ADRIAN VAL LOPEZ
LIGHT UP THE HALLS. Students and citizens alike gather and celebrate the Yuletide cheer during the Broadyway-themed Muntinlupa Colleges Night Christmas Party held Dec. 2 at Muntinlupa City Hall. (Story on p.2)
By Marco Angelo Cabrera
DUE TO THE rising number of Bedans using electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigs” in and around San Beda Alabang, the school administrators, through the CAS Office of Student Affairs (OSA) has issued a directive to ban all types of cigarettes from SBCA effective Jan. 13. The ban covers all cigarettes, including but not limited to, traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chew, pipe cigars, and the like. Violators of this directive are punishable to the same sanctions stipulated for a major offense in the CAS student handbook (Chapter 12, Section 4, Sub-section i: “smoking inside the campus or within the five kilometer radius area of the college premises.”). Students found to have committed this major offense are placed under strict disciplinary probation with automatic sanctions to be determined by the Student Disicpline Board (SDB). As stipulated by the said handbook, the available sanctions for a major offense are as follows: suspension for a period of less than one semester, suspension for one semester, or dismissal. Before the directive was issued, some students were openly smoking in and around San Beda, even in St. Bede Hall, the CAS building. This resulted in some gadgets being confiscated by the school guards. The OSA also posted a bulletin showing the negative effects of smoking e-cigs. Prof. Jean Ariola, prefect of student formation and discipline, recognizes that “while these gadgets are smokeless, they are still (considered) to be a threat to smokers as these are metal devices that heat a liquid nicotine solution in a disposable cartridge, creating vapor that users inhale,” Ariola concluded by stating that “they (e-cigs) are highly addictive and poses danger to one’s health.” The directive was endorsed by Atty. John Jacome, vice dean for student affairs. “Sultry Charmer” Jensen shares her Protégé experience
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NEWS
Rizal statue set to rise in SBCA
Museum launches ‘Isang Bonifacio Para Kay Rizal’ By Hannah Joyce Santos
A
MONUMENT OF our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is set to be established inside SBCA grounds next academic year.
Spearheaded by San Beda Alabang Museum (SBAM), the Rizal monument endeavor will be budgeted through a fund-raising project called “Isang Bonifacio Para Kay Rizal” which was launched in a school administrators’ meeting last Nov. 29 at the Bellarmine Hall.
Prof. Joseph Renta, P.I.I.D, museum curator, said that the idea of putting up a Rizal statue in SBCA came after when he realized that while all the well-acclaimed schools in the country have a permanent tribute to Rizal, SBCA does not have one. “Si [Andres] Bonifacio ay malaki
ang koneksyon kay Rizal, at dahil kay Rizal, naghimasik si Bonifacio laban sa mga Kastila,” mentioned Renta. “Kaya po Isang Bonifacio [Para Kay Rizal] ay dahil makikita po natin si Bonifacio kasama si Apolinario Mabini sa sampung piso,” he added. He explained that the “Isang RIZAL STATUE / p10
CAS celebrates Paskong Bedista with Franco
By Angela Victoria Escobal A GROUP OF Filipino rock musicians and Bedan bands performed at the CAS Christmas Party entitled “Paskong Bedista: Franco Christmas Concert” held last Dec. 15 at the Plaza ‘Sang Bedista. Rector President Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB opened the event, saying that “it is the time of commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ” and that “Jesus became man to share His divine life with us.” He also extended his thanks to CAS Dean Thelma Geraldine Frontman Franco Reyes: “We are one again tonight.” Baricaua, Vice Dean for Student Affairs Atty. John Jacome, Director of SBCA general own groups and joined the Battle of services Arlyn Gatmaitan, Student the Bands to rock this year’s Paskong Executive Council, Alumni Affairs Office, Bedista. The bands who competed were the administration staff, and Wave 89.1 And Many More, Blim Lip, Beats Per Second, Morning Cherry, Mega Pixel and for making the event possible. Unexpected. Blim Lip won first place with the Battle of the Bands grand prize of P5,000 with their rendition CAS students formed their
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
SBCA bans e-cigs starting January
Super-Ricky!
PLAZA ‘SANG 11 BEDISTA
Enter the year of The Water Dragon
8 FEATURES
of “White Christmas” and “Jesus Is Just Alright”. The band was consisted of the vocalist and lead guitarist John Michael Pariña (I-BACMS), vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jerome Pariña (II-BACMS), bass guitarist Christian San Jose (II-BACMS) and drummer Meynard Landrito (IIBACMS). They were followed by And Many More, with its rendition of “Pasko Ng Sinta Ko” (rock version) and “Queen of the Night”. The band which won second place, was consisted of lead vocalist Patricia Monica Mendoza, guitarists Noel Ronsairo, Alonzo Lescano and drummer Andrei Antonio, all CMS freshmen. Also, there was an intermission number from the Khuatro band which sang three songs. After their performance, the band members also promoted their new album “Light the PASKONG BEDISTA / p7
7M
Estimated number of devotees at the 2012 Black Nazarene Procession in Quiapo.
NUMB3RS
NEWS
Rotaract activities help unfortunate youth By March Anetonette Ortuoste SBCA ROTARACT CLUB (RC) continues to organize different youth-oriented and fund-raising activities, all aimed at lending a helpful hand to the needy. The RC, together with the Bedan Volunteers and the first batch of students who participated in the Bilibid Immersion, gathered in a tree planting activity held at the New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City last Nov. 28. The following Rotaract members who joined the tree planting are Chezka Medina, Claire Uy, Armand Anthony Menchaves, Andrei Abalos, Jennierose Balili, Matt De Leon and Chandru Magno, 4th year Entrepreneurship students; John Paul Cambe, 3rd year Legal Management student; Michelle Barairo and Ruby Micah Barias both 2nd year Financial Management students. The organization also held their annual cake raffle draw last Dec.13. Each cake raffle ticket was worth P10 and more than 30 cakes were given away as prizes to the lucky winners in and out of the school. Few distinguished Rotarians from Rotary Club of Las Piñas Camino Real, president Jun Dator, president-elect Robert Del Monte and past president Fernan Pujol attended the cake raffle draw. Every year the cake raffle proceeds go to the Christmas Party held by the Rotaract Clubs for their adopted community, RCLP Camino Real, but this year SBCA RC will donate worth P12,300 to the Rotaract International’s campaign to support Polio Eradication. SBCA RC is also preparing for their outside activity at Las Piñas East National High School in which they would hold a poster making contest for the children around January or February this year. “Our gratitude to the people who donated the cakes and to the Rotaractors, students, employees and others who supported the activity. Hindi lang kasi siya open sa SBCA community marami rin bumili na outsiders through our Rotaractors,” Medina, SBCA RC President said. “We are hoping that more and more people will be involved sa mga ganitong activities because in their simple way of buying the tickets they will be given the chance to win cakes and most of all ay makakatulong pa sila sa mas marami pang nangangailangan,” she added. SBCA RC was also invited to participate as a volunteer in manning the Children’s Hour campaign booth at Alabang Town Center from Nov. 16 to Dec.15 during the Ayala Mall’s Everyday Heroes Campaign. The Children’s Hour is a fundraising organization that works on promoting education for the children, reducing malnutrition and hunger and as well as the child protection.
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
Muntinlupa colleges gather for a Christmas party By Ian Kelly Jamotillo THEMED “MUNTINLUPEÑO GOES Broadway this Christmas Day!”, the Muntinlupa Colleges Night was held at the Muntinlupa City Hall last Dec. 2 in which tertiary institutions in the city area gathered to showcase their talents and share the spirit of the Yuletide season. The show, led by the Muntinlupa Municipal together with the City Government of Muntinlupa Community Affairs & Development Office, was aimed to entertain the city citizens through the different colleges’ performances. Ten schools participated with their Broadway-themed presentations including: San Beda College Alabang (BEDANZ-Hairspray), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (Mamma Mia!) West Bay College (Miss Saigon), South Mansfield College (Glee), Informatics College (Grease), International Technical College (The Sound of Music), Christ the King College (The King and I, Frequency Dancers), Saint Bernadette College of Alabang (High School Musical), Lyceum Asia (Cats) and Lyceum of Alabang (Sister Act). The program was hosted by
Prof. Cynthia Manalo, SBCA-CAS Physical Education coordinator, and Prof. Jhoenny Tableza of Christ the King College. The officials also provided games and a raffle draw with prizes such as a Trip for 2 (two) in Boracay (three days and two nights) and a LCD television at stake. Aside from the Trip to Boracay and an LCD TV prizes, some lucky audience also won P500 by texting. The Muntinlupa Municipal also distributed food and drinks to the audience. Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro together with Hon. Artemio A. Simundac were the ones who awarded the prizes and raffles. The PLMun started the program
by singing the National Anthem and the Muntinlupa Hymn. West Bay College then continued by performing a “Fancy Drill Exhibition.” San Pedro stated that the event was successful not only because of the performers but also because of the audience that eagerly stayed on to the end of the program, not withstanding the drizzle. One audience remarked, “I was really shocked by the performances of the different schools. Their talents are really superb and worth to be proud of. The event was successful for me and I am hoping for another program like this next year. Mabuhay ang Muntinlupa!”
ADRIAN VAL LOPEZ
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SBCA-CAS’ Bedanz Dance Troupe strikes a pose with their Hairspray-themed performance.
JBLC, PCJ host Christmas outreach program By Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago THE JUNIOR BEDAN Law (JBLC) Circle together with Presentation of the Child Jesus Parish (PCJ) and Light of the Holy Spirit Charismatic community hosted a Christmas party and outreach program last Dec. 17 at the PCJ Sacred Heart Center in BF Homes, Paranaque. JBLC president Lawrenz Matthew Guevara (III-BSLM) said that the main objective of this event is to give back to the less fortunate because the organization has been “blessed” with all its projects turning out to be successful. Guevara is a parishioner in PCJ
and a member of Light of the Holy Spirit Charismatic Community. The fact that JBLC is still a very young organization in SBCA with a small population, fund constraints often arise. Knowing that their parish will have an outreach program, he proposed that a tie up be made with JBLC and PCJ. Guevara said, “With the limited funds of the JBLC we could only help a handful of children. But in forming this partnership we have been able to share our Christmas blessings with 100 little boys and girls.” 100 children aged 5-9 participated in the outreach program. Legal management students of SBCA
and members of the parish served as ‘ates’ and ‘kuyas’ to the children who were grouped according to the colors of their name tags. Each child received a cotton candy and a twisted balloon and was directed to their seats. At the end of the party, a parish member dressed as Santa Claus gave loot bags which contain lunch boxes, pencil cases and tumblers which the children can use for school. This event is the first outreach program hosted by JBLC. From the ‘positive’ feedbacks that they got, Guevara said, “we will be doing our best to make this an annual event.”
Rizal, including talks and a photo exhibit, mostly organized by the fourth year IS students, in accomplishment of their project.
assessment of Rizal’s significance in those monuments is to exposed them in a different way. This is why the senior students took each photograph of these monuments in a remarkable way. Aquino believes that through this, the students may reflect to themselves, the message behind it, so that, in the near future, if we may be able to have the chance to see at least, a monument again, we will be reminded of its significance.
BISA presents Rizal exhibit, documentary By Pauline Anne de los Reyes STUDENTS FROM THE Bedan International Studies Association (BISA) organized a forum concentrating on national hero Jose Rizal, hosted by the seniors from the IS department last Dec. 14 at the Rosendo Hall. According to Prof. Rosario Mielmia Aquino, IS department chair, the forum was in line with the series of activities BISA has done to commemorate
Photo exhibit The photo exhibit, held last Nov. 29 at the Multi-purpose hall, was aimed at cultivating wide interest and awareness among the students on the historical monuments done for Rizal. According to Aquino and guest speaker RSPBLF program coordinator Prof. Rommel Miles Corro, since people tend to take those monuments for granted, the best way to make the future generations to atleast have greater
IS travels back with Activities Guest speaker Michael Charleston “Xiao” Briones Chua, vice president of the Philippine Historical Association, and a panelist in The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, is a Kasaysayan teacher who finished a degree in History and now taking his Ph.D. in Anthropology at De La Salle University. Chua showed Bedans a GMA-7 winning film documentary on Rizal entitled, “PLUMA: Ang Dakilang
RIZAL EXHIBIT / p11
NEWS
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
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By Janessa Villamera SAN BEDA COLLEGE Alabang Alumni Association (SBCAAA) held its annual Grand Alumni Homecoming entitled “Balik Bene 2011—The Journey: One Night of Reliving the Past” last Dec. 3 at the SBCA Gymnasium. Hosted by SBCA High School batch ’86, the event started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Olegario Z. Commeleran, OSB and followed by the Red Lion Pep Band’s performance of the well-known Bedan cheers. Batch ’86 was known to be part of the Benedictine Abbey School right even before the institution became St. Benedict College in 1995, then later on was renamed San Beda College Alabang in 2004. CAS and high school graduating students were present during the momentous gathering. Alongside with them were some of the alumni from
batch 1981 to 2011. Former teachers, school administrators, SBCA monks and special guests also a t t e n d e d the much anticipated event. A trip down memory lane was highlighted as the In Heat Band played modern and classic songs The SBCA High School batch ‘86 gathers up on stage. and as the Bedanz Dance Troupe performed graceful moves. it is also a way of paying tribute to the “Enriching one’s camaraderie alumni and graduating classes’ alma and Bedan spirit” are the main reasons mater and teachers. of the said celebration. Furthermore, The turn-over ceremony was
ADRIAN VAL LOPEZ
SBCA batch ’86 hosts grand alumni homecoming
also held as batch ’86 passed on their duties to batch ’87 for the next alumni homecoming.
“Sultry Charmer” Jensen shares her Protégé experience PEERS spreads holiday cheer to By Justine Marie Bandoja her fellow Bedans as “Kyra,” was very ang pinakamatiyaga at close sa lahat fortunate to be one of the finalists in ng Protégés. Ang cool niya,” she shared. children “NOONG BATA PA ako, I was saying na ‘gusto kong makita sa TV.’ I can’t believe that it’s becoming real. Wow lang talaga,” she recalls as this talented Bedan triumphantly shares her story. Everything was normal until a sudden twist came into her life. Jensen Kyra Teñoso, commonly known b y
GMA-7 Network’s “The Battle for the Big Break” show, Protégé. Going back to how she was before, Jensen was a college student in San Beda College-Alabang taking up Communication and Media Studies; and just like any other talented singers, she used to perform during school events and join contests here and there. July 24, 2011 marked the start of Jensen’s journey on making her dreams come true. She auditioned for Protégé in the province of Batangas. She actually had two options as to where she could audition: first was at her father’s hometown in Batangas and second was in Manila where her family currently resides. (But she chose the first one so that in case she was not accepted, she could still give another try at the Manila auditions.) With much determination, Jensen was able to pass all the screenings in the audition in Batangas. “It was really hard for me to get in, kasi ang damingmagagaling especially sa Batangas,” said Jensen. Claire Dela Fuente, known as the “Country’s Sweetest Voice” eventually became Kyra’s mentor in the “We’re like a family, even though nasa show. “She’s like my competition kami.” -Jensen mother. Sa lahat ng mentors, siya
As a mentor, Dela Fuente had been very supportive and concerned from the smallest to the biggest detail of the way, Jensen added, such as the costumes to be worn on performance nights to the piece she was actually going to sing. When asked by The Bedan Herald on how it was working with the other Protégés, Jensen mentioned three words: “They are awesome.” Despite of what people see on Inside Protégé aired during weekdays (which was the reality part of the show), Jensen shared that they still try their very best to get along well with each other. She found it normal to have some misunderstandings because what was important was that they had managed to fix it. “We were like a family, even though nasa competition kami, the fact that we’re living under the same roof, ‘yon ang twist which makes our relationship grow stronger and deeper,” said Jensen. Through her amazing performances every Sunday in Protégé’s gala night, this Sultry Charmer’s weekly rankings usually played in Top 3. According to the other mentors and to the judges, Jensen really is the “total package.” JENSEN KYRA / p7
CMS sophomore 1st runner-up in Outstownding Dance Competition By March Anetonette Ortuoste COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA Studies sophomore Warren Van Santos won 1st runner-up in the Outstownding Dance Competition held at the Alabang Town Center Activity Area last Nov. 27. Out of 10 soloist movers, Warren Van Santos, a Communication and Media Studies sophomore, managed to win 1st runner-up in the Outstownding Dance Competition. Santos bagged P5,000 worth of cash with his two-minute showcase of varieties of hip-hop namely classical with isolation, lyrical hiphop, krumps and pops. The Outstownidng Dance Competition was hosted by the Ayala
Mall and Symmetry Dance Studio, gathering different dancers and movers across the Metro South mainly in Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Parañaque. Participants can be a group or in solo to kick in their talent in dancing and showcase their moves in a dance battle. The competition was an open category which gave the finalists the freedom to perform a dance of their choice. The different movers were judged by the Philippine All Stars, Hotlegs Dance Company and Ballet Philippines. When asked on how he had felt after being hailed as 1st runner-up, Santos said, “It was overwhelming, at first ayaw ko talaga marining ‘yong sarili ko na matawag na 1st runner up kasi
goal ko talaga maging champion, pero nung tinawag ako, okay naman na din. Sobrang masaya ako,” Santos also made it to the finals of Pocari Sweat Dance Contest together with four other Bedans held December 2011. But due to some conflict of the other members’ schedule, Santos’ group didn’t make it to submit their video entry on the deadline. Santos also bagged 2nd runner up on the CCM Youth Talents Night at Pergola last June 2009 and won in other dance competitions in the past years. Santos is an all-around musician and vocalist, filmmaker, composer and a choreographer. The CMS sophomore also has his own channel in YouTube named under his screen name WHEBS wherein he uploads his original compositions.
By Jose Antonio Remigio Da Silva
THE PEER FACILITATORS Circle participated in a Department of Social Welfare and Development-led Christmas outreach program held last Dec. 8 in the Haven for Children along Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The Christmas outreach program had 105 beneficiaries, all of them are given free education up to Grade 1 level. It was a fun-filled program which included a talk about the Immaculate Conception by PEERS moderator Prof. Joel Ventura, a dance presentation by the PEERS members, and a dance competition and giveaways for the kids. “Nagpapasalamat ako on behalf of the San Beda Community, nagpapasalamat ako sa Haven for Children, dahil binigyan tayo ng araw na ‘to para makaulayaw ang mga batang kalye ngayo ng araw na ’to” said Ventura on his closing remarks.
SBCA registers 33% passing rate in October 2011 CPA board exam By Sison Rodriguez Jr.
SBCA REGISTERED A 33 percent passing rate as 1 out of 3 examinees passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure examinations given by the Board of Accountancy in Oct. 2011. Madelaine Valencia, SBCA graduate and first-time examinee, passed the CPA licensure examinations, attributing to SBCA first time examinees’ passing rate of 50 percent. The 33 percent passing rate is the overall performance of SBCA as stated from the official list of performance of schools released by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Oct. 17, 2011. According to the PRC, 4,066 out of 8,525 examinees passed the Oct. 2011 CPA licensure examinations, registering a 47.69 percent passing rate, higher than the 40.50 percent passing rate in May 2011.
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OPINION
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
Resigned to fate
2
012 USHERS IN a new year of hope and optimism amidst the continued strife and uncertainty. Filipinos’ New Year optimism even reached a record high of 95 percent based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The result is two points higher than the 93 percent who welcomed 2011 with hope. It should be noted however that the survey was done before tropical storm “Sendong” wrought devastation in parts of southern Philippines. The 23rd Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Renato C. Corona is certainly the talk of the town these days as he is on trial by the Senate which began on January 16. Last year, 188 members of the House of Representatives met in plenary on the eve of December 12 and voted to impeach Corona, making him the first head of the Philippine judiciary to be impeached and put on trial. It should be noted that Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide was also impeached in 2003, but was not put on trial. After a caucus in the House of Representatives, a total of 188 congressmen signed the impeachment complaint accusing Corona of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution. However, Corona promised not to go down without a fight, which explains his ensuing trial conducted by the Senate. In the first place though, if Corona had been more sensitive to issues involving honor and propriety, he would have immediately declined when former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) offered a midnight appointment of him as Chief Justice. He knew the law (Sec. 15, Article 7 of the 1987
Constitution) and he knew that his appointment was illegal if not immoral. Instead of refraining, he accepted the offer. In most situations, impeachment cases are long and tedious, requiring much time and resources from all parties involved. Resignation does not necessarily mean simply giving up. More often than not, resignations are done by people who, although failing in their mandate, still have the sense of delicadeza—a trait sorely lacking in many public officials of the country. The best solution is for Corona to be the bigger man. He should have followed the example set forth by his colleague former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who resigned from the Senate. He would be the first chief justice to resign, but if he is no longer the chief justice, the President would stop lambasting him. But Corona has vowed to fight and defend himself against impeachment charges. Mistakenly, he thinks he can win this fight. What he and his few supporters fail to see is that, even if assuming he is not formally impeached, he can never
The Bedan Herald
Noblesse Oblige Volume 17 No. 7
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 Edmond Allen Hernandez, Creatives Editor Maria Danise Ranchelle Ravago, Office Manager Justine Marie Bandoja, Business Manager Christine Easter Halaba, Human Resource Manager Sison Rodriguez Jr., Asst. Human Resource Manager Sushmita Cristel Abantao, Ralph Emerson Escoto, Junior Layout Artists James Hardy Dee Ae Araza, Junior Artist
Julisa Ayson, March Anetonette Ortuoste, Hannah Joyce Santos, Senior Writers Janessa Villamera, Junior Writer
Angeli Anne de los Reyes, Pauline Anne de los Reyes, Jamaica Judielle Anne Eleazar, Angela Victoria Escobal, Ian Kelly Jamotillo, Ma. Danneca Pastrano, Research Staff Tonimari Aguirre, Giovan Lorenz Arellano, Jose Antonio Remigio Da Silva, Circulation 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 Vill., Muntinlupa City 1770 Tel. #: (632) 809 - 1781 Ext. 211
Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines /thebedanherald @thebedanherald thebedanherald
regain his credibility to be able to effectively function as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Whatever positition of power we are in, once we have failed to perform in our mandate, we cannot simply expect to get away with it with a simple slap on the wrist. The saying goes, “you reap what you sow.” Filipinos can learn a thing or two from the Japanese in the art of humility and propriety. The Japanese revere these qualities so much that often they take their own life in order
to restore their honor whenever they fail in their mandate. Filipinos usually go out kicking and screaming whenever they are called to resign. Sometimes, pride clouds our judgment in these matters. However, closer discernment reveals that resignation from post actually preserves what is left of our dignity rather than degrade it even further. Hopefully Bedans are not lacking in this precious commodity.
Down Under on Top
S
OME LEADERS DEPEND on work that has been done before and use it as basis for effort to be done at present. But looking at the progress of labour, they tend to compare it with past reference. So when will they ever see what has really improved and for that matter, has changed when all they ever do is try to make things work like it had been before. So who am I to speak of leadership? I am but one of the few who believes that leadership is not always about wanting to be on top but wanting to pursue success from below all the way to the peak of victory. I look at my workplace as the garden of my labour, my job as the fruit, and my colleagues as those with whom I want to share how much work I’ve put in growing my bounties. One will always have to appreciate all the small accomplishments of your members, from down up. Always, always at the end of the day comes the realization that work couldn’t be as better without the help of the members. But there are situations that leaders do not have the 100 percent support of their staff. Even if they have given all to let their constituents feel how much they want them to develop individually. They strive to push them to their limits until they reach their highest potential. But some will never understand how it is to be on top, where all you have up there is yourself. Leaders take the blame for major and common mistakes, understand subordinates for their faults, compromise for the benefit of the organization and keep everything and everyone intact, working as a team. Unfortunately, so often do leaders forget themselves and their tasks that they tend to phase out and affect the team as a whole. And what do the subordinates see? That the leader leaves everything
unattended and let those under them suffer. They keep a close mind and pressure you with his wrongdoings and keep their eyes shut with the efforts he or she is exerting to try to patch the missing links up. Oftentimes, the staff members will expect so much from an incumbent leader because of what all past leaders have marked on them; but what they don’t see is that with his own style of confining values and skills into their hearts and minds, he is just trying to start anew the ways of an organization with the intention of improvement for the upward mobility of the group. But what leaders should also consider, does it move them or upset them? For whatever desire or distress they have towards their leader, there is never a reason to go behind each other’s backs. Neither do they have the authority to do so, because clearly, that is one factor in tearing up the bond that everybody strived for at the beginning. You’ll have to realize that when you try to sabotage the highest point of the body, where the brain and mastermind lie, so will everything follow and begin the malfunction of the parts it supports and also, evidently not a preeminent way to resolve any issue. At the end of the day, the head always decides for the group, but also depending on the discussion of his people. You have a team for a reason but you have a leader for a purpose, as well. Things don’t always go as planned but through the dryrun of everything lays the best and ultimate motive of the organization. Whether you’re a leader or a member, your importance is a must in achieving the major objective of your organization. You will just have to always keep an open mind and a trusting heart. *** acee.tbh@gmail.com
OPINION
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
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2011 in hindsight HAPPY AND prosperous New Year to all! It’s again the time of the year when we list down our year-long promises—our to-do’s and not-to-do’s—to become better persons in the new twelve months ahead. Here’s to wishing that all of us will remain faithful every day to our New Year’s resolutions, that each of us may become a fire that will light other fires, a catalyst of positive change, a source of inspiration, and more so a blessing to others. As we open yet another exciting chapter in our lives, let us take time to reflect on what the year just passed had taught us. Let us recall those life lessons that empowered who we are at the present, and the source of our strength and guidance in the future. A roller-coaster ride indeed, year 2011 taught me plenty of lessons. Here are the top 11 of them: 1. Always be thankful. Our Mindoro immersion last January 2011 taught me well of this. The humbling experience with the Mangyan community was very life-changing and memorable. It made us realize that despite our frustrations in this material world, we after all are still blessed. We learned how to appreciate even the simplest things we have. Imagine life without electricity, without a comfortable bed, without food choices aside from kamoteng kahoy. Life is really not as easy as ours compared to the Mangyans, and that definitely is something we must be thankful for. Demand less, appreciate more. 2. Hard work, heart work. Down in my third to the last semester, challenges are tougher and all the more daunting. Juggling studies
and organizational work was never easy, always demanding—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. But I realized that when you work with passion and love, it wouldn’t really feel like work at all. Plus, since you’re doing something dear to you, naturally you would always give your best—which contributes to your growth as a person. Life is full of difficulties, but we shall remain unfazed. Viewing them as opportunities to grow would be a breath of fresh air. 3. Love the Philippines. In 2011, I learned to appreciate the beauty of our country despite its looming political crisis. I would never forget the enchanting “barrio” life in Villa Escudero and the extreme adventure at CamSur Watersports Complex. From these places I discovered a lot about Filipino culture, met different kinds of people, and even became more proud of my country with its captivating allure. But I also learned that, aside from travelling to local places, love for country can be manifested through simple ways, such as reading Philippine literature, being on time, buying Pinoy goods, throwing garbage properly, voting wisely, and lending a helping hand to typhoon victims by donating relief goods. 4. Forgive, move on. Nights are longer when we are sad. The year just passed had been a test of character for me. Of course misunderstandings, disappointments and heartaches are inevitable. Learn to forgive others. Keeping grudges is a crack in your fortress of good character and a heavy burden that may lead you to do negative things. When caught in quarrels, avoid twists and turns; tell the person directly
and patch things up with sincerity. As the saying goes, “the shortest way between two points is a straight line.” Also, learn to forgive yourself. Move on from the awful moments of the past so it won’t agonize the present. 5. Change the game. “To stay in the game, we can no longer play by the same rules. It’s either we let the game change us or we change the game,” said Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, AdCongress22 chairperson. That must’ve been my top quote of 2011 which, since the moment I heard it, has always resonated in my mind every time I do something. Times are different now; the standards are higher. To keep up with the pace, we must stretch our imagination and creativity, change the way things are done, and brush off mediocrity. Create something new; think outside the box. 6. Prioritize. Accomplish tasks first before logging in to Facebook or Twitter. Plan ahead, and focus on it. Tasks are like time bombs. When we fail to diffuse them immediately, they will eventually blast off and will have— so to speak—“explosive” effects to our schedules, energy and state of mind. Just imagine the impact if you have lots of them. So do tasks early on, before these “time bombs” take their toll on us. 7. Cherish simple joys, like the shafts of sunlight through the window, the singing of birds, the puffs of clouds in a blue sky, the shining leaf blades after the rain, the warmth of taho, the new chapter of a book, the amazement from
announced, Dec. 16 started with downcast skies. Slow and constant rains soon appeared, continuing for the rest of the day. Sendong was scheduled to hit Cagayan de Oro very late at night. The local power company (CEPALCO) turned off the electricity. Sleeping in the dark, one could not help but listen to the continuous wind and the trend of the rainfall. Unknown to us, the rainfall over at Bukidnon (a mountainous province in Northern Mindanao) was greater. That rainfall had to naturally settle in its catch basin, and what a mammoth basin CDO turned out to be. That early dawn of Dec. 17, Macajalar Bay was on high tide. In all lowlying areas and elsewhere in the city, people were asleep in the dark. The combination was lethal. The rest is now history. Mayor Emano claims he is propoor, and hence cannot remove the city’s informal settlers. Such as it was on the island now known as Isla de Oro, which is heavily populated for the last 20 years but is nothing more than a bar of silt and sand. It is not true, as Mayor Emano says that he could not do anything because these lands had been settled for half a century. “These areas hardly hit by Sendong were settled 50 years ago—I repeat, 50 years.” Mayor Emano said. By trying to wash his hands of any culpability, the mayor immediately signaled the need for accountability. The truth is, 50 years ago, these places were still uninhabited. The Cristobal Salcedo family that owned the island confirmed to Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Dr. Antonio Montalvan II that Mayor Emano started packing the sandbar with his urban poor settlers in 1998—the year when he ran for his first term as mayor. That is a strange policy: a city government that encourages informal-settler colonies to mushroom. The objective is clear: muchneeded votes for the upcoming elections. Such practice is called “bailiwicking.” The DENR claims that its warnings to the city government fell on deaf ears. No serious dredging has ever been conducted despite a dredging machine that was acquired more than 10 years ago. With dredging, the city government must now consider demolishing the entire Isla de Oro. But I am pessimistic about this. Perhaps this will remain as it is: a consideration. Soon enough, the local government will allow the informal settlers to rebuild their shanties on Isla de Oro and life will go on as usual—as if nothing happened. How quick we are to forget the lessons to be learned from these
tragedies. That old, traditional politician has a lot to answer for this time. It’s true that the city still has some remaining “barriotic” ambience. Mayor Emano, who has been dubbed as the “laziest public official in the country”, is not pro-poor, neither is he proprogress. What developments that rose into the city are not because of his leadership acumen. It happened because change is inevitable. Whether he is there or not, developments inherently come in. In an editorial cartoon of the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated last Dec. 22, it perfectly depicted the blame game constantly being played over and over again like a bad joke in crises like these: the government officials blaming the weather bureau, which in turn blame mining activities, which in turn blame the logging activities, which in turn blame the rapid urbanization, which in turn blame the complacency on everyone’s part, which finally in turn, blame global warming—the easiest scapegoat of them all. In this particular game (of blame), nobody wins. Whatever position we are in, whether we are the official or the constituent, we are all responsible as we are stewards of God’s creation. Pointing fingers is always the easiest way out, washing our hands of any responsibility. What we need is strength; not just the strength to point fingers on others, but more importantly the strength to take a stand for what is right so as to mend and surpass the tragedy that comes our way. Let the accountable answer for what they have (and have not) done. The rest of society must now be more critical of things happening; that is if we want to live in a better place and hand over a better future to our children in these increasingly uncertain times and rapidly changing climate. To end on a positive note, I would like to thank the unsung heroes who unconditionally took their time off the holiday season to help my beloved CDO get back on its feet: my grandmother Congresswoman Gina De Venecia, my sister Madelaine, my friends and relatives who chipped in the relief operations (too many to mention), the Office of Student Affairs of SBCA-CAS, the Student Council of San Beda Mendiola, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, SM City Cagayan de Oro, Malaya Business Insight, and to all the generous donors. jdv.tbh@gmail.com
BIG BOOM THEORY/ p13
Sendong sending a message
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ITH THE DEATH toll expected to reach the 3000 mark, it was mostly a miserable holiday season for our fellow Filipinos in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. This latest calamity hits close to my heart since I’m from CDO. I was born, raised and lived there for nearly two decades—almost my entire life. Many of my friends lost their homes and material possessions. Worst of all, some of our neighbors from my old neighborhood in Macasandig drowned from the flash flood caused by Tropical Storm “Sendong” (international name: Washi). My old neighbors, the Yrastorza family— Joaquin, Maria Sagrario (Mercader), and their daughter Tish, died embracing one another. Fortunately, my family was spared from the violent torrent since we moved uptown a few years ago. My aunt and nephew were not as fortunate because she lived downtown where she had to rip a hole on their ceiling wall just to get up on their roof in order to survive Sendong’s onslaught. Many times as a child, I witnessed the river swell after a heavy rain, but not enough to cause any state of calamity. My old high school teacher even regaled our class with tales of a terrible storm that hit CDO back in the ‘70s and how there never was (and never will be) another storm like it. Mother Nature begged to disagree. But it wasn’t a strong storm to begin with. In fact, PAGASA classified typhoon Sendong as a relatively ‘weak’ storm. The rainfall did not appear to be of the cats-and-dogs variety; it came in steady trickles, dissipated, then resumed. Its destructiveness came from the rare and extreme amount of rainfall dumped on Northern Mindanao on Dec. 16. There was no clear foreboding of what happened at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, yet the warnings were all there for everyone to see. On Dec. 15, public storm signals were already issued by PAGASA. Misamis Oriental would be under Signal No. 2. And as always, there were repeated bulletins of the approximate time the storm would make landfall in the eastern Mindanao coast. But Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano says he did not know about the storm and thus, never convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction Council. Surely there was ample time for it. But he says he did not know of the warnings. How can a mayor not know these things? True enough, as weathermen had
New WEEK’S resolution
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DON’T DO New Year’s Resolutions because I know that I will probably break that promise to myself after a few weeks or sometime in that year. So why bother, right? But having resolutions on a weekly basis—well, that sounds doable. The following are the things that people usually write on their New Year’s resolution lists: “My New Year’s resolution is to stop my vices such as smoking, drinking, and the excessive use of Facebook.” “I will stop cursing, stop judging other people, or stop procrastinating.” Sounds familiar? But here is the most popular New Year’s resolution, “I will go on a diet or be a vegetarian,” but only to find out that person masticating a chunk of lechon during a friend’s birthday. But if you’ll think about it, they will not be able to totally erase these things from their daily lives just because of the fad that it’s New Year and they’re convincing themselves to at least make a change. Instead of forcing himself/ herself to instantly stop these things that he/she used to do for half of your life, a person can still start the change by having what I call “weekly resolutions.” For example, I aim to attend mass EVERY Sunday and at least maintain it until the last Sunday of 2012. If I can do this, it will probably be easier for me to continue it my whole life once it becomes a habit. Is there a greater New Year’s resolution than reconciling with God? Besides, as long as we follow Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work) and offer everything to Him, all our other resolutions will eventually be achieved.
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...when you get something, you forgo something else.
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But if a person still finds it hard to do weekly resolutions, he/she can try starting to change a little in your daily routine. For example, today I would read all The Bedan Herald issues I have collected and skip tonight’s episode of My Binondo Girl. I may not be able to see the sweet face of Xian Lim for that night, but I will most probably learn significant things about my school. Just like what my Economics professor taught me in the concept of opportunity cost, “when you get something, you forgo something else.” Bad habits are really hard to erase—something we can never get rid of overnight. For one to be able to successfully achieve your New Year’s resolution, discipline and commitment are needed. I’m not saying that one should settle for fewer or mediocre changes. Consider the principles in goal setting; it should be S.M.A.R.T.: simple, measureable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. But also remember that New Year’s resolutions are not all about reforming a bad habit; it should also be about making goals and achieving it. May it be a week’s span or a month-long process, what’s important is that you have a direction and you are doing it to become a better person. So now I ask you, what is your New Year’s resolution? Or rather, your weekly resolution? jaja.tbh@gmail.com
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OPINION
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
The Untouchables Passion for Procrastination DO THE THINGS you need to do now because there might be no now— tomorrow. Filipinos are best known for saying “Bahala na si Batman” or “May bukas pa” (or “mamaya na”) when torn in an uncertain situation. Deny it or not this happens to Juan most of the time. Let’s have a very common scenario as an example. Andrea is an ordinary student and just like any other, she has lots of things in mind: complete all her requirements for different subjects, bake a cake for her mom’s birthday, go to her weekly appointment in her dentist, and visit the salon to have a new haircut. Stressed, frustrated and not knowing where to start with the crazy little things she has or intends to do, Andrea ends up accomplishing nothing and blames herself for letting pressure consume her. At the end of the day she finds herself saying, “bukas na lang.” Andrea ends up doing nothing and sees herself as a failure because she did not plan a schedule on how she would be able to fulfill her tasks. She used to think that tomorrow would be the best solution to get out of the mess every time she fails. Truly, Andrea has a passion for procrastination. But wait, what is procrastination? According to Collins English Dictionary, this word means to delay or to postpone until tomorrow. In this case, lack of plan is the problem. A simple To-do list would have been a great help in Andrea’s situation, right? A red check mark beside the accomplished things is very fulfilling to look at, knowing that there is a sense of completion in a day. Other reason for procrastination would be being anxious to face what lies ahead, and being apathetic. But whatever the reason one may have, it all ends to not accomplishing anything or worse—failing. We only live in this world once; not if you believe in reincarnation wherein you can be a cat or cockroach in your next life. But seriously in reality we only get to live in this world once—so make the most out of it and make each second count. Just like the eagerness of a photographer who values each second so as not to miss shots of great moments that can be part of history. Time is the most precious commodity on earth, valued even above wealth. In our hands lie our twentyfour hours in a day that will determine our success, failure, wants or gain. So why not make our minutes and seconds our slaves in order to accomplish our purpose. Besides our time is ours to manage, why not manage it wisely. Yes, people have time to relax but never dillydally. Each day has to have an agenda, whether formal or informal. Nothing should be done without a purpose, even if that purpose is to rest. With this, let us now throw the old Filipino custom of living a life of uncertainty and the belief of “ipagpasabukas na ang lahat at iaasa kay Batman ang kapalaran.” I wonder if ever there is a law or a commandment that considers killing time to be a capital crime. I guess that is the reason why rich men has a tight and hectic schedule because for them, “time is gold” and wasting time means no profits gain. NO to procrastination, checked. But let’s do things not just plainly for the sake of doing them. I agree with Philip Chesterfield that, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” Might as well include this in your check list and be able to check, “YES to excellence!” anne.tbh@yahoo.com
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IN CHINA TODAY, Bill Gates is Britney Spears. In America today, Britney Spears is Britney Spears – and that is our problem. “ These are the words of Thomas L. Friedman, the author of “The World is Flat” whose realistic assessment of what globalization has done and is still doing to the nation we, once upon a time, considered as “the richest and the most powerful nation in the world” still continues to fascinate me. His book includes how the educational system of other “originally poor” nations contributed to the “flattening” of the world, giving way to outsourcing companies not only selling items in boxes but also soft products such as finance and tax advising, software production, technical knowledge, accountancy skills, and other top of the line professional services high school graduates in America and other giant European nations cannot sustain. I once had a meeting with a businessman whose company outsources medical transcriptions relayed by doctors from Spain, South America, and France. Needless to say, his employees who are mostly Filipinos, speak and write Spanish or French and even use keyboards with Spanish and French graphemes. He showed me a statistical graph of the leading countries with outsourcing business, and the topmost winner? Nope, it is not India, nor is it China. Surprisingly, it is Ukraine, the country which was included in the USSR territories in 1917 and which gained its independence in 1996. And the revelation was, majority of the
Ukrainians speak German. We all know that Germany has its unique educational system; after middle school, students become apprentices of experienced tradesmen, learning the ins and outs of that trade because just like Americans, only a few could afford higher education. Now what do Ukrainians and let me add, Russians, contribute highly to this flattened world? Their elite engineering skills. Why “elite” you may ask? I was aware of the German speaking engineers of Ukraine and Russia but the adjective I used after I read what Tracy Koon, director of Intel’s corporate affairs said: “We will need a stronger and more supportive immigration system…I am not talking about data programmers or people with BS degrees in computer science. We are talking about high-end specialized engineering. We have just started a whole engineering function in Russia, where engineers have wonderful training- and talk about underemployed.” (p 372). So now we know. It seems that even in the flattened world, a bachelor’s degree is not enough. My column title, “The Untouchables”, is one of the chapters in Friedman’s book. The word refers to the lowest level in the caste system of India from the Brahmin’s point of view. I’ve read somewhere that Brahmins would even throw their drinks once an “untouchable” glances on their mugs of milk or jars of water, hence the term. I want to believe that in this modern times, those involved are doing something about this deplorable casting system, but this one thing I am very sure
– some “untouchables” have improved their lives through their jobs in India’s outsourcing companies. Going back to the book, the caste system however, was not what Friedman dealt with. Although he made mention of the system, his “untouchables” are used in another context. He instead enumerated three types of untouchables whose jobs will not be easily automated, digitized, or outsourced. In this column though, I am focusing on Friedman’s first type because I feel that we are part and can be part of this category. His first type of those who will not in any way be affected by outsourcing are the people who are very special and those others who are really specialized in their fields. Well, we have Manny Pacquiao for the very special, but for us college professors and students of SBCA who I presume can never equal Pacquiao’s “specialty”, we can still aim for those “who are specialized.” Included in the first type aside from Pacquiao, Michael Jordan, and Madonna are brain surgeons, cancer researchers, and those who are focused in their area of specialization and still continue to acquire cognitive and research skills to further hone their knowledge. For you students, learn from this categorization. You are in your baccalaureate levels; your future depends in your decision for further studies in the same field that you are enrolled in now. For accreditors, the term is vertical alignment. In this flattened world, we call it “Untouchable”. myrnasaints@yahoo.com
ONE RAINY SATURDAY, I was awaken by my mother and youngest brother’s frantic screams. I was like a bulb, with a flick of the switch I was suddenly awake, jumping out of my bed and into the living room. What I saw will forever be etched on my mind: my father was sprawled unconsciously over the sofa, my brother hovering over him; in a distance, I can hear my mother’s panic as she called on our neighbors for help. You know those accounts about how, in an accident, everything seemed to be happening all at once? It’s true. As I stood there, shocked, several things happened. Everyone was crying. Everyone was shaking my father as if a slap in the face with quivering hands would bring him back to life. Rosaries were pressed tightly against his palm. I stood at the back, waiting for them to realize that we should drive him to the hospital instead. It was the first time I ever heard my younger brother, Bon, call ‘papa’ so despairingly and anxiously. He was always so strong. Somehow, our desperate cries reached him wherever he was dwelling throughout his blank state. Slowly, my father opened his eyes and in a tired voice, asked us what was wrong. I wanted to curse him. Tears fell freely from my eyes. Everyone was sobbing openly now. ‘What was wrong?’ I just thought he died, that was wrong. I turned my back and with both hands on my face, cried. Looking back, that was probably one of my worst moments. Nothing topped my father’s mysterious
black out which happened several times again after that. He was in and out of hospitals, taking laboratory tests whilst travelling with blankets and pillows for his comfort. One night, I came home and asked how the lab test went. My dad told me he was alright even if they both seemed upset. Later that night, my mom told me his kidney was failing him. The doctor threw words like “dialysis” and “ruined kidney.” That night, I walked restlessly on our street, remembering the times when I thought my father was so strong he can destroy anything. And yet, I was wrong; how I wanted to be right. This happened during the midterm week of the first semester. My father didn’t want us to know about the lab result because he worried it would cause us distress. He wanted us to focus on our studies. That seemed to be a turning point in my life. I was having problems with The Bedan Herald and I felt like quitting. I was a student assistant but I cannot bring myself to work at the Guidance office when everything felt like mayhem. I needed to study for my exams. And yet, I cannot concentrate because as soon as I try study to civilizations, my mind wandered back to my father and how he can’t walk anymore. I was slowly falling apart, not knowing what to do. I cannot bring myself to think how my life would be once my father was dead. I don’t know where we can get money for my father’s operation. Yet, everyone was
still demanding the same things from me. I was still required to work as TBH’s Human Resource Manager. I was still obligated to finish my hours at the Guidance office. I was still a student and everyone was still thinking about themselves. I realized, I was staggering with my life that time but everyone will go on. They will offer sympathies and support but they will go on with their lives and if that was me, I would do the same. Because everyone lives different lives but the downfall of one was not the downfall of others. They will continue with their lives until they were met with different troubles and hardships that would turn their lives upside down just like it did mine. My downfall was not their downfall to take – it was my own problem to solve. Everyone needed support but at the end of the day, it was my battle to fight and overcome. And I did fight and overcome it. After the midterm exams, I asked each of my professors how I did. It turned out, I aced my midterm examinations. I was not smart in any case. I just put things in perspective and tried to see what I can do with what I got. As a young adult who was still studying, there was nothing much I can do than study hard and face problems as they came. When people assume that I’m smart, I was always quick to disagree. I was not being humble. It was because for me, I was just showing my dad that not even his illness will make me give up. christine.tbh@gmail.com
Turning Points and Trying Times
NEWS
The Bedan Herald
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
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“Writers, great tool for nation building” – Oquiñena ‘Arts camp’ FOUR MEMBERS OF The Bedan Herald participated at the Student Writers’ Conference organized by the Malacañang Special Concerns Office which tackled “Hamon sa mga batang manunulat” last Dec. 2 at Bahay Ugnayan, Malacañang Complex, Manila. Undersecretary of Malacañang Special Concerns Jose Mari Oquiñena pointed out in his talk that “writers are a great tool for the Philippines’ nation building.” He ended his talk saying “maging giniling,” which means to disseminate the essence of nation building and to influence others to be volunteers. Another speaker was Hon. Herminio Coloma Jr., secretary of Presidential Communications Operation Office. Though he was not able to attend, he talked about the three prisms of writing in a video presentation: (1) to write is already to choose, (2) writing is a gift that must be used responsibly, and (3) the pen is mightier than the sword. The last speaker was Conrado de Quiros, a columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He discussed a little background about himself and later on encouraged questions from the
PASKONG BEDISTA / from p1
Rocket”. The other bands that performed were Beats Per Second with their renditions of “All I Want For Christmas” and “Time In”; Morning Cherry band performed “Last Christmas” and “Ignorance”; Mega Pixel band with their rendition of “Jingle Bells” and “Halik”; and the Unexpected band who performed “Martyr Nyebera” and “Last Christmas”.
from Franco and InYo, and eventually released their self-titled album in 2009. They performed five songs, two of those were their award winning songs, “This Gathering” which won Song of the Year for 2010 NU Awards and “Cast Away” which won Best Performance by a Group of Recording Artists for 2010 Awit Awards. In an interlude between their performances, they prepared a speech of thanks by saying, “it is our first time to perform [here] in San Beda College Alabang.” They also expressed their gratitude to the school administration and the other organizers, for inviting and giving them a warm welcome, especially to the Bedans and outsiders who gathered that night and sang along with them. Amidst the time and the approaching Christmas season, some Bedan students were able to share their thoughts regarding this year’s Paskong Bedista. “Successful naman kasi medyo madami rin ‘yong tao compared before. Tsaka magaling ‘yong banda,” said Aaron Tom Silvestre (III-BAIST), a fan of
ADRIAN VAL LOPEZ
SBCA highlights Franco After a span of 30 minutes, waiting for the highlight of the event is officially over. Franco came in and rocked the stage with their music. Franco, consisted of the vocalist Franco Reyes (from the band of InYo) guitarists Gabby Alipe (from the band of Urbandub) and Paolo “8” Toleran (from the band of Queso), bass guitarist Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses (from the band of Parokya ni Edgar) and drummer JanJan Mendoza (from the band of Urbandub). It is a band collaborated in 2008 by musicians from different rock bands, forming a rock “supergroup” entitled “Franco”. They started by playing songs
audience. human resource manager. The forum ranged from writing Other participants of the as a form of volunteerism, human conference were University of Santo emotions vs. rational thinking, and Tomas, Assumption College, Philippine being original to simple tips in writing Normal University, FEATI University, like constantly putting things down on Air Link International Aviation School, paper, being healthy, and knowing your Lyceum of the Philippines University, subject very well. Southeast Asian College, STI College “It’s better to write about your Muñoz, Asian College of Science summer vacation than writing about And Technology, Rizal Technological something you don’t know,” de Quiros University, Manila Tytana Colleges, stressed. Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and TBH members who attended representatives from Gawad Kalinga. the forum were this writer (IV-BACMS), managing editor; M a r c o A n g e l o Cabrera (III-BAIST), n e w s editor; Anne Lora Santos (IVBACMS), features and cultures editor; and Christine E a s t e r TBH News Editor Marco Angelo Cabrera asks a question during the open Halaba (IIIforum with Conrado de Quiros at the Bahay Ugnayan at the Malacañang. BACMS),
CHRISTINE EASTER HALABA
By Sabrina Jila Santos
THIS GATHERING. The Bedan crowd gets high with Franco’s soul rock music.
Franco. Jacome said that the Paskong Bedista was very successful this year, because almost one-third of the school community attended and supported it, especially those who are musicallyinclined and enthusiasts. “I really congratulate, particularly, the organizers for a very successful event. I hope that we can improve this, so by next year we can invite everyone to participate in the Paskong Bedista,” Jacome said. There were also some who shared their suggestions and hopeful thoughts. Alrenz Cabasa (II-BACMS) shared that he was not able to feel the Christmas spirit. But he also said, “[Ang] Franco, iba sila, I’m not really a fan of them pero iba talaga ‘yong style of music nila, ‘yong parang the first time mo na marinig ‘yong music nila, mapapakilig ka.” SEC president Ardanette Francine Pantajo hoped that all student organizations, alumni, faculty, and Bedans from Rizal and Mendiola will be able to participate in Paskong Bedista next year. “Paskong Bedista should be open to all Bedans, so that it will feel more of a communal celebration.” T h e proceeds went to the proposed S t u d e n t Center. The event was hosted by SEC internal and external vice presidents Janel Almira ( I V- B AC M S ) and Kenneth A l b e r t Yrastorza (IIIBACMS).
among top 12 finalists By Jamaica Judielle Anne Eleazar
“ARTS MAKE YOU Smart” camp, the Student Executive Council’s entry for the Colgate Fresh U Confidence contest 2011, was chosen as one of the competition’s top 12 finalists. The goal of the camp was to provide a creative outlet for out-ofschool youth, promote the Filipino culture, train their untapped talents and be productive citizens. It was meant to be held in the slums area around Las Piñas or Muntinlupa and teach the young residents the basics about visual and performing arts. The SEC was motivated to take part in the said competition since Alexa Ronquillo, (IV-BSE) SEC’s fourth year level representative, was part of the group who won last year’s Fresh U grant with their entry, “Bantay A Bata.” Another reason was because Pantajo wanted the existing SEC officers to do a community project where they would be able to help out-of-school youth within the Las Pinas and Muntinlupa area. The Colgate Fresh U Confidence contest was formed in order to allow the youth to speak out and spark change by sharing ideas, dreams and opinions that would benefit their community and create a better future. The challenge was to form a group, with a maximum of six college students who were currently enrolled, and make a project plan that ARTS CAMP / p9
JENSEN KYRA / p3 “You are a total package, Jensen, you know that. Ikaw ang pinaka-ready sa lahat because you’re already 18, and with that face and talent, you are gonna go places,” told Dela Fuente to Jensen during the last elimination night. For Jensen, the whole experience in Protégé was worth remembering. She shares that she has developed and changed a lot for the better and became more confident. What’s next for Kyra? Being one of the Final Five Protégés, for Kyra it was really an amazing experience even though she did not become the champion. However, heartbreaking it was for Jensen at first to be eliminated, she knows she gave her best. “Everything happens for a reason,” Jensen said matter-of-factly. Many doors were opened after the week Jensen got eliminated—doors she considered as “better things.” As the show ended last Dec. 18 with “The RnB Sistah ”Krizza Nerias the winner, Jensen wanted to encourage her fellow Bedans to watch out for the upcoming Protégé tour and the possible music album of the Top 10 Protégés. “Ang real life ay ‘yong pagkatapos ng Protégé, kung ano na ang mangyayari sa’yo, sa career mo, kung may future ka ba sa industry na pinasukan mo,” quipped Jensen. Proving how versatile and talented Bedans are, Jensen is now a mainstay singer/performer in GMA-7’s noontime Sunday show, Party Pilipinas. And with all these achievements, Jensen still puts premium to her education, saying she’s going back to school (SBCA) next school year under the same course (BACMS).
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FEATURES
The Bedan Herald
Volume 17 No. 7 JANUARY 2012
ENTER THE YEAR OF
TheWaterDragon By Sabrina Jila Santos Illustration by James Hardy Dee Ae Araza
ONCE AGAIN SINCE 2000, the Dragon will reign this year full of possibilities and chances. And with the element Yang Water, like a river things will move, ideas will pour, and progress will flow. But before we go there, let’s first delve into the myth and true story of the animal years. The story was actually focused on the former best friends, the Rat and the Cat. In an amazing race for the animal kingdom organized by the Jade Emperor, both of them agreed to join. At the race, the best friends contracted the poor-sighted Ox to let them get on its back and had him lead the way to pass through the raging river waters. The clever Rat, only thinking of winning the race, pushed the Cat off the Ox and won the competition. The Rat was followed by the tired Ox, and after several seconds, Tiger roared next with the Rabbit hopping behind. Here goes the mighty Dragon dropping from the sky and followed by the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and lastly, the Pig. As of the Cat, it finished
thirteenth and didn’t make it to the Zodiac. But the animal years are actually based on the cyclical Chinese Lunar Calendar way back in the second millennium BCE (before Common Era). The cycle is composed of 12 years in which each year represents the animal from the story told earlier. The correlation of years and animals are represented in a circular chart called as the Animals of the Zodiac.
can expect a shift in various aspects of our economy, our country, and the world in general.” But we should also remember that it is still a Dragon, it might spew fire and fear in our lives because the Dragon is also about movement. “We can expect lots of earthquakes,” says Allen.
Dragon’s individuality A person with the sign Dragon is characterized as powerful, superior, a doer, and a ruler. Allen said that people under the sign Dragon will make great managing directors, prime ministers and presidents. A Dragon is also ready to take on the challenges of 2012 as it is passionate, brave and self-assured. But you shouldn’t forget that Dragons breathe out fire and are capable to be hot-headed sometimes. But organizing a new project and putting up a business would be a good idea for the Dragons this year. Because money whether earned, borrowed, or acquired as a gift will be easier for them this year. But also consider economic downfall because we all know that the Year of the Dragon is going to end, and our investments from
this year might not be lucky for the next year. Aside from being good politicians and leaders, Dragons would also be great sales people, real estate brokers, publicists, and actors.
Dragon in Love Dragon has a soft underbelly which signifies that they have a “soft spot.” So besides their temper, they can also be great allies because as what have been mentioned earlier, Dragons are passionate. They also fall in love quickly and out of love just as quick. Though Dragons might treat love like a game, they can be also serious and settle down when they finally found the one. The Dragon’s ideal partners are the Rat, the Monkey, and the Rooster. The Rat is practical and observant while the Rooster is loyal, honest and can run the money for the Dragon—both animal signs can serve as the reality check of the Dragon that will save him from promises he can’t keep. The Monkey, on the other hand, is curious, intellectual and funloving—qualities that the Dragon also possesses.
2 012 Threshold to The Water Dragon year It’s that time of the year again to give one another Nian Gao or tikoy for a year-long togetherness of the family and never ending flow of luck. January 23, 2012 marks the start of The Water Dragon year, celebrated until February 9, 2013. Forget about the apocalypse and look forward for the year of The Water Dragon for it is all about transformation. It is the year of the beginning of something new, possibilities of prosperity and good fortune. According to feng shui expert Marites Allen, “we
FRANCO: One music, One love
By Janessa Villamera and Ma. Danneca Pastrano
Memory Kill Way back during the year 2006, it was when good friends Janjan, 8 and Buwi jammed for the first time. Their hang outs paved way for them to play random music. On year 2008, they tried to contact their friend Franco and asked him to join their band. Franco was then based in the U.S. but then decided to go to the Philippines to consider their offer. They started playing their own music but their band was name-less
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
LOVE, PEACE AND harmony guided the music of Franco that Bedans heard last Dec. 15 at the Plaza ‘Sang Bedista. A newfound form of music made noise into the OPM scene when Franco Reyes of InYo, Gabby Alipe and JanJan Mendoza of Urbandub, Paolo “8” Toleran of Queso and Buhawi “Buwi” Meneses of Parokya ni Edgar joined together to form one band named after the vocalist himself, Franco.
(L-R) Janjan Mendoza, Paolo “8” Toleran, Franco Reyes, Gabby Alipe, Buwi Meneses.
at first. They came up with different names for their band but ended up with the name “Franco”, which as stated beforehand, is also the name of their vocalist and guitarist. Franco does not want their band to be named after him but the members insisted. “Since all of our songs were written by him, ‘yon nalang yung balik namin sa kanya,” Buwi told The Bedan Herald. The band is also a collaborative group because its members came from different bands. “Iba talaga ‘yong collaboration, kasi may different inputs, different musicalities, but still, malaking disadvantage talaga ‘yong time,” Gabby said.
This Gathering After the concert proper, The Bedan Herald had the chance to discuss Franco’s music with the band members themselves. “Masaya, mas exciting. Ang lakas ng influence ng rock,” stated Reyes as to how they were impressed with their first visit to the Bedan community.
When asked about their genre, Reyes said that “It depends on how the person would perceive it.” Reyes said that they want their music to affect the youth by means of changing their minds and apprising them to the current government. The Bedan Herald asked Franco with their reaction in connection to being called the ‘superband’ and Alipe answered, “We never really liked the term because at the end of the day, this is just another job and we get to do what we love to do.” The band considers the state of being in the mainstream scene due to the reason of having a major label while instilling an indie mindset by means of letting creative freedom prevail. For the promising artists, take it as to how Meneses would put it into words—“Be true to your music.”
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 7 January 2012
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2012: ASIDE F R O M FIREWORKS, parties and loudhailers, year 2012 was welcomed by never-ending questions about a certain prediction on everybody’s near extinction. “The end of the world is near” was the statement we would always hear from many as year 2012 was approaching. Some uttered it as a joke; some took the opportunity to make a movie about it, while some considered it as alarming due to great catastrophes that had occurred on our planet lately. Mayans, an ancient civilization which thrived in Central America from the sixth to ninth century A.D., were the prophets of the 2012 rupture. They were known for being obsessed with the movements of planets, recording different cycles of time and for their calendar bounded complexity, mystery and alleged accuracy. But who are the Mayans? And how did they know when “the end of time” would be?
Death of 2 Benedictine monks Last year, the Bedan community mourned as Fr. Andy Formilleza, OSB and Fr. Dunstan Candol, OSB passed away. Fr. Andy was known for giving chocolates to students and his acronyms during his homilies. Fr. Dunstan was the former CAS Chaplain and is known for his meaningful homilies during retreats. A myriad of love messages flooded during their wake. Fr. Andy died last July 20 followed by the death of Fr. Dunstan last Oct. 16.
The MayanCalendar The Mayan calendar has an interlaced time scales of lunar, solar and planetary movements which could precisely predict thousands of eclipses into the future. The said calendar was also said to be predictive. It had foretold the Spanish invasion on March 5, 1519. But the most popular and intriguing predictions of the Mayan calendar is the doomsday. It says that on December 21, 2012, on winter season, the earth would be in the same alignment with the sun and Milky Way’s center. This kind of event only happens every more than 20,000 thousand years. The Mayans believed that its effect on our planet would be very dreadful. Scientific theory similar to the Mayans’ Geophysicists’ Pole Shift hypothesis was said to be conspicuously complementary to the Mayan prediction. The Pole shift is the rapid changing of positions of the North Pole and the South Pole. Polar movement really happens, but only one degree every million years.
FEATURES
Just another year or everyone’s last year?
In the case of the Pole Shift hypothesis, the polar wander would occur in just a few days or perhaps, in just a couple of hours. This would result in massive earthquakes, tsunami invasion all over coastal areas, enormous volcanic eruptions, and other catastrophic planetary events.
Religions’ contradictions For the past few years the world was suffering on economic crisis, famine and terrible calamities that some people nowadays consider as signals of an upcoming end of time. These people have connected these happenings and the Mayan predictions on some passages from the Bible, mostly from the book of Revelation. The Catholic Church strongly condemns any end of the world predictions. As said by Bishop Kenneth E. Untener on a post on www. americancatholic.org, people take the statements on the book of Revelation about the signs of the end of the world too literally and anxiously that it gives a “doomsday mood” to everyone. The Catholic Church also believes that nobody could ever predict when the
By Hannah Joyce Santos apocalypse would happen, for it was stated on Mark 13:32: “But nobody knows when that day or hour (end of time) will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows.” On the other hand, according to an article published by a Christian magazine, The Voice, the bad events that has been occurring in our world should not bring panic into people’s minds.“ The rise of false Christs (or leaders); wars and rumors of wars; nations will rise against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms; famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Christ said these signs are the beginning of sorrows not the end itself. They have to happen and have been for the past 2000 years.” We cannot deny that there is really a 2012 apocalypse prediction phenomenon taking place throughout the world. However, let us remember that these predictions were just made by humans like us; humans who are imperfect and capable of doing something right as well as of committing mistakes. It is up to us if these would drown us in the fear of something unknown or indulge us in celebrating life’s beauty.
Top 5 Bedan Issues of 2011 By Ma. Danneca Pastrano
Integration Week CAS celebrated its yearly integration week in a dfferent manner this school year. Many higher batch complained about how the traditional “basaan” was done. It was conducted first day of the week-long event unlike last year when it was held during the last day after the integration dance. Some were disappointed and described it as a hassle-free way of welcoming the freshmen. They find it unfair for they weren’t able to experience being welcomed in a hard way. But there were also some who were nonchalant about it for their main concern is the enjoyment of the freshmen.
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13th NCAA-South Opening Last Aug. 19, the opening of the 13th season of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – South with the theme “Nation building through sports” was held at SBCA’s Gymnasium for the school was the host for the said event. 10 schools together with San Beda College Alabang participated in the NCAA-S, namely Colegio de San Juan de LetranCalamba, University of Perpetual Help-Laguna, De La Salle-Lipa, Don Bosco Technical CollegeMandaluyong, First Asia Institue of Technology and HumanitiesTanauan, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, and San Pablo Colleges.
12 3 4 5
answered the question, “With P50,000, what can you do to make a difference in your community?” Only one entry was accepted per group and 12 project applications were shortlisted as finalists and later uploaded to the Fresh U Facebook fan page. The top six winners of the Fresh U grant worth P50,000 was determined by online voting of the 12 qualified submissions from Oct. 17 until Nov. 1, 2011. Unfortunately, the entry only reached 8th place in the online voting due to the small population of voters in San Beda College Alabang unlike the winning competitors such as Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University Manila as believed by Pantajo. The awarding ceremony was held at Route 196, Katipunan last Jan.
6 where Pantajo, along with Kenneth Albert Yrastorza (III-BACMS) and Alicia Marie Alcantara (III-BAP), SEC external vice-president and third-year level representative respectively, received a Certificate of Recognition and had the opportunity to discuss their project to those who attended the event. Ani Almarion, founder of RockEd, was present in the occasion and spoke how heroic it was to plan a sustainable development project for the community because of how tedious it can be. Pepe Diokno, an indie filmmaker and executive producer of RockEd, also shared that he is willing to provide support and assistance to the finalists that did not reach the top six. “I’m really proud of this accomplishment of the SEC. For our entry to be recognized in this national contest, and
Ruby Anniversary Kick-off Last July 11, SBCA begun its countdown for its Ruby (40th) anniversary. Themed “One Community, a shared destiny, Moving Ahead at Forty,” the event started with a mass and followed by various activities and ceremonies attended and participated by the Bedan community. Also, as a sign of 40 years of Benedictine Values of Peace, 40 doves were released by SBCA’s ONE community.
to be part of the Top 12 finalists, amidst competitors from universities like UP, DLSU, ADMU, is already a major accomplishment in itself. We just hope that the SEC will be able to find sponsors to obtain the necessary seed money that we will need if ever we are to implement the projects that we thought
about,” Pantajo concluded.
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ARTS CAMP / from p7
Uniform Change The said uniform change was a proposal from some of the students in celebration of San Beda College Alabang’s 40th anniversary. Student consultations were conducted so that the students could agree with one design for the new school uniform. The decision for this issue is yet to be announced by the school administrators.
The Bedan Herald
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Pla
B ‘SANG MUSEUM CELEBRATES 3RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT San Beda AlabangMuseum Presents:
SAN BEDA ALABANG Museum (SBAM) celebrated its third annual Christmas concert last Dec. 12 at Gallery 2. The concert was participated by grade school, high school and CAS. Performers from grade school were Angeli Dei Chorus, a choir which was conducted by Maitar Lualhati, and Alvin Tumandang as pianist. Two fourth year high school students also performed with their piano and violin while Edelysse Candido (III-BSE) and Prof. John Paul Domingo from CAS presented
a dance. SBAM concert was attended by Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB,
CAS professors Shirley Padua and Joyce Patricia Montelibano-Aquino, and parents of the participants.
DID YOU KNOW?
illustration by: Tonimari Aguirre
illustration by: James Hardy Dee Ae Araza
COMICS
CHOBENITO
Jose Rizal could write and read at age two and grew up to speak 22 languages including Latin, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, English, Chinese and Japanese. Rizal had psychic tendencies. There were many instances when Rizal’s dreams mirrored the future. One such dream was the one he had on Dec. 30, 1882. According to Rizal Without the Overcoat, Rizal wrote in an entry in his
journal dated Jan. 1, 1883: “(Two nights ago) I had a frightful nightmare when I almost died. I dreamed I was imitating an actor in a scene in which he dies, I felt vividly that my breath was failing and I was rapidly losing strength. Then my vision became dim and dense darkness like that of nothingness overpowered me: the anguish of death…” Disturbingly, Rizal was executed on the same day 13 years later.
[first photo]
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
By Julisa Ayson
The Angeli Dei Chorus sings in accordance with maestro Maitar Lualhati. [second photo]
A high school Bedan showcases his talent in playing the violin.
RIZAL STATUE / from p1 Bonifacio Para Kay Rizal” project aims to gather P80,000—the estimated budget for the monument which was based on the population survey of the Registrar’s Office. He added that the whole SBCA community, including students, teaching and non-teaching personnel could sustain the budget for the monument by giving P10 each. Donation boxes will be placed in all facilities of SBCA. Renta clarified that SBAM will take no sole possession of the Rizal monument in its establishment. But when asked by Prof. Jose Vasquez Jr., CAS vice dean of academic affairs, about the maintenance of the monument, the museum curator said “the SBAM will take care of it.” Rector-President Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, OSB was the person who dropped the first ten peso coin into the “Isang Bonifacio Para Kay Rizal” donation box as a symbolic gesture of support for the project and was followed by other SBCA board members and officers present during the launch. The statue will be about fourfeet tall and will be sculpted by Sandro Castrillo, an expert on brass sculpting. SBAM is planning to place the monument at the rotunda in front of St. Benedict Hall, beside the statue of St. Benedict upon the approval of Arlyn Gaitmaitan, directress of General Services department. It is also is expected to be inaugurated on June 19, 2012, Rizal’s 151st birth anniversary.
‘Not an ordinary’ Rizal Monument Instead of the usual adult Rizal, SBCA’s statue of our national hero will be a young Rizal. “Ang monumentong ito ay hindi ordinaryong monument ni Rizal na binaril o kaya may hawak na libro kagaya ng palagi nating nakikita,” said Renta during the meeting. He told SBCA administrators that the monument will depict one of the significant childhood moments of Rizal when one of his slippers was taken away by the stream of the river, and then he threw the other one to the water so that whoever would find his footwear would be able to use it. The young Rizal monument, according to Renta, was inspired by our national hero’s famous quote: “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.”
aza
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
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BEDISTA
Oki na! Ridi na!
uper-Ricky! By Sison Rodriguez Jr.
WALANG SINUMAN ANG hindi makakapagsambit ng iba’t ibang bersyon ng kanyang pangalan kapag siya ay iyong nakasalubong. Namumukod tanging mga ngiti sa mga labing bawat estudyante ang lumilitaw sa tuwing siya ay lalapitan. Tila isa na siyang bantog na artistang nagbibigay ingay at tingkad sa malamlam na pasilyong paaralan. Higit sa lahat siya ang superhero ng bawat mga kurso, kagawaran at mga kaganapan sa eskwelahan dahil sa isang tawag lang handang sumaklolo at tumulong ang maalamat na si Kuya Ricky. Ang kanyang pangalan ay parang isang sikat na musika. Samu’t saring tono, pagbigkas ang nailapat dito. Minsan pa nga ang Ricky ay nagiging “Reki” o “Reke” na kasabay ang malakas na tawanan ng bawat isa. Ang pangalan na ito na tumatak na sa mga mag-aaral at naging parte nang talasalitaan ng San Beda sa Kolehiyo ng Sining at Agham. Ngunit paano nga ba naging tanyag sa mga estudyante ang kanyang pangalan? Si Kuya Ricky o Ricky Ladanan ay nagsimula noong taong 2001 bilang Instructional Media Center (IMC) a ssistant. Sa kanyang unang taon ay bukambibig niyang inamin na siya ay nahirapan sa trabaho. Ngunit dahil sa kanyang kasipagan at mabuting pakikisama ay umabot siya ng sampung taon sa institusyon ng San Beda CollegeAlabang. “Hindi ko akalaing ako’y makakarating sa ganitong taon sa San
Beda [Alabang],” wika niya. Nakadama siya ng hirap sa mga unang taon dahil hindi niya gamay ang trabaho dito kumpara sa trabaho niya dati sa mga kompanya tulad ng printing press. Bago tumugon sa trabaho sa San Beda Alabang, siya ay nagplano ng mangibang bansa upang doon humanap ng pagkakakitaan. Habang naghihintay ng mga ilang buwan para sa trabaho sa ibang bansa, nagkataon na may nakapagsabi sa kanya na nangangailan ng isang tauhan sa isang kolehiyo at agad niya naman itong sinubukan. Kapag daka rin siyang natanggap ngunit pagkatapos ng isang buwan ay tsaka pa lamang niya natanggap ang katugunan sa kanyang pag-alis. Pero dahil pormal niya nang nasunggaban ang trabaho bilang isang assistant at technician hindi niya na tinuloy ang pagtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Tunay ngang naging makulay ang kanyang naging trabaho. Subalit, sa tuwing nagkakasabay ang mga gawain ng paaralan particular na sa kolehiyo, lubos na nahihirapan at nakakapagod ang trabaho. Sa kabilang banda, ang mga gawaing rin ito ang nagbibigay katuwaan sa kanya dahil sa maraming taong nakasasalamuha at natutulungan. Ibinahagi niya na mas masaya sa tuwing siya ay nasa paaralan at ginagawa ang kanyang mga trabaho kumpara sa bahay nila kung saan laging tulog ang kanyang mga anak o kung hindi man sila
oses
Bedista “Cheerdance Competition. :)”
ay siya. May mga pagkakataon din na tuwing umuuwi siya ay tulog na ang kanyang pamilya at dahil maaga rin ang oras ng kanyang trabaho nagiging hadlang ito pang makabuklod niya ang pamilya sa umaga. Hindi rin maitatanggi na malapit si Kuya Ricky sa mga mag-aaral na may kursong Communication and Media Studies (CMS). Datapwat, ang pagbubuklod na ito ay dahil sa mga asignatura sa ilalim ng kursong ito na nangagailangan ng tulong teknikal. Halimbawa nito ang asignaturang TV Production kung saan si Kuya Ricky ang nagsisilbing gabay at tagapag-turo sa mga mag-aaral. Buhat dito ang kanyang simpleng pangalan ay nagging matunog at nakilala sa CMS at tinuring na pamilya ang bawat estudyante. Subalit, ang pagtulong niya ay hindi lamang sa umiiral at nanatili sa CMS pati na rin sa iba pang kurso. “Wala akong pinipiling course, kung sino man ang lalapit tinutulungan ko sila,” banggit niya. Hindi dahil siya ay malapit sa isang kurso ang ibig sabihin na noon ay hindi na niya tutulungan ang iba, pantay ang lahat ng tulong na ipinagkakaloob niya. Mula sa pasilyo tanaw natin ang kanyang presensya. Ang mga sigaw ng kanyang pangalan na nagkaroon ng
AS WE BRACE ourselves to everything that’s in store for us this new year, let’s take some time to recall the moments that made year 2011 worth remembering.
What is your most memorable moment of 2011?
–Jeano Esquilona (III-BAP)
“Franco. NCAA South. Ruby preparations. All OSA activities are worth remembering for me. Hardwork and love.” –Prof. Ma. Adrianna Quioyo (Prefect of Student Activities) “Advertising Congress in CamSur, meeting the top honchos in creative media, and bonding with CMS students.” – Prof. Shirley Padua (CMS Department Chair)
“Mindoro immersion last January 28-February 2. It was a life-changing experience.” –Alrenz Cabasa (II-BACMS)
“Me and my block mates went to Batangas for our project in Asian History. It was cool because we weren’t that attached yet since it was first sem, but we were surprised of how we enjoyed each other’s company while travelling from Manila to Batangas and back.” –Jhezell Choy (I-BACMS)
“Bringing my students to Instituto Cervantes de Manila to watch a Spanish movie.” –Prof. John Paul Abellera (SBCA Alumnus Batch ‘02 and CAS instructor)
“Graduation. While everyone’s at the ceremony, I went to Star Mall while wearing toga to get my girlfriend arriving from Mindoro.” -Samuel Ybanez Sabado (BACMS ‘11) “Most memorable moment was my Spain trip for the World Youth Day and International Benedictine Youth Congress. I had the chance to visit the Abbey of Montserrat, other Churches, spend time with REAL good friends and met new ones and also the chance to be with Fr. Dunstan.” –Jose Mari Balasico (Staff assistant, CAS Office and Student Affairs) “Everything about the 22nd AdCongress especially when John Lloyd picked me out of all the audiences to sing for me and hug me! Hahaha! Not only that, meeting the BIG THREE was also one of the best experience. :)” –Marianne Joy Avilla (IV-BACMS) Source:
/thebedanherald
sari-saring mga kulay ang katunayan sa kung anong nakatanim sa kanyang puso at damdamin. Marahil para sa iba ang bagay na kaya niyang maitulong ay payak, gayunman, ang mga bagay na ito ang nagpapaligaya sa kanya. Hindi dahil sa pera o trabaho kundi dahil ito ang kumuyom sa kaluguran ng kanyang damdamin. Samakatuwid, maituturing nga siyang superhero, sa isang tawag lang, siya’y nakangiti at handang tumulong para sa ikabubuti ng lahat.
RIZAL / from p2
Manunulat” which garnered major awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival, FAMAS awards, Gawad Urian and 1st place in the 25th PMPC Star Awards. From the documentary, Chua not only retold the life of Jose Rizal, but also did reveal clarifications and truths with some issues about the national hero that many do not fully understand—Rizal’s love life as an example. He stated that Rizal was not a playboy. He was just friendly, and at the same time, just having mere crushes on these ladies. People claim them to be his “girls’” when in fact there is no big deal to it because, according to Chua, Rizal was just like everyone who have crushes. Chua proved that Rizal was involved in controversies to show his early prominence as he revealed explanations and “supposed” stories in some controversial paintings such as the “Parisian Life” of Juan Luna, wherein, he revealed that Rizal was one of the characters in it, alongside, Juan Luna and the others. Furthermore, the first Philippine feature film was a documentary about him. Chua ended the forum with a quote: “K now your past to know how to achieve your goals through your talents without committing the same mistakes.”
The Bedan Herald
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VOLUME 17 NO. 7 JANUARY 2012
Techno-Trends in 2012 By Angeli Anne de los Reyes
SINCE THE 21ST Century has opened its eyes for improvements with technology, mankind is on the verge towards greater modernization. As of 2011, the gadgets that were introduced were always a hot topic. And as 2012 has come, improvements and new applications or software has come our way. iPad3 for 2012 It has just been March last year since iPad 2 was released and now, there has been a rumor that Apple’s iPad will be launched around first
Trivia
quarter of the year. Having a 9.7-inch screen, Quad eXtended Graphics Array (QXGA) resolution (1,536x2,048 pixels) and dual OLED backlights, this new version of iPad will also feature an increased battery capacity of 14,000mAH and a quad-core A6 processor manufactured by Samsung.
Because of the static By Ma. Danneca Pastrano • electricity in synthetic clothing that can create sparks capable of detonating fireworks, the fabricators of the shells must stick to wearing cotton all the way down to their underwear. • The most disastrous
Ultrabook Now Ultra Sleek, Ultra Responsive It seems that 2012 will be a year of ultrabooks as Samsung Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Dell are to enter the Ultrabook market. Ultrabooks are laptops that are ultrasleek, ultra responsive and are lightweight laptops. On the end of the year, Ultrabooks might feature touch panels according
Touch Capabilities on Windows 8 It was said that the public Beta Version of Windows 8 and Windows Store will be released on February this year, after the Valentine Season. Microsoft made an official announcement with regards to the Windows 8 Beta, that it shall be available for all users probably on the last week of February. Windows 8 is an improved version of Windows 7 which holds a lot of changes. It has a new Start Screen interface that was specifically designed for touch screen inputs aside from the mouse, keyboard and pen input.
fireworks-related tragedy occurred during a marriage celebration of King Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette on May 16, 1770. After the fireworks show, a stampede occurred where approximately 800 people were killed as people tried to leave what is known today as the Place dela
to various sources like mashable.com and iyogi.com. It is to comply with one of the most exciting features on Windows 8, the touch capabilities.
Concorde. • When fireworks were invented during the Renaissance period, those who set off fireworks had to light their creations with tissue paper rolled around a trail of gunpowder.
UPCOMING SPECIAL ISSUES
The Bedan Herald Volume 17 No. 7 January 2012
Psych wins first ever futsal games By Maverhick Ace Nacional
GIOVAN LORENZ ARELLANO
futsal is played with a smaller ball with lesser bounce than a regular football. Unlimited substitutions are allowed. THE COLLEGE OF Arts and Sciences Individual ball control, quick decision finally kicked-off a new sport, ‘futsal’, making, more touches on the ball, and it is now officially part of the annual playing within smaller boundaries and Intramural games. shot precisions are the main elements in Through the determination of playing this kind of sport. football-savvy students from different Players from different courses courses to include it as a part of the 2011 formed their respective teams and Intramural games, futsal was finally a signed up for the game held from Dec. welcomed new sport for the Bedans. 15-16 in the covered court of San Beda Compared with the outdoor football, College Alabang. The futsal event was in the form of round-robin system. The BSIT secured their berth in the finals by eliminating the BM with a score of 1-0. While BAP had a second game against their rival. BACMS and Psychology’s Jae Hyun Park crosses the ball past his defender. won their way
to the finals. BSIT and BAP vied for the championship with the former winning the gold prize for a convinving victory of 3-0. The BSIT and BAP secured their finals berth after eliminating BM and BACMS respectively. After the first round, BM and BACMS contended for second runner-up, ending with a score of 1-0 in the form of a penalty shoot-out. “A little more organization; muntikan na kaming ma-disappoint for the fact na the officials wanted to drop the finals due to lack of time,” Ramon Marco Tayag (II-BAP). During the awarding, Isiah Kryshnan Vergara (II-BAP) was crowned as the most valuable player of the game, together with his teammates: Reulle Orense, Justin Kevin Lee, George Ambas, Leon Tuvera and Jose Antonio Remigio Da Silva. “Para rin sa buong team itong award na ito kasi they also deserve it,” Vergara said. “The players from the other teams were very good but our teamwork paid-off and I think that was the reason why we were held champions,” concluded Jae Hyun Park, BAP team captain.
PEP RALLY / from p14 Roque, OSB in his opening remarks. Kelvin Nicole de Jesus of the Red Lions basketball team lit the torch followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Janel Marice Almira, Student Executive Council internal vice president. Communication and Media Studies’ Ezra Emmanuel Ballonado and Legal Management’s Katrina Dunham were crowned as Mr. and Ms.
Intramurals 2011. Alexandrio Savipra Gorospe (Psychology) and Christine Mae del Rosario (CMS) won 1st runner up while Ace Obedencia (LM) and Maria Exequiel Panaguiton (Accountancy) landed 2nd runner up. Special awards were given to Del Rosario (Best in Talent) and Gorospe (Best in Talent) while International Studies’ Angeli Alvarez and Renz
Rodrigo both received the Bedan Choice awards. The Mr. and Ms. Photogenic and Best in Sportswear awards were given to Dunham and Ballonado. CAS Dean Thelma Geraldine Barricaua formally ended the event declaring the opening of Intramurals 2011. With reports from Angeli Anne de los Reyes and Angela Victoria Escobal
countered with a barrage of shots from under the paint and from beyond the arc giving them the lead and finishing the second half with scores 28-24. BALM struggles to get the lead back in the third quarter. Turnovers for BALM occurred often in the second half, another problem they faced was the strong defense of BM because they have the height advantage in the field and quick steals from their guards. They continue to build up their lead with a lot of fast break points. During the latter part of the penultimate period, BALM
cuts the lead down and ends the period with a score of 46-43. During the final stretch of the game, BALM was able to get the lead back with a 3-pointer making the score 62-63. Right after that glorious moment, BM shuts down their cheers with a 3-pointer of their own regaining the lead, ending the game 65-63 and earning their back-to-back titles. In the Women’s division BM also bags gold with a 10-point lead against BALM. BALM: Back-to-Back Volleyball Champions
A rematch of last years women’s volleyball finals, BM tries to get their revenge against BALM, but gets rejected with a brilliant performance by BALM, they bag gold with scores 25-16, 24-20, 25-23, 14-25, while CMS wins against IS in the Men’s finals.
INTRAMS / from p14
CHEERING / from p14
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
also received the same feat last competition.
International Studies champions once again. costumes, stunts and routine, the cheerdancers manifested their unwavering passion and pride for their respective courses. Prof. Annabelle Balon, Prof. Jeff Habana and Prof. Jerome Hernandez stood as the judges during the said competition. All three of them came up
with a unanimous decision hailing IS as the victor. Balon commended the winning team for their smooth execution of their routine, thus becoming distinct from the other participants. She said, “sustained ‘yong energy nila from the first beat up to the last at ‘yong aura nila maganda.”
First CAS Futsal Champion The inaugural championships of the very first Futsal games in the CAS were paired by IT and Psychology. Hernandez shared the same thoughts by saying that they were too energetic during the competition. He added, “’yong execution nila angkop sa hinihinging requirements at ‘yong stunts nakadagdag sa impression ng judges.” Communication and Media Studies won first runner-up while the joint Business Administration and Entrepreneurship team settled as second runner-up. Special awards were given to Joel Minas (III-BSIT) for Best Male Cheer Dancer and Burnice Fainsan (IIBACMS) for Best Female Cheer Dancer. Minas
SPORTS
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BIG BOOM THEORY / from p5 watching a Pinoy talent show, the good vibes of a traffic-less day, the smiles of professors and classmates we greet in the hallway, the words of encouragement from a friend, and the breakfast our parents prepared. Make ourselves a little happier every day through celebrating simple little things. 8. Think before you speak, act, click, post, tweet, retweet, comment, share, upload, download, buffer, like, buzz—the list may go on. 9. Step up. Have the guts, focus, determination, and patience to reach for your goals. Read more, write more, do more, practice more, give more—those are the only ways we can be at par with or well ahead of others. Doing good may be the unpopular move (others would even see kindness as a sign of weakness), but do good anyway. Fight for what we think is right. Learn something new every day. Step up, so you may develop your potentials to the fullest. And believe in yourself. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” 10. Treasure true friends, love family more, for they are the ones who give us inspiration and strength to keep going through life; the ones we can hold on to during the times of despair; the ones who will appreciate us for who we are and are not; and the ones we can happily share our successes with. Give time to develop your relationships with them, for they indeed are precious and extraordinary blessings from God. 11. And most importantly, pray. Perfect source of inner peace, hope, happiness and genuine love. We must remember to constantly pray to God for forgiveness and thank Him for His infinite blessings. To God always be the glory, and to Him should we offer yet another year of love, joy, hope, trials and surprises. Happy 2012 everyone! adrianval.tbh@gmail.com
IT was able to eliminate BM to secure their spot in the finals at the same time Psychology avenges their loss against CMS. As the two teams duke it out to be first champions in Futsal, Psychology was able to grab gold with a score of 3-0. With reports from Jamaica Judielle Anne Eleazar
The Bedan Herald 14
CEASAR JAN ENTILA
LAWRENZ MATTHEW GUEVARA
LAWRENZ MATTHEW GUEVARA
VOLUME 17 NO. 7 January 2012
Odd Restart Button (L) Mr. & Ms. Intrams 2011 Ezra Ballonado and Katrina Dunham strike a winning pose as (M) Red Lions’ Kelvin De Jesus carries the torch during the Intrams Opening. (R) International Studies reigns anew as Intrams 2011 Cheerdance Competition champions.
CAS Pep Rally, Intrams held simultaneously By March Anetonette Ortuoste IN A RARE occurrence, the CAS Pep Rally and Intrams 2011 opening both kicked in last Dec. 12 at the SBCA Gym, invigorating both the Bedan Animo and course pride among the students.
After months of wait The annual Pep Rally finally pushed through along with the Intramurals, ending its five monthlong postponement. It was originally scheduled to be held last Aug. 19 but it
IS triumphs cheer dance competition anew
was set aside to give way for the NCAASouth season 13 opening. The second issue of The Bedan Herald’s sports magazine, Momentum, was also released and distributed to the Bedan crowd all cheering for the Red Lion athletes. As a tradition, Bedans from Mendiola and Rizal campuses had also been invited to join the Pep Rally. SBC Rizal Pep Squad performed their cheers in an intermission together with the SBCA HS Pep Band and the CAS Red Lion Pep Band.
Mr. and Ms. Intrams hailed Themed “We Got Spirit, One College, One Team”, the Intamurals kicked off with the parade and introduction of the different departments’ muses and escorts together with their respective department chairs, led by Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2010 Janelle Peña and Justin Carlo Bernal. “It is a time for relaxation,” said Rector-President Dom Clement Ma. H.
By Janessa Villamera
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES department achieved another milestone as it won the Intramurals 2011 cheerdance showdown for the second time in a row, besting five other courses last Dec.15 at the SBCA gym. The event itself gathered various alumni, students and SBCA members to witness the much awaited competition among the CAS departments. Through well prepared CHEERING / p13
B’ball, v’ball finals results; BM, BALM retain title By Jose Antonio Remigio Da Silva SIX TEAMS HAD battled out for the glory, but there could only be one. Here are the results of this year’s Intramurals championship held last Dec. 15 at the SBCA Gym.
BM: Back-to-Back Titles The players of the Business Management department (BM) were back in this year’s finals and instead of meeting their rivals the Information Technology department (IT), they met up with BALM. From the start, BALM led the first quarter with some easy points from under the basket. BM then INTRAMS / p13
Psych wins first ever futsal games
(See story on p.13)
(See more on p.13)
PEP RALLY/ p13
THE NEW YEAR has arrived and this can only mean one thing—a new free chance for everybody to show others how they can just become better as a person. Almost every year, people prepare their own lists of New Year resolution and promise to stick to them for as long as they can no matter what. It may be about work, self-improvement or anything that concerns others. It is true that nothing or no one can change overnight. It is a lengthy process one who is willing to achieve the desirable progress have to endure and most of the time, tolerance and emotions and even the friendship are tested and being pushed to the limit. Like how always the hackneyed phrase says, change is inevitable. One little act, as long as it veers away from an accustomed routine, it is considered a change. It is just a matter of how much impact it makes to either improve our lives, make us more satisfied in the long run. Or it can also lead us to less comfortable situations, thus will make you utter regrets in the future but this is all natural. A man who is determined to change every small details in his life step by step and one at a time, collectively, makes him a better person than he was yesterday. In all peculiarity, change can mean different things. One trending example is reform in management—Gutierrez, Corona, Echiverri and the list goes on. There are times, well in this case in a group, when a person is not being effective in the sense that he is causing the entire team a difficult time, change can just be synonymous to eradication. The Filipino wanted to oust Marcos for the sake of change and Erap shared the same fate. But for some greater leaders, change came from them first which is a considerable braver and a more upright act such is what Richard Nixon did. He knew that he had already lost the support of his country so he himself voluntarily made the decision what everyone was expecting. It was a change and it was for the good of the country. Every loss eventually converts to a gain. Whether it was forcedly taken away or not, a person—relative, a close friend or an idol who is looked up to, a prized possession, a rank of any sort or what not, this contributes to both sides’ welfare—to yourself and the people around you. Through pressing the restart button of life, there will always be something to look forward to and this is the ultimate fact every new year makes us realize as soon as the calendar turns to January 1st. There should always be a change—it is the only way to solution to most things. Learn to accept and move on. vance.tbh@gmail.com