February Issue 7 - A.Y. 2015-2016

VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

Marcellana elected president

BY SETH LIU, CELINE PALENZUELA, AND QUEEN PAÑO

PARTIDO Muralla (PM) presidential candidate Samantha Marcellana was victorious in the presidential race of the recently concluded Letran Student Council (LSC) elections for school year 20162017.

Marcellana, a third year Communication student, garnered a total of 1,485 votes to stomp Angela Arreglado of rival Aksyon Alyansa Letranista (AAL), who acquired 987 votes.

In an interview, Marcellana assured her fellow Letranites, “Ayoko magpaasa ng mga estudyante pero they [can] expect a more disciplined student council. [More] active and mas magiging close ang student council sa mga estudyante. We will give the students the power to decide with us sa lahat ng mangyayari sa activities ng LSC and also, yung three principles namin: [transparency] and accountability with good governance, [protecting] students’ rights and advancing student welfare.”

In the tightly-contested Vice Presidential race, Christian Renzo Sabanal of AAL emerged victorious as he snatched 1,279 votes over the 1,052 votes of counterpart Jochebed Hope Adriano (PM).

Erick Joshua Leaño of AAL,

running unopposed for Secretary, needed just 1,309 votes to get the seat. He garnered 1,803 votes.

In another tight race, Bea Ariadna San Juan (AAL) bested Carina Dominic Aguinaldo (PM) as Deputy Secretary by just 49 votes.

Gila Colina Cabudil and Chad Rusty Calpo of AAL won as Treasurer and Auditor, respectively, surpassing their rivals from the other party, Eissen Lorenz Ros and Jin Domingo.

Cyril Kim Lalantacon (AAL) is Public Relations Officer-elect as he toppled Iñaqui Angelo Mangahas (PM) with a close margin of 120 votes.

The Letran Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced the winners at around 9 PM, just hours after the elections concluded.

The election was held at Computer Laboratories 1, 2, and 3 of St. Vincent Ferrer Building that lasted for almost 10 hours (9:20 AM to 7 PM).

Voting process includes lining up for registration to get a voting password, proceeding to the assigned computer laboratory, and after casting the votes, getting inked to know that you have finished the process.

Asst. Prof. Catherine Sanchez, Director of Office of Students’ Welfare and Development (OSWD) explained the delay in

Samantha Marcellana speaks during the Presidential Forum. | PHOTO BY ALFONSO TAMONDONG

announcing the winners. She said they originally targeted to do it 15 minutes after the closing of elections.

Zarah Garcia, the chairman of COMELEC, also defined the difference from last year’s election process wherein the COMELEC still needed to tally the results per laboratory, to what had happened this year wherein a database had been set up to collect results from all laboratories. She stressed that this made their work easier and faster.

The announcing of the Tourism Management senator did not push through as it did not

meet the required 50 percent of votes of the total population of the said program plus 1 vote to qualify for the position.

Overall, there were 2,616 out of 4,178 students or 63% of the total student population who casted their votes; down from the 70% voter turnout in the 2015-2016 elections.

Presidential forum Presidential aspirants battled for the position on the annual gathering on February 15 at the Quezon Garden. Instead of the usual presidential debate, Tagisan 2016 is in a form of a presidential forum.

According to Asst. Prof. Sanchez, a presidential forum is one way of helping the presidential candidates to present their platforms the best possible way they can.

“This year, what we want for our Tagisan is a different way of presenting the programs and platforms for the student body,” she said.

It aims to emphasize the strength of each candidates rather than engaging them on a debate. The forum also enables the candidates to expound their platforms and discuss it further.

THE College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) proves itself to be a college of achievers as the Student Development Program (SDP) ventures into more activites and immersions this school year.

Asst. Prof. Ava Nicole Azotea, Food Techonlogy Coordinator and the Assistant Program Director of SDP, explained what SDP is and what it does.

“For the previous years we have already had this program. However, for this

year, Asst. Prof. Kenji (Asano, CBAA assistant dean) made some changes. It is designed to train our student achievers and leaders to be more competent and to be equipped as future captains of the business arenas. It

MARCELLANA, PAGE 2

Student Dev’t Program LM students win in CBAA improves BYitsJEDRICK PAZ ‘Toughest in Taft’

BY MYKEE MONTEROLA

CBAA, PAGE 10

‘CommExcel’ Awards launched

BY SETH SIMON LIU

LLMS representatives placed 2nd and 3rd in Toughest in Taft 2016.

PHOTO FROM LEY LA SALLE

LETRAN Legal Management Society representatives won 2nd and 3rd place in the “Toughest in Taft” race hosted by Ley La Salle on February 13 at the De La Salle University.

Along with other Legal Management students from Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo To-

mas, and New Era University, they were divided into seven groups to compete in an Amazing Race–themed challenge, one group from ADMU and two groups from the rest.

The single group from Ateneo de Manila won 1st

Engr. Catherine Sanchez, Asst. Prof. Louie Ignacio, and Rev. Fr. Boyd Sulpico, O.P. pose with one of the winners. | PHOTO BY ABIGAIL

THE Colegio’s communication organization, Media Works, launched COMMEXCEL 2016: Student’s Choice Awards with the LM STUDENTS, PAGE 10 theme, “Celebrating the

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@TheLANCELetran

Role of the Youth in Today’s Mass Media” on February 11 at the Student Center Auditorium.

CommExcel is a term short for Communication

@thelanceletran

Excellence. It aims to recognize organizations and individuals who exhibit outstanding performances, services, and advocacies while promoting excellence, fairness, and Christian values in the field of communication and the arts.

It has six clusters: Television, Radio, Print, Music, Film, and Online. Nominees per category under each cluster were chosen through the following meters: Audience or Consumer Rating,

COMMEXCEL, PAGE 3

letran.thelance@gmail.com

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44 firms join Letran job fair

BY CELINE PALENZUELA

NEWS

2016-2017 Letran Student Council Elections

TALLY OF VOTES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT: Arreglado (AAL) – 987 Marcellana (PM) – 1485 Abstain – 144 VICE-PRESIDENT: Sabanal (AAL) – 1279 Adriano (PM) – 1052 Abstain – 285

SENATORS

Letran holds annual Job Fair event | PHOTO BY LETRAN ADMISSIONS

THE Guidance and Counselling Center-Career and Placement Office of Colegio de San Juan de Letran organized the annual “Arriba Job Fair” from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 11 at the Blessed Varona Gymnasium.

This year’s job fair was participated in by 44 companies from different industries, namely: The Philippine Star, ACADSOC, SuySing Commercial Corporation, United Health Group, Suerte Steel Corporation, Solutions Experts and Enablers, Inc., Equitable Computer Services, Sykes Asia, Inc., Intellicare, Security Bank Corporation, Proserve Multi-Resources Specialist, Inc., SPI Global, Megaworld Corporation, CPI Outsourcing, China Banking Corporation, Optiserve Technologies, SMART, MDC Group Inc., Federal Land, Inc., iPlus Intelligent Network, Inc., Paragon ICC, Ltd., Avida Land Corp., LBP Service Corporation, CDC Manufacturing Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Pointman Placement Specialist, Expert Global Solutions, ABS-CBN Corporation, Philippine National Bank, Topserve man Corporate, Pioneer Insurance, Dwightsteel Bldg., Systems Inc., 24 Hour HR Process Outsourcing, Inc., Robinsons Bank, Philippine Veterans Bank, Philippine Prudential Insurance, Collins International Trading Corporation, Immaculate Conception Academey – Greenhills, Citiglobal, The Medical City, Nippon Paint Philippines, Corporate Executive Search, Eastwest Bank, and Datem Incorporated.

The event received good feedback from some students who said that the job fair was effective.

“Maganda yung naisip nila na nag-organize sila ng job fair sa Letran. Kasi maraming

students ang nagiisip na baka wala sila mapasukan na trabaho after college. Pero dahil sa job fair nalaman namin na di pala and marami pa rin nag ooffer ng work para sa amin.

Masaya and exciting ang naging experience ko during the job fair,” said Charlene Anne Dela Cruz, senior Marketing student.

“Effective siya [job fair] kasi parang naging at ease ako as a graduating student kasi marami palang job offers and I hope hindi ako mahirapan sa paghanap ng work in the future,” said Aila Mae Linas, 4th year Broadcasting student.

However, some students from the Institute of Communication observed that the job fair lacked companies from the media industry.

“Kulang yung mga companies na nandoon. Tulad sa program ko [Advertising], walang agency or production house. Para sa akin hindi effective ‘yung job fair kasi ang naging purpose na lang noong mga students makapagpapirma para sa attendance,” said Kevin Samonte, 4th year Advertising student. ”It was well-organized.

Kasi hindi siya masyadong crowded, sakto lang yung tao. So ma-accommodate ka talaga every booth. Tapos madami din yung booths that time. However, as a media student, isa lang yung napuntahan kong booth na related sa program ko [Broadcasting], which is ABS-CBN lang.

Tapos yung ibang pinuntahan ko, sa marketing department yung ino-offer nila na position,” said Frances Español, senior Broadcasting student, adding, “Pero I was still grateful for the opportunity na binigay ng Letran sa mga graduating college students kasi not everyone naman is given this kind of privilege na yung company na mismo yung lumalapit sa school.”

Accountancy Mendoza (AAL) – 77 Dela Cruz (PM) – 41 Abstain – 6 Accounting Technology Alandra (AAL) – 90 Lazaro (PM) – 34 Abstain – 6 Advertising Taala (AAL) – 65 Robles (PM) – 40 Abstain – 2 Broadcasting Malvar (AAL) – 59 Abstain – 8 Communication Hermoso (AAL) – 166 Jimenez (PM) – 67 Abstain – 21 Digital Arts Villanueva (AAL) – 14 Sanchez (PM) – 33 Abstain – 2

SECRETARY: Leaño (AAL) – 1803 Abstain – 813 DEPUTY SECRETARY: San Juan (AAL) – 1217 Aguinaldo (PM) – 1168 Abstain – 231

Economics Kakilala (AAL) – 10 Abstain – 4 Education Cruz (AAL) – 15 Caidic (PM) – 9 Abstain – 2 Engineering Balagapo (AAL) – 62 Gayao (PM) – 201 Abstain – 9 Entrepreneurship Aquino (AAL) – 42 Langres (PM) – 51 Abstain – 0 Financial Management Sanchez (AAL) – 189 De Leon (PM) – 80 Abstain – 14 Food Technology Riza (AAL) – 42 Abstain – 7 Hotel & Restaurant

MARCELLANA FROM PAGE 1

Panelists of the said forum were Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio, Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Asst.

Prof. Edna Marco, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Randy Castillo, director of the Total Quality Management office. Four students were also invited as panelists in order to ask specific questions to each candidate.

Both candidates took the opportunity to prove themselves in front of the crowd.

Marcellana focused her plan of governance towards transparency and accountability, while Arreglado emphasized the importance of public information in collaborating efforts to solve the issues in Letran.

In the end, both presidential aspirants were happy with their performance during the forum.

“At first, I felt nervous kasi I had no idea about the questions, no matter how massive the preparations were, I still had no idea. Pero, while the debate was ongoing I didn’t feel nervous at all, I felt the need to answer the questions straight to the point. I felt so aggressive and very assertive while hearing the questions and maybe that’s why it reflected well in the manner of how I answer.

I can say I did great. It was my ‘grace under pressure’ kind of state. I can also say it was my best-est performance ever,” said Arreglado.

“Hindi po ako confident sa mga sagot ko pero feeling ko lang po ang sumagot doon ay yung natural na Sam. Sobra pong kabado kasi madaming tao, tapos ‘di mo alam kung sino

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: TREASURER: Lalantacon (AAL) – 1226 Cabudil (AAL) – 1478 Mangahas (PM) – 1106 Ros (PM) – 892 Abstain – 284 Abstain – 246 AUDITOR: Calpo (AAL) – 1362 Domingo (PM) – 979 Abstain – 275 Cargullo (PM) – 107 Management Abstain – 15 Magdayao (AAL) – 21 Nutrition & Dietetics Faustino (PM) – 24 Arzadon (AAL) – 9 Abstain – 8 Recuerdo (PM) – 19 Human Resource Abstain – 0 & Development Operations Management Management Rosalejos (AAL) – 21 Poli (AAL) – 68 Base (PM) – 17 Mandanas (PM) – 51 Abstain – 2 Abstain – 2 Information Political Science Technology Cataluña (AAL) – 15 Roncal (AAL) – 46 Pagalunan (PM) – 31 Buena (PM) – 185 Abstain – 7 Abstain – 6 Psychology Journalism Calaquian (AAL) – 43 Garcia (AAL) – 47 Santos (PM) – 96 Abstain – 12 Abstain – 34 Legal Management Tourism Management* Macaspac (AAL) – 74 Onglao (AAL) – 14 Mallari (PM) – 34 Abstain – 11 Abstain – 1 Marketing Management *Did not meet the required 50% + 1 vote.

Telebrico (AAL) – 225

mga susuporta sayo. But at the end of the day, after or before the debate, sabi ko kay Lord ‘kayo na po bahala’.

Kasi alam naman ni Lord na kung sino yung dapat, at hindi naman po ako natatakot kung ako yung mananalo o matatalo kasi alam kong naibigay ko na yung makakaya ko at surrender na ko kay Lord,” said Marcellana.

Both of them underwent serious preparations in order to perform well in the forum.

“We had several sessions within the slate, they threw me questions and I answered on the spot. We also had sessions with our alumni, identifying the problems we thought existed inside the Colegio and then, we provided solutions which were within our platform. I also watched national presidential forums, that I thought helped me in answering [the questions],” said Arreglado.

“Nagkaroon ng puyatan tapos may mga question na siyempre kailangan kong paghandaan at ‘saka may mga question na kailangan kong itapon. Pero ‘yun nga, forum po siya, hindi siya debate. Madami naman pong tumulong at kailangan ko lang po talagang panindigan yung mga sinabi ko at yung principles na andoon din naman po,” said Marcellana.

According to some students, the presidential forum helped them to know more about the candidates and their platforms. ”Mas nakilala ko ‘yung mga candidates for president at nagkaroon ako ng idea kung paano sila mamumuno,” said John Philip Pineda, 3rd year Information Technology student. ”I can say naging smooth naman yung flow nung debate, and I think both parties had their chance to prove na

deserve nila yung position na they’re running. About sa candidates naman, competitive sila, they have the same sentiments pero mayroon silang own way on how to deliver it to influence us students,” said Ann Gasmen, 3rd year Communication student.

Partido Muralla is the new Lakas Lapiang Liberal ng Letran PM is the new name given to the Lakas Lapiang Liberal ng Letran, a party which had been around for 10 years and produced a lot of student leaders.

However, the new name created an issue among the Letran community because not only did they change their name but the color as well.

President-elect Marcellana shared the rationale behind the name change.

“Ang Lakas Lapiang Liberal ng Letran, siya na ngayon ang Partido Muralla. Isa sa mga rason kung bakit kami nagpalit ay mas gusto naming patibayin tulad ng walls ‘yung Partido namin. Kasi in the past few years sunod-sunod ‘yung pagka-panalo then we figured out that it’s time to change, change of color, change of name but the principle and the service is still there.

‘Yung prinsipyong ‘yun ‘tsaka yung serbisyong ‘yun mas nagevolve. Hindi naman mawawala yung Lakas Lapiang Liberal ng Letran, it’s just that it evolved through time at ayun naging Partido Muralla na.”

She also revealed the reason behind the name Muralla, “We’re thinking of changing the name along with the alumni, nakita lang namin ‘Muralla’, then dun sing-tibay ng wall, sin-tatag ng wall ang magiging platforms and mga kandidato at principle.”

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VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

COMMEXCEL FROM PAGE 1

Social Media Impact, Christian Values Content, and Critical Success. The awardees were then determined through a student preference survey which ran for a week from November 30 to December 4 last year. Overall, the award-giving body has 25 categories.

Present in this event were Executive Vice-President, Rev. Fr. Boyd Sulpico, O.P.; the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio who delivered the opening remarks; Director of the Office of Student Welfare and Development, Asst.

Prof. Catherine Sanchez; Director of the Institute of Communication (iCOMM), Asst. Prof. Norberto Bana III; the Adviser of Media Works, Special Instructor Irish Santos-Lorenzo; and other iCOMM Gurus.

Dingdong Dantes, GMA7’s Primetime King, together with Letran alumna and MOR 101.9 DJ, Arbie Belmonte, also known as DJ Chikki Boom Boom also attended the said event.

Other awardees were not able to come, but had their respective representatives receive their awards. Kapamilya Actor and On The Wings Of Love lead star,

James Reid, and 90.7 Love Radio DJ, Nicole Hyala sent their video messages thanking the organizers and the students who voted for them.

Toni Gonzaga, on the other hand, was stuck on the traffic, but still managed to come even though the event was already finished.

Walter de Jesus, president of Media Works, hopes that CommExcel will be an annual event for the organization and for iCOMM to honor and recognize excellent personalities and organizations in the field of Communication.

The following are the winners of the first ever CommExcel:

• Outstanding Television Network – ABS-CBN • Outstanding Television Program – Eat Bulaga; GMA, Tape, Inc. • Outstanding Male TV Personality – Alden Richards • Outstanding Female TV Personality – Toni Gonzaga • Outstanding Network Foundation – ABS-CBN Lingkod • Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. • Outstanding Network Campaign – Thank You For The Love, ABS-CBN • Outstanding AM Radio Station – DZMM • Outstanding AM Radio

Announcer – Karen Davila • Outstanding FM Radio Station – MOR 101.9 • Outstanding FM Radio DJ – Nicole Hyala • Outstanding News Publication – Manila Bulletin • Outstanding Magazine Publishing Company – ABS-CBN • Publishing, Inc. • Male Entertainment of the Year – Bamboo • Female Entertainent of the Year – Sarah Geronimo • Album of the Year – Perfectly Imperfect by Sarah Geronimo • Record of the Year – Kilometro by Sarah Geronimo • Outstanding Music Video – Huwag Ka Ng Humirit by • James Reid • Outstanding Male Social Media Personality – Alden Richards • Outstanding Online Media Campaign - #NowPH: A Million Youth Voices Campaign • Best Motion Picture – Heneral Luna • Best Film Director – Jerrold Tarog; Heneral Luna, Artikulo Uno Productions, Inc. • Film Actor of the Year – John Arcilla; Heneral Luna, Artikulo Uno Productions, Inc. • Film Actress of the Year – Bea Alonzo; The Love Affair, Star Cinema

Five Chinese New Year facts

BY RISHA FERNANDEZ

WITH a culture so mesmerizingly vibrant and traditions which are truly complex, the Chinese simply know how to be headliners as they do their own thing. And while they might be in hot water lately, all disputes set aside, here are the top five facts you probably don’t know about the beloved holiday we’ve all heard since day one.

1.) ‘It’s Kiong Hee

Huat Tsai’

3.) Binondo is the real OG

Situated in the heart of the gorgeously gritty city of Manila, Binondo is the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Established in 1594, its name also had two supposed origins: the first one was said to be derived to describe the place’s originally hilly terrain. So basically, binundok; the other came from linguist Jean-Paul Potet, who claims that the moniker came from the river mangrove called tundok and its prefix ‘Bi’ pointing out Binondo’s proximity to Tondo.

According to anthropologist and University of the Philippines-Diliman Chancellor Dr. Michael Tan in a GMA News to Go video, majority of the Chinese population in the Philippines are of Hokkien descent which has its own dialect and is similar to Hainanese.

The popular phrase “Kong Hei Fat Choi” however is more of a Canton- 4.) It’s both religious and cultural ese greeting, which irks many of the As a festivity dating back 4,000 years in human hiselderly Tsinoys in the country. tory, the Lunar New Year is still rooted to its religious traditions; it is largely based from traditional Chinese religion and cosmology. On the other hand, burn2.) It is the year of folk ing wishes written on paper and lighting up incense the Fire Monkey are examples of Buddhist and Taoist practices usually According to their very own zo- exercised on that special day. But in recent years, the diac (which is divided by 12 years holiday has become more of a cultural celebration. instead), those who are born under 5.) New Year almost got cancelled the year of the monkey are said to be Infamous chairman Mao Zedong didn’t allow any recondescending yet smart social butterflies with a quick temper. With ligious practices during his time and instead replaced two aggressive elements combined, them with ceremonies that glorified communism. Durmetaphysics practitioner Dato Joey ing that time, traditions of the Lunar New Year almost Yap and others predict that 2016 as came to a close until Mao’s death and the ‘open door’ a year “open to rapid and unpredict- policy of 1978, which drew back the enthusiasm for the once-lost occasion. able change”.

BY QUEEN PAÑO LETRANITES express their because some people do thoughts about the chang- not want those rave parties es they want to see in Le- and ‘getting wet’.” tran and their suggestions - Reginald Cruz, 2nd for the next Letran Student year Legal Management Council.

“Kung may mga prob“Well, sana ‘yung next ad- lema ‘yung mga students, I ministration will focus more hope i-try nilang tulungan on programs which priori- nila sa buong term nila sa tize student rights and sana position kasi napapansin mas maging transparent sa ko, tuwing campaign pefinancial transactions nila.” riod sobrang friendly nila - Charles Valeriano, 3rd tapos magsasabi sila ng year Political Science platform na makakatulong pero after nilang mana“Siguro para sa manana- lo, pa-konti-konti silang long next Student Council, nawawala. Another thing, mapalawak nila ‘yung up- ‘yung dissemination of indates ng lahat ng nangyayari formation.” sa Letran, mapa-activity - Jezzalyn Co, 2nd year man o hindi kasi mahirap Legal Management maghanap ng updates kung walang mag-aannounce ng “Siguro mas maging apmaayos at magkaroon ng proachable in case may unity sa lahat. Mas enjoy na tanong ‘yung mga students. ang school year for Letran- Maging open sa opinions ites not just because of the and suggestions ng Letran parties but because of the community kung paano genuine activities held in the pa pagandahin ‘yung school premises.” pamamalakad ng Letran - Nikki Rivera, 3rd year community o kung may Digital Arts makitang mali. Kasi, mas nakikita ng normal stu“As a student of Letran, dents ‘yung nangyayari sa I am not aware of the other Letran kasi di naman sila projects of the Student Coun- busy at madaming inaasicil except for the Intrams, the kaso tsaka sana ‘wag nilang different hair policies like abusuhin ‘yung posisyon hair color, the Paskong Ar- nila. Binoto sila kasi naniniriba and the different quiz wala ‘yung mga estudyante bees like LetraMind. I know na kaya nilang baguhin at that these projects set the pamahalaan ng maayos students’ interests but what ang Letran. At mamagitan about the students’ needs? ng may katapatan at inteFor example: Bullying. It still gridad ang SC na papabor occurs inside section blocks sa paaralan natin at sa mga on different courses but no estudyante nito.” action is being implemented - Christyn Mañalac, 4th because first, no one really year Marketing Managelistens and second they are ment too afraid to approach the student affairs office. All I’m “Sana lang makagawa saying is that the informa- sila ng innovation sa needs tion dissemination should be ng mga students such as improved from the students ‘yung effective na print stato the council and council to tion para hindi na lumabas the students. And I would sa school. Also, ‘yung flats also like to advise them to policy, sana ma-impose tamake the party better than laga ‘yun.” before and more interest- Lois dela Paz, 3rd ing for most of the people, year Journalism

Sources: http://www.gmanetwork. com/news/story/441198/lifestyle/artandculture/kiong-hee-chinese-newyear-celebrations-traditions-in-metromanila Joaqiun, Nick (1990). Manila, My Manila: A History for the Young.

City of Manila: Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-9715693134.

Potet, Jean-Paul G. (2013). Arabic and Persian Loanwords in Tagalog. p. 444.

ISBN 9781291457261. http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z8vdjxs

http://cnnphilippines.com/ lifestyle/2016/02/03/2016lucky-signs-Fire-Monkey-Chinesezodiac-Lunar-New-Year.htmlhttp://facts.randomhistory.com/ chinese-new-year-facts.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ news/worldnews/asia/china/12140520/chinese-new-year2016-year-of-the-monkey.html http://facts.randomhistory.com/ chinese-new-year-facts.html

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OPINION

EDITORIAL

The cost of countering terrorism

IT was a day like no other in the Philippines.

You cannot simply banish the horror of the carnage that resulted to the death of 44 soldiers in the Mamasapano clash. Aside from the sense of invulnerability that was shaken due to the assault launched by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao, larger issues loomed about the President’s political skills in forging swift and powerful response against terrorist threat.

The dreadful event happened more than a year ago but the present administration brought them back again in our memories as they gave special recognition on what the fallen soldiers contributed to the country. But the question is, why only now? And after this, will the government no longer do any digging to make certain that the right persons would be punished?

While some are pleased with this scene, other people assert that this is just a way for the Aquino administration to cover up the Mamasapano encounter. Against the backdrop of the nation being attacked by terrorists, President Aquino, even

until the last four months of his term, would still have to redefine his presidency and silence skeptics who doubt his ability to command the Philippine Army.

Looking back helplessly on this event, we can only hope for justice to be served.

It’s a relief that the families of the victims received reparatory damages from the government. However, there could be no more fitting tribute to the “SAF 44” than to send the one responsible for it to jail. That’s a lot to pull off, but it must be given high urgency by the government in order to avoid such events from happening again. This is a very crucial part of the job description of the President of the Philippines. So, it is important that the next leader of the country will be able to delegate tasks among his or her subordinates efficiently.

We have witnessed this tragedy and sympathized with the victims and their families. There could have been so much that can be done and much that shouldn’t. But the best thing that the government can do now is to restore the sense of security in the country particularly in Mindanao.

EDITORIAL BOARD 2015-2016

Kim Daniel Rubinos Editor-in-Chief Angelica Cruz Managing Editor Eumarie Peñafuerte Associate Editor

Angelu Rea Zafe News Editor

Angelica Pauline Sta. Ana Sports Editor

Bryle Suralta Features Editor

Ryan Miguel Rona Photo Editor

Alissandrine Margaret Blanquisco Design Editor

Dylan Afuang, Angela Baes, Czarmae Bajado, Bettina Bonillo, Mykee Monterola, Rafael Omega, Celine Palenzuela, Queen Paño, Jedrick Paz, Isabela Pertez, Paula Tamayo, Trisha Andrada, Kevin Alcantara, Risha Fernandez, Angeli Manabat, Kathrina Pineda, Teejay Obsequio, Donnel Gabriente, Rafael Manzano

Contributors

Abigail Arendain, Louise Dela Paz, Pauline Gonida, John Ryan Padlan, Arnel Pancho, Jr., Alfonso Tamondong

Photographers

Kenneth Cabuyao

Cartoonist

Luisa Buñag

Norberto D. Bana III Adviser

Kim Eniego

Layout Artist

Published monthly, The LANCE has its editorial staff office at 3F Student Center Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila.

F O R COMME N TS, QUESTI ONS, and LET TERS T O THE EDI TOR

Get in touch with us at fb.com/thelanceletran

@TheLANCELetran

letran.thelance@gmail.com

Home stretch IT is that time of the year again when a bunch of students are slated to finish a chapter in their lives.

It’s the season that every student looks forward to every year for it celebrates and gives credit to all the hardships and countless headaches endured during college.

This is the prize we, students, get for those sleepless nights, the irritating long queue during enrollment, some terror and annoying professors that we had to endure for a semester or two, the struggles of finishing a homework minutes before the deadline of submission, the NSTP classes every Saturday, and a lot more.

I share the same sentiment with all of the graduates: there is nothing sweeter than confirming your name on list that will be given proper send-off at PICC. But my inner-emotional-self cries because this is the time when a number of things will happen for the last time, the last washday Wednesday, the last time we will wear the Letran uniform, the final home-

work (at last), and the final dot.letran login to view our grades.

I must admit, even though I hate school, it is definitely going to be missed.

The polluted commute to school that seems to last forever, the way we drag ourselves to our 7 AM classes, the quick glance at crush along the Colegio’s hallways, the heartbreaks brought by failed subjects and even INCs (incomplete), and every memorable experience in between are all over, finally.

We may say that we have been through a lot in college but the real question now is: are we really prepared?

Are we equipped with the best knowledge and skill to survive the real world, the so-called ‘concrete jungle’?

The Colegio did its part; it brought us the academic excellence, as promised. It prepared and provided us everything that we need in order to be at our best in our courses.

However, aside from that, all of our experiences outside the four corners of our classroom should have

taught us a thing or two.

And it is up to us, graduates, to apply everything to the real life.

As we all conclude our college journeys, let’s remember to always make Letran proud.

See you again, Batch 2016, hats off to all of you.

Congratulations to us!

*** In behalf of The LANCE, I would like to apologize for two things: first, we are deeply sorry for having this issue and the issues that will follow produced and delivered late.

As some may also notice, our previous issues were not perfect as much as it tried to be. There were mistakes in some issues and we would also like to apologize for all of the errors published and for the ones the succeeding issues might contain.

I hope my apologies reach those concerned.

It is saddening that we have fallen short of expectations but rest assured that The LANCE has done everything to publish the ‘best’ outputs possible.

We are very grateful to you, our dear readers; those who still pick an issue in our newsstands around the campus to glance at some of its pages. You are our inspiration in putting quality to our work and to finish our herculean responsibilities.

I hope you will never get tired of reading or scanning a page or two of this paper despite late, again.

5

VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

February column WE have learned a lot from their stories.

Woman met the man. Woman was courted by the man.

Woman fell in love. Woman committed to the man. But eventually, the man cheated on the woman. And that made the woman hateful on the concept of love, even the way she looked in the mirror every morning.

Some people who know that I’ve never been in a relationship with a man may not consider me as the right person to give the best advice on saving a relationship. My friends would certainly affirm that I am someone who would always suggest to them to not make their relationships be on top of their priorities. Instead, I would advise them to think about their derivatives and functions first. And for that reason, many assumed that I am just bitter over someone when in fact I consider myself, modesty aside, the most contented young woman among my peers. Not to sound bragging, but I do assess myself efficient to the core, simply because under the make-up or not, I am still the same person.

Today, we are submerged in a culture where entire magazines are dedicated to the sculpting of our rear-ends and the ripping of our abs – something which, admit it or not, just makes you feel bad about yourself. But I would venture to guess that body shape is not the universal struggle of women. It actually boils down to keeping their thoughts free of envy and pride. One minute you love yourself and the next minute, you’re starting to loathe it, making your inferiority a dwelling place. If you see yourself like this, take a break.

Otherwise, your mind and body will ache with the strain of being pushed too hard.

It doesn’t matter if people contemplate your difference being old-fashioned rather than advanced thinking. What is more significant is that you look behind for wisdom and not look around for approval.

There was this advertisement I saw which talks about woman empowerment where random people were asked to run like a girl, throw like a girl and jump like a girl. Apparently, the demonstration they did was their immediate

Never Again, Never Forget SUPPRESSION of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, rampant corruption, and hundreds of missing people that were never found up to this day. These are just some of the horrifying truths regarding Martial Law. Now that 30 years have passed, some still claim and actually still believe that the Marcos regime was the golden age of our country.

Myths and false claims regarding the time of Marcos that are still believed until today contribute a lot to the glorification of the said era.

Statements such as people were “more disciplined” back then, we were number 1 in Asia, dollar rate is 1:1, low

crime rates and other claims continuously convince people, especially the youth, to think that Martial Law was indeed the best thing that ever happened to the Philippines.

Social media has contributed a lot to the way millennials perceive the Marcos regime. Posts glorifying Marcos circulate around the internet, with these young people commenting that they wish we’d have another Marcos as our president. But I don’t think they know what they’re talking about. On the internet, Marcos is put on a pedestal.

Almost every day you’d see a post circulating on Facebook with the list of his achievements as a president. The youth have been led to believe

judgment about girls, as they ran with both hips moving, throw the ball with two pinkies raised, and jumped not higher than one foot. This implies that people, be it girl or boy, share the same idea that what makes woman different from man is her capacity to do things in the right way. On the contrary, women had already proved themselves that they can be as strong as men.

Why, is it new for you to see soldiers and drivers who are girls? Are women being disqualified to run for president of their state? No, so just enjoy your freedom. Maybe there are few happy endings this side of heaven after all. We just aren’t the ones who try to get them written.

It’s kind of ironic as I name this as February column when my intentions are to give women the time to rethink about their relationships. Not really to put an end to it but perhaps focus more on what certainly calls their urgent attention. And for those who felt being cheated, it’s time to give yourselves a chance to be truly loved. Only wait and be patient. Then eventually, you will stop straining yourself to see what is happening on the other side of the fence where all the green grass is growing because suddenly you’ll learn to appreciate your difference and make your own version of beautiful.

As my column name suggests, Moulin Rouge. Love and be loved! what these Marcos apologists want them to believe. They have been brainwashed by the ill attempts of these apologists to revise and erase what really happened during Martial Law. Frankly speaking, the only ones worse than young people blindly glorifying Marcos are those who actually lived through the Marcos era, and are still supporting and claiming that these were the best years of our country. Instead of educating the youth of what damage these times caused to our nation, they continuously support the abuse our country experienced during that time.

A lot of people say that we should just “forget and move on” from what happened, that it has been 30 years and we should just focus on the present. But that’s an insensitive to say when lots of people werekilled and were missing and never found during those times. We can’t just expect everyone to move on and forget about those things.

More importantly, how can we just move on if the youth still don’t completely understand

When love and hate collide LOVE comes in different kinds and platforms: real love, true love, platonic love, from one great love to the love that got away, and since this is the February issue and we all know that Feb is the month of love, let’s talk about love and hate and other emotions in between.

But if you think this column will have a lot of hugot lines and tweetable love quotes, you’re wrong.

In Philippine politics, as cliché as it gets, you have to despise your rivals to fight for what you love and what you aim to achieve.

In order to step up their game in the arena, they have to put down their opponents with accusations and vexations for the love of serving the country and occupy the seat of the most powerful person in the land.

Over the years, the game just got exciting for the presidential candidates as they prove their clean intention and genuine love for the country.

Months after the official filing of candidacy, we’ve been witnessing the locking of horns of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and former DILG secretary Mar Roxas in media as they throw “myths”, slap threats, fist-fight battle, a gun duel challenge, and finally, a dare of showing medical records and proof of circumcision with one another.

On interviews and press conferences, bad mouthing the enemy is the ace to prevail.

For what? To gain people’s trust? To defame the reputation of the other contenders?

Or to just make a fool of themselves?

Is it really worth it to gain the love of the people and to put you up on the throne?

Is this the right way to court something you love? Regardless of the reason, their childish antics must come to an end, for it only reflects how the system of Philippine poliwhat happened during those times? How can we move on if Bongbong Marcos still refuses to apologize and completely doesn’t recognize the trauma his father brought to a lot of people and the nation?

Martial Law and the whole

tics works.

A figure of ridicule for everyone’s watching. Perhaps might be the case why other countries disparage our strength as a nation.

While they’re busy taking each other down, the real adversary is already winning; building infrastructures and deploying missiles and jet planes on our territory.

Instead of presenting their platforms and speaking on current and social issues for the public to know their stand, here they are unprofessionally entering into a word war; wasting time, talking nonsense.

THEY’RE ALL TALK. NO ACTIONS. Empty promises and hidden motives, and we, as voters, will hold on with all the what-ifs that went along with what they uttered.

All we do is hope. All this hoping for something-or someone-that’s maybe hopeless.

This is not how you attest your love for the nation; if love means hatred towards others, it negates the true meaning of love itself. It is not love after all; rather it is selfishness and greed.

We give them chances to attack us when we’re not looking and opportunities to break our hearts with each day that passes.

Filipinos deserve better, what we really need is a unified love.

Imagine if all the presidential bets will join hands to safeguard our land from all the invaders who are trying to claim portion of our mother land. If even after election, they will use their might and influence to solve the crisis that we’re facing, to use their power to stop terrorism and violence against children and women.

And altogether fight poverty and end corruption.

What if they will join forces to defeat our true enemy? I guess, that will be an epic love.

Marcos regime is not something you just move on and forget about. It’s something to constantly remember and talk about in order to educate people about it, and more importantly, prevent it from happening again.

#TheLANCEU

IN LINE with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, The L of unsent letters. To those who are not familiar with “U Shakira Sison; it features unsent pieces/s

One

I can have my heart broken over and over again if it is by you, my love. In any galaxy, in any world, it is my willful surrender to love you regardless – you and only you.

Perhaps, you own the purest soul and most genuine heart I have ever seen. Those eyes that see through the unperceivable, that smile that mends wounds of ages and those lips that speak only words of kindness and truth cannot merely define half the person that you are.

You would always see through the greatness of others but see none of yours. But I am telling you, love, you’re a hundred percent.

I was enamored with the way you selflessly loved the people around you, making me a better lover too. Unconsciously, you made me a better version of myself; for that I am thankful.

I’m grateful too for opening yourself to me, good or bad, every side and bit of it; for allowing me to see your dreams, fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities. I was honored to see the beautiful human in you, behind those dashing smile and funny lines.

You’ve touched me in a way I haven’t been before. There has always been something about you that made me believe in something so vague yet so real. Something we called love.

You made me feel that it is okay to put my guard down while you knew exactly how to make me feel safe and warm in your arms. I was lucky enough to spend less than two years - that for me counted as forever. Not enough words can describe how happy I was when I was with you.

What we had was magical and real. In some weird circumstance, all the stars aligned for us, and for a moment, we were right for each other.

It was beautiful while it lasted.

But what most see as the ending might only be the beginning of our journey to finding ourselves and being truly happy.

By then, hopefully, we can be whole, able, and worthy to fully love each other.

By then, hopefully, the universe will pave a way for us, if we are really meant to be together.

By then, hopefully, our forever and always shall nowhere be a fantasy.

Though for now, forgive me, and just allow me to miss you every single day.

Two

For you, “R” my love Remember me happy, sad, and excited. Remember me lo in love with you. I was different around you. Remember trapped inside your kisses. Remember my jokes; how co

laugh.

Remember my laugh, its high-pitched dying puppy sound. Remember my lau Your laugh brings the water back to shore. Your laugh brings me back home.

Remember what it felt when our skin touched. Every touch was an adventur Rememtber the drunken nights, remember the sober thoughts. Remember me Remember me. Remember us. Remember us talking about our future. I wante couldn’t because I knew I wasn’t yours.

Remember that your my biggest what if, my greatest could’ve been. Rememb Remember me lonely and angry. Remember me in love with you. For I promis I won’t remember anymore.

Your love, C

Three

Sana mapansin mo Sa tuwing nakikita ka, puso’y

kinakabahan; Sa tuwinwwg babatiin ka, sasabihin act normal lang, Hindi mo alam ang nararamdaman ‘pag ika’y nasisilayan, Kunyari wala lang, pero deep inside tumatalon yan.

Natatakot ako sa magiging reaksyon mo, Natatakot ako kasi alam kong wala lang sa’yo, Pero ayos lang, at least sinubukan ko; Masaya akong napatawa kita kahit “appreciate zone” ako.

Nahihiya ako kasi baka malaman nila, Baka malaman nila na patay na patay ako sayo; Noong una, kala ko kaya kong itago, Pero ‘di ko matiis na sabihin sayo nararamdaman ko.

Noong una, nade-deny ko pa, pero wala, iba ka talaga; Kaso bigla kang nagbago, nahihiya ako.

Dati lagi mo akong binabati with smile, Ngayon hindi ka na magawang batiin kahit slight.

Tinitignan ka mula sa malayo, hinahangaan lahat ng gawa mo; Number one fan mo ako, ‘yan ay pangakong hindi magbabago, Sa pag-alis mo, hahanapin ko saan ka man magtungo.

Kahit maikling sulyap lang, masaya na ako.

Oo, hindi ako umaasang magugustuhan mo rin ako, Kasi alam ko namang sobrang labo.

Pero gusto ko lang mapansin mo ako, Pero hindi bilang mas bata sayo, pero normal na tao.

Hindi ko alam kung paano magpapaalam sa’yo, Kasi sobrang lungkot ang nararamdaman ko.

Ikaw lang naman ang inspirasyon ko, Upang mairaos lahat ng mga ito.

Tinitignan ulit kita mula sa malayo, sobrang saya mo Kasi matutupad mo na lahat ng mga pangarap mo.

Masaya ako para sayo, masaya akong nakilala kita, Pero mas masaya kung lubusan kitang makikilala.

Four

malapit ako sa’yo.

Suwerte ko daw kas sa’yo, madami ding tawanan kita, nakak gumala ng tayong da Suwerte ko daw ka sa’yo.

Suwerte ko daw kasi Suwerte daw ako. P man? Kasi sa bawat bawat uwi nating mag sa labas, at bawat ga pinapatay ng sakit sa tayo. Na hanggang du sunod yun. Na walan mo sa akin.

Suwerte pa ba ako? H

Five

I will always love you it’s accidentally. It was the sun and I’m the mo

But then, time made guy I never thought of then I stayed and chos trust. You left me with s

But then, time passe day by day. You’re the you’re the coffee that never happen again.

Even though everyth never hate you for bre trust doesn’t exist. I wi day by day; because a me has a meaning to y

UnsentLetters

LANCE asked Letranites to submit their own version Unsent Letters”, it is originally a newsletter created by sentiments addressed to certain people.

onely and angry. Remember me that if could, I would’ve stayed orny they were, still you tried to

ugh because I remember yours.

re, and boy, we were travelers. e, eyes closed listening to music. ed to tell you, you were mine but

ber me happy, sad, and excited. se the next time our eyes meet,

Suwerte daw ako kasi kaibigan kita?

Suwerte ko daw kasi

si sa dami ng nagkakagusto naiinggit sakin kasi nakakakasabay kumain, umuwi, at alawa lang. asi alam ko lahat ng tungkol

magkaibigan tayo.

Pero bakit parang hindi naaraw na magkasama tayo, sa gkasabay, sa bawat kain natin ala nating dalawa para akong a ideya na magkaibigan LANG un lang yun. Na wala nang kang meaning lahat ng pag-aya

Hindi diba?

Six

To The Best Thing I Never Had It was March of our freshman year when you told me you liked me. I didn’t like you back immediately because my friend likes you. Friendship is more important than what I would feel about you. I also told you that you should rather court her because that’s what seemed right. But you didn’t, you told me that it was me who you like and aren’t halfhearted about it to just court another girl because I said so. I had no choice, so I told my friend about us, and fortunately, she’s okay with it.

We never really talked to each other at school so I never get to know how to feel when talking to you. One day, you told me that you wanted to talk to me, but it never occurred. I didn’t know why, maybe because it isn’t time for us to talk to each other personally yet. But I saw you that day, and we looked at each other. There was something in your look that tells me that you want to be with me. And I’m certain that I also had that look in my eyes. We just didn’t know how to convey it to each other.

Days after, we were already friends on Facebook and you already got my number. I didn’t quite seem to remember how you got that but I liked the idea of receiving a text from you every single day. There was one time when my friend told me that you chatted with each other, and she told me that you also told her how much you loved me. I was somehow dubious but actually, I felt something in my heart, the feeling of being loved.

When summer came, it became more difficult to have physical contact with each other, but we managed to communicate and maintain the relationship. One night, I received a call from a number that wasn’t registered on my phone, but I answered it anyway, it was you. I felt a rush of excitement and became giddy. You were very fun to talk to and I loved the sound of your voice.

That started a series of phone calls, text messages, and chats.

Until one day, you told me that something happened and you will not be able to contact me through phone. But we were still able to communicate with one another through Facebook, then a text message came that caused a rift between us. One of your friends told me everything about you, mostly negative things. I didn’t know why, but I believed him immediately. I let him break what we had and that the most foolish and stupidest thing I have ever done. I let you go.

I’ve seen your posts and it wrecked me. It was all about us, about how much you loved me and about how much I’ve hurt you.

Sophomore year came and my friends told me that you transferred to another school and that you courted someone after me. I don’t know what happened to that but it made me feel awful.

You moved on so easily, and I was still stuck with the idea of “us”. Until now, I still cannot get over you, I still think about you. About the things that we shared together and about how I didn’t ask for your opinion about the things that your friend had told me.

Today, I still think about the “what ifs” and “if onlys”. If I hadn’t believed that friend of yours, what could be us now? I know I have hurt you enough, but I hope that you have already forgiven me because I want you to know that you are the best thing I never had.

To the guy I promised I will never leave by his side,

u. I’m glad that I met you. I will never regret that I knew about you, even though by chance. I never thought that there will be a time that we would talk. You were oon. I thought we would never meet.

e it possible. We texted and talked. There, I knew about you. You’re the type of f. It was too good to be true. Many people told me that I should stay away, but se you because I know you’re different from everything they said. I gave you my sweet words and promises.

ed by. You broke your promise and left me clueless. You made me overthink reason of my depression. I never thought you’ll be cold as ice because before, gave my heart some heat. I always long for that moment though I know it will

hing seems to be so tragic now, I will never hate you for leaving me clueless. I will eaking your promise. I will never hate you for letting me believe that loyalty and ill never hate you for breaking my heart piece by piece. But, I will love you more at one point, you made me happy. Because at one point, everything you said to you and you meant it. I will always believe that at one point, you loved me too.

All letters were slightly edited for clarity.

8

From your valentine: St.Valentine “IT IS love that makes the world go round.”

A popular quote by W.S. Gilbert, it may sound cliché as it seems but it can be proven as a vivid reality. Songs dominating music charts, prizewinning books, top rating TV shows to movies conquering cinemas, romanticism is the favorite theme. It merely shows that romance is everybody’s favorite. There is even a day especially meant for romantic couples – Valentine’s Day. Approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making it the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas, which only shows that we are all familiar with Valentine’s Day as much as we are with Christmas.

Every February 14, across the Philippines and in different places around the world, packs of chocolates, bouquets of flowers, and gifts are generously exchanged between lovers or in some cases even with loved ones like your parents, relatives or even one’s closest friends. But people barely know who St. Valentine is and the stories

FEATURES

surrounding this special date for lovers.

The saint

BY TEEJAY OBSEQUIO we celebrate on Valentine’s Day is officially known as St. Valentine of Rome in order to differentiate him from the dozen of other Valentines on the list. Because “Valentinus” — from the Latin word for worthy, strong or powerful — was a popular name between the second and eighth centuries A.D., several martyrs over the centuries have carried this name.

The story of Valentine’s Day and its patron saint is shrouded by mystery. Not much of it is reliably known, and whether or not the stories involve two different saints by the same name is also not officially decided. However, the Roman Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyrs.

One legend says that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Emperor Cladius II believed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and children. He banned marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the decree as an injustice, defied the emperor and continued performing marriages for young lovers secretly. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Cladius ordered him killed.

Other stories suggest that St. Valentine may have been killed for trying to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “Val-

One month of love, 6 LGBT films

BY KEVIN ALCANTARA

#LoveWins as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community and advocates put it, and as February sets in, people around the world celebrate that universal language of the heart. Here are six LGBT-themed films which explore the many different faces of the vast spectrum of love.

entine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a jailer’s daughter. Before his execution, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine” on February 14, the day of his execution.

Although the truths behind the Valentine legends are murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and – most importantly – romantic figure.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial which probably occurred around A.D. 270.

There are some claims that Valentine’s feast day is pagan in origin. The Church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” or overpower the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Like Christmas Day, which is also celebrated simultaneously with the pagan feast Saturnalia.

Valentine’s romantic nature may have derived during the middle ages, when it was believed that birds paired couples in mid-February.

Whoever Valentine was, he really did exist, because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius marked February 14 as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

Not much is reliably known of St. Valentine, but what is factual is that he is the patron saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people. St. Valentine is more than just a mere saint named after a day dedicated to romantics.

Heartbeats (dir. Xavier Dolan) 2010 | Canada Heartbeats is a humorous take on the lengths people go to, just to win over some other person’s favor. The story revolves around Marie and F r a n - cis passive- aggressively competing for Nicolas’ attention, a new guy whom they both fell in love with. Although its progress depicts a self-destructive struggle among its characters with the hopes of attaining romantic love, its resolution suggests that friendship still prevails in the end. Despite the simplicity of its linear plot, Dolan makes perfect use of imagery, a playful soundtrack, and careful pacing in order to achieve a certain atmosphere, something that has become his signature over time.

Blue is the Warmest Color (dir. Abdellatif Kechiche) 2013 | France Blue is the Warmest Colo follows the story of Adele whose self-realization is ignited when she passes by a blue-haired woman while crossing the street one day. The film dissects the coming of age element: how gay people discover that they are, in fact, not straight, and the ordeals which they go through. Deeper into the film, Blue then dissects relationships and provides the notion that one always loves more than the other, and that compatibility somehow plays a role. The slow pacing and still atmosphere, instilled into the movie’s threehour runtime somehow makes Blue occasionally lackluster, but that may be necessary to preserve the “blueness” of its atmosphere.

Noordzee, Texas (dir. Bavo Defurne) 2011 | Belgium Noordzee, Texas is a comingof-age film about Pim, a closeted Kasal (dir. Joselito Altarejos) young boy who finds 2014 | Philippines l ove in Gio, his long time As its very title suggests, more or less half of friend and escape route from the movie consists of an actual wedding cerhis negligent single mother. The story emony, quite ironic considering how the main delves into childhood and innocence, or the characters are actually two gay men living in a lack thereof, and what it means to grow up. It country where same sex marriage isn’t legal. attempts to portray love and loss and the lone- Kasal establishes with its opening sequence liness within these situations, and succeeds the central conflict of infidelity, which evencompletely, all likely attributable to its slow- tually becomes a significant destructive elepaced storytelling and its quiet and provincial ment in the long run (probably a warning shot atmosphere that is consistent all throughout. for audience members who plan on doing it).

Noordzee manages to become an evocative film Kasal reflects how love is the core element in a about picking one’s self and facing life, without relationship, but sometimes, some forces come compromising its heartwarming into play and weigh just as much. Say, trust. nature.

Tangerine (dir. Sean S. Baker) 2015 | USA While most LGBT-themed films maintain a quiet vulnerable atmosphere, Tangerine The Way He Looks (dir. Daniel Ribeiro) swerves off that lane to provide its audi2014 | Brazil ence a dynamic sass-infused comedy piece.

The film revolves around Leonardo, a blind teenTangerine revolves around best-friends Sinage kid who encounters conflicts with his overprodee and Alexandra, two trans-hustlers, and the events that occur on parents, school bullies, and friends, Giovanna, and a new stuChristmas Eve. The film is able to humanize its notorious characters, setting their t e c t i v e criminal identities aside and introducing them as people who deal with their per- dent named Gabriel. Leo’s self-discovery gives him a stronger yearning to prove sonal troubles and emotions. The dialogues are mainly accountable for its cracking people that he’s grown and capable of doing things on his own. However, Leo’s sense of humor, complementing the superb acting given by its cast. What’s crazy and Gabriel’s repressed feelings for each other provide irony as a device which is that the whole movie was shot using merely an iPhone yet its clever cinema- gies the story a fresh spin. Although the premise sounds more or less like your tography suggests as if a more high-end technology has been employed. Overall, typical young adult coming-of-age novel, its elements harmonize into a whole Tangerine gives you a heartwarming resolution and a good laugh despite its bit- piece that offers remarkable insights and fluttery enjoyment. tersweet premise.

VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

ART FAIR 2016: Back and bigger than ever

BY BRYLE SURALTA

***PHOTO FROM INTERNET *(Art fair)

THIS year’s Art Fair is bigger than ever. After three successful round-ups in 2013, 2014, and 2015, the fourth installment has plans to slay its previous outings from February 18 to 21 at the Level 5, 6, and 7 of the Link Carpark, Parkway Drive, Ayala Ave. in Makati.

Art Fair Philippines is considered royalty when it comes to exhibiting and selling the best in modern and contemporary visual art in the country. The fair has regularly outdone itself by adding more alternatives each year for those who are interested. Yes, that means all you art enthusiasts out

there, whether you’ve gone to the Art Fair before or not, this year’s edition is going to be the best and you can’t miss this.

Oh yeah, did I mention there will be 40 participating galleries across the 6,374 square meters of space? That’s a lot of art right there.

Each day represents a respective guided tour. On February 19, the shuttle will take a trip to Quezon City for a tour of the Vargas Museum in University of the Philippines-Diliman, the Ateneo Art Gallery, and the Lopez Museum and Library.

As for the guided tour on the 20th, the shuttle will

head out to Manila for a tour to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the De La Salle University, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

And on its last day, February 21, the shuttle goes to Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal.

The shuttle for the tours will start at The Link at 10 a.m.

As for the special exhibit during the fair, it will be led

by Brisbane-based Filipino husband and wife tandem Alfredo and Isabel Aquiliza.

Names like Mark Justiniani, Martha Atienza, Nona Garcia, Raffy Napay, Mac Valdezco, and Pamela Yan Santos round up the list for the special exhibit.

Also, the fair teamed up with the Ateneo Art Gallery for a series of talks, lectures, discussions, and panels for the enthusiasts present. The talks will be held twice a day every day during the fair.

Yep, this year’s fair wants you to not just scratch the surface but to also give you an in-depth look towards art that the fair has to offer.

And these are all just tiny glimpses of what the fair is going to give us. Bottomline, clear your schedules, art lovers, you just can’t miss out on this.

Alan Rickman

BY RISHA FERNANDEZ

HE was more than your average page-turner to 394; despite spending years of being plunged into the limelight, Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman wasn’t your typical meantime man who only played roles from a string of mainstream movies. As we continue to live with his legacy living inside our hearts, get yourself schooled with a few quaint feats from one of filmdom’s most respected actors.

Pretty fly for an artsy guy As a child, Alan excelled in calligraphy and painting apart from attending drama school during his college years. He even managed to establish a successful graphic design studio before he finally pursued

acting formally at the age of 28. Best of all, finding box office success in the latter part of his career didn’t lose his love for theater and often tried to find moments where he could go back, saying that the activity was “magical” and “his first love”.

Best mistake Panakip-butas ka rin ba? Well fret not, because even Alan was an option for his most successful role, although Harry Potter author JK Rowling did envision him as she wrote about Severus, opportunity only came when his fellow British actor and the studio›s first choice Tim Roth backed out from the Sorcerer’s Stone in exchange for starring in Planet of the Apes.

Nice and slow Best known for his slick and suave speaking tone, Rickman was also included to create the “the perfect male voice” alongside Jeremy Irons according to two researchers, a linguist, and a sound engineer, who were samples of 50

voices.

Something more While the older generation recognize him as Die Hard’s Hans Gruber and the young guns know him best as Severus Snape from the Harry Potter franchise, the bottom line was that Rickman was no stranger to being type casted into intimidating personalities, but there was a time when Rickman turned down a role in Golden Eye (which eventually went to Sean Bean) because he was bored with playing villains.

On the side of him Alan suffered from a minor stroke just in August of 2015.

Little did he know that it had also led to the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which was carefully kept away from the public and the fact that he was already terminally ill was only shared with his closest confidants. Despite the best efforts, Alan passed away on January 14, accompanied by his relatives and friends it London

Oh my Manny

SARANGGANI Representative and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao drew the ire of netizens, local and international stars alike regarding his comments on same-sex relations and same-sex marriage. More so, drawing criticism from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community, but also getting recognition from a chunk of Filipinos.

When asked about his stance on same-sex marriage in an interview with TV5’s “Bilang Pilipino,” the video went viral as the he said (translated from tagalog): “It’s common sense.

Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female?”

He ended the interview with a powerfully controversial statement, saying, “The animals are better.

They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then man is worse than animals.”

His statement just basically said that if you engage in same-sex relations, you are worse than animals. He has since apologized for the remarks.

I can’t believe the audacity.

The eight-time world champ answered with the kind of fluidity you don’t usually see from the guy when he’s actually present in Congress. May I remind you that Mr. Pacquiao holds the record for non-attendance in the 16th Congress?

And people still think he’s fit to be in the Senate. What?

His use of the “common sense” card just flaunted the kind of ignorance that I find the most disturbing. Bigotry is an unacceptable trait in the world, it represents hate and hate doesn’t help the society or a country to progress at all.

We all have our stand on the subject. Some agree, others disagree, that’s normal. Manny, being the “good Christian” he is, spoke his mind as and just based his statement from the teachings from the Holy Book.

To disagree is fine. To during his last day.

Sources: http://m.imdb.com/name/ nm0000614/trivia?ref_=m_nm_dyk_trv https://web.archive.org/ web/20010422224203/http://www.btinternet.com/~sc.i/devil_in.html “Interview: Evil Elegance”. Alan-rickman. com. Archived from the original on 7 July

have an opinion on the subject matter, to believe in what you preach and what your religion preaches is fine, too. But to dehumanize a group of people and to degrade them is intolerable.

When the pressure got even heavier for the Pambansang Kamao, there were still a mass following of those who came to his aid.

Arguing that there are indeed Bible verses which affirm his statements and that the word of the Lord is to always be followed.

Let me get this straight, so there is a God that tells you that you are supposed to deny a group of individuals the same right to love freely? That equal rights for everyone is a no-no? That sounds like justified bigotry.

Okay then, if your religion requires you to have prejudice against any other human and not grant them the same rights you have, sorry to break it to you, but I think there is something wrong with your religion.

If choosing to love is a sin, I guess we’re all worse than animals after all.

But one a side note, the even bigger head-scratcher is that people are actually still rooting for the guy to be a Senator. The Filipino Christian community appreciated him standing by his beliefs. So I guess that makes him a great leader now, right? I’m seeing a spark in his chances.

First of all, we need leaders who’ll fight for everybody’s rights. Second, just because you did the country well by restoring sports glory and Philippine pride, doesn’t automatically make you a qualified leader, know your limits. Third, I’ve seen you in politics, and safe to say, I don’t want to see you as a Senator with the kind of service you did. And fourth, a couple of Bible verses don’t make you any better of a person. You’re just chasing the lifestyle you know you’re leaving when you retire from boxing.

P.S. I was never planning on voting for you anyway, even before this debacle and I never will. “Common sense” lang naman din no, Champ?

2011. Retrieved 9 July2011.

Staff (14 January 2016). «Alan Rickman, Harry Potter and Die Hardactor, dies aged 69». BBC News. Retrieved 14 January 2016.

10

CBAA FROM PAGE 1

was divided in four programs; Intellectual Ability, Emotional Maturity, Social Relationship, and Business Culture kasi diba we are in CBAA.” Azotea also shared that many CBAA students were interested in joining SDP, “Napakadami talagang nagapply na 3rd year and 4th year students. Pano namin sila napili? Una sa academics, and second, sa leadership. So as of now tinake namin siya to only 12 students.

Only 3rd and 4th year students are allowed to apply for the program.”

Alexis Remojo, member of the SDP program, shared her insights and hardships about the program saying that she was initially scared and worried that she might not be good enough for the program. “Knowing that all the applicants from the CBAA can be as good as you as or even better than you, I was scared of not getting accepted. At the same time I was nervous because I might screw it up and not perform well. I think it’s a good thing that I felt those emotions as they made me stronger so I was able to pass all the requirements. It was hard, indeed, but it was worth it.”

Remojo revealed what made her join the SDP, “I joined the Student Development Program because I want to get out of the box. I want to explore something new and at the same time I

want to develop my intellectual, emotional, social, and business cultures which the program aims to provide to student achievers and leaders.”

Azotea enumerated the different activites that the SDP made and attended such as seminars, competitions, and even being able to attend the APEC Summit.

Azotea also said the program is looking into a possibility of having an immersion tour.

“Parang student exchange program and meron din kaming one participant, Ms. Molina, na nakapuntang Malaysia because of an exchange program. The immersion program that we are planning is local lang dine-decide namin either Ilocos or Baguio; we are looking for a school there. “ She said the SDP is a big opportunity for students to enhance their skills as a leader and have vast experience in the field and Remojo agrees.

“Other students should join SDP because it is a great opportunity for them to become well-rounded candidate-professional armored with strong abilities and great mind full of ideas.

Aside from that, it is a family you can count on. It is a team that works as one and friends that you can hang out with. It is not just a simple training other students can think wherein they get trained; it is more than that, it is a starting point where one student achiever or leader has to take the path he or she wants.”

LM STUDENTS FROM PAGE 1

place, CSJL Group 7 - Kurt Tañada, Marlen Roxas, Edmond Gastanes, Mystica Loria, and Angelie Joson – brought home 2nd place, while CSJL Group 6 - Jazzmine Dariagan, Ivy Añonuevo, Theresa Quiambao, Jeremiah Ebojo, and Ellaine Cui landed as 1st runner up.

Quiambao, said, “We almost defeated the Ateneo team but their stamina was better than ours”.

The CSJL groups admitted having no strategy in winning the game but were able to outwit the other groups in answering difficult questions and surpassing different consequences.

“Nakakapagod… Hindi lang siya within the vicinity ng La Salle, sa labas din. Umabot pa kami sa Benilde. From Quirino to Vito Cruz station, tinakbo namin,” Dariagan said.

The groups went around DLSU’s campus, then to Benilde’s SDA campus, Vito Cruz station, Quirino station, Enrique Razon Sports Complex then back to DLSU’s Ampitheatre.

The CSJL Teams did not expect to win. According to them, they were just in it for the experience. Añonuevo said, “When we found out that we’re the second team to finish the amazing race, our team was really surprised and happy... We had a great time and also an intense body pain.”

When asked if they would like to join next year’s Toughest in Taft challenge, Ebojo answered, “Yes. But I would rather give chance to others who want to join as an opportunity for them to experience the race”.

SPORTS

Alaska Aces set foot in Letran

BY RAFAEL MANZANO

Closed door practice of Alaska Aces at Letran Gymnasium.

PHOTO BY APEC STA. ANA OR RAF MANZANO?

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup runnerup Alaska Aces held a closed-door team practice at the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium on February 16.

Asked if why the Aces held their practice at the Muralla-based institution, head coach Alex Compton explained that the team is attending an event near Intramuros on the same day.

“We have something to attend to in the Manila area,” says Compton.

The veteran mentor added that it was also made possible because of Aces’

associate head coach Louie Alas, who last coached the Letran Knights in 2012, “and it’s because of Coach Louie, he made a reservation last week.”

Compton also expressed his delight to the Knights’ superior season in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) this year who by then drafted stager forward and former Letran co-captain Kevin Racal as the 11th pick in the recent 2015 PBA Draft in October.

“Because we’re such big fans of the Knights. We’re glad to be here. Salamat,” the Filipino-American coach said.

BEERMEN PH LOSES FROM PAGE 12

usual wage – burning three mandatory timeouts early in the first quarter. They then made an early platoon swap that seemed unviable; and forced them to climb a 21-point lead at the 2:02 mark of the third quarter amid an Arwind Santos 3-pointer.

However, their impending defense resulted in a 17-7 run to start the fourth. Calvin Abueva and Chris Banchero plundered nifty buckets to blow San Miguel’s lead down, 77-72 with 6:53 remaining.

But the Leo Austria-led squad did not show any signs of debacle as Santos banked another triple and Ross casted two consecutive layups to restore their momentum, 84-72, with over four minutes to go.

The Aces had to push the tempo further but the Beermen held its grip as Ross drained another triple to extend it to a comfortable 8775 advantage with 3:03 left.

FROM PAGE 12

secutive Asian Games gold medals in 1951, 1954, 1958 and 1962 and two FIBA Asia Championship titles in 1960 and 1963.

He retired on donning the national colors in 1964 but ascended as the head coach of the national team in the 1967 FIBA Asia Championship, which he successfully led to a crown. He also mentored the University of Santo Tomas and a couple of teams in the PBA. Current sports personalities were also saddened by the death of the hoops icon. Former national team tactician Chot Reyes posted on his twitter account, “Just got word that ‘The BIG Difference’ Caloy Loyzaga just

Ross was named finals MVP with a season high 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, and averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.7 steals in the series. Fajardo finished with a double-double, with 21

The team had situational drills and few scrimmages in their training for almost two hours. It was their preparation for their opening game in the Commissioner’s Cup against the Blackwater Elite.

PBA superstars Calvin Abueva, Dondon Hontiveros and Chris Banchero are just among the pro’s who graced the gates of Letran. Their foreign acquisition Robert Dozier was also in attendance but did not participate in the team’s court training and instead did some strength workouts at the gymnasium’s weight room.

passed. We will be [forever] grateful & honored.

RIP #Legend.”

Long-time sports analyst Sev Sarmenta also tweeted “Sad to hear Caloy Loyzaga passed away: made Philippines invincible in Asian hoops and known around the world. Really the Big Difference.”

His sons, Chito and Joey followed his mantle and both joined the pro-league.

While his daughters, Teresa and Bing entered the showbiz industry.

Loyzaga was among the first one to be inducted in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame back in 2010. He may be gone but his legacy to Philippine basketball will forever remain in the hearts and minds of all Filipino hoops junkies. points and 15 rebounds.

Down three games to none, the Beermen clung on their hopes and garnerned a fruitful victory over in what has everyone called an improbable run in making history.

11

VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

Sporting events of 2016

BY RAFAEL MANZANO

FILIPINOS are undoubtedly avid fans of sports. We’ve seen it from last year and in the past decades; whether it’s basketball, boxing or football, our countrymen crave seeing every bit of it. Here are the five most anticipated sporting events of 2016:

1. Pacquiao – Bradley 3 In what is supposed to be the final fight of his tremendous career, eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao faced Timothy Bradley Jr. for the third and last time.

The Filipino Champ will retire after the last frame of their trilogy match with Bradley last April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The two first faced-off in 2012 where Bradley took the win over a controversial split-decision against Pacquiao. The second bout took place in 2014 where Pacquiao took redemption, winning over a clear unanimous decision victory. Pacquiao, 37, who lost to Mayweather last year via unanimous decision, eyes to reclaim the Welterweight Championship belt from Bradley who is much younger at 32. Pacquiao currently holds a record with 57 wins, six losses, and two draws while the younger Bradley has his own 33-1-1.

2. FIBA Olympic Qualifiers The Philippines is lucky to host one of the three Olympic Qualifying Tournaments along with Serbia and Italy. The said event would take place from July 4 to 10 and will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. However, the national team will have to double the effort as it is bracketed with toughest teams around the world. Turkey, Senegal and Canada complete Group A of the Manila leg while the Philippines will try to clog against France and New Zealand in Group B. The wild card event will likely see few National Basketball Association players such as Tony Parker, Andrew Wiggins, and Boris Diaw. The Philippines, on a brighter note, looks to battle its way into the competetive tourney as it tries to get Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson under the new lineup of head coach Tab Baldwin. After hosting the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, and losing to China for the hosting rights of the 2019 World Cup stint, the country last saw itself in the Olympic scene back in 1972 but will try to seek vengeance and take a spot in the most renowned sports competition in the world.

3. UAAP and NCAA Seasons Of course, collegiate sports is one of the many reasons why sports in the Philippines is better than any other country. After the Cinderella finish of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws and Letran Knights in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and Nation-

al Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), respectively, the craving for college ball is at a higher level.

This 2016, both leagues are expected to deliver the game into greater heights as it saw a lot of issues regarding coaching and player adjustments recently. The sudden move of coaches, players, imports, and the compromised aftermath on and off the court will bring a climactic flavor to the upcoming seasons.

Moreover, the recent changes in the teams’ system will likely produce more drama than is hugely anticipated by fans around the country.

The NCAA will see its 92nd season come to life and the UAAP will be in its 78th year.

4. PBA Season Two conferences are set to take place in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) this year. The Commissioner’s Cup started in the first week of February. The tournament has imports such as Denzel Bowles, Al Thornton, and many more, who in the past have already played in the league. Reigning champions Talk N’ Text will have former NBA player Ivan Johnson as their foreign player who has also played last year in their victory against Rain or Shine in the finals.

The San Miguel Beermen will also try to defend their trophy in this year’s Governor’s Cup after sweeping the Alaska Aces last year with import Arizona Reid. In addition with the two major events, the most awaited PBA Rookie Draft will occur after both competitions in October. The event will see players from the amateur ranks with the likes of young gun Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Kevin Ferrer of University of Santo Tomas and Mac Belo of Far Eastern University.

5. Suzuki Cup The Philippine Azkals resume their campaign for the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying tournament in the 2016 Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup which the country is hosting. The tournament will blast off in November or December, with the Azkals enjoying a home-court advantage in one of the two groups; Myanmar hosts the other. The said event will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. However, the Azkals still have to wrap up their assignments in Group H of the qualifying tournament for the 2018 World Cup even if they are already out of it.

After winning four straight semifinal games, the Suzuki Cup will play a huge role in the team’s preparation for the 2019 Asian Cup unless they reach the third round of the qualifiers. The Pinoy booters also took a four-step leap in the world ranking at 135th after being 139th last year, raising the country’s passion for the sport.

Old school IT is the love month and I guess it’s time for me to show some good old loving.

With my two sweet terms of being the sports editor of this publication, I can’t help but be dismayed by the athletic end of this institution. Shocking? Well, not much.

So, first let me say that the only team that could overly own the bragging rights of carrying the name of Letran is the basketball team. They could go on and publicly display their egos around the campus (at least this season) and be forgiven. Come on, they just gave us our 17th title; they could even go around Letran and burn things down – encouraging them not to though. But I guess, other than the basketball team, and let’s include the ever-so unnoticed and underrated teams that are silently making waves for the school: the badminton team and the lawn tennis team, no one could pretty much parade across the vicinities of the school like it is as if they just won the grand prize for us.

I just can’t decipher how these other players manage to fruitfully flaunt their faces and apparently their constantly new ‘toys’ (and by toys I mean their phones, shoes, etc.), when they can’t even give this college a decent place in their competitions. Well, we would be more than happy if they could at least stay away from the bottom part of the standings.

Mediocre is an understatement for your performance, dear players. Upon reading article by article of advancers, features and news stories, I couldn’t help but see the commonalities in your spiels, statements I mean. You would always say how prepared you are for the tourneys and how you’ll give it your best for the ‘honor’ of the name of the school. And after giving us a winless record, or standing on the bottom three of the competition, you’ll go around saying you didn’t see that coming or competitors are just way too tough and basically, you’ll just avenge next season, which ironically never happens. You are competing for years now and still you didn’t expect that level of animosity in the league?

Quite a lame excuse for saying that maybe you went out more often than practicing with the team. Are you really giving it your best when you say so? Because if that is what you say your best is, we might as well consider finding other players

who can redefine the word ‘best’ for us and start winning us some accolades. Let’s not beat around the bush, we are investing and extending our financial support for your studies (which you seemingly take for granted as well), yet we aren’t getting any ‘return of investment’.

However, to be completely fair with the athletes, maybe there is some kind of fault in the system too by the Colegio. Maybe all the limelight is just focused on the selected few. Maybe we’re playing favorites on what sport to give our utmost support to?

It’s an endearing sight to see only two colors (green and red) reign supreme during the awarding ceremonies of the 91st Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Almost all, leaving only three or four events behind for others to take, were won by San Beda College and College of St. Benilde.

And that actually speaks a lot.

These are the only two franchises in the league that basically invest on all the sporting events and show support not just on one. And I pretty much think this should be injected in all the participating schools, not only for each of their pride, but also for the betterment of the league. I might sound like the publicist of the NCAA, but I really think that the league has so much potential to be great.

Letran could at least try and keep up with the level of competition these schools offer. NCAA is not just a basketball league after all – starting with the administration. An upgrade in the training programs, investments on equipments and probably a much intensive scouting could make us a little threatening in other sporting events than we already are today.

Though I totally get it, not all people are into taekwondo, swimming or even track and field. But come on, it probably won’t hurt cheering for at least a couple of hours on the stands.

This column quite turned out as a rant (which believe me, was never really my intention!) more than anything else but this is just my way of telling you guys to help us a bit in our job.

We could use a good banner story and not just another motivational feature story on how you will cope up and avenge next season. It’s quite getting old.

VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 2016 - 12 PAGES

Press Corps award top collegiate players

BY APEC STA. ANA

NCAA and UAAP Press Corps awarding top athletes.| PHOTO BY MEG BLANQUISCO

THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Press Corps held the Collegiate Basketball Awards last January 26 at Mandaluyong, honoring the crème de la crème of talents in the collegiate scene today.

Former Letran cager and 2015 NCAA Finals MVP Mark Cruz banners the accolades by being hailed as the NCAA Super Senior, sharing it with Baser Amer of season runner-up San Beda College (SBC); as Mike Tolomia from the 2015 UAAP Men’s Seniors Basketball champion Far Eastern

University (FEU) was upheld as their counterpart after being named the UAAP Super Senior.

Cruz was ecstatic about the award given to him knowing that all his hard work in his college years paid off and was recognized.

“Di ako nakakatanggap ng awards before, so sobrang laking bagay nito sa’kin,” he said.

The players who created the most critical turns in the team were also given praise in the event with the Most Pivotal Player recognition, namely Roger Pogoy of the Morayta-based Tamaraws for UAAP and Knights for-

mer co-captain Kevin Racal for its NCAA antithesis.

Kiefer Ravena of the Ateneo de Manila University, Earl Scottie Thompson of the University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta, University of Santo Tomas’s (UST) Kevin Ferrer, FEU’s Mark Belo and reigning NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme of Mapua Institute of Technology compose the College Mythical Team.

Given due notice were the captains of each team’s ship as well. Coach Aric del Rosario from the Las Piñasrooted Altas was given the titular Lifetime Achievement Award. Champion coaches Nash Racela of the Tamaraws and Aldin Ayo, then of the Knights, were named UAAP Coach of the Year and NCAA Coach of the Year, respectively.

The former Letran head coach, Ayo, was bombarded with questions in his first major appearance after the controversial move from Muralla to Taft.

According to Ayo, he transitioned with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers smoothly as there is not much of a height difference, and he has already seen a lot of counterparts with his current roster from his former Knights.

He stated a concrete comparison with Archer rookie Aljun Melencio and Mark Cruz, “He’s almost the same, kaya lang mas malaki lang yung katawan ngayon ni Aljun.”

Another neophyte Ricci Rivero,

brother of La Salle forward Prince Rivero, was compared to Letran’s prized rookie Jerrick Balanza by the champion coach.

He was also quick to say that his system from Letran would not differ much from the current system he is applying in La Salle.

“Dala ko pa rin naman yung “mayhem” dun sa La Salle,” he said, adding, “Sayang wala dito si McJour [Luib].”

The Letran alumnus gushes about how much essential Luib was to his 2015 championship team.

“Sa akin kasi, buong season palagi nating pinag-uusapan yung big three, and pagdating nung semis and nung finals, Jomari Sollano; pero kung tatanungin talaga yung pinaka-importanteng player sa’kin, si McJour,” Ayo expressed.

He added, “next year kung sino man magiging coach ng Letran, napakalaking bagay ni Luib.”

According to Aldin, Jeron Teng is his McJour Luib in La Salle right now.

Teng and Luib’s common denominator would be their role to the team being the bridge of the coach and the players, gluing the system all intact.

Other awards include Ed Daquioag (UST) as UAAP Impact Player, Art Dela Cruz (SBC) as NCAA Impact Player, Jiovani Jalalon (Arellano University) as Accel Court General, Mark Belo (FEU) as Smart Player of the Year and Jeron Teng (DLSU) as Gatorade Energy Player.

Beermen make history PH loses another basketball great

BY RAFAEL MANZANO

BY DONNEL GABRIENTE

San Miguel Beermen tops the championship | PHOTO FROM INTERNET

THE San Miguel Beermen carved its name in the Philippine basketball scene as the first team in history to overcome a 0-3 series deficit and win it against the Alaska Aces in the finals of the 20152016 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup. It was a date with destiny as San Miguel defied the odds to complete a historic comeback against Alaska in Game 7, holding them off in a 96-89 victory in front of 23,616 faithfuls inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena on February 3.

The Beermen was the first team in any basketball com-

petition, even international, to retort from a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven championship series. It is their second of six Philippine Cup titles and the franchise’s 22nd overall championship.

The Beermen were agonized early in the series as reigning back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo was sidelined due to a knee injury. Worst, the Aces built a demoralizing 3-0 lead until the Beermen took Game 4 and Fajardo was cleared to play in Game 5.

Alaska started the door-die match with an un-

BEERMEN, PAGE 10

Basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga passes away.

PHOTO FROM INTERNET

FILIPINO basketball fans are in the state of mourning. Just weeks after the passing of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Legend Lim Eng Beng and former national-team mentor Ron Jacobs, Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, player to ever grace the Philippine hardcourt passed away last January 27 at the age of 85.

The basketball icon suc-

cumbed to stroke back in 2011 and has been in a fragile state of health since then.

Loyzaga, dubbed as “The Big Difference”, played for a short time in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a part of the San Beda Red Lions.

He was the forefront of the Philippine dominance in the international basketball stage during the 50s up to early 60s, in what is

regarded to be the golden era of Philippine basketball.

The 6-foot-3 cager was part of the national team, that competed in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, wherein they placed 9th and 7th, respectively.

Loyzaga also steered the national squad to a thirdplace finish in the 1954 FIBA World Championships (now known as FIBA World Cup), still the best ever finish of any Asian team in the world joust and is yet to be surpassed until today.

His perfect display of skills towed him to the mythical team of the aforementioned tourney. The inclusion was the pinnacle of his celebrated career, as he and Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming are the only Asian players to have accomplished the said feat.

The all-around-player was also vital to the supremacy of the Philippines in the Asian basketball scene. He spearheaded the team to four con-

PH LOSES, PAGE 10