F R E E D O M I S E V E R Y T HI NG
WWW.THESPECTRUMUSLS.WORDPRESS.COM
THESPECTRUM.USLS@GMAIL.COM
THE S PECTRUM VOL. 58 NO. 1
APRIL 2014
O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T M E D I A C O R P S O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T. L A S A L L E
NEWS USG prexy to bring about ANIMO NATION Read on page 3
FEATURES Museo exhibits Montelibano’s ‘Sorry for the Inconvenience’ Read on page 6
The Copy-Paste Generation -Find out if you have, at some point, been a plagiarist
SPORTS FEATURE Tsinelas Hoops -There’s another side to basketball you might want to know about Read on page 11
Find out what Sugar and Spice have to say on certain issues in the campus. Read on page 8
Read on page 7
1,572 USLS grads march to the finish LASALLIANS NOW AND BEYOND. Lasallian graduates of 2014 pledge allegiance to their alma mater during the 57th Graduation Rites before finally making their way to broader realities.
By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
A total of 1,572 students of the 38 courses marched their way to get their diploma as eligible graduates of academic year 2013-2014 during the 57th Graduation Rites held at the University Coliseum last March 23. The total figure, as released by the University Registrar, is not inclusive of the 180 students who were bound to graduate last May and October 2013. There were a total of 516 graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, with Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information
Technology having the most graduates, numbering 216; four and five graduates of Liberal Arts in Commerce (LIACOM) Bachelor of Arts (AB) Major in Communications, BS in Business Administration (BA) Major in Marketing Management, and LIACOM AB Psychology, BS BA Major in Operations Management (OM), respectively; 41 graduates each of AB Interdisciplinary Studies and AB Communications; three graduates of AB Mass Communications; 38 graduates of AB Political Science; 30 graduates of AB Psychology; 61 graduates of BS Psychology; 34 graduates of BS
Biology; and 43 graduates of BS Computer Science. The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) had a total of 827 graduates, with BS Hospitality Management having the most graduates, numbering 276; 28 graduates of BS Accountancy; eight graduates of BS Agri-Business Management; two graduates of BS Business Management; five graduates of BS Entrepreneurship; 130 graduates of BS Management Accounting; 23 graduates of BS BA Major in Business Economics; 115 graduates of BS BA Major in Marketing Management; 162 graduates of BS BA Major in OM;
one graduate of BS Agri-Business Management and BS BA Major in Marketing Management; two graduates of BS BA Major in OM and BS BA Major in Marketing Management; 22 graduates of BS BA Major in Marketing Management and BS BA Major in Business Economics; 20 graduates of BS BA Major in Business Economics and BS Management Accounting; and 33 graduates of BS BA Major in Business Economics and BS BA Major in OM. There were a total of 105 graduates from the College
success. The two won the Google Cloud Developer Challenge (GCDC) 2013 as a team, with Sarmiento as programmer and Kit as graphic designer, through their entry MishMash for the Social/Personal Productivity/Games/Fun category in the South East Asia region. They received $20,000 for themselves, and the University also received an additional $18,000 for having an all-student team.
MishMash, according to their video demonstration, “is a game that turns the people in your Google+ circles into different challenges.” The application, available at http://gcdc2013-mishmash. appspot.com/, is composed of three mini-games, namely, Picture Matching, Word Search and Name Scramble, which make use of the information obtained from social networking sites.
In Picture Matching, the player must associate the five profile pictures to the corresponding names of the profile users, while in Word Search, the player must find the 10 listed names contained in a box filled with random letters. In Name Scramble, the player must arrange the letters to form the name of the given random person, whose profile picture will be revealed once answered correctly.
1,572/10
Two Lasallians win Google tilt By Roma Jane A. Hechanova
“Don’t be afraid to fail. When you have an idea, don’t be afraid to pursue it.” Such was the advice of Computer Science graduate and magna cum laude Franz Sarmiento, and Information Technology graduate and cum laude Katrina Tan Kit to the Lasallian students, especially the developers who would want to replicate their
TWO/10
USLS opens new SPED learning center Photo by Patricia Mari M. Mijares
By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
LIVING OUT LA SALLE’S DREAM. University President-Chancellor Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC signs the renewed Memorandum of Agreement with Brgy. Villamonte Captain Friday Solinap for the establishment of the new SPED Center.
University of St. La Salle (USLS) formally inaugurated the renovated Special Education (SPED) Learning Center, formerly situated at Brgy. Villamonte barangay hall, through an amended-Memorandum of Agreement signing held at its new location in the multipurpose hall of Santo Niño Village Brgy. Villamonte, last February 21. The new location, formerly a day care center, was almost thrice the size of the former SPED Center which was only an office converted into a mini-classroom.
Although the new location was situated in what was dubbed as one of the remotest puroks of Brgy. Villamonte, it “offered a lot better and more conducive learning space than the previous one,” according to College of Education (CEd) Dean Dr. John Cabalo. SPED Center Coordinator and USLS alumna Princess Elli also said that the new center will be “a big help in teaching the students self-help skills like proper hand washing” since a personal bathroom and sink are now available. USLS/10
Photo courtesy of Raymund G. Trespicio
Tuition, miscellaneous fees proposed to increase next AY By Carl Mark A. Pat and Roma Jane A. Hechanova
The University of St. La Salle (USLS) administration proposes for the increase of tuition fee and other student fees for the different colleges starting first semester of academic year (AY) 2014-2015, according to the tuition fee dialogues held last January 21 and February 4, both at the Lopue Conference Room. In compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order Number 3, Series of 2012, the University conducted two tuition fee dialogues through a multisectoral group forum wherein the University presented the proposal to representatives of each sector, namely, the students through the University Student Government, parents through the Parents and Teachers Council, faculty, non-teaching office personnel, and alumni. 4-5% increase for tuition fee During the said dialogue, the University presented a proposal to increase the tuition fee of its colleges by five percent, except for the College of Nursing (BSN), College of Law, and College of Medicine for which a four percent increase was proposed. For BSN students, the tuition fee per unit and per semester for category A students is planned to increase from P1,020.65 to P1,061.45; for category B students, from P794.90 to P826.70; for category C students, from P676.85 to P703.90; and for category D students, from P595.80 to P619.60. On the other hand, for the other colleges, the said
proposal would increase the current tuition fee per unit and per semester from P859.20 to P902.15 for category A students, from P669.30 to P702.75 for category B students, from P569.90 to P598.35 for category C students, and from P501.50 to P526.55 for category D students. 3% increase for miscellaneous fees Furthermore, the administration proposed to increase the miscellaneous fees by three percent for all colleges, except for capital development fees for which no increase was proposed. The miscellaneous fee, currently at P3,733.35, to be paid every semester by all students is proposed to increase by P142, becoming P3,875.35. The registration fee is planned to increase from P255 to P262.65; medical/ dental fee, from P242.95 to P250.25; athletic fee, from P468 to P482.05; library fee, from P1,156.45 to P1,191.15; student personnel services, from P490.05 to P534.75; guidance and counselling fee, from P421.70 to P434.35; audio visual fee, from P378.90 to P390.25; and management information system fee, from P320.30 to P329.90. The capital development fee is set to remain the same at P1,000 for Category A, P750 for B, P500 for C, and P375 for D, as well as the P1,100graduation fee and P400alumni fee. All laboratory fees, except for Field Study and Internship Fee, both only for College of Education students, as well as TUITION/10
NSEWS CDE founder receives his first Lasalle bust 2
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
Nursing dean, hailed most oustanding admin Photo by Robert C. Dingcong Jr.
By John Dave P. Pido
GIVING BACK. VCAA Dr. Marie Therese Jochico gives CDE founder Br. Dante Jose Amisola FSC his first St. John Baptist de La Salle bust during the CDE night organized by OSA. By Roma Jane A. Hechanova
Brother Dante Jose Amisola FSC received his first St. John Baptist de La Salle bust during the Corps d’ Elite (CDE) Night at the Pavilion Hotel last March 8 for launching the first CDE program 15 years ago. Br. Dante, formerly a student leader and dean of the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), saw the need to acknowledge students who have rendered “invaluable service” to the Lasallian community. CDE, now on its Ruby year with the theme “First Among Equals”, is an annual awarding activity initiated by the OSA to recognize outstanding students and organizations in different fields. The College of Education was awarded the Outstanding Student Council, with Outstanding Governor June Carl Seran of the same college. CDE recognized Junior
Philippine Economics Society, under moderator Jean Lee Patindol, as this year’s Outstanding Academic Club, while Shawn Aldwin Ng from Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants is Outstanding Academic Club President. Kathlyn Mae Tiu from Engineering Society won as the Outstanding Special Interest Club President, Neil Ceasar Gumban as Outstanding Student in the Field of Student Service as a Leader, and Christine Thel Geollegue as Outstanding Student in the Field of Student Service as a Member. Lawrence Jolito grabbed the Outstanding Student in Community Service in the Field of Peace and Social Development award, while Aiza Monterroyo, the Outstanding Student in Community Service in the Field of Environmental Advocacy award. Jet Estefani, Pauline Angela Mabasa, and Achilles Aeson Anthony Baldevia prevailed among
others in the field of Performing Arts, Print Arts, and Visual Arts, respectively. Meanwhile, Alyanna Therese Pangilinan won as Young Lasallian Animator and Jose Antonio Caparas as Ministry Volunteer, both under the field of Catholic Spiritual Service. Joan Mae Lee and Rose Ann Valmayor won as Outstanding Student in Individual Sports and Team Sports, respectively. Students who excel in their respective fields are nominated by the different colleges and related offices; said nominees are then oriented and tasked to pass a bidbook as part of the preliminary screening which will determine the top five finalists per category. The final evaluation of the winners is comprised of three components, namely, the nominee’s ranking in Form A (involvement in activities), Form B (membership or leadership in
organizations), both of which are included in the bidbook, and, lastly, the panel interview. For the councils, the results are determined through the final panel interview alone; while for the clubs, they are judged based on 70 percent accreditation points and 30 percent interview score. Moreover, OSA also recognized four licensed teachers, namely, Alyssa Camille Salvio, Princess Elli, Anna Glaraga and Frances Tan for their exemplary service as volunteers of the new Special Education Learning Center at Brgy. Villamonte. OSA also named Br. Antolin Alcudia III FSC, Br. Joseph Daluz FSC, Br. John Tobias dela Cruz FSC and Br. Fernando Sanding FSC as Honorary Awardees for helping in the University’s “student formation and development”, according to OSA Student Activities Administrative Assistant May Anne Montaño.
College of Nursing (BSN) Dean Dr. Jocelyn May Flor Cadena was recognized as Most Outstanding Administrator at the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association’s (NOPSSCEA) Search for Most Outstanding Administrator, Academic Personnel, NonTeaching Personnel, Teachers and Students 2013-2014 last February 4 at the Sugarland Hotel. Cadena was among the four Lasallians who reaped awards in the said event, the others being Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student Alexandra Soledad as Most Outstanding Student, College of Engineering and Technology Secretary Nica Jean Solcoretis as Outstanding Non-Teaching Personnel, and University of St. La Salle-Integrated School Registrar Ma. Therese Tumbagahan as Outstanding Academic Personnel. Cadena said she had only a short time to compile all her documents required for the search because she was informed only a week before the deadline of requirements. “I had a little time to prepare but I was never discouraged because I am willing to give what is due to the university,” Cadena said.
Prior to the awarding ceremonies, the nominees were each interviewed last January 17. Cadena said that her exposure to several seminars and conferences gave her enough confidence to answer the questions of the interviewers adding that, “I also just have to be honest and true to myself.” “I am a very hard-working person and I take my job seriously,” Cadena said when asked about what made her stay long as a college dean. She also mentioned that as a leader, she is people-oriented but, at the same time, task-oriented. “I value my people but they should also value the work entrusted to them,” she said. Cadena said that being a Private Education Retirement Annuity Association (PERAA) and The Outstanding Mentor, Administrator, and Staff (THOMAS) Awardee last year gave her an edge in the competition. Moreover, the biggest challenge now for BSN is addressing the declining population of the college, according to Cadena. “We are doing our best in improving our curriculum and we are willing to apply whatever enhancements the administration will recommend,” she said. “However, [we] will never compromise quality with quantity. We are still strict with our retention policy,” she added.
By Ma. Angelica M. Ape
By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
For the 810 Lasallians signed up under the Project Supportthe-at-Risk Youth (STAY) as of January 2014, laziness topped as the reason for the incurrence of failures, according to an update by the Guidance and Evaluation Center (GEC). The update furthered that poor time management and difficulty with teachers ranked second and third, respectively, as main reasons for the incurrence of failures of the listed students. Among the other reasons included in the top 10 were poor study habits, irregular class schedule, inability to study effectively, difficulty of subjects, lack of focus, computer gaming addiction, and financial difficulty. Project STAY Coordinator Rebecca Lanes said GEC is planning to put up an online Strengths Finder test for the students to take so that they can be monitored and be given appropriate counseling depending on their needs. She said that “most students face problems internally and the strengths-finder-based approach will help them redirect their focus on what they can rather than what they cannot do.” Meanwhile, there are currently 30 faculty volunteer guides who give free tutorials to students on academic probation. “GEC is looking forward to have one faculty for five to six students when the project fully takes off,” Lanes said. The faculty volunteer guides, together with their
partner counselors, have underwent orientation and workshops on how to give the students academic support. However, failure to improve in grades despite the intervention does not guarantee the students’ stay in the University and will make them subjects for dismissal. The project was originally conceptualized to be one-yearlong but “the period cannot be definite since it has to be continuous and based on the students’ progress,” Lanes said. The GEC is working on “giving more seminarworkshops on practical behavior like time and stress management, and self-discipline to students,” according to Lanes. Project STAY started as an initiative of the GEC last 2010, serving as an intervention program for students on academic probation and those who have incurred at least 12 units of failures in a semester or a minimum of 18 units throughout their stay in the University. It aims to assist students in surpassing personal or academic challenges through programs like counseling, case conferencing, free tutorials and seminar-workshops for both faculty and students. The GEC coordinates with the Academic Standards Committee of the Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs composed of the college deans and the Registrar’s Office, which deliberates the students who should undergo the Project STAY program.
University of St. La Salle’s Balayan Social Development Office celebrated Social Awareness Month with the theme “Lessons from Yolanda: Moving on in Hope, Taking Responsibility” last February 21 to March 24. A photo exhibit last February 21 opened the said celebration, showcasing different photographs of the Yolanda aftermath by different photographers and students at the ICafe lobby. The celebration also included a multi-sectoral forum with Department of Science and Technology-Project Noah Chief Science Research Specialist Dr. Oscar Victor Lizardo as guest speaker, held at the University Coliseum last February 24. There were also exhibits on Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management along the ICafe and Library lobbies from February 27 to March 7; talk on climate change at Room 10 last February 26 and Students Post-Yolanda Forum at the Mutien-Marie Auditorium B last February 27. A total of 33 Lasallian artists also gathered and partook in the free Canvas Painting held at the University Quadrangle last February 24. The celebration culminated with the announcement of winners in the Digital Poster Making Contest held at the Cody Conference Hall-B last March 24. Ellamia Huilar won first place in the said competition, followed by Honnie Andal and Robert Dingcong Jr. as second and third placers, respectively. The event was in collaboration with Business Resource Center, Center of External Relations,
Photo by Roma Jane A. Hechanova
Laziness is top reason Balayan celebrates social awareness month for grade failures - GEC
PROMOTING INNOVATIONS. The winners and organizers for the Digital Poster Making Contest pose for a photo, in culmination of the Social Awareness Month.
Department of Computer Science, Intellectually Diversified Students’ Organization, Institute for Negros Development,
MassComm Society, National Service Training Program Office, Office of Student Affairs, and the University Student Government.
CAPC launches Summer Workshop 2014 By Kyzeah Coleen M. Tababa
The Artists’ Hub of the University of St. La Salle (USLS), formerly known as the St. La Salle Academy of Arts and Culture, is holding Summer Workshop 2014 from April 21 to May 17. The Artists’ Hub, instituted by USLS’ Culture and Arts Program Committee (CAPC), aims to discover and develop talents of young artists, encourage the expression of creativity in all ages, integrate life skills as part of the individual’s holistic development, and expose the community to different art forms, according to Project Director Tanya Lopez. The said program offers various courses, namely, Basic Hip-Hop, Contemporary Dance for Teens,
Creative Writing, Jazz for Kids, Karate Do Clinic, Theater for Kids, Painting, Teen Acting, Basic Visual Arts, and Piano, Violin, and Voice Lessons for both Kids and Teens. There are also lessons for Digital Photography, and Theater Improvisations in collaboration with Bacollywood. Meanwhile, CAPC’s The La Salle Chorale, Maskara Theater Ensemble (MTE), Jean Baptiste Dance Company (JBDC), Vivace, Grupo Letras y Figuras, and Production Support Group will also have their summer training in preparation for their performances next academic year. Furthermore, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ Ginhawa Theater Caravan, in
collaboration with the Institute for Negros Development, invited CAPC’s institutional clubs to perform in San Carlos, Negros Occidental on May 1 as part of the Bayanihan Challenge of Gawad Kalinga, while MTE is to perform on the typhoon Yolanda-affected areas in Negros. CAPC also celebrated the National Arts Month through various performances of its insitutional clubs last February, highlighted by The La Salle Chorale’s 25th anniversary concert themed “Green Turns Silver” held at the Santuario de La Salle last February 28, with the special participation of JBDC and MTE. Vivace serenaded while the Musikat dominated the
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 58 Number 1
University Forum during their shows “Harana” and “The Groove of R&B” last February 18 and 20, respectively, while Ritmo Verde presented “Cross Over” last February 25 at the University Coliseum. JBDC also staged “Flux: Journey of Man”, under Artistic Director Baldomero Defensor, at the Gallaga Theater last February 27, and March 4 to 5, for the benefit of Bahay Pag-asa. Moreover, CAPC also performed a musical act entitled “Regalo”, featuring all Lasallian artists of the said institutional organization for the benefit of the typhoon Yolanda victims, the street children from Banago, and the children from Bahay Pag-asa at the University Forum last December 5.
NSEWS USLS, Daegu U’s USG prexy to bring about ANIMO NATION 3
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
educators meet University of St. La Salle (USLS) boosts its connections with Daegu University (DU) through the Joint USLS - Daegu University Multi-Cultural Teacher Training Conference held at Santuario de La Salle last January 22. The conference’s main goal was to strengthen the cooperation between USLS and DU and to pave the way for plans of possible exchange and internship programs in DU for USLS College of Education (CEd) students majoring in Special Education and English. Twenty-two DU faculty members, 15 USLS CEd teachers, 10 school heads of cooperating schools, Department of Education officials, 22 USLS CEd studentleaders and 40 Korean studentvolunteers participated in the seminar. The representatives from USLS who discussed teacher-training and multi-cultural education in the Philippines were Assistant Vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Annabelle Balor with her presentation entitled “The USLS Curriculum Framework: A Pedagogical Approach” and CEd Dean Dr. John Cabalo who presented “The Making of a Teacher: The USLS College of Education Experience”.
The conference also featured DU College of Education Dean Seokhoi Yim who discussed his talk entitled “Recent Agenda of Teacher Education in Korea and Daegu University’s Leading College Projects for Teacher Education”. DU Professors Min Gun Kang and Byung-Doo Choi also conferred about their Daegu experience with their talks “Instruction of General System and Vision of English Education” and “International Migration and Transformation into Multicultural Society of East Asian Countries”, respectively, which were followed by an open forum. Moreover, Center for External Relations Director Rhoderick Samonte talked about embracing the multi-cultural approach. The conference ended with a student-faculty multi-cultural presentation featuring Korean and Filipino songs, dances and native games, with guests taken on a cultural tour around the city after the program. The Korean studentvolunteers stayed for four days to conduct immersion programs in partner communities such as Busog, Lusog, Talino efforts in the municipalities of Valladolid and Murcia, and in the cities of Silay and Bago.
Photo courtesy of The La Salle Yearbook
By Andrea Nicole G. Farol
DRIVEN BY SPIRIT. Executive President for AY 2014-2015 Neil Juntado pushes for student excellence catapulted by previous administrations’ strengths. By Roma Jane A. Hechanova
“This year we bring you ANIMO NATION,” said newly elected University Student Government (USG) president, when asked about his plans for Academic Year 2014-2015.
Neil Juntado, an incoming fifth year Liberal Arts and Commerce student and the former Secretary Liaison for Campus Clubs and Organizations, explained that ANIMO NATION is a combination of the themes from the two previous
adminstrations – Gerica Layola’s LASALLIANATION and Julio Espina’s ANIMOTION. “ANIMO NATION is the spirit that will bind all Lasallians for excellence,” Juntado said, adding that the USG intends to use the two previous adminstrations’
strengths and do more projects anchored on them. “For this year we will focus on SPIRIT,” he said, explaining that the acronym stands for “Synergy amongst clubs and councils, Promoting advocacy for community development, Igniting our Lasallianess through the belief in the mission and vision of our founder, Realizing more opportunities for student potentials, Innovations for a better Lasallianation, and Transaprency and accountability for proper management of resources.” Meanwhile, a total of 3,670 Lasallians voted during the general elections last February 27, with 850 from the College of Arts and Sciences, equivalent to 37.98 percent of the college’s student population; 1,554 from the College of Business and Accountancy or 42.08 percent; 463 from the College of Education or 80.10 percent; 579 from the College of Engineering and Technology or 66.71 percent; and 224 from the College of Nursing or 72.26 percent.
Lasallians are regional TOSP ’14, THOS finalists By Andrea Nicole G. Farol
Two Lasallians grabbed a spot in the 20 regional finalists of Western Visayas for the Ten Outstanding Students (TOSP) of the Philippines 2014. Political Science graduate and magna cum laude Alexandra Soledad, and Education graduate, magna cum laude and Alma Mater awardee Quennie Klaire
Elli represented the University in the search. Now on its 53rd year, TOSP aims to continue honoring outstanding students of the country who have embodied academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and sense of social responsibility anchored on moral values. The two had also initially bagged The Outstanding Student (THOS) Award during the 45th Grand
Awarding Ceremonies of the Junior Chamber International – Bacolod, Inc., also known as Bacolod Jaycees, at the La Consolacion College Social Hall last February 8. During the THOS awarding ceremony, Soledad took home four special awards, namely, Leadership Excellence, Outstanding Community Service Award, Best in Personal Legacy Essay Award and Best in Finalists’
Forum, while the Outstanding Talent Award went to Elli. Bacolod Jaycees, a leadershiptraining organization, created and organized the THOS awarding rite that recognizes excellent college and secondary level students in the province. Junior Chamber I Regatta Iloilo Charter President Elmer Usi served as the guest speaker of the THOS awarding event.
CEd is top 7th TEI; Elem major ranks 9th in LET
Photo courtesy of USLS AVRC
By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
MULTI-CULTURAL FELLOWSHIP. Korean students from Daegu University break the ice through presenting a dance number.
University of St. La Salle (USLS) College of Education (CEd) is named as the seventh top Teacher Education Institution (TEI) nationwide, with an average passing rate of 85% and an average 518 passers out of 610 takers, in a report released by Rappler last March 17. CEd Dean Dr. John Cabalo said that for category D of schools with an elementary education program, the college ranked sixth nationwide with a passing rate average of 87.61% and fifth place among other schools with a secondary education program with a passing rate average of 83.33%. The list was based on the results of the five-year study conducted
by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) which analyzed the 2009 to 2013 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) results of TEIs from all over the country. TEIs that qualify for the top ten posts should have at least 250 first-time takers for both elementary and secondary education programs, with each of them having a minimum of 80% passing rate. Nationwide, USLS is one of the 1,025 schools that offer an elementary education program and one of the 1,259 schools that offer a secondary education program included in the PBEd study. Meanwhile, Katrina Quelyn Lamboson claimed the 9th place in the Elementary-General
Education Level of the January 2014 LET, with 86.20% rating. She said she “felt like she haven’t even studied while taking the exam” despite the intense reviewing she has undergone. She added that having ranked the board “doesn’t really guarantee success at all if at the end of the day you don’t get to do what you are passionate to do.” Lamboson is just one among the 20 passers out of the 24 LET takers from CEd, with two passers out of three in the elementary education level and 18 passers out of 21 takers in the secondary education level. USLS elementary teachers have 66.67% national passing rate and 85.71% for secondary teachers. Meanwhile, 26 new Lasallian
nurses passed the Nursing Licensure Examinations out of 64 takers, incurring a national passing rate of 32.32%. USLS College of Nursing ranked second all over Negros Occidental, ranked sixth all over Region VI, and ranked third all over other La Salle schools, in the category of schools with less than 100 examinees. Meanwhile, 13 new engineers from USLS passed the March 2014 Electronics Engineering Board Exams with a passing rate of 56.52%, along with a national passing rate of 35.24%. On the other hand, the University has a passing rate of 71.43% and 65.12% national passing rate for Electronics Technician Board.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS ACADEMIC YEAR 2014 - 2015 President Vice-president Treasurer CBA Legislative
CAS Legislative Senator Senator Senator
Rivi-Anne Feria Johmeil Monsale Lady Lambayong College Council
Governor Vice-governor Secretary Treasurer
Patrick Nambatac John Ray Blance Patricia Villalon Mark Steven Mayo
Year Level Representatives Fourth Year Third Year Second Year
Dave Celo Anna Gatuslao Tony Alfred Carmona
Neil Juntado Veronica Te Lance Vincent Llamas
Senator Marc Eugene Cañal Senator Raphael Miguel Crisostomo Senator Cleth Dizon Senator Carmela Yasay College Council
Senator Senator
Governor Vice-governor Secretary Treasurer
Governor Kathleen Jane Salimbagat Vice-governor Jeanne Krizelle Mider Secretary Geno Deligero Treasurer Angelo Cachero
Neri Pahayupan Jay Camille Lacson Ma. Fahmel Sabio Joseph Allen Articulo
Year Level Representatives Fourth Year Third Year Second Year
Zarrah Catalan Ceasar Mabaquiao Adrian Olaran
CE&T Legislative
CEd Legislative Syralyn Hilaga Jasper Wayne Tremucha College Council
Year Level Representatives Fourth Year Third Year Second Year
Richmond Vicente Eliza Mae Cuesta Ma. Crystel Alsado
Senator Senator Senator Senator
Icelle Mae Abetong Kevyn Joyce Cañete Gia Erika Escamilla Florence Jumayao College Council
BSN Legislative Senator Senator Senator Senator
Frances Adrienne Guzon Mayumi Erika Hasegawa Dean Arthur Murillo Franrie Nifras College Council
Governor Jose Antonio Caparas Governor Vice-governor Jherson Colonia Vice-governor Secretary Nila Mae Apares Secretary Treasurer Kathlyn Mae Tiu Treasurer
Louise Patrizia Dizon Edgar Llera Jr. Kryssel Java Kizzette Coronel
Year Level Representatives Year Level Representatives Fifth Year Kurt Benedict Salva Fourth Year Chimee Marie Yanson Fourth Year Jo-Anne Camille Alba Third Year Noelbert Gumadlas Third Year Kirsten Aloquina Second Year Gerard Euraba Second Year Charlien Jacildo
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * April 2014
OPINION S
4
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
On taxes and piggybacks “When you don’t pay your taxes, you’re a burden to those who do.” Such was the statement of the BIR in its P108 million-worth ad campaign on income tax payments. But while the intention of the said bureau was to encourage tax payment, the general public had mixed interpretations on such ad. Notably, the medical community see it as insulting. The ad depicted a female school teacher carrying a female doctor on her shoulders EDITORIAL while showing that, amidst the doctor having earned greater income, the doctor has paid a significantly lower tax than the school teacher. Having been said, physicians see the ad as stereotyping them for being “tax cheats”. Nevertheless, while we appreciate the aggressive efforts of the BIR, we believe that matters on tax evasion should be dealt with individually and judicially, not generally through national media. Given that the campaign was indeed effective in making all tax evaders aware of their faults, it was still apparently biased. On the other hand, their shame campaign against “tax cheats” is also a call for every consumer to abide by the reminders the BIR has set, and that includes ensuring a receipt for every goods or service they avail. It provides a lesson for mere consumers to be aware as well. Also, the BIR should remember that their job is to ensure that income earners pay the right taxes, not shame them. We seek for stricter monitoring of tax filing and payments rather than posting ads, the payment of which could have been used to support the country’s priority projects, such as those relating to health, education, etc. Finally, the next step for BIR is to make sure the taxes don’t fall into the pockets of corrupt people. After all, while taxes may be the lifeblood of the government, taxpayers would not want to give up their hard-earned money for Napoles’ Louis Vuitton wheelchair.
THESPECTRUM F O U N D E D
1 9 5 6
www.thespectrum.ph | thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 58 NUMBER 1 *April 2014 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers and College Editors Guild of the Philippines
Coleen Edrea F. Ematong |Adely Grace V. Tomaro Editors-in-Chief Carl Mark A. Pat Managing Editor Newspaper Editors Patricia Mari M. Mijares| John Dave P. Pido Asst. Newspaper Editor Roma Jane A. Hechanova Magazine Editor Mark Harmon R. Magbanua Asst. Magazine Editor Patricia Marie M. Laporno Layout and Graphics Editor Ryan Ceazar B. Santua Asst. Layout and Graphics Editor Robert C. Dingcong Jr. Photos Editor Faith Joeleene J. Lacson Newspaper Writers Monica Louise Trinidad M. Cueto Maria Angelica M. Ape Andrea Nicole G. Farol Kyzeah Coleen M. Tababa Magazine Writers Katrina Trish C. Isiderio Krimlyn L. Lumawag Michael Albert M. Diy Charisse Erinn Flores Anthea P. Manayon Raniel C. Ponteras Filipino Writers Jisson C. Yalong Thalia B. Dela Cruz Online Writers Jireh Marielle C. Zaragoza RJ Nichole L. Ledesma Layout and Graphic Artists Robert Austin G. Salameda Aloe Danica B. Deala Photojournalist Ma. Henna A. Pilla Editorial Assistant Irene H. Severino Publication Moderator Jean Lee C. Patindol The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, thespectrum.usls@gmail.com. All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Media Corps. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.
Winter Wonderlands and Global Warming For some reason, when news about this 2014 polar vortex flooded the net, I didn’t know how to react. Among the first photos I saw was that of a frozen Lake Michigan, with the metropolis skyscrapers in the background. That, however, wasn’t the main course yet. Instead of being distraught by an article I read, I still managed to laugh upon knowing of an escaped prisoner in the U.S. going back in jail and a zoo polar bear staying indoors all because the weather outside was too cold to keep them safe. And only after having read of water thrown into the air turning into ice before it even reached the ground, I realized that I was not reading some fiction story. I was reading the online news—and I felt reality slap me hard. The polar vortex isn’t something new. It is originally a low pressure center occurring in the North Pole during the winter months where a huge circulating cold air is sprawling in the area. Parts of its tentacles can sometimes slip southward and bring cold outbreaks in the U.S., but it seems that we have been experiencing huge chunks of it this year. Yeah, we’re not from the U.S. but somehow the news of snow falling in Vietnam (where it has never snowed before) and frost damaging the crops in Benguet heightens my thinking of snow falling instead of raindrops out of my very own bedroom window one day. And who knows how immune I am to hypothermia. Still, there’s something to be more worried about. The cause of this polar vortex almost intruding parts of the world where it has never been before is worth considering. If you’re thinking that this extreme cold has nothing
Unbridled Patricia Mari M. Mijares patriciamarimijares@gmail.com
play of tug-of-war—and when she pulls, she pulls it hard, leaving humans to experience the extremes. Up until now, I’m still baffled of how fast the weather can change from cold rainy mornings (that make me regret of bringing my sweater to school) to scorching and humid afternoons (that make my hair stand on end). Somehow these weather disturbances have been tolerable but with winter-like cold welcoming 2014 as early as January, I can only give up on thinking how worse this could get in the future. People have taken measures to save the environment since we couldn’t remember—energy consumption advocacies, waste management, and personal environmental resolutions. Still, don’t the modern trends in the climate we experience make us question if we have done more than enough to divert the consequences? If we have done our part, how can we ensure that the collective efforts we contribute will really amount to a solution? With the height of modernization, it seems that the government is busy passing bills and resolutions for economic upgrade that it tends to forget that there is a battle for survival at stake. In that case, then, will we humans succeed in fighting against something as powerful as the forces of nature? Or is it proof that we need some divine intervention if worse comes to worse? So, if you’re wondering what’s up with the polar vortex going psycho, no, it isn’t the snow queen going mad. It’s Mother Nature playing with our fate—or more importantly, our future. And just in case you don’t know it, she likes to play it extreme.
It makes me think how vulnerable we humans are to Mother Nature’s play of tug-of-war... to do with the world warming up, then you’re wrong. The Scientific American explains that this polar vortex has been disrupted and is weakened due to the excessive melting of ice in the Arctic during the past few years. Just like how a figure skater weakens her spin and becomes wobbly when she puts her arms out, so does a polar vortex sidetracks when it is being weakened by excess heat radiated by oceans. With the earth warming up at an alarming rate nowadays, should we expect wider oceans leading to more disrupted polar vertices? It seems that winter wonderlands aren’t places to look forward to after all. I’m not planning of sounding like a scientific journal but science has very well taught us to somehow get a glimpse of the earth’s future environment. I used to think that global warming only brings excessive heat than the usual, but trends over the decade have shown how its effects can be more devastating. It makes me think how vulnerable we humans are to Mother Nature’s
If I Had a Death Note “To err is human, to forgive divine.” If Alexander Pope’s words were true, then I believe the human race is doomed. Just imagine approximately 7.154 billion people (United States Census Bureau, March 2014) and counting all sinning and not knowing how to fully pardon. Thinking about this, I realized that hoping for a utopian world is like wishing for stars to become fireflies in the water. So, I gave up on people, including myself. Instead, I started wondering if we were really born naturally good…or otherwise. With the significant crime rates in the world, especially in our country, I now find it quite easy to say that we were born the latter – evil. With unpredictable danger lurking in all possible places, who can say he is safe from the tinge of wickedness present in every human heart? I have witnessed how far a desperate man can go without feeling remorse one momentous evening. 11:30 p.m., June 10, 2013 – It was the first day of class for academic year 2013-2014 and yet, I went home late due to some schoolwork. While waiting for my father to pick me up, a man in his mid30s approached me. The lamppost beside the waiting shed where I sat expecting my father’s arrival was not working. The police outpost across was, as it had ironically always been, empty. Basically, there was only darkness, the man, and I. I smiled at the seemingly harmless stranger, but what I got in return was plain horror that haunted me every night since then.
Hushed Clichés Roma Jane A. Hechanova romajanehechanova@gmail.com
monthly crime rate in the country in 2012 was 18.9 (lower than the past three years, but still significant). Meaning, for every 100,000 people, there were about 19 recorded crimes per month, equivalent to about 18,278 out of 96.71 million Filipinos victimized per month, or a total of about 219,338 for the said year. The crime solution efficiency or “the percentage of solved cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by law enforcement agencies” then was 36.67, higher compared to the past three years. However, despite the improvement, “the efficiency remains low”, with only approximately 80,431 cases solved, and 138,906 unsolved. If I had a Death Note, I would trade half of my lifespan for Shinigami eyes and (probably) kill those law offenders like Light Yagami did. However, the remaining hope within me compels me to believe that there is still a chance for everyone to change, and for evil to be vanquished. Besides, we cannot fight off evil by being evil. When Light dreamed of making the world a better and safer place to live in, it only proved that he, too, was human. Who wouldn’t want that, anyway? But to think of himself as divine was his greatest mistake, for there is only one divine being who can pass judgment for our actions, and that is God. Pope was right. I erred when I said humans are evil. We are not (or at least, not completely). But it’s up to God to serve as the final arbiter of all the sinners in the world, not Light, and most certainly, not me.
...there is only one divine being who can pass judgment for our actions, and that is God. He suddenly gripped my right hand with his left, and held a cutter on the other. My unforeseen fear gave me away, compelling me not to fight back and just give him my cellular phone and bag. He ran away and even looked back, then mounted on a motorcycle parked about 50 meters away from me, leaving me alone and terrified. I know this is petty compared to all other cases of index (offenses against persons) and non-index (violations of special laws) crimes. But my point is, we would never know when danger would overtake us, nor what forces really impel these madmen to perpetrate such atrocity. Maybe their economic situation drives them to commit such. Maybe they only crave for attention. Or maybe they are simply evil. Whichever reason it is, they are still wrong. A crime is a crime no matter what its nature is. Besides, the ends do not always justify the means. Statistics from the Senate Planning Office published in June 2013 shows that the average
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 58 Number 1
OPINION S
5
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
The Pigs Pigged Out on Pork Curfew Blues This could have about Janet Lim Napoles and the controversial Pork Barrel Scam. If not about her, this could have been about the havoc wreaked by Typhoon Yolanda, or this could have been about Nanay Corita, an old farmer I met in a hacienda in Victorias City, and how she manages to stay alive with one (or two, if she gets lucky) meal each day. But, for some reason, I don’t know why I don’t feel like talking about them. I care about them. I just didn’t have the energy to actually keep track of all the lies that have been pestering the nation in the last couple of months, and the comic relief Filipinos derive from them. It’s frustrating enough to take on the role of a student and a campus writer, even more frustrating to be a young person trying to be as patriotic as she can possibly be and seeing her ideals slowly being crushed by political comedies bit by bit, bit by bit. Seriously, it’s not funny. When the news about the Pork Barrel Scam broke out, the first thing I thought about was, “What kind of student was Janet Lim Napoles? Was she the type who’d cheat on a test just to pass? The type who’d step on someone else’s toes just to get to the top?” Because if that’s how she was, then I’m safe. But if she’s the type who’d often be late and be absent, then I’m in big trouble. As college students, and as the young people of today’s generation, we hold the promise of a better future. It is around this time that we are being molded into the kind of person that we are meant to be. It is around this time that we are being equipped with the values and ideals we need in order to change the world we live in. Of course, it’d sound like we’re reaching for the stars here. But really, what’s a life if it’s not lived for a certain cause? What’s life without purpose?
Zero Gravity Coleen Edrea F. Ematong coleenedrea@gmail.com
admire her. Imagine, a hyperglycemic turns out to be a real-life Robinhood? But, that’s not the case. Madam Napoles hadn’t been busy helping people. She’d been busy spending the Nation’s funds on her daughter’s luxurious birthday celebrations. She’d been busy living the life, and somehow it annoys me because a million pesos could already change lives, a million pesos could already save lives. And yet, millions out of the Nation’s funds had fallen on the wrong hands and I wonder if that little kid I saw scavenging garbage bins as I jogged at the New Government Center during Christmas day would have had a happier Christmas had this nation been a nation of honest and unselfish people. I could laugh all I want at Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s attempt to impress everyone with his six-pack abs and his witty ‘I’m the sexy Senator of the Philippines’ punch line (seriously, that didn’t really sound sexy at all). I could amuse myself with the exchange between Senator Santiago and Senator Enrile but, when I can no longer laugh at the same joke over and over again and when things become more disgusting rather than amusing, I can only go back to my line of thought: what made Janet Lim Napoles? What made her what she is right now – a dishonest, conniving, and unpatriotic soul who, just like everyone else who’d face public trials in the history of the Philippines, seems to be sick and in danger of dying, too? Surely, she must have passed by the same crossroad that some of us might be arriving at soon, but which road did she take? What call did she make? And if you, who are reading this, are on the same road right now, where would you go? What would you want to be? Not another pig, I hope.
The idea of being good and spreading goodness in the hope it would tilt society somehow is enticing. It’s been years since I’ve first stepped on the tiled floors of this University. In the course of my stay, I have lost touch with my emotions countless times because it’s tiring to always feel rage, and disappointment. It’s tiring to always have opinions just because you feel like you are compelled to have one. I’ve lost my sense of self many, many times. And each time, I would always end up wondering what is there for me to look forward to. The idea of being good and spreading goodness in the hope it would tilt society somehow is enticing. And I wonder, what is Madam Napoles’ idea of goodness? Would it be, being able to provide the needs of her daughter which, by the way, include a leather-covered car and a lavish Beverly Hills California birthday party? Would it be, helping our dear senators get richer by stealing from public funds? I wonder. Had Napoles shown proof that she’d been supporting a certain orphanage or cause, had she been sending to school a thousand farmers’ children and building houses for the homeless, I would probably defend her from my own accusations. As a matter of fact, I’d probably
The Digital Era Goes Full Throttle In my life, there are three cardinal things that I’m absolutely scared of: blood, toenail surgery and the advent of robots taking over the world. And it’s bad enough I’m more likely to encounter the first two, but now, even the third one isn’t as impossible as it seems. Why, you ask? Because the digital era, or the computer age, is upon us and unlike the zombie apocalypse, it’s coming full throttle in a much more conspicuous manner too. But then again, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The digital era is characterized by a society surrounded by a highly-advanced technology that doesn’t just get work done quickly, but also more efficiently and conveniently than its industrial predecessor. The fact that we have laptops, smart phones and many high-profile devices at our disposal is one testament to how humanity has certainly gotten a long way since discovering fire. But one thing our ancestors probably didn’t anticipate is the eventual marriage of technology into the very fabric of our everyday lives. Think about it. Over the years, our race has done well in inventing various technologies that make life so much easier for us and the future generations. Sometimes, a little too easy it’s practically effortless. Let’s take the most common example nearly all students are familiar with: research assignments. When was the last time you actually turned to a dictionary or an encyclopedia for answers? Nowadays, it’s much faster to just type the query in Google and get the answer in an instant than to expel a huge amount of effort getting a book, flipping through pages and searching tediously for the answer amidst several compacted texts. Students would undermine research works and assignments, claiming that they could always just google the answers to them later. I’m not even convinced googling is an actual word. But hey, here’s a fun fact: it is. Also, do you recognize the words twerking, derp, phablet and selfie? These are some famous internet slang that have also made their official Oxford Dictionary online debuts! Society is trying to adapt to changing
Dely-syoso Adely Grace V. Tomaro adelygracetomaro@gmail.com
infiltration into our lives is our dependency on technology to do everything, even the most elementary of things, for us. The simplest example is perhaps the abuse of the calculator. It’s a wonder how even in simple computations like basic addition and subtraction, we need to use a calculator to solve for the answer when it isn’t so difficult to do it mentally. I’m honestly guilty of this and I’m sure many are as well. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, rather, it’s something to consider and reflect upon. We’re in the age where information, data or ease-of-access is just a type and click away but the evolution of the internet, the onset of new gadgets with better features, functions and applications and many other technological expansions are leading to the destruction of the human initiative to think critically or even with common sense. Sometimes, people ask the oddest questions in Google. They ask things like “what is left in tagalog?” or “what do you call the thing in the sky when it’s dark?” or even questions like “do unicorns actually exist?” These aren’t even difficult to answer and surely, if you put your brain to some good use, you’d be able to know what it is. This is where the scary thing comes in: what if we invented technology that catered to our every need, does all our chores, knows our jobs, schedules and directs our lives that we’d end up slaves to our own creations? That someday, we’d find ourselves so helpless without the aid of our electric walkers, stupid without our smartphones and worst, lost without our digital maps to tell us where we should go and what we should do. We should stop there before we get into the whole topic of robot domination lest I grow more paranoid than I already am. So what’s the bottom line to all of this? Technology is like the one ring to rule them all in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. It’s very pretty, decorative and even a lovely keepsake, but if we allow ourselves to be controlled by it, we will be sucked into a dark mindless state of incapability. So just because the coming of the digital era is inevitable, it doesn’t mean we should raise the white flag and succumb to colonization.
You could honestly do more productive things with your one-hour break than playing Flappy Bird until you develop the patience of a hermit monk. times and this includes updating the universally accepted vocabulary word bank. Some part of me wishes it involved words that were a little bit more respectable than derp or twerk, though. I mean, if I live to see the day when the world’s future leaders, speakers and inspiring folk make a difference, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to take it seriously if I find out that President Boyboy twerks for a cause on the National Throwback Thursday event. I’m not saying that these new words sound dumb (even though they kind of do), rather, I just think that they don’t contribute a significant value in making the society a smarter one. An adapting one, maybe. But is that really a good thing? The onset of the technological domination is also evident in the many lifestyles and habits of people. Take, for example, family gatherings. It’s pretty difficult to sit around the table and ignore the itching sensation of pulling out a cellphone and texting away until you’re finished eating. Another example is the time one spends during breaks between classes. You could honestly do more productive things with your one-hour break than playing Flappy Bird until you develop the patience of a hermit monk. Also, it’s a wonder how many of the WiFi ready areas in school are always jam-packed during lunch time with students balancing laptops on their knees or cellphones on their neck area. Friends are beside each other but sit, unspeaking, on the benches, too concentrated on updating their Instagram account with their latest vendo drink. Another testament to technology’s
My friends and I were out one night in one of the city’s most frequented places (during a night out) and we were all in high spirits. Just like any traditional barkada activity, we found ourselves drinking our weights in booze and laughing the night away. One of my friends asked me to accompany him to the men’s room and since I felt that nature was calling me, I went with him. After feeling like the whole world was lifted off my shoulders, I went out of the reeking comfort room with a sense of relief. Someone happened to walk just a few inches from where I was standing and he kept on walking like he didn’t see me. He bumped into me and heck, we almost kissed (since he looked up looking nothing short of shocked)! Aside from scuffing my kicks (I was wearing Jordans for Pete’s sake), he gave me the inspiration for this issue’s topic. That kid, Mark Harmon R. Magbanua who bumped markharmonmagbanua@gmail.com into me that evening, also happened to be a minor. By definition, minors are those kids under the age of 18 (21 in other countries). The first thing that popped into my head was, “Daaaang, this kid is like 16 years old. What’s he doing in a place like this? Shouldn’t he be snoozing away in his race car-themed bed or something?” He was with his other friends who were all well below the age requirement to be sipping down bottle after bottle of beer. The sad thing was, both girls and boys were out partying when they all should be getting a good night’s rest. They were such in a perilous environment, I mean, what if they got kidnapped or something? Isn’t there a curfew that should be imposed on these little rascals? Just the other month, I heard that someone got stabbed near Art District again. Not too long ago also, some poor fellow lost his life in another incident involving bladed weapons. I know those people involved in those two happenings were not m i n o r s anymore but we can never really rule out the possibility of minors getting into those kinds of trouble. Imagine a 15-year-old kid pointing a gun at another 15-year-old just because the other one was “stealing” his girl. Now that would be downright maniacal. If that will make the headlines, I’m sure the whole nation will be in an uproar. So, in response to the tragedy in Art District, the city of Bacolod implemented a curfew for minors starting 10 p.m. The Bacolod City Police Office said that they will strictly implement City Ordinance No. 331-2003 or the curfew ordinance, since some crimes in the city have been linked with minors. Personally, I think this is a very wise decision of the local government. This is only to prevent minors from getting involved in crimes and other heinous acts that this city’s underworld has to offer. The police also deployed a handful of officers in Art District and other frequented night out spots around the city to uphold peace and ordinance. When my friends learned about the so-called curfew, finding someone who was with the curfew ordinance was harder than finding a LeBron James fan in Cleveland. All the Bacolod people I knew started tweeting about how stupid the curfew was and why it should be abolished and just everything against it. The funny thing was, most of the people who were against the curfew ordinance, were minors. It made me giggle a bit just looking at all the irony that was on my timeline. There was even one kid who blamed the guy who got stabbed in Art District because his birthday plan got ruined. Well, news flash kiddo, that guy died and he won’t be celebrating another birthday, while you, you still have a couple more birthdays to celebrate before you even turn 18. So what if the curfew was not there? I could just imagine the streets teeming with underage kids who don’t have a clue as to what the real world is (as if I have a clue). These kids might get into a barfight, might get drunk then get raped, and worse, get shot or stabbed. It would be very hard for a parent to have to bury his or her own child. The curfew ordinance was implemented to avert those kinds of situations. It was put up for the betterment of this city. I’m not just saying that because I am already over the minimum age requirement (I feel old). I’m saying that because I don’t want to receive any more news of people losing their lives over a silly old barfight. I don’t want to hear about someone getting shot again. Those kinds of news are always heartbreaking. To the kids that are really affected by the curfew ordinance, keep calm and know that it’s for your own good. Obey the law and stay indoors after 10 p.m. Stay in school because landing a decent job is a lot better than being a cool dude drinking booze every weekend. Your life is important; don’t lose it just because you don’t want to lose your pride during a fight. And to the guys who were in the incidents in Art District, know that my prayers go to you. Heck, we all pray for you. Stay safe.
Marksterrific
I think this is a very wise decision of the local government. This is only to prevent minors from getting involved in crimes and other heinous acts that this city’s underworld has to offer.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * April 2014
FEATURE S
6
THE PECTRUM
The Great Trailblazer
The Fox Says “Sup?
By Jisson C. Yalong
Photo taken from Internet
By Mark Harmon R. Magbanua
“What does the fox say? Hateehatee-hatee ho!” The unintelligible lyrics of that particular song have been blasting on the speakers and earphones of the entire world for quite some time now. Kids roam the corridors singing along to it, complete with the weird dance move the artist made. The song is as catchy as the animal it describes. So, thanks to the impeccable imagination of Ylvis, the topic for this issue’s Ecobox has come to fruition. The fennec fox, or Vulpes zerda, is the smallest of all the world’s foxes. It only measures around 12 inches and weighs about three pounds, but its ears are huge, measuring over six inches. Hailing all the way from the Sahara and in some parts of North Africa, the fennec fox is a wonder to behold. Its huge, batlike ears help in keeping it cool by radiating body heat, thus enabling it to survive in the hot environment of the Sahara. Another factor ensuring its survival in extreme weather conditions is its nocturnal habit. It tends to hunt at night, staring at the ground and rotating its head to identify the location of its prey. It is usually carnivorous, devouring anything of the flesh, such as rodents and birds. An amazing thing about the fennec fox is its reputation to be domesticated. Many fennecs make wonderful exotic pets. Some people would describe them as
a combination of both a cat and dog, although proper care for them should not be like any other kind of domesticated animal. Precautions must be undertaken to ensure that they will not harm humans. Fennecs are as playful and energetic as your canine friends, yet they can also be as mysterious as your household cat. They can also be trained like dogs. They can be familiarized with their own name, and they can be taught how to sit, roll over, and fetch. Basically, the fennec is like any ordinary household pet, save for the fact that it is exotic and requires a little bit more effort to try and keep. The fennec fox typically has a lifespan of at least 14 years if kept in captivity. When they are nine months old, they reach sexual maturity. Fennec foxes are not necessarily on the verge of extinction, based on the readings on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, with a classification of “Least Concern.” However, they are still the apples of the eyes of many people, for their fur is prized by the natives of the Sahara. The fennec foxes are usually trapped to be sold to the pet trade, since some of the populace demands for exotic pets. So there you go. The fox you have been making fun of is now under the spotlight for this issue’s Ecobox. Maybe half of the readers of this article will want a fennec after this. But all jokes aside, what does the fox really say? #MINDBLOWN.
APRIL 2014
Even today, the ever-immortal Supremo of the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), Andres Bonifacio, is remembered as one of the bravest men that left a mark in Philippine history. With a bolo in hand and a revolver on his side-pocket, he spearheaded the Philippine Revolution against the oppresive Spanish Government. With every slash of his blade and shot from his gun in the numerous battles that he fought and won for his beloved Philippines, all he was aiming for was the independence that every Filipino deserved. His runand-shoot offense impeded many operations of the Spaniards that branded him as one of the greatest threats to the colonizers. But eventually, his death was initiated by his own countrymen, and the main reason was jealousy. Even today, the Philippines is struggling against a variety of dilemmas. Though it was already freed from the domination of worldwide powers, it is now facing its most complex enemy – its people. Almost half of the population of the country experiences poverty and millions of others suffered in the hands of natural calamities that hit the country last year. If Bonifacio were still alive, would his bolo have saved hungry stomachs and given alms to the poor and the afflicted? Would he
Art by Robert C. Dingcong, Jr.
have changed the landscape of the whole archipelago using his tactics, army and artillery? His greatness withstood the pressure of liberating an oppressed country, clashing against the enemy even though he was outgunned and outnumbered, using only his astuteness. He was unstoppable, and unquestionably, he could have still done it today if given the chance to help the country overcome the dilemmas
that plague it. The weapons and soldiers would not have any use to aid the concerns and disputes of his countrymen, but his valor, cunning mind, the impulse to serve and his love for his motherland could have greatly changed the fate of the Philippines. He would have been an impressive leader and a good example to others. The gallantry that resided in his heart would
have fought against corruption and other forms of tyranny in his nation. He would not have allowed anybody to handicap any of his citizens through any means and would solemnly oppose it. He would have served as the voice of the voiceless, the beaming light of his people amidst the darkness. Even though others may come and abuse his altruistic approach, he probably would not care because all he wants to is pour all of his blood, sweat and tears for the people he gives importance to. He disregarded fame and the chance of becoming the first president of the Philippines and only highlighted his number one task: to free his people. He didn’t need all those titles and recognitions to justify how much he has done to free the Filipinos from their 333-year bondage from Spain. He didn’t just swing his bolo to kill his foes, he was also a remarkable frontrunner of his army and without his strategies, all the famed Katipunan feats would have never been attained. As of now, the republic greatly needs a leader like him, someone with a passionate heart that seeks to serve others, and a self-effacing attitude that could reform the degrading face of the country. If he were still alive, what could he have done to free the Filipino people once again, this time, from their own folly?
Museo launches “Colors on Fire” by JP Yulo By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
“At first glance, the photos were blurred and distorted, I almost set them on fire.” Such were the words jokingly said by the artist on the two-series photo exhibit of fireworks and dancers’ dresses themed “Colors on Fire” by JP Yulo at the Museo Negrense De La Salle last October 14 to November 3. The photographs, taken at slow shutter speed, were classified into two series according to theme, namely, the Pyro Nova Series and the Fabricated Strokes Series. The Pyro Nova featured eight
photographs of fireworks taken at Bago City during the “Lights of Bago” fireworks display, while Fabricated Strokes consists of seven abstract photos of Bhutan ritual dancers’ dresses. Yulo said that the Fabricated Strokes Series was a product of “playing around with the twirling fabrics, probably out of boredom more than anything else”, adding, “The outcome blew me away.” He said that abstract photography was “refreshing to the eyes if not to the senses” and is a genre that is not widespread, different from the travel photos he took as a travel photographer.
According to him, travel photography “is somewhat straightforward”, contrary to abstract photography in which he is “mesmerized listening to different people share their varied takes on the photos”, adding, “You let them enter into an entirely different realm.” A photographer for almost 13 years, Yulo is an alumnus of La Salle High School Batch ’88, a product of the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging’s Institute of Photography and a Travel Photography Safaris of Gunther Deichmann participant since 2009. For him, a good photograph
is “any photo that can stir one’s soul”, and what sets his photos apart from others is that “they are unaltered, due to not knowing how to use Photoshop.” Yulo said that one of his proudest moments as a photographer was taking pictures of poor Indian kids who never had their photos taken before, adding, “Knowing that I was able to brighten up their lives in such a way, even just for a fleeting moment, made me feel fulfilled.” He added that aspiring photographers should “strive to take good shots, but strive harder to become good persons.”
Museo exhibits Montelibano’s ‘Sorry for the Inconvenience’ By Patricia Mari M. Mijares
“Why do you need to apologize when in fact you are improving something for the people?” This was the thoughtprovoking question raised by the artist referring to the signs seen in construction areas which inspired the title for his exhibit. A feeling of uneasiness dominates the room as 12 warped videos are simultaneously played in 6 projections in a video exhibit entitled “Sorry for the Inconvenience” by Manny Montelibano at Museo Negrense De La Salle, February 27 to March 27. The exhibit featured a compilation of videos of talking influential people both foreign and local like Adolf Hitler, Kris Aquino, Pope Benedict, Mahatma Gandhi and Bill Clinton, among others. All these black-and-white videos were distorted in a way
that there was echo in the sound and delay in the visuals, creating a confusing and repetitive atmosphere. Montelibano initially went to reviewing videos in YouTube and came across the homily of a priest, noticing his use of theatrics in influencing his listeners. He said the compilation of these influencing elements into one place will put one in a state of confusion. Montelibano said that the exhibit is a representation of humanity’s current situation where there are too many happenings all at the same time that people seem unsure of what they really want. He said that “almost everybody wants to be successful but don’t really know how to”, which just shows that “we are now confused than ever before”. The featured people were not labeled as either good or bad but were “mere sources of inspiration
Photos taken from Internet
for the exhibit”, he added. An Economics graduate, Montelibano is a media artist who focuses his works on the psychology of current social, political, economic and religious structures. His works have been renowned
both locally and internationally, exhibited in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and Museo De Iloilo, and also in countries like Seoul, South Korea, Spain, Germany and France, among others.
He is also a film and stage director, editor and technical specialist and is currently working for the University of St. La Salle Culture and Arts Program Committee and this is his first time to launch a video installation exhibit at the museum.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 58 Number 1
He encourages students to come and see the exhibit in order to be reflective of the flashed videos and the atmosphere it creates, adding, “These exhibitions will keep you grounded on where you are right now.”
FEATURE S
7
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014 MOVIE REVIEW
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Photos taken from Internet
By Adely Grace V. Tomaro
Nelson Mandela is perhaps one of the greatest people to walk the face of the Earth. To the public, he was a freedom fighter, a moral compass and a symbol of the struggle for anti-apartheid. To those who knew him best,
it’s almost impeccable timing that on the year of his death, a film based on his life was also scheduled for release. Idris Elba plays the titular role of Nelson Mandela in the movie Long Walk to Freedom which was based off of Mandela’s autobiography of the same name.
he was their beloved Madiba, an inspiration at most. So when he died at the age of 95 last 2013, it wasn’t just South Africa that mourned for its former president, but the entire world also grieved the loss of a truly admirable man. Amidst all the tributes offered,
The movie is a two-hour long journey through Mandela’s youthful days, early adulthood and then to his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island before becoming the President of South Africa. It is a two-hour long treat of both stunning storytelling and great acting that brought the
life of the iconic figure to screen. But! The otherwise wonderful movie fell short of one essential thing: depth. The problem with biopic movies such as the aformentioned is that they’re either too deep that it leaves you emotionally scarred, or they’re so far off the mark that it’s pitiful. Long Walk to Freedom lies somewhere in between. Director Justin Chadwick (from The Other Boleyn Girl) had all the right cards. He had Idris Elba and Naomie Harris (who played Mandela’s wife, Winnie) in his cast list, for crying out loud. The storytelling, charmed with snippets from real uprisings in Africa and real events in history, was beautiful and haunting. Even the script was thoughtevoking and meaningful enough to make grown men cry. But despite a powerhouse cast, great presentation and other for-the-win elements, Long Walk to Freedom only scratched such a shallow surface of Mandela’s struggle for freedom that it gets nary a tear from its viewers. You’d have to watch Invictus (starring Morgan
Freeman) in order to reintroduce yourself to Nelson Mandela’s true greatness. Perhaps the biggest mistake the movie made is downplaying the hostile environment in South Africa during that time. It focused too much on Mandela’s transition from being an activist to being a prisoner and then to being president rather than providing ample screen time for anything else. There are brief instances when the emotions of viewers are hooked. Take for example Mandela seeing his daughter for the first time in 15 years. The scene was touching enough to bring life back into the otherwise dry film but, as quickly as the story introduced the father-daughter relationship, it was just as quick to take it away. Talk about leaving people hanging. Nevertheless, shortcomings aside, Long Walk to Freedom can be a great movie for those who’d prefer to watch Nelson Mandela’s life unfold in a less emotionally crippling manner. For those who’d want something better, then wait in line.
BOOK REVIEW
After the death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, all of his works and possessions were kept and preserved – all except one: a lost diary, said to contain the mysteries and secrets behind the sudden death and resurrection of Sherlock Holmes and his creator’s life during that eight year hiatus. Now, the Sherlockian world is shaken when the fabled diary is discovered, only to have its founder murdered and the artifact itself, stolen. Harold White, a newly inducted member of the prestigious Baker Street Irregulars, finds himself in danger when he is given the duty to retrieve the diary. Using his vast knowledge
on Sherlockian lore, Harold must race against time before the coveted diary falls into the wrong hands. His adventure, however, soon turns into something much more dangerous when he is caught in a web of deceit and conspiracy, and the thin line between his allies and enemies can no longer be distinguished. In the end, Harold finds out that the world of Sherlock Holmes is far from elementary. The Sherlockian excelled in its theme and plot unraveling just as greatly as it failed in its structure and overall impact. In all fairness, Graham Moore was able to come up with a story that was good enough to pay homage to the legacy of Conan Doyle.
Unfortunately, Moore wasn’t able to construct and write his story engagingly enough to actually make the book a worthy sequel to the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes and his creator. Although the story was presented in amusing intervals between Harold White and Arthur Conan Doyle’s points-of-view, its exposition was draggy, with events happening so far apart from each other you might as well just skip some of the pages and still not have missed anything important. The characters in the book are the greatest disappointments. Harold White, much as Moore wanted to portray him as a clever and heroic protagonist, ends up sounding like a pitiful bookworm who has just gotten out of his house for the first
time. Other minor characters, such as Sarah Lindsey, Harold’s love interest, and Sebastian Doyle, the fictional descendant of Arthur Conan Doyle, appeared merely as flat characters with no depth whatsoever. However, M o o r e ’ s portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle and Bram Stoker, and their friendship and interactions, are notably witty and endearing, making up for the chemistry that the main characters of the main story plot lacked. Although the Sherlockian is not at par with novels of its own
Illustration by Katrina Trish C. Isiderio
THE SHERLOCKIAN
By Katrina Trish C. Isiderio
genre, it cannot be denied that it is a good, if not great read, entertaining enough to catch people’s attentions and musings, but all in all, a rather elementary novel.
The Copy-Paste Generation Much has been said about plagiarism in the past with the rise of related scandals in the senate, from that of Sotto’s and Cayetano’s. The year 2012 caused a huge uproar, resulting to a newfound public awareness due to the media’s wide coverage and emphasis on the issue. But until now, plagiarism continues to flourish in student culture, and is seemingly an indelible stain
among the youth. Students do not plagiarize because they want to appear smart or well-versed through their thieved research papers. They do not copy-paste passages because they lack the necessary writing tools to come up with their own. They do so, instead, because it is an easy means of escape when deadlines are fast approaching and the pile of work remains stagnant. Or most of the time, students plagiarize simply because
PLAGIARIST
Illustration by Aloe Danica B. Deala
By RJ Nichole A. Ledesma
of laziness and complete disregard and apathy towards school work. Today’s generation is one that is full of spoon-fed, Google dependent minds so used to easing through responsibilities, may it be academic or not, through the use of technology. Students need not strain their eyes on seeking for musky books. All they have to do is type a keyword, and thousands of possible readings would pop up waiting to be clicked open—and copied. Information is, at last, at the tips of everybody’s fingers, but instead of being used as an advantage, it adversely affected most of today’s youth’s way of thinking and work ethic. It made them lazier, and even more demanding individuals. Through this act of completely turning over the burden of work through plagiarizing sources from the Internet, one’s ability to think critically and express thoughts effectively is lost in the process. And such values are, at its core, the main goal of writing activities. Plagiarism within the campus is not easy to obliterate since it has, at some level, become the norm. Students are seemingly oblivious
of the gravity of their mistake, but this should not be taken lightly. Plagiarism is a crime against someone’s intellectual rights, and is governed under Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The law, if violated, can get one imprisoned for up to six years. In the school setting, plagiarism is explicitly discussed in chapter 9.6 of the Student Handbook under Academic and Intellectual Dishonesty. Most students’ knowledge about the concept of plagiarism is very superficial. When asked what plagiarism means to her, an Education student said, “It is when you copy essays or reaction papers word-by-word.” But plagiarism is not only concerned with the theft of words but more importantly of concepts and ideas. According to the book Plagiarism: A Student’s Guide to Recognizing It and Avoiding It by C. Barnbaum, there are five major types of plagiarism, namely, Copy-Paste, Word Switch, Style, Metaphor, and Idea Plagiarism. The most common type of
plagiarism is by way of copypasting, said Barnbaum. It is when a person copies the source article verbatim without citing the necessary attribution. Word Switch Plagiarism, on the other hand, is when one creates a mosaic of words from different sources, picking chunks of ideas in one source and juxtaposing it to another. Some may think that they are already spared of violation if they add their own introduction or by simply rephrasing an article’s ideas, but it is always best to stick to citing sources. This also includes the manipulation of certain data or facts that could mislead readers. Style Plagiarism is when one copies a source sentenceby-sentence, subtly lifting all its content paragraph by paragraph, even though none of these sentences are alike or even in the same order. Instead, this implies theft of the author’s reasoning style. Metaphors are literary devices that make a concept even clearer and understandable. It is a process of illustration, one that captures complex ideas through its association with simpler objects.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * April 2014
This can as well be thieved giving way to the third type, Metaphor Plagiarism. If one cannot make his own unique metaphor, it is best to avoid it all together. The book clearly states that “if the author of the source article expresses a creative idea or suggests a solution to a problem, the idea or solution must be clearly attributed to the author.” This relates to another type of plagiarism called Idea Plagiarism. Statistics, researches, quotations and other products of an individual’s intellectual construction are best presented by acknowledging their author. Some students may also confuse such ideas to Public Domain Information. These are factual information accessible to all, and no need for attribution is necessary for such. The construction of words is an indestructible monument of the human mind and intellect. Words are a universal medium for the creation of countless ideas that could, at once, shake the earth and start revolutions. What then is the act of stealing the words of others but a mere laughable display of human idiocy?
OPINION S
8
THE PECTRUM
Empty Gestures Philippine social media went crazy in 2013. Highlighted by our economic growth spurt, the Bohol earthquake, the siege of Zamboanga, the victory of Manny Pacquiao, the silver medal finish of Gilas Pilipinas, the infamous Pork Barrel Scam, the reign of our Filipina beauty queens, and the devastation of typhoon Yolanda, the previous year was a big buffet of trending topics that Pinoy netizens feasted upon. An endless stream of photos, likes, shares, status updates, tweets and blogs kept Philippine social media actively buzzing throughout the year that was. Through the use of various social media, we expressed to the whole world our sentiments, opinions and complaints on the things that happened around us. Likewise, it was a way for us to ask for help in order to alleviate the pitiful Ceejay T. Urbano conditions of some of our fellowmen. We also called for unity using various social networks to raise awareness and enforce action to solve the problems engulfing the Philippines. This overwhelming volume of social media activities were deemed to make things better. Yes, there were some who proved to be useful in helping our nation bounce back but most of them were just empty gestures in trying to help our country. As Lasallians, we should not content ourselves with social media activity. It is not enough for us to simply post a status or tweet something in order to “help” when there’s a calamity. Communication and awareness will not solve problems. Concrete action and active involvement will. Why don’t we logout, get up on our feet and actually start doing something? There’s this post I saw from the Philippine Red Cross that says “Hindi nakakain ang like at share. Magdonate ng Php 20 para sa mga biktima ng typhoon Yolanda.” When my eyes flashed upon these words, I began to realize a lot of important things on how we are actually helping our poor brothers and sisters out there. Did I actually do something when the Bohol earthquake happened, aside from tweeting about it? Did I actually bring assistance to those who were wounded in Zamboanga when I posted a status update about it on my timeline? Did I actually contribute in the fight against corruption by sharing a picture of Janet Lim Napoles, edited to make her look like a pig? I guess I didn’t. There are ways in which we can integrate our social media activity with actual actions. It doesn’t require much resources or massive spending to help. Only our time, volunteerism, and desire to help are needed. As true Lasallians embodying the value of communion in mission, it wouldn’t be too hard on our part. First, participate in the activities and outreach programs set by our school to help those who were affected by the various tragedies. I know it seems like the most cliché suggestion out there but, hey, it’s the simplest yet the most effective way to help. Not all of us have that capacity to create something new to help others but all of us can contribute, even in little ways, in the activities initiated by others, such as our school. It wouldn’t hurt to volunteer an hour of our breaks to pack relief goods right? If we can’t give money or goods, at least we can give our services to make sure that help is indeed given. We might be active in social media sites, posting all of these photos and tweeting all these hashtags yet, in reality, we are not doing anything to help. Some of us are just social media hypocrites, fronting a face of concern. Second, use social media to call for action. If there are no activities or outlets available in your community to help, be innovative and create something new! The classic example is the Million People March which started as a simple status update in Facebook. The Million People March combined social media and practical action. The people behind the march did not only make the people aware but also stirred the society to act, go out, and gather as one nation sick of corruption. Learn how to use social media to get social participation. Lastly, post to inspire others to help and do not just tell others that you helped. I know that some of us can’t really resist posting selfies and tweets that we’re lifting a huge box of relief goods or wearing an advocacy shirt. There’s nothing wrong about that but why limit yourself? Use social media to the fullest by using it as a channel of inspiration. Post pictures of what really happened or write a blog about the real stories of the survivors. Use your account to help others see the reality, not only about you doing something. I hope that as Lasallians, we will be able to truly contribute in helping our kababayans even through social media. Let us go beyond the concept of posting something and letting people know. I say, let people act, let the nation act. It is only through the actual works of our hands that we are able to help others aside from giving them our resources. I am not undermining the importance of social media in nation building but I am pointing out the essence of action and initiative over simple awareness. Our leaders are aware of the problems we face as a nation yet nothing is being done to solve them. It is up to us, the new generation, to take arms and act for our country. It is time for the youngbloods to make the most out of the technology given to us. With the proper use of the growing power of social media, the Lasallian youth can indeed create an impact to make the Philippines a better Philippines.
Lasallian Core
...we can integrate our social media activity with actual actions.
*Urbano, an incoming third year Accountancy student, is a former newspaper writer of The Spectrum
APRIL 2014
Justice for the Underwater Antagonists A couple of weeks ago I watched a film entitled Sharkwater in my Environmental Science class. You might be thinking that this is another suspense movie about sharks killing off some humans only to be defeated in the end or something along that area, but no. This is a documentary that wants to convey the idea that sharks are not the monsters that media has actually pegged them to be. They are nothing like that at all. The existence of sharks go way back, long before the earth ran amok with humans. They have survived under conditions that killed off many other species including dinosaurs. They are the reigning predators of the sea and now are being hunted into extinction. (If such is the case, why should you care about a bunch of sharks?) There have been accounts of them killing people and inflicting injuries to unsuspecting victims. And in fact, sighting them around a coastal area could close down a beach. In some cases, shark casualties happen when humans on their surfboards are mistaken as seals. On other accounts, sharks also tend to bite people out of curiosity but that happens very rarely. Here’s something you might not know: more people are killed by falling coconuts than sharks. On average, 150 deaths per year are caused by falling coconuts. That’s 30 times more than shark attacks.
Psycho-Pat Patricia Marie A. Laporno patriciamarielaporno@gmail.com
truth is shark fins have absolutely no flavor and no nutritional value. Yet, they are so high in demand (making millions in the market) because of the speculation that they have the ability to cure cancer for allegedly never having been inflicted with the disease. This has been proven wrong as the cause of a number of shark deaths is in fact cancer. Despite this, the hunting of sharks still continue. There are only a very few movements trying to save sharks with very little government intervention. After all, who would want to side with the underwater bully? The problem here is that people have a hard time digesting the idea that a villain might not be a villain after all. Unless of course, if you’re the Wicked Witch of the West and you have a hit Broadway musical about you. Nevertheless, we must let go of this ridiculous stereotyping because, believe it or not, without sharks, many of the more adaptive and resilient marine creatures would not be here today. Sharks may not be as sweet as a puppy or as visually appealing as a basket of kittens but people have no right to label them without even trying to understand them. We always preach about not judging a book by its cover, so why shouldn’t this philosophy apply to sharks as well? Why shouldn’t they be given a chance?
...but people have no right to label them without even trying to understand them.
Pssstt! Yes, you na mga gwapitos and wafafas! Me Sugar is back! Hihi. Before that muna, imma congrachulate you first my palalab Lasallians! Bonggels, finally you survived na from another school year, especially my junaks who made martsa last March 23! Momma Sugar’s proud, graduates! And for those who will stay, anotha chapter of yer college lives will be open soon—but before that, halooooow summah! Hotta! Hotta! Pero ari ho, delayed naman kuno liwat the functioning of our newlyinstalled aircon units under the TES system kay nagkaproblemo sa import of materials from Hawaii! Yan oh, bongga ka day! I eavesdropped lang gid students nga reklamadorsss, like, kadugay gid yah kuno makatilaw aircon ang ila kalag, like, no aircon experience since birth? Warlalooo! Taray niyo friends, like, patience lang bala! And hopefully the school will keep its pramis naman for it to be done na by summer. Noh? Ga-hot na gid ko daan. I’m so bilib of my friendlets who have summer class gd ja and will still, like, go to school while some are making patawhay in their vacation grande. Sige lang bala guys, don’t pakalittle your summers. Ga pay kamo sina bala! But, antes ko mag-leave sa mylab La Salle I heard a lot of angals from the students about the tuition fee increase, like, “If ga-Yolanda lang tani sang pilak, reasonable man ang policy. But mygahd, as in for real gid yah? I’m subscribing pa naman tani sa ‘education for the poor’
Coconut trees are a common sight here in the Philippines but you don’t see people walking around in helmets on a daily basis, right? Sharks are not ruthless monsters. They just happen to be built with the strength of making a good kill. In reality, they are shy and misunderstood creatures that may be more afraid of you than you are of them. Their senses are so strong that they can detect energy and tend to view humans as a threat. Think about it. If humans were naturally on a shark’s diet, we would be hunted down continuously to much greater rates. But that isn’t the case. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Sharks are currently being overexploited for their fins. Allow me to shed some light on this issue. The
Face Slap
Sugar Says Sugar
thespectrum.usls@gmail.com
delayed ang payment?” Nan, mga amo na bala nga rants ang ma-hear ko haw. Istress! Pero palalabs keep cool lang bala danay. Dahleeengs you stop ranting and check out bala the front page news and start educating yourselves! We are hoping man for the admin to make proper dissemination to justify such increase. You won’t like it bala if parents will make sulong here ha. So. We. Need. An. Explanation. Ayambot Darla ah! Oh kag huo galeeeh! Isn’t there, like, the policy of our D.O.’s not to make pasulod of my gerls wearing micro mini iskirts? Galing so many many gid iya gihapon those strutting like models pa sa hallways... like, halller? Fashion police, bi. Ay ka lerkyyy! And this pa oh, the guards are playing dedma pa, like, some make sulod, while others harangan gid ya from entering the campus. I heard one day a student complained, “Ngaa ako ya nadakpan pero damo man gani japon mas lip-ot pa gid ang ginasuksok!” Sorry gerl, I’m not boto with you wearing short iskirt too, pero tani fair lang bala ang pag-make entry sa iskul. Ano ini ang pagpaseksi nga indi madakpan—pa chamba chamba? Sorry sa pavongga effort mo te, better luck next time! Che! O cge na mga junak. Asta lang ta di anay. You make behave na of yourselves. Don’t make upset na kay Sugar or else you will not escape my ka-echosan. Do gid bala something bad kag questionable, kay dahhleeeng pierde ka, ako “Kiber!”. Are we clurrr on dat? *puppy face*
...you stop ranting and check out bala the front page news and start educating yourselves!
After several months of making langoy-langoy from the shores of Guimaras Strait, going back to mah pinalangga home La Salle on foot (yeah, that accounts for mah recurring arthritis), your Madam Spice is soooo back and intact! Hihi I was sunbathing at Bora when Yolanda made her grand entrance. Everybody was like grabe, in panic here, panic there, panic everywhere that nobody made bulig me. *pouts* I was lost, but now I’m found! In gratitude kay naka-survive si manenay, nagpinky-pramis me with mah sarili that I, as a Lasallian will give back and bulig the needy. The moment I reached the University, na-touch aketch when I saw big trucks with lots of relief goods packed by mah baby Lasallians to be delivered sa mga syudad in the province. Even though I was soooo kapoy and haggarda-versoza na, yours truly made upod in the relief operations pa! The trip to Lakawon Island (riding in a pumpboat) felt like impyerno to me. Mi corazon literally made lumpat-lumpat from my dughan! Giddiness – I thought I was gonna be dedo finally! But enough with mah kaartehan. When I saw our needy brothers and sisters all making siksikan to see our arrival like we were artistas, my heart hurt, and I realized I had feelings, too! Seeing them huddled together in their no-bubong nipa huts surrounded by felled coconut trees, made mah precious luha
program sang La Salle, but now I make duda na, like, ‘yung totoo te? How about you make kayod for the tuition? And huwaw there’s this installment fee pa gid of 200 hundred pesos every time mag pay ka in installment and not in full? Well, siguro reasonable man magmake sukot sila this kay in case ma-short ang school moneh kag ma apply loan, it needs man gid pambayad for the interest sa bank. Perooow huwait lang gid bala anay. Why gid ja bala dapat fixed nga may 200 paysos gid ja, as in bsi too big naman gid ni sha yah as installment fee? I. Need. An. Explanation. Kag not only that ha, may penalty fee pa gid to those who fail to pay on due dates as indicated in their promissory notes? Like, huwaaat? The reason gani why ga-get promissory ang eschudents kay indi sila gani maka-pay on time, teh how much more na lang gid ja kung ma patong pa sila one hundred paysos per week nga
Hushtag #Inlab Spice Spills Spice
thespectrum.usls@gmail.com
would be about. Ha! CAPS LOCK gd ya? So, I expect the next AY to be way grander, ha. Kadaku pa naman sang expectations sng mga baby Lasallians ko, kag I’m sure kadamo gd sang dapat niyo i-prove! So, push niyo lang iyan friends! I am just making pangamuyo that whatever idea that you promised will not remain forever as idealistic things ha. Take for example The Dream Project bala. They make the abstract dreams concrete. Take note: a Lasallian made this all posible! Our school SUPER supports this endeavor, too…so, I layket en I lavet! Through these inspiring people (the Filipino Youth Imagineers), I learned that dreaming is libre, but working for your dreams will cost you a lot of courage and hard work. I mean, it pays for you to be brave enough and take the risk to follow your bituing nagniningning, right? So, mah dear BB Lasalistas, when you think your dream is imposible, do not just give up. Have courage and work hard for it one step at a time. You cannot simply dream today, and expect to reach it by tomorrow, right? Ano ‘yun? Agad-agad? Getch? O, siya, siya. This is enough drama-rama. I’m off to somewhere pa, to make dul-ong the three beloved Lasalle brothers who visited our school! Who knows, one of them might finally realize that he is the real love of my life! Hush, hush. Spice is in-lab!
...dreaming is libre, but working for your dreams will cost you a lot of courage and hard work. tulo from mah eyes, and I remembered that I haven’t cried since Heath Ledger died. Nevertheless, aketch went back to USLS with mah matam-is na yuhom painted all over mah gwafa na tsura. I was sooo proud of mah BBs (and of course, me-self) who made pakita with all humility, the core values that every Lasallian must embody. And mind you, the Operasyon Yolanda has not yet ended. Our school is still making bulig the calamity-stricken in rebuilding their balays and kabuhis. *clap clap* St. La Salle would be proud! Anyways, gina look forward ko na ang summer activities and the programs that the new set of USG officers made plano for us. Hmm…I wonder what the ANIMO NATION
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 58 Number 1
UNIVERSITY S
9
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
LASALLIANS SPEAK
Compiled by Kyzeah Coleen M. Tababa and Ma. Angelica M. Ape| Photos by Ryan Ceazar B. Santua, Ma. Henna A. Pilla and RJ Nichole L. Ledesma
What are your expectations from the new set of USG officers?
“I am looking forward to an honest and responsible leadership. I am also hoping to see what they promised during the election that ‘students should have a voice and not just an imaginary one’.” –Tony Alfred Carmona, AB1B
“I am expecting them to be responsible leaders and not the ones who are just after the position. I hope there will be necessary actions in the implementation of their platform.” – Daryl Montehermoso, AB1B
“I am expecting the new set of USG officers to be better than the previous batches. I hope to see transparency in them as leaders, coordination of clubs and speed of information. Improvement and continuity of the previous activities and additional programs in which students could participate would be nice.” – Neil-G Mamon, BSPS1A
“I hope they would use the budget wisely and improve the Wi-Fi system. I also hope they would be approachable because not all students know them.” – Elgie Cabarubias, ENEC2A “There should be improvement of activities and timely updates in their Facebook page because there is lack of information, specifically under special circumstances like in the dissemenating of last-minute announcements.” – Nalyn Villanueva, CO1H
“In the implementation of stricter dress code, they should be role models. I hope there would be more activities and there would be no more contributions of Gatorade from the students.” – Jovelyn Oligo, CO1B “I hope they would realize their promises and also improve information dissemination.” – Mary Magdalene Bonda, BE1A
inday eksena's "movies" ”
How is PNOY’s administration so far? “His manner of managing is so vague that he’s not aware of the little details that need to be focused on.” – Mariel Alingalan, BSPS3A “He did a lot, but not much after the typhoons, earthquakes and other issues that the Philippines had encountered.” –Star Lois Bulaclac, BE1A
“For me, it seems like he did nothing great to change our country.” – Airalyn Pugoy, CO1F
“There had been improvements on the establishments here in the Philippines and in the status of our economy.”
“It is giving both the parents and the students a lot of pressure especially now that our economy is unstable. Let’s just hope that it would increase the quality of education that we receive.” – Eireem Belle Temana, ABPS1B
“It is quite unfair because there are some who are not financially stable. Also, others have financial priorities other than their tuition fees.” – Clyde Prudente, ENEC1A
“It is really important that students should be aware of the increase. For example, some didn’t even know about the CGEAT fee, which were added to the expenses. I hope those learning facilities and programs that are not really necessary would not be included in order to reduce the expenses that the students shoulder.” –Gabrielle Anne Tahum, AB1A
– Jose Francis Lim, ENCH1A
“The administration is okay though his works were not really publicized enough, that is why a lot of people are currently questioning whether he did his duties or not.” –
“It would always depend on their basis for the increase. If they would use it for something really favorable for the students and would be of help to their learning, then I guess the increase would be worth it.” – Carl Buyco,
Gracelle Castillon, ABID2A
ENEC1A
“He only lifted our hopes with regards to his promises.”
“I’m a bit disappointed because nowadays, it is difficult to raise money. It would be better if we really see how the money is spent.”
–Francheska Exaltado, BSMA2B
– Ariel Caldit Jr., BEEN3
What can you say about the proposed tuition fee increase? “It actually sounds a bit weird. The increase shouldn’t be that much and they should inform the students of the reasons for such.” – Stephanie Tang, COMA3C “I am dismayed of the tuition increase because I am uncertain that the benefits of the increase will go back to us, students.”– Jayralie Plame, CO2J
“It’s okay with me because I think it’s time to return the favor to our Lasallian teachers for what they gave us.” – Noelbert Gumadlas, ENEC2A
“Our parents find it difficult to pay our previous tuition fee, how much more now that it has increased?” – Ivy Jocsing, CO1L
“I am in favor of the tuition fee increase because it is essential so that La Salle could give us quality education.” – Nicole Ligason, ABCO2B
BbTL's "CHILL" ”
BbTL's "TRAvelling" ”
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * April 2014
UNIVERSITY S
10
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
COLLEGE BEATS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES By Maria Angelica M. Ape
The College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) new set of council officers for academic year (AY) 2014-2015 pushes for “Artians Domination: The Green Blooded Revolution” for the next AY. The CAS Artians is to be led by newly elected governor Patrick Nambatac. The rest of the council are as follows: Vice Governor John Ray Blance; Secretary Patricia Villalon; Treasurer John Steven Mayo; CAS Senators Rivi-Anne Feria, Lady Lehi Lambayong, and Johmeil Monsale; Fourth Year Batch Representative Dave Celo; Third Year Batch Representative Anna Bernadette Gatuslao; and Second Year Batch Representative Tony Alfred Carmona. The college took home the coveted Animo Grand Cup awarded during the Corps d’ Elite held at the Pavillion Hotel last March 8. “With this year’s theme [Artians Domination: The Green Blooded Revolution], it’s about time to maximize the potentials and bring out the best in every Artian. Although two of the major population of the college [Information Technology and Computer Science] will be transferred to the College of Engineering, every Artian will still expect a fun-filled and exciting year,” Nambatac said.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION By Kyzeah Coleen M. Tababa
activity last September 19, was turned over to the college’s seven clubs in celebration of the Educator’s Week, last March 14. Also, representatives from the five majoring courses of CEd formulated and assessed test questions for the elimination round of the 8th provincial-wide Quiz High Competition hosted by ABS-CBN. “We are assessing the competency of the questions before passing it to the DepEd, by letting faculty with expertise on each subject check on the legitimacy and credibility of the questions made and we are also checking on the College of Arts and Science for validation,” CEd Quiz High Coordinator Lovella Divinagracia said.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING By Andrea Nicole G. Farol
The College of Engineering and Technology (CE&T) geared up for the Engineering Night, known as “E-Night”, last March 21. E-Night was the outgoing CE&T council’s last project as the officers’ terms have ended, and served as the culminating activity for the college for academic year 2013-2104. “Being the governor made me realize my strengths and weaknesses and I’m very thankful to everyone who helped. I wish that the next set of council [officers] will continue what we have started and I wish all the best for my beloved college,” CE&T Governor Jake Pisueña said.
COLLEGE OF NURSING By Monica Louise Trinidad M. Cueto
College of Education (CEd) froze the moment as 390 Lasallians attended the tribute party for the CEd seniors themed “Frozen: Clad in Cool and Class” held at the L’ Fisher La Proa last March 14. Meanwhile, the Eskwela sa Kalsada “sCOOLbox” Project, funded by the proceeds from the “Teachers on the Move: Zumba for a Cause”
Former Third Year Batch Representative and newly elected Senator Frances Guzon acknowledges the College of Nursing (BSN) council’s efforts as a team despite difficulties that they surpassed during the academic year (AY) 2013-2014.
JUMPS TUITION... from page 1
SAP for all students, are planned to increase. No increase is proposed for other fees, except for the payment of student ID, which is proposed to increase from P200 to P250, and the college catalogue, from P90 to P155, both only for freshmen and transferees. Other BSN fees change Moreover, the proposal includes changes in other fees exclusive to BSN students, namely, fees for clinical instruction, clinical affiliation, and special out-oftown assignment. Clinical instruction fee for first year BSN students is proposed to decrease from P3,840.05 and P1,920.02 to P3,237.75 and P1,618.90 for second semester and summer, respectively. However, said fees are mostly to increase for BSN students in the higher level. The clinical instruction fee is planned to increase from P11,520.07 to P11,655.85 for both first and second semesters, for second year students; and from P11,797.39 and P20,322.25 to P15,441.50 and P27,396.20 for first and second semesters, respectively, for fourth year students. The clinical instruction fee for third year BSN students is set to increase from P14,400.08 to P16,651.20 for first semester and from P11,520.07 to P12,488.40 1,572...
from page 1
of Education (CEd), with BS Secondary Education (SE) Major in English having the most graduates numbering 27; seven graduates each of BS SE Major in Mathematics and BS SE Major in Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health; 10 graduates of BS SE Major in Physical Science; 15 graduates of BS SE Major in Social Science; 19 graduates of BS Elementary Education (EE) Major in General Education; and 20 graduates of BS EE Major in Special Education. For the College of Engineering and Technology (CE&T), there were a total of 159 graduates, with BS Electronics and Communications Engineering having the most graduates,
Guzon pointed out the effectiveness of their collaborative work as a small population which garnered them third place during the 2014 Animolympics Cheering Competition. “I am proud to have lived up to the crucial role of being a batch representative through widespread information dissemination and facilitation during activities such as Sportsfest, and the like,” Guzon said. Having a new set of elected officers for AY 2014-2015, Guzon foresees a better and stronger college. Furthermore, Guzon’s plans for the college for the next AY includes successfully carrying out the duties of an officer, implementing laws and resolutions that would cater to the welfare of the BSN students, and allowing the opportunity to consider the Nursing students’ opinion.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY By Kyzeah Coleen M. Tababa
College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) will initiate a fundraising activity starting June 2014 for the materialization of the C-B-A 60: Construct-Balay-At-60 project in line with its 60th-year anniversary. The project aims to construct a yellow house for a family in the adopted Gawad Kalinga (GK) Dulao Community through fundraising initiated by the CBA Council, students, alumni and Institutional Community Extension Program (ICEP). Also, the college celebrated CBA week with activities such as the “Race to 8finity, CBA at 60” Fun Run, Commerce students’ forum, CBA mayors’ recognition and talent show, bingo games, and CBA night culminating activity. CBA council also put up a booth during the second semester of academic year 2013-2014 and conducted outreach programs from November 2013 to February 2014 to help the typhoon Yolanda victims.
USLS...
from page 1
for second semester; however, a decrease from P3,840.02 to P2,775.20 for summer is proposed. For clinical affiliation fee, only that for the third year BSN students is proposed to increase from P992 to P1,492, both for first and second semester, and from P423.60 to P760.40 for summer. Special out-of-town assignment fee is proposed to increase from P652.50 to P1,085.25 for both first and second semester for all BSN students, and another P1,705.10 is to be paid by third year BSN students for summer. Reasons for the increase According to the presentation of Vice-chancellor for Finance Dr. Jocelyn Aragon in the first dialogue, the proposed increase is based on the “inflation rate, the increase in the governmentmandated employer’s share to legal benefits such as Pag-IBIG and Social Security System, the increase in operating expenses due to inflation cost, and priority projects for next academic year”. BSN, in particular, has had higher tuition fee increase rates in the past years but has a lower proposed rate compared to the other undergraduate colleges because of its small population, Aragon said. She explained that the CHED mandates that 70 percent of the tuition fee increase must go to numbering 80; 39 graduates of BS Chemical Engineering; 23 graduates of Computer Engineering; 16 graduates of Materials Engineering; and one graduate of Associate in Computer Engineering Technology. The College of Nursing (BSN) had a total of 147 graduates of BS Nursing. BS Psychology graduate Keiko Mizuno topped the Academic Honors list as summa cum laude, along with the 14 magna cum laude and 44 cum laude totaling to 59 candidates for degree honors, while a total of 39 graduates were recipients of the Academic Achievement Award. BSN has 13 graduates with Latin honors along with three Academic Achievement awardees; CAS, 17 graduates with Latin
salaries and wages and related labor of all employees. According to BSN Clinical Supervisor Mary Beth Diva, the increase in the other fees exclusive to BSN students, particularly the special out-of-town assignment fee, is caused by the decrease of the student enrollment in the said college when salary rates have remained the same. She also said BSN “charges additional fees for travel allowances, night differentials, and affiliation fees with hospitals, among others.” Furthermore, Vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Marie Therese Jochico said the proceeds from the proposed increase will be allocated to the increase in operating expenses due to inflation cost, salaries and benefits as mandated by CHED, priority projects identified during the annual planning process and the budget hearings, and program developments.
of tuition fees and settlement of promissory notes to avoid the huge gap in the school’s money collection so that the administration would not have to draw loans from the bank which charges interest. She added that this also explains why there are penalty charges for those who made promissory notes but failed to pay on the due date with an additional of P100 for every additional week of delay after the given deadline.
Installment fee and penalty fee In the second dialogue, Aragon explained that the installment fee being proposed for implementation next AY is different from the penalty charge, adding that the former is for those who pay their tuition in installments, while the latter is for those who fail to pay their promissory notes on time. According to Aragon, the University enforces strict payment
Proposed increase in L-Week/ Sportsfest fees According to Jochico, it was proposed that the Lasallian Week/ Sportsfest fees be increased from P75 to P100 during the budget hearing with the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), and would go directly to the University Student Government depository managed by OSA. Aragon added that the increase was proposed since the Varsity Sports Office could no longer subsidize P200,000 for sports development or activities because it also experienced budget deficit due to increase in the compensation for coaches. Eighteen out of 24 who are present agreed with the proposal. The documents pertaining to the proposed increase were submitted to CHED on April 1, and Jochico said that students can approach the administration for additional clarifications.
honors and 11 awardees; CBA, 18 graduates with Latin honors and 11 awardees; CEd, 10 graduates with Latin honors and 10 awardees; and CE&T, one graduate with Latin honors and four awardees. Meanwhile, St. La Salle Awardee Rodolfo Quevenco encourages the graduates to “dream big, work hard, give back and give often” in his commencement address via video during the graduation. Quevenco, a Class ’73 alumnus, finished with a degree in BA Mass Communications and was the content presentor of the International Atomic Energy Agency team which won the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize. The St. La Salle Award is given to outstanding alumni who serve
as role models to fellow Lasallians and live up the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle. On the other hand, Negros Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc., was awarded the Signum La Sallianum Award, in recognition of its many projects and activities for the community. Also recognized in the program were the 81 recipients of the Alma Mater Award for having enrolled in the institution since first grade in elementary school. University PresidentChancellor Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC conferred the degrees, together with the pastoral blessing of His Excellency Bishop Vicente Navarra DD of the Diocese of Bacolod, and the pledge of loyalty led by current Alumni Association Vice President Daniel Lim.
She added that even though parents consider the new center farther than the previous one, “they really try to bring their children to school and they became motivated to do simple initiatives like sweeping the yard,” adding, “The students are also way happier now that they have a bigger space to play and move around.” The funding for the renovation of the center, which costs approximately Php30,000, was spearheaded by the USLS Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) and the renovation was facilitated by the General Services and Engineering Services under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration (VCA), including the repainting, repair and clearing of the unused space. The conceptualization of building a SPED Center was originally started by the CEd’s Special Education Advocates for Learning (SEAL) club moderator Cherry Biaco in 2010. The establishment of the center offered a venue for the SPED majors to do their practicum teaching by coordinating with the local officials of Brgy. Villamonte who “willingly offered a space in its barangay hall,” Elli said. TWO...
from page 1
Sarmiento said that through MishMash, he would like to point out “the fact that people like to add other people [in social networking sites] even if they are not really personally connected with them.” Sarmiento said MishMash was not his initial plan and in fact “a very rushed, last-minute idea”; instead, he first thought of joining the Enterprise/Small Business Solutions, Education, Not for Profit category by mapping all the jeepney routes in the Philippines. He admitted that, 10 days before the competition, he “scrapped all the jeepney routes idea and decided to shift” to his current category because he thought “it was more interesting”. As for the graphic design, Kit said she tried her best to match it with Google through the color scheme, and even came up with their own mascots “to engage the people to watch and play”.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 58 Number 1
She added that the “success of the project met their mission to provide education to children with special needs who belong to the lower strata of the society.” The center also corresponds to Section 21 of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which states that there should be a “provision of day care services for disabled persons of preschool age”. There are currently seven students enrolled in the learning center which holds classes from Mondays to Thursdays per week and is facilitated by four teachers namely, Alyssa Camille Salvio, Anna Marika Glaraga and Frances Aimee Tan, along with Elli. University President Br. Raymundo Suplido FSC, who was also present in the MOAsigning, said that “this project is right along the history line of La Salle who started educating children.” He added that “those who get the least in life should get the most from the government”, and thus expressed his gratitude to the council members of Brgy. Villamonte who “also viewed this project as a priority.” Meanwhile, Villamonte Brgy. Captain Friday Solinap hopes that “the project will serve as a benchmark for other barangays in Bacolod City to pursue such facility”. Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Marie Therese Jochico said the University plans “to clone their success” through Project Stimulus, “a campaign to nurture creativity and innovation through boot camps, capstone projects, and the like for students”, for which the prize money will be used. She added that the University will hold competitions “hopefully starting next academic year” that “will try to emulate the situation” that Sarmineto and Kit experienced, saying that it will “further strengthen the IT students’ capabilities”. Out of the 434 teams worldwide that participated in the GCDC 2013, MishMash won together with 11 other teams, one for each of the two categories from the six regions, namely, India, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, South East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and United States, Europe and the Rest of the World.
SPORTS S
11
THE PECTRUM
APRIL 2014
Photo by Faith Joeleene J. Lacson
Tsinelas Hoops
ONE-ON-ONE. The youth pass the time by engaging in one of the most widely-played sports in the world. By Mark Harmon R. Magbanua
NBA superstars are treated like gods. The glitz and the glamour all come with being a basketball player. They get shoe deals, commercials, and practically everything. If you’re a basketball junkie and you make it big, expect all of that and more. But beneath all the fame and the attention that the superstars of today’s basketball world get, there is one side that not everyone gets to notice. Somewhere in a subdivision here in Bacolod City, basketball is considered more than just a game, particularly by Anjo*, a pedicab driver in his early 20’s. “I started playing basketball when I was about seven. Some of my friends invited me to play so I did. I got better at it as time went by,” he recalls. He shares that his usual routine would include driving his pedicab during daytime and when it was nearing dusk, he would go play basketball in the local court. He says that some of the people, those who are old enough who actually saw Fernando Poe Jr. back in his heyday, there engage in some sort of basketball gambling, where players form teams and each player would bet a certain amount. The amount that a team gathered must be equal to the amount of the other team’s. Whoever wins the game gets the bet of the other team, thus making each player of the winning team
gain twice the original amount he bet. “That’s how the cookie crumbles in my home court,” he says. While NBA players wear complete basketball gear, players in Anjo’s court wear mismatched jerseys, rugged basketball shorts, and slippers. “If they have Nike Hyperdunks and Air Jordans over in America, we have Hyper Spartans and Airlanders here,” Benjie*, a teammate and long -time friend of Anjo, shares. If the latest basketball technology is used by the ballers in America, here, one would normally see slippers flying around the court because of the fast paced action. Sometimes, players don’t even wear any footwear. And if the gear of local basketball players is enough to make you chuckle, wait until you see the ball they’re using. More often than not, their ball is either half-deflated or halfdeformed because of too much punishment with the pick-up games. “We don’t really mind, as long as it bounces, we’re good,” Benjie explains. In their version of basketball, sometimes it’s not just about who wins or loses. There is money at stake, and most of the time, it’s a large amount of money, especially if it involves interbarangay basketball competitions. “From time to time, some people from the neighboring subdivisions pay visits to our court to try and
take on whatever we have,” Anjo says. He shares that these people usually come in groups of five, just enough to have a lineup on the court. They would then bet huge amounts of cash against the local players, sometimes the bets reach Php 3000. That is where the violence of local basketball starts, or from here on now, shall be termed as Tsinelas Hoops. The money at stake forces players to be more aggressive and violent towards their opponents. “Who wouldn’t be violent? You know the guy on the other team wants that money as bad as you do. You just have to want it even more,” Anjo shares his experience. Elbows are thrown everywhere, jerseys are being held, knees bang against knees, they’re all part of the game in Tsinelas Hoops. And the referees don’t even call fouls at times. “No blood, no foul.” These referees are not even qualified to do high stake games. They are just random people chosen by the players to officiate the game. They are then paid a certain amount for their “services” rendered. “If the referee is one of your own, you know you have a good chance of winning the game because the calls go your way, but if they’re one of them, you know you’re in for a rough game,” Benjie says. In Tsinelas Hoops, the referees usually get blamed for the defeat of a team. Players get mad for uncalled fouls,
Sugarlandia Kicks Again, and Again often calling the games a “set up,” claiming that the referees get paid an amount by the other team for making them win. And that is when fights break out. “We beat this one team by a huge margin. After the game, when we were about to claim our prize, this guy refused to give their bet because they were complaining about the refs. One of my guys insisted and soon after they exchanged words, one of their guys started throwing punches! It went downhill after that!” Anjo tells the story. “One of the bystanders called the police!” Luckily for Anjo, he managed to run before the police came. His friends were not that lucky though. Some of them got caught and served minor time in the pit. Their charges? Disturbing the peace. “That experience alone was totally insane! I tried to stay away from high stake basketball games after that,” he says. And he did stay away. It’s been a while since he last played in any basketball game with a bet on the line. He still plays basketball, but only for fun and exercise. “There’s more to life than just basketball. I can earn money elsewhere; I don’t want to risk my life just because some guy doesn’t want to pay up.” He admits that he still hears stories of fights breaking out because of high stake basketball games. He’s just glad that he’s out of that world now. “I just hope those guys out there, still balling, know what they’re getting themselves into. I hope they’ll take care of themselves.” Beneath all the bright lights and media attention the NBA is getting, Tsinelas Hoops is a phenomenon that is pretty much alive. It is something the world must open its eyes to. Basketball is a way of life to these individuals, in fact, so much that they would get into fist fights and serve time in jail just for that. Basketball is one of the greatest sports ever invented, but there is a side to it that not everybody knows. Indeed, to these people, basketball is more than just a game because at the end of the day, what matters more is who has the bigger amount of money. Just hope and pray nobody gets stabbed or shot. Time to put your money where your mouth is! *not his real name
Photo by Lê Trong Båo
Not Just a Ball in Hand
Name: Daryl Anthony Endona Age: 21 years old Sports: Basketball Course: AB Interdisciplinary Studies
timeout Monica Louise M. Cueto “Modesty and faultless faith in God above anything else.” Such were the genuine words from a brave man. When compared to Kobe Bryant, the Laker Legend might as well accept his lack of humility and
kneel before another athlete with an unwavering fighting spirit and passion. Who is Daryl Anthony Endona? A Lasallian asking that question maybe deemed as oblivious to the surroundings of the University. The proper query might be, who doesn’t know the center and power forward of the USLS Stingers Basketball Team? Determined, empathetic, passionate and God-fearing, Daryl has shown marvelous strengths and ignored his weaknesses as he provides the Stingers with the needed skills and flawless abilities in the basketball court. Despite the stress and agitation during game days, he never fails to sustain his gentleman-like manners and modesty in the process of eyeing the gold. Daryl’s infectious ambition and great intuition collaborated with the inspiration and hard work from his teammates and team manager Rhoderick Samonte, and merited the Stingers two winning sets against West Negros University Mustangs last semester.
Even with all those wins, Daryl has three more other obligations to fulfill- first, his responsibilities as a student; second, his role in the family as a son; and, lastly, his eagerness to earn for himself as a determined businessman. If you know him as a Stinger, you’ll recognize him more as Mr. “Puto Man” strolling along the corridors with his encouraging grin and entering offices as casually as he wants. Mostly, his hands are obviously full with a box of fresh siomai, half a kilo of wrapped Manapla puto and some other sweets that are readily available for sale. With this trademark role, Daryl is known around the campus as the busy Stinger. What started as a fund-raising project initiated by the Stingers’ manager has progressed into a personal business that Daryl sees crucial for his financial support. Student, athlete and entrepreneur – it dawns on the student entrepreneur that he is no superman. “The hardest part of it all is the events that make
up my daily routine: a tiresome morning practice followed by a class I cannot thoroughly focus on because of my weariness, and the ‘money-making’ only comes as an option that I try to continue despite a heavy schedule,” the star athlete narrates. A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies this coming October, Daryl is humbly inspired by the people responsible for his upbringing, his parents. He recalls that he had his fair share of ups and downs in the course of his endeavors as an all-around guy, but whatever the matters may have been, his parents are never far from supporting him with inspiration, advice and their unconditional love. What he considers as the greatest game he has ever played as a Stinger, is being a poor man, a farmer and a student athlete all at the same time. Rich in love, family, friends and career, overall, he is one lucky guy.
Surely, Negros is not all about sugar. For decades, the country’s sugar haven has produced some of the country’s most outstanding football players who did not only make waves locally, but globally. A number of provinces are constantly trying to equal this feat, but the Sugarlandia remains unbeatable. To start it all off, let’s look back on Negros’ rich football history. The first Filipino to have played in the European Football Circuit is actually a Bacolodnon. Manuel Amechazurra, who was also known as the “Adventurer”, joined Barcelona Football Club (FC) from 1905 to 1915 and defended its colors in 137 games. Amechazurra left the streets of Bacolod and went all the way to Europe in search for greener pastures. There, he managed to survive by using his “diskarte”. Reportedly, he taught his teammates English in exchange PIDO-PHILIA of financial help. From that time on, Negrenses began maximizing their potentials by taking John Dave P. Pido johndavepido@gmail.com spots on national football teams. Eduard Sacapaño, a goalkeeper from Bago city, Tating Pasilan, a striker from San Carlos City, and Joshua Beloya, also a striker from Bacolod, have put Negros in the country’s football map. Sacapaño became a part of the Philippine National Football Team in 2006 and is most known for playing against the Los Angeles Galaxy and CF Internacional de Madrid. On the other hand, Pasilan plays as a striker and is currently the team captain of Green Archers United in the United Football League. He made history on the international scene after qualifying in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup qualifiers in Iloilo and the Association of South East Asian Nations Football Federation qualifiers in Cambodia both in 2008. Meanwhile, Filipino-American Beloya is among the province’s new football heroes. He moved to Bacolod and joined CeresNegros FC. He was also named the tournament’s best striker after scoring 15 goals! Because of the Negrenses’ passion for the sport, the Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) came to life. NOFA, a province-based association working under PFF was formed not only to compete but also to become the training ground of Negrenses who have tremendous potentials in the sport. By having quality athletes and an association to further improve them, the country’s sugarbowl indeed knows how to remain in the limelight. Probably NOFA’s most unforgettable victory was proving its greatest rival, Iloilo, wrong in claiming that the it’s the Philippine’s Football Capital by resoundingly winning against the Ilonggo Team during the 2011 season of the PFF Suzuki Cup Under-23 National Championships. The Ilonggos are known to be the country’s best football players. Negros, however, decided to make itself the sole owner of that title by effortlessly blasting Iloilo. After the first 90 minutes finished 1-1 in Iloilo, the match officials controversially played extra time, with the Negrenses adding two more goals and two Ilonggos getting thrown out of the game. In the second leg at Bacolod’s Panaad Stadium, the home side rocked their opponents 9-0 for a 12-1 aggregate win. The birth of Ceres-La Salle FC is a manifestation of the province’s ever growing excellence in football. Formed in 2012 by managers Ricky and Leo Rey Yanson, the team made victory after victory. After winning the 2013 PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup and 2013 PFF-SMART National Club Championships, Ceres reigns supreme over the nation’s best football teams making sure that Sugarlandia is serious with its business. The multi-national group boasts of its 2013 PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Golden Boot Awardee and 2013 PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Best Midfielder Joshua Beloya, 2013 PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup Best Defender Anthony Tongson and 2013 PFF-SMART National Club Most Valuable Player Yoon Byeong Jun. Ceres was recently hailed as the 18th Unigames Men’s Football Champion and Private Schools Athletic Association 2014 Champions representing University of St. La Salle. The team is even compared to be as good as the Philippine’s official Football Team, the Philippine Azkals. Filipino-German Patrick Reichelt and Filipino-Spanish Carli de Murga of the Azkals recently inked a contract joining Ceres, just a proof of how famous the Negrense team is at the moment. Moreover, the Panaad Stadium is a concrete example showing how passionately Negrenses want to play and host football events. Hosting the 23rd Southeast Asian Games men’s football and the 2006 ASEAN football qualifiers, the Stadium was able to gain international recognition. It is also noteworthy that the world-class stadium has been adopted as the home of the Philippine Azkals. Time after time, the team graces this place for extensive practices in preparation for battle with foreign teams. Behind each victory are scenarios of extreme sacrifice, gratification delays, and priority setting. We would not be able to witness eye-catching matches without our team’s labor. This is what keeps football alive not only in Negros, but in the whole Philippines. So the next time you think of Negros, don’t just think about sugar. Rather, think of its football spirit, because Sugarlandia is set to kick again, and again.
Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * April 2014
Behind each victory are scenarios of extreme sacrifice, gratification delays, and priority setting.
WWW.THESPECTRUMUSLS.WORDPRESS.COM
F R E E D O M I S E V E R Y T HI NG
THESPECTRUM.USLS@GMAIL.COM
UNWAVERED SMILES. Despite being struck by typhoon Yolanda, the kids from Lakawon Island still find hope and happiness amidst the tragedy.
Photo by Judy Rose L. Sayson
USLS Operasyon Yolanda raises P3.2M P4.2M-worth family food packs, distributed By Roma Jane A. Hechanova
University of St. La Salle (USLS) Operasyon Yolanda raised a total of P3,225,115.43 from November 2013 to February 2014 with P1,645,464.23 accumulated from the USLS Relief Fund and P1,319,651.20 from the Balayan Fund, based on the consolidated report from the Center for External Relations as of February 17. Operasyon Yolanda is a relief and rehabilitation operation of the University for the victims of typhoon Yolanda that struck the country last November 2013.
A total of P1,739,088.26, equivalent to 53.92 percent, went to the relief goods and supplies, P735,000 or 22.79 percent for the boat construction under Peter Project, P382,647.87 or 11.86 percent for operating expenses, P26,204.76 or 0.81 percent for direct cash assistance, while a total of P342,174.54 or 10.61 percent remain unused. The operation reached Cadiz, Sagay, Roxas, President Roxas, Pontevedra, Bantayan Island, Batad, Pilar and Casanayan, Carles, Manapla, Hinigaran, Escalante, Isabel, and Concepcion. A total of 21,028 family food
packs worth P4,205,600 in all were distributed to the said places. Each pack is estimated to cost P200, containing two kilos of rice, three pieces of assorted canned goods, three packs of noodles and assorted biscuits, bread, coffee, chocolate or milk drinks and one liter of water. A total of 4,968 gallons of water worth P248,400, 500 toy packs worth P25,000, 10 boxes of fruits worth P8,000, 527 boxes of assorted clothing with boxes of medicines, toiletries and footwear, kitchen wares, and housing materials composed of galvanized iron sheets, wood and nails were
also given to the beneficiaries. A total of 28 wooden motorized boats and seven fiberglass motorized boats were given to the fisherfolk through the Peter Project in partnership with Negros Volunteers for Change. The Operasyon Yolanda team is comprised of Balayan, Business Resource Center (BRC), Center for External Relations, Institute for Negros Development (IND), Integrated School Community Service Center, National Service Training Program (NSTP), Office for Student Affairs, University Alumni Relations Office and Lasallian Brothers’ Vocation
Ministry Office. Balayan Programs Officer Michael Vincent Paildan said there was no difficulty in looking for help and support because students came over to help in most of the voluntary work, adding that “the support [given] was great despite the massive tragedy”. “The experience made me more proud of being a Lasallian because we were able to bring out the best in us by helping those who are in need,” he said, taking note of how both students and teachers volunteered to help the victims. He also cited the help of social media along with posters
and advertisements on the LED screens for enabling the University to collect financial and in-kind donations. Meanwhile, as an extended program to help the calamitystricken, USLS also partnered with Jollibee Group Foundation in the Special School Feeding Program, feeding 2,170 kindergarten to sixth grade-students three days a week for 10 weeks, starting January until March. With the help of Balayan, IND, NSTP and BRC, the University initiated the said program in a total of seven schools, five from Sagay City and two from Cadiz City.
TEAM BOOKEDMARKED. The winning Lasallian team’s prototype in the Bootcamp shows their dream of leaving marks in other people’s lives through books.
FYIs and their social innovations. The said activities kicked start with the five-day photo exhibit featuring the FYIs and their social accomplishments at the ICafe lobby from December 9 to 13, followed by the week-long FYI Series from January 6 to 12, the school-based FYI Forum, and the launching of FYI Space on January 7, and the Imagineering Bootcamp in collaboration with Ideaspace Philippines on January 11. About 800 second year to fourth year Lasallian students from the different colleges joined the imagineers in the FYI Forum with three separate parallel sessions on education innovations, youth and community innovations, and business innovations, held at the Mutien-Marie Auditorium-B, Santuario de La Salle, and the Coliseum, respectively. The 15 FYIs, including Paypon, are those who have launched initiatives and enterprises that contribute to the development of
the various sectors in the society, namely, Jen Horn from Muni, Benedict Valencia from KinetIQ, Kim Banzuela and Kiko Cortez from Project H2O, Ian Corpuz and Patch Dulay from The Spark Project. Enzo Pinga and Ryan Aguas from Bahay Kubo Organics, Ben Secretario from Project POGI, Gabby Layugan and Roxy Navarro from Works of Heart, and Scud Dy from Mr. Kengkoy PH complete the 15. The said FYIs also served as mentors in the Imagineering Bootcamp, a one-day event aiming to “imagine a Philippines, engineer a social innovation and bridge a social gap”, where the participants attended five rotating parallel sessions and pitched their ideas. The FYIs also “experienced Negros Occidental” through their seven-day voluntourism program termed as The Dream Expo 2014, under the FYI series, partnering
with the University of St. La Salle, Ideaspace Philippines, The Negros Museum, Robinson’s Place, and various local government units (LGUs). They toured their Dream Destinations, namely, the cities of Silay, Victorias, Bacolod, Sipalay and Talisay, and the municipalities of Cauayan, Don Salvador Benedicto and Calatrava, visiting the landmarks of each. Along with this, they also conducted FYI caravans featuring one or two of the 15 FYIs to a “target audience [that] consists of representatives from LGUs, businesses, and non-government organizations of the visited municipality or city” aiming to help them in improving their locale’s business. Paypon said they will be replicating the FYI Forum at Bicol this August and Palawan on December, and continue to inspire the youth, asking them, “Care to dream with us?”
When a Lasallian dream takes flight By Roma Jane A. Hechanova
“It’s never too late to dream big and take the Philippines with you.” Such were the words of volunteer/trainer and dream enabler Prim Paypon, founder of The Dream Project PH (TDP PH), “a non-profit community initiative serving Negros Occidental through creative education, social design innovations and youth voluntraining” launched last June 24. Paypon, a Lasallian alumnus who graduated from the
University as summa cum laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology, believes that he and others can help build “a nation of Filipino youth dreaming big for the country” by shaping their dreams through TDP PH. “What inspired me was that we highly talk of the youth as ‘the fair hope of the fatherland’, but how can we just give the youth such responsibility if we don’t give them an ecosystem where they can dream big?” asked Paypon. He said he wants the youth to know that dreams and the best things in life are still free, feeling optimistic despite observing
that the youth are “no longer dreaming” and even cited “discouraging words, low selfesteem, lack of passion, lack of opportunities, and the poverty of wealth and of dreams” as the reasons for such. “I always felt that The Dream Project is my acts of privilege, not acts of sacrifice,” said Paypon, who also believes in being the best with others, not from others. Through TDP PH, Paypon and his 14 fellow Filipino Youth Imagineers (FYIs) conducted a series of For-Your-Informationthemed activities aiming to engage the Lasallian community with the