KAMALAYAN 2015-2016 2T

KAMALAYAN INFORMATION WITHIN REACH 2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

Scholars increase amidst new grading system page 4

ILLUSTRATION BY KYRA ALFAR

The official student media of Malayan Colleges Laguna /MCLkamalayan @MCLkamalayan

ELECTIONS 2016

Film review: Heneral Luna

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A queen from the Orient

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Panawagan sa Kabataan

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Who will you vote for? page 4

ILLUSTRATION BY PHILIP ALFRED NERY

IN THIS ISSUE Mapúa-PTC students, faculty celebrate CMET Week 2 | MITL keeps flames lit for college week 2 | IT IS CS 2015 puts technology front and center 2 | BAB, MMA students attend 3rd SMC 3 | MCL Cup 2015 draws 67 schools 3 | MCL holds 10th Commencement Exercises at PICC 3 | MCL wins big in SLCUAA cultural meet 4 | Debit/Credit: MCL’s 12 new CPAs 5 | On being a woman in the maritime industry 5 | Film review: Heneral Luna 6 | Play music like it’s the last time 6 | ‘Architect on wheels’ 7 | My APEC Summit experience 8 | ‘I am not a toy 9 | Uncovered but barricaded 10 | Culture 12

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NEWS

KAMALAYAN

MITL keeps flames lit for college week ROBELENE BEDIA

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hrough various contests and games, Others showcased their talents in MITL the Mapúa Institute of Technology at Got Talent where Mechanical Engineering Laguna (MITL) celebrated its college took the top prize. week last November 11 to 13 with the On the other hand, MITL students theme “Keeping the Flames Lit, Scaling proved that they are not just excellent Heights, Unfolding Potentials.” in academics, but are also excellent in The Mechanical Engineering Blood sports as they battled it out in basketball, Lions dominated all other MITL programs volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and table tennis. as they were declared “Program of The Amazing Race, 8xtra challenge the Year,” followed by the Electronics and Battle of the Brains are the much Engineering Yellow Jaguars as the 1st anticipated activities where bodies and runner-up, the Civil Engineering Grey minds work at the same time.

Wolves as the 2nd runner-up, and the This year’s MITL Week promotes unity Industrial Engineering Blazing Eagles as among the various programs under the CMET STUDENTS WATCH THE VOICE CMET ‘15 AT THE FB AUDITORIUM PHOTO BY JASMINE CARGULLO the 3rd runner-up. college. The council conducted games that Wearing the respective colors of included Dodgeball, Patintero, and Tug of their programs, the Architecture Black War. It also consisted of the Hit me Bay, Stallions (Black), Civil Engineering Grey a game played by hitting the opposing Wolves (Grey), Chemical Engineering player with a water balloon with the goal Midnight Grizzlies (Navy Blue), Computer of making the piece of paper attached onto Engineering Maroon Falcons (Maroon), the opposing player’s chest wet in order to LORENZ DIAMANTE Electronics Engineering Yellow Jaguars score. Another sport, Quidditch, which is (Yellow), Electrical Engineering Imperial a wizarding sport from the popular Harry he College of Maritime Education an opportunity for non-CMET students Bisons (Royal Blue), Industrial Engineering Potter world, was also played. and Training (CMET), in to see what it was like to be a marine.

Blazing Eagles (Teal), and the Mechanical The week ended with performances celebration of the National One highlight of the event took place on Engineering Blood Lions (Red) did battle

by Moonstar 88 and Gracenote during Maritime Week 2015, conducted its Day Three as Marine students showcased by exhibiting their talents and skills on MITL Night. There were also featured college week with the theme “Edukasyon their singing ability for The Voice: CMET different activities prepared by the MITL performances from Artikulo Uno, Comfort at Pagsasanay sa Maritima Kabalikat 2015 Eliminations. council.

Zone, Amber, 35th Street, and Gupit 25. sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran, CMET Week For Day Four, the competition for The

The MITL week started off with the “Thank you sa lahat ng MITL Students 2015: Crossing the Line” last Sept. 28 to Voice CMET continued as three wildcard cheerdance competition wherein the na nag-participate sa MITL Week.

Oct. 3. contestants joined the competition Chemical Engineering Midnight Grizzlies Thankful din ako na kahit may mga delays, The week-long celebration was together with the eight finalists. During won the title of champion. naiintindihan nila at naaayos agad. At sana, facilitated by the Mapúa-PTC Student the day, Finalists from the different

To showcase the beauty and talents of kahit na nagkaroon ng competition between Council who organized and oversaw the contests clashed and put their skills to each individual, the MITL council held the programs, ‘wag pa rin nila kalimutan na activities. The celebration kicked off with the test. Events such as the Poseidon’s Mr. and Ms. MITL where Rommel Jacinto nasa iisang college pa rin kami at maging a flag raising ceremony signaling the Cup, Macho Marino, and of course Pagcaliwagan (Mechanical Engineering) maayos ang relationship ng bawat isa. At official opening of the CMET Week. Also the Voice: CMET all held their final was crowned Mr. MITL together and Dimple syempre, sana nag-enjoy silang lahat,” on Day One, the seafarers showed their competitions. Jayjay Flores, a Marine Marie Kay Napat (Chemical Engineering) as MITL Council President Janica Alcasabas care for the environment by joining the Transportation student, was crowned The hailed Ms. MITL. said.

Tree Planting activity in the morning.

Voice CMET 2015 winner. Meanwhile, The Poseidon’s Cup-Quarter final was Prince Warry Lugatoc bagged the title held in the afternoon.

Macho Marino 2015 and team Thalasso Day Two on the other hand made snatched the victory for winning the way for blood donors through the Blood Poseidon’s Cup 2015 after defeating team Letting Event which was open for the Batang Pier. Day four concluded with an entire MCL community. Meanwhile, awards night recognizing the winners the recognition of Dean’s Listers’ and from each event. induction of Mapúa PTC CMET Alumni Day Five started with the Amazing Association (MCPAA) officers were Race, followed by a Values Enrichment simultaneously held. The seafarers also Seminar entitled “Apostleship of the tested their logic and strategy skills Sea.” The seminar is intended for future by playing the ‘Human Game of the seafarers in order to prepare them Generals’, a game of strategy and tactics emotionally for their trips. The night which aims to capture the flag of the ended with CMET students showcasing opponent. their singing talents in a Battle of the The CMET week also exhibited to Bands and the CMET Get-Together the public the inner workings of the Night.

Maritime industry through a Maritime CMET’s college week concluded with Exhibit held in the ETY Lobby. The a seminar intended for the future leaders exhibit was open for all students and gave and seafarers of the society.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS DURING THE BANNER PARADE PHOTO BY SOFIA MOLOA

Mapúa-PTC students, faculty celebrate CMET Week 2015

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IT IS CS Fair 2015 puts technology front and center JASMINE CARGULLO

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he College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) celebrated its college week, IT IS CS Fair v2.0 2015 last October 20 to 23, with students participating in various activities and seminars.

Organized by the CCIS student council, the college week kicked off with a seminar conducted by Adobe at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium.

The speakers, Mr. Rollan Banez, Ms. Danica Louise Padilla, and Mr. Ely Labahata gave tips, lessons, and instructions about the technological industry. Also

on Day One, the CCIS students exhibited their works which consisted of computer games and program software. The day ended with the CCIS Cup’s basketball semifinals between team India and team Golf.

Day Two’s saw Carlo Tamayo, Anthony Babiera and Ammel Jezreel Leoncio crowned as champions of “The Ultimate IT Wizards.” Another competition, the “Battle of the Game Masters,” took place at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium. The competition included games such as Mario

Kart, O2Mania, Wario Ware, Tekken 3, and also a quiz bee and a cosplay competition. Franz Payawal, John Crisostom Dellosa and Lawrence Saulon bagged first place in the said event.

Meanwhile, Shiena Morana won the cosplay competition by cosplaying as “Annie”, a character from the game League of Legends. Day two concluded with more games from the CCIS Cup. The third day of the IT IS CS Fair saw the students showcase their programming and problemsolving skills in a programming

competition where Carlo Tamayo and Kealu Rullamas bagged the top prize. The 3rd day also comprised of the “Hack-a-thon,” wherein team “Friendly Ghost Masher” comprising of Exequiel Villar, Francis Anthony Alcasid, and Arviejhay Alejandro took the title. The day ended with the CCIS Cup Finals where team Foxtrotand India were crowned as champions in themen’s division basketball and volleyball, respectively. India also claimed the top prize in the women’s volleyball division.

The last day of the IT IS

CS Fair concluded with the “CCIS Social Night.” The 4th day also made way for the CCIS ambassadors and a talent competition appropriately named, “CCIS Got Talent.” Gray Jeanne Medina and Mark Ian Martin were crowned as the CCIS Ambassadors 2015, while Franz Payawal won first place for the CCIS Got Talent.

The IT IS CS Fair is an annual week-long celebration aimed at giving CCIS students an opportunity to showcase their skills and demonstrate their college pride.

NEWS

2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

BAB, MMA students attend 3rd Student Media Congress at DLSU

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CARL JUSTINE CAMERO

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ver a thousand delegates consisting of students, teachers, as well as industry practitioners were in attendance in the third annual Student Media Congress (SMC) held last October 16 and 17 at the De La Salle University in Manila with “Experiencing Media Dynamics” as this year’s theme.

The first day of this year’s SMC kicked off in the Yuchengco Auditorium featuring five speakers with different specializations.

“Learn to become a good citizen. Because being a good citizen is being a good journalist,” said Pia Hontiveros a CNN Philippines News Anchor.

She focused on talking about SMC’s theme this year.

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s President and CEO Ma. Alexandra “Sandy” Prieto-Romualdez then gave a talk about reprinting in the electronic age. Dennis Lim, Head of the Digital Media Services in ABS-CBN Corporation talked about captivating different screens and crossing dimensions.

DM9 JaymeSyfu’s Chief Creative Officer, Merlee Jayme, talked about the culture of social media dependency. The final speaker, Reynaldo “Ka Rene” Sta.Cruz, a Senior Anchorman in DZBB594khz, GMA Network Inc., gave a talk on transmitting relevance in

the 21st century.

The talks focused mostly on how companies are coping with the changes in the media landscape, and how consumers are evolving. After the talks, all the competing workshops were held at the first day of the congress as well.

“One of our major improvements is the program schedule. Before we used to have a whole day for the plenary. But this year we made it half day and had the competing workshops immediately to give time for the speakers to judge,” said Deng Queddeng, SMC 2013-2014 Project Director.

Fifteen competing workshops were held in this year’s SMC. Graphic design, opinion writing, and video editing are just some of the competing workshops hosted by industry professionals in their respective fields.

The second day of the Congress featured sixty noncompeting workshops. Delegates attended workshops related to the creative industry. The participants were allowed to choose from a variety of choices including workshops in print, radio, television, online, and others.

The two-day event concluded with the usual “Unveil” culminating party. The winners

of the competing workshops were announced while delegates partied with featured bands: Jensen and The Flips and The Ransom Collective.

“It is not just giving (plain) ideas, but it is giving ideas with stories. Kumbaga may ‘laman’ na pwede mong i-advocate sa iba,” said Ken Opiña, a third year MMA student who bagged first place in the Conceptual Photography workshop.

Being an annual event, the Student Media Congress organizers are already brainstorming for the fourth Student Media Congress to be held next year.

MCL Cup 2015 draws 67 schools Sisters of Mary-Adlas Inc. hailed as overall champs CEDRIC ESPULGAR

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FRESH GRADUATES SING THE MCL HYMN

PHOTO BY KATRINA IDANAN

MCL holds 10th Commencement Exercises at PICC MARY ANNE VILLANUEVA

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alayan Colleges Laguna held its 10th Commencement Exercises last November 23. Over 150 graduates marched at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Conventional Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The program began with the academic procession immediately followed by the entrance of colors. Dean Joy G. Hofileña, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, introduced the guest of honor and commencement speaker, Secretary Juan Romero Nereus O. Acosta, PH.D. Secretary Acosta currently serves as the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and is also the General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). During his keynote address, Sec. Acosta talked about the importance of passion.

“There is design in your ability, but design is not enough.

You really have to have passion,” he said before challenging the graduates. “To help build a brighter future for all, contribute to the society. Contribute to the well-being of the planet.”

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Mapua Institute of Technology and Malayan Colleges Laguna Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, together with

the Vice President for Academic Affairs Engr. Dennis H. Tablante, presented the Testimonial of Appreciation to Secretary Acosta for being the guest of honor and commencement speaker.

What followed was the charge to graduates, led by President Vea, then the conferment of degrees, distribution of diplomas, and awarding of academic honors, also led by President Vea. Magna cum laude and valedictorian Eric Jayson Y. Gagni from the Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management delivered his valedictory address afterwards.

“Winning may be great for some, but for me, empowering others so nobody will be lagging behind is my greatest victory,” shared Gagni.

Engr. Anna Theresa D.C. Manlangit, Malayan Colleges Laguna Alumni Association (MCLAA) Board Director, led the induction of the members of the graduating class to the MCLAA while Mr. Angelito Platino, Office for Student Services Director, led the graduates in the pledge of loyalty to Alma Mater.

The cermony closed with the singing of the graduation song and the Malayan Hymn before finally, the exit of colors.

alayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) hosted the annual MCL Cup 2015 last November 14 to 21 with the theme “21st Century Ready.”

Sisters of Mary School-Adlas Inc. (SMS-Adlas Inc.) emerged from a total of 67 participating schools to once again be crowned the overall champions.

Day One kicked off with the “LEVEL UP: Cheer and Dance Mania” at the MCL Oval. St. Scholastica’s College-Westgrove took the title of champion, beating seven other schools.

Meanwhile, Laguna BelAir Science School aced through“ITECH: The Ultimate IT Quiz Show,” taking first place. Day one concluded with the Wall of Art: Mural Design Competitionwhere Sisters of Mary School-Adlas Inc. won first place.

Day Two began with the Digital Poster Making Competition at the ETY Lobby with Southernside Montessori School being crowned as the champion. The World Heritage Quiz Show was held at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium.

Malayan High School of Science took home the gold by beating nine other schools. In the afternoon, De La Salle University Science and Technology Complex (DLSU-STC) won the “Brainmasters” competition. To cap the day off, schools battled it out in the MCL Covered Court

for the chance to be named the champion of the Inter-Platoon Fancy Drills competition. In the end, it was Christ the King School of Cabuyao that won 1st place in the said event.

MCL Cup 2015 kicked Day Three off with the Futsal League in the morning. Don Bosco Canlubang won the championship against SMS-Adlas Inc. in a hard fought game. Next up was the “FIRED UP! Cooking Showdown” where Elizabeth Seton SchoolSouth Cavite took home the gold.

The final event of the day was the Mathematics Quiz Show where the team of Holy Rosary College showcased their expertise by winning the finals with 530 points.

Day Four began with the Chemistry Quiz Show at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium where SMS-Adlas, Inc. took the championship title. Meanwhile, students from various schools showcased their talentin speech in the “SPEAK UP! Impromptu Speech Festival” at the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium. At the end of the competition, it was Raissa Kaye C. Dayandayan of Fame Academy of Science and Technology who took the top prize. In the afternoon up until the evening, bands from various schools battled it out in the “TOP UP! Battle of the Bands” competition where Cristobal S. Conducto Memorial National High School representatives, The

Mighty Band, took home first place.

On Day Five, SMS-Adlas Inc. once again took another championship by winning first place in the Madulang Sabayang Pagbigkas for the second year in a row. Another event in the afternoon was the Cosplay Competition where students from Southern side Montessori School finished first place. The final event of the day was the Madulang Sabayang Pagbigkas. Students from SMS-Adlas Inc. once again proved their worth by winning first place in the said event. Students also showcased their knowledge in Physics in the Physics Quiz Show where DLSU-STC won first place.

The Sixth Day of the weeklong celebration started with Canossa College San Pablo Campus beating eight other schools to take home the gold in the “GIVE IT UP! Street Dance Showdown.” Music filled the Francisco Balagtas Auditorium in the afternoon in the “EVENTUS Chorale: A Festival of Songs.”

DLSU-STC beat eight other schools to take first place. The MCL Cup 2015 ended with the Awarding and Closing Ceremonies later in the afternoon.

The MCL Cup is an annual event that started in 2006. Due to an instance where the school held two MCL Cups in a single year, this year’s celebration marks the event’s tenth overall.

PARTICIPANTS OF THE DIGITAL POSTER MAKING COMPETITION WORK ON THEIR ENTRIES

PHOTO BY KATRINA IDANAN

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NEWS

KAMALAYAN

Scholars increase amidst new grading system One out of 10 students a scholar PHILIP ALFRED NERY

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alayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) saw an increase in the percentage of half-academic and full-academic scholars after implementing its new grading system in the first term of the current academic year (AY 2015-2016).

Based on the data obtained the Office of the College Registrar, the total percentage of scholars increased to 12.31% of the student body from 9.87% of the previous term. The figures show that about one in every 10 MCL students is an academic scholar of some kind.

Meanwhile, the percentage of full-academic scholars nearly doubled after the implementation of the new grading system. A measly 3.68% ballooned to a surprising 6.09%. It means that roughly 6 out of every 100 MCL students have a term weighted average of 1.5 or above.

60-40 system gone The new grading system, which junks the previous system’s 60%

class standing, 40% finals rule, favors a more balanced approach on the performance of students.

Now, a student’s class standing, quizzes, and scores on his preliminary, midterm, and final assessments each make up 20% of his final grade.

“What would happened (in the previous system) was there would be students who would be doing well in the first few exams, but come the finals, perhaps due to the pressure, they would not be able to focus well. They would get very low scores and fail their courses,” said Prof. Ma. Rovilla Sudaprasert, program chair of the BA Communication Major in Multimedia Arts program.

“It was very unfortunate for the diligent students who deserve to pass,” she added.

Prof. Sudaprasert stressed that one major problem of the old system was that students who aren’t very hardworking for most of the term could pass just by doing well in the final exam. “The advantage of the new system is that students would

make it a point to do good in every assessment throughout the term. The student’s efforts are more consistently rewarded,” she said.

Importance of proper assessments However, the increase in scholars is not entirely dependent on the new grading system. According to Engr. Dennis Tablante, MCL’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, the increase could also be attributed to the change in the style of student assessments.

“Some would attribute it to the change in the assessments.

Our professors now have more freedom to make the right assessments for our students,” he said.

Engr. Tablante also emphasized the importance of having the proper assessments, stating that while it’s good to have more scholars, it’s also important for the students to actually deserve the scholarships.

“We also have to think about

ILLUSTRATION BY LALAINE GUINGCANGCO

whether the assessments were flawed such that we were not able to measure properly the student’s actual performance. I like to think that if the assessments are done properly then it’s a welcomed thing (the increase in scholars),” Engr. Tablante added.

The new grading system was implemented at the start of the current academic year. While the immediate effects are already apparent, the new system’s long term effects on the academic performance of MCL students are yet to be seen.

Santiago, Duterte top MCL students’ MCL wins big in SLCUAA cultural meet presidential picks CEDRIC ESPULGAR

JASMINE CARGULLO & AUDREY RAWNIE RICO

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ith the general elections rapidly approaching, the students of Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) were quick to voice out their chosen candidates for the presidency.

The candidates vying for the presidency in 2016 are Senator Grace Poe, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, vice president Jejomar Binay, DILG secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas, and former Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Miriam tops poll An informal poll conducted among MCL students revealed Miriam Defensor-Santiago as their top presidential choice, garnering a total of 54.7% of the votes.

Rodrigo Duterte came second at 33.3%. Grace Poe, who was yet to be disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at the time, came in at third with 6%.

Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay followed with 4.3% and 1.7% of the votes, respectively.

A total of 117 students from MCL’s five colleges took part in the poll.

MCL students’ top pick, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who recently made headlines with issues concerning her medical records, declared her candidacy on October 13. A graduate of several degrees, she has served as a legal officer of the United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees, a presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, and a senator of the Philippines.

Santiago was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in July 2014, but has recently declared that she has “gotten over it.” However, controversy arose when the tough-talking candidate refused to disclose her medical records to the public.

If she were to win, Santiago has vowed to reduce traffic and pollution, build a modern urban transit system from Metro Manila to Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna. She has also vowed to solve corruption at the Bureau of Customs and invest in public infrastructure.

MCL students’ second pick, Rodrigo Duterte, declared his presidency on November 22 in his television program, Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa. Reports state that his main incentive was the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s decision to not disqualify senator Grace Poe regarding her nationality.

‘DU30’ at second place Duterte, who has served a number of terms as mayor of Davao City since 1988, first entered politics in 1987 when former president Cory Aquino appointed him as vice mayor of the city for the revolutionary government. At present, he has since teamed up with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano

as his vice president.

Duterte plans to boost the country’s economy by partnering with the business sector. He also plans to prioritize the Freedom of Information bill, improve public transportation, and implement a stricter social justice system.

Grace a far third Grace Poe has been recently the target of complaints which seek to disqualify her from the presidential race. On December 1, COMELEC’s Second Division disqualified Poe from the elections on the petition raised by lawyer Estrella Elamparo. The petition raises the issue of Poe’s residency prior to the elections.

Among other qualifications, the 1987 Constitution requires that a candidate for the presidency must have lived in the Philippines for at least 10 years before the elections.

A separate case questioning Poe’s citizenship was also filed before the Senate Electoral Tribunal. The nine-member committee ruled in favor Poe in a 5-4 vote.

Three other disqualification cases are pending before COMELEC. All cases can still be appealed before the Supreme Court.

The first COMELEC debate is scheduled on February 21. While the elections itself is set to be held on May 9.

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epresentatives from Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) took home gold and silver awards from the cultural competitions in the Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA) held last December 2 at Saint Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL) in Biñan City. The cultural competitions had categories that focused on speech, song, and dance.

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) students, Jamela Rolaine Dabuet, Philip Alfred Nery, and Zena Marie Taclas, all won first place in the original oratory, impromptu speech, and declamation contests, respectively.

Meanwhile, members of the Malayan Dance Crew (MDC) also won first place in the group modern dance competition.

MCL’s last-minute

replacement for the solo singing category, Elijah Encisa, a Civil Engineering student, also managed to win second place.

“I was told about the contest the night before,” Elijah said. “I gave it my best. It was very surprising that I won, but it was also the most satisfying among all the contests I’ve joined.”

Declamation category first place winner, Zena Marie Taclas, said that she too gave it her all.

“I put my heart into this competition. I gave my best not just for myself, but for my family and friends, for my school, and most especially for God,” she said.

This was the 16th season of the SLCUAA. High school students from numerous schools around Southern Luzon also competed in separate categories.

PHOTO BY ZENA MARIE TACLAS

FEATURES

2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

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DEBIT/CREDIT:

MCL’s 12 new CPAs and the system that shaped them CHARLES KENNETH LIJAUCO

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usiness entities, along with other users of financial information, could not deal and communicate with one another effectively and efficiently without the aid of accounting – as it is described as the language of business.

Through years of education and stimulating board examinations, accounting aspirants and graduates are filtered so that the best will remain on practice, and the same would maintain the credibility of accountancy on the market.

Regulated by the Board of Accountancy (BOA), under the supervision of Professional Regulatory Board, Certified Public Accountants (CPA) board examinations are usually given twice a year, on the months of May and October.

CPA Board Exams have been considered as one of the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCL CORP COMM

hardest licensure examinations to pass, and this claim is proven by the recent national passing rates in which none exceeded or even reached the 50 percent mark. In fact, the recent passing rate of the board examinations that happened last October is the highest in two years at 41.06 percent, roughly six points higher than last May’s passing rate of 35.78. In numbers, only 5,468 out of 13,317 examinees passed the said exam.

MCL’s 12 new CPAs Adding to the roster of MCLproduced CPAs are the 12 commendable individuals that passed the licensure exam, namely, Bea Jackilynne V. Abrillo, Mark Earl Angelo P. Antonio, Cyrene A. Aquino, Klariza Joyce C. Flores, Judd Danielle Y. Garcia, John Eriko L. Juanillo, Melanie S. Manzano, Ronalyn V. Mayamaya, Ma. Olivia E. Miranda, Divine

Grace S. Morado, Maria Desiree O. Pastor, and Ruselle Christian G. Torres. In total, the program has produced 33 CPAs already.

Books, caffeine, and sleepless nights “It was difficult (the exam), but it was easier than I expected,” says Judd Danielle Garcia, one of MCL’s new CPAs. “The preparation was the hardest part because we needed to bombard ourselves with lots of information even if there was a chance that some of it wouldn’t be covered. It’s better to know more than less.”

Most of MCL’s new CPAs stress the importance of practice and diligence to review materials.

“Caffeine binging, sleepless nights, and more practice!” stressed Mark Earl Angelo when asked about his preparation for the exam.

Many also said that

2ND ASSISTANT ENGR. JERAMIE MEJIA:

On being a woman in the maritime industry AUDREY RAWNIE RICO

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ast September 29 saw the second day of the week-long celebration of the Mapua-PTC CMET week at Malayan Colleges Laguna. CMET freshmen were especially privileged to witness the speeches given by a variety of experienced maritime officials, including 2nd Assistant Engineer Jeramie O. Mejia, a recent graduate of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).

Ms. Mejia, who graduated in 2013, spoke of her experience as a female cadet in the maritime industry. As a child and subsequently a teenager from a traditional family, her parents were hesitant about her decision to pursue a career in the maritime

industry, citing her sex as an inconvenience.

She describes her experience in the industry as “exciting and terrifying at the same time.” She went onboard as a Pioneer Filipino Cadet, which she explained as being “very difficult, as being both a pioneer and a woman at the same time; there were a lot of expectations to meet.”

She cites her biggest challenge as proving her worth to the company, and having to work harder to be at par with her male colleagues. “How you look or what you prefer does not really matter as long as you can live in a man’s world as a woman in it – a respected woman in it,” she said.

Fortunately, she did not

experience any harassment while onboard.

“They treated me like a daughter. Luckily, I did not have that kind of experience wherein females were abused or harassed, but it happens.

And as a female, you really have to work harder. You have to be strong, composed, and decisive on how you want people to treat you,” she added.

However, she is positive about the future of women in the maritime industry.“Women in maritime is a growing development now, and I want to encourage more women to be in maritime because ship owners are actually welcoming more women, as it creates balance in the field.”

She describes having

concepts-based learning was key. “I read the books all over again. The most important thing in any exam is that you know the concepts,” said Maria Desiree Ortigas. Another newly certified public accountant, Divine Grace Morado, had the same idea: “I made sure to finish the handouts from the review schools and focused on concepts-based learning for the whole process.”

Mentor’s view Prof. Maurice Sabio, Dean of the E.T. Yuchengco College of Business, said that the program’s passing rate has always been above the national passing rate, except on October 2014 in which the passing rate was points lower than the national passing rate of 37.02 percent. The drop, according to Dean Sabio, was caused, mainly, by the sudden change in the members of the Board of Accountancy that female companions as helping people feel less away from home, and that it provides women with opportunities to oppose stereotypes and standards set by society.

“It gives them a larger view of their skills, and it will give them an opportunity to develop what society thinks they cannot do,” Mejia said.

Throughout history, it is undeniable that women have and continue to be

brought about the changes and additions on the CPA board exams. However, changes were also made on the system to make sure that the students would be more prepared for the upcoming board examinations.

Total units for review classes during the fifth year of study were changed from six to thirty-one, in compliance with what was then a proposed curriculum of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which was not approved. Dean Sabio believed that this helped the recent passers during the examinations. The said rule has then been changed again, from 31 units of review classes to 21, and she’s hoping that the change wouldn’t cost the next board takers a lot.

Apart from the added review classes, the Accountancy program is also known to be the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 discriminated. Although it is seemingly not apparent in modern times, research from the American Association of University Women has shown that in the United States alone, women are paid 21% less than men.

Despite women accounting for nearly half of the workforce, TIME reports that jobs wherein women are more predominant, CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

PHOTO BY AUDREY RAWNIE RICO

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FEATURES

Heneral Luna: Going beyond the forgettable history lesson IVAN KHALIL DESCARTIN

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hat troublesome undertaking the creation of a historical film is. Production design and art direction aside, period movies are also risky to do from a commercial standpoint. Indeed, how would you sell to the common folk a movie about long-dead people whose lives were repetitively being taught in forgettable history lessons? A common remedy is to cast commercially viable, and preferably young and good-looking, actors who can draw in audiences in an instant (Aga Muhlach being cast as Jose Rizal in a shelved Rizal film in the early ‘90s comes to mind).

It may also be quite useful to hire veteran directors who can handle the rigors of crafting a film of both substance and scale.

Then again, to create a beautifullooking, historically accurate period movie is one thing, to concoct out of pure historical imagination an honest pledge to the grayer parts of our history is another. The latter is what makes Jerrold Tarog’s Heneral Luna so groundbreaking.

Underneath its oftentimes breathtaking visuals lies a degree of confrontational sincerity unseen since Mike De Leon’s Bayaning Third World. There is a conscious effort in Heneral Luna to portray the titular general as an ordinary yet brilliant man confronted with difficult choices, lending credence to the idea that historical biopics need not be hagiographic to inspire audiences to appreciate any of our national heroes. We’ve seen the dangers of sacrosanct approach in El Presidente, E.R. Ejercito’s ill-advised attempt to put the controversial Emilio Aguinaldo atop a lofty pedestal, and also in Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, a watered-down Robin Padilla vehicle that filters the Supremo’s heroic exploits through the eyes of teenagers (one of them being Daniel Padilla in an uninspired turn) ambling about a museum.

For the record, both tanked in the box-office, and though they were not without awards in various local film festivals, this is but an immediate, ultimately hollow industry

KAMALAYAN response to Filipino “period movies” recognized not for their genuine artistic merits but for the creators collectively being bothered enough to produce something no one would really want to see.

Heneral Luna was never a film made specifically to satiate the standards of some film festival that values “parade floats” more than the (dwindling) quality of its participating movies, nor was it made to lock horns with “artsy” foreign films in obscure European film competitions.

The film was a product of and for its own time divorced from any external motives

other than to reintroduce to a modern generation of Filipinos the painful lessons of the past unheeded to this day. Unheeded due to our constant historical amnesia; unheeded because those supposed to uphold the victories of yesteryears were but the same specters of the past, albeit with different faces (and political affiliations).

Despite its scattered humor and derring-do deviations from written history, Heneral Luna still has enough blood, sound, and fury to speculate, with elegiac and almost terrifying ease, on the monolithic tragedy that is the Philippine Revolution on an

BAYAN O SARILI?

almost Shakespearean-like scale. You’ll come out of the movie theater pulsating and completely shaken up; of having been part of an irascible, often misunderstood loner of a hero’s aggressive pursuit of order and freedom quite unlike anything you’ve encountered before; of having witnessed an oddly beautiful film which painfully confronts, as it does honor, our deeply flawed history. Indeed, those who tread the path of greatest resistance like Luna suffer the most, their tragic ends serving as key in teaching the most important and unforgettable history lesson of all: to never forget.

PHOTO BY ARTIKULO UNO PRODUCTIONS

Play music like it’s the last time: Artikulo Uno’s road to success

LORENZ JAMES DIAMANTE

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s they put their instruments in harmony, OctobeRock 2015 champions Artikulo Uno has stories to tell about their journey before they seized their moment of victory last October 30, competing against nine other finalists at the MCL Covered court.

Artikulo Uno was once bunch of strangers, jamming, singing, and playing for different bands, however their passion for music became their unifying instruments. Ever humble, the band fought their way through the OctobeRock auditions against almost 20 contestants.

Artikulo Uno’s lead guitarist, Reyniel Monteloyola shared their surpise at passing the auditions: “Sa totoo lang po, nung nakapasok kame noong finals, masaya na po kami ‘nun. ‘Di na po kami nag-expect na manalo.

Experience lang naman po talaga habol namin. Ang mahalaga lang maging successful performance namin.” Artikulo Uno’s journey from auditions up to the Finals Night was a one of a kind experience. Their winning pieces, “Munting Paraiso” by Razorback, “Halik ni Hudas” by Wolfgang, and “Sobrang Init” by Kamikazee, rocked the MCL Covered Court.

Despite the busy schedule of each band member, Artikulo Uno makes sure to rehearse at least three times a week, dedicating

a couple of hours to vocalizing, harmonizing, and of course jamming. Even after winning OctobeRock 2015 the members of the band describe themselves as emerging underdogs in their music scene.

Russel Agsalda, the band’s vocalist, who also won the Best Vocalist award, shared a message of encouragement: “Kung may talent na binigay sa’yo ang Diyos, ‘wag mong hayaang masayang. Bagkus ipakita mo ito at i-share mo sa iba. Kung nasa tugatog ka ng tagumpay, dapat down to earth ka pa rin.

‘Wag mong kalilimutan yung mga taong nag dala sayo sa tagumpay”, he said.

He also added that most of the joy of performing is in making the people enjoy. “Para po kasi samin, kasiyahan namin ang pagtugtog. Nagiging mas masaya po kami kapag nakikita namin na may napapasaya kaming tao. Kung passion ‘nyo man pagkanta o pagtugtog, gamitin nyo ito para makapag pasaya ng tao.”

The rest of the band, Raphael “Raphy” Javier, bassist, together with Joshua Duena, Artikulo Uno’s drummer, shared their insights about what they liked the most about being a member of Artikulo Uno: “Yung samahan po.

‘Yung tropahan kasi ‘di tulad ng ibang banda na magkakilala lang

‘pagtutugtog, kami solid kahit sa labas ng studio.”

Artikulo Uno’s emergence as a simple, small time band formed by three students who were former high school classmates was made possible through their love for music and passion for performance. When asked about the story behind the band’s name, Reyniel cheerfully answered that they actually just ran out of cool-sounding names.

However, Russel later suggested “Artikulo Uno” which actually came from Heneral Luna, a movie

about a talented, but hot-headed general who strongly abided by the law.

“A talented person is a humble person. It takes time para maging magaling,” Reyniel said. “Pero as long as may determinasyon at patience, malaki ang possibility na mas gumaling ka pa nang gumaling.

‘Wag ma-discourage kapag meron pang mas magagaling.

Instead, maging competitive.

Sikaping maging kasing-level nila. Lastly, share your talent.”

When asked his advice to

WINNERS ALL: ARTIKULO UNO AFTER THEIR OCTOBEROCK 2015 WIN

fellow aspiring musicians, Noel Madolid Jr., rhythm guitarist of the band replied, “Ang masasabi ko lang sa ibang musicians is kahit anong mangyari don’t give up your love for music. Play like it’s your last time to play,” he said, smiling.

As the song of Artikulo Uno’s journey in OctobeRock 2015 ends, these lovers of music all realized one thing: it is true that victory is sweeter when you least expect it, but it is sweetest when you can share it with a friend or two.

PHOTO BY AERON BARRINUEVO

FEATURES

2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

POTENTIAL REALIZED:

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The journey of the ‘architect on wheels’ CEDRIC ESPULGAR

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o say that Don De Vera was a brilliant mind would be an understatement. He holds two master’s degrees from the Mapúa Institute of Technology, owns his own company, and is also a consultant. Now a brilliant architect, and an established professor in Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL), he is quickly making a name for himself as “The Architect on Wheels.”

“At first, I wasn’t born to be in a wheelchair. I was born to be just like you,” he said. Don De Vera was 5 months old, when his nanny accidentally dropped him, causing complications to his spine and robbing him of a capability many of us took for granted: walking.

“That was when the challenges in my life started,” he said. “I thought to myself, bakit pa may mga hagdan? And that was when I realized that architecture was the answer to that.”

No special treatment Young Don De Vera studied high school in Mapúa Institute of Technology to pursue his dream. During his stay, he did not receive special treatment, nor did he ask for any. He wanted to prove to everyone and to himself that he can be successful on his own. “Since I was the son of a well-known lawyer, the pressure was on me. I wanted to prove to my parents that I was capable of great things too,” he said.

When Don reached college, he decided to pursue a degree in architecture. He had to be lifted up and down stairs for 5 years. “It was hard because back then, there were no elevators.

There was a lack of accessibility for people like me who had disabilities,” he said.

Despite the inconveniences Don had during his college years,

his resolve did not waver. His desire to become an architect was greater than the difficulties he encountered. “One factor that inspired me was the family itself.

They were very supportive of my studies and they also understood what I wanted to achieve.”

During times of great difficulty, Don De Vera would turn to his sources of inspiration.

One of his greatest inspirations during college was architect Jim Silva. “He is a blind architect,” he explained, “at sikat siyang architect dito sa Pilipinas. So naging kaibigan ko siya at naging mentor ko siya at the same time.”

However, a college degree didn’t provide the same stability to Don as it did with many other people. He found it hard to find a job despite his qualifications.

“With my disability, dun nila ako tinignan. ‘Di nila ako tinignan na kaya ko, pero tinignan nila ako na: ‘Ah, hindi niya kaya dahil naka wheelchair siya.’” he said, unmoved by a seemingly all-toocommon scenario.

Aim high “But that didn’t mean that I’d stop dreaming for greater things,” he stressed. Don De Vera did what he was best at: equip himself with education. He studied all the available software for architecture and took the chance to study for his master’s degree at Mapúa for two years, finishing it in just one year.

“I finished my masters and graduated cum laude. I graduated with honors and was able to produce a book for accessibility documents. So when I finished it, after attaining all educational attainments, I showed my resume to different companies. When I first submitted an application, and even though I was very late, they accepted my resume. They accepted my resume not because I was disabled, but because they

MCL’s 12 new CPAs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 only program that requires a 73.51 passing grade on major subjects and to conduct Qualifying Exams the summer before the start of third year of students. When asked about the rationale behind these policies, she said, “I go for stricter rules, kasi alam kong mahirap, kasi nag-take ako eh. Hindi naman siya dumadali through the years.

For me, the stricter, the better.

If you are strict now, by the time they would take the exam, it would be easier on their part.”

“The rules are strict because we want to prepare them for the board exams.” She added.

‘ARCHITECT ON WHEELS’ DON DE VERA

saw what I have worked with and what I’ve accomplished,” he said proudly.

Recalling when he was accepted into his first company, Globalink Property Innovations, Don pointed out that he applied for the lowest position available.

“I really wanted to start from scratch, from the lowest so that when I reach the top, I can prove to myself and to others that I’ve been from the bottom,” he explained. He worked at Globalink Property Innovations for 12 years, working his way up from the bottom. From CAD operator, he eventually became a Senior Architect.

After achieving his dream, Don De Vera decided that he wanted to start his own company.

Now the managing director of his own firm, Distinque Projects & Builders Corp., he decided to step down as a Senior Architect from Globalink Property Innovations to focus more on his advocacy. “The place where I worked at for 12 years initially didn’t accept my resignation, so what they did was that they let me be their consultant. So now I’m a managing director of my own company, a consultant, a professor here in Malayan, and I’m the chairman of the cooperative that I’m helping which is called Makati Captioners.”

PHOTO BY KATRINA IDANAN

Highly in demand, Don De Vera’s schedule is a busy one.

During Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he works as an architect, and in the afternoon he travels from Makati to Muntinlupa to train persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be captioners.

Inspiring others “Captioners are people who give service for persons with disabilities. So that’s my advocacy,” he explained. “During Tuesdays and Thursdays, I inspire young designers here in MCL. So that’s one of my main purposes in life, I decided to be in MCL and I accepted this offer to inspire and touch the lives of future designers and architects.

Asked about his desire to teach, Don De Vera stressed that it was the idea of changing for the better that motivated him. “I think that if we want change, we should start from the youth. Start it with these kids who can help design an accessible community for everyone. So that’s my main goal.”

Despite having attained so much, Don De Vera is still able to remain humble. “What I always tell these young architects is that once you’ve reached the top, try to share your blessings to others. We should help people and give back.”

Don De Vera’s dedication resounds in his students’ works.

“Sir De Vera is critical towards details in every project that we do,” said John Michael Abad, a sophomore architecture student who studies under Don De Vera. “He often gives us advice and suggestions on how to make our projects even better.

He’s an inspiration and a great role model.”

When asked about his future projects, Don De Vera reaffirmed his dedication to his advocacy. “Right now I’m continuing my advocacy because I’m looking forward na ma-isamasila (the captioners) sa United Nations,” he said, smiling warmly. “I’ve been at the United Nations before I went to the academe. I visit different schools just to give free lectures and accessible workshops.”

One of Don De Vera’s projects is the resilient housing design for the Yolanda victims which is now being used for the new projects in Tacloban.

He was also awarded as one of the Top 10 Finalists of Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy 2015 last September 10. He also participated in the United Nations accessibility workshop for Universal Design last November 25 in Bangkok.

On being a woman in the maritime industry Message to students Dean Sabio gave three points that should help students overcome hurdles and survive the life of being an accounting student, and these are: preparation, belief in one’s self, and prayers – secrets that helped the recent board takers of MCL pass the CPA board examinations.

She also expressed her hopes and belief that the next CPA board takers will perform well and possibly get a rate that has not been attained by the program, and that is, a hundred percent.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 such as education, psychology, and social work tend to pay less than jobs where men are more predominant, such as engineering, law enforcement, and even politics. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research stated that in the construction industry, there has been no progress for women in forty years.

TIME also reported

that although women made progress in the 1970s and 1980s by choosing careers traditionally dominated by men, this has stalled since the mid-1990s.

To this day, sexism and its injustice continue to be a blatant part of society.

Aside from the issues in the workforce, sexism, although perhaps not as evident, also exists in everyday life. ‘Casual sexism’, as it is called, accounts

for a much larger part of gender bias than it is accredited for. This also constitutes sexist jokes, street calling,the negative reputation of feminists, double standards, and much more.

The issue is still undeniably a continuing development in society. However, the rapid recognition of feminism in youth and media and the emergence of people like Jeramie Mejia is definitely a first step.

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

--Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner

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FEATURES

KAMALAYAN

PHOTO BY ARIANNE SAGA

BEHIND THE SCENES, BEYOND THE HEADLINES:

My APEC Summit 2015 experience ARIANNE SAGA

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ome time ago, a friend of mine forwarded an email from an organizing team asking for volunteers in the APEC CEO Summit held last November.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience, who would want to miss it? I learned about it a little too late though. I submitted all the requirements a day before the deadline.

A day before the briefing for the volunteers, I received an email that I was accepted. I was ecstatic.

APEC CEO Summit 2015 Popular news website Rappler states that APEC is the highestlevel, most influential economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region.

With 21 member economies, it accounts for nearly half of world trade, and about 57% of global gross domestic product (GDP).

Founded in 1989, APEC aims to promote free and open trade and investment.

I attended the training for volunteers at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Makati City last November 7. It was a substantial seminar on its own.

From that moment on, I knew that I would be off to a good experience and adventure.

I was sitting alongside international studies and diplomacy students from other schools. I felt out of place, but then again I should feel more fortunate for being chosen despite my program’s somehow irrelevance to the event. We were briefed with the proper protocols and were given assignments.

Halfway through the seminar, I received a call from a representative from the APEC Advisory Business Council (ABAC) inviting me to another seminar to be held in also in Makati. I was confused because I had no idea about ABAC back then and I didn’t pass my CV to them.

But, since I will not be missing any classes on the said date, I decided to go. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

‘ABAC, not APEC’ I always have to clarify to people that I am not part of the APEC CEO SUMMIT per se but rather ABAC, the group that consists of the private sectors that recommends policies to the leaders. In the Philippines, the council is composed of shipping magnate Doris Magsaysay-Ho (which is also the head and organizer of the whole ABAC APEC Summit 2015), Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Jollibee Foods Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong, and alternate member Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council.

I was chosen to be one of the 21 liaison officers for the economies participating in the event. I was assigned the economy of Brunei, which fortunately has very kind individuals as representatives.

I have two principals: one is a Chief Executive Officer of BAG Networks. Another is a director/ shareholder on the boards of different companies. What we do is we make their life easier by making our own harder Women leaders If there is something significant emphasized in the meetings in the summit, it’s the role that women play in the economy.

Keynote speaker Hon. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno discussed the relationship of women, business, and the rule of law. In her speech, she raised the question “Do we need to restructure parts of the economy to increase women leadership?”

In which she also instinctively answered “Yes. More flexibility must be built in a way we do economic models. Women’s consensual intuitive, communitybased leadership style in businesses must be recognized, must be amply rewarded.”

There were disappointments, however. The aim of equality turned to female dominion and gender stereotypes: a jab at the ego of each man in the audience.

Comfort at the people’s expense Social media lost it when suddenly the government is bending backwards just to have its best foot forward. Suddenly, the government is capable of being the best it can be—the only problem is that it’s not available to its own.

We have pretended to show that poverty is non-existent in the country. We have literally cleaned the streets and stopped everything for a week so that visitors could have a pleasant stay. While I, too, feel of great repugnance for this thought, I would like to think of it as more of a branding and image we want our country to have for the, although indefinite, economic growth.

The problem is that the government and the media have failed to perform its prime role to their people and audience. They have failed to properly inform the masses of the significance of the summit and its potential for enhancing our economy.

An autoethnography “Be here not because you want to be part of a ‘big event,’ but because you genuinely want to help the country.”

When asked about my experience at the APEC Summit 2015, my opening line would always be of dread and distress.

PHOTO BY ARIANNE SAGA

It was hard, and there were times when I just wanted to break down. Behind the scenes, we were working an average of 15 hours each day. We were on call 24/7 and on each of those days, you should be an efficient, thinking adult all the time.

But was it all worth it? As what one of my colleagues would put it, when you have bought into the mission and vision of what this event stands for, then there should be no doubt on the answer. We all agreed when our boss Ms Catherine Maceda, ABAC Executive Director, said the experience was painful because it really was. But, I consider myself privileged to be given the chance, albeit just a student, to share that pain with them: I was never qualified and had no experience. I am nobody and yet I have been afforded the rare opportunity of working

alongside intelligent individuals who have given so much just to serve the country.

I returned to school a few days ago. And I went back cramming every day to finish my midterm exams, fix events after events, and find sponsors.

I have even given up my chance of being a scholar and having my first formal job. I never imagined that joining this event would cost this much. But in the end, what matters is that I made it. I have represented the country well, and I have served the country well.

If there is something I learned from all this, it’s being responsible for the choices you make with no excuses whatsoever. I made a choice, and that choice is choosing my country and personal growth.

And for that, I do not regret a thing.

PHOTO BY ARIANNE SAGA

FEATURES

2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

ALEXANDRA MAE ROSALES:

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A queen from the Orient

N

AUDREY SABATER & SANDRINE SABATER

ineteen years old and already a beauty queen, Alexandra Rosales represented not only our school, but the whole country when she was crowned first runner-up as Miss Southeast Asia Tourism Ambassadress 2015 last October 2 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Alexa generously accepted the invitation to tell us about her win, as well as the joys and struggles of being a beauty queen.

“I wasn’t interested at first, but due to peer pressure, my friends kept telling me, ‘Oh, you’re so tall! You should join!’

I finally joined my first beauty pageant which was held in LPU (Lyceum of the Philippines University),” she said.

“Unexpectedly, I enjoyed it a lot, and I still enjoy it even now,” Alexa added.

Alexa’s first beauty pageant was the ‘Miss Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (ITHM) wherein she won ‘Miss International,’ ‘Best in Swimsuit,’ and ‘Miss Congeniality.’ Later on, she was sent to Baguio to compete in a national level school competition and managed to win ‘Miss Congeniality’ again.

After which, she transferred to Malayan Colleges Laguna and joined ‘Miss Tourism.’

“Unfortunately, I didn’t win anything,” she laughed. The loss did not faze her passion

F

or most of us the siesta was a common occurrence, a fond memory of the typical Filipino childhood. But for Zack (not his real name), it would always be a grim reminder of the darkest moment of his life.

It was an uncharacteristically cold afternoon. Eleven-year-old Zack had decided to take a quick nap in his family’s shared bedroom. Pushing the door open, he noticed his older cousin sitting by the window. He smiled curtly before letting himself fall on the part of the mattress that was his. Zack reveled at the familiar comfort. The softness forced a curve on his lips as the scent of freshly washed sheets lulled him to a deep slumber. He woke up to find his trousers off of him, and his cousin lying behind him, touching him.

“I asked him what he was doing. He just told me to shut up and let it happen,” Zack said, his eyes blank as he recalled the horrid event.

Zack’s is just one of the many thousand cases of sexual abuse to children in the Philippines.Such an ordeal,

for beauty pageants, however, as she later competed for Miss Calamba and won two awards.

Soon after, she joined ‘Miss Tourism Philippines,’ her first national pageant wherein she took home the ‘Miss Southeast Asia Tourism Ambassadress’ title, one of four of the competition’s titles.

When asked about what she felt after being crowned 1st runner up as ‘Miss Southeast Asia Tourism Ambassadress’, she stressed that she only felt the nervousness during the announcements of winners.

“I was happy. Not to brag or anything, but I think I deserved better since I really did do my best. I was happy that I was able to bag first runner-up, of course, but this was the first competition that I was really eyeing the crown with high expectations for myself. But nonetheless, I was really happy to bring honor to my country.”

Success is never far from hard work, and so hardships are inevitable, more so for a beauty queen. “It was very hard,” Alexa said, stating that she had to go back and forth from Laguna to Quezon City just for training. She also had to solicit funds to finance her expenses, apply make-up by herself, and be extra careful in everything she does since she was representing the country.

Still, Miss Alexa stressed the importance of having a personal tactic to deal with

especially at a young age, can be a painful and traumatizing experience that scars kids for life.

“The worst part was that he was family,” Zack said,“He was also part of our congregation, always leading the prayers. I began to question everything I had learned in church. Why was this happening to me?”

Most cases, including Zack’s, go unreported, with victims citing many different reasons why. Some are too embarrassed to tell, some do not know who to go to for help, while some are too afraid to even talk.

“I thought about it, but I never did,” Zack said when asked about whether he thought about reporting his cousin. “He was still family, somewhat. Our parents were very close. I didn’t want to destroy that family bond.

I was afraid to.”

With many cases going unreported, children are often left feeling confused and violated, some even angry. Without the guidance of their parents and the proper authorities, they become more than just victims of sexual abuse; they become victims of their own self-loathing.

“I felt embarrassed. I was afraid my friends would tease

ALEXANDRA MAE ROSALES WAS ALL SMILES AS SHE RECEIVED HER CROWN

PHOTO BY CHELSY NEPOMUCENO

the stress. “Never go out of the room without applying make-up and looking pretty.

From my personal experience, the key to why the Philippines always stands out in beauty pageants is because we always try to look our best wherever we go. I’ve seen a lot of pretty ladies, but they don’t focus on make-up. When they go out of their room, it’s as if nothing happened; like they just woke up. This is why we are trained to start being conscious of our looks the moment we step out of the room.” She said, adding that while natural beauty is good, it doesn’t hurt to put some extra makeup if it helps you better express yourself.

But Alexa shared that it wasn’t always about looking good and working hard.

Sometimes, pageants are decided on pure luck. “Our director told us that it’s not about what you look or what you do, it’s sometimes just pure luck. If the judges like you,

then that’s a great advantage.

People have different perspectives of beauty. I think that’s why whatever I do, it will always be up to the judge’s decision.” Alexa said.

It didn’t occur to her at all that she would be who she was now. She was a ‘tomboy’ back in high school – not caring about her appearance, playing basketball once in a while, and playing the guitar in a band.

Still, Alexa considers herself a normal girl who becomes an even more attractive woman when it comes to interviews, guestings and courtesy calls. But if she had no events for the day, she said that the MCL campus is her comfort zone since she could go bare-faced without anyone noticing. “I don’t think anyone can be successful if they’re not down-to-earth,” she said.

Ever humble, Alexa thanked her family, her friends, The Miss Tourism Philippines

Organization, and the entire City of Calamba, especially Mayor Timmy Chipeco. The challenges had been tough, but with the help of these people Alexa’s passion for pageants never wavered.

Aside from her dedicated friends and family, Alexa also cited the plethora of wonderful memories as her driving force.

“Aside from winning, the most memorable thing for me is the recognition I have gained from my city. When I go to the municipal hall, people proudly regard me as their Miss Tourism.” She said with a fond smile. “Mas ramdam yung naaacheive mo ‘pag nare-recognize ka as someone.”

Alexa is currently finishing her college studies as a B.S. Tourism Management student in MCL. After graduating, she plans to either join Binibining Pilipinas or take up law studies.

“Or perhaps I’ll do both,” she quipped.

and leave me if they found out. I was also angry. I was angry for a long time. I was angry at God, at my cousin, but mostly I was angry at myself.”

Zack’s abuse lasted until his third year in high school. Like most victims, he never grew the courage to tell any of the proper authorities.

I hate myself for never telling. The thought that he was still out there ready to victimize others still haunts me,” said Zack. “What if he had done it again to someone younger? I don’t know…”

In 2010 alone, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recorded a total of 1,898 cases of children being sexually abused in the Philippines. Despite its best efforts, the country is still struggling to control the rampant abuse to children’s welfare.

“I am looking forward to the day that we will no longer have activities like this because there will be no more victims of child

sexual abuse, ” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said during the DSWD’s Sunset Walk event. “So my plea to everyone is that we should all be vigilant and united in fighting against childsexual-abuse and commercial child exploitation.”

While a clear, direct effect of child sexual abuse has yet to be identified; a substantial amount of knowledge exists regarding the matter. Psychiatrist and professor, Paul E. Mullen, highlighted several possible consequences in a 1998 publication titled, Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse.

In the paper, Mullen stated that children with histories of sexual abuse have a higher chance of exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even alcoholism during adulthood.

“In most cases, the fundamental damage inflicted by child sexual abuse is to the child’s developing capacities for trust, intimacy, agency, and

sexuality. Many of the mental health problems of adult life associated with histories of sexual abuse are second-order effects,” Mullen said in his publication.

Still, all hope is not lost.

Some children are able to overcome their experience and move forward. Zack, despite the horrific ordeal, has managed to stand above the pain and trauma, an impressive feat considering his situation. Zack is now finishing his college studies in Malayan Colleges Laguna, and has already even worked as a freelance illustrator. He is hoping to someday work as an animator for Pixar.

“I just look at the bright side, I guess, There’s really nothing I can do now. It’s already happened. You’re not going to get anything out of looking at past crap. I just focus on what I can do now to make things better.” Zack said.

‘I am not a toy’ PHILIP ALFRED NERY

10

OPINION

KAMALAYAN Uncovered but barricaded

EDITORIAL

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PHILIP ALFRED NERY

Ignorance is the new black

here appears to be a growing trend of anti-intellectualism in the Philippines. Share a science fact and you are met with the blood-curdling “Dami mong alam!” Or, if you’ve got a squad that’s a little more “breezy” than the rest, then you have a high chance of hearing “Edi wow!” We have come to regard profound ideas with disgust as we proudly proclaim our stupidity.

We’ve also found an admirable humor in the phrase “Ewan ko,” and our media continues to make fun of men and women who fail to speak proper English.

Ignorance is bliss, they say, but in the Philippines, it may seem that ignorance equates to money.

When was the last time we used reason rather than Bible verses? Why is it that we frown upon discussion that involves any form of complex thought?

We have become afraid of the concept of thinking as it might shatter the fundamental “truths” we have held on to since we were children.

But it is not religion, tradition, or our fun-loving nature that’s killing our minds. It is the idea that idiocy is admirable and mediocrity is humorous.

Filipinos are not dimwits. Filipinos have worked in Pixar, performed on Broadway, and even invented amazing contraptions such as Filipino chemist Francisco Quisumbing’s Quink Ink, an ink used by the Parker Pen Company. Time and time again our people has shown that we can produce inventors, scientists, artists, and athletes that can hang with the best of them. Why is it that we are filled with “Pinoy Pride” whenever they’re in the news, but passive-aggressively insult our friends who dare show any inkling of thought?

We should develop a culture that cultivates meaningful thought, media literacy, and critical analysis. We should be idolizing the scientists, the artists, and the writers instead of the middle-aged, tactless, and senseless comedians of our noontime shows. With the advent of the internet and the information age, the pursuit for knowledge is easier now more than ever. American author and public speaker could not have put it any better: “In the age of information, ignorance is a choice.”

Let us choose, then, to continue absorbing as much diverse concepts as we can, and be critical of new knowledge as this is what spurs growth and progress.

Let us choose not stifle thought. Let us choose to encourage it instead.

W

hen artists create, there is always a purpose, and sometimes that purpose is to spark discourse. Often, the works of art that make us truly think are the ones that are the most shocking and eccentric.

But since students these days are too pre-occupied with Snapchat, videogames and drugs, perhaps it’s better for schools to embrace these rare opportunities at mental debate.

Hence, Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) should do away with censorship and support art installations that challenge their students to think.

Last November 3, a study about internet deviance by a group of Multimedia Arts (MMA) student researchers caused quite a commotion after some professors and school administrators took offense from their gallery of student-confessed deviant acts. Their study, which they appropriately dubbed as Uncovered, involved answering a questionnaire about the various deviant activities MCL students perform online.

Afterwards, the participants were asked to write the most deviant internet act they’ve ever done on a piece of paper, all under the guise of absolute anonymity. These confessions were posted in a mini gallery inside their booth at the E.T. Yuchengco lobby, and that’s when the trouble started. The gallery caught the attention of various conservative professors, administrators, and even the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student researchers tried to defend the purpose of their exhibit, but nonetheless the gallery was taken down and the installation was barricaded until a proper meeting could take place between the concerned parties.

When I approached one of the more vocal complainers to ask about why she wanted the gallery to be taken down, I was given a simple answer. “Because I think it’s inappropriate,” she said.

She stressed that she will be having a meeting with the student researchers and their thesis adviser. After the meeting, I was informed that a compromise between the two parties had taken place: the students will be allowed to continue their research provided that the gallery of confessions is taken down.

I find it deplorable that the school decided to so abruptly censor a work of art with an actual purpose. It is not only an infringement to one’s right to freedom of expression, but also a direct attempt at stifling the intellectual

maturity and liberalization of the MCL student body. It is a sad day when any school administration decides to destroy opportunities for meaningful discussion about issues that actually matter simply because some people think they are “inappropriate.”

It is even sadder when the students themselves actually crave for it.

If people stopped their quest for knowledge because others found it, in their own set of morals and perspectives, inappropriate, then the current pool of human knowledge would be but a puddle. Even the great Jose Rizal’s ideas at one point were considered inappropriate by some. It was because of his very ideas that he was executed by a government that did not want its constituents to question the standards of what was right and what was wrong.

MCL not completely wrong “We didn’t think of it as a commotion, but rather as a brief interruption wherein two parties wanted to be heard,” said Marlord Elumba, a senior MMA student and one of the researchers responsible for Uncovered.

Clearly, the student researchers harbor no hard feelings. After all, our institution isn’t completely in the wrong. The installation definitely borders on obscene, with some confessions going into the territory of incest and sexual abuse. But those confessions were outliers as most of the responses dabbled more on masturbation and sexual desire, which for more liberated cultures are accepted aspects of human nature, but to the conservative mind is blatantly outrageous.

Still, the point was not to shock, but rather to spark discourse about what deviance really is. With the revelation that these deviant acts are far more common than we actually want to admit, what does that say about our nature as Filipinos? What is it that prompts us as Filipinos to consider some things as deviant and some as not? Is it religion? Is it, paradoxically, our culture and society? Why do we consider sexual desire as deviant? Is it simply because our parents told us that it is and that their parents told them the same? How then can we say that we think critically?

Our school robbed many of their students the chance to ask these questions when they took down the gallery. In their effort to preserve their image and “the minds of their students,” our institution stifled our critical thinking – a trait our society needs now more than ever.

Regardless, the

administration is not entirely at fault. It is reasonable that MCL would want to protect its image.

After all, the researchers did fail to explicitly state the purpose of their thesis, or even that the confessions were there to foster thought and debate. Still, the administration could’ve reacted less brashly, especially after various authorities had already approved Uncovered’s data gathering methodology.

“We had all the necessary permits approved. They signed the documents. We warned them of the contents, but they approved it anyway,” said Bryan Guila, a senior MMA student and one of the researchers behind Uncovered.

Virtue compromised Engr. Dennis Tablante, MCL’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, stressed that it is not at all the image of the school that barricaded Uncovered, but rather the school’s moral obligation to its student body.

“The virtue part of ‘Excellence and Virtue’ might be compromised,” he said.

“Professionals should’ve been consulted on what could be the possible effects of such a display both on the researchers and those being researched on,” he said.

Engr. Tablante also pointed out the possible flaws of the researchers’ methodology. He stressed that since they had not properly briefed those viewing the gallery about their thesis; many of the viewers lacked the proper context to make sense of the confessions.

“If you want to study that, you should not damage others.

How can you be sure that you are not damaging the public?

We have a moral obligation to everyone inside MCL that will see that display,” he said.

Engr. Tablante’s points are all valid. However, wouldn’t asking the researchers to put up a disclaimer and barring minors from the display be sufficient? Perhaps then Uncovered wouldn’t have been mistaken for a gallery of lewd humor meant to corrupt the younger students.

“The disclaimer would’ve definitely helped prevent the miscommunication,” Pamela Lamadrid, a senior MMA student who worked on Uncovered, said. “But it might have ruined the natural nature of the confessions.”

It might be too early to tell, but Uncovered might just come up the next time MCL’s top dogs meet. If that is the case, I implore them to improve the system of communication between student researchers and the administration to avoid further mishandlings of potentially thought provoking experiments again.

OPINION

2015-2016 2T | Volume 2, Number 1

Panawagan sa Kabataan: Karapatang makaalam at makialam

11

CHARLES KENNETH LIJAUCO

S

ino nga ba ang mga mangingisda sa mata ng nakararami? Sila ba ay mga tao lamang na nagiging makinarya na lamang ng masa para makapanghuli ng isda?

O sila ba ay isa sa mga sektor ng lipunan na kailangang pangalagaan at protektahan?

Kung sila ay mga mahahalagang miyembro ng madla, bakit nga ba napapabayaan ang kanilang pangangailangan at kapakanan?

Noong ika-apat ng Nobyembre, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon upang makadaupang-palad ang mga taong responsable para sa malaking suplay ng isda na napakikinabangan ng lalawigan ng Laguna. Doon ay nakita ko ang payak ngunit masaya nilang pamumuhay sa ilalim ng tagpi-tagping yero at madilim na paligid. Hindi ko alam kung paano, pero sila ay masaya sa ganoong estado. Sa aking pagbisita, kasama ang ilang manunulat mula sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, aking nalaman ang ilang malalaking problema na kinakaharap at haharapin ng mga nasabing mangingisda at ng kanilang mga pamilya, kabilang na rito ang pinakamalaki sa lahat, ang proyektong Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike (LLED) na itatayo sa gilid ng lawa ng Laguna, may limandaang metrong layo mula sa mismong katubigan. Ang nasabing proyekto ay makatutulong diumano upang mapabilis ang transportasyon mula Taguig na tumutuloy sa Calamba, hanggang Los Baños.

Tinatayang mahigit P122 bilyon ang kakailanganin upang maisakatuparan ang proyekto na planong simulan sa Oktubre ng susunod na taon, hanggang Oktubre 2023. Nais din ng nasabing proyekto na maiwasan ang pagbaha sa mga lugar na madadaanan at masasakop nito. Marahil sa mga nabanggit, maiisip nating ikabubuti ng nakararami ang pagpapabilis at pagpapagaan ng transportasyon na makatutulong din sa mga karatig na komunidad upang mabawasan ang pagbaha, kung hindi man maiwasan ito ng tuluyan; ngunit sa likod ng kagandahan at kabutihang maidudulot nito ay ang parusang maituturing para sa mga mangingisda at maliliit na taong talagang matatamaan at madadaanan ng proyektong LLED. Isa na ito sa mga naulinagan kong hinanaing ng isa sa mga namumuno sa lupon ng mangingisda ng lungsod ng Sta. Rosa.

Dating magandang lawa Inihayag ng nasabing mangingisda ang kanilang magaang pamumuhay noong mga panahong sobrang linis pa

ng lawa at madali pang makahuli ng iba’t ibang uri ng isda.

Nabanggit pa nga niyang ilang henerasyon na ng mga pamilyang mangingisda ang nakinabang at kahit ang mga kabataan ay nakakahuli at nakikinabang sa yamangtaglay ng lawa. Ngunit dahil sa pagpasok ng mga pribadong mangingisda, ayon sa kanya, ay unti-unting nabago ang nakasanayan at naging kalat ang pribadong fish ponds.

Sa pag-usbong ng mga pribadong negosyo at ng napipintong proyektong LLED, nasabi nilang malapit nang mawala ang mga araw na libre lamang na makukuha ang mga isda. Sa paniniwala niya, at ng kanyang mga kasama, walang mabuting maidudulot ang proyekto sa mga taong matagal nang naninirahan sa paligid ng lawa, at sa nasabing lawa mismo.

KUHA NI AERON BARRINUEVO

Hayag na pagtutol Sa mga kadahilanang nabanggit, hayag ang pagtutol ng mga mangingisdang aming nakausap. Ayon sa kanila, bukod sa walang kongkretong solusyon at alternatibo para sa mga taong mapapa-alis at maaapektuhan ng proyekto, hindi rin daw ito makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng Laguna de Bay. Kalat ang pagkilos ng samahan ng mangingisda, kasama ang ilang grupong nasyonal upang tutulan ang nasabing proyekto – makarating man sa kalye o sa korte. Para sa kanila, mas makabubuti kung pababayaan na lamang ang lawa at ang kanilang pamumuhay, dahil masaya na sila dito. Kung hindi man raw makuha sa mabuting usapan, malamang dumanak ang dugo, kung ito man ay kailanganin.

Ayon din sa mga mangingisda, ang pagkawala ng kanilang ikinabubuhay ay maaaring magdulot ng mas malaking kriminalidad sa komunidad at pagkaligaw ng kabataang mawawalan ng kabuhayan. Ito raw ang magdudulot ng kalituhan at kaguluhan sa isip ng mga maaapektuhan, at sa nalalapit na hinaharap, ay maaaring maging dahilan upang sila ay maligaw ng landas at tuluyan ng mapariwara.

Sigaw ng tulong Ang mga mangingisda, kasama ang lahat ng maliliit na tao at negosyong maaaring mawala at masira dahil sa LLED, ay nananawagan at sumisigaw ng saklolo sa mga taong may pakialam pa sa maliliit ngunit nakararaming miyembro ng komunidad. Ang sigaw nila ay mas malakas sa mga kabataang umaangkin ng malaking pwersa kung magsama-sama.

Ang katotohanan ay hindi madali ang laban na kanilang kinakaharap, at sila naman ay aminado rito. Ilan sa mga nag-bid sa nasabing proyekto ay ang San Miguel Corp., at ang Team Trident: Aboitiz Equity

KUHA NI PAENG PALIS

KUHA NI CHARLES KENNETH LIJAUCO

Ventures, Inc., Ayala Land Inc., SM Prime Holdings, Inc., at Megaworld Corporation. Sa mga kumpanya pa lang na nabanggit, kitang-kita nang hindi bastabasta ang labang pinasukan ng mga mangingisdang pumipilit na maisalba ang kanilang kabuhayan. Kaya naman, ayon sa kanila, hindi na bagong suportado ng mga pulitiko ang nasabing proyekto. Sa laki ng mga tao at samahang kanilang babanggain, wala silang ibang magawa kung hindi ipahayag ang kanilang kagustuhan upang mapalawig ang suporta sa kanilang pakikibaka.

Tugon ng Kabataan Sa ibinigay sa ating kaalaman

at kalayaan upang kumuha ng impormasyon, marahil ay dumating na ang tamang panahon upang ating gamitin ang ating lakas upang makaalam at makialam. Tapusin na natin ang mga araw na ang alam lang natin ay kung paano magdagdag at magbawas ng mga numero. Ating pakinabangan ang ating kabataan upang malaman kung ano nga ba ang nangyayari sa mundong hindi ipinakikita sa nasyonal na telebisyon at hindi naituturo sa loob ng silid-aralan.

Tayo ay mga Pilipino at dapat ay may alam sa sariling Bayan at may pakialam sa mga maliliit na taong bumubuo rito. Walang masama sa pagunlad at sa pag-asam na tayo ay maging modernong bansa na

rin, ngunit kadikit nito ay ang responsibilidad natin sa isa’t isa upang siguraduhing ang lahat ay makikinabang sa pag-unlad at walang matatapakan at maiiwan.

Marami tayong libreng oras upang alamin ang mga isyung bumabalot sa ating pagka-Pilipino. Maging matalino ang bawat isa at huwag sayangin ang kapangyarihang tinataglay ng kabataan ngayon.

Ayon nga sa mga mangingisda, wala na silang alam sa mga gamit ng bagong henerasyon, kaya naman, sa kaalamang malakas ang boses ng kabataan gamit ang social media, sila ay nananawagan upang sila ay tulungang marinig ang kanilang mga mumunting tinig.

Panahon na upang tumugon.

CULTURE GOD IS IN THE RAIN

LIFE

PHOTO BY AERON BARRINUEVO

ILLUSTRATION BY JENNY GERNALE

KAMALAYAN INFORMATION WITHIN REACH

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1 2015-2016 2T KAMALAYAN is the official student media of Malayan Colleges Laguna.

ILLUSTRATION BY JETT ILAGAN

DUCK 5

Materials in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official views of Malayan Colleges Laguna, its colleges, or any collaborating groups and institutions of the aforementioned.

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CORSO

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