The GUIDON - November 2016 by The GUIDON

Ateneo hold 1st Indigenous People’s Week celebration

Ateneo ROTC to represent Air Force in ROTC summit

Com Dept turns 50, delves deeper into what’s ‘patok’

From grass to cement

The foreign touch

NEWS, 3

NEWS, 4

NEWS, 5

SPORTS, 10

SPORTS, 11

T H E OF F ICI A L ST U DEN T PU BL IC AT ION OF T H E AT EN EO DE M A N I L A U N I V ER SI T Y VOL. LXXXVII, NO. 4 · NOVEMBER 2016

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“Marcos, diktador, hindi bayani!” Ateneans express indignation over Marcos burial

BY MIGUEL N. SEVIDAL

SPORTS Striving for success Back at it—Ateneo blue and lady shuttlers both make UAAP finals for the first time since Season 76

BEYOND LOYOLA Plight and prejudice: Sexism in Philippine society Sexism is alive in the Philippines despite being Asia’s most-gender equal nation.

FEATURES The retrograde revolution What happens when James Dean, Annie Hall, Andie Walsh, and Cher Horowitz meet in the 21st century?

INQUIRY The issue of transition “Ateneo says it’s inclusive, pero ‘ di ko feel (I don’t feel it).”

“HINDI BAYANI si Marcos!” The Ateneo community e x pre s s e d i nd i g n at ion against the surprise burial of Former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) and turned to various outlets to channel their dissent. Marcos was buried at the LNMB at 11:45 AM on November 18. His burial was attended by members of the Marcos family and several of their supporters. The late dictator was given full military honors during his interment. Details of his burial were disclosed to the public only a few hours prior to the burial. The burial came ten days after the Supreme Court (SC) upheld President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision ordering Marcos’ burial at the LNMB. The president said that burying Marcos’ remains with other former presidents at the LNMB would expedite the “healing” process of the nation. In a report by CNN Philippines, the SC cited that there is no law prohibiting Marcos’s burial at the LNMB. Thus, the president did not commit a grave abuse of discretion and holds the power to reserve for specific purposes any lands under public domain. The SC further argued that Marcos can be buried at the LNMB under the regulations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as he was not dishonorably discharged or convicted of crimes of moral turpitude. “ATENISTANG KABATAAN, NGAYON AY LUMALABAN”

On both the day of the SC’s decision and the day of the burial, hundreds of students, faculty members, a nd non-teaching sta ff walked to Katipunan Avenue to protest a nd ex press collective indignation. Both mobilizations were organized by the Sanggunian and the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD). The protesters repeatedly chanted “Marcos, diktador, hindi bayani (Marcos is

dictator, not a hero)!” and “At eni st an g k ab at a an , ngayon ay lum al aban (Atenean youth are fighting now)!” They called the late dictator duwag (coward) and magnanakaw (thief) while reviving the martial law era chant “Marcos, Hitler, diktador, tuta!” Protesters called on passing motorists to join the call for justice by honking their car horns, chanting “Busina, busina, para sa hustisya!” The Blue Babble Battalion also joined both mobilizations, helping turn the protest into a noise barrage. During the rally on November 8, victims of martial law spoke about the atrocities committed during the era, with Cristina Montiel, PhD of the Psychology Department saying that the horrors of martial law still remain in their minds today. She s a id t h at t he mobilization “gives political hope because people are coming out again. They’re not anymore hiding.” Du r ing t he ra l ly on November 18, Office of Social Concern and Involvement Director Leland Dela Cruz called the surprise burial of Marcos as “absolutely disgusting,” citing that the Supreme Court “has not even ruled the finality of the matter.” At t he sa me ra l ly, creative writing senior Paolo Villanueva, whose grandfather’s remains rest at the LMNB, also claimed that the burial was “disgusting,” adding that that it was “a disgrace to those buried [in the LNMB].” I n add it ion, H i s tor y Depa r tment A ssista nt Professor Jose Tirol, PhD said that the burial today was “nothing more than a betrayal.” He said that the burial of Marcos at the LNMB “shows no respect at all for our history for our current generation and the future generations.” Tirol also blasted the Duterte administration for MARCOS, DIKTADOR › 5

PHOTOS BY JOHN P. ORANGA AND DANICA T. BIBERA

Chief Magistrate resigns SJC to consider ‘internal reform’ BY FAITH T. LIM AND MIGUEL C. MUNAR

FORMER CHIEF Magistrate of the Ateneo Student Judicial Court (SJC) Generoso Jacinto was called to resign from his position on October 14 by the magistrates of the SJC. The statement was issued through a post on the SJC’s official Facebook page following issues on transparency and accountability within the court’s internal system. The document outlined a list of infringements Jacinto was held accountable for. According to the statement, Jacinto failed to “align with the missions and principles that the Court wishes to uphold.” The main issues raised by the petition against Jacinto’s leadership were the overstepping of boundaries as a leader, as stipulated in the SJC’s Code of Internal Procedure, as well as his control of the dissemination of important court documents. Jacinto has since submitted a letter of resignation from his post as the Chief Magistrate and his magistrate position. The current magistrates chose amongst themselves and elected Antonio Lagura to serve as Chief Magistrate before formally electing a Chief Magistrate

after the application period for new magistrates. “It was a difficult decision on his part but the magistrates would like to believe that this was a decision he made for the court,” Lagura said. In response to this, the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD) released a public statement rejecting any form of “extraconstitutional attempt to demand the removal of a duly elected official of the Sanggunian without respect for the legal processes enshrined in [the] Constitution.” INTERNAL CONFLICT

According to Lagura, the decision of the magistrates to release the statement came after much internal dialogue among the court’s officials, including Jacinto himself. It began when Lagura noticed that there were delays in the decisions of petitions and discrepancies between the resolutions and statements being issued and voted on. “In that regard, we started to notice that there was a lack of communication between our leader and the rest of the magistrates. We wanted to make sure he was aware. [However], there was a continuing process [of a] lack of transparency and [the] lack of

communication which pushed us to take action,” he added. After a lack of communication between Jacinto and the other officials, Lagura and the other magistrates felt the need to take an immediate course of action by releasing a statement calling for his resignation. “It was a terrible burden on the court. The only alternative was the impeachment of the former Chief Magistrate [which] would have been much [more] problematic. It would have burdened not only the court but the Central Assembly as well, so it felt like we had to do it,” Lagura explained. According to Lagura, the statement released was not part of a process for a formal petition but rather a manifestation of what the rest of the magistrates felt needed to be done at the time. Through discussion with his fellow magistrates, observations of the processes in court and receiving multiple criticisms from multiple sectors, the magistrates knew that there was an internal problem within the court. Hours after its initial posting, the statement was deleted from their Facebook page. “We decided to remove it because it would have created an CHIEF MAGISTRATE › 4

News

A-Stat reveals -44% trust rating for Duterte BY ANGELICA S. ANDAYA AND LOREBEN L. TUQUERO

A STUDY conducted by the Ateneo Statistics Circle (A-Stat Ateneo) showed that Ateneans have a -44% net trust rating for President Rodrigo Duterte. It also showed that most Ateneans are more likely to support the President in the following days of his administration, but show little trust for other government bodies, with the exception of Vice President Leni Robredo who garnered a trust rating of 44%. The sur vey, #100 Days: A study on the Atenean Perceptions of the Current Administration, was released November 1. The study focused on the respondents’ eva luation of the President’s performance during his first 100 Days in office and the perception of his future performance. It also gathered trust ratings of other government bodies such as the Vice-President, the Cabinet, the Congress, the Supreme Court and the Senate. TECHNICALITIES AND FINDINGS A-Stat made use of surveys, 207 of which were manually

circulated on campus. Others were disseminated online through Facebook groups and other social media platforms. A total of 385 students answered the survey. 10% of the participants were freshmen, 43% were sophomores, 25% were juniors, 19% were seniors, and 3% were superseniors. 34% of these respondents were from the John Gokongwei School of Management, 11% were from the School of Humanities, 24% were from the School of Science and Engineering, and 31% were from the School of Social Sciences. Meanwhile, 36% reported permanent residence in Luzon, 5% from Visayas, 4% from Mindanao, and 55% from the National Capital Region. “ We t r ie d to t a ke i nto account home region, because we wanted to see if people from say the NCR viewed the differently from the people from Mindanao,” said A-Stat Vice President for Research and Consultancy Javi Martinez. The study also showed how Ateneans perceived Duterte’s policies on various issues in the country. The awareness of the respondents was taken into account in arriving at the results. Re s p ondent s s upp or te d Peace Talks in Mindanao the

most with an approval rating of 46%, where 79% reported awareness of itthe issue. This is followed by the Freedom of Information Bill and Labor C ont r a c t u a l i z a t ion (1 8 %), and P ublic Transpor tation (10%), where 75%, 71%, and 77% reported awareness of the issues respectively. Despite the positive results on some stances, the respondents expressed disapproval on the President’s standpoint on Traffic [congestion] (-12%), Spratly Islands (-28%), Philippine Economy (-31%), Cabinet Appointments (-36%), Philippine-US Relations (-66%), Philippine-World Relations (-72%). The burial of Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani received the most disapproval, receiving a -80% approval rating, with 98% claiming awareness of the issue. Duterte’s “War On Drugs,” his main promise during the campaign, received a rating of -31% where 98% reported awareness, while his stance on extrajudicial killings received -79% with an awareness of 100%. The study did not include perceptions on recent events such as Duterte’s state visit to China, the aftermath of Typhoon Lawin, as well as the demonstrations at

the United States embassy that ended in police brutality. OTHER GOVERNMENT BODIES Aside from the President’s performance, the study also highlighted the respondents’ st a nce towa rds t he ot her government bodies. Robredo was the sole official who received a positive net trust rating of 44%, while the rest garnered negative ratings. The least trusted bodies following the President are Congress (-31%), the Senate (-28%), the Cabinet (-24%), and the Supreme Court (-4%). According to Martinez, he presumed the ratings to be negative for the President, but he did not expect the same for other government bodies. “I wa sn’t sho cke d t hat everything seemed so negative,” he said. “However, I did not expect how distrustful we are of nearly all other government institutions from the Supreme Court to Congress.” IMPLICATIONS Ateneo Assembly Associate Vice President for Research and Analysis Jayvee del Rosario said that the Atenean’s perception of the current administration’s first 100 days

relies on their internalization of the “Jesuits’ value for the inalienable right to life.” “His cr im ina ls-must-be killed rhetoric has permeated his administration too deeply that when you think of Duterte, you think of EJKs, and that will put off most Ateneans,” he said. However, he also recognized the positive policies enacted by the new administration that are supported by Ateneans. “Some of these include his attempts at making peace with communist and Moro insurgents, and his creation of a presidential task force for the protection of the media,” he said. The study’s conclusion stated an “incongruence between the Atenean population and the Filipino on average,” citing how the president gained high approval rates from the nation yet received low marks from the Ateneo sample. “We also see a disconnect from the sample, noting how different they are from the average Filipino. Duterte’s trust ratings in public as around 70%, for our sample of Ateneans it’s at -44%,” said Martinez. He reiterated that the results cannot be generalized since the sample did not satisfy the quotas needed for stratification.

However, he thinks the results still confirm the preconceived notion that Ateneans do not like Duterte and the current administration. He s a id t hat Atene a n s expect the worst from this administration, and he argues that students should not only be critical, but positive as well. “We come off a s quite pessimistic…we’ve had bad presidents before, and we will have them in the future. We’ll get through this,” he said. When asked if he thinks Ateneans’ trust and support for the new administration will rise over time, del Rosario said it will depend on the administration’s future actions. “If Duter te continues to promote EJKs, which Jesuit formation is fiercely against, then I think it will continue to fall; however, if Duterte shifts his pa radigm of ha ndling criminality from elimination to rehabilitation, then more Ateneans may start supporting him,” he added.

IgnITE under fire for Lakbayan donation drive, insists on ‘humanitarian effort’ BY THEA A. SISCAR AND SAM O. SUBIDA

FOLLOWING THE supposed endorsement of the Sanggunian and the support of the Ignatian Initiative for Transformative Emp ower ment (Ig n I T E) Movement for the Lakbayan, IgnITE President Ele Gealogo has clarified that there was “no formal partnership” with the organizers and that the donation drive was a response to IgnITE’s personal contacts asking for humanitarian aid. The “Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya 2016” delegates included Lumad, Moro, Igorot, Aeta, Mangyan, and Agta groups who protested against the mili-

tary and mining operations in their ancestral lands. The drive was organized by Sandugo: Kilusan ng mga Moro at Katutubong Mamamayan para sa Sariling Pagpapasya (Moro and Indigenous Peoples’ Movement for Self-determination). The University of the PhilippinesDiliman (UPD) hosted the delegates from October 12 to 28. On October 21, 3 AB Political Science Course Representative and Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD) Ateneo de Manila member Benjamin Alvero III expressed his apprehensions after IgnITE’s promotional campaign for the donation drive was shared through Sanggu Promote. Alvero explained that the organizers

of Lakbayan are affiliated with those from the “far left.” His post has since been retracted. CLARIFICATIONS

In an interview with The GUIDON, Alvero clarified that he spoke on his own behalf and his statement did not represent the Party’s interests and position. He added that the Party recognizes the agency of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and does not view them as “mere instruments,” contrary to how his previous post appeared. “Our stand on the issue remains the same as what we have stated in our most recent stand—the stand on violence,” Alvero said. USAD released a stand after the violent dispersal of protesters by the Philippine

National Police at the United States Embassy. “We reject instrumentalism, we reject violence, but nevertheless, we support the initiatives of these people to fight for their communities. We are with the people who are in the margins, who are subject to conditions of inequality,” he added. Meanwhile, Gealogo said that he understood the contentions on their initiative. However, they did not turn down the request for assistance since IgnITE was supporting the IPs, not the organizers themselves. As evidence, he said that the donations were in the form of school materials, clothes, and food supplies. Additionally, he said that the result of the donation drive was

CLEARING THE NAME. CAIP Head Dane Ancheta clarifies involvement in IgnITE’s donation drive. PHOTO BY ANALEIGH Y. YAO

“all in all, a good thing.” The donations from the LS student body were relatively good such that they made two to three trips to UPD. CASE OF MISUNDERSTANDING

Coalition of Ateneans for Indigenous Peoples (CAIP) Head Dane Ancheta said that she had to speak out and clear CAIP’s name because the exchange in social media seemed as if they officially endorsed IgnITE’s donation drive. CAIP is the unit of the Sanggunian that caters to IP concerns. Ancheta said that the Coalition was formed because they wanted to provide students “another avenue to be proactive in issues of the IPs all year long.” While she supported Gealogo’s claims that they communicated days before the issue erupted, she said that it was not exactly a consultation. Rather, she thought that IgnITE was just letting her know about their initiative. “[IgnITE] told me that they were going to have a donation drive. The Coalition gave an advice: ‘If you have to donate anything, just donate food and other materials. If you want to donate, it’s your Party’s initiative,’” she said. “We didn’t give a go signal because it’s out of our bounds; all we can give are our pieces of advice. They were making it seem like we gave the approval, we gave the go signal. I felt like CAIP’s name was being thrown around,” she added. Nonetheless, Ancheta said that she understood the humanitarian nature of IgnITE’s initiative. Similarly, she said that CAIP communicated with Ateneo de Davao University earlier this year to provide aid to victims of the Mindanao-wide drought, particularly during the controversial Kidapawan protests. “That’s how we made our humanitarian effort without being political. It was purely humanitarian. It’s possible to do that,” she said. “In this case, perhaps IgnITE

was also bringing the name of Ateneo that’s why it became a slippery slope.” Gealogo echoed Ancheta’s sentiments. He said that he understood where the apprehensions are coming from. “But the fact is, there were Lumads here and they were in need of help. Yes, I understand the fears of the people, but I don’t think that should have been a reason for us to shut them out,” he added. NEW ARRANGEMENTS

Moreover, Ancheta said that CAIP has met with USAD and IgnITE to prevent issues like this to erupt in the future. Gealogo said that they discussed what had transpired and what actions can be taken. They also tackled the “history with Lakbayan” to contextualize the reason behind Ateneo’s cautiousness with the initiative. “One of the things that we came up with [to avoid things like this from happening again] is that the Sanggu Promote system has to be more filtered. Kumbaga, Ateneo’s name is in use and Ateneo can’t be used in any malicious way,” Gealogo said. According to Sanggunian Communications Chairperson Cieryl Sardool, Sanggu Promote is a service that the Sanggunian provides to anyone in the Loyola Schools who wants to reach a wider audience through the Sanggunian social media platforms. “Anything that is coursed through Sanggu Promote is not endorsed by the Sanggunian,” she said. In line with this adjustment, Sardool noted her plans to revise parts of the current guidelines of Sanggu Promote. She also said that in future promotions, Sanggunian’s disclaimer on not endorsing the projects will be highly emphasized. “I’ll edit the guidelines. I have to make it clear that if there are any IGNITE › 4

EDITOR: LIAM C. LU · EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: GABY N. BAIZAS · LAYOUT ARTIST: VICTOR N. DATU

PHOTO ESSAY

Ateneo holds 1st Indigenous People’s Week celebration BY BEA P. SANTIANO PHOTOS BY DANICA T. BIBERA AND BRYAN T. TORRES

T HE AT ENEO de Manila Univer sit y hel d it s fir s t In dig e n ous P e op l e ’s ( I P ) Week on October 24-28 as an opportunity for the Ateneo community to showcase their different IP advocacies and learn more about IPs in the Philippines . This five - day celebration was held in time for the National Indigenous People’s Month and in line with the passage of House Bill No. 4220 which institutionalizes IP educational systems by making them more known to the public. The bill is the brainchild of Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Brawner Baguilat Jr. Baguilat himself is an Ifugao and as a member of the IP community, he hopes that this week-long celebration will augment the appreciation of their culture. MERGING ADVOCACIES

This event is a way for multiple student groups and organizations such as the Coalition of Ateneans for Indigenous Pe ople s , T he Development Society of the Ateneo, Loyola Mountaineers, Baybayin, Barefoot Philippines, the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy, and Ateneans for Agrarian Reform Movement to share their IP advocacies. Paglipay, a film featuring the lives of Aetas particularly those in the Mt. Pinatubo area, was shown by Baybayin on October 17–20, 24–28. Blue Indie Komiks also published a digital copy of

Ang mga Kuwentong Aeta, a storybook project released in April, in partnership with Sitio Lupang Pangako Community, B arefoot Philippines , and Loyola Mountaineers. CELEBRATING CULTURE

The celebration commenced with the IP Week launch held on October 24 at the Rizal Library. This was followed by activities held throughout the week: a Kapihan session with Judy Pasimio from Lilak (Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights) on October 25, a Lakbay session with speakers Mary Racelis, PhD and Benny Capuno about their experiences with members from the rural communities on October 26, and an IP advocacy workshop with IP advocate Albert Alejo, SJ on October 27. This was concluded by a Culmination Night and Closing Ceremony on October 28. Aside from these daily activities, IP products were also sold in booths set up in front of Colayco Pavilion. These products included hand-woven wallets, coin purses, passport holders, shawls, garments, placemats and table turners from Ifugao, and alkansiya, duyan, and baskets from Zambales.

News

Chief Magistrate ‹2

PHOTO BY BRYAN T. TORRES

Ateneo ROTC divided over mandatory military service revival BY LUIS M. MILLARES AND MARIEL L. ZAMORA

T H E AT E N E O Re s e r ve Of f icer s T ra in ing Cor ps (ROTC) ex pressed mi xed reactions on the possible reintroduction of the mandatory ROTC program following statements made by President Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address. The President voiced his support for the reinstatement of the mandatory ROTC program for all college students. “Let us also strengthen our ROTC program to instill love of country and good citizenship,” he said during the address. The Duterte administration is currently drafting a legislative proposal amending the National Service Training Act of 2002, which made ROTC “optional and voluntary.” After reports surfaced of a cohort of student-cadets dy ing f rom ha zing, t he program was made optional in 2002. Students were given the choice to either participate in the ROTC program or engage in community service. ROTC Cadet Captain Charles Vincent Dy, Second Class, S3 Operations supports President Duterte’s statement, as he underscores ROTC’s position as a military institution. “We are required to back the [political] Right… even though our personal stands are different,” he said. Meanwhile, ROTC Corp Commander Efren Rellosa said that the policy must be studied first before anything else, serving as a compromise for those who are in favor or against the reintroduction of the ROTC. He also mentioned that if the revival of the mandatory ROTC will push through, there must be revisions made inside the institution.

ROTC SUMMIT

Meanwhile, the Ateneo ROTC was chosen as the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e fo r t h e Philippine Air Force at the upcoming ROTC summit. The event was scheduled for November 5, but it was postponed indefinitely, according to Dy. The summit is the venue of a capability demonstration that will showcase the competencies of the different ROTC units— the Air Force, Army, and the Navy– in front of the guest of honor President Rodrigo Duterte. Each unit will present specific demos with the Navy performing the silent drill, the Army presenting combat operation, and the Air Force demonstrating Humanitarian A s sist a nce a nd Disa ster Response (HADR). According to Rellosa, they were given orders from the 1st Air Reserve Center, the ROTC’s handler under the Air Force, to take part in the capability demonstration. During the summit, the cadets will be tasked to respond to certain scenarios to highlight their capabilities in HADR. “There will be a simulated disaster scenario, dun idedemonstrate ng cadets ‘yung capabilities when it comes to disaster response (There will be a simulated disaster scenario, where the cadets will demonstrate their capabilities when it comes to disaster response),” said Rellosa. Rellosa also added that this will be the first time in recent history that the Ateneo was invited to perform a capability demonstration. St a f f Sergea nt Hen r y Pagauitan of Philippine Air Force Reserve, the serviceman commissioned to train the ROTC in preparation for the summit, said that the cadets will be performing search and

rescue exercises, focusing on vehicular accidents. “The scenario is a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck in Metro Manila, or currently known as the ‘Big One,’ and in front of Katipunan Road, in front of Ateneo,” he said. In prepa ration for t he su m m it, Pa gau it a n sa id that he is giving the cadets “crash courses” on the incident command system, basic trauma life support, and the use of an ambulance. Asked about his opinion on the possible revival of mandatory ROTC, Pagauitan was ambivalent about it because it had its advantages and disadvantages. SKILLED MANPOWER

In light of the recent landfall of supertyphoon “Lawin” in the Philippines, Rellosa said that the training will enable them to provide “more skilled manpower” if and when the Air Force mobilizes them in times of natural calamity. “Hindi na lang kami hanggang repackage lang, we can actually go to the affected areas and actually contribute something (We won’t just be there to repackage relief goods, we can actually go to the affected areas and actually contribute something),” said Rellosa. Rellosa said that the training in search and rescue is especially timely since the Ateneo ROTC has become an official partner of the Ateneo Disaster Response and Management Team, the Ateneo’s main organization for disaster relief and rehabilitation. Pagauitan on the other hand, said that the changing weather should serve as a signal for a change in “lifestyle” among the youth today. “They need to know how to conduct basic rescue, basic disaster response, and most importantly, [they need to have]

that attitude of a responder or a rescuer rather than an attitude of a victim during calamities,” Pagauitan said. Citing the more dangerous weather patterns and the recently raised signal number five in some areas of the country, Pagauitan said that the recent developments should stress the importance of military training. FUTURE OF ROTC

However, Rel lo sa re mained optimistic about the future of Ateneo ROTC, mentioning how the program has seen a rise of recruits. “Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in terms of recruits kahit na na-implement ‘yung pre-enlisted na NSTP Plus (Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in terms of recruits even though the pre-enlisted NSTP Plus program was implemented),” said Rellosa. He also said that the program has improved over the years and that this is something to look forward to. “Nag-iimprove paunti-unti ‘yung curriculum, so mas madami nang topics ‘yung nacocover at dumadami din ‘yung activities namin in line (The curriculum is slowly improving, which means that more topics will be covered and there will be more activities in line),” he said. Meanwhile, Pagauitan expressed his support for the Ateneo ROTC, saying that the Air Force will lend a hand in teaching them not only in military discipline, and HADR but also in discipline in life. “As long as they are with the Philippine Air Force, we will do everything in our capacity to train them,” he said.

unviewed bias and [Jacinto] would not have been able to respond through an appropriate avenue...perhaps we were not being fair to him by utilizing the page,” Lagura explained. “We never meant to say that he was incompetent or incapable of the job,” he added. Jacinto could not be reached for comment on the statements against his leadership as the former Chief Magistrate. Despite this, Lagura said the magistrates stand by their statement. “Even though we know we did right by the court, we do have a semblance of regret on its effect to former Chief Magistrate Jacinto,” Lagura said. The magistrates are confident that they have taken a step towards real reform and real change in the SJC. “At the end of the day, we had a duty to the court and we stood by it,” Lagura said. In place of former Chief Magistrate Jacinto, the magistrates of the court decided to choose an interim Chief Magistrate. “The court would still require a leader to implement the reforms... We choose to have an interim leader so we won’t deprive the incoming magistrates the chance to decide who their leader will be for the rest of the school year,” he explained. As interim Chief Magistrate, Lagura will take over the duties of Jacinto. The two had already communicated with regards to the transfer of administrative control over accounts of the SJC. QUESTIONABLE ACTIONS

USAD questioned the actions of the magistrates, claiming that it was outside of the Constitution and did not follow due process. “The lines are set in stone, there is no room for interpretation...The responsibility with regards to trying, investigating and removing a duly appointed official of the Sanggunian is reserved for the Central Assembly,” explained Lanz Espacio, USAD Premier. Now that the statement has been made public, Espacio said that this does not remove the fact that there was a mistake that needs to be investigated and corrected.

The USAD acknowledged that the magistrates may have seen enough reason to release a public statement calling for the resignation of former Chief Magistrate Jacinto. However, Espacio called their methods “unconstitutional,” stating that despite internal problems every individual or organization will have to work under the Constitution. The USAD called for the student body to file a petition countering the statement released by the magistrates for Jacinto’s resignation and to call for a formal investigation to be conducted by the Central Assembly, believing this to be a matter that concerns the student body that must be acted on by students themselves. “When the court itself goes against the very Constitution that they swore to protect and uphold, this is cause for an investigation,” Espacio said. RESOLUTION AND PREVENTION

Currently, the SJC is trying to resolve its internal system to prepare for the upcoming application for new magistrates as well as the appointment of a new Chief Magistrate. “The transition comes with reforms,” said Lagura. As part of their reform, the magistrates will focus on transparency and an emphasis on the need to be prompt with the court’s decisions and resolutions. “There are many actions that are exclusive to the Office of the Chief Magistrate, including the power to call for en bancs and other powers which other magistrates cannot override, Lagura said. As part of the reform, Lagura, along with the magistrates of the SJC, want each of them to have a say on important decisions on the court. “If the Chief Magistrate is incapable of calling or attending en bancs, then the rest of the magistrates will have the prerogative to call for these en bancs, so that the court processes will not be stalled, ” he said. The next step for SJC is to reassert itself as the paragon for accountability and transparency. “As the only court in the Sanggunian, we have to make sure that we uphold this level of integrity that students can rely on,” said Lagura.

IgNITE ‹2

contentions with what a certain unit promotes, then we will have to course it through them,” she said. FOR THE IPS

Although IgnITE does not have engagements planned with the IPs for now, Gealogo mentioned that the Party might eventually come up with programs for the IPs. Furthermore, Gealogo added that should there be any progress with IgnITE for the IPs, the party will collaborate with CAIP and Sanggunian, particularly the Department of External Affairs. “We’d rather have a more united front when it comes to these issues because we all really are fighting for the same thing, we’re fighting for the rights of the IPs.” Gealogo said. Meanwhile, Ancheta expressed CAIP’s desire to go beyond just being a “reactionary group” for the IPs. “We also try to build something from the ground that

could [affect] structural changes like the IP [education bill]. We’re also into policy making because there are policies that could help and protect IPs and we recognize that.” Ancheta said. Gealogo said that there is a need to give ample attention to the IPs similar to that which is given to the drug war and extrajudicial killings. “Issues like this [IPs] might not be as in the spotlight but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they shouldn’t be considered. Ateneans should be aware of this because it is real and it is happening, and it doesn’t get a lot of air time, kumbaga,” he said. Meanwhile, in relation to the IP week held in the university, Ancheta said that the celebration may seem distant from what is currently happening in the IP community. “It’s just mainly inspired by our support for IP education, so we really put a prime on education… We want people to be exposed to IP life na hindi lang cultural or historical, but also the sociopolitical,” Ancheta said.

The GUIDON November 2016

Com Dept turns 50, delves deeper into what’s ‘patok’ BY ANDREA L. TAGUINES

“HANGAD NAMING patok ang aming mga paksa sa inyong panlasa (We hope our topics will suit your tastes),” said Communication Department Chair Severino Sarmenta Jr. during his welcoming remarks. Patok: Comparative and Critica l Perspectives on Pinoy Pop Culture, a national conference in honor of the Atene o C om mu n ic at ion D ep a r t ment ’s 5 0 th A n n iver s a r y, wa s held last October 6-7. Patok is a Filipino word referring to people, things, and events that are currently trending. Sarmenta added that the patok is what connects people. Recognizing that media is one of the most recognizable cultural forms and the medium through which pop culture gains presence, the conference seeks to raise recurring and new questions about Philippine pop culture,

such as how today’s changing media landscape has affected its consumption, production, and circulation. T he event feat ured presentations by scholars, professors, Ateneo alumni, and media practitioners in the Leong Hall Auditorium and in the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Multimedia Communication TV Studio. “I hope this conference will not just provide more knowledge about Philippine pop culture but also enrich our conversations about how we can shape the symbolic, social, and political order of the common good, the greater good,” said University President Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. FILTERING THROUGH THE NOISE

“In the age of technology and the mindboggling capacity to produce and multiply anything in a virtual world, millions of images proliferate,” said Interdisciplinary Studies Professor

Emeritus Soledad Reyes, the first keynote speaker of the event. She said they are all “fighting for space in the public’s already teeming consciousness,” each of them “claiming to serve the public’s needs to be entertained, to be taught, to be dazzled, to be taken into a fantastic world where wishes can be fulfilled and our many desires conveyed.” In light of this, Reyes stressed the need to develop highly critical minds despite being bombarded with new information at every turn. She said this has become more vital now with the presence of Internet trolls and the “violence and lack of civility in national discourse.” “We have the duty to analyze and read what lies underneath,” said Reyes. She added that this is especially a task for educators, to mold the minds of students and enable them to do so. The f irst pa nel consisted of University of the

Philippines Diliman lecturer Alwin Aguirre, and his students Rica Papa and Carl Sayat. They talked about how popular culture makes use of affect or emotional impact. Aguirre explained how through television advertisements, OFWs are made to feel guilty for leaving their country and family by emphasizing their absence and distance just to promote products like smartphones and apps. He said they also compel OFWs to send back remittances for compensation. Papa analyzed ABS-CBN’s I Love OPM, a show that featured foreigners doing covers of Filipino songs, and concluded that Filipinos validate themselves problematically through the eyes of the foreigners. “The only value presented by the show is the appreciation of foreigners… that’s the only value we can attribute to loving ourselves,” she said. Sayat presented his study on how the campaign ads used by President Rodrigo Duterte

The last panel discussed sports, gender, and national identity. Sarmenta talked about how Pacquiao is seen as a hero by Filipinos — rising from poverty, bringing glory to the country with every fight he wins, and even fostering peace to the point that crime rates fall whenever his match is on. Sarmenta added that whether it is winning yet again on the world boxing stage, or winning the position of the highest official in the land, Pacquiao’s story still needs an ending. Communications Instructor Inez Ponce de Leon showed how Filipinos define national identity by studying online discourses regarding Arnold Clavio’s comment

in our classrooms, in the work that we do in the communities we serve, in the many places in government, business, and civil society, wherever we find out alumni engaged in building our nation and the people,” Villarin said. Meanwhile, prior to the start of the November 18 rally, USAD Premier Lanz Espacio said that the demonstration was simply the start of the community’s continued struggle for justice not only against the Marcoses, but also against everything they stand for.

Espacio’s call for continued struggle translated to a statement signed by 72 undergraduate students entitled a “Call to Unity among Youth in Ateneo.” The statement called “for the establishment of an independent, organized, and unified student movement to advance youth involvement in engaging present sociopolitical issues which afflict our country,” which they named “Kilos Kabataan.” In addition, the signatories called for Ateneans to engage

the public, challenging the Atenean youth to “go beyond the confines of the university and social media.” The statement ended by urging the youth to “reach out to others from different contexts” and to make a “proactive response to the signs of the times.” “We hope to improve Kilos Kabataan as a student movement composed of indiviudals and organizations within the university whose goal is to integrate our response to

AFFECT AND POPULAR CULTURE

during the elections created a myth of his “tapang at malasakit.” He said the myth can be the reason for the political tolerance seen towards Duterte’s actions today, gradually legitimizing violence in the country. SPORT, GENDER, AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

about the Philippine Azkals not being real Filipinos. She said that Filipino netizens who sided with Clavio viewed being Filipino as having been born in the country, having Filipino parents, and having traditional Filipino values. Azkals fans, however, argued that despite not being “full-blooded,” the players are Filipinos because they have “pusong Pinoy.” Moreover, National Collegiate Athletic Association Courtside Reporter and Ateneo alumna Cristina Tantengco presented her paper on gendered coverage in Philippine sports media. She found that unlike for males, journalists cover female athletes more for their looks and not for their gameplay— even using descriptors like sexy and “so cute you want to make her into a keychain and keep her in your pocket.” “It’s a shame that at a time when female athletes are seen to be everywhere, it’s actually not the kind of attention they want in the first place,” she said.

Marcos, diktador ‹1

its stance. “What does this [burial] say about what this government stands for?” he asked. Following both protests, the Sanggunian and USA D orga n ized fol lowup mobilizations to foster dialogue and help formulate succeeding steps for the community. UNIVERSITY-WIDE INDIGNATION

A day after the SC released its verdict, University President Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ issued a memorandum to the university community, saying that “[with] no hesitation, the Ateneo de Manila University expresses its indignation over this decision.” Villarin called the SC’s decision “an act of convenient equivocation and injustice,” rebuking its “myopic view” of the issue of the Marcos burial. He slammed the SC’s argument that Marcos was “just a human who erred just like us,” arguing that it was “a monumental denial of the suffering and murder of thousands of our people and the billions of public funds stolen.” He urged the Ateneo community “to continue to protest and express our indignation, to discern what true closure might mean concretely in this case, to create openings for our voice to be heard authentically.” On the day of the burial, Villarin issued another memo, where he said that “Hindi po napapanahon ang paglibing na ito. Hindi ito tama. Hindi pa tapos ang pagluluksa ng Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipino na dinampot, sinaktan at pinaslang noong martial law (This burial is not appropriate to our times. This is not right. The mourning of the Filipino people for the many who were captured, hurt, and salvaged during Martial Law is not over).” In the same memo, Villarin also called on members of the university community to listen to its students protesting against the crimes committed during martial law. To ref lect the Ateneo’s collective stance, the LED board by Gate 3 now flashes the words “Hindi bayani si Marcos (Marcos is not a hero)!” along with a slides

of statistics and facts of the atrocities during the regime. The fences along Katipunan Avenue are also shrouded in black cloth. Several Ateneo organizations also released online statements condemning Marcos’s burial at the LNMB. NEED FOR CONTINUOUS ACTION

In his first memo, Villarin cautioned that “not all wars are on one battlefield,” pointing out the need to continuously uphold the call for justice. “We will fight for the truth

PHOTOS BY JOHN P. ORANGA, JEFF PASCUAL, AND CHESTER B. TAN

national issues, far beyond the issue of the Marcos burial,” the statement said. With reports from Liam C. Lu, Michelle D. Abad, Angelica S. Andaya, JC A. Beltran, Alex M. Evangelista, and Thea A. Siscar.

Opinion

VOLUME LXXXVII, NO. 4 NOVEMBER 2016

The GUIDON First Editor-in-Chief, Manuel C. Colayco, AB ‘30 PURPOSE

To serve as a record of Ateneo history in the making; to serve as an organ of journalistic expression; to serve God and country.

Frances Christine P. Sayson, AB LIT (ENG) ‘17 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Katrina Isabelle G. Pimentel, BS CTM ‘17 ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Alfonso Miguel N. Sevidal, BS ME ‘17 MANAGING EDITOR

Nicolina G. Solinap, BFA ID ‘17 DESIGN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Liam Calvin C. Lu, AB EC ‘18 NEWS EDITOR

Beatrice Lauren T. Go, BS MGT ‘17 SPORTS EDITOR

Robbin Charles M. Dagle, AB COM ‘18 BEYOND LOYOLA EDITOR

Adrian M. Goh, BS ME ‘18

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY JEZKA RATILLA

FEATURES EDITOR

Rachel Esmeralda Gabrielle O. Lombos, BS ME ‘17 INQUIRY EDITOR

Angela Carmela R. Natividad, BFA CW ‘16/AB PH ‘17 Danielle Clarice D. Reyes, BS LFSCI ‘18 VANTAGE EDITORS

Gabrielle Therese R. Mesina, BFA ID ‘18 Patrick T. Ong, BS MAC ‘18 PHOTOS EDITORS

Diana F. David, BFA ID ‘18 Clarissa Joyce R. Gorreon, BFA ID ‘17 GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITORS

Margarita Claudette V. Chuatico, AB COM ‘17 Miguel Antonio S. Murga, BS MGT ‘17 VIDEO PRODUCTION EDITORS

Carlos Alberto L. Arcenas, BSMS CS ‘19 DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR

Jamie Lucille C. Catanes, BS LM ‘17 TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Andrea Coleen V. Tubig, BFA CW ‘17 EXTERNALS MANAGER

Briane B. Dela Peña, AB COM ‘18 Janine Ysabel B. Peralta, AB SOS ‘17 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

NEWS Gaby N. Baizas; Editorial Assistant, Bea P. Santiano; Managerial Assistant, Michelle D. Abad, Angelica A. Andaya, Faith T. Lim, Luis M. Millares, JM Munar, Thea A. Siscar, Samantha O. Subida, Andrea L. Taguines, Loreben Ll. Tuquero, Mariel L. Zamora SPORTS Carlos H. Cruz; Editorial Assistant, Cedric B. Teng Ampo, Lorenzo C. Aycardo, James B. Gavina, Brittany J. Go, Kirby G. Jalandoni, Jamie S. Katigbak, Renzo C. Ramos, Tonichi C. Regalado, Chino D. Reyes, Colin C. Salao, Jason R. Santos, Vincent D. Soliven BEYOND LOYOLA JC A. Beltran; Editorial Assistant, Andie M. Bernas, Maxine A. Buenaventura, Sean S. Chingkaw, Alex M. Evangelista, Jerome D. Jacob, Nicole A. Lorena, Ina M. Morales, Mia C. Pangilinan, Janelle H. Paris, Bella R. Perez-Rubio, Abelardo M. Torio, Angel T. Villamor FEATURES Andrew D. Cambri, Editorial Assistant; Saffi C. Arcenas, Mikaela T. Bona, Kayla T. Cadenas, Bea C. Constantino, Patricia A. Dy, Annicka B. Koteh, Samantha C. Ledesma, Katya F. Lichauco, Celine D. Natividad, Joma M. Roble, Francis R. Toledo INQUIRY Joaquin B. Jacinto, Editorial Assistant; Manuel M. Aldeguer, Nio B. Atrigenio, Andie M. Casas, Jake B. Cureg, Renz G. Espanol, Jayvee A. del Rosario, Jairus I. Paul, Corleto O. Vinluan VANTAGE MAGAZINE Martina R. Roces, Editorial Assistant; Regis Martin Andanar, Ching M. Balina ,Deany R. Cheng, Gio Goseco, Luisa C. Jocson, John T. Lansangan, Franco M. Luna, Ashley Martelino, Carlito O. Mortel, Patrick L. Roasa, Romano Santos PHOTOS Reena Dunque and Gabby F. Jimenez, Editorial Assistants; Justin C. Ang, Danica T. Bibera, Aya Cabauatan, Trina Camacho, Jill R. Chan, Twinkle R. Liboon. John P. Oranga, Jeff Pascual, Aliyah Rojo, Pat Sarmiento, Chester B. Tan, Yuri Tan, Janine Torres, Bryan T. Torres, Marco T. Torrijos, Joshua M. Vera, Analeigh Y. Yao GRAPHIC DESIGN Colleen P. de Luna and Celline Mercado, Editorial Assistants; Antonette A. Amoncio, Jill T. Arteche, Victor N. Datu, Inya de Vera, Chapy B. Fadullon, Annika N. Hernandez, Richard Mercado, Mikaela R. Montaño, Jezka Ratilla, Patricia Louise Reyes, Beatriz K. Venezuela, Meg F. Villena DIGITAL MEDIA Ana K. Batiller, Ian B. De La Cruz, Mike G. del Castillo, Enzo Orbeta, Leina Santiago TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Paul Jason F. Gue and Trisha Lim; Managerial Assistants, Ferdy Acosta, James Andales, Hannah Guinto, Keanu Emmanuel A. Penaranda EXTERNALS March Bulalacao; Managerial Assistant, Sheila Advincula, Paula Birung, Clarissa Borja, Shaira Co, Lanlan Marquez Patrick Moscosa, Aimee Nazareno, Jeric Santos, Javier Serrano

Ruel S. De Vera MODERATOR

For comments, suggestions and contributions, email

desk@theguidon.com

To be continued: the Philippine growth story FROM 2011 to 2015, the Ph i l ippi ne s w it ne s se d unprecedented economic grow th driven by a surge in investments and strong consumption. The countr y’s gross domestic product expanded by a compounded average grow th rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2011 to 2015— more t ha n double t he world’s economic growth rate (2.8% CAGR). During the first quarter of 2016, t he count r y outpaced the growth of economic powerhouse China, 7% to 6.7%, making it the fastest growing economy among 11 Asian countries. However, critics of the Philippine growth narrative point out that that the growth is not inclusive— only the elite benefit from the economic expansion.

Denouement FRANCES P. SAYSON

Cynic’s greetings CHRISTMAS VIDEO advertisements are among my favorite parts of the Christmas season. Profitoriented and affect-driven, yes, but they are, for the most part, well-produced, g limmering, gorgeous, and yes, tear-jerking. The holidays, it seems, pulls out all the stops, and the best-w ritten stor ylines are given the magnificent productions, complete with shining lights and orchestral music. As varied as the ads can be – from the elegant ads of luxury brands to the ABS-CBN station ID’s that herald the start of our

According to Filipino economist Cielito Habito, the increased wealth of the 40 richest Filipino families in 2012 was equal to 76.5% of the country’s GDP growth at that time. Louise Montemar, a political science professor from De La Salle University says it best in an interview with the Atlantic—“[the] country dances to[the] tune of the tiny elite.” While the elite reap the benefits of the thriving macro-economy, the poor remain to be poor. As of the first quarter of 2015, more than a quarter of Filipinos lived below the poverty line. In the same article published by the Atlantic, Josefa Ramirez, a 31-year old who earns Php 123 per day selling bottles, said that she does not feel the

growth. “I didn’t know [the economy was growing]. For me, things feel the same as they always did,” she said. This systemic inequality in terms of wealth distribution was perhaps what propelled the electoral victory of President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to solve the problems that truly pressed the poor majority. His administration was marked by the launch of a ten-point socio-economic agenda, which aimed to “promote rural and value chain development” and “improve social protection programs.” The government plans to reform the tax bracket system to further protect the bottom 50% of households as well as to accelerate infrastructure spending to improve the poor’s access to basic needs.

The demeanor of the president however has spooked investors and has put the nation’s foreign relations at a question. On October 19, President Duterte announced “his separation from the United States,” claiming military and economic separation from the country where almost 40% of overseas Filipino remittances come from. He also challenged t he Eu rop e a n Un ion, which contributed Php 6.3 billion in foreign aid to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, to withdraw its financial support from the Philippines. The question raised is whether the government will be able to successfully alleviate poverty and promote inclusive economic development should the

dynamics with these key foreign partners be cut. What will be the net effect for the poor given fiscal reforms and at the same time a pulling out of US bloc investments? Yet even if this new administration manages to succeed in initiating inclusive economic growth without our Western partners, what do we make of a narrative stained by the blood of 4,726 human lives killed in a brutal, anti-poor Drug War? The Philippine growth story is a narrative to be continued. Whether or not the new administration will truly champion the poor the narrative has left out remains to be seen.

Christmas season – there is the common and solidly ingrained sentiment that Christmas means family and family means coming home. After all, there are many Christmas ads featuring overseas Filipino workers finding their way home or if not, finding family and by extension a semblance of true Christmas elsewhere. Even in the Western context, the most heartfelt and possibly the saddest mainstream Christmas song speaks about “be[ing] home for Christmas,” supposedly from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas who longs to be home; a plotline that has formed the staple scene of the war film genre. The narrative of the Christmas—in its iteration as a large-scale holiday, not as a holy day—is a narrative of home, belonging, and family. Like the notion of “narrative” itself, it is

manufactured over time through enforced traditions, institutions like education that mandate “holidays,” and as it had been over the last century or so, capitalism and consumerism. Family bonds and “home” are themselves created fictions, fragile and malleable through time and across cultures. Cynics will point out that the traditional notion of family is always confusing and sometimes torturously impossible. Christmas, family, and home are apparently functional and functioning constructs, but constructs nonetheless. Yet more than being functional and functioning, these f ictions are impossibly necessary. For all the underpinning ideologies, Christmas is the holiday, more than any other holiday, that emphasizes completeness and togetherness, even love in all its sorts. At least for

the Western world, it is the holiday that is predicated on generosity and decency. It is the holiday that calls for coming “home,” wherever “home” is, as long as it is the place and importantly, the people, where there is love, understanding, and maybe a bit of joy. There are, indeed, worse constructs to live with. This year has been difficult. Change has been coming and it has not often been the good change. There are still children dying in war-torn Syria. The United States has a racist, sexist, and dangerously problematic man for president. There will be individuals with no families and families with no homes for Christmas. If Christmas—brief, laden with commercial profitma k ing a nd en forced notions of family, home, and love—can suspend the terror and uncertainty of 2016 for one moment of

quiet and civility, then it will be more than enough. So pull the snowmen and reindeer décor out, unrealistic to this tropical land as they may be. Head to the malls to bask in the impractically expensive Christmas lights. And cozy up with a few good Christmas films and ads and feelings and tears in the best place to be: home, wherever it is and with whoever it is.

The GUIDON November 2016

Simcha

MIGUEL N. SEVIDAL

Tracing the tyrant W H EN R A PPLER Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa asked President Rodrigo Duterte what kind of leader he believes the Philippines needs today, he pointed to no other than the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Hence, we have a strongman returning to Malacañang, 30 years

Open Society LIAM C. LU

Why Marikeños love Marcos: the post-EDSA reckoning INSIDE THE Shoe Museum located in the City of Marikina, the shoes of former First Lady Imelda Marcos are displayed ornately across shelves. At the center of the exhibit hangs an elaborate portrait of Imelda

Good Omens

GABRIELLE M. LOMBOS

Restoration “DONA LD TRUM P isn’t a racist.” He said it so matter-of-factly, barely looking up from his laptop. This was my childhood friend: compassionate, logical, always trying to see the best in people. Also, apparently, a Trump apologist. I had followed the US presidential elections closely, and at every turn, Donald

Garuda Biru

CARLOS L. ARCENAS

To fight to be “ARE YOU really from the Philippines? What’s happening with your president?” The first question wasn’t that unusual: to most people I look like a “generic Asian” but seven yea r s abroad couldn’t have prepared me for the second one and its many expletive-riddled variations. My fellow Filipino exchange students and I managed to learn how to deal with the news surrounding our president’s actions while explaining the intricacies behind it. But it could never account for the subtleties caused by it. I’ve apologized to my newfound German, Australian, and American friends—while explaining why it seemed like my country suddenly began to “hate” them all. Our president’s continuous redefinition of the country’s standing on the world stage, with his maverick remarks and approach to international relations, has been, to some, a refreshing change of tone

after his idol was ousted from the same palace. The strongman archetype however, goes beyond Marcos. In State and Society in the Philippines, Patricio Abinales and Donna Amoroso describe Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon to have been “ruthless in dealing with influential Filipinos who were loyal to rival leaders or to abstract ideas that incurred his ire.” Exploiting his local patronage and friendship with American officials, Quezon steamrolled his way to becoming the transitory government’s chief executive. The three autocrats have stark similarities. All three had campaigns marked by colorful rheto-

ric aimed at conveying a message of radical change. Driven by the clamor for Filipino independence and self-governance, Quezon bravely said that he “would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.” Addressing a nation tired of bureaucratic corruption and inefficiency, Marcos told the people during his electoral address that “this nation can be great again.” Most recently, the successful campaign of Duterte was marked by just three words that harked at Filipinos’ unrest with the previous government– “change is coming.” All three also succeeded in using the Filipino people’s fear

and hopelessness to strengthen their autocracy. The three took advantage of the lack of security and certainty and used it to justify their power—Quezon with the Sakdals, Marcos with the Communist insurgents, and Duterte with the problem on illegal drugs. There is then a possibility that the strongman’s rule is rooted deeper in our collective memory as a people. In Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society, William Scott says that a datu’s following was known as a haop in Visayan or sakop in Tagalog—an inclusive group “especially supportive of a person on whom they were dependent.” The possibility of

dictatorship was then very real for pre-colonial Filipinos, which Scott confirms, given that there actually were datus who “were autocratic and oppressive.” Perhaps this is where the autocratic governance models of Quezon, Marcos, and Duterte stem from. As one big haop of Filipino people, we tend to become dependent on our patrons in times of uncertainty and change. We stick by our dear leaders to rally for us and in return we blindly rally behind them, even when they’re wrong. It would seem then that we have been ruled by tyrants all this time, that the autocrats of today are simply modern

versions of the tyrannical datus of long ago. But Reynaldo Ileto in his Pasyon at Rebolusyon offers a qualifier—“It is all right to be maginoo (the Tagalog equivalent of datu) as long as the external signs of power are matched by an equally beautiful loob.” This is where Quezon, Marcos, and Duterte are put in check—were there authoritarian regimes matched by nobility of character, by an equally beautiful loob? The rule of the strongman has been embedded in the Filipino haop’s consciousness. Its crippling effects on our collective loob as a people have yet to be realized.

with a painting of her husband looking on. The exhibit suggests a nostalgia for the days of the Marcos regime, when the talented and graceful diplomat Imelda travelled the world, impressing leaders and advocating for the strong republic at home, while the gifted statesman Ferdinand brought the country to new heights in the Bagong Lipunan. The Marcoses are remembered fondly in Marikina. Residents look back to a time of peace and order, when discipline ruled and the country was safe from the twin menaces of the oligarchy and communism. This nostalgia manifested in the 2016 National Elections, where Vice Presidentia l candidate Senator Ferdinand

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. carried the city, garnering 69,350 votes or 39.2% of the total votes in the city. His closest competitor, Congresswoman Leni Robredo, won 66,558 or 37.6%. Why such strong support for the legacy of the dictator? The answer is simple: Economics. In the 1970s, the peak of Martial Law, the shoe industry was protected by high tariff barriers that insulated it from the global market prices. In those times, registered shoemaking firms numbered at around 2,000-3,000. Suffice it to say, Marikina shoes held dominance in local markets. Imelda Marcos was a vocal proponent for the industry. She advertised Marikina’s wares on the international

scene, showcasing its highquality design and craftsmanship to foreigners. However, with the advent of the EDSA Revolution came the acceleration of trade liberalization and globalization. Under the succeeding administrations, cheap shoes from abroad displaced local manufactures on department store shelves. Make no mistake, the shoe industry started showing signs of decline as early as 1965 with the deregulation of the economy under President Diosdado Macapagal, but the post-EDSA administrations accelerated this trend by abandoning the old import-substitution policies. The post-EDSA administrations opened up the economy,

with President Ramos further dismantling tariffs as part of the country’s inclusion to the World Trade Organization. This devastated the local shoemaking businesses. From a high of 3,000 in the 1970s, an estimated 300 firms now remain. Most of these firms are subcontractors for bigger department stores such as SM and while there are a few large enterprises operating, the industry as a whole remains undeveloped. For the most part, Marikeños associate this decline with the policies of the post-EDSA regimes. Their policies were ineffective, indifferent, and insensitive to the welfare of Marikeños, especially when compared to the relatively prosperous Martial Law period.

By no means is this an endorsement of the dictator. Instead, let this be a wake up call to leaders in the government that in order for inclusive growth to happen, there must be support for local manufacturing. The present administration has done much in this regard, most notably when President Duterte showed off his Marikina-made shoes in a Cabinet meeting last July. But if there is to be genuine change as the President as promised, then the welfare of Philippine industry must be taken into account. Mabuhay ang Marikina!

Trump and his supporters seemed to become increasingly laughable caricatures of conservative thought. And yet, on the day that it mattered, it appeared as if all the racism, hate, and bigotry inherent in the Republican candidate’s campaign was validated. Glenn Greenwald explained this by outlining how institutions in power “relentlessly and with complete indifference stomped on the economic welfare and social security of hundreds of millions of people.” Others would take it further, adding that by not listening to the disenfranchised, liberals—and this is a sentiment that likely resonates with us— had lost the faith of the people.

“Understand them,” the editorials advised. “Be reasonable.” My friend, I told myself, was a victim of the news sites he followed, of the way his news feed had been optimized to feed him only what he wanted to see. Facebook recently came under fire for the algorithms that allow “shitposting”—“a deliberate provocation designed for maximum impact with minimum effort”—to permeate a person’s online network. As this neo-tribalism, this tendency to find solidarity with global individuals just like us, surfaces as a major reason for the populist wave in both our politics and that of the Western world, there seem to be two main reactions.

The first, to reject: “All of you who support X, unfollow me,” some of my friends posted. The urge is to disassociate from all those who hold views we find wrong or worse, disgusting. The second, to accept: “We have to see where they’re coming from.” And yet, this seems to validate the bigoted points of view that people have, in the name of a so-called neutrality or fairness. On one hand, it is ridiculous to ask the marginalized to smile sweetly at those who threw stones at them—as ridiculous as telling Martial Law victims to move on from the murder of their family members, from their torture at the hands of a dictatorship. When we do so,

we actively disrespect those truly in need of help. On the other hand, however, those who hold these opinions are often people we have to interact with daily, sometimes even family members we hold dear. How do we reconcile the humanity we know with the inhumanity they seem to profess? Amin Maalouf, in reflecting on effective criticism, says that treating another with hostility is “much more likely to make him obstinate and unapproachable than to persuade him to change for the better.” We can do our best to try and convince those whom we care about that they are mistaken, but effort and patience are the most we

can do; we cannot change their minds for them. I n stead, we ca n ra l ly against the system, fighting the structures that are indifferent toward those who need the most help. We can work towards something bigger than ourselves, causes that make a difference in the world. We can be ceaselessly kind, righteous yet merciful, a force for good despite how vulnerable it may let us be. And we can speak out for the voiceless, never forgetting that sense of outrage at the injustice in the world. I sat there, staring at my friend and considering. “Hey,” I said, after a long time. “Let’s talk.”

and pace compared to his apparently stoic, too-structured and too-politically-correct predecessor. But inasmuch as he changes our standing in the world, the identity of the Filipino falls victim to these changes as well. I would be lying to myself if I said that I didn’t use my lighterthan-average complexion and vaguely American accent as a mask to hide my origins and avoid all these awkward questions. It was a lot easier, in my mind, to just play foreigner, and ignore our president’s actions and regard them as those of a madman without substance nor subtlety. But to ignore it would be to accept it, to be an ignorant, helpless bystander in the face of change I did not want to be a partner in. A ssuming t he Filipino identity in today’s world is more than just a display of patriotism. It has become that of being subtly belligerent, fighting a constant battle of redefinition and a recasting of what it means to be a Filipino. While the selection of our president revealed multitudes about ourselves, it surprisingly revealed a similar amount regarding the world’s opinion of us—more than can be said on the pages of tabloids

and news sites reacting to his eccentric policies. As much as there are perceptions and attitudes of being Filipino as there are islands in our archipelago, it is unavoidable that those who have not had the opportunity to become truly familiar with our people would have untrue (but not unfounded) ideas about us. And while it would be easy to attribute these misconceptions to “bias media” and that “hindi nila alam ang totoong buhay ng mga Pinoy,” it cannot be mistaken that these ideas exist in a vacuum. Being a Filipino outside of the Philippines, then, has bestowed upon us a responsibility to defend our identity, no matter how difficult it may be at times to just pretend that I am otherwise. The Filipino of today’s era can no longer be a passive vessel in which to blindly accept ever y thing put out by the “panacea to all Philippine woes,” no matter if we staunchly support or vehemently resent him. Presidents may come and go, policies will change, but one thing will stay the same: the fact that we are Filipino. Atin ‘to, pre.

endeavor to survive, yet we still choose to live as slaves to this system. Moreover, we developed tolerance in lieu of respect for people who followed a different path, who chose to be liberal and to follow the nonprofitable route. I often ask my friends why they chose their courses, and if they feel like they were passionate for it in the first place. Most would say they prefer to pursue other fields like music or politics, but business was always the safe bet for a luxurious and sustainable lifestyle, and surprisingly, for a proud family. Sadly, parents inadvertently burden their children with the pressure to be successful, believing that this is what they, as providers, deserve and so we live our lives believing that we are indebted to them and our decisions constitute as payment for the sacrifices they have made for us; that whatever we do against their wishes automatically grants us the accusation of “walang utang na loob.” But we are not tributes. We were born as free beings. We weren’t born into this world to live our lives as payment to “debts” that were supposed to be acts of love.

We have to be reminded of free choice and unconditional love. A life entrenched in expectations is not a life at all. Of course it isn’t as simple as saying “This is my life so what does it matter to you how I live it?” Our parents’ input is still consequential because they are harbored and imparted with love and wisdom, however, we in turn must not discount our own personal agency; that this our life to live and what ever other people may say remains subsidiary to how we feel. The strife of our youth is the daunting prospect of not living up to expectations, which causes depression, addiction, and isolation. We want the best future for our loved ones so we push them towards the profit-oriented path for sustainability, but if we continue to teach them that this is the only life they should live and that any act of defiance is disgraceful, then we’ve deprived them of every chance they had of living. Often enough, as a result, even when they’ve achieved the success they’ve been fighting for, sadly, they will never feel it, they will never know it, they will never accept it, because in the end, it wasn’t what they wanted.

Candescent JANINE B. PERALTA

Why we need a break THE WORLD is constantly pushing towards a spiral of indignation and dissatisfaction of their own “accomplishments.” People acquired the propensity to measure each other in terms of capabilities and efficiencies. We have now adapted Marx’s cla im of a lienation, of seeing someone as a mere tool for productivity and not a human being with potentialities transcending the workspace; as collateral damage rather than a life lived with feelings and struggles we will never know about and we fail to acknowledge. We have become reductionists, slaves to the clasps of capitalism. Most of us already knew what we signed up for when we chose to be engulfed in the system of finding jobs and trudging our way to every tedious

News

Atenean Voice What is the most pressing issue the newly elected Sanggunian should address? Mark Adam Ferry 5 BS CH-MSE

“I think that one of the most pressing issues the Sanggunian must tackle is the political turmoil and confusion with regard to our take on the current administration. Due to the recent events in social media, the Ateneo community in general has now also become a public entity. Thus we need to put a more conscious effort on how we as students of the Ateneo project ourselves and our school.”

Bri Sandoval 2 AB IS

Alexa Grace Fontanilla President, Development Society of the Ateneo

“The issue of sectoral representation should be addressed by the newly elected Sanggunian as soon as possible. The Sanggunian needs to be sensitive to the particular needs of certain student groups. Democracy works when sectors within the student body are properly represented and given avenues through which they can participate in the decisions of the student government.”

Brian Pineda 4 AB EU

“There is a reason as to why the Ateneo was only able to elect a president this year. The inception of the Constitutional Convention last year initiated by Shiphra Belonguel because of the series of failure of elections only substantiated the main problem of the Ateneo student body— apathy. I was a victim too of the failure of elections when I ran as my batch’s Executive Officer last 2013 and until now, talking to different Ateneans, those who voted and those who didn’t lingers around the premise of Sanggu’s transparency and supposed ‘inactivity.’ A lot of students are unaware of the activities initiated by Sanggu and often ask the question, ‘What does Sanggu do?’ As far as the general populace is concerned, Sanggu is only ‘apparent and active’ on social media because they are unaware of Sanggu’s initiatives (Secwalk Bridge, etc). As mundane as it could be, maybe Sanggu has to reestablish itself and make itself more ‘transparent’ through more activities, events that could tickle the interest of the constituents.”

Veronica Baguio Externals Vice President, Ateneo Gabay

Antonio M. Tablante 2 BS ME

“I think the urgent issue that the newly elected Sanggunian should focus [on] is ensuring that the majority of the student body is aware of their presence as elected officials, and go beyond this awareness. The new officers should build on awareness to encourage engagement, so that the students know that officers work not only for but with the student body.”

Isa Padilla 4 BS LfSci

“The most pressing issue that should be addressed is to provide tutors for people who need it. I’m so tired of having to contact different school organizations only for them to turn me down because they do not have any tutors. Why do some of them even promote their tutors if they do not have any? Or they turn me down because it is already too late, or it is very expensive.”

Bea Ruiz Secretary-Treasurer, COA Business Cluster

“I think the Sanggunian shouldn’t focus their efforts too much on mobilizing students into numerous advocacies and issues but rather start working on rallying for the improvement of processes and services in campus. It’s a basic thing that the Sanggunian should address first! The Sanggunian speaks for the student body as a liaison to the admin first and foremost.”

Princess Jazmin Solas 2 AB POS

“Inactive participation of the student body. Everything starts here. We have a system wherein the functions of both the Sanggu and the student body are of great importance. For starters, Sanggu has been facing difficulties in reaching the quota recently and that’s because of the inactive participation of the students. It would be easier for the Sanggu to be a successful voice of the students if only the student body is active and cooperative. If only Sanggu could reach out to the students more, we could achieve that harmony between the students and the student government. But this is not just a problem of Sanggu, this is a problem of the whole student body. So, the things to do are to cooperate and participate.”

Iñaqui Angelo Mangahas 3 AB POS

“Outside Ateneo, the country is in tough times. Never has the society been this polarized, and never has Ateneo been this compelled to take sides. The new Sanggunian should work on dealing with socio-political apathy that rests on the student body, without infringing on personal choice. Sanggu should pose more questions, demand more answers, and ultimately help Ateneo to become a larger, more integral part of the political discourse.”

Dom Martin G. Rañises Socio-Political Awareness Head, ARSA

“I think that the issue Sanggunian needs to address, in the context of urgency, is to clarify the Constitution. Certainly, it needs to look for ways to make itself relevant again, but a clarification of the Constitution is definitely the most pressing because it’ll set the stage for the actions of the all successive Sanggunian, and a confusion now could easily lead to a constitutional crisis.”

Jill Mosquera 3 AB POS

“Given the new constitution, the challenge for Sanggunian this year is internal bureaucratic management - the creation of new offices and the maintaining of old structures in accordance with the new constitution. Aside from the internal overhaul necessary this year, the second concern facing the Sanggunian is the question of its relevance towards the student body. I believe that the success or failure of the internal reorganization will affect Sanggunian’s bid for igniting student involvement.”

“I think the most pressing issue that the Sanggunian needs to address is the general lack of awareness around the campus. A look around campus suggests apathy towards the student government (and the Sanggunian), and a general lack of awareness about student rights and representation. A lot of students did not even vote in this year’s Sanggunian election, which is alarming.”

Glimpses LS admin bares new appointments

Ateneans recognized in UP statistics competition

Several members of the Loyola Schools administration were appointed in new positions as approved by the University President Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. Gary Aguedo G. Faustino was appointed Director of the Office of Guidance and Counseling, Elias V. Pan was appointed Director of the Office of Facilities and Sustainability, and Ralph Jacinto A. Quiblat as Director of the Office of Student Activities. Other members of the administration were also appointed as assistants in different offices, with Kristine V. Advincula as Assistant to the Associate Dean for Student and Administrative Services for Facilities Planning and Design, Christopher Fernando F. Castillo as the Assistant the Associate Dean for Student and Administrative Services for Campus Event Management, and Maria Estrella V. Paulino as the Assistant to the Director of the Office of Student Services. GABY N. BAIZAS

Several Atenean students were awarded in the Stat-is-eeks competition hosted by the University of the Philippines (UP) Statistical Society held on October 1 at the UP School of Economics PCED Auditorium. The team of Nicholas Ang (3 BSM AMF), Renzo Tan (3 BSM AMF), and Joshua Uyheng (4 BS MA) garnered first place, while the team of John David Benabaye (3 BSM AMF), Raven Ico (3 BSM AMF), and Kaye Yao (3 BSM AMF) garnered second place. Other Ateneans that participated in the competition include John Angel Aranas (3 BS MA), Raissa Lacsamana (3 BS MA), Patrick Fernandez (3 BS MA), Casseus Palma (3 BS MA), Connor Teh (3 BSM AMF), and Sheena Chua (3 BSM AMF). All teams were coached by Assistant Mathematics Professor Christian Chan Shio, PhD. GABY N. BAIZAS

Health sciences lecturer wins Roux Prize

Ateneo releases manuals for emergency and sustainability policies

Dr. John Wong, lecturer of the Health Sciences Program, received the 2016 Roux Prize given by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) at the University of Washington in Seattle. The prize of USD 100,000 is given annually to individuals who use the IMHE’s data to improve population health. Wong used the IMHE’s data from their study, Global Burden of Disease, to assess the top 48 diseases in the Philippines and worked on drafting a benefit package development plan for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in partnership with UNICEF Philippines. His goal is to reduce disease burden and to expand health coverage in areas that need health services the most in the Philippines. Wong completed his research in six months and is the first Filipino recipient of the Roux Prize since its launch in 2013. GABY N. BAIZAS

The Ateneo de Manila University launched two documents drafted by the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, The Campus Emergency Management Plan and Sustainability Policies and Specific Guidelines, last September 23 at Escaler Hall. The Campus Emergency Management Plan includes the university’s plans for emergency response, such as emergency tips in case of an earthquake, a fire, etc. The Sustainability Policies and Specific Guidelines serves as a guide for institutional and personal lifestyle choices on green spaces, clean energy, food service, and disaster risk. Hard copies of these publications were distributed to the University Emergency Management and Local Unit Emergency Response Teams. GABY N. BAIZAS

Sports

The GUIDON August 2016

GALLERY OF EAGLES

Anton Asistio

PHOTOS BY JOHN P. ORANGA

BY COLIN C. SALAO

SIX POINTS. Six points was the total number recorded by Anton Asistio during his first two seasons as a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. While cracking the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) roster within the first two years of college would be an amazing feat for anybody, Asistio’s inability to garner minutes left him unproven in the UAAP. After a slew of injuries and the emergence of new competition, the guard failed to notch his third straight slot in the squad and he was placed in Team Glory Be. However, what would seem like a demotion to most came off as an opportunity for Asistio. “I didn’t feel like it was the end of the world. I understood that in Team B, I was going to get more playing time. I was going to adjust to college ball. I saw it as an opportunity for me to get better,” Asistio said. This positive attitude was further supported by Head Coach Sandy Arespacochaga as he said that Asistio’s mental approach “was a mature one.” Arespacochaga explained that whenever final cuts are made for the UAAP roster, nearly all of the players who miss out on Team A take a few days off before joining Team B practices. Yet it was Asistio — the player who had already made the UAAP squad twice — who was on the floor and working on his game the day after he was cut. Asistio’s talent showed in his year with Glory Be, most notably during their championship

game in the Fr. Martin Cup. The guard racked up an astounding 45 points—including seven three-pointers—as the Eagles came out on top. After a season of fine-tuning in Team B, he was again given the chance to vie for a slot on the UAAP roster. Interestingly, the entire set of Blue Eagle aspirants were given a clean slate after last season as new Team Consultant Tab Baldwin was admittedly unfamiliar with most of the players on Ateneo not named Ravena. This led to the coaches experimenting with Asistio, as they assigned him as point guard throughout the preseason, garnering less than ideal results. “We discovered that he didn’t have the strength to handle some of the bumping,” Baldwin said. After their run at the Filoil Flying V Cup, the coaches decided to put the boys through an intense eightweek weight training regime to help toughen them up prior to the start of the UAAP season. According to Baldwin, this was where he felt like Asistio began to turn a corner. “He came out of that weights phase—really, I thought—a different player. He had a different level of confidence,” said Baldwin. This newfound strength and confidence, coupled with a return to his natural position at shooting guard, came perfectly just before the season. He re-introduced himself to the UAAP with a decent s i x- p oi nt p e r for m a n c e , matching his total output from his first two seasons. More impressively, t hat performance would represent Asistio’s lowest scoring game of

the first round, which featured four double-digit outputs and a career high 21 points in a win over the University of the East. He earned himself the starting job after that performance off the bench, as he lifted the Eagles during the first of a slew of games missed by starting small forward Aaron Black. After a couple of years riding the bench and just one year removed from missing the squad, Asistio’s production has been a surprise to opposing teams and Ateneo fans alike. However, this recent stretch is not a fluke, but proof of Asistio’s hard work and ability paying off on the big stage. “I understood this was… going to be a year where I would get more playing time and play a bigger role. I’ve been working hard since my Team B days [and have been] looking forward to the challenge,” Asistio said. Despite his preseason struggles, the guard’s success didn’t seem to come as a surprise to his two coaches as they spoke highly of his work ethic. “One Big Fight is not just a cheer, it’s a way of life. That’s what we see from Anton,” Arespacochaga said. This way of life seems all but imbedded in the heart of the True Blue guard and the team is happily reaping the benefits of his breakout campaign.

Sports

TEAM FEATURE

From grass to cement

BY VINCENT D. SOLIVEN AND RENZO C. RAMOS

FOR M A N Y hig h school footballers, the transition from high school to college may mean the end of their football careers. The level of competition may be too high to play at the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UA AP) level, the demands of academics to o s t r i ngent , or ot her commitments may arise for one to pursue. But passions have a way of calling you back and may present themselves in ways one would not expect. This is what the Ateneo Futsal Club has become for both past footballers and those who have discovered their interest in the sport only during their college lives. TEAM COMPOSITION

The Ateneo Futsal Club became an avenue for former high school footballers to keep playing the sport while still having enough time to do other activities. “[The] players wanted something more relaxed and something that [can give] them more time, but something just as fun, and so they chose futsal.” s ay s c o - c apt a i n M a r t i n Alabanza, a junior majoring in philosophy. Co-captain Dan De Jesus, a communication technology management senior, played football for Ateneo at the UA A P Juniors level, but switched to futsal in the second semester of freshman year after being cut from Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) tryouts. Alabanza, on the other hand, was a member of the AMFT as a freshman, but opted to leave the team in the following year to focus on his academics.

Most of the team’s players have competed against each other in high school. However, according to Alabanza, they are “all good friends inside and outside of the court.” “As for all of us being in a new sport, we do our best to learn and give each other constructive criticism as the objective is really to improve,” he adds. FROM FOOTBALL TO FUTSAL

“People believe futsal and football are identical, but when you play, it’s different,” says De Jesus. Compared to football, futsal is played on a much smaller cement or wooden space and therefore requires more close control and faster decisionmaking. Futsal moves at a more frantic pace as the ball can zoom around the court within seconds. A single pass will guarantee a similar reaction from the enemy immediately, which calls for quick decisionmaking in the sport. Players are also able to move around more fluidly and take on different roles as there are no set positions in futsal, save for the goalkeeper. “Everyone can always get touches on the ball on almost every play, and it’s a lot more dynamic in my opinion, and I enjoyed that,” says Alabanza. TOURNAMENT EXPERIENCE

The club’s competitive squad was able to test their skills in the Subaru Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament, which was held in University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and ran from September 3, 2016 to October 15, 2016. In their first experience of competitive futsal as a team, the Ateneo side realized they were underdogs because of a key difference between them and their adversaries. “They

are really good because they trained for futsal. They’re not footba ll players who are playing indoors, they’re futsal players,” says Alabanza in praise of his opponents from Philippine Women’s University (PWU), Enderun Colleges, and UA&P. Despite this, the team was able to reach the semifinal round, but fell to UA&P, 2-6. The team finished in fourth after being romped by PWU, 2-10, in the battle for third, as many Ateneo veterans were unavailable for the match due to schedule conflicts. A WORK IN PROGRESS

L o ok i n g back at t h i s experience, Alabanza says the team was able to perform above his expectations. “There’s a massive improvement from our first game to our last game, and I think that’s i mp or t a nt b e c au s e t he whole point of the club is to introduce football players and new people to futsal, and not indoor football, but futsal itself,” he says. It is a different sport, but the passion and dedication of these footballers remain. De Jesus emphasizes the work the team is currently putting in to become more competitive. “It took time for us to gel and until now we’re still working on the cohesion of the team. It’s still going to be a work-in-progress, but recently we got [a] better understanding of how we play at the same time.” At the end of the day, all that athletes long for is an avenue to play the game that they love and this is what footballers have found in Ateneo Futsal. As Alabanza puts it: “We’re all taking comfort in the idea that we’re all learning at around the same pace a relatively new aspect of the sport that we all love.”

PHOTOS BY TWINKLE R. LIBOON

The GUIDON August 2016

SPORTS FEATURE

The foreign touch BY KIRBY G. JALANDONI AND JAMIE S. KATIGBAK

IN THE Philippines where sports is an unending chronicle of human passion and love for the game, the athletic scene is much more than just a spectacle for the Filipino to witness on screen or on paper. Sports have become avenues that turn rags into riches, make champions out of delinquents, and change lives by transforming the skill of a few into the stuff of heroes. But looking past the names and faces, Philippine sports has developed into a melting pot of athletic culture, bringing together both homegrown talent and guests from overseas to produce a unique ath-

letic identity that transcends the country’s borders. Although local leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association, the United Football League, and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines have been given national distinction by a predominant population of Filipino players, the relatively permanent fraction of foreign stalwarts dotting rosters here and there has globalized the athletic stage in recent years. With an eclectic cast of stars putting on the show to continue the tale of Philippine sports, it seems that the athletes of the present generation are just as diverse in playing styles and backgrounds as they are in the reasons why they play the game and why they choose to do so on foreign ground.

“For sports in general to grow, there has to be a growth in foreign players.” — MARQUIS ALINDOGAN BASKETBALL PLAYER FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

AN OPPORTUNIT Y OVERSEAS

For Blue Eagles Marquis Alindogan, Tony Koyfman, and Raffy Verano, starting from scratch inside a diamond and on a court a thousand miles away from familiarity gives a deeper meaning and burden to the challenge of being a student-athlete. In addition to the opportunity of exposure to a different level of competition in the country, the scholarships they receive from Ateneo are just among the key reasons for choosing to hone their skills and talents across the Pacific when pursuing education and following athletic initiative can become mutually exclusive back home. Ha i ling f rom Seat t le, Wa s h i n g t o n , Marquis Alindogan never intended on playing baseball for college, as his dream was—and still is—to become an airline pilot. Though he was accepted into his dream school which could have set him on the path towards a career in aviation, high tuition costs put Alindogan’s dream on hold, leading him to entertain college opportunities here in the Philippines. After an introduction to the school’s athletic program through a friend, the second baseman was recruited through scholarship by Ateneo, enrolling in 2014 and making his debut for the Blue and White infield during Season 78. “I got recruited, I trained with them, and it rea lly helped out my mom at home since we [did not] have to pay for college,” Alindogan

explains. “It is a sacrifice that you have to make, but it’s all worth it in the end.” In a ba sketba ll- cra zed nation like the Philippines, it made sense for FilipinoAmerican Raffy Verano to return to the country where his parents were born and raised and to play the sport ingrained in his blood. The idea of him going to the Philippines to study and play basketball was always at the back of his mind since he was a high school student in Burbank, California. This idea was fully realized when he was discovered by Ateneo after catching the attention of a recruiter, also the father of one of his teammates, during a game in his second year of high school. “He introduced himself to my mom and [me] and from there...it’s history,” Verano dramatically narrates. For Tony Koyfman, volleyball was a way out of a tough situation as a self-sufficient student in the United States. Citing New York Cit y as ground zero for his journey, the Russian-American chased his ambitions to North Carolina for a year of college volleyba ll, t hen back to Brooklyn, and finally to a Filipino-American league in Connecticut. However, playing volleyball while juggling two jobs took a huge toll on Koyfman, pushing him to look for both educational and athletic opportunities in the Philippines.

“I was working two jobs while studying a nd still finding a way to play,” recalls Koyfman. “It was so hectic that I wanted a change, and I decided to just try it out and visit Ateneo.” The six-foot-four middle hitter was eventually discovered by a coach after visiting campus back in 2012, but opted not to transfer yet despite being attracted to the school. Seeking to improve his grades while still studying in Brooklyn before leaping from continent to continent, Koyfman entered the school in 2014 and is set to don the school’s colors this season. “Everything about Ateneo is beyond wonderful, so I feel at home,” Koyfman explains. “It took me three schools to feel like I belong here. And in terms of academics, it is tough, but it only pushes me to want to graduate here.” CHANGING THE GAME

With more and more foreigners seeking their fortune on Filipino soil, the clash of cultures between competitors and teammates propels local sports to greater heights on both the local and international level. “It’s good exposure and really interesting to play in a different country and see the Filipino style of playing,” admits Alindogan, “Back in the United States, it’s really about power, being big, and being strong, but here it’s a really mental game about being fast and thinking on

ILLUSTRATION BY ANTONETTE A. AMONCIO

your toes.” Though a growing prominence of foreigners among populations of athletes across leagues may tarnish the value of a purely Filipino game, the introduction of variants to challenge the norm is essential to setting the bar higher in order to meet rising international standards and to defend our nation’s own athletic dignity. “In my opinion, for sports in general to grow, there has to be a growth in foreign players,” says Koyfman. “I understand that for Filipinos, it’s a loss of scholarships, but that only means Filipinos should do better. If you want to prove that you’re better than a foreigner, then prove it.”

EDITOR: BEATRICE T. GO · EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: CARLOS H. CRUZ · LAYOUT ARTIST: PATRICIA REYES

Sports

THE FOREIGN TOUCH

Getting Philippine sports to grow on the local stage means importing some international influence.

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS:

Season 79 for the Ateneo shuttlers BY CHINO D. REYES AND JASON D. SANTOS

LAST OCTOBER 15, the 79th season of the University of Athletics Association (UAAP) Badminton competition came to a dramatic conclusion with both the Ateneo blue and lady shuttlers facing off against National University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP) respectively in do-ordie finals matchups. Despite their resolute performances, neither of the two teams could overcome their opponents to unseat the reigning champions for both the men’s and women’s divisions of the tournament. A two-match loss to NU handed the blue shuttlers silver while a thrilling three-match defeat to UP yielded the same result for the lady shuttlers.

BLUE SHUT TLERS FINISH SECOND TO END T WO -Y E AR BRONZE STREAK

“Heart.” That is the one word that Team Captain Sean Chan used to describe the shuttlers’ remarkable season. It’s certainly hard to disagree with him, as the blue shuttlers journeyed from barely cracking the final four, to beating archrival De La Salle University (DLSU) in the first round of the playoffs, to trumping twice-to-beat UP in the semifinals and eventually earning the finals showdown with the season’s undefeated National University (NU) Bulldogs. From the season’s onset, the blue shuttlers’ heart was tested as they found themselves humbled by UP, 1-4, in the opening team-tie. “We had a very rough start losing to UP. We took that loss as a wake-up

“After the two silvers, we intend to go for the gold. Though it’s were up against an entire national team squad, the challenge keeps us alive and wanting more.” — KENNIE ASUNCION COACH, ATENEO LADY SHUTTLERS

PHOTOS BY PAT SARMIENTO

call and it worked in our favor as we were able to claim teamtie after team-tie after that initial defeat,” said Chan. Following that defeat, the blue shuttlers went on to claim their next two team-ties before eventually falling to a 5-0 sweep by NU, who, at that point, had not lost a single match since the blue shuttlers’ own title season in UAAP Season 76. The shuttlers knew that they had to further improve their performances, especially with their next match being against their bitter archrivals, DLSU. Entering the DLSU game, the team knew that there was simply no room for error. The match saw Ateneo claim a 3-2 victory, with the team’s morale skyrocketing to an all-time high, courtesy of a crucial win by Hanz Bernardo in the final singles. Against all odds, the shuttlers overturned a string of playoff matches to stake a claim on UAAP gold as they managed

to secure a finals spot after besting UP in the semifinals. Even with the defeat to NU in mind, Team Captain Sean Chan claims that the team has much to be proud of. “Finishing silver is definitely something to be proud of. Finally going up a spot from two years of 2nd runner-up finishes just shows us that we are a formidable team. Furthermore, it’s a step forward to reclaiming the glory that was ours back in Season 76,” said Chan. Chan also believes that his team can eventually triumph over all odds to eventually bring back the badminton crown to Loyola Heights. “To the Season 80 badminton team, let’s make the dream of capturing gold a reality, I know that this team has all the right ingredients to claim the throne, we just need to believe we can,” said Chan. With many key players returning next season and reigning Rookie of the Year Keoni Asuncion on board once more, the team certainly has what

it takes to bring home the glory for the Blue and White. LADY SHUTTLERS SEAL SECOND-PLACE FINISH FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING

The Ateneo lady shuttlers secured their third successive first runner-up finish, narrowly missing out on the gold after facing Katipunan rivals UP in the finals for a third year running. The UAAP Season 79 finals saw the two neighboring universities battle it out, with Ateneo taking the advantage after putting the Maroons to the sword in the first team-tie. The Lady Eagles looked set to snatch their first gold in three years after taking a 2-0 lead in the second team-tie from their first two singles matches but the determined Lady Maroons successfully repelled Ateneo’s attempts to bring the finals to an end early and push for a third finals team-tie. The final matchup eventually saw Ateneo concede to UP and take silver. The finals defeat to UP echoed memories of the Ateneo lady shuttlers’ loss against the Maroons in the opening game of the season. Despite the slow start to their UAAP campaign, the lady shuttlers claimed consecutive wins against their opponents, finishing the round-robin at third after defeats to rivals UP and DLSU. Team Captain Bianca Carlos was keen to emphasize that the initial loss to UP did not stunt belief that the team could go far, attributing the loss to a lack of the “UAAP feel.” “Okay lang matalo on the first day [because] it pushed us to train harder and prepare—we knew we would face [UP] in the finals,” she says. A surprising loss to DLSU in the round-robin also added pressure on the shuttlers as they finished behind DLSU in the standings, giving the Archers a twice-to-beat advantage against third-placed Ateneo. This did not faze the determined Lady Eagles as they had their hearts set on challenging UP for gold at the finals. The lady shuttlers kept faith in their ability to overturn the twiceto-beat disadvantage in the semi-

finals against the Lady Archers. “Last year we lost to La Salle too so we had to go through the twiceto-beat [in the semi-finals, so this year] we believed we could do it again,” admits Carlos. In addition to their sixth successive podium finish, Ateneo lady shuttler Chanelle Lunod claimed the Rookie of the Year award after going straight into an integral doubles role for the team and putting in a number of notable performances. Carlos, a recipient of the same honor in Season 76, was eager to heap praise on the Blue and White rookies, singling out Lunod and fellow rookie Samantha Ramos as essential members to the team. “Our rookies did well. They [were like] veterans because they played really, really well. They really stepped up,” says Carlos. Already looking ahead to the 80th rerun of the UAAP, Carlos believes that the future looks bright with Lunod and Ramos already bringing so much to the team. Carlos does not overlook the role Coaches Kennie and Kennevic Asuncion played in their season, appreciating the guidance the two provided for the Lady Eagles. “They encourage us; they push us every day. They guided us throughout the season,” she says. Paired with an intimate support system between the players, belief during their season was something of a powerful and unwavering force. Ultimately, the Blue and White Captain expressed her satisfaction with the season. “I’m very proud of everyone. I know they did their best, they gave their all. We [have made] history,” she says. Despite falling to second place after the rough journeys of each team, Coach Kennie A su ncion ex pre s se s her pride over the hard work and dedication of her players. As this feat came into reach, she expects the team to set their eyes on the gold. “After the two silvers, we intend to go for the gold. Though it’s like we are up against an entire national team squad, the challenge keeps us alive and wanting for more,” she says.

EDITOR: ROBBIN M. DAGLE · EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: JC A. BELTRAN · LAYOUT ARTIST: ANNIKA N. HERNANDEZ

Beyond Loyola

BUILDING BACK AMID CLIMATE CHANGE It takes a global community to build back better.

Plight and prejudice Sexism in Philippine society

BY ANDIE M. BERNAS, MAXINE A. BUENAVENTURA, AND ANGEL T. VILLAMOR

“

Let’s put a stop to the evil of silence. We must speak, not just as human beings, but specifically as women,” said Senator Leila de Lima at a forum held at Miriam College last October 14. De Lima, who is facing accusations of involvement with the Bilibid drug trade, has been subject to sexist and misogynistic attacks that go beyond the drug allegations. The height of these attacks was when House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez suggested that he saw nothing wrong if De Lima’s alleged sex video were to be shown during the congressional probe on Bilibid. Alvarez then earned rebuke from many legislators. “I don’t see how the showing of fake sex videos will promote the interest of truth and justice,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said. That was not the only instance of misogyny that De Lima has had to face. Months back, different women’s organizations have expressed their support for the senator after President Rodrigo Duterte’s personal attacks against her. He called her an “immoral woman” at a speech last August 17 for her alleged affair with driverbodyguard Ronnie Dayan, who is a suspected drug dealer. UNDER THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION

Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), laments at how the Duterte administration has encouraged the objectification of women. Different groups led by Enriquez recently filed a complaint to the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) against

Duterte for language he used during the election campaign. They said that he “made debasing remarks on rape and abuse of a domestic worker, kissed female supporters and held them on his lap in public, to the womens’ surprise and without their consent.” Some instances include Duterte’s catcalling of broadcast journalist Mariz Umali during a press conference in May, as well as his comment that he “should have been first,” pertaining to the gang rape and murder of an Australian in 1989. Duterte refused to apologize for the comment, saying “this is how men talk.” Even Vice President Leni Robredo herself became a subject of such remarks. At a speech during a commemoration of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban last November 8, Duterte admitted to staring at Robredo’s legs at a cabinet meeting and even teasing her with a rumor of a new boyfriend, much to her discomfort. Expectedly, the president claimed it was merely an “icebreaker” to lighten up the crowd. While at first Robredo said that she was already used to the president’s jokes, she later issued a statement calling his words “inappropriate.” “Tasteless remarks and inappropriate advances against women should have no place in our society. We should expect that most of all from our leaders,” she said. Enriquez says that this type of language condones and promotes sexual violence, as well as the notion that men are privileged, entitled to women’s bodies, and are naturally womanizers. She believes that this type of language from someone who was a popular candidate and now the current president emboldens and influences others to think and act the same way.

WOMEN AS DISADVANTAGED

SEXUAL TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN

It is important to note that these things are happening in a country named by the World Economic Forum as Asia’s most gender-equal nation, ranking 7th out of 145 countries. Although the Philippines ranks high in gender equality, there are still areas where women are at a disadvantage. Women, who comprise half of the population, are not well represented in Congress. Women make up a fourth of senators and only three out of 10 representatives in the Lower House. In the workplace, men earn roughly 15% more than women. Although the wage gap is narrower for Filipinas in management positions compared with women in other Asian countries, the gap still stands at 10%. In terms of health and safety, 1 in 5 Filipinas have experienced physical violence. Since the age of 15, 6% of these women experienced sexual abuse, and one-fourth of women who have been married have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from their husbands, according to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey. There is also widespread victim blaming of women who experience sexual violence on social media, according to the CHR. “Victim-blaming not only trivializes and normalizes violence against women, it encourages rape culture and adversely affects women’s access to justice,” the CHR said. Last May, the Philippine Commission on Women criticized Sen. Tito Sotto for victimshaming Katrina Conde, a contestant in a segment of noontime show Eat Bulaga. Sotto and the other hosts berated and accused Conde of causing the separation from her husband by drinking, going out with friends, and wearing suggestive clothing.

The problem of misogyny is concretely manifested in the sexual trafficking of women in prostitution. As outlined in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, the United Nations defines sex trafficking as the “exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation” through force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, and other means. Enriquez says that women in prostitution can become victims of trafficking, because they can be bought, sold, and exploited by others. She adds that in the Philippines, it is the women who engage in prostitution who are criminalized under

Republic Act 10158 or the Act Decriminalizing Vagrancy under the Revised Penal Code. “The people who are bought and sold in prostitution should not be the ones considered criminal; instead the ones who are exploiting their prostitution, the buyers and the pimps who are profiting from the prostitution, should be the ones criminalized,” says Enriquez. According to her, this law makes it easy for women to be taken advantage of by the police for being prostitutes. When women are brought to detention, policemen offer these women their freedom in exchange for sex. Some women, if they are not bailed out of jail right away, oblige because they fear for their children who have been left on the streets.

“Tasteless remarks and inappropriate advances against women should have no place in our society. We should expect that most of all from our leaders.” — VICE PRESIDENT LENI ROBREDO IN A STATEMENT ISSUED AFTER PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S REMARKS AT THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF YOLANDA

ILLUSTRATION BY INYA DE VERA

Enriquez explains that there is less sympathy for women in prostitution primarily because of the issue’s multi-faceted nature. Often, women who become prostitutes come from rural areas or an impoverished background and have had a history of being abused. For Enriquez, this profile shows that if these women had other options, and if they were paid better, they would not work as prostitutes. A NEW LIFE

When resources are available, CATW-AP aims to provide shelter for women in prostitution and those who have been abused. This gives the women a place to rest without them feeling like they are being imprisoned, as they can go in and out at any time they please. They also provide legal assistance to file cases against their traffickers and abusers. When possible, the organization also supports the women’s formal education. Enriquez shares that through talks, they help them reconnect to their dreams as young girls. These conversations also help them realize that there are possibilities for them beyond prostitution. Some women who have come to realize this eventually go into social work or law enforcement because they want to change and improve the system. They want to protect women and children, the most vulnerable in society. “Nakikita nila na pwede silang gumawa ng paraan para maka-alis doon (They see that they can find ways to move on from that),” explained Enriquez. “It’s all about changing the individual lives in order to change the whole society.”

Building back amid climate change BY ALEX M. EVANGELISTA, MIA C. PANGILINAN, AND JANELLE H. PARIS

or many disaster-prone areas in Metro Manila, the storm does not end when the floodwaters recede. For one thing, a lot of health issues follow. Skin allergies, psoriasis, fever, colds, diarrhea, typhoid, dengue, and the resurgence of tuberculosis infection are among the health issues listed in a 2011 Asian Journal of Social Science study by Ateneo Sociology Professor Emma Porio, PhD. These health concerns lead many to forgo work until they recover and work itself is the primary reason why people from poorlydeveloped rural areas migrate to the overcrowded capital and take their chances at survival, often in the slums. And there is hardly any calm even before the storm. Insecurity in housing and tenure and limited access to social programs and quality education are daily realities, with or without the threat of typhoons. The good news is that residents have learned to adapt to what Porio refers to as the “water-based lifestyle.” Constant renovations according to the rising and receding of flood waters are made on their homes with materials like planks of wood and concrete. For others, the wearing of rubber boots seems an effective enough solution for avoiding infection brought about by the dirty water. The bad news is that this remains to be a short-term approach. It certainly does not spare residents from the effects of the next typhoon. MOVING OUT

According to the Commission of Population, urban population in the Philippines has increased by 4% annually from 2007 to 2010. One factor cited was internal displacement due to environmental disasters. As a country prone to calamities, there is a need to further strengthen urban development in the Philippines to adapt to climate change. In the recently concluded Habitat III Conference in Ecuador held last October,

Esprit de C

countries drafted a New Urban Agenda which seeks to promote “sustainable urban development” in light of poverty and hunger alleviation. Led by Vice President Leni Robredo and Housing a nd Urba n Development Coordinating Council Director Avelino Tolentino, the Philippine delegation presented the Philippine Development Plan, which deta ils developmenta l reforms in infrastructure and urban settlement aligned with international commitments, one of which was outlined at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 21. Habitat III takes into account the environmental effects of urbanization, cultivating a vision of “urban resilience” and mitigation of climate change. Beyond the urban setting, the New Urban Agenda links its plans with rural development, fostering a relationship between the rural and urban towards the same goals. Locally, the Department of Agriculture created the Philippine Rural Development Program with the aim to develop climate resilient agri-fishery sector for rural communities. The prog ra m a llocates projects devoted to environment protection while promoting rural development, such as the proposed Php 2.56 million-worth Bahurang Silag Fish Sanctuary Rehabilitation in Guinayangan, Quezon. Other than national programs, the government receives foreign aid for disasters, rehabilitation, and development. In the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, the Philippines received about Php 17.2 billion worth of foreign aid, with Japan having the largest contribution amounting to Php 27.9 B. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says that the American government gave a total of USD 90.8 M assistance for Yolanda. With over 30 international bodies that provide financial assistance to the Philippines, f ut u re pla n s, e specia l ly concerning climate change adaptation and mitigation, seem promising, but only with proper implementation and use of funds.

BY JC A. BELTRAN AND JE ILLUSTRATION BY INYA D SOURCES ADB.ORG, IFRC WEINSPIREEACHOTHER.E

United Nations (UN) Established: 1945

The UN has helped the Philippines address several national key issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and healthcare. They have coordinated with various government agencies to implement various initiatives against malnutrition and advocated for more accessible child and maternal healthcare especially in far-flung areas. The body has also spearheaded relief operations and efforts in times of calamity and drafted measures on disaster risk and reduction management.

UNITED IN CHANGE

“Between safety and livelihood, a lot of people would still go back to their localities if there is still a sure source of income.” — EDWIN SALONGA CHIEF, DISASTER RISK GOVERNANCE DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING SERVICE

In 2015, German government agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zu s a m men a r b eit (GI Z), in collaboration with the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC), launched “Support to the Philippines in Shaping and Implementing the International Climate Regime II.” Funded by the German government, this project covers sustainable development and climate change adaptation. Part of climate change adaptation is GIZ’s support for the Eco-town Framework—a plan composed of strategic units that analyze rural communities and come up with climate proofing solutions. Through this framework, the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan will build more weather stations and be introduced to different strains of crops that will be more resilient against changing weather conditions. As this protects the farm workers’ livelihood, developments such

International Labor Organization (ILO) Established: 1948 (UN Agency)

The ILO has implemented programs that address work deficits and livelihood recovery in the Philippines. It has extended efforts to reduce child labor and improve occupational safety and health. The Philippines has expressed strong support for the ILO’s policies and programs and has the distinction of being the first Asian country to participate in the Decent Work Country Program.

as the increased number of residents availing of insurance from PhilHealth and prevention of diseases like malaria serve to safeguard the inhabitants’ physical health. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery received support from USAID and funding from the American government to build up farming techniques suitable for the changing climate as well. With most programs focused on education, classrooms that are better at withstanding calamities were developed in areas affected by Yolanda. Apart from Philippine and international group partnerships, there are other efforts that aim to unify countries in reducing climate changeinduced disasters. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which President Rodrigo Duterte plans to ratify after his Cabinet’s approval, is said to be most beneficial to countries that are vulnerable to effects of

climate change. The pact aims to limit the global temperature increase through efforts in renewable energy that will curb the use of fossil fuels. It is through these joint international efforts that the problems brought by climate change are addressed, as foreign agencies supply the Philippines with funds and support for development programs. HELP FROM HOME

While foreign agencies have their own strategies, local agencies operate based on their own mandates as well. According to Edwin Salonga, chief of the Disaster Risk Governance Division of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Policy and Development Planning Service, the Philippines continues to deal with climate change and disaster risk reduction as separate issues. In an interview, Salonga said that “in the Philippines, climate change adaptation is still under the purview of the Climate Change Commission

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Established: 1948 (UN Agency)

The FAO supports the improvement and rehabilitation of agriculture and fisheries-based livelihoods in the poorest regions of the country. It supports the Agrarian Reform and Rural Development program to help more than four million farmers from least developed areas across the Philippines. The FAO also implements livelihood projects in areas affected by conflict in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

and disaster risk reduction management is under the purview of OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.” But the government has been moving towards integration. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has listed the Philippines among the countries that have responded positively to its call to integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction. The CCC and OCD have also forged a memorandum of understanding to integrate their mandates. But while things may be looking up in terms of integration, Salonga maintains that there is much to be improved in program planning and execution. “Much of our attention is still on typhoons, earthquakes and similar [hydrometeorological] hazards, but we have not really taken much interest in slow-onset disasters such as drought,” he shared. He also zoomed in on relocation, a clear post-disaster

The GUIDON November 2016

Corps

EROME D. JACOB E VERA C.ORG, ILO.ORG, RAPPLER.COM, EU

Maintaining good relations with the international community is important in fostering robust national development. Historically, the generosity of international organizations has largely contributed to Filipino society. Likewise, the Philippines has collaborated with these organizations to resolve some issues being faced by various sectors. Here are some international institutions working closely with the Philippines.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Established: 1919 European Union (EU) Established: 1993

To concretize bilateral relations, the EU and the Philippines signed the EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 2012. The agreement aims to construct a modern policy agenda aimed toward sociopolitical and economic issues. Particularly, the EU is a staunch advocate in the peace process and development of the Bangsamoro. It has also promoted sustainable energy as a valid alternative resource to electrical power.

concern in vulnerable countries like the Philippines. Depending on the impact of certain calamities, affected residents tend to forgo relocation or even evacuation. According to Salonga, this is because their livelihoods are often based in their communities. “Between safety and livelihood, a lot of people would still go back to their localities if there is still a sure source of income,” he said. And so their new homes must meet these economic needs. But Salonga believes response must go beyond the economic. “The new locality [where people are to relocate] should have... services that are considered pertinent to a holistic wellbeing [and] may include health services, social services, educational services,” he said. This is what it means to build back better.

The IFRC is often one of the first respondents to provide medical and logistical support for those affected by calamities and armed conflicts. It is part of the larger International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network that cooperates with more than 190 countries to provide universal aid and protection. The Philippine Red Cross, local branch of the IFRC, has provided blood donors and volunteers for disaster relief and medical operations.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Established: 1967

ASEAN aims to promote peace, security, cultural and economic growth among its ten memberstates. Through ASEAN, the Philippines builds strong bilateral relations with its neighbors. Currently, the Philippines is cooperating with its fellow member states to create a fully integrated ASEAN community with mutual benefits for the members’ citizens, defense, and economy. The country is one of ASEAN’s founding nations and will chair the association in 2017.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Established: 1989

Since its inception, APEC members have sought to eradicate poverty and income inequality. Last year, the Philippines hosted the 27th APEC Summit in Manila where leaders from different APEC states gathered to discuss pressing global economic issues. In particular, the APEC summit stressed the priority for inclusive growth and fostering micro, small, and medium enterprises, which comprise around 99.58% of the Philippines’ business enterprises.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Established: 1966

The ADB has been proactive in implementing development initiatives in the Philippines and improving the welfare of the marginalized sectors of society. For the past decade, the ADB has been lending an average of USD 745 million as a form of assistance. Given the surge of economic growth in the Philippines, the ADB has also heavily poured investments into public-private partnerships to further develop the country’s infrastructure projects.

Building back together: Yolanda rehab 3 years later BY JC A. BELTRAN AND BELLA R. PEREZ-RUBIO

In the three years since Supertyphoon Yolanda swept the Eastern Visayas region in a state of ruin, multiple private organizations and countries around the world have pledged humanitarian aid to the survivors of the calamity. The reports show that the Philippines received a total of Php 17.2 billion in aid. The biggest country donors were the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Australia, each donating Php 5.5 B, Php 4.1 B, and Php 3.1 B, respectively. The Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD) spent 84% of the total aid on shelter programs, food and medicine, civil registry documents, administrative e x p e n s e s , a n d s e ve r a l necessities. The remaining portion was allocated for supplementary feeding and tourism programs. Shelter assistance and job opportunities were provided to families so they could re store t heir livelihood. Notable developments also included dist r ibut ion of learning kits, reconstruction of roads and bridges, and repa rat ion of mun icipa l buildings and local airports. A lt houg h t he a mount received was enough to finance rehabilitation efforts until the end of 2016, it only constituted

a quarter of total aid pledged worth Php 73.3 B. This is because most pledges have yet to be met by the donors. Other derailments include the reluctance of United Nations agencies and other nongovernment organizations to release funds directly to the Philippine government. Many critics have a lso argued that progress has been slow. At the start of 2016, the National Economic and Development Authority reported that only 30.3% of Yolanda-related rehabilitation projects and activities have been completed. Meanwhile, 36.8% of projects are yet to be started. Severa l bottlenecks i n t he op er a t ion s a nd

irregularities in the release of funds have contributed to delays in t he overa ll process of rehabilitation. The Commission on Audit d i s covere d t hat s evera l relief goods such as canned goods, bottled water, and sacks of rice were rendered obsolete for usage while cash donations up to Php 1 B were left unaccounted for. Recovery efforts remain far behind the projected targets. As of March 2016, only 19,330 housing units were built out of the targeted number of 205,128 and only 6,834 out of 17,335 classrooms were repaired. Recently, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo disclosed that more than 200,000 Yolanda victims

claimed they did not receive any form of assistance from the government. The fulfillment of monetary pledges by foreign entities is hardly something that the government can help. Yet, three years since Yolanda, the number of people who claim to have not received a s si s t a nc e i s a la r m i n g . Given these circumstances, t he gover n ment shou ld take immediate action and under ta ke t he necessa r y measures to ensure that no one is left behind.

Beyond Loyola

The GUIDON November 2016

New developments buoy fight vs controversial APECO project BY NICOLE A. LORENA AND INA M. MORALES

and will stop its operations,” she said.

ONGOING FIGHT TO ZERO

ishermen, farmers, and indigenous peoples from Casiguran, Aurora are not giving up on their fight against the controversial Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO). Deliberations for the 2017 national budget prompted locals to take their plight to the Senate anew, calling on legislators to give “zero for APECO,” and to junk the project’s Php 59 million proposal altogether. “Hindi na pwede na manahimik tayo eh, kasi kung manahimik lang tayo, patuloy tayong nasagasaan (We cannot stay silent, because if we do, they will continue to run over us),” said Fr. Jose Francisco “Joefran” Talaban, one of the conveners of Taskforce AntiAPECO (TFAA), at a dialogue with Atenean students held after their Senate demonstration last October 24. According to TFAA, APECO has many serious violations it needs to address. APECO’s construction of its 12,923-hectare complex was allegedly done without consultat ion w it h loca l gover n ment u n it s a nd indigenous peoples, thus violating the Local Government Code and Republic Act No. 8371, known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. Both pieces of legislation were authored by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and his father, former senator Edgardo Angara. WITHSTANDING ADVERSITY

T ropic a l stor m s t hat frequent Casiguran have also continuously tested the durability of APECO projects, calling into question the decision to build an economic zone in the area. Recently, Typhoon Karen and Supertyphoon Lawin have also affected the area. On October 2015, Typhoon Lando made landfall in Casiguran, damaging buildings and other infrastructure managed by APECO, including its administration building reportedly worth Php 61 M. In September 2015, weeks before “Lando” wrought disaster, APECO also received a Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), stopping the construction of the Php 100-M Nayon Kalikasan Housing Project. According to a media release from TFAA, the order prevents A PECO from conver ting agricultural to residential land without first getting a conversion clearance. However, APECO disregarded the CDO and continued to expand construction until its second phase in March. Because of this, newlyappointed DAR Secretary Rafael Mariano recommended last July 29 that charges be filed against “entities or individuals who may be held criminally liable on the commission of the unlawful land use conversion.” APECO had since stopped the second phase of construction. Despite the resolution as a “victory” for the anti-APECO c a mpa ig n, T FA A Me d ia Coordinator M ida Reyes lamented that the CDO should have been given before the completion of the first phase. “We expect that the court will recognize APECO’s violation

Reyes also said that they had used the CDO argument in t his yea r’s budget deliberation, leaving the APECO officials incapable of presenting a clear stand on the issue. Sen. Paolo B en ig no “Bam” Aquino IV, finance subcommittee chair, had asked APECO to honor the DAR order, signifying the event as a “clear manifestation” of the campaign’s “wins.” “ T he y f i r s t s hou ld address the anomalies and controversies, including the financial irregularities as observed by the Commission on Audit, and the [CDO] by the [DAR], among others,” Reyes said of the TFAA’s plea for a zero budget. Last y e a r, during deliberations for APECO’s 2016 budget, the TFA A requested the Commission on Audit to investigate how it supposedly utilized its funds illegally. They scored a victory when it was decided that APECO would only receive a caretaker budget of Php 40 M for maintenance. Reyes said that by doing this, all operations will stop, lessening APECO’s capacity to grab more land which negatively affects the province’s livelihood. POLITICAL CHALLENGES

Aside from the many laws that APECO has been said to defy, its leadership is also in jeopardy. Gerardo Erguiza, former chief executive officer of APECO, resigned late last year to help with the election campaign of his relatives. Erguiza is just one of the six APECO top officials who have already left the project. “The resignations of officials have left the project in perpetual start-up stage, resulting in wastage of public funds,” said Xavier Alpasa, SJ, TFAA spokesperson and Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan executive director. Several groups have already tried asking the Senate to strike down the project as unconstitutional, but nothing concrete has happened yet. The fight against APECO also faces considerable political challenges as the Angaras, chief proponents of the project, still hold sway. The elder Angara, as chairman of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, endorsed President Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid last May and said that the party is giving him their “full and unequivocal support” because they believe in his platform. Meanwhile, the younger A nga ra ha s ex pre s se d s upp or t for D ut er t e ’s policies, mainly on his war on drugs, push for federalism, and attempt to reform the country’s tax system. Reyes also noted that the economic zone has different gover nment agencies as partners, namely the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Housing Authority, from which it acquires its funding.

PHOTO BY ROBBIN M. DAGLE

Stakeholders express mixed sentiments on weak peso BY SEAN S. CHINGKAW AND ABELARDO M. TORIO

n recent months, the Philippine peso has declined to its weakest level since the height of the 2008 global financial crisis, hovering at the rate of PHP 50 to a United States (US) dollar as of late November It is expected to depreciate further in the coming months. While overseas events are also a factor, many are quick to point out the increasingly unstable political climate as the primary reason for a weakening peso, as President Rodrigo Duterte’s the president’s radical, and oftentimes uncouth, remarks have coincided with the peso’s steep depreciation. Standard & Poor’s, an American financial services and ratings company, affirms this sentiment, stating that the predictability of policymaking in the Philippines has diminished somewhat. The agency says that there are now downsides to investing in the country, warning investors of the “rising uncertainties surrounding the stability, predictability, and accountability of its new government.” AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Jeff Halley, a market strategist at OANDA Asia Pacific in Singapore, places

the peso’s decline to the uncertain political future of the country and the volatile “war on drugs” that is a hallmark of the current administration. He told Bloomberg that the peso’s depreciation is “mainly due to politics, with the Philippine president’s ongoing war on drug dealers and his intent to seem to alienate all of their major trading partners.” Howe ver, de s pite t he g lo om s u r rou nd i n g t he peso’s slide, the Department of Finance’s chief economist Undersecretary Karl Chua asserts in a Philippine Star report that the peso is still “ver y strong” despite its recent decline. Chua argues that “while the peso has moderately depreciated in nomina l terms in recent weeks, the peso in real terms is still very strong which deters competitiveness.” Data from the Bank of International Settlements supports his claim, showing that the Philippines still has the strongest currency in the Southeast Asian region despite sinking to a eight-year low. NO CONSENSUS ON NET IMPACT

The effects of the slide of the peso’s value has also been debated among analysts and government officials. Even before the peso’s slump, Finance Secretar y C a rlo s D om i n g u e z h a s expressed preference for a

“slightly weak peso,” citing the boost it would provide to the competitiveness of the country’s exports in the world market, as well as to the purchasing power of OFWs. He made the case at an August press conference by citing two reasons: “Number one, your exports cost more so exporters here earn less and secondly your OFWs who are earning dollars will get less pesos.” He has recently reiterated his position in a press briefing on November 3. Meanwhile, economist Cid Terosa cited two long-term disadvantages of the peso’s depreciation. In an interview with GMA News, he said that one effect may be trade losses resulting from the relatively higher price of imported goods coupled with lower export prices. Another is the increase in value of foreign debt, which would lead to higher debt servicing payments. Yet according to Alvin P. Ang, PhD, professor at the E c onom ic s D ep a r t ment , t he peso a lone does not determine the strength of the Philippine economy. “The currency is just one of the measures of its [a nation’s] economic strength. If it’s about a ‘strong peso,’ why is Japan depreciating its currency? Why is Korea depreciating its currency? Because a depreciated currency means that you attract more investment because a dollar can buy more in that certain

economy,” he said. ‘REVENGE OF THE NEGLECTED’

Beyond the seats of power and the offices of economic planners, the depreciation of the peso has had real and varied effects on the day-to-day lives of Filipinos. For one, those who deal directly with foreign currencies, such as business-process outsourcing employees and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents, experience net gains on account of the weak peso. For families such as Sally’s,* whose husband works in the Middle East and remits US dollars to her and their three children, the weak peso presents an opportunity to boost income. She allots a portion of income towards a savings fund that she exchanges specifically in times of depreciation. “Inaantay talaga namin kapag ganitong mataas yung palitan, saka kami magpapapalit (We really wait for times like this where the rate is high, then we exchange),” she said. However, depreciation for Sally is not all positive. The rise in prices of imported goods could be felt in households as well. Sally adds that “kapag tumaas ‘yung dollar, tataas din ‘yung presyo ng bilihin, tulad ng presyo ng gasolina, kaya parang nag-cancel out lang (when the dollar’s value rises, the price of goods also usually rises, like that of gas, as if it just cancels out).” Government officials echo these sentiments. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol emphasized that the weakening of the peso is “a blessing” not only for OFW families but also for farmers and fisherfolk, as well as exporters of manufactured goods. However, Piñol is more spirited in defending a weak peso, downplaying effects such as rising import prices. According to him, the rural sector has long remained poor as earnings of big manufacturers are not filtered down to agricultural workers. He argues that depreciation, as well as maintenance of a weak peso, is “the revenge of the neglected, the forgotten and the downtrodden.”

PHOTO BY CHESTER B. TAN

Editor’s note: Name withheld at request of interviewee.

EDITOR: ADRIAN M. GOH · EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: ANDREW D. CAMBRI · LAYOUT ARTIST: COLLEEN P. DE LUNA

Features

CHANGING THE SCRIPT: KOLEEN YVONNE RICARO

From ECE to Theater Arts—what prompted Yvonne Ricaro to shift between the two polar courses?

The retrograde revolution As expert curators of their personal experiences, millennials have developed a knack for fusing the past and present. BY KATYA F. LICHAUCO AND JOMA M. ROBLE

peeding swiftly down the road in his ‘49 Mercury is James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Cool and carefree with his perfectly coiffed hair, plain white tee, well-fitted jeans, and iconic stark red jacket with a popped collar, he epitomizes the “misunderstood teenagers.” Annie Hall struts down the streets of New York looking effortlessly elegant in her androgynous ensemble. Her standard uniform consisting of leather shoes, a crisp white polo tucked into high-waist khaki slacks, layered with a snazzy vest and neck tie is a paragon of the menswear look that was inaugurated in the 70s. In Pretty in Pink (1986), Andie Walsh is the ultimate non-conformist. Clad in unorthodox thrift store pieces, she turns heads in her padded, oversized jackets studded with bejeweled brooches, lace collars, and oversized spectacles. Her iconic, handcrafted pink prom dress accentuated by her unfazed flair, highlight the Psychedelic Furs’ 80s hit that gave life to the film’s title. Her best friend Duckie is equally avantgarde in his mismatched layers and worn-in white loafers. Clueless’s (1995) costumes are one of the most distinctive in terms of 90’s style. Schoolgirl chic is a common motif, with its plaid skirts, baby-doll tops, and fur-lined blazers. Its opening closet scene sequence features Cher’s vast wardrobe flashed on a computer program, way ahead of its time. These styles have grown into paradigms of fashion for different eras and today, remnants of their influence can still be witnessed on runways and streets. With a desire to break the glass ceiling, millennial creativity has no bounds. As noteworthy trends from the mid to late 20th century come together with modern innovations, a new breed of fashion emerges and the diversity of millennial fashion is brought to the spotlight.

THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

As the saying goes, the only thing permanent is change. Throughout the course of history, culture has evolved and so has the manner by which people express themselves. One of the most obvious manifestations of this transition from culture to culture is the clothing people choose to dress themselves in. When we think of the Ancient Greeks, we see them wearing long flowing white robes, expressing their honest approach towards truth and refinement. The American 70s had bell-bottom pants to express the Flower Power movement against the oppressive government of the time. This begs the

question of what we millennials see when we think of our era. “A mix of past and present,” answers Celine Mallari, a fashion design sophomore at the College of St. Benilde and owner of Rumpus Studios, a newly launched fashion brand. Much of the fashion we see today has traces of prominent styles from decades in the 20th century. Mallari notes that the 80s bomber jacket that Andie Walsh sports in Pretty in Pink is a widely popular trend nowadays. Patterned, printed, or embroidered, they are altered to reflect one’s individuality. The 90s is perhaps the most conspicuous decade influencing millennials nowadays, with cargo pants, chokers, and denim

GRAPHICS BY JEFF PASCUAL AND BEATRIZ K. VENEZUELA

jackets making comebacks. Fashion designer Mich Araullo notes that the ubiquity of this decade can be attributed to its emphasis on minimalism which acts as a canvas for millennials to express their creativity. BESPOKE

One particular quality that Araullo thinks characterizes millennials is their ability to put a twist on certain styles to make themselves stand out, making “millennial fashion” an umbrella term in its own right. Mallari shares similar insight, stating that aside from prior time periods, millennial style has a lot to do with the present and the subcultures and small cultural groups that have emerged. With the accessibility of social media, it’s particularly easy for millennials to follow bloggers, style influencers, and celebrities whom they revere for their style. Simply searching #OOTD on Instagram can generate millions of results instantly. New jargon continues to be added to the list of burgeoning fashion terminology. Taking a nod to unisex, simplistic, and minimalist clothing is “normcore fashion.” On the other hand, the term “athleisure” is also often thrown around to describe everyday athletic wear. It may seem like a lot to chew on and keep up with, but designers in the industry are able to foresee upcoming trends using instinct. Many of them are exposed to the same influences and have been trained to become attuned to their surroundings, seeking inspiration from art, music, films, and even places, among others. This happens in a cyclical manner to meet the demands for each season or new collection.

Companies like Premiere Vision also regularly pick up on these trends, publishing them for public viewership. For normal folk or the less-informed, it’s as easy as checking Instagram. Mallari, however, clarifies that although you can trace where a certain trend is headed, but not its exact direction. “[Five years ago], I didn’t think that we’d be wearing flared pants, vests, and chokers again,” Mallari says. The millennial public is constantly on their toes, awaiting whatever fashion curveball is to be thrown their way. However, you can be assured that they will find away to make the look their own. SAVVY SARTORIALISM

“Fashion is both a product and a process of the times,” says Nota Magno, a lecturer of Anthropology in the Ateneo. Currently, many of us are con-

sumers of popular fashion and thus are in the receiving end of a long process. It begins with workers collecting the raw materials and tying the fabrics together. After companies like H&M and Uniqlo advertise and market the finished products, we buy and wear them. This however, is not the end of the story. Magno notes that the fashion process needs us, the consumers, to ascribe meaning to the clothes in order to make them “fashion.” Interestingly enough, current lingo like “normcore” and “athleisure” came not from fashion companies, but were coined by millennials. These light terminologies, however, have a covert implication. “Notice that these ‘trends’ only encapsulate a certain THE RETROGRADE › 3

Features

Serving outside the lines Just when we thought our beloved JSEC stalls have left us after a whole year of satisfying our cravings, we find them flourishing outside university borders, waiting. BY MIKAELA T. BONA, KAYLA T. CADENAS, AND BEA C. CONSTANTINO

any legendary specialties have left the JGSOM Student Enterprise Center (JSEC) over the past five years. Counted among these is Chicks 2 Go’s deep-fried chicken balls with crunchy potato chips, which used to be a must for many students on-the-go. For those who needed a fast and filling meal, Hunger Buster’s “Dying Burger” was a reward served with its steaming patty, bacon, mushroom, and melted cheese. If you’re busy and hungry, yet striving to be healthy, The Galley was ready to serve with a variety of sandwiches to choose from. These are only three of the dozens of JSEC favorites known to Ateneans, with their popularity leaving a mark on the red brick pavement. The excitement of having them right by CTC building when you’re craving in class, the long lines during breaks, or even the sincere smiles given to you by the staff are just some of the memories associated with these establishments.

But these stalls have left the red brick pavement and are now no longer Atenean exclusives. With these stalls expanding outside JSEC, they have not only built a stronger relationship with their customers, but they have also provided a platform for these young entrepreneurs to cultivate their craft in the local food industry. BEYOND THE RED BRICK ROAD

As one academic year ends, the leases on these JSEC stalls end as well. However, this did not stop Chicks 2 Go, The Galley, and Hunger Buster from catering to their beloved customers. Chicks 2 Go, which initially wanted to create quick saucefilled chicken bite snacks for Ateneans, is now serving their famous chicken balls in Walrus. “Other schools [and] universities really liked [our products]. It proved to be a student’s staple,” says Vinch Cuevas, co-owner of Chicks 2 Go. “People were asking, ‘Do you franchise?’ ‘Where else are you in?’ ‘You wanna bring this to Myanmar?’ Stuff like that.” The Galley, a stall that promotes a healthier alternative by serving sandwiches made with organic ingredients, has now

extended their brand to the University of the PhilippinesDiliman, the University of Asia & the Pacific, and St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City. “We believed in our product and gave it a try to see the market’s response,” says Paolo Campos Juan, co-owner of The Galley. In contrast, Erika Cantor and her co-owners from Hunger Buster pursued expansion even when faced with what graduation entails: Work. Set on deviating from the corporate world, they saw expansion as the best option. Their hard work has reaped benefits, with branches in De La Salle University, Xavier School, and a regular stand at a weekend bazaar. Aside from garnering a larger set of customers, these student-entrepreneurs also had to take risks with their decision. “Plans are plans, but executing is another thing,” says Cuevas. One of the struggles in expanding is finding proper franchising companies that are dedicated to understanding the stalls and making sure the quality of the brand and products grow with the expansion. “At first we were hesitant [about franchising],” says

Cuevas. “[But] it can be learned, it can be practiced. [Franchising] is a matter of reiteration lang, so it’s not a bad thing.” Sharing the same sentiments about expanding, Juan says that he had “to remove the mindset of [thinking], ‘Ah, it’s okay if it fails. I’ll just do something else.’” Resilience is a requisite in surviving the entrepreneurial world. Still, these stalls do more than just provide quality food for their clients. Juan says that the “best accomplishment” for their business is the opportunity to provide jobs for other people. Cantor constantly strives to improve the Hunger Buster menu, believing that gourmet can be affordable. Speaking on behalf of any entrepreneur passionate about their craft, Cuevas says that, “More than the experience and the profit, since we are a food business, we aim to serve.” LEARNING FROM THE GROUND UP

While still in university, owners of JSEC stalls are tasked with juggling academics and managing a business. However, college has proven to be one of the best times to start a business, with the advice of experienced professors well within arm’s reach, and the force of a supportive student body behind their back. Both of these are a challenge to come by outside of campus borders. Even so, the process of starting up a business is arduous and includes many aspects that aren’t immediately apparent. These include the legal registration of the business, health certification of employees, advanced deposits, and many more.

“JSEC is the best education [for me] because you learn by yourself. It’s hands-on. The barrier to entry in any sort of business is experience.” — PAULO JUAN CO-OWNER, THE GALLEY

JSEC Coordinator Alyson Yap says that JSEC is structured to simulate the system of business in the real world. He discusses how participants are required to adhere to legal procedures, health standards, and above all, manage their business alone. “JSEC is the best education [for me] because you learn by yourself,” says Juan. “It’s hands-on. The barrier to entry in any sort of business is experience.” When asked if the continuity of businesses is one of JSEC’s goals, Yap disagrees. He says JSEC is a laboratory created to teach students the true work behind the business. “Ang gusto namin (what we want) is for them to see na, ah, these things are learnt here,” he says. “Then it’s just a bonus if they choose to continue.” Nonetheless, business, at least for these previous stall owners, is an emotional investment led by practical ideals. They refer amiably to their first venture as their “baby,” all the while being the ones who grow from the experience. Though they had crafted an initial steady market within the university, integration into the outside business world is never simple. TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Expanding is a life experience– a summit for entrepreneurs that tests one’s mettle. From refining systems of checks and balances, to strategizing to make time for everything outside of the enterprise, readjustment is constant. Juan suggests that building momentum is the key to keeping up. “I won’t slow down. Everything that I’m not doing will take friction to get going,” he says.

PHOTOS BY PATRICK T. ONG AND JEFF PASCUAL

Meanwhile, Cantor deduces a certain recklessness from student entrepreneurs. When the money first comes in, it is striking to first-time business owners. As cash slips off wallets with ease, one feels a hyped sense of independence. Deciding to expand late into the second semester of their JSEC year, Cantor remembers the urgency to save. “Wala kaming tinatabi [noon] para sa Hunger Buster. We kept everything for ourselves,” she says. Ultimately, expansion guarantees more expenses. Systems w it hin an enterprise constantly improve as expansion is further pursued. Devising simple methods for checks and balances, pre-packing food, and using Microsoft Excel are the backbones of these businesses. As Juan suggests, these methods are among those give protection from possible theft, pilferage, and overall unproductivity. These rules have optimized the workplace to be a healthy mix of practicality and enjoyment. With the cultivation of these student-led businesses within the campus, a rich demand has been established. After all, a strength of these entrepreneurs is their close affinity and experience with their target market, making them more comfortable with expanding to other markets. More than the learnings, growth, and success, shared values of social responsibility between the customers, the employees, and the business are created: Values that started out in a humble sixsquare foot stall in the Ateneo.

The GUIDON November 2016

The retrogade

CHANGING THE SCRIPT:

‹1

Kolleen Yvonne Ricaro Kolleen Yvonne Ricaro has a new story to tell with every character she plays. But the story of how—and why—she shifted from engineering to theater is one that she crafted all on her own. BY ANNICKA B. KOTEH AND CELINE D. NATIVIDAD

he lights dim and an automated announcement fills the theater. Everything else is but a backlog to Kolleen Yvonne Ricaro as she stands backstage, thoughts of the injustices happening in our country fueling her angst. With the spotlight on her, she walks out, and you instantly see that the girl standing before you isn’t Yvonne anymore but Malaya, Anna’s lost daughter. The phrase “starving artist” is a term which some use to describe a person with a fine arts degree. If you’re currently studying under the arts, it definitely wouldn’t be a surprise to hear professors and alumni alike say, “You’re all starving artists here.” The notion that “there’s no money” in fine arts is widespread. What people fail to see, however, is just how people who had graduated under the fine arts are vital to the development of society.

class of millennials. Not everyone can afford Uniqlo or H&M; only the upper or upper middle-class can,” says Magno. “Using terms like ‘normcore’ to describe clothes worn from not-so-cheap companies unconsciously creates this class distinction. These terms create little private bubble worlds that are apart from the whole process, which includes exploitation of people and nature.” What many of us believe to be “fashionable” is often only what fashion companies want us to believe. Companies allot a considerable amount of funding for ads to convince us, in the final important step of the process, to attribute “fashionability” to the clothes they sell. Marketing ploys like

celebrity endorsements play a big role in convincing people of what’s “in.” Uniqlo, for example, paid tennis star Novak Djokovic EUR 40 million for a five-year endorsement contract to help them sell their athleisure line. Millennial fashion is more than just a trend. It is a creative process where big companies, bloggers, designers, and even the average consumer partake in bringing out what truly makes millennials unique. This endeavor to bring out the individuality of millennials isn’t an effort to prove that they are entirely distinct from previous generations. On the contrary, millennial fashion derives a great amount of inspiration from the past. The result is a beautiful amalgamation of both the nostalgic past and the spectacular, fast-paced present.

A millennial milieu of fashion BY ANDREW D. CAMBRI AND SAMANTHA C. LEDESMA ILLUSTRATIONS BY BEA VENEZUELA

Within the hectic, ever-changing world of the new millennium, versatility and comfort has ushered the revival of many past trends that have now become vogue in modern fashion.

SIDE ACT

Socio -polit ica lly awa re and already burning with a passion for the performing arts, Ricaro was set on joining Ateneo ENterteynment para sa Tao, Bayan, LAnsangan, at DiyOs (ENTABLADO) when her first-ever RecWeek came along. “It’s [Yvonne’s] passion to serve and tell the stories of [the oppressed so that she can make] other people aware of how the lives of [the less fortunate] are,” says Chelsea Manzano, an ENTA almuna and a friend of Ricaro. A seasoned actress, Ricaro has been performing since she was three years old. In elementary and high school, she honed her talents through speaking contests and clubs such as Thespian, the performing arts club of her high school. Going into college, Ricaro then chose and got accepted into the Ateneo as an Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering (ECE) major. There was a bit of a problem, however, when Ricaro realized she didn’t do enough research on the course. “Kaya ako nag-ECE [kasi] I thought electronics communications siya, so [there’s] math plus [communications]. ‘Yung [communications] pala niya [telecommunications], hindi AB [Communications] (I chose ECE because I thought it was electronics communications, so there’s math plus communications. But the communications was actually telecommunications and not AB Communications),” she shares. Despite this, Ricaro still pursued her studies under ECE, all the while being an active member of ENTA. By her third year in the Ateneo, Ricaro even began branching out into plays outside campus which were under Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). With extravagant hand gestures, sparkling eyes, and words that flowed out too fast that sometimes they all jumbled into a sea of indiscernible words, there’s one thing about Ricaro that you can be sure of: Her passion and love for theater knows no bounds.

NORMCORE

UNREHEARSED SCENES

Ricaro’s first four years in ECE were a delicate balancing act. “I know how to compartmentalize,” she shares. “Hindi ko pwedeng isipin ‘yung theater habang nagaaral ako at hindi ko pwedeng isipin ‘yung acads habang nagthetheater ako (I can’t think about theater while I’m studying, and I can’t think about my academics while I’m doing theater).” Leading up to shows, Ricaro squeezed her life into such compartments: crunching numbers in class, memorizing lines between periods, and then attending latenight rehearsals for at least five hours. This is not to mention the homework she had to finish after rehearsals, or the times she had to travel to CCP or UP for practice. Eventua lly, t he hect ic schedule demanded too much from her. “Rehearsals left Yvonne [Ricaro] limited time to rest and finish a problem set [that was] due the next day,” says Julze dela Victoria, who was Ricaro’s former roommate. “She would often cry because of stress and how she didn’t understand the whole problem set given. That, or she’d space out.” Karlo Erfe, also a student actor from Desaparesidos, knows first-hand how tough it is for a student to juggle his or her commitments alongside theater. As he puts it, “You handle [your other commitments] but you know your mind’s kind of somewhere else.” Towards the end of her fourth year, Ricaro was certain that her heart and mind were set on theater, and not on her current course of study. “Hindi dumating sa akin na kailangan ko muna i-give up ‘yung theater (It never occurred to me that I had to give up theater),” she says. “I knew what I wanted, but it wasn’t ECE. Kaya lang ako nag-stay sa ECE for the sake of finishing it.”

By then, it was a full-on shift to Theater Arts that appealed to Ricaro, despite apprehensions about how others would react. But there’s a sterner glint in her eyes and an intensity to her tone when she recalls how she made up her mind. “Sobrang scary niya for me, pero at the end of the day, sinong pipili ng path mo (It was scary for me, but at the end of the day, who chooses your path)?” she asks. “Ikaw (You).” AUDIENCE IMPACT

After resolving to shift, Ricaro was surprised to receive support from her parents and her friends. “Ang dami kong friends na noong sinabi ko sa kanila, as in naiyak sila for me kasi alam nila na ito ‘yung gusto ko (I had a lot of friends who cried when I told them about it, because they knew that this was what I wanted),” she says. Dela Victoria, for one, remembers when Ricaro announced her decision. “She had this giddiness to start the shifting process,” she muses. “It seemed like a huge weight was removed from her shoulders.” Ricaro’s move to Theater Arts, however, had its critics as well. “Kasi may iba rin na ‘Ah, sayang naman ‘yung ECE mo’ (There were also others who said, ‘Ah, what a waste of your ECE studies’),” Ricaro says. For her, these sentiments point to a deeply rooted prejudice against the arts, one that restricts profit and practicality to select professions. “Sa older generation, ‘yung indemand courses [were] accountancy, law, [and others]. Sabi nga ni Missy [Maramara], there is a prejudice against the artist kasi hindi nila makita na (because they can’t see how) theater is also a discipline,” Ricaro adds. “[Just] like how science, math, [and] engineering courses are disciplines themselves.”

CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS. Yvonne Ricaro makes a life changing decision to shift from BS ECE to BFA TA and follow her passion for theatre.

In contrast to the complexity often seen in fashion, normcore celebrates plainer and more laidback everyday wear. This lax aesthetic is a throwback to styles reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s that include staples like white sneakers, culottes, and monochrome apparels, all promoting an easygoing and straightforward attitude towards style. Normcore is all about looking creatively effortless and runway-ready.

PHOTO BY JEFF PASCUAL

Now on her fifth year of college, Ricaro is currently learning just how much of a discipline theater is. “Hindi ako artist kung wala akong backbone, and ‘yun ‘yung academics to articulate your technique,” she says. “As in ‘yung first three months ko sa Theater [Arts], mas marami pa akong natutunan kaysa sa three years ko sa theater scene (I’ve learned more things in my three months under Theater Arts as compared to my three years in the theater scene).” When the curtains open, Ricaro transforms accordingly. On some occasions, she even lets the character into her offstage persona: “Minsan nag-iiba siya (Sometimes, she changes) for the length of the production,” remarks Manzano. Ricaro has been known to dream about her lines, run through them while showering, and even embody her characters à la method acting. But she wouldn’t force herself—or her art—into the roles already expected of her. “If you know what you want right now at this moment it would be a shame for you to not choose what you’re really passionate about just because of other [people’s convictions],” says Ricaro. Clearly, it’s Ricaro’s relentless brand of courage that may benefit young artists who are also pursuing their unconventional passions.

THRIFT SHOP CHIC

Thrift shop chic is an obvious reference to clothes that can be bought from thrift shops. These stores are known for selling preloved denims and tees of various sizes and hues—all for cheap costs. Sporting beanies and fedoras, vintage footwear like boots, old Converse sneakers, and oxfords, oversized glasses, coupled with the frequent use of scarves and even a revival of flannels, the thrift shop chic has become one of the most recognizable styles in fashion today.

MILITARY AESTHETIC

Military clothes have become a popular alternative to one’s ensemble. Drawing from the early 1900s, clothing pieces such as bomber jackets, cargo pants, and various camo print clothes are now frequently worn today. These are easily paired with all sorts of clothing, can be personalized in many ways, and give an altogether edgier, yet familiar, look to one’s outfit.

ATHLEISURE

With this generation’s daily schedules getting more manic, athleisure has become the ultimate fashion fix for someone who’s constantly on the go. The essentials of athleisure wear, like muscle tees, leggings, and ultralight sneakers, have become favorites not only for comfort, but also for how they can be convenient staples regardless of whether you’re heading to the gym or to class.

Features

The GUIDON November 2016

CALL-TO-ACTION:

Social justice marketing Spreading social awareness and marketing a product are not mutually exclusive motives. As the attention towards social issues increase, more companies are taking advantage of using advertisements that stand for social justice.

BY SAFFI C. ARCENAS, PATRICIA A. DY, AND FRANCIS R. TOLEDO

woman stares in disbelief at a beautiful portrait of herself created through the eyes of another. A son accepts his father’s Facebook friend request as the latter accepts his son’s sexuality. People from different races come together to sing an anthem of unity. These are common storylines in commercials today, but as each of these scenes fade, the last thing that flashes on the viewer’s screen is a company logo. Along with the heightened concern for numerous social issues today comes the increase of advertisements that preach about social justice. While it can be speculated that some companies use such advertisements to promote their own agendas, the real challenge lies in making sure that these advertisements end up being truly effective catalysts for change. “CONTENT IS KING”

The call to start seeing things from a new perspective is one way to describe the rise of social justice marketing. These advertisements broadly range from topics such as feminism to body image discrimination–using social issues as an advertising strategy to appeal to a wide range of consumers. With social media and trending news topics worldwide bolstering the need for such types of marketing, it can be expected that these types of advertisements will become the staple for a new era of marketing altogether. As consumers become more and more socially aware, it will

not come off as a surprise if companies feel the need to refresh and revamp their marketing strategies. “Creative [companies focus more on the advertisements, and how] they make a deeper meaning out of the product,” says Franny Balburias, a member of the Ateneo Collegiate Society of A dver t i s i n g (C o S A). “They don’t just relate [the advertisements] to selling the product, but also to issues that we have in our world today.” Back in 1971, the Coca-Cola Company released an advertisement popularly known as “Hilltop,” with youth gathered from different races singing a song in unity, promoting racial acceptance while promoting the popular carbonated drink. This is an example of how awareness was brought

to issues such as racial discrimination and inequality, which were evident during that time. What makes this still relevant is that these issues have always been and are still around. Moreover, the ad, with its catchy tune, striking message, and timelessness, garnered multiple awards for the brand. It convinced the world that Coca-Cola was so much more than just a beverage. The company has since been a staunch supporter of the call for global unity. THE PUBLIC EYE

A n a d ve r t i s e m e nt i s deemed effective when the brand becomes memorable to the audience, regardless if it would be because of the social issues posed or not. “It’s

“[Companies are] in a position of power and can influence so many people with just a few lines, images, [and] a short video. [However,] people sometimes abuse it.” — GENE ARAYATA LECTURER, JOHN GOKONGWEI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

about how audiences recall that particular advertisement; whether they remember what was in the ad–what kind of cognitive responses, affective responses, and emotions these ads influenced them to have,” says Communications professor and content analysis and communication research expert Jenna Mae Atun. When ads are evaluated, company sales aren’t the only factors taken into consideration. Top-of-the-mind and leading brands are those often recalled by consumers. The larger the audience base, the easier it is to get the message out there. As with all ads that portray social issues, increases in social awareness and brand awareness go hand-in-hand. For Balburias, seeing advertisements do not immediately persuade her to buy a product. She says however, “What’s good is that I am aware of what they are selling and I will eventually buy it.” “[Companies] appropriate their brand to a specific social issue and research suggests [that] they are quite effective in increasing knowledge [and] awareness,” suggests Atun. The question now is whether that knowledge translates to a change in attitude and behavior. When looking at ads as a catalyst for change, their consumerist nature cannot be ignored. After all, the main goal of an ad is first and foremost to increase the affinity of consumers towards a brand. This in turn increases the brand’s sales as well. “Its commercial and commodified nature gives us an idea that these ads are really made to promote brands, products, and even services,” adds Atun. Companies may sincerely want to campaign

for change, but from a purely economic and business standpoint, the advertisement as a tool is primarily used to sell. An advocacy for change comes later. APPOSITE ADVOCACIES

While there are aspects of entertainment and social awareness to advertisements, one must also look at how relevant the addressed social issues are to the products being sold. I n m id-2 016, Ch ipot le Mexican Grill, an American fast food chain, released a short animation that centered around two child entrepreneurs as they grow up competing in sales for their respective juice stands that years later become mass food chains. The film not only promotes the company’s organic cooking recipes, but also shows how big-time food chains have been corrupted by profit-making from unnatural food preparations. Another ad that tugs the heartstrings is one centered on a deaf girl as she meets a street busker who teaches her how to play the violin. This ad shows how even those with disabilities can still find passion and excel in activities that are limited by their conditions. It’s only at the end where you see that the product being endorsed is actually Pantene, a shampoo with the tagline, “You can shine.” These commercials show how the use of social issues in marketing can attract people to a product, but while Chipotle shows a clear message to what both the product and the company represent, Pantene links them less accurately. Cases like these may lead to a disconnect with audiences

ILLUSTRATION BY BEATRIZ K. VENEZUELA

as well. Balburias adds that it doesn’t quite “make sense” when issues don’t relate to the product being advertised. When establishing a relation between the ad and product, Gene Audrey Arayata, a lecturer at the John Gokongwei School of Management, notes, “I guess [it’s] the company’s responsibility to monitor that conversion. So if they feel that it’s straying too far from what the product is, they should reevaluate their strategy.” Arayata compares brands to people, forming their identities by managing viewers’ impressions of them. These ads serve to strengthen their identity. “[Companies are] in a position of power and can influence so many people with just a few lines, images, [and] a short video,” she says. “[However], people sometimes abuse it.” Nevertheless, it can be said that these ads actually create a kind of chicken-and-egg cycle. As people today become more mindful and sensitive about current social issues, ads draw in people by masking products in the shadows of much bigger social issues. All the while, they also serve as proof of a company’s best practices of corporate social responsibility. This cycle keeps the idea of achieving social justice alive. Perhaps this can lead to advertisements becoming more than just marketing strategies and later flourishing into true advocates for social change.

EDITOR: GABRIELLE M. LOMBOS · EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: JOAQUIN B. JACINTO · LAYOUT ARTIST: MIKA R. MONTAÑO

Inquiry

RECLAIMING LOST GROUND

Can the Sanggunian truly represent the Atenean constituency?

The issue of transition BY ANDIE M. CASAS AND RENZ G. ESPANOL

irl, boy, bakla, tomboy— that’s about as far as the gender and sexuality spectrum goes in the mindset of many, if not most, Filipinos. While terms such as silahis—referring to bisexuality—were introduced in the late 1980s, these remain to be rather obscure and vague words. Where, then, does that leave the transgender person in the understanding of many Filipinos? Psychology Department Chair Mira Ofreneo, PhD, an expert on gender and sexuality, says that a variety of factors from religion to legislation to globalization interact and are associated with varied reactions and views on transgenderism. This is illustrated by Philippine studies and surveys on LGBTQIA acceptance. “It’s strange because [Filipinos] want to accept [LGBTQIA], but they believe it’s wrong because the Church cannot allow it. But there’s also a stand now of ‘I am Catholic, I believe in my faith and what it says about sexuality, but I do recognize people’s rights’—and so it’s more positive. I’ve seen that conflict in my students and in my gender and sexuality class,” she says. Ofreneo describes how religion and the belief and advocacy for equal rights come together in a conflicted state. This tension also comes into play as it coexists with one’s participation in a highly globalized world. Filipinos are exposed to ideas of those from contexts where there is acceptance and civil equality for transgender people. “They’re all interacting. So it might be easy to immediately associate trans people with discrimination, but that’s not always how it is,” she says. “Even for trans people, while you might experience all this discrimination, you could also be very happy and find spaces where you could be accepted.” SEEMINGLY GENDER-BLIND

For transgender students Glenn Torres, AA Salazar, and JM Tan, one of those spaces of

acceptance is—for the most part—the Ateneo campus. Salazar describes the social atmosphere within the Loyola Schools as “a positive experience in general.” For Tan, the environment is a welcome change from those of other institutions. “In high school, we’d get sanctioned for being very effeminate. When I got to college, personally, it was very easy for me to be a transgender person,” she says. Even when it comes to most of the faculty, Torres says the reactions are favorable for the transgender student community. “I pass by a lot of faculty and I know they see me, but it’s not like they reprimand me. Conditions are more accepting and open here, people don’t even care about it [being transgender]. I think this is the healthiest environment I can be in,” she says. A huge part of the social acceptance and peer support they feel is brought about by Dollhouse. While Dollhouse respects the heterogeneity of the LGBTQIA and does not claim to represent the entire LGBTQIA community in the Ateneo, it has proven to be a safe space for a number of transgender and other LGBTQIA students. “Being a getaway and a support group is what we place more importance on [as opposed to taking a more political stance as a student organization],” says Torres. In response to the possible climate of prejudice and discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA, Dollhouse aims to “develop character and attitude. It’s the culture ng tarayan, to try to help the person cope and develop a thick skin,” according to Torres. A LATENT LACK OF SENSITIVITY

Still, this positive image of the Ateneo school environment as vibrant, liberal, and progressive is not the whole picture. Both Torres and Salazar express difficulties they’ve faced, especially in relation to the random drug testing procedures run by the Office of Health Services (OHS). Torres recounts, “so when I got to the office, I filled out a form, diba? So siyempre my sex is male,” referring to sex at birth.

Torres says that when she stopped in front of the women’s lavatory, the male nurse said that he could not chaperone her there. As a group they then proceeded to the men’s lavatory, where “[the nurse] had the guys [provide urine samples] in the urinal while [the nurse] was in the premises. So medyo, ok weird for me.” However, Torres was relieved when she was allowed to use the cubicle instead. “But the nurse didn’t let me close the door so that was still weird. I guess the rationale for that was for them to ensure that we don’t provide another urine sample. Yun nga, girls get to close the door in the cubicle.” When asked if she wished the male nurse called the female nurse instead, Torres says, “nahiya naman ako (I was embarrassed to do so). I guess don’t know how I could have fought that rin.” Apart from these, there remains a lot to be done in increasing gender and sexual orientation sensitivity among employees. Salazar says, “When I was called for a drug test, at first the nurses and doctors referred to me as ‘ma’am’ and ‘she’ so I thought they were gender sensitive. Then when I had to write my whole name and sex [on biodata sheet], one of the nurses said out loud, ‘ay lalaki pala.’ I felt na I was outed.” In another instance of drug testing, Salazar describes how the physician assigned made inappropriate comments. “The doctor was making sex jokes, a reference to transgender sex workers on Q Ave. Na-off ako nun (It made me feel off),” she says. Salazar reported this to the Office of Student Services (OSS) and after nearly a year, OSS got back to her. “They said that the doctor apologized na daw—to [OSS], but not to me,” she shares. OHS Director Ma. Henrietta Teresa O. dela Cruz, MD, says the OHS is dedicated to serving all with respect, regardless of gender. Drug testing staff are trained to be sensitive to all genders and sexualities and to offer alternatives to students.

ON THE WAY TO CHANGE

In contrast, strides have been made by the university to accommodate the need for the transgender community to express themselves physically. These strides can be seen in the AEGIS, the university’s official yearbook organization. In 2014, Rica Salomon (AB IS ’14) argued for her right to do what the school deemed “crossdressing.” In response to this, the university formed a committee to review her case and set down the final rule on crossdressing in the yearbook photo. When the case was finished, a rule was made to allow crossdressing but a letter to AEGIS is required before the shoot. The school’s overall policy on “crossdressing” is very open to the transgender community: It is allowed anywhere on campus as long as the general student dress code is followed. However, Salazar mentions that professors can easily override this rule. “May mga professors talaga nag-iimpose against it (There are professors who impose against the rule),” Salazar explains. The basis for the rule, according to the OSS Director Michael Mallillin, is respect. “There are no specific policies, but we are guided by that principle,” Mallillin says. “We are guided by respect for the individual.” He mentions that they strive to strike a balance between accepting the LGBTQIA community and accommodating the more conservative in the Ateneo.

transgender community. It is through the implementation of such that the Ateneo can live up to its ideals of developing persons for others, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. Internationally, colleges abroad are leading the way in terms of transgender reform. Merton College in Oxford is a leading example, with their comprehensive Transgender Guidance and Policy. Merton, in coordination with their transgender population, created this document to be able to more concretely handle the specific issues the transgender population may have. The counselling provided by Merton has been an especially important policy to the transgender community. The school helps transgender students come out to their families and gives parents counselling sessions to allow them to understand what their child is going through. In the end, the most important thing is to provide a support system for transgender students to make them feel more open about and comfortable with their identities. TRANSITION TO ACTION

The issue of transgender students is a tricky one, especially when the Ateneo aims to make sure everyone feels comfortable in the community. The administration’s idea of respect being the foundation of the transgender policy is noble.

PHOTO BY MARCO T. TORRIJOS

However, this ideal is not enough to solve this issue. Concrete action needs to be taken, and these policies will shape where the university stands on these issues. The university needs to set an example to the students it aims to mold. The administration needs to understand that it cannot just sit by idly and deal with this issue by squeezing it between the margins of existing policy. Salazar provided a clear image of how the school looks at the issue. “They think kasi na may other important issues na dapat tuunan ng pansin, kasi parang, ‘yun nga, sabi nila that were very inclusive naman of LGBT; we allow trans na nga to crossdress sa graduation (They think that the focus should be on other important issue. They think they’ve become inclusive enough to LGBT by allowing transgender students to crossdress during graduation),” she says. The language Filipinos use in the day-to-day does not fully capture the lives of transgender students today; the policies reflect that. The Ateneo’s policies straddle the fine line of conservative offence and transgender denial. With its goal to “preserve, extend, and communicate truth,” the university must eventually choose where it stands.

BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES

It is clear that the Ateneo espouses respect and inclusion for all under the gender and sexual orientation spectrum. Nonetheless, a mere attitude is inadequate in actually securing the freedom of expression and personal development of the transgender Atenean. “Ateneo says it’s inclusive, pero ‘di ko feel (I don’t feel it),” says Salazar. These beliefs and ideologies of acceptance must be articulated and legitimized in policies and protocols that address the specific issues faced by the

“It’s the culture ng tarayan, to try to help the person cope and develop a thick skin.” — GLENN TORRES QUEEN MOTHER, DOLLHOUSE

Inquiry

Reclaiming lost ground

BY CORLETO O. VINLUAN III, MANUEL M. ALDEGUER, AND JAIRUS I. PAUL

rticle III, Section 3, of the 2016 Constitution of the Undergraduate Students of Ateneo de Manila states: “The Sanggunian is the sole autonomous government of the Loyola Schools Student Body and all of its powers emanate from and belong ultimately to the said body.” However, as an institution whose powers are vested in the student body, it has failed to capture their attention and support in recent years. Consider the recent general elections. The dismal 19.81% voter turnout is emblematic of the indifference towards the Sanggunian, its activities, and university politics in general. Atom Perlada, a Lega l Management senior, says that the Sanggunian “[feels] like a ghost figure,” and is never actively felt until elections or class suspensions. Other than these, it only comes as an “afterthought.” Interdisciplinary studies senior Martina Chua* says that the Sanggunian is a “great concept,” but is “weak” in its execution. The formal elements of the Sanggunian were brought to the present-day by the constitution; it’s time the Sanggunian follow suit through deliberate efforts to resolve internal issues and mend their broken ties with the student body. TO THE FORE

Since the establishment of the political parties, both IgnITE and USAD have been actively participating in the school’s political theatre. The two parties are guided by the principles of Liberal Democracy and Social Democracy, respectively. These political ideologies shape the parties’ positions on issues involving the University. A key point of contention is sectoral representation.

According to USAD Premier Lanz Espacio, the Sanggunian’s primary role is to represent the various sectors within the student body—something that recent administrations have neglected. “I think the problem with our student government is precisely that culture: That informal institution that sees the Sanggunian as irrelevant, does nothing but student services. For us to engage in sectoral representation builds this culture that we’re beyond... student services,” he says. Espacio notes that focusing on student services rather than representation makes the Sanggunian “no different” than any other Council of Organizations of the Ateneo (COA) organization. IgnITE standard bearer and Sanggunian Vice President Koko Quilatan agrees that initiatives such as freshmen batch shirts are not what the students want from their government. He promises that there will be less projects that are “trying to be relevant,” and more projects that “the students really have an active stake in.” Newly elected President Carmela Vinzon, who is not affiliated with either party, says that the immediate plan of the Sanggunian is to answer all “urgent” concerns, one of which is giving official student representatives to the administrative offices. While the two agree on the need for student representation in the Sanggunian, Espacio and Quilatan—and their respective parties— differ on emphasis. USAD’s stance is primarily geared towards sectoral representation. Aside from block and course representatives, Espacio believes that sectors such as LGBT and Muslim students deserve representation in the student government. On the other hand, Quilatan believes that the student body should have representatives in University-wide and administrative processes such as the curriculum review and the shuttle system. He looks forward

to involving the student body more in these processes. SEEKING FULL DISCLOSURE

Policy direction is not the only problem that enlivens Ateneo political culture. Early this school year, the integrity of the university’s political institutions was put into question over issues such as the transparency of the Student Judicial Council (SJC), the budget allocation policy of the transition government (TransGov), and IgnITE’s decision to hold donations for the Lakbayan Lumads. The Ateneo Student Judicial Council was criticized by both USAD and IgnITE concerning its lack of transparency, particularly the overdue release of court documents integral to the 2016 Sanggunian General Elections. Espacio called the silence of the court a “smearing” of the electoral proceedings and that their ambiguity “put s i n je opa rdy ” t he election. IgnITE president Ele Gealogo also criticized both the SJC and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), saying they “failed” in being transparent and pondered whether documents were finished on time. In response to these criticisms, the members of the court publicly called for the resignation of then-chief magistrate Jigg y Jacinto, writing in a Facebook post that “under his leadership, the court has failed to uphold the values of transparency and accountability.” Despite these allegations, as of press time, both the SJC and COMELEC have not released an update on the electoral code for sectoral representation, which serves as one of the highlights of the new 2016 Constitution. ON THE DEFENSIVE

In cases of inter-par ty conflict, some prefer to communicate through formal memoranda while others voice out their concerns on social media. On August 24, USAD

formally rejected TransGov’s proposal to fund political par ties through a formal memorandum sent to Finance chairperson Hya Bendana. However, TransGov interpreted the memo as USAD’s rejection of their funding as a party—not the funding of political parties in general. Consequently, USAD was not involved in succeeding discussions and other candidates were able to receive a subsidy to finance their campaigns. Many were shocked when Vinzon revealed during the election debates that TransGov has been funding political parties. Espacio points out that the absence of an official resolution and their failure to inform the public showed a “showed a lack of formality, transparency, and professionalism.” That same night, members of both parties took to social media to air out their concerns. Gealogo defended the policy on a Facebook post, stating that the legalities were clarified and approved and that USAD did not use its members within TransGov to “participate and inquire” in the discussions. USAD’s alleged lack of participation in the student government and their tendency to publicly complain after the fact is an old sentiment. Commenting on Gealogo’s post, former Sanggunian Finance Officer Ray Gomez (BS ME ‘16) said that “that’s always been the [USAD] style. Once nothing can be done anymore, that’s when you guys come out of the woodwork… and pretend to be the intelligent but marginalized heroes.” Espacio finds no merit in these accusations. “I completely reject that notion that we as a party aren’t legitimate enough to criticize the Sanggunian on the basis of participation. If this is the case, then by extension, everyone else shouldn’t criticize the transition government of the Sanggunian,” he says. Coming from a minority party, Espacio stresses that

USAD can only do so much to influence the policy-making in the student government. It is important for the party to be vocal so that issues that the majority may overlook are not ignored. While they may not be the majority party, as a political entity composed of constituents of the university, they certainly have the right and responsibility to lobby for their agenda. IGNITING DISSONANCE

The majority party, IgnITE has also faced its share of turmoil. Last October, the party was criticized for soliciting donations for Lakbayan, a movement with ties to the CPP-NPA-NDF, a militant left organization known for exploiting indigenous peoples. Benjamin Alvero, 3 AB Politica l Science Course Representative-elect and a member of USAD, said “These organizations have displayed an instrumentalist… approach to indigenous peoples in pursuit of their own agendas.” The statement was later retracted as it was called “out of line” by the USAD Premier. On an ideological level, it was confusing for IgnITE to associate itself with Lakbayan despite the latter’s links to these militant groups. While the former is a “liberal democratic” par ty of the Ateneo, the CPP-NPA-NDF is a national democratic group that waged armed conf lict with the government and has since engaged in terrorist acts in the name of communism since the Marcos era. Furthermore, as a political entity, IgnITE’s every action is scrutinized and held to a standard different from that of a private person as its actions will always bear political implications. However, Quilatan clarified that the donation drive was not meant to endorse Lakbayan nor its organizations. Although he admits that they are tied to such leftist groups and they came in Manila with “questionable

ILLUSTRATION BY RICHARD MERCADO

circumstances,” he appeals for the separation of ideology and humanitarian actions. He clarifies that IgnITE is not supporting Lakbayan “on an official capacity because of the contentiousness of the politics involved.” ENGAGING THE CONSTITUENCY

While the Constitutional Convention marked the beginning of a new Sanggunian and the end of its quota woes, the student government still has a long way to go before they could hope to reach out to a larger majority of the student body. It is clear that IgnITE and USAD wish to be identified with their respective strands of democracy, as they have emphasized them even after r e br a nd i n g t he m s elve s . However, they must also strive to be more comprehensible to the student body, especially those who are not as politically inclined or interested as those in government. Political ideologies like liberal democracy and social democracy were products of complex historical situations that were responses to the needs of a specific people. The parties must nuance these ideals in light of their role in student government, so that their initiatives are inclusive and relevant. Like any other political party, IgnITE and USAD are both more and less than their ideological leanings, which are ultimately geared towards the betterment of the student body. If the Sanggunian does not wish to be defined by infighting, they must shift the arena of their debate outside of the abstract and express their differences in tangible policies and actions. Editor's note: The interviewee has been given an alias to maintain anonymity.

The GUIDON November 2016

Parties and ideologies over the years BY CORLETO A. VINLUAN III ILLUSTRATION BY RICHARD MERCADO SOURCES THE GUIDON ARCHIVES, USAD, IGNITE

This timeline presents the emergence and decline of the various Ateneo political parties over the past decade, and the ideologies they carry.

JANUARY 2003 Partido Agila is founded. It would be the sole political party dominating the campus politics scene of the Ateneo for the next years.

JUNE 2003 A member of Partido Agila holds president position in the party’s first candidacy.

JUNE 2005–2007 Partido Agila candidates win the president position in three straight elections.

DECEMBER 2007 IsaGawa IsaBuhay political party is formed with the focus on theory and praxis. Partido Agila merges with IsaBuhay IsaGawa, making up the IBIG-Agila political party. The merging was a response to Partido Agila’s coming twilight years and slow decline. On paper, IBIG-Agila presented itself as a socialdemocratic party.

JUNE 2008 IBIG-Agila’s presidential bet loses to an independent candidate.

JUNE 2009 IBIG-Agila wins the president position for the last time.

JUNE 2010 Ateneo Servant Leaders (ASL) is formed, in commitment to “uphold servant-leadership grounded on collective representation and service.” Formation of Christian Union for Socialist and Democratic Advancement (CRUSADA), which advocated for social democracy and the increase of political participation in campus.

JUNE 2011 IBIG-Agila disbands, as the party “neither had an ideology nor did its members believe in ideology.”

DECEMBER 2014 IgnITE is accredited as a political party.

The Ateneo Assembly related the disbandment to being devoid of sound political substance, especially on its failure to increase political participation of the students with regards to relevant campus issues.

JUNE 2016 IgnITE rebrands to establish itself as a believer of liberal democracy and recognizes the potential of each individual and empowers them towards positive social change. On its Facebook page, it adds that it advocates mental health, human and student rights, and access to quality education.

The aftermath of the disbandment formed two coalitions: Partido League of Atenean Youth for Liberal Advocacy (Loyola), which highlighted a liberal ideology, and Ignatian Initiative and Transformative Empowerment (IgnITE), which focused on transformative empowerment and instilling of Ignatian values on the part of its members.

AUGUST 2016 CRUSADA changes its name to USAD in response to the Party’s solidarity with its sister parties in the Ateneo Mindanao Universities. USAD still carries the CRUSADA principles of solidarity, freedom, equality, and social justice, while recognizing the cultural and religious diversities of the country.

Inquiry

The GUIDON November 2016

Oral traditions As finals season approaches, let’s take a closer look at the orals tradition. BY NIO B. ATRIGENIO, JAKE B. CUREG, JAYVEE A. DEL ROSARIO, AND JOAQUIN B. JACINTO

t’s that time of year again— when a line outside De La Costa Hall spans the length of the building, as the air outside whirs with the buzzing anticipation of students going through their notes and practicing their speeches. One by one, they will enter consultation rooms, pick out a question, and speak. No stay in the Ateneo is complete without the dreaded oral exam. After all, it is a key component in the curricula of core subjects such as theology and philosophy. Taking an oral exam provides an experience unfound in any form of pen-and-paper test; its dynamics are vastly different, training the ability to not only answer questions but also to respond articulately given a short amount of time. The particular uniqueness and difficulty of these exams often bring to mind the question: Why the ubiquity of oral exams in the Ateneo? EXAMINING ORAL EXAMS

In a 2005 study conducted to examine oral assessment in the undergraduate university setting, Ulrike Heiter, PhD, asked a similar question. He proposed several reasons for the disinclination towards giving and taking oral exams, the first being that the exams are time-consuming and difficult to conduct. Written exams hold the merit of being easy to give out and check while oral exams can easily take a week or more depending on the number of students who have to take it. The issue of grading ties in with the second point in that oral exams are deceptively complex. The flexible, open nature of oral exams is just as much a benefit as it is a flaw, as fairness and objectivity are more difficult to uphold. To this, Heiter insists that special precautions have to be taken in the creation of both the questions and the rubric for grading in order to avoid further complications. However, these do not discount the fact that oral exams also excel in certain aspects compared to their written counterparts. One particularly important quality is the ample amount of studentteacher feedback present in

oral exams. “There is…more space for engagement between the student and the teacher; the instructor now has the opportunity to probe more carefully into what the student presents and to push what the student knows about the topic,” says Len Garces of the Mathematics Department. Other qualities of note include the high levels of adaptation and application needed. Oral exams push students to be more involved with their studying as the spontaneity and time pressure require quick thinking, reacting, and decision-making, all of which will not be possible without having an extensive understanding of the topics involved. Garces explains further that oral examinations also prepares students for the workplace, particularly in being able to proficiently “talk” about their work, which is a direct result of the confidence, orderliness, and understanding fostered by the exams. OLD-SCHOOL

School of Humanities Dean Benilda S. Santos, PhD extends these sentiments, citing tradition as one of the main reasons for why the mode of assessment is still so prominent in the Ateneo. Oral examinations are an ancient practice, dating back to when learning institutions were not yet present and the main mode of transmitting knowledge was through face-to-face interactions between teachers and students. Santos says that “in the past, when implements of writing… were not abounding…the face was the most important record of everything.” Reading a face reveals not only confidence or understanding, but also one’s character and soul, Santos asserts. This interaction can garner valuable insights and provide “an experience that no reading of any kind of enlightening title can give you.” The notion of enlightenment that oral examinations bring to the table plays a big part in why they have stuck around, particularly in the philosophy and theology departments. It fits their very nature. Santos goes back to the idea of the face. “I thought about Theology and I guess in Theology...that would be looking or reading a believing face, a face of belief. And when you go to let’s say, when you talk about philosophy, it must have been the thinking face,” she

says. She notes that the face is where one can perhaps see depth in the reaction of a student – it reveals their character or provides insight into their soul. It brings forth the human aspect of the student. She emphasizes that “it’s the persuasion of the human presence which is the very heart of theology and philosophy.” Aside from being a means for assessing student performance and knowledge , oral exams are also meant as an opportunity for learning beyond the typical classroom experience. Santos expresses that there is much value to be had in the more intimate setting, particularly in terms of the opportunity for an exchange of knowledge between teacher and student, perhaps even more so than in the classroom. This harks back to the time of the ancients, where learning was accomplished primarily through discourse between a master and a student. “And that is why I feel this is the reason for the oral exam, so that you are able to be on an equal footing. Bakit? Eh pareho kayong magkaharap kayo eh. Oo, hindi na nakatayo (Why? You’re both facing each other. The teacher is not standing), the teacher is no

longer on a platform, a little raised pedestal, a little more raised than the rest, where you don’t belong, where you’re just another face among 30-40 other faces, but you’re sitting down in a cubicle, a nice, cool room, a very simple, bare room, and you’re talking to each other. Can you imagine that? Wonderful,” she says. BEYOND DE LA COSTA

It is evident that within the School of Humanities there is a common acceptance of the value of oral examinations as a testing method for the students of the Ateneo. As such, oral examinations and their occurrence have become a calling card for the School of Humanities. However, the appeal and appreciation of oral examinations is something found not just within the halls of De La Costa Hall. Though they may be an uncommon occurrence, it is not unheard of for courses in the other Loyola Schools to have had oral exams at one point. The benefits of oral examinations that the School of Humanities exhorts are apparently not lost on the other schools. In degree programs such as BS Math and BSM Applied

Mathematics, Major in Mathematical Finance of the School of Science of Engineering, it is the kind of thinking encouraged by oral exams that makes them a viable way of testing. “It is more difficult than the usual…exam because the student has to make sure that the discussion of his or her thought process is clear to the listener, while maintaining the correctness of his or her exposition. The oral exam also aims to see how well the students respond to questions that may result from his or her discussion,” Garces explains. Flordeliza Francisco, PhD stresses further that oral exams allow math educators like her to check a student’s basic understanding of concepts that results-oriented written tests may not fully gauge. “Sometimes the students don’t do well in the written exams and I wonder if they have learned anything. The oral exam is a good way of finding out,” she says. “In a written exam, if the student does not answer a question, there’s nothing more I can get from the paper. In an oral exam, if the student fails to answer a question, I can ask another question or a leading question to find out how much the student has learned,” she adds. As Carmel Abao of the Political Science Department notes, the use of oral exams in Political Science, especially Political Theory, is due to the need for deeper discernment before arriving at an answer. “Theory has to be explained and cannot be reduced to items or choices,” she explains. It is apparent that the flexibility of oral exams makes it popular in the humanities and other schools, as it is a medium that allows examiners to test students in using different approaches to analyze and solve problems. Oral exams then become applicable to many topics that would otherwise be harder to analyze and answer using traditional written tests. UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Yet for all the benefits oral examinations may have in various fields, they still suffer the same problems regardless of who is performing oral exams.

PHOTOS BY GAB R. MESINA

Furthermore, outside of the School of Humanities, there are only a handful of professors who use oral exams as a regular assessment tool because of the logistical considerations that go into administering these kinds of exams. As Francisco notes, only a few members of the Department of Mathematics and some instructors in SCI 10 (Science and Society) bother to have oral exams today, and this will likely be the case for many more years to come. However, this is not necessarily disadvantageous. There is a lot of room for flexibility in designing course syllabi and this gives professors the agency to include non-conventional types of assessment if needed. “In SCI 10, for example, there is the need to assess whether the student understands particular societal issues through the lens of science; I think an oral exam is appropriate to check that,” Garces explains. This comes in contrast with tests in the John Gokongwei School of Management, where the emphasis on case discussions makes discussion papers the more appropriate medium for assessment. At the end of the day, he says that “as long as the assessment tool is consistent with the course learning objectives, then it is most likely a beneficial step to make.” For as long as the Ateneo continues to strive for holistic education, the oral tradition will live on. Oral exams have long distinguished the Atenean from other graduates with the verbal prowess needed in effective communication and its continuing integration into nonhumanities subjects provides avenues for testing aspects that are otherwise untouched by traditional examinations. These ideas spark several questions: How can the exams be refined and improved further? How it can be integrated into other classes? What are other ways by which these exams can be conducted? Most traditional exams would ask for specific answers, but with oral exams, the possibilities are limitless.