MARIONNE LOUISE CINCO
PULLING THROUGH. The freshmen play tug-of-war while being hosed down by a firetruck on muddy ground.
Countdown begins
SBCA kicks off to Ruby anniversary by Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago, Hannah Joyce Santos and Sison Rodriguez Jr. SBCA HAS BEGUN the countdown for the Ruby anniversary last July 11 with various activities and ceremonies participated in by the whole Bedan Community. Themed “One Community, A Shared Destiny, Moving Ahead at Forty,” the kick-off celebration started with a solemn Eucharistic mass spearheaded by Abbot Chancellor Right Reverend Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB. In his homily, he bared the beginnings of the school and his hopes for the betterment of the institution. He also said that we are celebrating not only the dawn of a new chapter but also to relive the “excitement” that the founders of SBCA experienced 40 years ago. Narciso hopes that in moving ahead, “the monks, administration, faculty, students, non-teaching personnel and alumni/alumnae may never lose sight of our identity as a catholic Filipino Benedictine school.” The mass was followed by the unveiling ceremony at the SBCA gym, hosted by Prof. Joyce Patricia Montelibano-Aquino and Yuri Alfariz. The whole Bedan community, including the Benedictine monks and alumni/ alumnae of our alma mater, was there to witness the start of the countdown. The Ruby Choir, composed of selected students from grade school to college, RUBY ANNIVERSARY / 13
8 NEWS
Three SEC first year level reps elected
Bedan Community bids farewell to Fr. Andy
Chocolates in Heaven
See story on page 7
by Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago
RIGHT REVEREND ANDRES Ma. F. Formilleza, OSB (born Jose Fontamillas Formilleza), a monk of the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, Manila, strengthened by the sacraments, passed away on July 20, 2011. Father ‘Andy’, as the Benedictine Community knows him, died at the age of 71, in the 51st year of his monastic profession and in the 44th year of his priestly ordination. The SBCA community together with SBC Mendiola mourned for the death of the beloved priest. His remains lied in state at the Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat in San Beda College in Mendiola, Manila. On July 22 at 8 a.m. in the morning, his remains were transferred to St. Benedict Chapel in San Beda College Alabang. Father Andy’s wake was greeted by the students’ love notes and cards posted on huge bulletin boards located near the doors. He was known
for giving acronyms during homilies which explains why most of the notes had his name on it, and in every letter the students gave a positive description of him. In the morning, masses were attended by the grade school and high school students and on the evening the chapel was opened for viewing. Students, employees, parents, alumni and friends gathered to sympathize and ponder on their memories with Fr. Andy. On July 23, after the 10 a.m. mass with the CAS community, his
by March Anetonette Ortuoste
freshmen to key people in the CAS,” Pantajo said.
remains were brought back to the Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat in San Beda College. At the end of the celebration, Rector-President Dom Clement Ma.Roque OSB, on behalf of Rt. Rev. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB, thanked all the people who came and those who extended their sympathy for Fr. Andy’s demise. “As a monk and as a priest, Father Andy has touched our lives in many ways ... We offer the Eucharist to thank God for the gift of Father Andy and to thank Fr. Andy for his personhood. He left us with his legacy of dedication to the service of God and His people,” Roque said. Edna Formilleza, sister of Fr. Andy, gave her eulogy. She said that Fr. FR. ANDY / 7
Integration 2011 baptizes CAS frosh VEERING AWAY FROM the tradition, SBCA-CAS began their annual Freshmen Welcome Week with the new Freshmen Olympics right after the Ruby Anniversary kick-off celebration last July 11. The celebration welcoming the new breed of Red Lions was organized by the Student Executive Council (SEC) headed by President Ardanette Francine Pantajo. “The primary goal of the Freshmen Welcome Week is to conduct activities that will welcome freshmen with the Bedan culture, while building trust and creating camaraderie between and amongst Freshmen and their upperclassmen, as well as introducing
10
PLAZA ‘SANG BEDISTA
Freshmen Olympics The first day of the Integration Week welcomed the new batch of Bedans as the “Freshmen Olympics” surprised them with a firetruck, a muddy challenge and falling eggs last July 11. Traditionally called as the “Final Task” which was usually held at the tail-end of the Integration week, the Freshmen Olympics initiated the weeklong welcoming activities. “The Freshmen Olympics was patterned after the usual “Final Task” but the SEC did some minor changes like changing the name and limiting the upperclassmen who were involved in the activity to reduce the factor of ‘revenge’
9
FEATURES
Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows II
History of San Beda Alabang thebedanherald.com
or “initiation concept”, but other than that, the procedures and games were basically the same as the traditional Final Task,” Pantajo said, adding: “What’s important is for the students to have fun in the game setting while in the process, building trust and creating camaraderie among the freshmen.” Moreover, according to John Kendrick Peña, SEC 2nd year level representative, the SEC only followed what Bedans had said on the survey the student council conducted two weeks before the Freshmen Welcome Week, with the majority vote for the College Party to be held on a Friday after the acculturation program. “It would be a real hassle if we retain the “final task” after the Integration Dance and then to INTEGRATION 2011 / 3
NUMB3RS
11
July 11 is the feast day of St. Benedict of Nursia
2
NEWS
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
Accountancy leads AY 2010-2011 honor roll
by Justine Marie Bandoja BS ACCOUNTANCY STUDENTS led the annual honor roll for the second semester of the previous academic year during the Dean’s Assembly held July 19 at the MultiPurpose Room. Leading the pack were Gracia Angelica Mario with a CGPA of 1.265, Joanna Marie Barrozo with a CGPA of 1.15, and Jessica Suzon with a CGPA of 1.5 from batches 2010, 2009 and 2007 respectively. Atty. Jose Arturo Tugade, president of Perry’s Group of Companies and parttime Legal Management professor in the CAS, was the guest speaker of the event. Tugade titled his speech “Branding”, in which the students are “the product and the brand.” Relating to “Branding”, Tugade shared the story of Mang Tasio, whose capability to guess was tested by a little boy. The little boy asked him if the bird he (little boy) was holding was dead or alive. Mang Tasio said in reply, “If I tell you that the bird is alive, you will immediately tighten your grip and kill it. Otherwise, you will loosen your grip with it. My child, the answer lies in your hands.” Tugade valued the moral of the story and told student achievers that their four years in college solely depend on their hands. “Sacrifice comes first before success. Even in the dictionary, it always comes first,” he said, sharing his inspirational message to the Bedan achievers. With 115 dean’s listers, a decrease of 30 percent was seen in comparison to the number of achievers in the first semester of last academic year, which was 162. CAS Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua still expressed delight with all the academic achievers in spite of the decrease. “Let’s raise the bar once again,” she said, pertaining to the academic standards of the College. Below are the second semester achievers and annual honor awardees from batches 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
BATCH 2010
RANK NAME COURSE GPA
1 MENDEZ, Nicole Tehilah Glemao BSE 1.26 2 MARIO, Gracia Angelica Elegido BSA 1.28 3 ABAT, Andrea Hillary Clinton Dacanay BSA 1.29 4 REYES, Mary Hildevvhgarde Azor BSIT 1.3 5 MINAS, Jan Paula Castillo BAP 1.33 6 DE TORRES, Katherine May Andaya BSE 1.34 7 ORTIZ, Claudine Dhaian Sevilla BAIS 1.35 8.5 VALLE, Robert Ryan Aguinaldo BACMS 1.36 8.5 FABIAN, Joseph Mari Inocencio BAIS 1.36 10 QUINTOS, Salve Marie Magno BAIS 1.41 11 PULIA, Carla Jane Faylona BAIS 1.42 13 GAZA, Jeff Daniel Baseleres BSA 1.46 13 BENITO, Maria Carmela Cenon BSIT 1.46 13 DARIO, Arnel James Del Castillo BSLM 1.46 16 JOCSON, Marie Fe Joy Macaspac BACMS 1.48 16 MATIBAG, Kevin Christian Santos BSLM 1.48 16 YAMAZAKI, Lyca Gasendo BAIS 1.48 18 DOLLETON, Jennifer Jacinto BSA 1.5 19 ARAMBULO, Kimberly Anne Marinay BSA 1.51 20.5 FAMILIAR, Patricia Louise Lagrisola BAP 1.52 20.5 GACASAN, Helen Patricio BAP 1.52 22 JBEILI, Robert Valin BACMS 1.53 23 CORONEL, Ria Anne Michelle Simbulan BSA 1.54 24.5 ARAOJO, Janiel Adrian Mata BSIT 1.55 24.5 MENDOZA, Elisa Mara Aguiles BSLM 1.55 26.5 BANDOJA, Justine Marie Ramos BACMS 1.56 26.5 URBIZTONDO, Anne Marie Mission BACMS 1.56 28.5 ABU, Jemimah Angeli Mercader BAIS 1.58 28.5 FERNANDEZ, Arvin Jay Ayroso BSBA 1.58 30 ALVINA, Maria Carmela Talain BSBA 1.6 31 CERA, Ray Bennet Antonio BSBA 1.61 32 VERGARA, Maria April Dawn Babiano BAIS 1.62 34.5 BARCELON, Paolo Navarro BACMS 1.63 34.5 CABASA, Alrenz Jaimoe Narvarez BACMS 1.63 34.5 MAGLALANG, Kathleen Gail Reyes BSIT 1.63 34.5 RODRIGUEZ, Sison Jr. Abonales BACMS 1.63 37.5 REYES, Ephrem Maurice Solis BSIT 1.64 37.5 CEMBRANO, Kevin Allison Rejano BSBA 1.64
BATCH 2009
RANK NAME COURSE GPA
1 BARROZO, Joanna Marie Lim BSA 1.12 2 GOMEZ, Claire Divine Satin BSBA 1.28 3 BAUTISTA, Jennifer Dela Cruz BSE 1.29 4 IMBANG, Jay Anne Tan BSA 1.35 5.5 REDUBLO, Jisselle Grace Roan BAIS 1.36 5.5 GUERRERO, Darius Immanuel Dimaculangan BAP 1.36 7 TRESVALLES, Roumer Asis BSA 1.38 8.5 HERRERA, Eros Dela Rosa BSA 1.39 8.5 TABERRAH, Denise Moniques Martinez BACMS 1.39 10 CLAVANO, Jacob Javen BACMS 1.41 11.5 ARAMBULO, Adrian Allen Ong BSIT 1.44 11.5 TUAZON Barbra Mae Sario BSBA 1.44 13 CALUPITAN, Anne Marjorie Tumulak BSIT 1.45 14 RILLO, Ana Beatirz Froilan BACMS 1.46 15 MABATO, Francis Angel Vequizo BAP 1.48 17 CONSOLACION, Jesa-Ann Cabangon BAIS 1.49 17 CABILI, Ma. Jessica Rodriguez BACMS 1.49 17 MIROY, Jardine Precious Dimatatac BSA 1.49 19.5 VALENZUELA, Princess Kathleen Matic BSBA 1.5 19.5 VILLANUEVA, Marifel Ordillas BACMS 1.5 21 YRASTORZA, Kenneth Albert Cristobal BACMS 1.52 22.5 BAGATSING, Juan Paolo Nepomuceno BSIT 1.53 22.5 HALABA, Christine Easter Dionson BACMS 1.53 24 GEVAÑA, Sarah Jane Alfonso BACMS 1.54 25 BELIZARIO, Denise Faith Revereza BAP 1.55 27.5 AZARES, Abigail Albarracin BACMS 1.58 27.5 GOLLA, Alexandria Carolina Pasion BSBA 1.58
27.5 MARAVILLAS, Anne Klaine Angeles BSBA 1.58 30.5 AMORES, Ana Beatrize Romero BSE 1.58 30.5 BINAY, Jonathan Kim De Guzman BSE 1.59 32 ROMERO, Gellie Lou Cruz BSBA 1.59 33 DELGADO, Lorenzo Enriquez BSLM 1.6 35 BANLAYGAS, Karmela Dawn Frias BAIS 1.61 35 MANARIN, Bernadetter Hernandez BSA 1.63 35 MERCADO, Lea Kristina Fajardo BSBA 1.63 39 QUINAIN, Jude Deniece Vidal BAIS 1.63 39 CORTEZANO, Ma. Lovely She Santiago BSA 1.64 39 INGUENGAN, Ana Kristina Madulid BSBA 1.64 39 TUDANCA, Christian Patricia Beltran BSBA 1.64 39 UY, Cheenie Joyce Diesta BACMS 1.64 39 LOPEZ, Ardrian Val Omalin BACMS 1.64
BATCH 2008
RANK NAME COURSE GPA 1 DATU, Francis Mikael Tan BSBA 1.33 2 MENDOZA, Angela Lizette Masangkay BSA 1.34 3 ABRENICA, Maureene Jestine Balane BSA 1.41 4 CABRERA, Mary Geanellie Mazon BSLM 1.43 5 CALAOD, Bernadette Santos BAP 1.44 6.5 EUSEBIO, Frances Marie Bitamor BSA 1.47 6.5 GARARDO, Aliza Marie Clarin BAP 1.47 9.5 FRANCISCO, Maureen Fajardo BAIS 1.5 9.5 MONTES, Lyndon Noche BSA 1.5 9.5 SANTILLAN, Paolo Gabriel Villaescusa BSLM 1.5 9.5 VOLFANGO, Cristine Lois Dureza BSA 1.5 13 ALVAREZ, Kingston Israel Mendoza BSA 1.53 13 EUSTAQUIO, Allen Matthew Suarez BSA 1.53 13 MORALES, Klarenz Mari Gloriani BSA 1.53 15.5 PARALEJAS, Claire Anne Fajardo BSLM 1.54 15.5 VALERA, Tanya Louise Antonia Marie De Vera BSLM 1.54 18.5 LIM, Carlo Joseph Viernes BSA 1.56 18.5 MARDO, Anna Joanna Lapuz BSA 1.56 18.5 NAVARRO, Mir Bernadette Asis BSA 1.56 18.5 VILLAMOR, Mariecris Lamadrid BSA 1.56 22 MOSCARDON, Mara Camille Reyes BSIT 1.57 22 SISON, Imee Rose Norte BSIT 1.57 22 UBANA, Ysabel Bandin BSLM 1.57 24 IDANAN, Jenyvee Alano BAIS 1.58 25.5 RODRIGUEZ, Chrizene Gaela BSBA 1.59 25.5 RICAFORT, Richmond Angelo Beronilla BSA 1.59 28 CONCEPCION, Neil Oliver Hipolito BSBA 1.63 28 ALONZO, Anna Mae Montillano BSIT 1.63 28 PEÑA, JANELLE ERIN APILADO BSIT 1.63
BATCH 2007
RANK NAME COURSE GPA 1 QUITCO, Vericson Dee BSLM 1.32 2 ESPINELI, Donna Jessica Roa BSA 1.5 3 TORRES, Michaela Roa BSA 1.53 4.5 CONCEPCION, Jerico Paolo Agbayani BSA 1.56 4.5 SUZON, Jessica Ebuña BSA 1.56 6 VELASCO, Elisha Reyes BSA 1.61 7 DELA CRUZ, Nicole Paulene Sarmiento BSA 1.63
ANNUAL HONOR ROLL
BATCH 2010
RANK NAME COURSE GPA
1 MARIO, Gracia Angelca Elegido BSA 1.265 2 ABAT, Andrea Hillary Clinton Dacanay BSA 1.27 3 ORTIZ, Claudine Dhaian Sevilla BAIS 1.315 4 PULIA, Carla Jane Faylona BAIS 1.325 5 MENDEZ, Nicole Tehilah Glemao BSE 1.33 6 MINA, Jan Paula Castillo BAP 1.37 7 GAZA, Jeff Daniel BSA 1.39 8 FABIAN, Joseph Mari Inocencio BAIS 1.405 9 REYES, Mary Hildegarde Azor BSIT 1.42 10 CORONEL, Ria Anne Michelle Simbulan BSA 1.43 11 ARAMBULO, Kimberly Anne Marinay BSA 1.445 12 JOCSON, Marie Fe Joy Macaspac BACMS 1.495
BATCH 2009
RANK NAME COURSE GPA 1 2 3 4
BARROZO, Joanna Marie Lim BAUTISTA, Jennifer Dela Cruz CALUPITAN, Anne Marjorie Tumulak ARAMBURO, Adrian Allen Ong
BATCH 2008
BSA BSE BSIT BSIT
1.15 1.305 1.357 1.385
RANK NAME COURSE GPA
1 GERARDO, Aliza Marie Clarin BAP 1.375 2 MENDOZA, Angela Lizette Masangkay BSA 1.447 3 DATU, Francis Mikael Tan BSBA 1.48 4 CABRERA, Mary Geanellie Mazon BSLM 1.485 5 CALAOD, Bernadette Santos BAP 1.495
BATCH 2007
RANK NAME COURSE GPA
1 SUZON, Jessica Ebuña BSA 1.5
NEWS
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
3
LAWRENZ MATTHEW GUEVARA
Review course boosts BSA students
by Adrian Val Lopez
T.G.I.F. Bedans party it up at the CAS Gymnasium during the “Rock & Roar” college acquaintance party.
SEC, Wave 89.1 sponsor college party by Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago THE CAS ‘ROCKED the night away’ with the “Most Influential R&B Station,” Wave 89.1, during the “Rock & Roar” college acquaintance party held July 15 at the SBCA gym. The event, co-sponsored by the Student Executive Council (SEC), Wave 89.1 and Mestiza whitening soap, was hosted by two disc jockeys from the radio station, H-Town and Nathan J. There were mocktails by Fluid Mobile Bar, which was mobbed by the students. A long line of people getting ready to
have their pictures taken piled up near the photo booth by Clix and Pix. SBCA’s main contact with Wave 89.1 was Jay Behrouzi, a Communication and Media Studies (CMS) alumna, who is currently special projects director of Blockbuster Broadcasting Inc. Wave 89.1 is on its 10th year as a radio station, and as part of its celebration the radio station does ‘school crashes’ in which it brings its DJs to different campuses in Metro Manila with the objective of bringing a few hours of fun, entertainment and celebrating the start of yet another school year.
The celebration of Ruby Anniversary kick-off and Integration is a perfect timing because the station wanted to do campus tours in collaboration with ongoing celebrations of the schools. The students actively participated in the programs. Bedan bands including Lipstick Lullaby and Blimplip played their music which made the crowd sing along. The Bedanz Dance Troupe also took on the dance floor with their signature dance moves. There
students from SBCA, high school students, and teachers, mostly members of their school publication. The “message” is to be exemplary media practitioners by using school paper and social networking sites responsibly. Ordoñez, also an advertising creative director, pointed out that the youth is the new users of media, and with the power of the Internet to influence people, the youth should see the modern world as a challenge for
them to use it correctly. “Don’t use social media in a negative way or in a bad way,” his son Nicolo Ordoñez also shared. After the discussion and forum, the audience was grouped according to their schools. They were tasked to apply what they have learned that afternoon and plan activities and/or events they would like to propose to their respective schools. (With reports from Angela Victoria Escobal)
“Be the message,” media students told By Sabrina Jila Santos MMME GROUPS SPONSORED an advertising seminar led by freelance journalist Minyong Ordoñez on July 8 at PAREF Woodrose School (PWS) in which students and school officials from different schools in south of Metro Manila were urged to “be the message.” Themed “Filipino Values: Speak Up,” the event was attended by Communication and Media Studies
INTEGRATION 2011 / from p 1
by The Bedan Herald
be followed by the College Party at night, kawawa naman ang mga freshmen,” Peña said. The freshmen were grouped according to the blocks and were given three challenges. The team who would lose the challenge will be eliminated from the game. The first challenge was a tugof-war on the muddy vacant lot near the CAS Gym and the tennis court, with the presence of a Muntinlupa City Fire Rescue fire truck to shower the freshmen for additional excitement and challenge. The second challenge was held right beside the basement of the tennis court (a parking lot) wherein the freshmen were tasked to fill the pail with water using plastic cups with holes while riding a bamboo stick. The third and final challenge was held at the back of the tennis court. The game was egg-ninja (as the SEC put it) in which the first team to catch three eggs thrown by the SEC officers and upperclassmen would play limbo-rock and would be considered as the winner of the game. The losing team would play “lusot-tao” under the winning team. International Studies’ 1A block won the Freshmen Olympics. Human Bingo The Human Bingo was held July 12 as the freshmen raced to win the challenge. With 1/16 size of illustration board, 2x2 picture of their faces and a copy of the human bingo card provided
by the SEC, the freshmen spread out in and around the St. Bede Hall guessing and searching for certain “Bedan Identities” to get their stickers and stamps to complete the human bingo card. At the back of their bingo cards, the freshmen also had to collect nine signatures from their upperclassmen with three coming from each year level. Club Promotion Day Last July 13 at the CAS MultiPurpose Room (MPR), a total of 24 student organizations including the SEC, The Bedan Herald and the Electoral Board set up booths to promote themselves to the freshmen and transferees. Due to the successful turnout of the event, the club promotion day was extended until the next day, July 14, a directive from Atty. John Jacome, Vice Dean of Student Affairs. “I want the clubs to have more time to recruit and more students to be recruited and also for the students to have more time to choose their orgs,” Jacome said. The organization who won best booth and best bulletin is yet to be announced. Freshmen Acculturation Program The freshmen portrayed and danced to the different elements given by the SEC as they participated in “FORCES” Freshmen Acculturation Program at the CAS Gym on July 15. The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Legal Management
COLLEGE PARTY / 8
(BALM) bagged the 1st place with an average score of 95.75. BALM performed a hot and powerful dance presentation representing “Fire.” The second place went to Entrepreneurship and Business Administration department as they presented a dance with a deep message in saving the polluted “Air.” Psychology and International Studies departments had a tie in third place, with the former kicking in a robotic style and looks signifying “Metal” and the latter performing a dance portraying “Water.” On the other hand, the elements for Communication and Media Studies and Information Technology departments were “Time” and “Earth,” respectively. “First practice palang sobrang nag pray na kami. We claimed that by God’s grace magcha-champion kami kaya practice pa lang confident na kami,” said Lawrenz Matthew Guevara, president of Junior Bedan Law Circle, the co-curricular student organization of the legal management course. Klarenz Mari Morales, president of SBCA-JPIA (Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants), said that she is “very delighted with the by-product of the Freshmen’s sacrifices.” “The objective of the acculturation program is to hone and showcase fresh Bedan talents, while in the process, learning the value of discipline, hardwork and teamwork and building camaraderie,” Pantajo said.
From L-R: Legal Management and Accountancy, Business Management, Psychology, and International Studies.
AS THE FIRST batch under the 20072010 revised curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree program in the CAS, the graduating Accountancy students are already on their “Integrated Review” course this semester in preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam. 11 Accountancy students are set to graduate this October, with most of them saying that the Integrated Review course, difficult as it is, has in a way boosted their confidence for the board exam. “Okay din ‘yung Integrated Review kasi nabibigyan kami ng idea kung ano ang nangyayari sa actual review kagaya ng pacing at volume ng trabaho. Although iba pa rin ‘yung actual, at least kahit papaano may training na kami. Maganda rin siyang paraan para malaman kung saang subject pa dapat mag-focus,” said Albert Caesar Pereña, one of the graduating Accountancy students. Another Accountancy student, Jessica Suzon, said, “because of the four review subjects, we find it hard to allot time to other subjects and there are many nights when we are sleep-deprived, but it somehow increases our confidence for the CPA board exam. The review helps us to refresh our memories regarding the seven board subjects.” The Integrated Review course, which was incorporated when the BSA curriculum was revised in 2007, constitutes an additional semester to the originally four-year program for Accountancy students. According to Accountancy and Legal Management department chair Prof. Rowena Carpio, the review course is supposed to “produce more qualified examinees for the CPA board exam” and to “review all what they know (in accounting).” She explained that in the review course the accounting professors give them a lot of exams, “recorded or not,” to train them for the board exam. “I could say that I am having trouble with the [review course] as we need to answer more problems than usual, as we need to practice more, more and more,” said Prince Quing. “But this is a good thing as it will help us in passing the board exam.” Michaela Torres, another graduating student, added that aside from their review subjects, they also have minor subjects to deal with. “The workload is really heavy and it is driving us nuts. But we know it’s for our own good so we try to comply,” Torres said. Carpio said she hopes to maintain, if not increase the passing rate of SBCA in the CPA board exam. “Plus formerly we’re aiming for passing (the board exam), this time we’re aiming to produce topnotchers.” She also expressed gratitude to SBCA’s recent CPA passing rate, which was 75 percent, compared to the national passing rate of 40.5 percent. “It’s a benchmark to get a higher rating than the national passing rate. And [SBCA] has been consistently making it over the national passing rate,” she ended.
4
OPINION
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 JUly 2011
ÁNIMOsity IN ANY HUNDRED year old (or older) educational institution, school pride is often given a great deal of importance by its primary stakeholders (students) and alumni. This pride is evident mostly in an institution’s culture nourished by its students through their various activities and representations in deeds and in words which they proudly manifest. This is also true with our own San Beda College Alabang. Although our college is barely 40 years old, its Benedictine lineage dates back to more than a hundred years here in the Philippines. San Beda’s school spirit is commonly associated with the word Ánimo. For the uninitiated, Ánimo is a Spanish word which means ‘spirit’ or ‘to have courage’. This is why the expression “¡Ánimo San Beda!” is a very popular and powerful one. Other schools also use the word Ánimo to express their school pride; however, it is only San Beda that uses the Ánimo in its proper Spanish terminology. In fact, the producers of the Ánimo Scarf, which is often seen brandished by die-hard Bedans in basketball games pitting San Beda against a hapless foe, have intellectual property rights which in layman’s terms mean that only San Beda has the sole legal right in sporting the word Ánimo in its scarves. This also means that even though other schools, particularly a green school in Taft, have recently come up with their own version of the Bedan Ánimo Scarf, they cannot use the word Ánimo to label their imitation scarves. One may wonder why the need for a lecture in school pride 101. Apparently, not everyone is in tune with their Bedan Ánimo or school pride. Either they are indifferent to anything that is happening to San Beda or just as worse, they have a distorted view of the Bedan pride. If this year’s Freshmen Integration can be taken as a sign of things to come, it is surely a bad sign. Say what they
will about logistical problems, time constraints or minuscule surveys, Bedan tradition should never be compromised for expediency. For those in power who want to change the time-tested culture of San Beda, they should think twice. Many of them are not even real Bedans in the first place. These oppositionists did not earn their degrees in San Beda. The clichéd advocacy of these naysayers often cites the safety of students and the complaint of their parents. This is purely exaggeration on their part. In a broader perspective, San Beda Mendiola has been practicing a more intense version of the Freshmen Integration for many years, yet most of their freshmen would come out unscathed and even relieved to be formally welcomed to the Bedan community. Without any regret or complaint, these Bedans would go on to be men and women proudly waving the banner of San Beda wherever they may be. It would be a shame to deprive our Bedans here in Alabang of this distinct tradition due to the senseless clamor of a few phony Bedans. A watereddown version of Integration just won’t do for future generation of Bedans. They deserve nothing less
The Bedan Herald
Noblesse Oblige Volume 17 No. 3
Maverhick Ace Nacional, Editor-in-Chief Adrian Val Lopez, Associate Editor Sabrina Jila Santos, Managing Editor Marco Angelo Cabrera, News Editor Anne Lora Santos, Features & Cultures Editor Giovanni Miguel Alfonso, Sports Editor Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago, Office Manager Justine Marie Bandoja, Business Manager Christine Easter Halaba, Sison Rodriguez Jr.,Human Resource Managers Giovan Lorenz Arellano, Circulation Manager Sushmita Cristel Abantao, Ralph Emerson Escoto, Junior Layout Artists Tonimari Aguirre, Christian Anthony San Jose, Alicia Karen Alcantara, Junior Artists
Julisa Ayson, March Anetonette Ortuoste, Senior Writers Hannah Joyce Santos, Junior Writer
Angeli Anne Delos Reyes, Pauline Delos Reyes, Angela Victoria Escobal, Ian Kelly Jamotillo, Maria Danecca Pastrano, Xavier Peñaranda, Janessa Villamera Research Staff Marionne Louise Cinco, Ceasar Jan Entila, Lawrenz Matthew Guevara, Photojournalists Prof. Myrna Delos Santos-Escoto Technical Adviser
Publications Office Room 83L St. Bede Hall, San Beda College Alabang Don Manolo Blvd., Alabang Hills Village Muntinlupa City 1770 Tel. #: (632) 809 - 1781 Ext. 211
Website: thebedanherald.com E-mail: thebedanherald@gmail.com Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
than the real thing. Instead of lobbying for an unnecessary change in our culture, they should focus more on raising the quality of education in our constantly-improving College. This way, they would not be doing a disservice to our community, and instead they would be helping out our College reinforce its reputation as the best school in south of Metro Manila. And regarding the level of safety for the students and their parent’s sake, the Student Executive Council
is creative enough to ensure the safety of the freshmen without compromising tradition. In all fairness, there are still a few Bedans who hold considerable power, yet they know what it means to be a Bedan. They fully understand and embrace our rich culture and heritage despite their colleague’s dissention. Because of that, they stand out as the few who uphold the Bedan traditions every freshmen should experience—rotten eggs and all.
Stealing hard and hardly stealing
1
:19 A.M., I went out to the veranda of our printing press to check my car—which I habitually do every 20 minutes or so for security purposes. Usually, I would often see my vehicle parked peacefully right beside the welllit spot beside the printing press. I, along with my other fellow editors and staff, would routinely do this pilgrimage from Alabang to Pandacan just to have the school paper published for the benefit of the Bedan community. This was also the nth time I brought along my ride to serve as our transportation; and in all those times my car would be virtually unscathed. I thought this time would be no different. I was completely mistaken. To my horror, from what I could barely make out of the view from the terrace, I thought I could see the side mirrors of my vehicle looking very strange. I rushed downstairs with my News Editor to see up close and confirm or (hopefully) deny what I saw from the balcony. When I finally got to take a closer look, my worst fears were confirmed, the side mirrors were completely yanked off—cover and all. This was not the first time this sort of incident happened in this shady area of Manila. Barely a month ago, the pick-up truck of the owner of this printing press was completely stolen right in front of his own establishment. Not a single trace was left. A complete manifestation of a thief in the night. The same thing I experienced from the thief/thieves who made off with my side mirrors. Filipinos are very crafty. We find
ways to survive and make a living—legal or otherwise. Filipinos can be creative and industrious or opportunistic and corrupt, depending on the choices we make in our lives. Looking from a broader perspective, the Philippines ranked as the most corrupt country in Asia and the 55th poorest country in the world according to the United Nations Development Program as of 2010. That survey covers the 2007-2010 term of former Pres. and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which leads us back to the manipulation she did in the 2004 elections. She abused her power and manipulated the money of the people for her own benefit. Bumababa ang dangal ng isang tao kapag pera na ang pinag-uusapan. Not only unfortunate people do such acts of crime. Some officials are too focused on their own suffering to help those people who are in need. They use their power to take advantage of the less-fortunate. One example is a traffic enforcer who lets go of a violator in exchange of “pang-merienda.” There are many corrupt officials and, because of that, people suffer and become even poorer. As a result, the less fortunate resort to illegal ways of making a living; and in this case I just happened to be a hapless victim in this impoverished society. I hope that Arroyo’s flaws from the previous administration are enough of a wake-up call for President Benigno Aquino III to lead us much faster towards the daang matuwid.
OPINION
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
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Get hundreds for P20
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ANY TIMES I have been called “newspaper boy” by my friends and classmates. Not because I’m like that typical “boy” who braves the streets on a bicycle peddling broadsheets and tabloids together with candies and cigarettes; but simply because I have a newspaper with me most of the time whenever I come to school. Of course that habit is unusual of a student. I don’t mind if others would see my bringing of newspapers as weird, arrogant, pretentious, inconvenient, pitiful, inspiring, or even dirty (because of the murky ink dust getting on the fingertips). What is important is that I love newspapers, and that I am making a pretty lucrative investment. From Mondays to Saturdays, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin are sold for 18 pesos, while The Philippine Star has a standard price of 20 pesos the whole week. I’m sure that for most of students, the cost may sound cheap (it’s just one-tenth or -fifth of our daily allowance, I bet). But that cheap amount can already cause us a major difference if we use it to buy newspapers. Reading newspapers offers us a mental slideshow of reality and a hundred fold of information and insight about our country and the world. It stimulates our minds, just like what a hot coffee does, and lets us have a broader
perspective of things. Every morning, as I visit a favorite newsstand, I would compare the Inquirer, the STAR and the Bulletin; read their banner headlines, fancy on their central visual images and buy one of them. Sometimes I would sigh or just frown with the day’s content. But even so, it feels good to read newspapers and to see myself getting concerned— and involved—with current issues in the Philippines and across the globe. Reading newspapers helps me express what I could not express and shape my own opinions. Analyzing fearless commentaries of columnists exposed me to the harsh yet inconspicuous realities of our nation—like that of the ruling men-inuniform and men-in-cloth who, instead of improving the lives of the poor, are preoccupied alleviating their own poverty. Not to mention the injustice, the apathy, the very high unemployment rate, the human rights abuses, the corruption, et cetera, et cetera. Piece them together and you’ll see where our country is heading to. Reading newspapers also empowers me to express what I should express. Going to the school setting, why is it that despite the tuition increase in the CAS, there are still defective/busted airconditioning units in some classrooms? Also, where did the one-LCD-projector-
per-classroom go? The floor of the SBCA gym has been repainted for the nth time but why do the filthy walls inside the CAS classrooms remain the same? The goal of a newspaper, I believe, has 4 Es—to expose the truth, to educate, to entertain, and to empower people. Can you imagine what you can get from just 20 pesos? Yes, with the presence of news sites in the Internet we have the option not to shell out money for newspapers. But for me, reading the actual, printed Inquirer, STAR, Bulletin or any other dailies offers a different experience, is more worthwhile and is more convenient being apart from the distraction brought by animated ads, the temptation of opening a new tab and the harmful effects of radiation we often experience in news sites. I’m not pushing you, dear reader, to read newspapers and their subsections every day from cover to cover. Just consider browsing the daily broadsheet from time to time, and once you get the hang of it, I promise you’re already making a pretty lucrative investment. PS: Buying cigarettes and/or squandering our classes to play DotA in computer shops (which have usual rates of 20 pesos per hour) damage our lives in more ways than one; why not buy and read newspapers instead?
sheep. A sheep is often described to be obedient; always staying with the flock and following the shepherd through his herding dogs. A flock with an incompetent shepherd will have weak herding dogs that can be easily manipulated by the wolves; predators just lurking behind rocks and crags outside, ready to pounce on innocent preys. On the other hand, wolves are cunning and crafty creatures. Ever heard of the phrase “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”? They can easily overpower the incompetent shepherd and his weak herding dogs and eventually take over his flock. It is common knowledge that the Philippine government has its share of sheep, herding dogs, shepherds, and wolves; but apparently our very own San Beda College Alabang also has its share of these four characters. Reading between the lines, one can identify who the sheep, herding dogs, shepherds, and wolves are in our community. If the wolves in San Beda are able to get a hold of the few bastions of student sovereignty, I shudder to think what might happen to my beloved Bedan school and its organizations in the nottoo-distant-future. Going back to the organizations, I personally believe The Bedan Herald to be the finest organization which has helped me understand both the responsibilities of being a leader and the duties of being a subordinate. When I was still a part of the research staff, I would almost always follow the orders of my superiors without any complaints on my end. Sometimes I would even be viewed by others as a mere underling or crony to my leaders. In my defense, I often follow the clichéd mantra: one has to be a good follower in order to be a good leader. Even though I did tasks at the behest of my superiors, I would never fail to give my hard-lined stand on any issue requiring a second opinion—in spite of my low status in the organization then. On the surface, I would seem to be just like the sheep I vehemently despise, but in reality I was an anomalous thinking sheep. This is the reason why I would
sometimes be reprimanded by my superiors for my deviation. Still, I would not be deterred. My father had taught me well. He schooled me on the principles every man should possess such as the importance of having copious amounts of self-esteem and street-smarts. This is why I often come across to other people as being arrogant. But in all honesty, I would prefer being labeled as such than to be called a sheep, or just as worse, to be known as someone who thinks he knows everything, but in reality doesn’t even know squat about anything. In The Godfather Part II, Michael Corleone said that if there was one thing he learned from his father Vito, it was to try think as people around him think because on that basis, anything is possible. Some people act tough and say many things, but when challenges arise, they fold under pressure and fail to walk the talk or immediately change face—for a lack of a better word, balimbing. I may not always be right in everything I say, but I constantly stand my ground, even if it is not always the popular choice. Harsh as it may be, people with low self-esteem will certainly be offended by my words, but this is a wakeup call for those who hold great power but do not exercise it responsibly and effectively. It is high time for you to step up and prove your worth to the people who have helped you earn your position and remind them why they have chosen you in the first place. But remember, there is a big difference between being a brash leader and a brilliant leader. Brash leaders often exercise their powers with an iron fist without leading the organization anywhere. They rule with strictness but without substance. A brilliant leader is well calculated and exercises austerity or compassion at the appropriate times. As what Michael Corleone said, it is not enough to have a good heart to lead an organization. Leadership is a skill that requires more than what is really reasonable, as true leaders are willing to take any and all risks to guide their flocks towards greener pastures. Being weak and stupid won’t help at all.
Leader Sheep
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FREDO—AH, HE’s got a good heart— but he’s weak, and he’s stupid and this is life and death.” – Michael Corleone, The Godfather Part II
Good Job!
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LL CRITICISMS, NO recognition. Observe what most people do when there is a newly elected officer in a group, an organization and especially in a nation. They only see that person’s faults about his/her job, and never will you hear recognition from media, personalities, haters, and sometimes even supporters. Most people usually criticize the leaders of a group, an organization or a nation they are involved in. In the country, it is no surprise that President Benigno Aquino III’s works and decisions are being bashed. For example, the current 4,000 houses he had built, together with the National Housing Authorities, were said to be “off the hook.” He is also a bit ambitious in this project, aiming to produce 70,000 houses for the year 2011. But considering that we are now in the 2nd quarter of the year, he has not even achieved half of last year’s 20,000 houses. It is true that he, together with his NHA buddies, should move faster. In this situation, it is just right to remind P-Noy to set his goals straight and lead the country to the “daang matuwid” he promised. But when the Cotabato government officials madly demanded to lay out a solution for the flooding in their area, I just can’t contain myself. I mean what is the problem of those people? P-Noy went there to personally see the vicinity and later acquire solutions for the flooding caused by typhoon Falcon in June. He went there to offer help and they arrogantly demand for abrupt solutions. Instead of thanking P-Noy for his personal help and support, they welcomed him with these complaints. Good job, P-Noy, and give those officials the solution they need for them to be silenced. Let’s go into a smaller yet more significant picture, the Student Executive Council of our College. Though students, faculty and administrators don’t criticize our president, they bug the student council as a whole. Yes, the change of Bedan tradition is a bit uncool, but don’t you guys like the Integration Dance Contest and the College Acquaintance Party? That is the deal; the only thing people appreciate nowadays are mistakes. To the SEC, though you failed in pulling off a new tradition, you were able to organize two good events. I just wish that next time, your success is much more than your failed projects. Still, you did a good job! Now why do I keep saying good job to these people who are failing and currently not doing well? Though criticisms make someone grow and improve themselves more, I still believe that a pinch of appreciation and recognition is big enough to boost motivation to someone to become better. Most of all, after every criticism, present a solution and follow it up with a thank you, good job, or nice work—phrases that won’t hurt saying and can make someone’s feelings better. Lastly, I want to recognize the people who did a good job in the past month. If you can still remember my opinion in our first issue, I said there that after two years, there is not much of progress in my request to change my grade. Now, I want to acknowledge all the people involved for reconsidering my request to correct my grade. To the Vice Dean of Academics, my department head, her assistant, and my guidance counselor, thank you once again and good job!
I’m an avid fan of The Godfather movies and I greatly admire the way the Corleones ran their organized crime family. To operate something illegal so cohesively is something to behold. Of course, I do not condone these acts of crime, but one can certainly appreciate their efficiency despite the challenges. The efficiency of the Corleone family is all due to the brilliance of their “Godfather” Don Vito Corleone. In general, any organization can only be as strong as its leader or as feeble as its weakest member. In Michael Corleone’s family, Fredo, the older brother of Michael, was his underboss or second in command. Michael, the youngest of the three sons, was brilliant and cunning, but the same could not be said about Fredo. When Michael talked to his consiglieri Tom Hagen, he mentioned that Fredo had a good heart but was weak and stupid and their organization was a matter between life and death. But don’t think this situation is only true for big organizations. Even in small-time groups, being weak and stupid can be a matter of life and death—figuratively speaking. In any organization, there is always petty bickering between members and ideas. Egos will often clash and personalities collide despite the commonalities they share which have brought them together in the first place. I have been in many organizations ever since I learned to get along with other people as a child. Some organizations have helped me grow as a person, while others have bewildered me with different kinds of people coming together for a common cause; these people who band together to form these different organizations are those who have stood out from all the apathy and decided to join something greater than their own selves. Speaking of apathy, it can do so many things to people—negative things to be precise. One of the things apathy can do is turn people into figurative To all Bedans: Want to air your opinion? Do you want your Bedan Pride to be magnified? Here’s your chance to do it. Send your piece to thebedanherald@gmail.com. Most interesting piece(s) will be published in the next issue of The Bedan Herald’s “Red Pulse” section.
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OPINION
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
Everyone’s antagonist ATURE, AS WE all know now, has not existed just so we could enjoy and be awed by it. In a sense, initially, nature was an ally for man to survive. Could you imagine how human life would be with all the gargantuan lizards and mammals existing long, long time ago? What nature did then was best for humanity to exist. For those who have watched the Jurassic Park films, I presume you understand what I mean. Flipping the other side of the coin, however, nature has been the greatest challenge to man’s creativeness and inventions. Domestication and agricultural tools were conceptualized once roaming cavemen discovered that they could survive if they plant and take care of a special kind of lowly grass called wheat and rice, tame wild animals and hunt for games. Agriculture became an important factor in measuring time. These enterprising tribes knew that they had to wake up before the scorching sun could cast its scathing heat to the wheat field that they had carefully watered at dawn, when the dews still clung to the leaves and the sun was still covered with clouds. They were also aware that there was a way to know when the time had arrived to sharpen their scythes, to make space in their sheds, and to gather enough hands to help them harvest the precious grass that they planted. And so they used sticks, sand, stones, and even water to measure how long it took for darkness to end, for the sun to rise, and for the sun to set. They had to do this because they knew that the sun was afraid and hid when torrents of water fall from the sky. Although they revered the sun, they also need these gushes because the wheat and rice fields turn greener and taller after these drops of rain. And so, man invented time. One of the most ephemeral, abstract and sometimes perceived as illusionary element nature has challenged us to create. In our speech and oral communication class, time falls under the category of non-verbal language that we implicitly or perhaps explicitly express in our interpersonal transactions. We show professionalism when we meet our appointment on time, but more than that, we show respect to the person or persons to whom we transacted the appointment or activities with. In an academic community such as San Beda College Alabang, these appointments may either be a faculty meeting, student orientation, sports activities, and other transactions which of course is broadcast or written in memos with the first important information about it—the time. Our community—faculty members, students, and ( more than us) parents and guests—therefore, expect that these activities will always begin on time. Our faculty members are aware of the importance of time, especially in the context of serving their students. They would steal from their personal time to be able to arrive in the college before their first class at eight begins. To do this, they have to wake up as early as 5 a.m., sometimes earlier even, to avoid the traffic rush and the Maynilad stalling of vehicles, and to give allowance for irresponsible drivers who would only queue for fuel during early mornings. And most important of all, to be able to enjoy their morning coffee which they surely missed in their hurry. The coffee and the relaxing conversations and the morning laughter with their colleagues inside the college faculty room. These they do to look fresh and sprightly and ready in front of their students. Who says time is just an illusion? For San Beda College Alabang, it is not.
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HO IS YOUR greatest enemy? You may think of that little Japanese kid who punched you in the stomach with no reason at all while you were playing way back in kindergarten; that Ms. Gossip Girl who spread dirty rumors about you when you were in high school; that ex-lover who’s just a plain lunatic and a complete flirt; or maybe that professor that keeps on humiliating you in front of the class. You may name A LOT—you may even have a list—but believe me, there will always be the worst one. Yes, only ONE.
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...everyone’s Antagonist should be thy self...
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A statement that would definitely let you scratch your head, a statement I myself will prove true to you and to me. But let me ask you first these questions: Do you often find hating yourself? Do you get jealous of what others have? If your answer is “yes” you’re as real as me. Hooray! Joking aside but I believe these things are completely normal, but definitely not a good habit. Hate to progress Each and every day, look for something that you hate about yourself. Not hate as in hate to the point you’re being mean to yourself; but use this hate as a motivation to improve/minimize your weaknesses. Nobody is perfect, no one will be, but be the best of what you
can be. Be your own best friend, critic, competitor and enemy. In short, be the Protagonist and Antagonist of your life story. Criticism is defined as an act of making an unfavorable or severe judgment or comment. Criticisms do not only come with a bad comment, but sometimes with good ones. Either way, their main impact to the one being criticized is that it strengthens and makes it better, may it be a person or a thing.
Holding back Did you ever find yourself torn in a situation when you want to recite but your head is stopping you because your answer might be wrong? Did you sometimes find an opportunity to step up but there’s just something inside that holds you back? There and then you find your innermost antagonist and that is what you should be working on, that is the reason why a lot of people feels the guilt of why they hold back and asking ‘what if’ and saying ‘if only.’ When I was about to enter college, I was torn in choosing what course I’d take. My sister told me that whatever course I would take, there should be no going back. I prayed and thought about it, and later on realized that I wanted to be a broadcaster/ journalist. That is my dream, yet there have been a lot of things that came into my mind that made me hopeless to reaching what I want to become. Spark of a genius But what inspired me the most
is when I read a story about how a gifted artist saw a boy painting on a flat rock using cheap colors and a homemade brush. Despite the shoddy materials, his painting showed unmistakable talent. The artist took the boy under his wing, fostered and taught him. The spark of a genius burst into flame and the boy became one of the world’s renowned painters. I’m in my fourth year now as a Communication and Media Studies student, and I never regretted about taking up this course. I love the fact that I chose to pursue the dream I want, and I know I’m at the right path on the way to what my heart desires. I thank God that I didn’t let my innermost antagonist decide for my future. I thank God for helping me fight against it. Some people who had wrong decisions tortured themselves because of regrets. Some people are afraid to take risks, keep on playing safe and don’t make a difference. What do you get from it? NOTHING. You are stuck from dreaming and dreaming to never reaching, and you say “I’m not fitted to become what I want to be.” Wrong! Isn’t it much better to try than to do nothing at all? To wrap this up, DO NOT compete with other people’s strengths. Comparison is the beginning of hurt. Instead perfect your own abilities, hone your skills, be the best that you can be and lastly, pray. Ta-da! You become what you desire. Just what Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Tribute to Juan Paolo Abellar By Janine Navarro Contributor
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EY SUPERHERO. Since the 20th of July, I had a pattern of clothing whenever visiting Paoey. It was accustomed to wear something dark or white to a wake but I refused to follow that norm and instead wore something that always had blue in it. That was Juan Paolo Nino B. Abellar's favorite color. One of the lessons Paoey has taught me is that, appreciate what you have even if things go imperfectly, even if plans go against you. The whole world will turn on against you, but God never will. The strength showed by his person is too cinematic to believe. None of us will ever understand or even come close to feeling what he has gone through in the past year.
By Kevin Kristoffer Rama Contributor
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BAKIT AKO?” THIS is a line that frequently plays on my mind. A phrase, a great friend of mine randomly uttered, during a commercial break of a basketball game. The phrase wasn’t a complaint on why he was having a hard time but rather just really curious as to why he was chosen to be put on that position. For months I keep asking myself and God that question … “Bakit siya pa?” It has been months since Pao was undergoing treatment for his frail body, that I’ve been accustomed to visiting him occasionally. Wanting to help my friend so badly, I constantly ask God if he would allow me to help carry Pao’s cross. I wanted to take the burden from him even for just a day. I would have taken his cross if God would’ve permitted me to. But just being a friend
It was as if he had a shield to face every strike of illness, a light saber to fend off suffering, self-heal like Wolverine and ingested some kind of chemical to make him seem so strong and unbreakable. But the truth is, Pao was only human. He had none of these defenses to protect him for he only relied on two things: his family and friends, and his unwavering faith in God. Pao, you've served as an inspiration beyond comprehension. You still continue to inspire me and I guess, eating pizza will never be the same since I always demand for Heinz whenever we crashed your abode. So many things about you will be missed that once again, I feel my wrists weaken and tears fill my tired eyes. But what keeps me going is that to him was enough. Even for just a day, I wanted to see Pao in full strength, being able to walk for hours while he listened to his music, or run with us when we played basketball. I wanted my friend to feel alive again, desperately wanted it for him. Every time I went to visit him, whether it was in the hospital or at his home, I never saw a man who had such desire to live. It even seemed like an infinite pool of will and hope, which makes me “wonder where does he get all this strength?” He had little or no regard for fear. He was just like one of his favorite comic book characters, Hal Jordan. Pao had the willpower of Hal’s Green Lantern Corps combined, more hope than the Blue Lantern’s, has compassion incomparable to that of the Indigo Corps,
knowing your with God now, by his side and watching over the rest of us down here, I know it has returned your smile for eternity. You live on in our hearts Pao. See you for the Captain America movie; we're buying your ticket. And oh, each time we all hang out for drinks or dinner ... your spot is and always will be yours.
January 2, 1988July 19, 2011
Strong avarice for his successful recovery that even Larfleeze can’t ever match, and to control fear and use it as fuel for his strength that even Sinestro could never overcome. Pao, it is the end of your journey here with us. We will miss watching you shoot those 3’s, prancing like a sissy in front of your crushes, those witty remarks and simple banters during friendly competitions, sharing a good laugh or depressing story. Every moment with you was AWESOME and LEGENDARY. There are a lot more I would like to say about you, my good friend, but in time everyone will know your greatness. ‘Til our paths cross, rest in peace.
SOURCE: FACEBOOK.COM
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Time Element
Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
By Philip Adrian Gungab Contributor
Chocolates in
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eaven
OPINION
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IT WAS AROUND 6:30 a.m. last July 23 when I arrived at the SBCA chapel with my brother. It was mostly empty, save for a handful of people, some of whom were cleaning up while others were either sitting quietly in their pews, or standing by the side of a lone white coffin in front of the altar. It was safe to assume that these people were there for the same purpose as ours: to pay their final respects to the figure who has graced both the halls of that chapel and the lives of countless Bedans until that night when Fr. Andres Formilleza, OSB passed away. I can still remember the days in my childhood when he would walk around the campus. The moment you hear someone shout “Si Father Andy!” the word will spread around like wildfire. Every kid would stop what they were doing, postpone their games and stories, and run to him to ask for his blessing (and some candies) and with a bag of sweets at the ready. He would
entertain us all with a smile on his face. He always remembered the students. Back then, he would roam around the classrooms everyday with a notebook, necklaces that were either St. Benedict medals or wooden Crucifixes, and a bag of chocolates. In that notebook was a list of students who were celebrating their birthdays on that day, and he would personally look for each of them to greet them a happy birthday and give them a necklace and chocolate. This was continued even through our high school days. During every first mass for the month, he would call out every student who was celebrating his or her birthday during that month and give him or her the same necklaces and chocolates. He would apologize for those he would forget, but no one was ever forgotten. Not even once. His homilies were something else. He would always come up with an acronym that would mean something that was related to the gospel, and would
actually approach us with a mic in hand to ask us questions about his homily and his acronyms. Those homilies were never boring. Even in my college days, he was still there for us and would show up in every retreat to hear our confession. But it was never only a confession. He would listen to our problems and give sound advice in return. He takes his time with each of us, and I always felt better after a “Father Andy Confession.” I feel like I’ve taken all these things for granted, seeing them as nothing more than perks in being a “Bene Kid”; that these things will keep coming every year, even for those who are left in school after we graduate. Even when he showed up in our last retreat on a wheelchair, he seemed so strong. I never expected it to end. It was only when I heard the news and I went to the chapel and saw all the letters and flowers. When I saw the pile of chocolates over his coffin.
When I saw people shed tears for him. When, even today, people would leave messages in his Facebook page. It was only then that I realized what a blessing it was for me and my batchmates to be able to grow up with his jolly presence felt in the campus every day. With him now gone, SBCA will never be the same. Still, we can take comfort in the fact that he is now at peace and is claiming his just rewards in the kingdom of God. You will be missed, Father Andy, by me and every Bedan kid whose life you have become a part of. I pray that the angels have chocolates in heaven. Perhaps, it is their turn to give them to you. *** Philip Adrian Gungab is an alumnus of San Beda College Alabang (BS Information Technology ’11) and a former Senior Artist of The Bedan Herald Volume 16. He has been a Bedan since Kindergarten in 1995.
Andy was “always a very happy and kind person.” He always brought guests to her house and even when he became sickly, he remained sociable. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on July 24, at the Abbey Church, after which his remains were cremated at the Arlington Memorial Chapels Crematorium, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City and his ashes were reposed at the Abbey Cemetery.
together with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. He called them up to the front and gave them flowers, chocolates and scapulars. When one’s birthday fell on a summer, he would give his gifts in advance. To make sure that no one would be missed out, he even had a list of the entire employees’ birthday. He was very friendly with everyone especially with the students. He would always greet them and talk to them, wishing them well. He was a very sociable person. Students say that he was the only priest whom they are not afraid to talk with and to give confessions to. ‘Father Candy’ “I will never forget Father Andy, especially the Cloud 9 he always gave us,” was the common answer of those students who were interviewed. The students said that when they have not yet had their first communion, he would give them candies instead. Some even call him “Father Candy” because he never failed to give them sweets every time they would meet. “Mabait si Father Andy, kahit may sakit na siya, pumupunta pa rin siya sa Batangas, kahit naka-wheelchair na pumupunta pa rin siya para lang makapag-confess ang mga students. Pinipilit niya umakyat sa 2nd floor ng CAS para mag-mass for PRM (Peace Retreat Movement)” Butch Angelo Moralde, an alumnus of SBCA, said. He has greatly influenced a lot of people through his words and actions. Prof. Ma. Corazon San Jose said, “I’m greatly affected by Fr. Andy, he would always say namahalin naming ‘yung mga estudyante namin. I believe
in what he says. I learned a lot from him lalo na dun sa mga mass niya sa St. Maur (Hall)” “Father Andy, he was the best and my favorite priest in my Bedan years. He died during my birthday so it made my special day sorrowful. He is like a saint to me, he always treats us Bedans like his best friends. He was also known as ‘Father Candy’ because he always gives us Cloud 9. We will miss him forever.” Aaron Valdez, a BSIT student who is also a SBCA high school alumnus, shared.
Thank you for your guidance, above all Thank you for being our friend We will miss you, You will be in our hearts. -SBCA Community
FR. ANDY / from p 1
Father Andy as a priest, friend The man was always a jolly person who cared about all the people around him. Father Andy was a wellloved monk by all the employees, from maintenance up to the administrators, and students. He gave his time and treated the maintenance and security guards during summer when they would usually go out of town. He would see to it that even for a day, there would be fun, laughter and enjoyment for everyone. He would even give slippers, towels, shirts and canned goods during their trips. Father Andy always celebrated the birthday of the students
Letting go It seemed that Father Andy had to make people feel his presence for the last time. Bong Centeno of the Campus Ministry Office told The Bedan Herald that he received a missed call from Fr. Andy at around 10:14 a.m., the morning after he died. ‘Beck-Beck’, a janitor, shared the same experience as he said Fr. Andy also texted him saying, “Breakfast at 5am.” Fr. Andy’s cell phone was kept inside a bag in a cabinet according to Centeno. It was hard for everyone to let go of the well-loved Fr. Andy but at some point, people could just thank the Lord for taking him to His side. Fr. Andy will no longer suffer from pain and carry the burden of his sickness. He will surely be missed by everyone whom he showed great love and kindness. To our dear Father Andy Thank you for your wisdom
“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth—and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up— that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (With reports from Angela Victoria Escobal, Angelie Delos Reyes and Christian Anthony San Jose)
LAWRENZ MATHEW GUEVARA
The Bedan Herald
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FEATURES
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
CAS COLLEGE PARTY / from p3
TURNTABLISM – THE ART of manipulating sounds and creating music using phonographic turntables. Another job that only talented and music-inclined person would love doing. But according to one DJ he don’t call it a job, he call it a career for it is something he’d like to do. The College experienced an amazing show of turntablism from the DJs of the “most influential R&B station,” Wave 89.1 and hardcore revelry from “Rock & Roar” College Acquaintance Party on July 15 at the CAS Gym with unlimited mocktails from Fluid Mobile Bar and fun photo booth courtesy of Clixandpix. H-Town and Nathan J, who dubbed themselves as the “ones who lives and breathes R&B and Hiphop” are regular DJs of Wave 89.1. H-town
LAWRENZ MATHEW GUEVARA
was also a “Teach Me How to Dougie” contest which singled out Tonimari Aguirre, a CMS junior and Junior Artist of The Bedan Herald, as the best dancer in the crowd. Mestiza sponsored a small pageant led by their endorser, Aeriel Roces, who picked CMS sophomore Burnice Lienne Fainsan as the ‘Mestiza of the Night.’ Many have asked why it is no longer a Freshmen Acquaintance Party like the previous years. Anna Beatrice Rillo, SEC P.R.O., said that the student council wanted the freshmen to be acquainted with the upperclassmen and the rest of the Bedan community. “Before, when we call it as a Freshmen Acquaintance Party, people have the notion that it is for the freshmen only and the tendency is that higher batches won’t come at all,” Rillo said. The SEC officers wanted the new students to meet everyone in the school, most especially the old students and faculty members. The SEC also said that the event turned out “more than expected.” They said that the crowd might look small because the gymnasium is a big place to hold a dance party in, but the 360 tickets they were able to sell was already a great number for them. Vice Dean of Student Affairs Atty. John Jacome and Prefect of Student Activities Prof. Adriana Quioyo were there to ensure proper decorum during the college party.
By Sabrina Jila Santos is in the morning slot while Nathan J is in the evening slot every day. But they collaborate during Friday nights. It was H-Town’s first time to “DJ” here at San Beda but Nathan J was used in performing onstage here. Nathan J is always invited by his Bedan friends to perform because as you may not know, this DJ mixer is also a rapper and a recording artist. As of the Bedan crowd that night, Nathan J said “they [Bedans] are slowly picking up. I used to be here all the time, I have a lot of friends here and they party harder that time (before). But it’s good, you guys are still hyped.” Fortunately, The Bedan Herald scored some tidbits about the DJ lives of H-Town and Nathan J. Let’s see how they began in their career as disc jockeys and what drives them to do “waves.” When did you start being a DJ? H-Town: I started DJ-ing about 11 years ago. I started at Power 108FM, now I found my home in Wave. Nathan J: A year and a half [in Wave]. I used to be a rapper, performer, recording artist and then Wave went up to me and asked if I wanna do Wave.
When did you realize that you like DJing? H: I realize it 11 years ago when I heard a certain station playing an all hip-hop music and that’s when I say I wanted to be part of that. And when I first find it, I used to drive from Ateneo to Tagaytay every single day, and I wasn’t making money. I was losing money being a DJ,
but I loved it. N: Me, I never thought I would be a DJ. It just happened. I’m not a mass communication student, and I think it’s the music because if it wasn’t an R&B hip-hop station, I won’t be working there. It’s the music that we love. That’s the way we breathe, that’s the way we live.
What is your best DJ experience? H: It is like when you put a smile on somebody’s face and you know that you’re the one who put it there because you play their music that simply makes them happy. N: When somebody calls up and say “hearing you guys are good” or like “you made my day when you played my song, I was down the whole day and you played it,” that’s the best. Other than DJ-ing, what other stuffs you’d like to do? H: I have a production company and I do hosting. N: Me, recording artist. I’m doing a solo album now and I DJ clubs too.
What is your message for aspiring DJs? H: Go for it, just go for it. For any career, just make sure you love what you’re doing because if not, it’s gonna be a job. N: Love the music, because if you look at it as a job, it’ll just stress you out. But if you love it, you enjoy it, every song you play you are like “yeah!” you bang your head if it’s a rock song, it’s really that.
FEATURES
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
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By By Katherine Katherine May May de De Torres Torres Contributor Contributor Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) continue to find the remaining Horcruxes to finish off Lord Voldemort. The epic battle takes place just as truths unfold and questionsare answered. The power of three Davids might be a key to their success as producers David Heyman and David Barron teamed up for the last time with director David Yates to give new records in the film industry. T h e picture
PHOTOS FROM: www.google.com
ONE MAGICAL TALE told in a decade. This is what Harry Potter, the most famous wizard, has allowed us to experience through our movie screens. The final instalment of the movie franchise entitled “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” wrapped up with a message: Love is the greatest magic.
INTEGRATION PROGRAM compared to the traditional one
25% 75% Yes No
also get to have the most complicated character be played by an actor with one of the most distinct voices in the British film industry, Alan Rickman. Cliché as it sounds, in this tale, love will conquer all, even death. The film comes full circle with a closing scene bringing you back to a sense of lightness and innocence, as was in the first movie. Ten years of Wingardium Leviosa, fire-breathing dragons and half-giants left us delving into our imaginations and start waving around sticks or even remote controls to “magically” change channels. Eight movies that had us gasping, laughing, tearing up, and trying out our British accents succeeded to become the highest grossing film series of all time. As heartbreaking as its ending was, the story of Harry Potter remains timeless. The books, movies, video games, and other merchandises would, hopefully, satisfy our nostalgia. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, located in Universal Parks and Resorts’ Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, gives us the opportunity to literally walkdown memory lane. Just as J.K. Rowling, author and creatorof the Potter world, had put it: “Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
NO YES
?
are YOU in favor of the CHANGES in this year’s
grossed a jaw-dropping $91 million on its opening night and $169.2 million on its first weekend in the United States and Canada marking the biggest opening day and the biggest single day gross of all-time. It also broke the record for the biggest midnight opening with $43.5 million. Worldwide, it has shattered box office records with $481.5 million on its opening weekend; setting records in places such as United Kingdom, Australia and Hong Kong for biggest opening day gross in the history. Though this was accumulated with a 60 percent share with its 3D shows, it was lower than that of previous record holders. So was it worth the money? This legendary finale can be classified as a war film; with the battle between good and evil progressing throughout the most part of the movie. Despite the darkness and intensity, humor still manages to slip in from time to time. Helena Bonham Carter did another striking job in playing Hermione as Bellatrix Lestrange. However, fans may have been disappointed with some downplayed moments and disregarded sub-stories. The in and out of climatic scenes also somehow blundered the movie’s flow. Nonetheless, the peak, in which all the pieces of Harry’s life is twistingly put together, was wonderfully cinematic. We
Mas malinis ngayon, sana ganon din ‘yung dati [final task]. Mas masaya, hindi makalat. Mas na-feel ‘yung pagka-Bedan. Rackee Jaquilmo III-BAP
Mas marami kasing ginagawa [dati]. Lahat kasali, tapos after pa ng program ‘yung basaan. Part na kasi ng tradition ‘yung integration ng San Beda. Nico Palermo III-BSIT
Though it [final task] resulted to accidents, there was reduced number of rumbles due to a clear source of water unlike before where questionable sources were evident. Philip Rasco II-BACMS
Tradition unites the community more. [The Integration this year] brought culture shock for most students. Geraldine Gutierrez III-BACMS
Hindi na ganon ka-hassle. Hindi na din kagaya last year na Friday binubuhos lahat kaya late nakakauwi ‘yung mga bata. John Abraham Santiago IV-BAP Wala masyadong activities ‘yung Integration last year. Mas masaya this year. Mas maganda ‘yung plan ng activities nila ngayon. Ella Dineros III-BALM
More organized and formal. Rain Balibalos IV-BAP
Mas masaya ‘yung dati kase lahat nagpa-participate, di tulad ngayon, pili nalang. Kung walang theme, may uniqueness na maipapakita sa iba’t ibang course. Patricia Corro IV-BAIST We’re not unified. The upperclassmen should be a good example for the frosh. Upperclassmen should unify with the frosh. Erwin Melchor III-BACMS Dapat Friday ‘yung basaan. Friday sana ‘yung games, tapos hindi kasi na-announce masyado ‘yung event. Last dapat ang basaan kasi ‘yun ‘yung highlight e. Tradition kasi ‘yun. Alvin Alvina IV-BSE
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Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
Nutrition Month
by Marco Angelo Cabrera
JULY IS CELEBRATED nationwide on the barangay, municipal, city, provincial, and local levels as Nutrition Month in the Philippines to encourage everyone to eat healthy and nutritious foods. Section 7 of Presidential Decree 411 designates July as Nutrition Month to create greater awareness among the Filipinos on the importance of nutrition, focusing attention on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Good Nutrition Healthful diets help children grow, develop, and do well in school. They enable people of all ages to work productively and feel their best.
by Hannah Joyce Santos
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THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT SOME FOODS THAT YOU EAT
What people eat can also reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis. Eating right can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol which increase the risk of disease. Proper nutrition means getting both enough calories and the proper nutrients. Many people eat more calories than the body needs. This can lead to obesity which is a risk factor for many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The importance of nutrition has been known for centuries. In 400 BC, Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” Today, good nutrition has
become more important than ever. There is also now a variety of dietary preferences to choose from based on cultural diversity, religion and regional differences, and personal preferences. Nutritional needs change throughout the life cycle. The number of calories and amount of specific nutrients required vary based on age, sex, reproductive status, activity level, and overall health of the person.
WHAT YOU EAT IS NOT WHAT YOU ALWAYS GET. We often take foods that we consume for granted. Sometimes that we just tend to keep on eating without having any idea that what we’re consuming aren’t just ordinary foods. Some edibles can give us more benefits more than we thought, while some have incredible traits that we were never been aware of. So here are some food trivia that will surely surprise your stomach. 1. Bananas have tissue building ability that’s why they are considered to be the greatest body builders among the fruit foods. If you want a better health and save money, serve Bananas daily! 2. Chocolate contains Phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance that is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love! So if you want someone to fall in love with you, better give him or her some chocolates! 3. Honey, when swallowed, enters the blood stream in just a matter of 20 minutes.
4. Strawberries are not “technically” berries. They’re part of the rose family. 5. Decaffeinated coffee is also not really that good to be consumed. The chemicals used in the process of removing the caffeine remain in the coffee powder. When consumed, these chemicals will enter our bloodstream and will require detoxification by our liver.
Healthy Lifestyle Of course food alone is not the only key to a longer and healthier life. Good nutrition should be part
6. You need to walk the full length of a football field in order to burn off just one plain M&M candy.
7. Do you know that Dynamites are made of peanuts? Unbelievable as it may sound but yes it’s true. Peanut oil can be processed to produce glycerol, which can be used to make nitroglycerin, one of the constituents of dynamite. However, there are other processes that can be used to make dynamite without using peanuts at all. 8. In emergencies, Coconut water can be used as a substitute for blood plasma, because coconut water is sterile and has
of an overall healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively, stress management, and limiting exposure to environmental hazards and genes also play a big part in your risk for certain health problems. As in anything one does, moderation is the key to good health. Eating too much food can result in excess weight while eating too little can lead to numerous nutrient deficiencies and low body mass. Eating healthy and nutritious food is essential to obtain optimal wellness. an ideal pH level. It is also a liquid endosperm which is an important source of nutrition in human diet.
9. Popcorn has existed for about 6000 years. The oldest remains of popcorn were found in a Bat Cave of west central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950 by anthropologist Herbert Dick and botanist Earle Smith, both graduated from Harvard University.
10. The more apples a person eats, the lower his or her risk of developing lung cancer. This kind of fruit is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which can prevent lung cancer. You have read some of the surprising trivia from the world of foods. We must always remember that it is essential for us to be familiar of what we eating, as said in a popular quote, “What you eat is who you are”.
COMICS DID YOU KNOW THAT Rizal was not the real surname of Dr. Jose Rizal?
Illustration by: Alicia Karen Alcantara
Illustration by: Christian Anthony San Jose
His real surname is Mercado and Rizal was just their family’s second name. Rizal, originally “Ricial”, means green fields which came from Jose’s 5th descendant Domingo Lam-Co who complied with the Decree issued by Governor-General NarcisoClaveria for Filipinos and native immigrants to adopt Spanish surnames. Jose was advised by his brother Paciano and the rest of his family to change his surname to Rizal so he could travel freely and disassociate himself from his brother – who gained bad reputation from being connected with native priest who was sentenced to death as subversives.
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
Plaza
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‘SANG BEDISTA
A trip down
history lane
by Adrian Val Lopez
LAST JULY 11, the entire Bedan Community witnessed a historic event as San Beda College Alabang started its festive countdown for its Ruby Anniversary next year. Activities such as the planting of the Ruby Tree, the unveiling of the Ruby logo and the raising of Ruby flags were conducted during the kick-off event to signify 40 great years of SBCA. But before we “Move Ahead at Forty,” let’s rest a while from the merriment and take a trip down history lane on the early days of our beloved alma mater. During the rising insurgency in Manila during the 60s and the 70s, the Benedictine monks made a momentous decision to take on the suburbs and establish a new campus in a more peaceful place than Mendiola. The two original choices for the location of the new Benedictine school were Las Piñas and Alabang, Muntinlupa. Considering the secluded and conducive environment of Muntinlupa, the monks eventually decided to establish the new stronghold of Benedictine education in upscale Alabang Hills Village. The Benedictine Abbey School was formally opened on July 10, 1972, with initially 78 pre-school pupils. Resting on a 9.5 hectare lot, BAS became the country’s first officially recognized non-graded private school which did not use grade labels, promoted individualized instruction and conducted lectures in open classrooms. Rev. Roberto de Jesus, OSB headed and developed the school as its first Rector with the help of four instructors: Elena Racho (Head Teacher), Josefina Beltran,
by Hannah Santos
To give it a new identity as a tertiary institution, the college department was established as College of Arts and Sciences in 2002 under the leadership of Fr. Maranan and college dean Magdalena Regullano. New major courses were also introduced: Management of Financial Institutions under the Business Management program; Tourism Management under International Studies; and Systems Development and Network Administration under the Information Technology program. In 2004, Fr. Rector Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB made the historic decision to change the name of St. Benedict College into San Beda College Alabang. The change was decided upon by the school’s stakeholders to give it its “well-deserved identity as a Bedan school.” With a brand new identity, SBCA still follows the Benedictine principle of “Ora et Labora” or Prayer and Work. Vice President and concurrent dean of CAS Thelma Geraldine Baricaua’s extensive skills in the academe and in human resources management helped make SBCA a topnotch tertiary unit. Rector Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB replaced Chupungco in 2008. At present, Roque continues to implement his “masterplan” to pursue academic and institutional excellence and make SBCA “the best educational and training center in southern Metro Manila.” And just recently, three degree programs have been granted Level I status by the PAASCU: AB Psychology, BS Information Technology, and BS International Studies major in Tourism.
San Beda-Alabang Museum Presents:
Mañosa and Pamana
OUR ALMA MATER is known not only for the good quality of education it offers but also for its well-designed facilities. And of course for every great facility, there will always be a remarkable architect and history behind it. It is no wonder then that last July 11, San Beda Alabang Museum initiated the opening of the exhibit “Mañosa and Pamana” as one of the highlights of SBCA’s Ruby kickoff anniversary. The two-part exhibit centers the historical landmarks in our campus and the man behind it, architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa.
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
Annie Loren and Lydia Dumlao. BAS’ high school department was added in 1977-1978 with initial number of 69 freshmen. Later on, BAS reached a milestone in education as both the elementary and the high school department gained accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). In 1979, the high school building was finally completed under the leadership of BAS Rector Fr. Silvestre Lacson, OSB. Fr. Eduardo Africa, OSB, the youngest and first Filipino Abbot of the Benedictine Community, appointed Fr. Emmanuel Balcruz in 1980. Balcruz focused on … Fr. Olegario Comelaran, OSB, the only Spaniard in the BAS community, served as Vice Rector and coach of the school’s first soccer team. Fr. Bellarmine Baltazar served as Rector for the longest time, heading BAS from 1984 to 1995. (Now that’s a brief background to what we call Balcruz Hall and Bellarmine Hall.) Baltazar led BAS to be a premier educational institution in the south of Metro Manila and pushed for the addition of the tertiary level. With the opening of the college department on June 10, 1995, Benedictine Abbey School was renamed to St. Benedict College. It had initial 208 college students and 15 mentors. Six of the first roster of faculty members became administrators: Anita B. Obispo, dean; Elizabeth Sablay, head of student development, Luisito B. Padolina, head of student affairs; Edmund V. Campos, college registrar;
Magdalena S. Regullano, guidance & admissions head; and Rico U. Fortich, administrative assistant.Before, classes were conducted at the high school building from afternoon to evening until the completion and opening of the four-story college building during the Institutional Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1997. Adopting the trimestral system, the college department initially offered the following courses: Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Management, Bachelor of Science in BusinessAdministration major in Management Information Systems, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Sales, and Bachelor of Arts in Economics. After a year, Dean Anita Obispo implemented the semestral set-up and introduced newer courses: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Media Studies. In 1999-2000, the Sports Complex was launched under the leadership of Fr. Tarcisio H. Narciso, OSB. Its indoor expanse houses courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton, while outside rests an Olympics-sized swimming pool. The original plan for the building’s basement was actually for Physical Education Offices, Athletics Office, Physical Fitness Center and Band/Music Room. Today, the basement is occupied by a mini-theater (Rosendo Herrera Hall) and a media laboratory which were both inaugurated on July 11, 2003 by Fr. Rector Aloysius Maranan, OSB.
Mañosa: Architect. Artist. Filipino. The first exhibit features Mañosa’s works and achievements in the field of architecture. Mañosa is National Artist for Architecture. The exhibit features the architect’s Scale models of his remarkable works all throughout the country. Included in the models is the World Youth Day Altar that was used during the 1995 Pope John Paul II’s visit in the Philippines and of course, the historical Our Lady of EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, Quezon City. The exhibit also highlights the awards and trophies that he received throughout his career, including the “1994 Outstanding Professional in Architecture Award” from Professional R e g u l a t i o n Commission and the San Beda Hall of Fame Award. Pictures that depict his life as an architect are also available for viewing.
Pamana The second part of the exhibit is “Pamana” which focuses on the four SBCA landmarks designed by Bobby Mañosa and his brothers. The Mañosas are responsible for the design of St. Benedict Chapel, St. Bede Hall, Christ the King Hall, St. Benedict Hall, Mary the Queen Hall, and St. Joseph Hall building. The said structure historical backgrounds are also featured in the exhibit. SBA Museum Curator, Prof. Joseph Renta, said that the Mañosa and Pamana Exhibit is the initial event for the upcoming 40th anniversary of SBCA since they portray the historical landmarks of our alma mater. “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves,” quoted from the famous American architect, Julia Morgan. The Mañosa and Pamana exhibit is indeed a great way of looking back to the past 40 years of our beloved institution. The designs of Bobby Mañosa in SBCA reflect how SBCA as an academic institution flourished its history through its architectural landmarks.
The Mañosa and Pamana exhibit runs until August 15 at Gallery II of SBA Museum.
Francisco “ B o b b y ” Maño s a
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NEWS
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
List of new school officials released
by Sison Rodriguez Jr.
THE OFFICE OF the Rector-President released the list of school officials for Academic Year 2011-2012 last July 4. Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua was once again appointed as Director of Academic Division and Dean of College of Arts and Sciences. Officials for Public Relations and Center for Performing Arts (CFPA), General Services Supervisor and Security Officer were probably “set to be filled up soon.” The official list of appointees released from the Office of the Rector-President:
Rector-President
Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB
Catholic & Benedictine Christian Formation Head, Catholic & Benedictine Formation/ Chaplain, CAS & IBED HS & MGS Chaplain, Service Personnel Chaplain, Alumni Association In-charge, College Chapel Institutional Affairs Research, Planning, Development & Publications Officer Athletics Officer Testing Center Head Information Technology Manager Museum Administrator Alumni Affairs Officer
Director Arlyn P. Gatmaitan Fr. Dunstan Ma. B. Candol, OSB Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB Fr. Olegario Z. Commeleran, OSB Fr. Silvestre H. Lacson, OSB Dr. Paulito V. Hilario Angelica S. Dela Cruz Visimar C. Mores Adrian S. Carlos Joseph Richard C. Renta III Mila C. Agregado
ACADEMIC DIVISION
Director
Thelma Geraldine A. Baricaua
School of Law Dean Atty. Ulpiano P. Sarmiento III Prefect of Student Affairs Atty. Bruce V. Rivera College of Art and Sciences Dean Thelma Geraldine A. Baricaua Vice Dean, Academic Affairs Jose L. Vasquez Vice Dean, Student Affairs Atty. John R. Jacome Prefect of Activities Ma. Adrianna H. Quioyo Prefect of Students Jean A. Ariola Department Chairs Rowena R. Carpio Accountancy & Legal Management Shirley A. Padua Communication & Media Studies Business Administration & Caryl Charlene E. Jimenez Entrepreneurship Information Technology & Aristotle F. Musni Allied Programs International Studies & Allied Programs Rosario Mielmia C. Aquino Dr. Margaret S. Sanapo Psychology Carolyn R. Valenton Education & Science Area/ Program Coordinators: Zenaida F. Reyes Languages & Humanities Bladimir C. Ocampo Math Rommel Miles E. Corro RSP/ BLF Cynthia N. Manalo PE Ma. Teresita L. Ingles Research & Planning Assistant Registrar’s Office Magdalena S. Regullano Registrar
3 SEC 1st Yr Level Reps elected by Giovanni Miguel Alfonso
Guidance Services Visimar C. Mores Head, Higher education Guidance Eleonora V. Gesmundo Head, IBED Guidance Learning Resource Centers Fr. Paul M. de Vera, OSB LRC Coordinator Marivic G. Selencio Head, Higher Education Library Teresita P. Alba Head, IBED Library Ruth B. Lazaro Head, IMC Health Services Dr. Annaliza C. Tatad, M.D. Head ADMINISTRATION & SERVICES DIVISION
with 69, Stephanie Mabute (BSE) with 88 and 146 votes for independent candiWITH THE SUBSTANTIAL increase in date Pauline Vinco (BAIST). the CAS freshmen population, three first Bufi, Garcia and Fuentebella beyear level representatives were elected long to Bedistang Aktibong Naglilingkod as part of the Student Executive Council (BedAN) student party while Kamiunten (SEC), each catering to every 200 of the and Mabuto are affiliated with Dedi651 students this academic year. kasyon, Kalidad, Daan sa Bagong Bedista Jenine Bufi (BACMS) led the (DEKADA) student party. tally with 192 votes, followed by Niko- A total of 343 ballots (52 perru Kamiuten (BSIT) and Angelo Garcia cent) were counted. Unlike in previ(BAP) with 189 and 161 votes, respec- ous elections held, the Electoral Board tively. Losing candidates were Fiona (ElBo) found this year’s voter turnout Fuentebella (CMS) who earned 138 better. “Mas maayos ‘yung ngayon, kasi votes, Clarise Nicole Algaria (BAIST) madalas di lumalampas ng 51 percent,” said ElBo Vice Chairman Prince Quing. Failure of elections will be declared if the number of ballots counted does not meet the required 50 percent plus one quote. “Kahit maikli ang timeframe, tama lang ang lahat [according to our schedule],” Quing L-R: Nikoru Kamiuten (BSIT), Jenine Bufi (BACMS), added. Angelo Garcia (BAP)
Human Resource Management Manager Luisito B. Padolina General Services Supervisor, Buildings & Grounds Arturo C. Solomon FINANCE DIVISION
Director
Fr. Alberic P. Lazerna, OSB
Controller Heidi Joy DR. Herrera Chief Accountant Mary Ann C. Bergado Property Custodian Anna Maria V. De Mesa Bookstore Supervisor Amelia F. De Leon EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Fr. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB, Abbot Chancellor Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB, Rector-President Fr. Alberic P. Lazerna, OSB, Director, Finance Division Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, Principal, Integrated Basic Education Department Fr. Dunstan Ma. B. Candol, OSB, Head, Catholic & Benedictine Formation/Chaplain, CAS & IBED HS & MGS Fr. Paul M. De Vera, OSB, Learning Resource Centers Coordinator Thelma Geraldine A. Baricaua, Director, Academic Division/ Dean, CAS Arlyn P. Gatmaitan, Director, Administration and Services Amelia F. de Leon, Controller Mr. Luisito B. Padolina, Manager, HRMO
Student orgs, moderators recognized
by Julisa Ayson
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND club moderators of the College were accredited during the club recognition at the Fr. Bellarmine Hall on July 15. Hosted by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the Student Executive Council (SEC), the event started with a welcome remark from Prefect of Student Activities Prof. Maria Adrianna Quioyo. She stated that at least “two or three activities once a year” should be held for the club organizations, and that she is “very optimistic” for this academic year along with the updated plan of activities. Quioyo and Vice Dean of Student Affairs Atty. John Jacome presented the certificates to the following recognized organizations and moderators:
CLUB/ORGANIZATION MODERATOR
Himig Bedista Melvin Lebria Bedan Volunteers Dina Hondrada Knights of St. Benedict Wilbert Namoc Order of Scarlet Thespians Perfecto Tagura Rotaract Club Magdalena Regullano Likhang Sining Michele Rocela BEDANZ Dance Troupe Cynthia Manalo Red Lion Pep Adrian Somido Eureka Dexter Umil SEUL Film & Photography Jose Mari Balasico PEERS Facilitators’ Circle Joel Ventura Bedan Debate Society Gino Ilano Math Club Bladimir Ocampo Bedan Educator’s Society Carolyn Valenton Bedan Psychological Society Margaret Sanapo Junior Financial Executives Caryl Jimenez Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants Rowena Carpio Bedan International Studies Association Teresita Ingles Junior Bedan Law Circle Atty. John Jacome Bedan Entrepreneurs’ Society Januario Aliwalas Bedan Information Technology Samson Milanes Jr. Junior Bedan Marketing Association Farah Reyes Beda.Comm Shirley Padua The Bedan Herald Myrna Escoto Student Executive Council Adrianna Quioyo
Quing also explained that elections are always held on a Friday. “Di namin tinitingnan kung anong day mas marami ang mga freshmen kaya mahirap talaga sila makumpleto”. Quing also said that aside from the ElBo failing to promote the elections, the freshmen themselves did not exercise their right
to vote. The SEC first year level-representatives election was held on July 22 at the Fr. Emmanuel Balcruz Hall. (With reports from Angeli Anne delos Reyes, Pauline Anne delos Reyes and Xavier Ragay Penaranda)
NEWS
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
ITC to institutionalize Wi-Fi by Justine Marie Bandoja THE WI-FI CONNECTION, an on-going project named “Institutional Wi-Fi Project” of the Information Technology Center (ITC) began last July according to Engr. Adrian Carlos, head of the ITC. This project aims to cover the whole campus (even parking areas) with Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, WIFI features will be enhanced and upgraded. “We are encouraging all Bedan students to get connected,” said Carlos. The ITC is expecting all areas in San Beda College Alabang campus to be covered by Wi-Fi as an encouragement for learning. This project will help students and teachers facilitate learning wherever they may be are inside the campus.
Advantages and prominent qualities The new and upgraded Wi-Fi connection will have a new infrastructure called Enterprise Grade Equipment, which can accommodate
more users while maintaining a dedicated 6Mbps Internet connection speed. The school opted to change the infrastructure because of the growing number of users which can no longer be accommodated by the current one, Linksys, a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) equipment that only has limited capacity. According to Engr. Carlos, SBCA is “probably” using the latest wireless connective equipment and is compliant to the 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity standard, in which “n” stands for the latest version. The new Wi-Fi connection still has the same basic features such as good firewall system, content-blocking on pornography and obscene websites. E-Learning E-Learning [Electronic Learning] consists of all electronically supported forms of learning and teaching. SBCA E-Learning is the “personal version” of the moodlehub of
the school. It will be utilized for out-ofclassroom and in-classroom educational purposes through technology, even as advances continue in regard to devices and curriculum. The ITC wants to pursue elimination of the use of paper through the Institutional Wi-Fi project and through SBCA E-Learning, in accordance with Rector-President Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB’s vision of a clean and green school community. “Internet is not just for entertainment purposes. There is more of it, especially learning.” said Engr. Adrian Carlos. Prior to the changes that are planned and on-going, the new Wi-Fi connection will still have the Wireless Portal Log-in just like what the current connection have. As for the Registration of Gadgets, [like what other universities and schools have] it is still subject to discussion because the said registration will prevent unregistered and unwanted users from having access to the institution’s Wi-Fi connection.
BPS holds first seminar for the school year
by Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago
THE BEDAN PSYCHOLOGICAL Society had its first seminar for this school year on July 22 at the Fr. Bellarmine Hall. Alper Oztekin, a BS Psychology major in Nottingham Trent University in England, was the guest speaker for the seminar. He elaborated the methods of teaching and curriculum in Psychology schools in England. He also stressed the difference between English Psychology schools and SBCA. Oztekin discussed the subjects he took, specifically, the Schools of Thought, and the process and methods of the studies and doing research. He said that Filipino students are “more engaged” in their school compared to foreign students. He also gave words of encouragement because according to statistics, courses related
RUBY ANNIVERSARY / from p 1
performed “One Through It All”, the Ruby anniversary theme song written by Patricia Angelica Perez, a Communication and Media Studies senior. Forty doves were also released by SBCA’s ONE community as symbols of Benedictine values of peace and the 40 years. Unveiling Logo
of
to Psychology are the least enrolled. After the discussion, there was a question-and-answer portion which turned out a “question-all-you-can” portion because the students asked him with a lot of ‘meaningful’ questions related to the course. “The interaction between the students and Oztekin was successful,” said Kima Villanueva, BPS president. She said that the whole event was also a success amidst the difficulties they have encountered. A talk about gifted children and children with abnormalities with another speaker, a doctor from the University of the Philippines, was supposed to be conducted but there were problems with transportation and honorarium fee. Oztekin is a nephew of Prof.
Maria Adrianna Quioyo, prefect of student activities. Ricardo Santiago Jr., BPS internal vice president, expressed his gratitude because there were a lot of people who came for the seminar. “Before when we hold seminars, kaunti lang‘yung pumupunta. Magandang start ito para sa amin, first seminar pa lang marami na agad ang nag-participate” He also said that they will be conducting more seminars soon, and that everybody is welcome to participate. It just so happened that said seminar was focused on the course that is why it concerned only Psychology students. But he said that future seminars will have a more general topic in which everyone can participate. (With reports from Alicia Karen Alcantara)
The unveiling of the Ruby logo was initiated by Abbot Narciso and Rector-President Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB. The Ruby anniversary has its symbolic logo, bounded by an outer circular ring that symbolizes unity and continuity. The hexagon within the circle is a reference to the school’s logo and architecture of SBCA’s early years. It also symbolizes holistic education and open classroom instructional system, which the school used during its years as Benedictine Abbey School. The logo also has a stylized 40 to signify 40 years with the stem of the number four in the form of a cross representing Christianity and the number zero in the form of ruby gemstone. The logo is rendered predominantly in the colors of the school: Red stands for courage and egalitarianism and White stands for peace and purity. The logo’s design and rendition was made by SBCA Alumnus and 2000 Cultural Center of the Philippines Thirteen Artist Awardee, Claro Ramirez while its digital rendition was created by freelance graphic designer, Jerome Mojica, who was connected with SBCA as media assistant and graphic designer. Other activities Exhibits were also presented by the School of Law (SOL) and San Beda Alabang Museum (SBA Museum). The
SOL featured a photo exhibit on SBCA which served as the first project of the soon to be launched SOL Photo Club. The SBA Museum presented the Mañosa and Pamana, an exhibit about the historical landmarks in SBCA. Various food booths were present in the covered court such as Potato Corner, Hungry Hungarian, Chillbox Diner and many others including booths by Bedans were flocked by those who attended the kickoff celebrations. An exhibition basketball game between varsity players of Jose Rizal University and San Beda College Alabang varsity was also one of the highlights of the Ruby Kick-Off Anniversary. The 40th anniversary of the
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Rotaract Club helps community children by March Anetonette Ortuoste
THE SBCA ROTARACT Club (RC) participated in “Rotaract Family Loves the Youth” program on July 9 at the Mary Help of Christian Parish in Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City. Themed “Isang Handog ng Rotara Para Sa Kabataan”, the event was headed and sponsored by five Rotary Clubs under Rotary International District 3830 namely RC Fort Bonifacio Global City, RC Palanyag Parañaque, RC Parañaque BF Homes, RC Parañaque Southwest and RC Las Piñas Camino Real in which SBCA Rotaract Club belongs. They reached out to 200 community children of Barangay Don Bosco. The program consisted of games, face painting, balloon making, give aways and the like for children aged 6 to 10 years old. The event also stood as a kick-off for a new rotaract year. “Hindi man kami makatulong financially, ang importante is for us to interact with the children. ‘Yun ‘yung main goal ng Rotaract, to interact with others,” SBCA Rotaract Club President Chezka Medina said.
Solemnity of St. Benedict celebrated by Angela Victoria Escobal
A NOVENA MASS celebrating the Solemnity of St. Benedict was held on July 5 at St. Benedict Chapel which was attended by the entire SBCA administration and staff and the CAS community. The Bedan Herald served as the official sponsors of said mass. Fr. Dunstan Ma. B. Candol, OSB, head of the Catholic and Benedictine Formation, officiated the said mass and pointed out in his homily that Bedans, should learn to serve God in everything we do. Candol said that despite the struggles, trials, difficulties and problems we encounter every day, we should learn how to survive, move on and grow as a responsible person. He added that “to love a person is to see the face of God.” Giving due respect to the House of the Lord, he also pointed out some proper and moral behavior that should be shown while inside the Church. school will be celebrated next year on July 11, 2012. The administration had already prepared the line-up of the monthly events which starts this year and will end on 2013. (With reports from Angela Victoria Escobal, Ian Kelly Jamotillo, and Janessa Villamera.)
The Bedan Herald The Bedan Herald
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Volume 17 No. 3 July 2011
SBCA-HS Batch ‘86 holds ‘Takbo Para sa Iskolar’ by Giovanni Miguel Alfonso and Giovan Lorenz Arellano
Yao-less basketball
added. Although the committee had received assistance from numerous sponsors and voluntary help from the Bedan community like the Bedan marshalls, they admitted that it was a tall order for them to organize such, especially since it was their first time. “Conducting an event like this is not really an easy task, but if we always have a good cause in mind any goal is attainable,” concluded Alfonso.
“We join [Father Martin’s Cup] in preparation for the NCAA-South, to know the stand of the team and para malaman ang weaknesses namin.” Red Lions shooter James Panaligan said. “This is also our way to enhance our skills, to gain confidence na rin for the upcoming leagues,” he added. The Red Lions Mens Basketball team has entered last year’s NCAASouth Finals with a clean slate until unfortunately losing it back-to-back in the championship round. During that season, the Men’s basketball team has dealt with a lot of struggles while competing. “We lacked in focus in every
ball game,” defended Panaligan. Panaligan also stressed on the importance of focus and determination in every ball game. “The decisions we make inside and out the court should all really be planned,” he said. “The harder we work, the harder it is to surrender”. As hosts of the upcoming 13th season of NCAA-South scheduled to kick-off this August, SBCA Mens hoop squad is very optimistic that they can protect home court and ultimately win the most coveted plum. “Expect that we will do our best and give our 100 percent in practice and as well in [the] games.” Panaligan said.
Kuwait and Korea won first and second place respectively. The Philippine Bowling Team consists of Enrico Hernandez, Christian K. Custodio, Jayson Tubid, Marie Lexis Sy, Dyan Coronacion, Janine Kuwahara, Madleline Mae Ilamas. Since he first played bowling in 2002, Jose has won multiple awards including the Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) Youth Quarterly Bantam Division and internationally in the World
Youth Championship in Finland. Jose also shared that SBCA now have qualified in the Asian Bowling Federation for Asian Universities last May. He hoped that his success will inspire fellow Bedans to engage in the sport of bowling. “Parang siya yung kasiyahan ko. Nalilibang ako sa kanya. Pag wala akong magawa, sya talaga yung pinaka-una kong choice na ginagawa,” said Jose.
the Red Lions, 61-55, in an exhibition match held at the Sports Complex last July 11. THE VISITING SQUAD of Jose Rizal Red Lions' Kevin Manlutac with University (JRU) Heavy Bombers Team B the help of swingman James Panaligan, spoiled the Ruby kick-off celebration for fired up a 7-2 run against the Bombers SBCA as they pulled out a victory over during the early going of the match. But since then, with their distinct h e i g h t advantage, J R U controlled the tempo to end the first half, 22-27. T h e Red Lions were trailing almost all t h ro u g h o u t the game. But San Beda pushed a late run in the closing minutes of the fourth Madrelejos secures a spot to grab the rebound. period with
Banong Estanislao's three-point play and a combination of downtown makes by Roman Antonio Salaveria and Panaligan, to cut JRU's 12 point- lead. The Heavy Bombers finally put a stop on the Lions' stampede when they started to grab critical defensive rebounds. The home team saw their final attempt to bring the game closer after Manuel Madrelejos's successful 3 point basket. Panaligan registered a gamehigh 21 points including an impressive six made three pointers. "Yes yearly naman height is our disadvantage, but we're fast, " reacted Manlutac, who chalked up 11 points and led the game in steals. The Red Lions were down as much as 10 points late in the fourth quarter but the team never gave up. "Even if we were down, [we] still have the heart to win. We did not put a lot of pressure in the paint so we can run," said Manlutac. "We just need to learn our lessons". The head coach of the Red Lions Juniors Basketball team, who is also serving as the assistant coach for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers.
SBCA HIGH SCHOOL batch 1986 sponsored a fund raising event dubbed “Takbo Para sa Iskolar” held on July 10 at Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. “It was a kick-off activity in celebration of our 25th year as graduates of this prestigious and only Benedictine monks-run Catholic educational institution in Asia,” said Geraldine Alfonso, chairwoman of the fun run. The said event aims to give support to its beneficiary, Bernadette Chua Foundation, that advocates in providing scholarship grant for those deserving students. It is a charity named
Red Lions sharpen claws
by Anne Lora Santos
HUNGRY TO GET back the championships that were supposed rightfully in their paws, the Red Lions Basketball team is sure preparing to stage a comeback as they head to the different sports leagues this year. The team has been tuning up for the games by participating in several summer leagues including the Fr. Martin’s Cup, an annual sports tournament also joined by some of the country’s biggest schools and college basketball powerhouses such as Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University, to name a few.
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
after one of the alumni who died two years ago. A total of 1,400 runners were registered under the 3K, 5K and 10K categories of the fun run. “Despite the inclement weather 800 braved the rain to still join,” said Alfonso. CAS Faculty members were also present to show their advocacy in the fun run including Prof. Rommel Miles Corro, head of the Religious Studies, Philosophy and Benedictine Lay Formation Program. “The fun run was sponsored by my batch mates in high school [1986], so my way of contributing to them was to join,” said Corro. “Running is not basically a fashion trend but it’s actually a full blown phenomenon being experienced by everyone in the Philippines,” he
Jose, PH team wins silver in Asian bowling tourney by Angela Victoria Escobal
COLLINS JOSE ALONG with other members of the Philippines’ representatives finished second place in the 13th Asian Schools Bowling Championship held July 2-11 in Bangkok, Thailand. The national team have won a total of six medals (2 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes) in the said competition joined by 15 other Asian countries.
Bombers bombard Red Lions
LAWRENZ MATHEW GUEVARA
by Giovanni Miguel Alfonso
A
ND SO THE giant has finally fallen. Yao Ming or Ming Yao (how others preferred to call him) has announced his retirement in the NBA. Now it seems that, ever since the day he called it quits, the whole world can’t get over it just yet, well at least for the time being. Yao is an overall draft pick who played for the Houston Rockets for nine years. His great physical presence has really helped the Rockets franchise to be a serious competitor for the championship in the NBA. He was a sensational superstar who gave the likes of future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal a difficult time on the court. But in the nearing end of his injury-plagued career, this 8-time All Star center, if not sitting out a whole game, saw very limited action. He was slowed down by multiple injuries since he broke his foot sometime in 2006. As I was reading write ups about this news on the Internet, I came across an article saying that “China won’t have another Yao Ming anymore.” That may be true, but I am optimistic that China will be able to produce another “Yao” in the near future, like Nonito Donaire who might just follow Manny Pacquiao in the world of boxing after Pacman’s departure from the ring in the future. NBA Legend Bill Walton even commented on this issue saying, “his post-playing career will be far more successful and much more impactful than anything he’s done to date—by an incalculable margin.” Yao’s career is an inspiration not only to the Chinese community but to the whole world as well. They are not only basketball fans but also aficionados of all sorts of sports. And I suppose, you are one of them, the very person reading this article. I’m not a real fan of Yao’s basketball skills and his stereotypical low post-turn around-jump shots move, but I am his fan because of his innate simplicity and humility on and off the court. His legacy will and shall never be underestimated. His overwhelming fame has outgrown his 7 foot 6 frame very quickly ever since he has made it in the premiere international basketball league. He was even featured twice in Time Magazine as one of the “100 most influential people in the world today.” What really inspires me is his passion for the game of basketball. Even if he was suffering from a left foot fracture in 2008, Yao opted to play for his country in the Beijing Olympics. Not many people appreciate athletes when they’re not in their jerseys anymore but you just have to exempt this Chinese tall man. Being one of the most recognizable Chinese worldwide, Yao single-handedly became the bridge for the NBA to reach its fans in the East. He indeed serves both as a great athlete and a role model for everyone in the world of sports. Now my excitement for the next NBA season have shifted, not so much anymore about Lebron James and the troubled future of the Miami Heat, but about this basketball league moving on without “Yao.” I guess we all just have to wait when the game starts in November.