December Special Issue 6 - A.Y. 2019-2020

VOLUME XLIII ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

PHOTO BY PATRICK ROMERO

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FEATURES

DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

The dying culture of Filipino Christmas

BY GEORGINA SANTIAGO

The season of Christmas in Filipino culture symbolizes family, hope, and giving. As time passes and things change, the essence of Christmas slowly becomes another ordinary holiday.

You know it’s Christmas when lights in every house are hang up, colors of blue, red, and green shine and flicker all the way down the street. Christmas songs are put on repeat—the volume in its full blast, even your whole neighborhood hears it. It’s not complete without the chime of every single niece and nephew’s

parents saying, “Pamasko ng anak ko”.

Filipino Christmas is different than the traditional western Christmas, where they pick out trees in the middle of December, decorate their house before the snowfall and prepare all the fancy food. Christmas in the Philippines starts in September—walking home and seeing a house fully decorated from roof to pavement with lanterns, even hearing the voice of Jose Mari Chan first thing in the morning before going to school.

Children buying bottle caps and flattening it with rocks, turning it into a making shift instrument.

Ok boomer

BY CHANTAL MACARAEG

Did you ever get into an argument with your parents and relatives about the current social situation?

Have you been told to just focus on your studies because you’re “too young” to understand what is happening?

Well here is a perfect response to a baby boomer’s long-winded rants on how the youth of today is becoming more spoiled and how much we’re being spoon-fed!

Ok, boomer, it’s time for bed!

Millennials and Generation Z has enough. With economic inflation on all-time high and the Earth’s climate spiraling out of control, the ones who were supposed to do something about it are doing nothing at all.

What are they supposed to do when what was seen as a small inconvenience to a “boomer” becomes a whole mountain to climb on? A Sherpa would be helpful but this is bigger than Everest itself.

It was a mere anthill when the

problems began. Sure, the times have changed. Did the boomers’ catch-up yet?

No? Ok, boomer.

The term “boomer” refers to the baby boomer generation. Baby boomers are those who were born from the 1940s to 1960s. It was also a period of change in most countries. The meme began as a Tiktok video of a girl responding to her grandfather’s rant with “Ok boomer.” Eventually, it spread like wildfire on the internet. People began to reply with “ok boomer” to a Baby Boomer’s complaints towards millennials and Gen Z. The generational gap between baby boomers and millennials didn’t make things any easier either. What is perceived to be a norm in one generation may mean something else for others? If a boomer believes that one should just work an 8-5 job six days a week, spend less, and invest in the stock market, it would work for another boomer. As for the millennial, even paid overtime wouldn’t pull them out of debt.

The next thing you know you would hear, “Namamasko po!”

Many yuletide decorations are not even up yet, worrying about the potential electric bill.

Children who used to carol on the streets would be seen at home, holding their phones or tablets.

Distance in the family became one of the main factors. The spirit of Christmas is seemingly fading, as technology advances, the type of entertainment then fades. Further, as the economy demands less, enjoyment is actually put into a halt.

However, there are still parts of the Philippines that

PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET

hold true to its embarking culture. Showcasing events and shows displaying the seasonal sparkles, having Contest on Christmas carols, and even doing reenactments of the birth of Jesus.

Keeping Christmas alive and true, despite the harsh conditions that society has slowly built and caused, Filipinos never fail to look past the negativity, all to have an optimistic and joyous Christmas.

PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET

The phase wasn’t as aggressive as it sounds. While it became a popular meme, even going as far as being used by New Zealand MP Chloe Swarbrick in retaliation to a much older member of parliament during her speech regarding climate change. It was meant to be a passive response to the situation.

Baby boomers aren’t taking it lightly though. They claimed that the phase is an ageist response.

Children should be respecting their elders, why should they let them?

Young teenagers are marching out on the streets and the mean age to get involved in politics is getting younger. With more and more youth speaking out, the adults are bound to retort with “Kids these days.”

Ok, boomer.

So what if one wants to be more environmentally conscious because

the planet is dying soon? What about the crippling debt the country is still in? How about the corruption staying unchecked?

It’s overwhelming to a point you have nothing to say other than “Ok boomer.” On the bright side, they finally have an idea of the struggles faced by Gen Z and Millennials in trying to explain things to them.

Tables have turned now.

On the surface, it’s just a meme response. If one would look deeper into things, there is a visible disparity between the two. If the boomers were so enthusiastic about fighting for their rights during their heydays, then why can’t Gen Z do the same?

While “ok boomer” will be replaced soon, the message remains.

The supposed adults in charge aren’t doing anything and it’s up to the youth now to do it themselves.

Features

VO LU M E X L I I I - I S S U E 6

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Magic Lights

BY JUSTIN SANTELICES Checking your wristwatch, you noticed how it was a little past 7:30 PM for what seemed like a bus ride home that took forever.

Fridays were simultaneously the best and worst days for you.

Unsurprisingly, the ride was jam-packed, with people of all ages, all of which had a look in their eyes that wanted to sleep more than anything else.

The bus was heading south, Las Piñas to be exact, to where you lay your tired body to rest for the next battle tomorrow morning.

“Sa Vito po dadaan! Vito po tayo”, the conductor, sporting a white polo and little fanny pack, yelled repeatedly as more and more passengers entered and squeezed in.

Just barely passing Mabini, you noticed strange lights up ahead.

Or rather, the bright glares caught you. So, you decided to fight off your sleepiness for the sake of your curious mind.

“Ang tagal naman gumalaw...”, you grumbled after every stop.

Although you weren’t really a stranger to Manila’s traffic scene, you couldn’t help but complain.

What else was there to do?

Finally, after all the honking of car horns by the seemingly pissed off drivers, the bus reached the intersection. It stopped at the red light and magically sat in front, just enough for you to make out what the lights you once saw were.

“CCP pala”, you finally realized while instinctively reaching out for your phone from your bag which sat nicely on your lap.

The bright lanterns that adorned the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ facade and Front Lawn had you in awe. To your surprise, the lights moved in patterns as well.

Beautiful hues of lights dancing in waves. Blue, yellow, purple, green, everything, it was indeed a sight to behold.

After a few minutes of “research” on Facebook, you came to find out that the showcase of lights was to commemorate CCP’s 50th anniversary. “Sinag: Festival of Radiance”, it was called.

The bus started moving again when the red light turned green, and as it made a left turn, it stopped.

“Pasensya na po mga ma’am sir,

Carrying on the Tradition of Simbang Gabi

BY PATRICIA LARA

‘Misa de Gallo’ or ‘Simbang Gabi’ has become a big part of the Filipino Christmas tradition since the country’s Spanish Era. For nine days, novena masses leading up to Christmas is held at dawn and it culminates with a mass held on Christmas eve.

WHAT MAKES SIMBANG GABI SPECIAL? The tradition of the Simbang Gabi will never fade out for every Catholic Filipino as it remains precious and sacred for every

household. The churches, on the other hand, make sure to decorate each parish with parols, lights, and stalls to give each churchgoer a moment they could cherish.

Besides the decors, the Belen is the centerpiece in every church as a part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

But what’s a Simbang Gabi without the sumptuous treats waiting after each Eucharistic celebration? There are the famous bibingka and putobungbong. A cup of hot coffee or chocolate is also available, serving as the perfect match for the rice cakes.

PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET

aayusin po namin saglit”, said the conductor with a hint of irritation, to which groans were replied and complaints were heard.

Mysteriously, it broke down just in front of CCP. “According to the CCP, the spectacle offered by SINAG: Festival of Radiance includes the ideas of truth, goodness and beauty symbolized by Baybayin letters on the building’s facade, and an installation of lanterntype structures representing the role the arts play in society”, so read the article.

The CCP’s official post made mention of a 20-feet sundial art installation, which made you immediately look down, almost reflexively, to find this very object. “...at the CCP Front Lawn, the installation represents the role of arts and culture in society over

time.”

“Ayun! Sundial nga pala tawag diyan”, you tell yourself as if it was a scientific breakthrough.

You knew that you were going home late and you also knew that the other passengers were getting angrier by the minute. But it didn’t really matter. The grand spectacle that was CCP captured you.

After what became quite some time for the others but only several minutes for you, the conductor happily said that it’s finally ready to go and that they were sorry, finishing with a big sigh.

The engine started and the vehicle drove moving away from CCP, your wristwatch said 8:47 PM, your fellow passengers settled down, and your night just got a little better.

PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET

RELEVANCE OF SIMBANG GABI Simbang Gabi is not just only a tradition for celebration. The real reason this is held is to have a spiritual preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Besides this, it also serves as a way of being thankful to the Man above for the blessings that have come during the year.

At the end of the day, the Simbang Gabi is our version of Thanksgiving.

REDNIFWEIV

2019 in Photos: Wrapping up the year

PHOTOS BY PATRICK ROMERO, JEMVERICK VIRAY, ARALI SANTIAGO, CHRISTELLE HARO, ANGELOU DIÑO, RONI MAE SERRANO, JANEA ORATE, PINKY GENOVE, ADRIAN AGUILAR, & KING MARTIN

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NEWS

DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020

Knights Speak E D I T O R I A L B O A R D S Y. 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR DESIGN EDITOR

FEATURES WRITER Justin Santelices Georgina Santiago SPORTS WRITER Alyssa Aquino CONTRIBUTORS Patricia Lara

ALYSSA AQUINO MEILINDA MALACAT ETHAÑA RAMONES CHANTAL MACARAEG MEILINDA MALACAT PATRICK ROMERO ELDRICK NOLASCO

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jemverick Viray Pinky Genove Arali Santiago Angelou Diño King Martin Adrian Aguilar Christelle Haro Janea Orate

Do you agree with Sen. Franklin Drilon’s take on the SEA Games cauldron, which he called “unnecessary extravagance”?

Maria Sofia Dimaculangan, 2nd Year Communication student I don’t agree. The Philippines hosting for SEA games 2019 is a great opportunity that must be cherished and put extreme effort into. Such chance don’t happen very often and this was a moment where the Philippines can proudly flaunt their great athletes. Yes, it is worth millions and probably the money is better off on other things that could actually be more useful to. However, the cauldron was not just a way to show off but symbolism. A towering symbolism of hope, pride, oneness and courage that unites us all Southeast Asian countries in one of the most spectacular events we could ever experience.

Reyen Kim Calinawan, 2nd Year Journalism student

The thing about the 50-million cauldron is that indeed it was an unnecessary extravagance as what Sen. Frank Drilon has mentioned.

The fact that it wasn’t really put to light by a fire during the opening, for me it was only a joke. It did not serve its purpose because the literal lighting was pre-recorded. The president kept on convincing the public that it will bring pride and honor to the country but P50M is not a joke.

It could’ve been used to build extra classrooms or could’ve been used for funding public hospitals here in the Philippines.

Mary Joyce Cabatbat, 2nd year Communication student

ANTON VINCENZ L. TANTOCO PUBLICATION ADVISER

Published monthly, THE LANCE has its office at 3F Student Center Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros Manila FOR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email us at thelance@letran.edu.ph

Justine Laboriante, 2nd Year Communication student I think Senator Drilon shouldn’t have said that the cauldron was an “unnecessary extravagance” even though he has a point when he justified himself that the budget should have helped make 50 classrooms for other people. He knows that the cauldron signifies important lighting that represents the opening ceremony of the SEA Games that is why people are expectedly going to bash him for what he said.

Xandra Canlas, 2nd Year Communication student

We can’t flex something when in fact, we’re actually in debt. Oo maganda siya, pero the truth is that hindi naman siya necessary and priority. We could’ve alloted the money sa mas makabuluhang bagay para masulusyunan ‘yung problema ng bansa.

I strongly agree with Sen. Franklin Drilon’s take on SEA GAMES cauldron. It is indeed too much for a piece of material that has nothing to do. If the budget was given to the local farmers instead or to the indigenous people that was displaced, there would be less social problems in this nation.

Czarhyna Rane Fadrigo, 1st year Communication student

I agree. The 50-million is overpriced not to mention the athletes that arrived here in the Philippines experienced so many inconveniences.

It really is an embarrassing moment. Filipinos are known to be hospitable, but why did the government bring us to shame?

Gian Karlo Ladrido, 2nd Year Communication student

I totally agree on Drilon’s statement about the 50-million peso budget for the SEA games 2019 cauldron. Yes, it is an unnecessary extravagance. Spending 50-million for just a Cauldron made out of metals and concrete is very questionable.

Jehanne Galit, 4th year Marketing Management student

Actually, hindi naman talaga mahal, kumalat lang ‘yung maling balita, kaya ‘yung mindset ng mga tao isipin nila mahal talaga. Sa tingin ko worth it naman ‘yung price ng cauldron kasi naging maganda naman yung appearance nya sa Sea Games.

Sports

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Ginebra picks Balanza; Columbian drafts Batilier and Balagasay

PHOTOS FROM PBA IMAGES

BY ALYSSA AQUINO Four products from Letran were selected in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft last December 8 at Robinson’s Ermita in Manila.

Though it was expected that all four Knights were going to be called up to the stages, the order of which they were

drafted was not.

Drafted as the last pick in the first round by the Columbian Dyip was 6-foot-8 big man Christian Balagasay.

Balagasay played sparingly for the Knights during their NCAA Season 95 run, averaging just 9.4 minutes to post numbers of 2.7 points and 1.3

Prayers, flowers, candles offered to Kobe Bryant in Valenzuela

BY ALYSSA AQUINO

What was supposed to be an open-for-public basketball court has become a temple for an icon.

Hours after news broke out of the demise of basketball great Kobe Bryant, Filipino fans of the global icon flocked to Valenzuela City’s “House of Kobe” in Karuhatan, paying their respects to the man himself.

There, casual and hardcore fans of all ages alike lit candles, laid flowers, and offered prayers for the eternal repose of Bryant.

Outside, the flowers ranged from simple bouquets to ornate pieces. A candlestand was also put up by the facility’s administrators while also letting the visitors write their messages to their fallen hero on a wall outside.

Bryant, 41, his 13-year-old

daughter Gigi, and seven others were killed in a tragic helicopter crash, Monday morning (Manila time) in Calabasa, California.

The group was on their way to Bryant’s Mamba Academy.

During his stellar 20-year career, the five-time NBA champion has visited the Philippines seven times -making sure he made a stop in the country in almost every shoe tour he had during the offseason.

And with the outpouring of tears and stories from his admirers in the facility that was only opened to the public last Sunday, the all-time great has definitely touched a lot of lives.

Administrators of House of Kobe said that they will continue to open its doors to fans who want to bid farewell to Bryant for the next few months.

rebounds per game.

Still, the native of Pilar, Bataan has yet to reach his full potential and might meet it in the big league.

Meanwhile, skipper Jerrick Balanza was selected after him by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

In Ginebra, the 23-year-old swingman, who averaged 15.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0

assists in his senior year, will still be with Knights assistant coach LA Tenorio, who is the floor general of the Kings.

Rey Publico, who was part of the 2015 championship squad, was selected as the 16th overall pick by the Alaska Aces while Bonbon Batiller was picked at 25th by Columbian.

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA AQUINO