that Lettered L is not closing their doors on them. As Mrs. Marasigan said, “They are our partners in business. Everything is open. They can always come back.” She also shared that Lettered L, the sub-cons, and the Food Committee already had a meeting to resolve the said issue. Surveys on
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the students regarding the food and the cafeteria’s services are also randomly executed. On the other hand, the Sanggunian also have their piece on the issue. They express that they have nothing against the students who wrote or participated on the so-called protest on the Freedom Board. However, the approach was something else. Jennifer Robles, Secretary of the Sanggunian, stated that some of the comments posted on the Freedom Board were like attacks on the said organization. According to Alexandra Poon, Internal Vice President of the Sanggunian, there are many ways to which students could have addressed their problems to the organization besides using the Freedom Board. As she articulated, if the students would like to remain anonymous, they could always just drop an anonymous letter using Sanggunian’s pigeon hole located at the Student Activity Room (SAR) or the envelopes pinned on the organization’s board. All in all, the Sanggunian do respect the views and opinions of the student body. However, they wish that students be more thorough in informing them with whatever concerns they may have so that proper actions can be taken and valid information be disseminated. It is one’s right to express oneself. However, if it is purely based on impulse and lacks concrete evidence or (background or basic) information, expressing poorly thought out statements can harm one’s reputation and character.
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FEATURES
Miriam Advertisers on the Go
Felice Jeanine B. Marquez
What is an achiever? Do you have what it takes to be one? Everybody may actually be qualified. To be someone is a brave thing to do because you can be nobody in someone’s eye. Doing well academically is not enough to excel because it also takes other factors like performance and voluntary service to the community. Miriam College is very proud to present Charlene Velas, Irish Sta. Maria, Therese San Diego, Anjelica Toledo, Kristelie Yap, Arianne Viardo, Patricia Yadao, Daryll Mejia, Aubrey Ner, Faye Soingco, Carlema Dy and Isa Sevilla as the winners of the 8th Philippine Association of National Advertising (PANA).
to make a proposal to increase the rate of the Overseas Filipino Workers’ stay in the Philippines increase at least by three percent.
It all started when Ms. Lynda Garcia, the head of the CAA Department, suggested that students join the 8th PANA event in the integrated marketing communication. Representatives were appointed by teachers while others were recruited. A total of twelve members were chosen to represent Miriam College and to share their talent as a group. Not everybody was able to handle the pressure, and a few decided to leave the group. But still, the members who decided to stay did their best. With the help of some teachers like Mr. Bryan Ong, Mr. Brian Bantugan, and Dr. Antoinette Hernandez, everything seemed a little easier.
Finally, after three months of hard work, the event came. It took place at the SM Mall of Asia, Center Stage, last November 17, 2007. The group wore their racing costumes while promoting and discussing their plans on stage. It was the most different presentation compared to the other schools who just normally read their proposals. Assumption College bagged the first place and they were followed by Miriam College. Other schools present in the event arethe Far Eastern University of Visayas and De La Salle University, Dasmarinas, Cavite.
The group took every single step as a challenge. They divided the tasks given to them to different committees: the presenters, production, and research team. They used the feasible strategy which is similar to the hierarchy of needs for their Campaign in Abu Dhabi and Milan, food, friendship, future, and fulfilment. The Association of Filipino Franchisers Incorporated (AFFI) as their client, their goal is
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Of course trials are always also encountered every time you want to achieve something. The group also experienced a lot of problems especially when it comes to time pressure and lack of resources. A lot of preparation took place. They always had meetings and rehearsals to attend for the main event; they made flyers, posters, and even a TV commercial.
Being number one does not always prove that you are the best. Sometimes, being number two may also obtain the number one spot. If you would ask the group what an achiever is, an achiever to them is someone who is not afraid to take risks and accepts defeat in everything. There is this line taken from “The Alchemist”, a book by Paulo Coelho related to what they said: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
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FEATURES Kristelie Yap
Triumph of an Underdog
Some people underestimate the MC was up against our neighbor school, capabilities of students enrolled in a ‘college’ than those who ADMU in the semi-finals. The topic was about are enrolled in a university. In our case here in Miriam piracy: “Hindi dapat gawing krimen ang piracy.” According to the Co%ege, we are often compared with the two universities team, this was the hardest topic that was given, primarily sandwiching us along mighty Katips. But hey, the so-called because they were in the affirmative side. The good thing “Katipunan Mafia” has never become a history. Miriam about it, however, was that they had the power to limit the College’s participation in a Filipino discussion of the issue, since their ball debate competition is a proof that is in the affirmative side. They limited Although it was described this all girl’s college is pushing its the topic to digital piracy, in which they limits. Miriam College has won over by the team as “nerve-wracking”, used legal a spects and extensive the country’s top universities in the t h e i r p r e p a r a t i o n t h r o u g h research to be able to come up with Pi n g k i a n : Pa m ba n s a n g De ba t e s a research, and practice gave them arguments that will surely convince the Filipino, which was held last semester judges. enough courage to stand tall and in the University of the Philippines, D i l i m a n . O t h e r p a r t i c i p a t i n g end as victors showing once The championship was between MC and DLSU. The topic was about high universities were University of the again prowess of women leaders. school education: “Dapat bang lagyan ng Philippines, Ateneo De Manila isa pang taon ang mataas na paaralan?” Un i v e r s i t y, a n d D e L a S a l l e This time, the team wa s on the University, Taft. negative side. Although it was described by the team as Representatives participated in an audition where “nerve-wracking”, their preparation through research, and they were asked to do an impromptu speech regarding a topic practice gave them enough courage to stand tall and end as they picked. The team was immediately formed to be trained victors showing once again prowess of women leaders. and coached by the English Department’s Ms. Queenie Indeed, they deserve a lot more acknowledgement as they Dizon. The team comprised of 3 CA seniors namely Patricia have proven how underdogs become the hardest to defeat in a David, chosen as captain, Dianne Abella and Nadelyn Torres battle. Now, who says that we’re only a college? headed by Dr. Rebecca Anonuevo, Filipino Chair.
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In the Eyes of an Outsider
Let’s face it. Other people will always have a certain ideal attached to one Miriam College student. We tread each day in our white and green uniform coming from every nook and cranny of the Metro. We may have encountered someone giving us a raised eyebrow while riding the LRT, or probably a funny grin while in Taft Avenue (unsure of how we got there). We may have dealt with unfortunate situations where some might try to avoid us without knowing the reason why. And these can be attributed to the fact that we were either wearing our uniforms that time, or they found out where we were studying. Yes, it all seems kind of strange and somewhat dreadful we are often stereotyped.
some girls dress up, wear make up or speak—in some cases mixing English with Tagalog. Well, what can we say? We have to admit that there is some truth to these observations and perceptions by students from other schools. And yet, these are all mere opinions and will never define our real essence as students, as persons. We know who we are, we don’t need to let others dictate who we should be. We may be perceived in these points of view, but come to think of it, these are all just trivial matters. One student says in an encounter with an MC student, although she was a little irked by how she spoke, she says that she treats her well, and is sociable, adding “She has bright ideas and has something to say.”
More often than not, people tend to look at the whole group the same way they did a certain number of students based from a past experience. For instance, a Nursing student from one university recalls an experience with some MC students saying certain things about her school. She then started to label MC students as unkind though admits that she knows some who are far from being labeled as such.
Students from other schools stamp us with particular labels, yet these are all labels that frame our mere external selves. They may have varied opinions with our way of dressing, talking, reacting, et cetera, but what must prevail is who we are beyond what they can pick up with the five senses. Let them think whatever they want. It is our privilege, not for fame or popularity, but for the challenge it gives us in remaining unfazed and unaffected by all these labels, proving that we are more than just our clothes and our speech.
We a r e p e r ce i v e d a s m a a r t e. Sometimes even reflected in the way
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Ivannee Bongosia
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