IN KAGAY-ANON COLORS. A representative wearing a tribal costume in bold colors holds a statuette of St. Augustine, patron saint of CdeO, as she dances to the beat of her barangay’s entry to the Kagay-an Cultural Street Dancing Competition.
[ A.P. YAO ]
The First 100: The Acabo administration so far By Maria Therese D. Agcopra
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ven when President Dean Cris Acabo was still running for presidency, he had his goals and visions down pat. Having served for the Central Student Government (CSG) last year, an obvious approach is to correct the mistakes of the past and continue an efficient policy to the present. In his 100th Day Report, Acabo made a conscious effort to address internal setbacks and build a more socially aware CSG at the same time. Shattering myths Very systematically, Acabo began his first few months in office fixing a potential problem that might hinder CSG from functioning well as a government and as a team. Empowerment has never been acted upon despite having been talked about many times in the past. Acabo, however, is intent on furthering the capacities of his constituents through an improved training program. For instance, CSG’s Basic Orientation and Leadership Training Seminar (BOLTS) was transformed into a multiphased system this year to slowly but surely make certain that officers are well identified with their functions and goals.
Not only has the change in system strengthened BOLTS as the core training method for leaders, but it has also eliminated the misconception of the training seminar as mere out-of-town gatherings around the campfire. Aside from BOLTS, eight CSG officers were also selected to join the Summer Leadership Development Program on May 23-27, 2012. In the past years, CSG found its role reduced to being big event organizers instead of being an actual student government. As a result, the Acabo administration thought it fitting to bequeath the responsibility of spearheading events such as the recent University General Assembly (GA) to the Assembly of Extra-Curricular Organizations (AECO). This would hopefully allow the CSG to concentrate more on student-related issues and representation in the Academic Council and the Review and Recognition Committee, to name a few. However, after several mishaps that plagued the production of the University GA and the failure to secure higher audience turnout, AECO might find itself in hot water. CSG on the environment There are probably plenty of items on the CSG agenda, and wasting no time in his term, the
CSG President has begun fulfilling them one by one. During Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras’s visit in XU on May 16, 2012, CSG raised concerns regarding the Mindanao Power Crisis. Around the same month, XU was the host campus for the 29th Buklod Atenista where CSG included environmental concerns such as the open-pit mining in Mindanao in the round of discussions to further its environmental advocacies. Buklod was handled by CSG’s Department of Extra-curricular Affairs and Networking and was attended by the five Ateneo institutions from all over the country. Back to basics Perhaps one of the most heard-of complaints from students, even with the previous administrations, is the disorderly management of the enrolment process. While it is not entirely in the CSG’s control, they did their best to ensure speed and fluidity in transactions. The CSG’s Office of Communication and Events Committee prepared informative paraphernalia for the students while volunteers helped facilitate operations at the Registrar and Finance offices.
FLASHBACK. CSG President Dean Cris Acabo, then newly elected, promises a better CSG in his term, during the proclamation of new CSG officers back in March 2, 2012 at the Magis Complex.
Unlike before, very minimal negative comments were received this year. As June kicked in, CSG prepared the traditional activities and services to usher in the
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The Many Motions of Kagay-an Festival 2012 By Ma. Rosetti G. Villamor
“I
would like to organize the elite, most talented young leaders of our city [and] organize social events that show the uniqueness of Kagay-an history, heritage, art, cuisine and most of all our resilliency as citizens of the Philippines,” answered Miss Kagayan 2012 Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza when asked how she will rebuild the city if crowned, during the final round of the city-wide beauty pageant held at the
Limketkai Center Atrium on August 26, 2012. But even before Mendoza could organize the said event, Cagayan de Oro City has long been one step ahead in preparing a series of social activities, gathering people from across the country and demonstrating CdeO’s pride. One of which is the annual month-long Kagay-an Festival in honor of the City Fiesta on August 28, the Feast of the CdeO patron saint, St. Augustine.
The festival is filled with various competitions, parties and showcases to entertain both the locals and tourists, but it was during the climax of the festivities did many Kagay-anons feel the excitement from the many motions of the city fiesta. The core events between August 26 – August 28, 2012 were the Kagay-an Cultural Street Dancing Competition, Kagay-an Festival Parade, Fluvial Procession and Floral Offering, Mass Halad, and the Kagay-an Pyrolympics 2012.
To the streets A stunning display of choreography from 13 contingents danced through CdeO from Rodelsa Hall to Pelaez Sports Center during the Kagay-an Cultural Street Dancing Competition held on August 26. In the end, it was Barangay Kauswagan who was awarded the trophy and PHP 200,000. Barangay Bayabas and Barangay Bugo garnered second, PHP 150,000,
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The First 100... new school year. For better security measures and to avoid misuse of facilities, the locker area is now equipped with a CCTV camera. Through the Department of Student Services and Welfare, Ateneans are able to rent lockers for only PHP 300. CSG has also opened the One-Stop Shop which not only provides students with school materials and good food, but has also become an outlet for students and the CSG to regularly interact with each other and create a healthy exchange of feedback and suggestions. Ironically, with too much uncontrolled hype and crowding, the blaring “silence” sign posted in the area seemed like just another decoration. Between June 11 and 19, CSG also initiated the annual Book Market at XU Main Lane.
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Also, to help alleviate students from the stress of midterm week, CSG spearheaded tutorial sessions from July 14–August 4 in partnership with other co-curricular organizations. New feats While the aforementioned actions are not necessarily new coming from the CSG, some promising projects have popped out from this administration. Most of these speak of a CSG going out of the box, expanding their roles in more than just student service. During the campaign period, we saw the executive and the legislative tag team with a burning desire to instill nation-building in students. Having been exposed to different sorts of extensive leadership training, Acabo and CSG
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for the upcoming 2013 national elections. The student government will also establish aTENeo MOVES, a branch of Ten Moves, a nationwide campaign which will help build ten thousand classrooms from 10-peso collections. With this, we can rest in the fact that there is at least mobility in the student government and some issues have been tapped. Still, it leaves a lot more to be desired for. A hundred days is not enough to produce drastic changes in CSG, nor is it any measure to predict a continuous progress in the long run. After all, CSG’s battle has barely begun.C
Some things to look forward to in the next months would be the fulfillment of the Ateneo Task Force 2013 which will help prepare voters
Source: 100th Day Report by incumbent CSG President Dean Cris Acabo
Vice President Sean Jared Lastimoso seem to have the right ingredients to live the dream. Through the efforts of the Department of Mission and Social Action, CSG introduced the tripartite debate series called Panaghisgot. The initiative is presented to make students more aware of pressing global, national, and local issues and encourage them to think critically and make a stand. A major drawback, though, is the busy and noisy ambience of the canteen where this activity is regularly held.
PIChE - CDO XUCA’s Manresa Days backs sustainable solutions hosts Science, By Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo Eng’g forum By Dahn F. Suan
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new generation of biofuel and robotics were among the emerging technologies and scientific advancement that were discussed in the International Scientific and Engineering Forum (ISEF) held on August 9-10, 2012 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center, Limketkai Center. Themed “Engineering Innovations for Green Technology and Economic Sustainability”, ISEF was organized and facilitated by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers - Cagayan de Oro (PIChE - CDO) Chapter, spearheaded by its current president Engr. Mary Hazel C. Abasolo. The topics that were discussed ranged from the fields of energy, megatronics, electronics, agriculture, engineering and chemistry. Speakers in the forum came from both the scientific and engineering academe and industry. The forum was composed of two plenaries and seventeen different themes for the technical sessions. The two plenary topics were “Sustainability of Biofuels in the Philippines” by Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra, former PIChE National President and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) employee; and “Quality and Food Safety Management Systems in San Miguel Purefoods” by Engr. Cyd Puertollano Aguilera, Quality Management Specialist for Food Safety in San Miguel Corporation. The themes for the technical sessions are studies that were made by the engineers and scientists in their respective fields. Among those who presented their studies were Dr. Hercules R. Cascon whose study is “Partitioning of Butanol and Other Fermentation Broth Components in Phosphonium and Ammonium-Based Ionic Liquids and their Toxicity to Solventogenic Clostridia” and Dr. Daisy B. Badilla with “Microscopy of the Biofilm on a Membrane in Gas Phase Biofiltration for Indoor Air Pollution Control”. Some speakers could not make it due to the flooding in Manila, but the event went on with students from XU and Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) in participation. Besides meeting with fellow scientists and engineers and knowing one another, the main goal of the event was to share ideas and studies to find solutions on how to mitigate the negative effects of natural resources depletion and climate change.C
ACE-HIGH. A cowboy lures a bull back to its pen during the Manresa Days 2012.
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he XU College of Agriculture celebrated its annual Manresa Days on August 16-18, 2012 with the theme “Innovating Sustainable Solutions”. This year, the event was aimed at maintaining the environment and life in general by looking for different options to survive. Manresa Days 2012 started with a thanksgiving mass at the XU Chapel,
[ V.L. MAGBANUA]
followed by a Torch Parade of the different chambers of the college around Divisoria and the opening program at the SC grounds. During the opening ceremony, the audience and bypassers were wowed by the presentation of the Agricultural Engineering Fire Spinners that showed what it really takes to be an Aggie Bullrider.
The XU Rodeo with its “25th Rodeo sa Ateneo” hyped up the opening of the second day of celebration, highlighting Miss Rodeo 2012. The celebration also showcased academic and technological exhibits, product sales, poster making and essay writing contests for high school students, Manrazing race, Quiz Bowl, Agri–Convention, and Barn Dance Competition. All events were ushered by the Aggie Student Council Officers and Staff—all proudly wearing their boots, chaps and cowboy hats. On the third day, an Alumni Business Meeting was held at SEARSOLIN focusing on how sustainability can give people the choices to innovate, research, modify and redefine the products of science and technology. Manresa Days 2012 wrapped up with the final brandishing of bullwhips of all Rodeo teams, cattle events, and the trademark tug-of-war among various Aggie bullriders that brought the whole crowd into loud and wild cheers. The three-day celebration ended with a spectacular Grand Alumni Night—gathering the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College of Agriculture in cheers and reviving the true and raging Aggie spirit.C
SOE “So Happy Together” in 1st Family Day By Leasusana C. Ty
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ugust 19, 2012 — Filled with laughter and cheers, Education students along with their families gathered at the Aggies Satellite Canteen to celebrate the School of Education’s (SOE) first Family Day with the theme “So Happy Together” with the SOE family. Not only was the event graced by the presence of families who made efforts to come to the event from their different provinces, but also by the faculty, staff and student assistants. The program was divided into two parts: the family-bonding portion in the morning and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) General Assembly in the afternoon. The family-bonding portion was lined with activities such as the students’ dance presentation, impromptu faculty talent portion, and games. After the program ended, the families, faculty and administration ate lunch together at the Magis Canteen.
After the lunch break, parents were requested to return to the venue for the PTA General Assembly which began at 1:00 pm and ended at 4:30PM. The Family Day aimed to build camaraderie with their families and good relationships with other families in SOE as one college, one team with one goal: to graduate from college with good relationships with family and friends. The event also urged the students to reflect about what happed on the family day and what they learned about “family”. “Na-realize namo na rampant ang atong kabusy as students. There would be times [that] we are so busy [that] we forget our family life,” explained JM Daaca, current president of the Teacher’s Guild (TG). “We have thought that in elementary we had a family day, in high school we [also] had a family day and why not revive it…in college?” he added.
Mrs. Gigi Ferrer, third year representative of SOE-PTA also expressed her joy, “Wala kami nag-isip na ma-push through, luckily naman na nangyari nga. Bihira lang kasi ‘to sa mga parents at students, lalo na sa college.” Even Daaca said, “First time ni nahitabo nga activity pero grabe ka-overwhelming kay the parents participated [in] the activity and ang mga officers, bisan nag-general assembly nami [yesterday, August 18, 2012] bisan gikapoy mi nabuhat gihapon namo siya.” The Family Day was made possible through the efforts of the TG officers, SOE faculty and administration, the PTA Officers, student volunteers and their sponsor, Del Monte Philippines, Inc. Daaca also acknowledged the presence of students themselves which also made the Family Day a success. “Support gyud siya. Support coming from the students ug sa faculty. Ni-attend gyud sila even though wala [for some students] ang ilang mga parents.”C
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Modern Theatre takes the Stage B By Faith May S. Albarracin
eing a thespian is not just about how well you unleash your talents, but it is also about how you elicit emotions from the audience—leaving them craving for more. It was no ordinary night on August 1, 2012 at the XU Little Theater when the Xavier Stage (TXS) showed a prelude to their brand of modern theater in their second Theater Season Launching. The spectators in the dimly lit theater were welcomed by artists laughing and crying at the back of the audience. They were looking closely at the candles they were holding as they approached the stage, showcasing a performance called Rasa Box. According to Mr. Hobart Savior, the Director of Xavier Center for Culture and Arts (XCCA) and the Executive Director of TXS, this season, TXS “…will embark [on] the promotion of Modern Theater which in 19th century played a significant role in influencing the currents of the 20th and 21st centuries with the introduction of various intellectual, religious and moral challenges and ideologies.” To get a glimpse of their upcoming productions, TXS filled the stage with suspense, anger, excitement, fun and love— starting off with a young boy looking for something, ending up staring above a corner of what seemed to be his death. It was a depiction of The Post Office which premieres on September 19-22, 2012.
DENOUEMENT. Actors pose for the final part of A Respectable Wedding’s teaser showing during the second Theater Season Launching of the Xavier Stage.
“Gakahadlok ko,” a student confessed upon watching the prelude of Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio. The artists illustrated the unjust realities of the political world through absurdity, cruelty, and eliciting emotions of anger, pity, fear and empathy. The play, which has a touch of sociopolitical comment, will take the stage on December 5-8, 2012. There was a shift of emotion when six artists performed the prelude of the
romantic comedy play A Respectable Wedding which will unfold on February 2013. With just a table and ounces of artistry, they created emotions depicting a typical Filipino family’s say towards courtship and marriage. Aside from the air of thrill, suspense and drama in the said launching, the place was also filled with music as the Xavier Philharmonia, Miles Nacional and Kanta TXS entertained and hyped up the audience
[ FROM XCCA]
with their renditions of some modern music. “The stage is never exclusive,” said Savior, referring to the Capitol University Dance Troupe’s rendition of the song “Hiram” during the event. There are various sources of entertainment the students can choose from these days. The Xavier Stage invites the XU community to experience drama, excitement, laughter, fun and love while exposing the artistic self.C
Kagay-an Festival 2012...
XU-JPIA garners awards in Accountancy Week
and third place, PHP 100,000, respectively. But even the cultural street dances from CdeO’s finest could not top the event which followed the next day. The Kagayan Festival Parade 2012 was labeled as “one of the longest parades ever made” by Manila Bulletin. The parade included about 110 participants: various national government offices, 11 public and 14 private schools, civic groups and organizations, and private companies. Part of the annual parade was the Civic Military Parade where representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Maritime Police, Coast Guard, Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Mindanao Shriners marched through the CONFIDENCE. A girl proudly shows off her cultural dance moves as she marches streets of CdeO. throughout the streets of CdeO along with her fellow performers during the KagayBut the parade could an Cultural Street Dancing Competition.2012. not have been as jaw[ A.P. YAO ] dropping without the exhibitions of floats from the participants MLhuillier, second place and International of the Golden Float Parade who wowed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., third place. the onlookers with their exquisite creations. Although each entry were craftfully made To the sky in its own right, it was Concentrix who Hundreds of spectators gathered at the received the first place cash prize of PHP SM City grounds and looked up at the sky, 150,000. Their float featured warm-colored waiting for the Kagay-an Pyrolympics 2012 fishes and human figures in tribal costumes to begin. The crowd simultaneously oohed at the front. Concentrix was followed by and aahed as bursts of colors illuminated
ccountancy students from all over CdeO experienced a weeklong celebration of Accountancy studies themed “Ethics and Excellence” and competed in various academic and non-academic contests on July 23-27, 2012. Hosted by Liceo de Cagayan University, the event saw a multitude of skills being put on display with the Pop Dance, K-Pop Catwalk and the mostawaited Mr. and Ms. Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) contest which highlighted the program. Kimberly Ann Panes was crowned Ms. JPIA, while Joncarlo Cabading won first runner-up in the male division. They, along with the rest of the runners-up and Mr. JPIA winner, will move on to compete in the regional leg. A number of XU-JPIA representatives did well in their respective competitions during the culmination program held on July 21, 2012. XU-JPIA’s entry to the short-film festival, sponsored by Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), titled Binibining Cancer and starred by XU students Jocell Sedigo and Kenneth Sabijon won the Best Film, Top Grosser, Best Storyline, and Best Actor and Actress categories. Participants from JPIA organizations of Xavier University, Pilgrim Christian College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro College - PHINMA Education Network, and Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology were present to support their contestants in the jampacked event.C
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overhead. The winners of the fourth Pyro Festival held on August 27 were: Cagayan de Oro, entry number eight, first place; Bulacan, entry number two, second place; and Iligan, entry number four, third place. To the river Of course, the Kagay-anons will never forget the reason why the festivities were held in the first place. In honor of St. Augustine, a novena was held at the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral on August 28. The fluvial procession soon followed where at least 50 motorized pump boats decorated in bright colors drove through the river side of Barangay Macabalan. Specially participated by the city government and CDO Rafters Association, the procession also commemorated the victims of last year’s tropical storm ‘Sendong’ tragedy which plagued the citizens of CdeO. Besides the fluvial procession, a floral opening was also made to thank “the Lord for all the blessings that the city received”, according to City Councilor Alexander Dacer in an article from Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. *** CdeO’s potential is not to be taken lightly. Its people have the skills and talents to do great things and the Kagayan Festival is just another way to show the country what they are capable of. Despite the storms that come its way, the City of Golden Friendship will continue to paint streaks of gold in its wake. In the words of Miss Kagay-an 2012 Mendoza, “Last year, we have experienced a great tragedy. This year’s fiesta, we will start rebuilding our city together as Kagay-anons who are stronger than ever.”C
By Maita V. Encabo
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EDITORIAL
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Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University Editors Ma. Rosetti G. Villamor Editor in Chief Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi Associate Editor Kristoffer James L. Nambatac Design Editor Princess E. Tolentino Managing Editor Lyle Justin A. Egay News Editor (Interim) Ma. Therese D. Agcopra Campus Features Editor (Interim) Dharyl Jean A. Indino Local Features Editor (Interim) Saharah Iman M. Alonto National Features Editor (Interim) Sam D. Garcia Global Features Editor Robert A. Villaluz, Jr. Sports Editor Rico M. Magallona Layout Editor Francis Ryan O. Avellana Photography Editor (Interim) Alexes June E. Baslot Freehand Editor
Bishop of the State
Finance Officers Caroline Joy R. Go Senior Finance Officer Rochelle D. Barros Junior Finance Officer (Interim)
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he legislative vote which should dictate the fate of the “Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011”, popularly known as the RH Bill, may have to meet additional delays as contention grows between those in favor of and against it. As of press time, the rebuttal of anti-RH Bill lawmakers, the likes of Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III’s turno en contra speech, has stirred some commotion and deferred progress towards the introduction of the bill’s amendment. The Catholic Church’s effort to meddle with state affairs is becoming more pronounced as well with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) nationwide propaganda to influence—if not coerce— the public to say no to the RH Bill. Aside from promulgating the “anti-life” morals that supposedly come with supporting the bill, Archbishop Jose Palma pressured educational institutions like the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU); they shall be stripped off of their Catholic status if they continue to accept ideas that are against the Church’s.
Managers Haiko B. Magtrayo Human Resource Manager Saharah Iman M. Alonto Office Manager Alvin Paul R. Yao Circulations Manager Janrick Carl T. Romales Sr. Computer Systems Manager & OAM Kevin Paul P. Mabul Jr. Computer Systems Specialist (Trainee) Volco Louie J. Magbanua Video Productions Manager
In return, Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, S.J., previous University President of XU and current University President of AdMU wrote in a memorandum that AdMU does not support the passage of the RH Bill. He noted however, that the 192 professors who expressed their support for the bill should still be appreciated for their “social compassion and intellectual efforts”. The Philippines is ranked 72nd in the world for land area but astoundingly has the 12th largest population. With the cumbersome conditions that the poor have to suffer, the RH Bill might be able to prevent the conception of life in poverty and the likelihood of pregnant mothers falling prey to substandard health care services. The RH Bill should also become an instrumental tool in reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies (hence abortions) and maternal deaths. The provisions in the bill empower women to make a choice to conceive a child or not, to be aware of their rights to reproductive health, and let them practice family planning with their
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Saharah Iman M. Alonto
Staff Writers Faith May S. Albarracin (Trainee) Louren B. Aranas (Trainee) John Kenneth E. Ching Maita V. Encabo (Trainee) Caroline Joy R. Go Dahn F. Suan (Trainee) Leasusana C. Ty Jacqueline P. Uy Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo (Trainee) Joule Artemson D. Visabella Staff Artists Ma. Kristin Victoria Z. Abesamis (Trainee) Jess A. Batoon (Trainee) Rochelle D. Barros Jenamae G. Espineli Christian Loui S. Gamolo Jaymar T. Patana (Trainee) Jose Alfonso P. Sendaydiego Venice Marie P. Villo Moderator Mrs. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to TheCrusader Publication office, StC 302 Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 5000 copies Vol. 39 No. 2 | AUGUST 2012 Layout by Rico M. Magallona
You vs. Us
e train suicide bombers to blow up cars and trains. We massacre innocent civilians for our political gains. We resort to bloodbath when our investment goes wrong. We are feared because we are arrogant. Are these your thoughts of what Muslims are? Whether it’s a “Yes”, a “No” or a “Maybe”, I cannot convince you that you have been fooled. For all we know, there might be truth in these thoughts. But it is wrong to cast all of us as terrorists. In some parts of the globe, our people are also helpless victims. This is the kind of ignorance that I cannot personally tolerate. It is time for me to speak how we have been wronged.
Naked Veil
spouses, which is necessary in uplifting a family’s economic status, and consequently the quality of their lives. We believe in the right of every person to a decent life, and not in life for the sake of its biological denotation. Each person’s basic needs have to be satiated in order for him to become empowered and play his role well in society. The bill may in fact be prolife in a sense that it tries to alleviate one of the root causes of our nation’s dysfunction— overpopulation. Although it might be true that the passing of the RH Bill will not solve all our problems, what single policy can actually do so? Even if there is a cost in the implementation of the bill should it become a law like using the people’s taxes to procure the “controversial” contraceptives for the public, there also comes a cost which the Filipinos will have to suffer if reproductive health is not addressed in our nation. We can only hope that the anticipated amendments will further fortify the bill, and provide the means for a healthy impasse between the Church and State.C
After Tropical Storm ‘Sendong’ devastated our home, our family decided to look for a new place. Amidst the shortage of livable homes in the city, we found one in an upscale subdivision in Pueblo. Everything was set; we only had to move in. During one house-checking, the management asked my 11-year-old cousin if we were Muslims. She said yes. Then, without any apparent reason, they said no to us. Was the calamity that we overcame together not enough to make us equal? What was with us that made living unbearable?
*** Come July of this year, Pilar College in Zamboanga City prohibited female Muslim students from wearing their veils. Their defense was that they were a Catholic school. The move faced major criticism, especially online. Yet, the college did not implement any action to lift the ban. Instead, Muslim students were advised to transfer schools. When did academic freedom overrule the constitutional right of religious practice? *** Rohingya Arakan is a Muslim minority ethnic group in Burma. Currently, thousands of them are subjects of killing sprees and tortures. These are the results of their long-term conflict with the Rakhines, a Buddhist majority group. Incredulously, their government did not pursue any action to stop it. Since the 1970’s, it has always been like this. According to the Pakistani Defence website, National League for Democracy spokesman Nyan Win stated, “The Rohingya are not our citizens.” The Rohingya Arakanese have been crying to take refuge elsewhere yet sadly the United Nations refuses to accommodate them.
If it were not for an email I received from a fellow Muslim, I wouldn’t know about it. As I scavenged online for more information, I found nothing. Only Muslim sites are talking about it. With the lack of public attention, I cannot help but think that many around the globe might find no sin in the plight of our people. Is the media biased, or is apathy against the innocent the revenge for the crimes that some Muslims have committed? *** I have all the reasons to associate the whole non-Muslim community with the crimes of some its people; however, I will not. I know how such injustice lessens one’s worth. Nobody deserves it as much as I don’t, along with my fellow innocent Muslim brothers and sisters. We should stop this game of condemning a whole group of people for the fault of some of its members. Truth is, in this world of “you versus us”, both parties are wrong and have been wronged. As long as we practice justice and equality, this world can change for the better.C
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Generation Y: The Most Stressed?
By Louren B. Aranas
Zooming in on why today’s youth seem shell-shocked
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cademic and work demands. Relationship troubles. Personal matters. These are pretty expected when enumerating factors that stress out the youth. Generation Y (whose birth years generally span from the 1980s to 1990s), however, has been dubbed as the most stressed generation. Now, one can’t help but wonder what happened—or what went wrong—when teenagers were being formed into what they have become. The 21st century Although usually overlooked, sleep deprivation is a stress-inducing factor. A study shows that kids whose bedtime is on or past midnight are more likely to be depressed by 24 percent. They are also prone to suicidal thoughts by 20 percent. Moreover, people who constantly need to doze off are more likely to have a weak immune system, inability to concentrate, and increased irritability. Interestingly, the impact of modern culture emerged as another stress contributor. The media and environment have drawn the epitome of beauty and success. The youth is thought to earn a fat paycheck by climbing the corporate ladder, and to be popular, they have to look identical to Barbie and Ken. Thirst for wealth goes hand in hand with stress. In a survey, 81 percent claimed that being wealthy is “essential” and an “important goal”. Coincidentally, anxiety and depression
are typical reports from materialistic people. In this day of instant-everything, people have been conditioned to have little patience for the slightest delay of gratification. Living in a fast-paced world means having to keep up which could add too much pressure. A serving of information overload Another cause for stress appears to be “information overload”. The young is bombarded with information which they are expected to digest at a faster rate than they are able to. News which can be found in just a few clicketyclacks of the keyboard can open a can of worms. It causes the generation to stress about issues of a broader, deeper scope: weakening economy, worsening effects of global warming, and disturbing images of terrorism and war over the world. In addition, being aware of the almost infinite choices from food to career opportunities creates more pressure. They are raised to believe that there are limitless things to have and want making them pressured to choose what is best for them among tons of choices. Kids these days A teenager opines that people her age have formed a need to be better than Generation X—their parents. Because many negative remarks
have been attributed to today’s youngsters, they are probably driven to prove something. Along with this is their towering expectations of themselves, since they have been wrapped with the “you-can-do-anything” attitude. *** Stress isn’t a total villain. In fact, a moderate dose of stress is healthy; it keeps us alert and heightens our senses. Too much of anything, however, isn’t good. It all boils down to how a person copes with it. The older generation’s worry could be as high as the stress level among today’s youth. Thankfully, Generation Y has access to things which their ancestors may not. Their way of molding the world for Generation Z could be different—or maybe even better—than what their parents have done.C Sources: “Teens: A Stressed-Out Generation” by David Smith (http://www.churchleaders.com) “Stressed-out students: Why are students today more stressed than ever before?” by Lindsey Savino (http://dailyinfographic. com)e “Expectations of Material Success Stalled and Gen Y More Stressed Than Ever” by Eilene Zimmerman (http://trueslant.com)
Drop it low, girl By Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo
BEAUTY PLUS SWAG. The world praised the Philippines’ candidate of Miss World 2012 Queenierich Rehman after performing her beat-boxing skills in the international beauty pageant.
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eauty queens are usually specific examples of poise, grace and refinement, and the talent portions in beauty pageants are great venues to show that the contestants are not just mere pretty faces. The typical menu of items for this portion includes singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, the occasional breath-taking, deadly stunts and costumes (fake fire and glittering wings, anyone?). Then there is Queenierich Rehman, the Philippines’ official candidate for Miss World 2012 who stole the show with her stand-out, one-of-a-kind talent: beat-boxing.
Rehman started by singing Far East Movement’s hit song “Rocketeer,” and from there, she transitioned into a beat boxed medley of different popular songs, with hints of Cali Swag District’s “Teach Me How to Dougie” and Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body”. She attracted international attention when she was praised in prestigious news websites, including Time Magazine, for her beat boxing skills which she performed in the talent competition in China. The crowd went uncontrollably wild. We might guess this is one of Rehman’s game plan and signature—besting out all other contestants and reviving what the word talent really stands for. Time.com mentioned in its newsfeed, “We’ll say one thing for Queenierich Rehman: she can sure drop a beat.” In addition, Tim Newcomb of Time. com wrote: "During the talent segment of the Miss World 2012 competition, Miss Philippines strode out on stage in an evening dress and began singing—but that was only a prelude to some serious funkiness. The 23-year-old then proceeded to bust out some serious beat-boxing, ’80s style, while singing and air-record scratching for good measure." Even MSN.com called her the “coolest pageant contestant ever”. Beauty has never been about stereotypes—who graces the cover of magazines, who we see on televisions. It is also not about the people the media has
defined as beautiful—the people to watch, the people we should all strive and dream to look like. Beauty is in a woman when she knows who she is and where she’s going; who serves others and lives life with intention and passion. The Philippines has not won the Miss World pageant since it started joining in the year 1951. The highest place the country has achieved was the Miss World first runner-up title won by Evangeline Pascual in 1973 and last year's Gwendoline Ruais, half-French. This year, Rehman made it to the top 15 semi-finals of the pageant. She also belonged to the top five best performing talent with Yu Wenxia of China as best performing talent for her rendition of the song “Luhua” (Flower) from a musical titled A Soldier’s Diary. Wenxia was also crowned Miss World 2012. Although Rehman did not bring home the crown, she will remain as an inspiration to women both in the Philippines and the world. Beauty does not necessarily come with poise but it must have courage to show the world who you are and what you can really do—like strutting some beatboxing swag.C Sources: “Miss World 2012 - Talent Final_Philippines” (http:// www.youtube.com) “Ms. World Philippines’ Beat-boxing Captures Global Press’ Imagination” by Rex Raymond Torrecampo (http://www. lifesomundane.net) “Queneerich gets early international attention in Miss World” by Jozza Palaganas (http://ph.omg.yahoo.com)
Starving for freedom By Faith May S. Albarracin
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ndependence is overrated. Freedom is an old favourite. Still, many Filipinos ask, “When will we truly be free?” One of the most talked about bills in the entire history of the Philippine Constitution is the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. The country’s lawmakers have been juggling with pressure on whether to approve the bill or not. But behind the spotlight of this controversial bill is another one fighting, still waiting to be ratified—the Freedom of Information Act. What for? What will Juan dela Cruz profit from this bill? Article III (Bill of Rights), Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution states: “The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.” To put it simply, every Filipino can demand copies of how their taxes are being spent, of how their mayor spent the budget ought for the development of the municipality and can even demand a copy of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth of their mayor without any hassle from the Office of the Ombudsman. The media can access copies of investigation reports without waiting for the go-signal of a chief executive who may have something to hide and an interest to protect. The Right to Information (RTI) has been highlighted as a key condition for citizen participation, social accountability and good governance, while also being recognized as a human right. A challenge There had been attempts to ratify the said bill. In 2005, India successfully enacted the Right to Information Act with the help of Aruna Roy, the 64-year-old acclaimed leader of India’s Right to Information Movement. “People should ask for fundamental sharing of power,” Roy said. “Democracy is common sense, it is about making truth powerful and making power truthful.” *** The right to information campaign is like water, according to the veteran community activist: “It has no color, and it flows continuously. If it is linked to the land, it will become strength to the land issue. If it is linked to the struggles of workers and peasants, then the right to information will also become their issue.”C Sources: Right to information enables right to life, land, livelihood by Annie Ruth Sabangan, Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism (http://pcij.org/) Freedom of Information Act 2010, Senate of the Philippines 15th Congress (http://www.senate.gov.ph/) Killed Bill: Freedom of Information in the Philippines by Antonio Lambino, The World Bank (http://blogs. worldbank.org/)
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SPORTS
I N T R A M U R A L S
2012
By Louren B. Aranas Lyle Justin A. Egay Maita V. Encabo Dharyl Jean A. Indino Nadine Hendrikka E. Legaspi Kevin Paul P. Mabul Dahn F. Suan Leasusana C. Ty Jacqueline P. Uy Robert A. Villaluz Jr. Micka Angela Victoria B. Virtudazo
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the intramurals. Their experience leads College of Arts and Sciences Sports Committee Head Erika Uy to state that she is confident of the Tigers to lead big time in this sport.
Setting the arena on fire The Xavier University College of Agriculture (XUCA) succumbed to an unremarkable fourth place finish in last year’s intramurals. But even with the heartbreaking loss, this green-hearted troop is back with their stalwart force. The cheerdance “Nag-expect gyud mi ato na mudaog, na muchampion, pero okay ra gihapun. At least ang crowd kay nag-cheer nga ang Aggies ang mu-champion. Wala mi kadaog kay giplano gyud na ni Lord. Everything happens for a reason,” says Junessa B. Torres, Aggie Bullwhippers’ cheerleader, base flyer. Considering this reason partly responsible for hitting no bull’s-eye last year, the raging Aggie Bullwhippers have come up with a new routine that will shake off the pyramids of other colleges. Brandishing bullwhips “Our routines have been tweaked with a higher level of difficulty, with more sophisticated dismounts and higher levels of sure-ball legal pyramids. We hope to live up to our brand new level na lumalaban, that on each and every year, we fly to new heights and we never stop to get to the top,” says Brian Henry F. Ucab, cheerleader and side base. “Mas well-prepared na mi karon,” reassures Torres. What’s notable with the Aggies is the support they get from the college. “Supportive kaayo ang Aggies— ang council, students, faculty, especially si Sir Dean [Roel R Ravanera, Dean of XUCA],” says Dorothy Macasa, Sports Committee Head of the Agriculture Student Council. Macasa adds that Ravanera personally visits the athletes during practices to cheer them on. Breaking the barriers Zooming out on the Aggie cheerdance denouements, the Bullriders still won’t let anything get left behind. “Ga-stand out gyud ang teamwork sa Aggies,” says Dennvie Gabales, Team Captain and Coach of the Frisbee team. “We have team chemistry. That is the main ingredient for winning,” he adds. With much determination in this year’s tourney, will the Bullriders heighten up their games more? Will they be able to prove that there is more to them than just making tracks for the rodeo?C
Stripes still bold Having garnered a total of 367 points last year, the Tigers remain as one of the toughest rivals other colleges have to face. Their performance was especially remarkable in the men’s volleyball, athletics, men’s taekwondo, and men and women’s table tennis. Despite having miscommunications about financial resources between the athletes and sports committee, the burning passion of the players is more than enough to compensate for any lapses. High hopes in Frisbee One thing people should look forward to this intrams is the Ultimate Frisbee, the latest addition to the intramurals sports. Aside from the team undergoing rigid training, the Tiger players have been into the sport even before it was included in
Far from being a paper tiger On what the Tigers have been doing to make Intrams 2012 the best one yet, Uy says, “We prepared everything ahead of time. [Unlike this year] the uniforms of the athletes last year were given after intrams na, some of the players were not even given [uniforms] at all.” The Tigers have had their lineup as early as the second week of June. A lawn tennis player, who has requested anonymity, notes that not only do they find ways to insert practice in their already hectic schedule, they have also had proper tryouts. “Nakapili mi ug kabalo mudula. Gamay ra man jud kaayo gadula ug tennis, lisod mangita,” he adds. Their lineup is the same for men’s volleyball and men’s and women’s table tennis, wherein they stood as winners last year. It has been a while since the Tigers reigned supreme as the overall champion. Will this year finally break the record? Or will the much-coveted gold be something they should vie for in 2013?C
Game of thrones For years, the College of Integrated Technologies (CIT) Knights have been struggling to raise their status. Fortunately, in the last intramurals, they have defied enough odds to elevate their rank to the fifth place. Their total score of 231 points, just a few more points away from the 287 points of the Bullriders, were owed to their reign over men’s baseball and swimming. Despite not aiming for championship, CIT President Juan Carlo dela Cerna said that the Knights will try harder to up their ranking even if that includes using all their armor to topple down every barrier along their way. “Ang CIT kay dili ga-aim na maka-daog kay gusto lang gyud mi magparticipate. Pero this year, naa mi gihimo na changes para mas ma-improve pa ang amung performance.”
First boot The College of Computer Studies (CCS) which faced with the trouble of recruiting new athletes during its debut into the intramurals, earned seventh place among the ten colleges last year with 119 points. The college’s difficulty in winning at most team sports was largely attributed to its first appearance into the competition after having been separated from the College of Engineering (COE). The Wizards of CompStud had significantly less time to prepare for the intramurals. While the other colleges have had their teams set and practicing long before, the Wizards were still at the stage of recruiting and orienting most of the players. “Baby pa ang college, unya less experienced ang mga players sa intrams kay ang Computer Studies or ComSci sa una is under sa Engineering, so dili kaayo siya inana ka exposed sa mga dula kay bag-o pa ang teams. Ayha ra nakita ang iyang potential kato nang nahimo siya ug bag-o nga college,” said Nathaniel Salvador, the college’s Sports Committee Head and basketball team’s small forward player. Tuning up In its second year as a college, the Wizards are ready for another start. Issues in the past are being countered as the college’s athletes become confident with this year’s huge improvement in terms of their performance and team play. Teams of different sports started practices early this semester, with some teams having started way before the start of the year. Practicing and building teamwork has been their highest priority. The department has also invested more sports equipment to better suit the needs of the athletes while more training programs and increase in budget have been allotted for each sport. Runtime With all these preparations in mind, the Wizards aim to take things slow. “Step by step lang gud. Total, bata pa man kaayo nga college ang ComStud.” Though relatively younger than the rest of its competitors, the Wizards are bound to not let age matter. But will hard work and sheer determination alone be enough to stand up against experience?C
The art of war The Knight’s new strategy seems to bring vitality to the team. Freshmen were included in their list of athletes which is something that they have not done before. Dela Cerna said that this aims to train and expose the freshmen in the intramurals since they will become the college’s forerunners in sports in the future. However, many challenges seem to hinder the Knights even at the start of their attempt for better performance. Their major problem is their lack of players due to the college’s low student population. “Dili namo ma-fill in tanan slots so daghan mi athletes na daghan sila events. Pero ang problem man gud ani kay kapuyan sila especially kung magsunod ang games, and naa pud mga events na magdungan,” dela Cerna said. Another problem is the Knights’ lack of funds to finance the practices and the uniforms of their players. Nevertheless, they seem to be very eager in their training towards winning.
Flickering fire The Phoenixes fell on ninth place on last year’s ranks out of the ten colleges: from the score of 117 of 2010 down to 47 points of 2011, making it a tougher and longer road for the top three spot.
Secret alas The Knights are looking forward to this year’s games especially Frisbee. Dela Cerna said that their Frisbee team is their strongest and is something that other colleges should watch out for. Will the Knights be strong enough to prevail? Dela Cerna could not say for sure, but he had a smile on his face as he said, “Ma-shock gyud sila sa intrams karon.”C
Collecting the ashes “SOE (School of Education) was really doing well except for the fact that we lack manpower,” stated Nicole Arciaga, Libero of Phoenix’s Volleyball team. “Every year, SOE is one of the colleges with least enrollees. We are at least a hundred students.” Last year, the Phoenixes weren’t able to provide themselves with players for
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SPORTS men’s swimming and soccer, and women’s chess. They also found themselves with insufficient number of players on certain sports like taekwondo. As John Jasper Alonsabe, Department of Physical Enhancement (DOPE) Head of the TG says, “Mao na siya ang challenge sa amo college: kung unsaon namo pag-compete sa amo selves ug i-engage [ang] students sa intramurals.” Rebirth in the process Unsatisfied with their performance by ranking at fifth place in last year’s cheerdance competition, the Phoenixes have tripled their efforts for a better and more stunning performance by having three trainers to help choreograph their routine and stunts. “I saw the performances of the Cheer Crew. Ga-practice gyud sila. I can really feel their hard work sa practices nila every night,” says JM Daaca, President of the TG. “We are aiming for a greater place [sa cheerdance]…mga fourth or third placer. Dili sa diretso; hinay-hinay sa [ug] saka.” Burning with optimism The Phoenixes believe that intramurals is not just about competition between the colleges in Xavier University, but also a way of forming a bond with them. Of course this doesn’t mean that the Phoenixes are going to take it easy. Their population problems are definitely not going to take them down. Even Daaca says, “Determined man gud ang mga players even though nga daghan ang ilang problems.” Jeward Sulatan, Team Captain of SOE’s Track and Field said with much vigor, “Magready sila. Pinaghandaan gyud [ni] namo.” Will the Phoenixes defy the odds and rise themselves to the top?C
Signal for victory When the buzzer sounded to end the men’s basketball finals, the COE Warriors celebrated victory—a foreshadowing of things to come. The Warriors would then go on to beat the six-time defending champs, the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles, by over a hundred points. Many believed that the Warriors were at a disadvantage from their depleted manpower when the CCS broke away from them. Still, they overcame all odds and held the Eagle dynasty at bay. Steep climb The COE’s performance in the last year’s intramurals was not incidental. Even though they stayed second only to SBM for three years, the overall point margin between the two colleges gradually got smaller and smaller. Finally, they caught up with the Eagles and beat them 542-439 in last year’s intramurals. The victory of the Warriors has the XU community expecting nothing less of the college, especially after harvesting gold in athletics, swimming, basketball, karatedo, taekwondo, badminton, sepak takraw, table tennis, lawn tennis and chess. Needless to say, though, the Warriors will have to anticipate stiffer competition from other colleges by being the new college to beat.
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United we stand The Warriors will always have their strongest weapon up their sleeves—the bonds of friendship and camaraderie. “We are barkada and we hang out with each other inside and outside the school. We are one family,” says Kesha Go Geun, vice captain and center of the COE’s women basketball team. The Warriors succeeded in what might have been the improbable last year, but once again they have to take up arms and fight against nine colleges and one of them with a six-peat record. Can the Warriors defend their title as champion, or will their reign be short-lived?C
Uphill battle They may have ended up at the bottom of the competition last time, but they are certainly hoping to make a stronger impact this year. The athletes from the College of Law, while being known to flounder around the lower tiers of the past intramurals, want to get away from their not-so-glamorous tradition of being in the bottom. As Yohan Agustin, Head of Law’s DOPE said, “We are really looking to improve our standings this year. We placed bottom last year and hopefully this time we can change that.” It may be a tall order, but they certainly aren’t lacking morale. “I can say that our players have a lot of heart. We were amongst the bottom teams last year but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits.” Upping the ante The study load for Law students is considerably more demanding than most undergraduate colleges. Understandably, finding time for tryouts and practice is a hurdle by itself. However, they have remedied that by scheduling their tryouts as early as July. “We started out early this year. We scheduled our tryouts earlier so that we can already fill up our rosters and start practicing for the games. It’s really difficult for us to practice after class so for us to have more practice hours, we scheduled our practices earlier as well. We keep coming back The athletes from the College of Law won’t back down from competition. And when all else fails, they look to have a good time in the field. “Each year, we keep coming back out there ready as ever, and we try to have as much fun as we can.” Agustin guarantees, “We’ll definitely make our presence felt more this year because we will be participating in more events. We also have a lot of fresh legs joining our team which everyone should watch out for. We’ll surely give everyone a good fight.” As each college gears up for this year’s intramurals, expect the College of Law to display their innate thirst for competition. Will they stay under the shadow of powerhouse colleges, or will Lady Justice finally smile down upon them?C
First aid The Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine (JPRSM) Wolves find it a perennial challenge squeezing in practices between sleepless study nights and bimonthly examinations, but it is a modern wonder that they manage to participate and outdo themselves in the intramurals every year. JPRSM’s DOPE Head Francisco Legaspi articulated on the improvements the Wolves have made this intrams, with them beginning preparations earlier and with more athletes playing than last year. Practices get scheduled at every free time they get. Aside from schedule constraints, the main challenge the Wolves are facing this year is the delay in the release of budget. Legaspi commented that the budget allotted for the intrams has yet to be given to them, and that their local council has had to pitch in for uniform, snacks and other essential expenses. Athlete’s heart Besting the SOE and the College of Law in last year’s intrams, Legaspi opines that they want to rank another notch higher this time around. “Last year we were third to the last [in standing], karon fourth to the last nasad [unta]—one rank higher,” Legaspi remarked with a chuckle. With Legaspi himself playing multiple sports (volleyball, basketball, and baseball), he shares that tennis, badminton, and swimming are the Wolves’ strong sports this year. Although the Wolves play mainly for fun and camaraderie, this does not make them an easy competitor. As Legaspi puts it, “Med is more active [more enthusiastic] about the games, and eager to win every game. That’s it. [Mag]-expect jud sila ana.”C
Previous taunts The six-peat by the women’s soccer team and the Python stance of the men’s badminton proved to be the claim to fame of the College of Nursing in last year’s intramurals. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the games; it was even remembered that their attempt to maintain neatness, balance and composure on pyramids and other stunts during the cheerleading competition failed. With a meager 226 points, the Python ranked sixth place in the 2011 intrams. “Lack of time and lack of practices…” were the reasons behind the Pythons’ unlucky fate, according to College of Nursing’s DOPE Head Miguel Fernandez. “Kung unsa ra kadaghan among practices, ni-reflect sad siya sa among performance,” he adds. Sprint of hope “Ang goal sa CONUS [Council of Nursing Students] this year is [that] we want to build a better team…to become stronger as a team,” shares Fernandez. “We have better coaches and we’re stricter sa among schedules.” He also points out that most players this year have had previous intramurals experience and hopefully, they
will turn out to be faster, better and stronger in their performances this time around. Friendly rivalry gears up the Pythons to work twice as hard to beat those they have lost to in the past intramurals. Although they still have a long way to go to make it to the top, they are gripping on to a hopeful thought. “We’re hopeful since we are practicing more to perform better. I think our edge is that we are very optimistic and each time na mahulog mi [and] mapildi mi, we take it as a challenge.” A whole lot of hope and dedication might just bring the Pythons out of its cage for the 2012 Intramurals. Intramurals 2012 offers the Pythons one more chance to score higher and perform better. Will they give out a victorious hiss this year? Or will they continue to inflict non-venomous bites to the intramurals giants?C
The Fall For six straight years, XU’s athletic scene has always been painted yellow. But after years of dominating the annual intramurals, the SBM Eagles fell short of capturing a seven-peat via an upset from their most formidable foe—the Engineering Warriors. Overwhelmed The gradual decrease in the point margin between the Eagles and Warriors posed a concurrent threat to the reign of the former. Unlike the other years, though, the Warriors opened an early lead and never looked back, trailing the Eagles with over a hundred points. But no matter how bitter it was, the SBM team looks to convert their defeat into an inspiration which would hopefully propel them to the throne yet again. “Actually it was really a defining moment for the SBM…but we take that as a challenge…because when you’re down there, there’s nowhere to go but up. So that is a big challenge,” incumbent SBM Student Council President Princess Kimberly Ubay– ubay stated with a spark of optimism. More than wings Probably one of the highlights this intramurals is watching how the Eagles would retaliate from being robbed of the title, which highlights a clash between the Warriors and the Eagles. According to the yellow troop, they are up for the challenge. “Of course this is a competition between the colleges; we couldn’t really erase college rivalries. The fact that XU emphasizes it to the students that even with the diversities of the students, we are one, in competitions we will really try to have an edge over the others and we will try to stand out among everyone,” braves Ubayubay. The team puts an emphasis that their players will not play with only the thought of reclaiming the throne in mind. Ubayubay shares, “We [the council] don’t tell the students that we should win…but what we tell them is that ‘Guys, do your best, and that best will really be good enough for us.’” Is it already the end of the spellbound yellow era? Or will the Eagles redeem themselves by skyrocketing to the most coveted spot?C
8
The
ZOOMOUT
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Damascus, Syria
London, England
California, USA A jury in San Jose, California has awarded around USD 1.049 billion to Apple after it won over its patent suit against South Korea´s Samsung. This tremendous victory was widely attributed to the former´s claim that Samsung has illegally copied some aspects of the iconic iPhone and iPad. Cost of damages may be tripled as jurors found that Samsung has “willfully” infringed patents.
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The 2012 Olympics received worldwide acclaim for its organization and development. Interestingly, it was also the first Olympic Games wherein women participated in all sporting events, including women’s boxing. Countries like Saudi Andalusia, Spain Arabia and Qatar sent female participants for the first time. A mayor of a town named Marinaleda became a modernday Robin Hood as he staged robberies in two supermarkets to feed the poor. Having political immunity, Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo claimed that he would be happy to renounce it and be arrested himself.
Following the Arab Spring which originated from the success of Tunisia, Syria is currently in a civil war as rebels struggle to overthrow President Bashar Hafez al-Assad and the dysfunction of his governance. More than 17,000 Syrians have become casualties as tension and violence between the civilians and military continue to grow.
Tokyo, Japan Around 4,400 people participated in the Samba Carnival which was held in front of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo on August 25. The dance and music event was cancelled last year due to the March 11, 2011earthquake and tsunami. Some 26 samba troupes became part of colorful entertainment that is Brazilian in origin.
Santiago, Chile Hundreds of students in protest occupied high schools and blocked traffic in their pursuit for education reform. The students wished for more state participation in secondary education and an end to the profit motive that is true in acquiring higher education.
Cagayan de Oro Sitio Calaanan, Brgy. Canitoan — Business tycoon Don Fernando Zobel de Ayala gave CdeO Mayor Vicente Emano two thumbs up for having done a “good job” in the resettling of the victims of tropical storm ‘Sendong’ “in just a short period of time” during his surprise visit at the permanent resettlement area. Zobel de Ayala is the chairperson of Habitat for Humanity Philippines’ “I Build” campaign. City Hall—An ordinance that implements the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in business establishments was enacted last month. Policemen were tasked to ensure the compliance of this ordinance by banks, schools, convenience stores, money exchange booths and other establishments. Noncompliance will result in a suspension and cancellation of business permit, and a fine of up to PHP 5,000.
Manila Subic Two officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Stefani Sano and Redentor Tuazon, went on leave after being linked to the investigation of the smuggling of 420,000 bags of Indian rice worth PHP 500 million.
Naga
Balingasag, Misamis Oriental — Former political allies Governor Oscar Moreno and City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano were at it again as Moreno accused the mayor of orchestrating a petition to stop him from transferring his residency to the city. The opposing party had filed a complaint with the city’s Commission on Election. The mayor, however, denied the allegations.
May 27 was declared as a city holiday by the City Government of Naga in commemoration of Jesse Robredo who significantly contributed to the city’s development. The late DILG Secretary Robredo, who died in a plane crash, served as Mayor from 1988 until 2010. President Aquino has also declared August 21 until August 28, 2012, Robredo’s burial as National Days of Mourning.
Brgy. San Simon — More than one hundred farmers are slated to undergo a three-month training course on “new, proper and tested” farming technology and practices in a program called “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan”. This training program by SM Foundation will feature hands-on lessons on growing quality crops efficiently. “Kabalikat” is a five-year old program that started as a collaboration between private and government groups. Limketkai Center — A cancer-awareness group called Thrive formally launched their advocacy to spread information and debunk myths about cancer. Thrive is also looking to start ICanServe’s “Ating Dibdibin”, consisting of “breast cancer screening, surgery and other treatment options to increase survival rates of early-stage cancer patients”. Alubijid, Misamis Oriental — The discussion on the RH Bill heats up more and more as the Monsignor Elmer Abacahin spoke up against the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phillippines’ (CBCP) proposed method of keeping Catholic schools from supporting the bill: removing their Catholic status. The monsignor said that the CBCP had no hand in what the schools taught, and that matter should be brought to the Catholic Educational Associaton of the Philippines (CEAP). Cagayan de Oro - As of press time, the Department of Tourism will work with at least ten schools to create the biggest dance competition in the world. They are aiming for a Guinness World Record with a target of 1,000 high school and elementary participants. The PE Rhythmic Dance Competition will be one of the fiesta’s main attractions, to be held on September 1 at the Rodelsa Circle.
President Aquino appointed Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno as the 24th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on Friday, August 24. At 52 years old, Sereno is the youngest and first female Chief Justice in Philippine history.
The Sandiganbayan issued a hold departure order against Governor Gwen Garcia for graft and technical malversation charges filed against her and seven others for the purchase of PHP 98.9 million-worth of land in Cebu City. The order hinders the governor from taking her trip to the Vatican to represent the city in the canonization rites of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on October 21, 2012.
Marawi
Palawan A PHP 1 million grant was authorized by the Asian Development Bank in order to address marine turtle poaching and other environmentally hazardous activities in the province.
Cebu
Three were killed and ten were wounded in a crossfire at Mindanao State University (MSU) - Marawi between Philippine Army soldiers and alleged members of a drug syndicate identified to be Otik Gamal and followers, who are mostly kin of Marawi City Mayor Fajad Salic.
South Cotabato Sagitarius Mines Inc. (SMI) lost their environmental compliance certificate for the USD 5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold mining project. This resulted from reports of human rights violations committed by SMI to the Blaans, an indigenous tribe to be relocated from the area.
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December 2011 | Vol. 39 No. 2
LAMPOON
a r o C a d i b a r t n Co
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August Rush J
une, July, August—three months down towards the end of the first semester. Are you still hyped up by thoughts of what the rest of the year might bring, or would you rather go guzzle some milk tea with pearls and not care about a thing in the world? I know I would! But if you’re too bored (or too broke) to do either, here are some activities that might just save you from boredom. Call them Cora Contremmendations! No? Okay.
Indulge in childhood sports.
Take a stroll at the Xavier University Pryce Center for Entrepreneurship a.k.a SEP Mall and immerse yourself in the wonders of—yes, something entirely new—printing. Don’t you just love it when you walk into that five—I mean, two-storey building and you are welcomed with a chorus of “Pa- print ka, Ma’am?”or “Ambi imong USB, Ma’am!” right in front of your pretty, madeup face? My four-year-old niece is more welcoming than these salespersons. All that is left for them to do is grab your arms and make you a prop for their new game called “Tug-of-War: Printing Edition”. Choose wisely, my fellow students. Printing is, after all, a life-and-death situation. Profess your love on campus.
Gather your friends! Prepare some props—cake, roses, candles, the works! Do it now. It’s okay, I’ll wait...Done? Now, sing a song or two to the girl you love, and here comes the most important part: make sure EVERYONE is watching. The Magis canteen
would be a perfect place to stage this lovestruck act! Whether you’re proposing, asking for forgiveness or just doing it out of love’s sake, let every single Atenean participate. Let them scream, howl, whistle and applaud! Everybody’s happy! Well, except maybe the ones who are attending mass or having class at he neighboring buildings. But happiness is only real when shared, right? The new XU Inn.
When you feel the need for some siesta, XU has just the right place— codename: the library. Apparently, it’s the new bedroom! Since the canteen has become the new study place, what other use does the library have? The library caters to all entertainment junkies who want to watch movies on their laptops. It is also a great place for friends to engage in lively chit-chat. You can even try one of the library computers and the wireless internet connection, both perfect
for Facebook and games. But if studying is your preferred mode of entertainment, I suggest you bring earmuffs and your own chair because the ones there are occupied by the rest of the student body who understand the library’s new calling. Research? It’s the 21st century, dear; go to an internet café, not the library. Make some noise.
Debate about the RH Bill, what Justin Beiber had for breakfast, or anything you want. Do it in the Magis Complex, your RS class or even in the soccer field! That would just be spectacular. Or maybe make a rap about it so people would actually want to listen or participate. If all else fails, you could always just possess that “who-cares-about-theimportant-stuff ” attitude and splurge on birthdays instead. You’re already in the right venue. Let everybody know what a thoughtful friend you are! Sing the “Happy
Birthday” song at the top of your lungs and while you’re at it, get everybody else to sing with you. Next thing you know, you will have different teachers scolding you for the noise you have made, making you popular in no time. Totally legit. Dress to impress.
August is the month of all general assemblies. I, for one, am an avid lover of crowded venues and dressing up. Not. Go out of your way and find that perfect scene-stealer dress and hope that the spotlight is yours come GA day. Spend your month’s worth of allowance over that sparkly dress because you just can’t not have it. Surely, your parents will understand. But if you’re “cool like that”, then ditch the event. Remember the University GA? Others chose to spend quality time with their cats and knit sweaters instead. See? After all, everyone else was doing it. I liked the gym less crowded anyway. More space for my imaginary friends. ***
There are actually a ton of other things you can do on campus. We still have seven months (of torture, I tell you!). There is bound to be something to catch your attention. And when that happens, don’t forget to update me on Facebook. Or I guess you can forget. Whatever. But you know I love gossip. Here is to the next freaking months. Bear it out. Just a little more. xoxoC
Erratum Crusader Publication apologizes for some facts that were written erroneously in its July 2012 A.Y. Starter Magazine. In the article “Crusader Yearbook: The Fallout”, page 12, the name of the current Crusader Yearbook (CYB) Editor in Chief is Andrew Reyes, not Andro Reyes as was written. Another misinformation was found in the “Uncovering CdeO’s Darkest Secrets” feature article, page 13, which indicated that Cagayan de Oro City has an estimated population of more than four million when in fact it has an estimated population of more than 600,000. Region 10 has an estimated population of more than four million based on the data released by the National Statistics Office last 2010. Also, TheCrusader apologizes for typographical errors throughout the magazine, especially on the CYB 2012 announcement found in page 7, next to the “Xavier: New is In” features. In addition, TheCrusader acknowledges the receipt of all letters and comments concerning the July 2012 issue, and takes into account each suggestion to better the publication in its advocacy for the general welfare of the XU student body and in its quest to be a benchmark for student multimedia.C The
Dear ate Charot, Her mer Gerd ater!!! Itago nalang ko sa pangalan nga Anne, Anne T. Gulang. Grabe ka lisod ako sitwasyon ate, in love ko sa ero! Jerst kederng! In love ko sa ekal nga two timer! Daghan kaayo siya’g orasan! Jerk agern! Daghan mi sa iyang heart! Upat mi ka book! Unsaon man ni nako ate pag sulbad? Ingani najud ni akong kapalaran? Nganong in love gihapon ko sa iya nga kabalo man ko naa siya’y lain? Nganong dili nako siya ma-forget? Nganong violet man ang bridge padulong es-em? Nganong tag-piso pa gihapon ang ice water? Nganong gwapa kaayo ko? Nganong sige lang ko’g pangutana? Basta, jerst herlp me ater! Nag mamahal, Anne Hello Anne, wala ko’y matambag. Jokens! Lisod jud nang two timer mi Anne, Jokens again. Well, love kaayo nako imong uyab! Joke nasad uy! Lahi ra kaayo imong two timer ba kay upat mo. Anyways, pahiri siya’g pawikan! Joke nasad! Wala gyud ta’y choice no kay imo manang choice. You must face the consequence (sakto’ng spelling?) kay kabalo man ka nga two timer siya daan. So akong ma-advice pantuk-a tong uban, joke! Have a new life, pangitag wala’y uyab na guy. Or single fathers like papa Chen! Aron mura ka’g si Jodi sa Please Be Careful With My Heart. You are my first romance and I’m willing to--Ay! Sorry nagpa-music ko kay nangyutiks ko. Anyways about sa imong... Blagadags! Che! Che! Sensya gilungkab ang bulad sa ireng. Basta! Mao nato, kay lak-gon sa nako ang ireng kay naa sa iya akong dinner. Baboo! Ming ming ming....
A h m m m m m m m . . . . . . . . A h m m m m m m m . . . . . . . . Ahmm tigulang! Hahaha bitaw uy! Andeto nanaman si manang “D” manghod ni aleng “D” nga anak ni mama “D”. Wag kang kukurat dahil andito nanaman ang mga pasabog na kagulat-gulat! Aquarius (beach) Dili tanan panahon ikaw swerte, nay panahon nga ako nasay swerte. Lucky day: Day viant hart dat com Lucky color: Black dark
Aries (Meeeeeee) You must move on na, ibalik nana imong ex sa ilaha. Lucky day: Daylivery Lucky color: Dirty black
Cancer (mao ranang sakit nga alimango) Likayi ang mga butang nga maka sakit. O.A. raba kaayo ka mu syagit. Lucky day: Thersder Lucky color: sea green or lumot
Capricorn (anak ni ariana) Ayaw kasubo kong wala kay jowa, muabot ra lagi ko unya. Lucky day: friday the 13th Lucky color: silver-ren
Gemini (pareha mig dergway) Want some diet advice? iluwa tanan lami manenay. Lucky day: man day Lucky color: 50 sheds of gray
Leo (pangalan na sako lolo) Aron dili ka bulagan, bulagig una. Lucky day: leones Lucky color: lime-monsito
Libra (kung walay bayad libre) Masuko imong mama, kusi-on imong bugan higala. Lucky day: In your dreams Lucky color: bad luck black
Pisces (if english fishes) Kidnapping is worse, but if you’re the kidnaper? take me I’m yours. Lucky day: next year na uy Lucky color: very dark transparent
Saguitarius (sa guitar yotch?) Kung mura kag kahilantanon, inom ug murag tambal. Lucky day: sercert Lucky color: Green minded!
Scorpio (igsoon ni porcopio) Ayaw katingala kung walay muduol migo, ingana kabaho ang ilok nimo. Lucky day: Daysney Lucky color: Chocolate red
Taurus (tawo nga nag pati-uros) Ayaw kompyansa sa imong daog-daogon, kana mapuno ikaw kay patyon. Lucky color: yeller Lucky day: taursday
To join: photocopy this item search puzzle with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at STC 302 with your name and contact number. Fifteen lucky participants will receive limited edition collectibles. Congrats sa mga winners sa last Kurisearch contest!! Hurrah!! Dawata ang usa ka sako nga bugas, luto na!! Joke lang best!! Get your prizes at TheCrusader Office STC 302. And the winners are... “Tantananan!!” : Jun Marine C. Amante, Create Joy A. Bongbong, Karl Jun K. Arellano. Congrats!!!
Virgo (chicks ko, chicks dadto!) Naay magpa-sweet nimo uy, pero friendzoned ray ending migoy. Lucky day: opposite sa malas day Lucky color: lucky dadto!