VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES
Alumnus installed as 81st rector, president
Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor C. Marquez O.P., SThD giving his first speech as the new rector and president of Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila. | PHOTO BY Ryan Miguel Rona
FR. CLARENCE Victor C. Marquez, O.P., SThD, a Letranite, set his foot on the grounds of his alma mater once again as he was officially installed as the 81st rector and president of Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila and Bataan on June 20 at the Student Center Auditorium. ‘Fr. Clarc’, as most people know and call him, delivered a heartfelt and inspi-
rational speech in Filipino during the event. “May mga dapat gawin ngayon – tayo, hindi lang ako. Marubdob kong hiling at inaasahan ang inyong pakikiisa at pagtutulong, sa daang ating tatahakin at landas na ating babagtisin,” he said, addressing all the members of the Letran community in order for the school to reach its goal of being a university.
Fr. Marquez also stated in his message that his plans for the Colegio is already set, making sure that he continues all the hard work that Fr. Tamerlane Lana, O.P. and former acting rector Fr. Orlando Aceron, O.P. had started, “May plano na tayo, tutuparin na lamang,” Fr. Clarc also showed endless gratitude and love now that he has been elected as the new president of Letran.
Letranite awarded Outstanding Collegiate Student of Manila
BY ANGELA BIANCA BAES AND RAFAEL OMEGA
“Tinuturing kong kwento ng pagmamahal itong pagtatalaga sa akin bilang rektor ng aking Alma Mater. Ito’y pagmamahal na tulad ng para sa ina – ang paaralang tinahanan ko nang labing-isang taon,” he said, adding, “Mahal ko ang Letran. Rektor man ako o hindi, mahal ko ang Letran… kapag sinugatan ako, ang aagos, dugong Arriba.” The new rector’s rela-
tives, as well as his Dominican brothers, were all present during the affair. The officials from the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education were also at the venue. The whole event was planned and organized by a chosen set of committee; most were members of the Public Affairs and Media Development office.
ALUMNUS, PAGE 3
BY JEDRICK PAZ
Mary Jacqueline Abardo with her award as one of the Ten Outstanding Collegiate Students of Manila. | PHOTO BY PAMD
A LETRANITE has once again brought pride to the Colegio as Jacqueline Abardo, fourth year Accountancy student, was named one of the Ten Outstanding Collegiate Students of Manila on June 16 at the Grand Opera Hotel. “One of my fellow candidates was the first one to inform me,” adding, “and naturally, I
did not believe him. It was when I was included in the Facebook group of Ten Outstanding Collegiate Students that [I believed] that I was one of the awardees. The letter to the rector soon followed. Of course, I was so happy and thankful to be an awardee.” Abardo shared her journey and countless hardships in order for her to achieve this recognition. “Three stressful but fulfilling years, countless sacrifices, failures, and success are embodied in the award,” she said, adding,“balancing academics, extra-curricular activities, and social life is not easy, yet it is the factor that made me qualified for the award.” Asst. Prof. Kenji Asano, Assistant Dean of College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), said, “We have full trust and confidence in Jacquline Abardo because she is excellent both in academics and non-academics. So, based sa qualifications nasinend, we believe that she is a performing student and deserves the award. Kasi, very talented, humble and LETRANITE, PAGE 3
The facade of St. Vincent Ferrer Building. PHOTO BY Leslie Boado
St. Vincent Ferrer building now fully functional BY DYLAN AFUANG AND FIDEL FERIA
OPENED and blessed last year, the new St. Vincent Ferrer Building is currently being used to facilitate classes for the preschool, elementary, and college students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The building houses a total of 54 rooms that are now utilized by the preschool and ele-
mentary students for the first floor, and by the college students for the rest of the floors. The laboratories, such as the Speech and the Mac laboratories are located in the third floor. Also found here is the Engineering library, which is soon to be filled with reading
ST. VINCENT, PAGE 10
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Letran opens its doors to new batch of freshmen BY JEDRICK PAZ AND DYLAN AFUANG
THE NEW batch of Letran freshmen dressed in blue and red gathered in the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium on June 22 and 23 as the Colegio welcomed them to the annual Binyag Arriba. Jam-packed with dance numbers, orientations, and booths, Binyag Arriba was organized by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) with the help of the Letran Student Council (LSC) and other student organizations. “We make it a point that the whole activity in this two-day affair to be memorable for the freshmen,” Asst. Prof. Catherine Sanchez, director of OSA said, adding, “Iba kasi yung maibibigay natin sa freshmen eh, yung kakaibang school spirit… kasi kung mararamdaman nila yung pagtanggap ng buong Letran community sa kanila, that will make them stay here.” Jigz Dela Cruz, president of the LSC, said, “This Binyag Arriba is different in the way that we’re trying [to] mas maging intimate yung first day nila ditto and mas makilala natin sila.” He also mentioned that LSC did not focus much on the smooth flow of the program or on the perfect production. “What we’re after is the relationship
that we’re going to build in this orientation.” In the two months of preparation, Sanchez said she had pictured the Binyag Arriba in fruition and sent her gratitude to the recognized student organizations which helped in making the event possible. “I want to give credit to the brilliant student leaders of Letran in helping the OSA in welcoming the freshmen.” Samantha Adora, a Communication student, said, “Enjoy po, yun po talaga yung ineexpect ko dito (Letran).” Anndrea Cervas, an Accountancy student, said, “Masaya siya kasi parang once in a blue moon lang siya mangyari sa isang college student.” Sanchez said, “This is how we want to embrace you. This is how we want to open the gate and welcome you to the Colegio even though Letran is not your first choice. But this will be your best choice,” adding, “With these rituals na ginagawa natin, maramdaman nila (freshmen) and ma-appreciate nila yung past, yung history ng Letran so that maging ready sila to see their future in Letran para at least in their four-year stay in Letran makita nila kung saan sila dadahlin at iho-hone ng Letran.”
The new Knights singing the Himno del Colegio de Letran during the Binyag Arriba. |PHOTO BY Lois Dela Paz
Student leaders represent Letran in International Youth Conference BY ANGELU REA ZAFE
AS A PART of the Colegio’s vision to be globally competitive, three of its student leaders namely, Jigz de la Cruz, Jefferson Geronimo, and Walter de Jesus together with Asst. Prof. Catherine Sanchez, Director of Office of Student Affairs attended and participated in the first ever Dux Gregis International Youth Leaders Conference on June 25-28 at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Dux Gregis International Youth Leaders Conference is a four-day World Youth
Leaders’ Meet of 120 Countries, assembling almost a total of 1,000 youth leaders and youth professionals all over the world. The primary aim of this conference is to provide the participants with 21st century advanced and updated youth programs and community development concepts, plans and templates. “The experience was truly unforgettable, and it was actually our first time to join an international program for youth leaders,” said de Jesus, who is also the presi-
dent of Media Works. “The experience was indeed one of a kind. Representing Letran in an international convergence is one of the best things I’ve experienced as a leader,” de la Cruz, the president of Letran Student Council, stated. Dux Gregis is a Latin phrase which translates to “leader of all leaders”. The said International Leaders’ Meet had eight International Executive Speakers, three Programs & Partnership Executive Sessions, and five International Competitions.
NEWS
‘Photobombing’ Torre: who’s to blame now? BY BIANCA BAES
The Manila City Hall | PHOTO BY Inaki Pelonio
THE CURRENT mayor of Manila, Joseph Ejercito Estrada and former mayor Alfredo Lim have been trading blames over who gave the go-signal for the construction of Torre de Manila, the 46-storey condominium that has been ruining the view of the Rizal monument and has been dubbed as “national photobomber”. Estrada and Lim admitted that they both gave permission to the D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI Homes), developer of the said condominium. However, Estrada said in an interview with Jessica Soho on “State of the Nation” that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines may be the one responsible for this negligent act, stating that the construction of the building would not affect the monument of the country’s national hero. “Kumpleto sa papeles iyan eh. Hindi naman maitatayo iyan kung walang papeles,” Lim said, stressing that DMCI has complied with all the needed requirements before construction even began, granting them the exemption from zoning laws. Estrada, for his part, showed papers which prove that the former mayor approved the construction of the 46-storey condominium building on the same interview. With that, Lim said,
Dela Cruz and de Jesus also shared their experiences in the convergence, “My favourite speaker is the president of World Youth Alliance. Being a president of an international organization at a very young age, he really inspired us to continue what we currently do,” de la Cruz said. “We also joined one competition – the Community Program Development Research & Proposal
“Oo, tama iyon. Na-aprubahan ng 46 floors dahil nga nakakuha ng permiso.” Lim added that Gemma Cruz-Araneta, head of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau, even surveyed the area with him where the Torre was to be built. Estrada said that the approval was given even before his term, but Lim has pointed out that the current mayor could have stopped it if he found anything that was wrong with the construction. The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order of the construction of the Torre, in response to the growing feud. Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno thinks that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is also to blame. “Sila iyong ahensya ng gobyerno na nangangalaga ng mga historical sites. Sino ba naman kami para sila sitahin?” In a letter sent last 2012, NHCP said that the condominium is outside the boundaries of Rizal Park, meaning it cannot ruin the front view of the famous monument. The letter was signed by NHCP chairman Dr. Maria Serena Diokno. Estrada said this seemingly endless issue is now up to the Supreme Court, as they gear up for oral arguments.
Competition. It’s an honor to represent the country and the Colegio, and to become one of the finalists is already an achievement,” de Jesus stated. Dux Gregis International Youth Conference is just one of the many programs of Tuxedo Institute of Asia, a leadership and community development training group.
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VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES
‘15-’16 Pep Rally kicks off BY JOHARAH GALVEZ
BY ISABELA PARTEZ
How did you find the enrollment system this academic year? Angelo Yanga (2nd year, Journalism)
Artists who performed at the Pep Rally 2015 (Left: Bea Valera, Upper right: Save me Hollywood, Lower left: Absolute Play | PHOTO BY Ryan Miguel Rona
LETRAN Student Council (LSC) together with the Athletics Department and the Public Affairs and Media Development kicked off the school year with the annual Pep Rally at Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium on June 23, Tuesday. In partnership with various recognized student organizations (RSOs) of the Colegio such as Media Works, Knights TV, Studio 1620, Blank Canvas Advertising House, and Letran Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (LJPIA), Pep Rally was held to inspire school spirit and enthusiasm, especially for the 91st
ALUMNUS FROM PAGE 1
The Mass of the Holy Spirit went on before the installation ceremony, signaling the start of the Academic Year 2015-2016. The mass was officiated by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., also an alumnus of Letran. After the mass, the Letran Templar Singing Ambassadors performed, immediately followed by the official program for the installation of the new rector emceed by Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Pledge of Fidelity was then administered by Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner, III, followed by the passing of the Letran Mace by Fr. Aceron. The event ended with a feast at the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium. Fr. Clarc was born on October 21, 1968 and studied
season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association hosted by Mapúa Institute of Technology with the theme ‘Engineered for Sports Excellence in the New Decade’. The event was graced by premiere bands and artists of the country such as Jejaview, Absolute Play, Save Me Hollywood, Bea Valera with Kio Priest, and Silent Sanctuary. “Our main objective for this year’s Pep Rally is of course to jump start every Letranite’s school year,” LSC President Jigz de la Cruz said, adding, “We want them to feel the rush of fun while imbibing the Arriba spirit of the upcoming NCAA season,
and for the freshmen to recognize the different athletic teams of Letran.” Aside from the Letran basketball team, athletes from different sports such as Table Tennis, Volleyball, Track and Field, Swimming, Football, Badminton, Tennis, and Chess were also introduced. There were also performances from the cultural organizations of the Colegio: Forte, Revels, Letran Squires United, Letran Street Beat, Lakas Arriba Cheerleading Team, Letran Cheering Squad, and Letran Band. The 2015 Pep Rally was sponsored by Hawk, No Fear, and Pony.
at LetranM a n i l a from 1974 until 1985. He was ordained as a priest on May 14, Formal oath-taking ceremony at the installation of Rev. 1995 and Fr. Clarence Marquez as rector and president of Letran, is currently in front of him is Prior Provincial of the Dominican Provthe Direc- ince of the Philippines, Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P. | PHOTO BY Ryan Miguel Rona tor of the with honors. Marco also deInstitute of Preaching and the Provin- fined him as someone who cial Promoter of Evangeliza- is warm and friendly. “He has the drive [and] he tion. He is also teaching at the Faculty of Sacred Theol- has the passion.” ogy at the University of Sto. Tomas. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Biblical Asso- FROM PAGE 1 ciation of the Philippines. His former mentor and very all-around, academiCultural Development Mod- cally and non-academically.” Abardo believes that this erator, Edna Marco, described him as matalino award is not only beneficial during his early years in to her but also to the colLetran as a student. Marco lege (CBAA) she belongs says that Marquez was ex- to. “We (Letran) were alcellent in class, had high ready recognized as the grades and even graduated best communication school
LETRANITE
“I actually enrolled four days after the opening of the enrolment period in order to avoid the possible crowd. When I arrived at the Colegio, I was immediately assisted by a personnel [in] the first stage of registration which made the job a little easier. The rest of the procedure was also prepared exceedingly well that I didn’t really have any problems. The service was “AOkay” to the very end. I guess the management should work on the distance of each station and make sure that each isn’t too far from the other in order to prevent inconvenience.”
Niceforo Vince Balbedina (2nd year, Journalism)
“Maayos naman yung procedures and may time and date naman yung bawat program kaya mabilis matapos. Wala namang daya or kulang ang Letran kaya okay yung service. Kaya nakapag-enroll ng maayos ang mga estudyante.”
Hazel Baroña (2nd year, Broadcasting) “The enrolment system in Letran offers a fast service, but I hope that there would be online enrolment soon.”
Cj Manning
(4th year, Nutrition and Dietetics) “Letran has a long step process in its enrolment system; most especially with the transferees and returnees. In my almost four years in Letran, I am aware of freshmen complaining with regards to this type of enrolment system. I would suggest that just like in other universities, Letran could use a bigger and more conducive venue for enrolees. It is to provide comfort as a solution to the long steps in the enrollment system.” and other Letranites have garnered awards for our school before me. This is one way for me to help Letran be recognized for its tradition of excellence. I hope people will see that I am just one of the [many] outstanding students in Letran. Letran molds outstanding students and citizens of our country and I know that [more] Letranites will bring even greater glories to our alma mater.” Asano said, “I tell my students and all of my former students that discipline always counts. It is discipline
that makes the students habit go, it is the catalyst for their learning and it will be their best friend towards determining their achievements and awards.” The criteria for the Ten Outstanding Collegiate Students of Manila, which is a joint project of the City Government of Manila and the Youth Development and Welfare Bureau, are the following: consistent Dean’s Lister, has won numerous competitions, active in extracurricular activities, and has the qualities of being a true leader.
OPINION
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EDITORIAL If God ordains…
AN ESCAPADE is possible when the weather is favorable. As we welcome the new school year, there is an endless list of new things for us to look forward to. One of which is the administration of new Rector and President, Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. Though partly based on instincts, many Letranites are excited to discover how the new rector’s policy would give a spin to their own tales and epics within the protective walls of the campus. For almost 400 years, the Colegio has always been like a well-run business, chronicled as one of the finest, by the Dominicans. No doubt they impart an education that is at par with international standards and has already set impressive community relations and strengthened academe-industry linkages. Set toward the goal of epitomizing vibrancy and dynamism, Fr. Marquez is also expected by the students to refine and concretize some existing policies of the school in order to keep us on the loop. But what’s “real” in reality is that people would always expect more when there are few changes and new beginnings. Then, it must have been a demanding task for new leaders not just to attain their goals but more significantly, to bring satisfaction to their people and advocates. In what way? That we’ll discover in the coming months. Hopefully, it can push the envelope for the students to redefine their originality. For the meantime, let us focus on increasing our productivity. We know you, students, have tons of dreams on your bucket list so figure out first what should be done. Enjoy your right to avail of the best education. If nothing’s hindering you, then get to your goal. Otherwise, discover a new goal you can work on. If heaven ever did speak, you would hear it agree.
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 Alissandrine Margaret Blanquisco Design Editor
Ryan Miguel Rona Photo Editor
Dylan Afuang, Angela Baes, Bettina Bonillo, Rafael Omega, Isabela Pertez, Jedrick Paz, Trisha Andrada, Kevin Alcantara, Francis Bordador, Risha Fernandez, Angeli Manabat, Onofre Andres, Marian Lacson, Francis Manzano, Camille Terrado
Contributors
Leslie Boado, Louise Dela Paz, Pauline Gonida, John Ryan Padlan Arnel Pancho, Jr., Iñaki Pelonio
Photographers
Kenneth Cabuyao
Kim Eniego
Cartoonists
Norberto D. Bana III Adviser
Luisa Buñag
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
Trash talk
WHAT would you do if you found other people’s rubbish dumped in front of your own house? The typical thing to do is to confront the neighbor/s who deposited that waste and ask them to remove this from your premises. Same thing goes inside a classroom: imagine a classmate kicking a piece of crumpled paper under your chair (I feel guilty). You would ask him or her to pick that up and throw it himself or herself. I hope this mindset goes to our government. In 2013, it was reported that fifty (50) 40-foot container vans that contained mixed waste (used adult diapers, waste paper, non-recyclable plastics, broken bottles, etc.) was illegally dumped in the Port of Manila by Chronic Inc., a private company based in Ontario, Canada. Earlier this year (in March), a new batch of Canadian garbage was discovered by the Bureau of Customs (BOC); these container vans, 48 of them, contained the same household waste. This imported garbage, initially labeled “contraband” by BOC, was said to be a violation of the Basel Convention “On The Control Of Transboundary Movements Of Hazardous Waste And Their Disposal.” Both the Philippines and Canada are signatories to
the Convention, which does not allow “transboundary movement of wastes. It’s the responsibility of the exporting country to transport the contraband back to its country of origin.” The garbage should have been taken back by Canada 30 days after being notified by its presence. In a statement, the Canadian Embassy said, “Currently there are no domestic laws which the government of Canada could apply in this case to compel the shipper to return his [or her] containers of mixed household recyclables to Canada.” “Canada is reviewing its regulations with a view to strengthening controls related to waste and mixed household recyclable materials collected from households,” the embassy said in a statement. Environmentalists were vastly alarmed, various petitions were filed, and many stood up against Canada; aside from the harsh environmental concerns, economic issues were also at hand. But the Aquino administration has done basically nothing. In PNoy’s state visit to Canada last May 7 to 9, he did not bring up this issue. That visit was deemed by many as the perfect opportunity for Aquino to make a move against the exported trash that had been stinking in our ports.
Instead of reiterating the demand for Canada to take its junk back, Aquino dropped the matter to, reportedly, preserve diplomatic relations; focusing mainly on economic matters and stronger bilateral ties. Thus, our country has been the home of the stinking and rotten imported junk for two years now. But what is most pressing and alarming is that the country finally agreed to the disposal of the trash in our own landfills. As of this writing, 29 out of the total 98 containers had already been dumped in a landfill in Capas, Tarlac. The provincial government of Tarlac, for its part, reportedly ordered “a stop to any further disposal.” The rest still sits at our ports. Some may iterate that the garbage being brought to Aquino’s home province is ironically perfect. But the truth is, it is not. By all means, allowing Canada’s garbage to be dumped in the country means we allow our beloved nation to be a (discouraging) trash bin of a first-world country. As a citizen, I feel let down by a President. He does not seem to realize that showing his teeth sometimes won’t hurt, especially if it is for national dignity. We are showing the world our might as a country by standing our ground against China on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea but doing nothing against Canada’s garbage says otherwise. To Canada: pick up your garbage and show us the respect that we rightfully deserve as a nation. To PNoy: with all due respect, I know you’re better than this. Come on.
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VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES
Smart is an understatement COVERING everything from entertainment to relationships and everything in between, smart phones are undoubtedly getting an insane amount of hype. Apparently, I got one. Unlike my other contemporaries, I got my “own” cellphone at the age of 15. It was then that I became obsessed with having an endless procession of my photos in Facebook. That brought me to the time when I was so fascinated whenever I earned 50-plus likes for a photo I posted, accompanied with irrelevant captions. Really, if I’d have the chance to meet my younger self, I’m going to scold her for humiliating me (that’s supposed to be a joke). Aside from being hip, young, and happening, own-
ing a cellphone could also shape one’s social identity. It’s either you stay indoors and play your games all day or shoot yourself outdoor for Instagram-worthy moments. In my case, the latter works and I became more expressive and adventurous. Did I mention I’m the first person who always head over to like the photos of everyone’s adventure? Now, I’m wondering why these phones are personified as “smart”, when it can be “braniac” or “genius”. Well, as cheesy as it sounds, I can attest to the many advantages of this small but terrible thing they call smart, and I know it’s the same for you, especially when you have the feeling that your smile is too wonderful to not be on the
Dogs as dishes: plain barbaric or a matter of cultural differences?
IN YULIN, a small town in Southern China, an annual summer solstice festival is held every 21st of June, which is actually just like every other festival in the world: people getting drunk, dancing till their feet hurt, and eating all night. Except for one small detail: they eat dogs. Every year, almost 10,000 dogs (and some cats) are slaughtered for the festival. They are either abducted from homes and streets, or are bought from farms that raise and sell dogs specifically for the Yulin festival. These dogs go through different kinds of death: electrocution, mass torture, boiling, and burning or skinning alive. It is believed that the higher the dogs’ adrenaline levels are, the tastier and more flavorful their meat get. Legends say that eating dog meat dismisses evil, cures disease, keeps you healthy, and enhances men’s sexual performance.
In 2013, because of the condemnation from around the globe, their local government stopped acknowledging the festival and has even gone as far as denying that the festival ever existed. This year, the dog meat festival of Yulin received even more negative press from the media and protests from animal rights activists around the world. For weeks, Yulin festival was the most talked-about topic on social media because of the circulation of an online petition calling for an immediate stop to the dog-eating tradition. Aside from that, the hashtag #StopYulin is still doing the rounds today even if it’s already past June 21. But these things still haven’t stopped the locals of Yulin from holding a canine buffet every year. Being a loving owner of three dogs and as someome who most of the time would rather be just around animals than people, of course I was appalled by the whole thing.
news feed of your friends. Does it bring the feels? Everyone is practically aware that this gadget holds an impeccable appeal to the young people of this generation. In fact, it has already created a different world that alludes to sensuality and youthful sophistication – something I believe deserves crucial attention, especially by parents because it’s gradually destroying the minds of the youth and influencing them to neglect the demands of reality. What I’m trying to say is, we often tend to ignore the important things and focus more on the less significant. But hey, you do not have to be over the moon upon hearing the news that a new model of smart phone has been released. Take a minute to appreciate the good and gnarly bits of life. Maintain simplicity and balance. I understand if people would call me a wet blanket, but if I’m going to miss this privilege to take a stand and raise awareness, I would never consider myself worthy of being a writer anymore.
I tried watching a documentary about the said festival, and just seeing the piles and piles of dog corpses made me cry so hard, I never got to finish watching the whole thing. But my emotions and love for animals aside, maybe these people simply don’t see dogs the way we see them, and we probably shouldn’t take that against them. The residents of Yulin have been nothing but aggressive regarding the intervening of Western media with their local custom. They all defend their canine banquet as a part of their culture and tradition. And we all know that when it comes to other people’s own traditions, we don’t really have much say about them. They see dogs as just another source of meat they can feast on, while we see dogs as companions and pets. Will our reactions be the same if it was a goat-eating festival? Of course not, since we were raised thinking that it is normal to eat goats. Are we only protective of furry and cute animals which can be pets? Are we defending animals or animal rights exclusively for those that can be pets? Who even decided which animals are meant for consumption and which are not? Why so much uproar about dog-eating when most of us eat pork and beef even though cows are considered holy
Eye opener or brain washer? BEING AWARE and exposed to how the world turns and the society functions in a short span of time, one can learn the intriguing core between the government and the people who arecsaid to represent and fight for the penurious members of the community. In every tragedy, dispute and chaos that involve both the government and depressed national activists are always present to help the people stand and reveal their complaints for the government to hear and take immediate actions. But what if they are the ones who have an agenda? What if they are only hiding behind these people to voice out their own matters? One month ago, as part of my OJT (on-the-job training), I covered two demolitions in Caloocan and Navotas where hundreds of families were evicted from their homes and their houses were wiped out. I met a few party-list reps who were also activists who led the wretched people from both compounds and help them plot their steps to prevent the demolition from happening. They organized meetings and thoroughly explained to the affected families their rights as citizens and to whom they could ask for help, and most especially, how to fight back when the government insisted on evicting them. Yes, the people need to cling to them in order to have guidance especially for those who have less knowledge about how the
government and statute are functioning but what was disappointing was that I discovered that some of them are spreading inaccurate information among the residents to burst their anger and encourage them to join their protests. For instance, the houses in Caloocan were demolished because the area is a private property, thus the government couldn’t provide any relocation site and could only give food for the displaced families. Still, the activists kept on reciting laws and telling the people that they were being mistreated by the government and that the demolition was illegal, which resulted to gunfight between the policemen and residents; shattered glass, scattered rocks, and clothes everywhere. They also blamed everyone in the government who they could point their fingers to address their hidden arguments and linked them all to the current; in short, it all went down to the fault of the President and his administration. It made me ask myself, does the President have anything to do with the demolition in the first place? Shouldn’t they tell the people their rights and not just to enrage them? Violence has been occurring because of this incorrect knowledge that is being passed on to the people who suffer ignorance and are less fortunate and the marginalized. All of us should follow the regulations set by officials and promote peace in every argument for the betterment and the common good.
Erratum:
four cultural groups, (Estribillo de los Escolares, Letran Jazz Endanza, Letran Templar Singing Ambassadors, and Teatro de Letran) in our list of organizations and groups.
in other parts of the world? The whole thing is confusing, and both Yulin locals and the protesters have their own questions and answers, and it’s just a never-ending cycle of differences in beliefs, morals, and perspectives. What has to stop is not We apologize for the errors contained in our previous issue. We were not able to include
dog-eating, because we can’t really stop people from eating the meat they wish. What has to stop is the excessiveness of the number of slaughtered dogs, the public mass torture, and the brutal deaths these dogs go through. Let’s start from there.
SEV’S CAFE Right across the CCP stands Legaspi Towers, a loomi n g structure o n Roxas Blvd. A n d as if the CCP extends its arms, the arts and culture that quietly lurks in its basement might surprise you.
300 Legaspi Towers, Roxas Boulevard corner P. Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila
The food (7/10)
In 2013, journalist Howie Severino and his wife decided to put up Sev’s Café, a humble little food establishment located at the basement of Legaspi Towers. They offer a rather wide variety of delectable dishes, either originally local, or tweaked to taste more Filipino. Their best-seller, the Tumutulang Manok is chicken adobo soured by green mango and served with brown rice. It gives off a nostalgic and provincial feel, what with the way the chicken is marinated. It has the right amount of sour, although it tilts quite more to the salty side. The meat is a bit tough, same with the selection of pork dishes, but it’s probably just the chicken developing muscles from slam poem-ing too hard. Addition to the list are pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, breakfast food, desserts, alcohol, and of course, pulutan. The prices range from P130 to P299, not bad for a satisfying meal.
The fuss (9/10) “Food and ideas”, as the joint puts it, the nationalistic, partly-enigmatic wall decorations, the bookshelves, the little platform with musical instruments, and the dim lighting give off a beatnik atmosphere to the place. Everything is simple until the “ideas” part is emphasized by a group of people with a passion for the arts and culture. Sev’s now hosts open mic nights for spoken word, music, standup comedy, cinema nights, and all sorts of culture-enriching inner-hippie awakening events alongside its artistic affiliates like White Wall Poetry and Words Anonymous, a member of which is (drumroll please) Juan Miguel Severo.
The food (8/10) Puzzles is a café on Aguirre Ave. which lets you play board games with your friends while nibbling and sipping on something. Their frappes are served on neon mason jars (finally), å the vibrant aesthetic of the place. The bestseller, Oreo Milkshake, is flavor ful; just the right amount of sweet and the milk actually emphasizes the cookie. The Oreo Afraid of the Dark doesn’t only sound witty; it also wins in the desserts department. If you think you can have enough Oreos for a day, think again. They
also serve cupcakes, fries, and sandwiches, not to mention the alcohol, so the place is kind of a total package, really. Prices range from P150 to P180 for the drinks, and P50 to P210 for the food; although of course the food varies from cookies to grilled sandwiches.
PUZ 190 Aguirre Ave.,
Three guys walk into a guess what they came
The fuss (8/10) Anton Valencia, Rob zon partnered up for P the first of its kind in October of 2014. For from the food), you g board games with yo as long as you like. P counting so you could Popular picks are Je ity and Monopoly. Th
ARTIST’S HAVEN 190 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque
The food (9/10) When Cynthia Jamlang started the café, she probably thought it’d be cool and witty to associate the name of the dishes to famous artists, and she made the right decision, because the food in this café? As excellent as the art it’s named after.The bestseller, Mona Lisa’s Cheeks – a take on bagnet – is just the right amount of crispy. You’d think you’re eating quality chicharon if it weren’t for the meat, which is very juicy and tender. Bestseller in the pasta department, Seafood Olio Pasta ala Winslow Homer, is also satisfyingly good particularly since the mixed shrimps and the clams complement the saltiness of the parmesan. Artist’s Haven also serves soups, vegetables, snacks, and desserts with friendly prices that range from P175 to P285, not bad for dishes which honestly feel like pieces of art which you get the privilege to ingest.
On the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes stands a cafe so artsy you’d mistake it for a gallery. Well it is a gallery, but with a café, which used to be a house that has been turned into a gallery with — well you get the point.
The fuss (9/10) In 2013 the Main Café was added to the structure, and the Artist’s Haven was born. In the Brick Room, they hold workshops which mostly target kids, although they have future plans of becoming more general in terms of age. The Main Gallery features a wider collection of paintings, sculptures, relics, and different art pieces, most of which are creations of her husband, some of which are for sale. The whole place is relaxing and cultured and the atmosphere is just light. It isn’t everyday that you get to visit a cafe in a gallery so the whole experience is refreshing. Fun fact: they play Up Dharma Down.
ZZLES BF Homes, Paranaque
bar, into a café actually, and e up with when they left?
by Camagong, and Sam BengPuzzles: Board Game Lounge, n the south which opened in the price of P100 (separate get to enjoy a wide variety of our friends, and you can stay Puzzles offer 200+ titles and dn’t really run out of choices. enga, Cards Against Humanhere are regular tables and
chairs set inside the café, and then there’s a particular space where it’s just bean bags and soft carpet and rainbows and unicorns so you’d get more into whatever you’re playing.
Puzzles holds events like the Splendor Night, which aims to introduce Splendor, a strategic multiplayer board game, to the public, and the weekly Wednesday Dungeons and Dragons, old-fashioned pen and paper style. Puzzles plans to open another branch in BGC.
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coffee
canines cats
FEATURES
BY ANGELI MANABAT WHAT HAPPENS if you mix the coziness of a cafe plus the companionship of cute pets? The ultimate paradise for pet lovers. Good news for animal lovers out there. Hanging out with your furry friends has never been this cute and convenient. Various pet-themed cafes have been popping up around the Metro. These cafes offer more than just coffees or pastries; you can also play and interact with the animals in the cafe. You’re in for some treat, here’s a little rundown of these pet-themed cafes:
BARKIN’ BLENDS
For the dog lovers out there, Barkin’ Blends, a dog-themed cafe on Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, recently opened its doors for canine enthusiasts. Established on September 6, 2014, Barkin’ Blends is the first dog cafe in Manila. Barkin’ Blends allows customers to have a sip of coffee while enjoying the company of dogs. More than just the usual cafe experience, the cafe aims to provide relaxation and fun to patrons through adorable resident puppies. The cafe is divided into two sections; the dog zone, where you can play with the dogs and the cafe area, where you can enjoy your food and/or wait for your turn to go inside the dog zone. You must pay an admission fee of P180 to enter the dog zone for
Too good
two hours. The fee is inclusive of one drink. The customers must also sign a waiver and observe proper sanitation measures before interacting with the dogs. The cafe is a bit small, so if it’s packed, then expect it to feel a little cramped inside. There are a lot of other customers to share the dogs with, so better be patient if you want to play with a certain dog. The cafe features 23 dogs: a beagle, three golden retrievers, an Irish setter, a Chinese shar-pei, a Siberian husky, a Yorkshire terrier, a chiweenie, three Lhasa apsos, a Labrador retriever, a pug, three shih tzus, three poodles, a basset hound, a Maltese, and a Dalmatian. You may play and cuddle with these dogs with all your heart’s content but remember to abide by the house rules. If you feel weary after all the playing and petting, the cafe offers a wide range of affordable food and drinks. Its rock salt and cheese dark choco drink is definitely a must try. For the food, try the Marley N’ Cheese (named after the dog Marley) which is your good-old mac-and-cheese dish. What could ever go wrong when you’re with man’s best friend? If you’re ready to be surrounded by these amazing dogs, go and pay Barkin’ Blends a visit. The store is in front of Ateneo de Manila University and near McDonald’s Katipunan. It is open every day except on
to forget BY FRANCIS ADRIAN BORDADOR
MOVIE re-makes are a thing now. It’s not that the movie industry has run out of franchises; it’s just that there are some movies that are too good to forget. Not to mention the colossal technological advances that can help revamp old blockbusters. These make the younger generation appreciate these past hits even more. At the same time, bringing back old franchise fans in the process. Poltergeist (1982) An American horror film series originally released in the 1980’s, Poltergeist focuses on the Bowen Family, a family looking for a new home. Like the original, the youngest daughter is kidnapped by restless spirits possessing the house. The first film was directed by Tobe Hooper and garnered an earning of $121,706,109 worldwide making it a box office hit during its release date.This year’s remake is directed by Gil Kenan and was released last May 22 with a box office earning worldwide of $73,117,570 making it one of the higher grossing films this year. Point Break (1991) This American action crime film was originally released in 1991 starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze and was directed by Kathryn Bigelow. It focuses on FBI agent Johnny Utah (Reeves) on an investigating mission of a series of bank robberies possibly committed by a gang of surfers. On the way, he develops a complex friendship with Bodhi (Swayze), the charismatic leader of the gang of surfers. The film was nominated three times in the
Tuesdays from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
CAT CAFÉ MANILA
For all cat persons out there, Cat Cafe Manila is your nirvana. Opened last April 11, 2015, this cozy cafe offers more than just coffees and cat, but also its “catvocacy.” Located on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, Cat Cafe Manila is the purr-fect hangout place for feline lovers. The concept for the cat cafe originated when owner, Anna Calvo, visited a cat cafe in Japan. There was also a time when she rescued a stray cat in Makati, and from there, she was inspired to open a cat cafe, but with a cause. In partnership with Compassion and Responsibility for Animal Welfare Philippines (CARA) she, and Denis Ty, created the first cat cafe in Manila that features stray cats. The cafe currently shelters 14 rescued cats. All of the pusang Pinoy or puspins featured in the cafe are vaccinated and neutered by CARA. One of the “catvocacies” of the cafe is to educate people on responsible pet ownership and raise awareness regarding these stray cats. They also want to let people know that puspins are as good as cats with breed as long as you take good care of them. What sets them apart from other cafes is their advocacy to
cats that piques the interest of cusAT to m e r s NAB I MA L E G is Peggy, N A BY TOS a three-legged PHO cat. Despite having only three legs, Peggy is still lively help these rescued cats to be ad- and adorable as the other cats. opted and find a new home by Cat Cafe Manila also offers featuring them in the cafe. If you scrumptious treats while playing feel the love of these cats, you with these cute kitties. For drinks, may be their new foster parents. try the bestselling Ice Blended Upon entering the cafe, you Speculoos Coffee. The Speculoos have to remove your shoes and Coffee tastes just right, not too wear slippers and sanitize your sweet and not too overpowering. hands. You have to sign a waiver You may also try Lemon, Ginger, presented in the entrance and Honey Italian soda which is anstrictly follow cafe rules. There is other best seller. For pastries, try a P200 charge; half is consumable the super moist Purple Velvet. for any products in the cafe and Cat Cafe Manila is located at half goes to the care and mainte- the 2nd floor #189 Maginhawa nance of our feline buddies. You St. cor. Makadios St., Sikatuna may stay in the cafe for an hour. Village. The cafe can only hold The cat cafe feels like a sanctu- 15 guests an hour to maintain a ary. It is generally tranquil. The stress-free environment for the cats are very friendly and playful. cats. To ensure your slot, visit Our feline friends have their own its website to reserve a ticket. It little house, hammocks and giant is open every Tuesdays to Sunwheel to play with. One of the days, from 12 noon to 9 p.m. 1992 MTV Awards including “Most Desirable Male” with both AllQuietontheWesternFront(1930,1979) Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze being nominated (Reeves Originally a novel from 1929 by Erich Maria Reultimately won the award), and “Best Action Sequence” for marque, it focuses on the story of soldier Paul Baumer the second jump from the plane scene. This year’s re-make is and his fellow classmates who join the army shortly directed by Ericson Core and is set for a release in December. after the start of World War I. It tells of the life during those times and the traumatic experience he has during Jurassic World (2015) A sequel to the Jurassic Park film series, the war. This year’s remake will be directed by Roger this film now focuses on the events 22 years Donaldson and is also set for a release in December. after Hurricane Clarissa destroyed the original park in 1993. Now, in Jurassic World, they are able to make a fully functioning park with genetically modified dinosaurs and a new killer in town. It is considered a re-make BY KIM ENIEGO because there are some points in the film wherein they show the remnants of the original park which was built in 1993 (well, also considering that it took such a long time for a sequel). Among these remnants is the old museum and lab facility built by InGen and now surrounded by moss and trees. The setting itself is remade in the Island of Isla Nublar where the original park was pinned. The film is directed by Colin Trevorrow and was released last June 10. It stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. The movie became a record breaker and a big hit worldwide surpassing “The Avengers” movie series combined earning $500 million worldwide in its opening weekend ranking as one of the highest grossing films of all time. Reviews are a little bit shaky, but it did receive a lot of positive reaction from some critics and the common movie folk alike, which makes it an instant classic. StarWars:TheForceawakens(2015) This is an upcoming American epic space opera film directed by J.J. Abrams. This film is the seventh instalment in the Star Wars film series following the events after “The Return of the Jedi” which took place 32 years ago(1983). This is considered as a re-make because there will be some points that will reflect the events from the previous films and some of the original cast will reprise their roles as their characters in the film. The film is scheduled for release in December this year.
COMICS
Ready, Pero...
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VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES
The Pambansang Photobomb: Torre De Manila NETIZENS have expressed their share of disgust and resentment over the construction of Torre de Manila just behind the Luneta Park/Rizal Monument. Dubbed as “the pambansang photobomb,” the construction started in 2012 on Taft Avenue in Ermita, Manila. Since then, the condominium project has become nothing but an irritating zit on the face of nationalists and cultural conservationists alike. Why? Because it just kicks the heritage the Luneta Park is trying to preserve. You see, putting a building behind one of the country’s most iconic locations isn’t exactly the best idea when you want to talk about preserving your country’s heritage. It just doesn’t feel right; something’s wrong. It gives the idea of a false sense of culture. This project was granted permission by then-Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. He probably didn’t really think this through, I’m assuming. A year later, the project was suspended by
now-Manila Mayor Erap Estrada, citing zoning violations. Well, that kind of deserves a “yehey,” I guess? But, in January last year, by a cruel twist of faith, the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals granted a zoning regulation exemption and the construction continued (which was a bummer).Then, about a year later and 23 percent of the condominium complete, on June 17, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the project. Why can’t you guys just make up your minds? Stop toying with our emotions, not cool, it’s starting to hurt. Anyway, since its erection (weird word to use), the Filipino community and a number of activists, most notably Carlos Celdran, have petitioned for the Torre De Manila to be brought down completely. “How?” you may ask. Well, the most common answer you’re going to get is still a solid, ewan. Why ewan? Well, there are so many
things to consider if you even want to discuss the idea of demolition. To start things off, it is reported that almost 90 percentof the units have been paid for and you can’t forget about the investors; to make matters even worse, the place where it’s erected (still weird) right now isn’t the safest spot to start destroying it. It’s in the heart of the Metro. If we do end up keeping it, what does this mean for the country? That a thing like this can happen and the government and the people can’t do anything about it. Are there any remedies to ease the hate and the negative reception? I read some articles and it’s suggested that it’s possible to just paint the building the colors of the Philippine flag for compromise. Whether they really push through with it or not, this situation is pretty upsetting. Especially, for those of us who feel that Luneta Park’s sense of cultural dignity and mystique have been bruised and severely damaged. Sorry, Dr. Jose Rizal. This shouldn’t have happened. Right now, it’s not about pointing fingers anymore (Ehem... Erap and Lim), but whatever happens, this says a lot about the system in the Philippines. A nation that has made a bunch of bad decisions, regrettable choices and is left with the product of those choices standing right in front of them.
ALBUM aLERT! BY RISHA FERNANDEZ
enchanting voices… back from her three-year hiatus. As opposed to its first two predecessors, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is a slight departure from the quixotic dystopia created by Lungs and Ceremonials; it’s hauntingly dreamy and introspective as Florence could be, accompanied by riffs so lethargic it How Big, How Blue, almost sounds like an Arctic Monkeys intro. Maybe it’s the How Beautiful wind of change, but prepare florence + the machine your ears because this reI almost thought I was lis- cord is so surprisingly mature tening to a new generation of it’s like she actually lived on Fleetwood Mac from its se- earth and not down the wonpia album art and abundant derland of some rabbit hole. guitars, but no — it’s one of contemporary pop’s most RATING: Che – Meh – Yeah!
At. Long. Last. A$AP
A$AP Rocky Following the success of his debut record, A$AP Rocky is coming in hot with one of the most awaited rap albums of 2015; fulfilling his promise of “the return of the God emcee,” A$AP Rocky takes his bars on luxuries a break as he spits rhymes focused on personal and more intriguing topics (such as relationships and dealing with the A$AP mob). There’s also guest verses from musical juggernauts Kanye West in “Jukebox Joints” and
Looking for a place to kill time? BY TRISHA ANDRADA
PICKING a place to hang out and kill time isn’t as easy as it seems. It can sometimes be sort of a problem, but a good problem to have. You can go relax and put your free time to good use (manage your time wisely, guys) with some of the places below:
The National Museum
is basically a compound full of different themedTaft Ave., Ermita, Manila restaurants depending on When a student attends the food y’all are craving for. a school near or at Intramuros – exactly like us, Today x Future Letranites – why not visit cubao, Quezon City the National Museum? You It’s an art gallery inside a could kill time appreciating art and being one with your restobar in Cubao, Quezon artsy-self, which makes it City. Today x Future has an such a cool place to visit. intriguing modernized-retDon’t forget to drop by the ro concept. The place has a National Planetarium and different feel from the usual the National Museum of bars with people trying Anthropology just nearby. to get wasted. Visiting the place would be the ultimate Z Compound prize for students who have Malingap Street, Quezon City been through hell week. Try going to Malingap Fort Santiago Street in QC to find Z ComIntramuros, manila pound. This place is a mustDropping by Fort Santiavisit, especially for foodies who want to eat their go is almost, kind of travelhearts away. Z Compound ling through time. You can
spend your free time by experiencing a glimpse of the old Spanish culture within Intramuros walls with a student-friendly entrance fee.
Intramuros Skatepark
gen. luna street, intramuros
For all skaters and Intrakids alike, this is found in our beloved Intramuros near General Luna Street. A vivid graffiti wall (perfect for Instagram) and a bunch of teenagers make this place a sanctuary for skaters, indie boys/girls, and photography lovers alike.
Lucky Chinatown/ SM Manila/ Robinson’s Manila Cinemas
peace is the mission Major Lazer I have to admit — the farthest that I have gone to in listening to EDM is whatever’s playing on the radio; like the big blue sea, it can be found literally anywhere, yet it still
MOA Eye
San Miguel by the Bay, Marina Way, Pasay city If you love the sight of the sea, you can spend time by the bay. Aside from walking along the seaside, there are a lot of different things going for the place as well
Future in “Fine Wine,” apart from lacing his hazy tracks with carefully curated samples like Rod Stewartin “Everyday”. In the simplest terms, it’s like an acid trip down memory lane. RATING: Che – Meh – Yeah!
remains another world that remains largely unknown for me... until this album. The electronic trio’s third full-length album features its usual elements of zesty, reggae-infused house (also known as moombahton)that can put those feet to work and a dash of mainstream club music to compensate for every raver’s need. And although some parts can get exhaustingly repetitive, Peace is the Mission is a nice summer soundtrack that maintains its distinction from all the other producers and DJs. RATING: Che – Meh – Yeah!
(a place with an amusement park/chill-out vibe), perfect for barkada bonds. But let’s not go somewhere else, the Eye is just part of the biggest mall in Asia and it will always be an ideal hangout spot for anybody who just wants to slow down life and unwind a bit.
Who doesn’t love mov- not like that? Enter anies? Forgetting stress and other world by watching a just plain chilling out for film in a nice, cozy place. two hours? How can you PHOTOS BY MEG BLANQUISCO
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LETRAN FROM PAGE 12
mates prior to tip-off and even during the match, “Before the game kinausap ko yung team, sabi ko sa kanila gusto kong magend yung playing career ko on a winning note, I also told them (the rookies) to keep their poise kahit rookies sila, kahit anong pressure yung ibigay ng kalaban,” he said. His teammates gamely responded to his call. Rookies Jerrick Balanza and Christian Balagasay also showed action for the first time, debuting with seven and five points, respectively. SCORES: Letran 82 – Cruz 16, Quinto 14, Nambatac 11, Sollano 10, Balanza 7, Racal 6, Balagasay 5, Calvo 5, Apreku 4, Dela Pena 4, Luib 0 CSB 53 – Grey 16, Domingo 10, Ongteco 8, Saavedra 7, Nayve 5, Johnson 4, Sta. Maria 2, Deles 1, Fajarito 0, Castor 0 Against JRU, 78-64 Letran gave the heavily favored Jose Rizal University (JRU) its first taste of defeat in Season 91 on July 3, with a humon-
CAFE FROM PAGE 12
utes left in the ball game. Café France’s and former Letran Knight Jam Cortes nailed a crucial jumper with 47 seconds left, but Elorde immediately answered by a banging trey to give the lead back to the Fighters, 55-54. The Bakers got the last possession of the game with five seconds remaining. And
ST. VINCENT FROM PAGE 1
materials. The building also houses four activity rooms. According to the floor plan, there is also a Physics laboratory, a drawing room, four more computer labs, and function rooms. The building is also still undergoing a few finishing touches. Some of these rooms are donated by alumni and corporate sponsors. In an interview with Engr. Amorsolo Canlas, director of Engineering, Building & Grounds, he refused to answer when asked why it took a long
gous 14-pt cushion, 78-64. Assertive enough, the Knights executed a highintensity defense. The full court pressure seemingly works well for the Murallabased ballers, which resulted to crucial turnovers for JRU. The Bombers became quiet after being tantalized by multiple three pointers in the third period where the Knights surged a 12-0 run. John Pontejos and Abdul Abdulwahab both contributed 11 points for their squad but remained scoreless at the end. JRU failed to cut Letran’s deficit due to consecutive misses, and was forced to give Letran their second straight win. After the widespread news of Manny Pacquiao, the new team manager of Letran, Coach Aldin Ayo said that the champ invited the whole team to his mansion in Forbes Park, Taguig right after the game. Nambatac led the team with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 4 treys. Cruz and Kevin Racal, scored 12 and 15 respectively. SCORES: Letran 78 - Nambatac 25, Racal 15, Cruz 12, Sollano 10, Quinto 6, Calvo 3, Luib 3, Apreku 2, Balanza 2. JRU 62 - Pontejos 11, Abdulwahab 11, Sanchez 10, Grospe 9, Dela Paz 8, Lasquety 6, Balagtas 4, Teodoro 3. just before the buzzer sounded at 1.8 seconds, the Cameroonian big man Rodrigue Ebondo knocked down the game-winning jumper. Ebondo led the Bakers with 18 points, eight of which were in the payoff period, along with 11 rebounds and seven blocks. Café France, led by head coach Edgar Macaraya, was the first team to ever force a rubber match in the history of the PBA D-League.
time to finish the building, “Naku, hindi ko masasagot yan, masalimuot kasi yung proseso na ‘yun ‘eh, saka may mga delay pa sa Meralco noon.” Aside from the completion of the building, the Colegio is currently undergoing renovation for the upper level of Salon de Actos, which used to be computer rooms and classrooms. “Magiging functional ‘yan at gagamitin siya na pangpractice ng mga dance groups ng Letran.. Bale parang magiging practice grounds nila ‘yan, pero may glass yung mga bintana,” Canlas said.
SPORTS
NCAA 91 teams load up their lists BY OJ ANDRES
JET-SETTING this National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 91 men’s basketball tournament are the formidable lineups of each of the ten teams, with their drawbacks and strong additions. If there is one team that knows how it feels like at rock-bottom, not just once but twice, it is this year’s host, the Mapua Cardinals. But do not count them out, the Intramuros-based dribblers should rejoice as Josan Nimes is back, alongside Andretti Stevens and Mark Brana. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with this coming season. Head coach Atoy Co must relieved given his reloaded line-up. At last, Mapua has a scorer it can depend on when the game is on the line. Expect Nimes to deliver especially when his team needs him the most. Unfazed with the challenges of familiarity over the arrival of newly appointed head coach Aldin Ayo, the Knights of Muralla are set to prove that they are still among the elite. Letran will have the much needed resurgence from the graduating seniors Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal, and the vastly improved Rey Nambatac as they build up a ferocious backcourt trio. But the big question mark remains the same, have they found their missing piece? A legit center who can withstand the raging Ola Adeogun or the Lebron-like Bright Akhueti of Perpetual? Who could have forgotten that free-for-all incident that gave the oldest collegiate basketball league a loathsome reputation? Emilio Aguinaldo College did quite few movements since that infamous brawl. Andy de Guzman took over the job left by head coach Gerry Esplana. However, somebody from that 15-player line-up has to step up and raise the flag of the Generals
as a replacement of Cameroonian center Happi Noubi, who has decided to leave the club. It was not a long time ago when the Pinatubo Trio of San Sebastian dominated the league. But this season, gone are the games when the Stags would rally from a huge deficit and complete a come-frombehind-win. CJ Perez, who was dubbed to be the second coming of Calvin Abueva, traded his red and gold jersey for a blue one as he joins the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP. Head coach Rodney Santos still got a clear vision, though, of bringing the glorious days back. Aiding him are his ever reliable Jon Kervin Ortuoste and his veteran big man Bradwyn Guinto, together with some promising rookies. The Perpetual Help Altas are hoping to find replacements for erstwhile stars, Juneric Baloria, Harold Arboleda, and Justin Alano. Spearheaded by veteran coach Aric Del Rosario, they are pinning their hopes on reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Earl Scottie Thompson and Nigerian big men Prince Eze and Bright Akhuetie. The future looks bright for the Altas as Akhueti bagged the MVP plum in the Filoil-Flying V Hanes Cup while the 6-foot-11 Eze can dominate on both ends of the floor. Almost was never enough, but Arellano University proved that it can reach the unreachable and turn the impossible into possible. Although it fell short at the hands of San Beda, the relentless Chiefs made sure everyone knew they belonged in the NCAA. However, coach Jerry Codinera needs to pick up the pieces from the departure of Prince Caperal, John Pinto, and Keith Agovida, who were all vital cogs of last year’s impressive campaign. He still got a Jiovani Jalalon, who is considered as one of the best amateur guards in the collegiate level because of
his immense scoring prowess and Marc Barroca-like defense, and will surely be the spark plug of this team. The Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are considered to be the best in developing young guns through their basketball program. To attest to that is their success in acquiring the services of reigning NCAA high school MVP Darius Estrella. The former Light Bomber decided to render his services to his alma mater and help form a dangerous backcourt duo with Paolo Pontejos, who is back from a one year layoff. On the verge of making a rare feat in history, the San Beda Red Lions are looking for their sixth consecutive championship in the NCAA. The powerhouse team has retained most of its core players like Baser Amer, Olaide Adeogun, and Art Dela Cruz. They are still the team to beat this season. It is just a matter of putting the pieces together for new head coach Jamike Jarin. Lyceum will have to strive way harder this time to earn a reputable mark in the league. With the coming of new head coach Topex Robinson, the Pirates build a solid front court in the likes of Joseph Gabayni, Jebb Bulawan, and Seraj Elmejrab. They will more likely struggle at first but expect them to find stability and consistency as the tourney goes on. College of St. Benilde Blazers will have to enter the 91st season without key stars Mark Romero and Paolo Taja. Undeniably, the two were responsible for the good campaign last season. But luckily, CSB still got an athletic Jonathan Grey on its roster. The team can keep its chances alive, by using speed and athleticism all throughout the tournament. Who shall then reign supreme?
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VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES
Things the Knights need in order to win another NCAA title BY RAFAEL MANZANO
THE LETRAN Knights are now almost a decade of championship hiatus as they were last seen with the trophy in 2005, after beating the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dolphins. Hence, listed are the five things the Letran Knights should adjust on, in order to finally hang that illusive 17th banner in Intramuros.
BENCH HELP
BIG MAN STABILITY
One of the main keys to the Knights’ championship return is the production of a versatile big man. After the spectacular era of star center Raymond Almazan, the Knights had a hard time in clearing rebounds and producing from the paint area. The undersized centers of Letran offer open alleys for mismatches, favoring the opposing team. Moreover, they have had a hard time going against other school’s imports. The league has allowed foreign imports for some time now, but Letran never gave it a shot. If that is the case, improvement of undersized local centers would be very critical for the Knights to go against other imports such as San Beda’s Ola Adeogun who has played the most vital role in the Red Lion’s six-peat.
LESS EMOTION
The Knights have produced star players in the past including Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal, and Rey Nambatac who have contributed well to the team. However, bench and role players are as important as these front-liners. The starters should always have a strong support system behind them: players who can either provide the continuity of energy on court, resuscitate the team if in the bunker, or those who can spark things up when the game calls for it. They do not need to score double digits per game, but should make an impact.
PICKING UP THE P ACE
During a game against Jose Rizal University (JRU) last year, former coach Caloy Garcia and Mark Cruz were both ejected and suspended due to technical calls. The Knights lost their way after a huge comeback minutes before JRU won 69-60. Moments like this may sometimes be the turning point of the game. The simple cheat though is for the team to stay calm and focused regardless. The Knights must learn to control their emotions, disregard external factors they cannot control and do not let their emotions get in the way. The Muralla-based dribblers need to fight their way to the title but a fistfight is not the way to go.
BE CONSISTENT
Another thing the Knights need to prioritize is to control the tempo of the game. They have players who can score on a daily basis but should play transition in a faster and more aggressive pace. Letran needs to utilize fast-break offense and high pressure defense in an up-tempo level. This means they should score early and crash offensive boards. Defensively, they need to pressure full court, trying to force turnovers and bad shots without being in the foul trouble. This will certainly give them an edge early.
One of the most important things every championship-calibre team must have is consistency. If the Knights are able to pick up the pace of the game, they should make it a point to maintain it. The key to this is by taking good shots and preventing turnovers. They also need to be smart in handling crucial situations which may cause them the game. When they are in full control of the first half, they need to carry it on until the buzzer sounds. Energy must also be maintained all-throughout the ball game. And lastly, a good game does not guarantee a good stint during the first round. They need to exhibit the hunger to win until the last game.
K-Racs eyes a fitting farewell BY OJ ANDRES
Kevin “K-Racs” Racal before banking a free throw shot. | PHOTO BY Ryan Miguel Rona
HAMPERED by a seasonending injury last year, high-flying wingman Kevin Kent Racal eyes for a fitting collegiate career as he is now cleared to play his farewell year in Letran in the National Col-
legiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 91. Well-motivated and wellrested, veteran forward Racal is eager to bring the lost Knights back into the picture, after Letran failed to make it to the Final Four last season. “Mas motivated yung K-Racs ngayon. Gusto ko maganda yung kalabasan ng last year ko, sana makapasok kami ng Final Four then kung makakapasok, ibang usapan na yon [going to the finals],” the Muntinlupa pride said. Struggling to climb his way up, Racal did not join the team’s regular practice for about eight months due to a knee injury. However, he made sure his shooting strokes are in good rhythm.
“Nag-focus muna ako sa shooting habang nagpa-practice yung mga teammates ko. I just kept on shooting since bawal pa rin talaga ako sumabay sa kanila,” he said. The Letran co-captain suffered an ACL injury during a team practice that hindered him from playing the remaining games of the Knights at the latter part of last season, leaving Letran dismantled and falling from where they last picked up. The soft spoken forward even barred the barriers he had to pull through saying, “Mahirap talaga ma-ACL, yung isip ko kailangan ko rin ikundisyon. Kasi physically okay na ako eh, pero siyempre yung utak ko kailangan
Valk talk
VEEJAY Floresca and her friends were up and all-ready to party at one of the most high-end clubs in the country to date, The Valkyrie.
As Floresca and her friends were about to enter the premises of the said establishment, they were kept on hold, waiting at the entrance of the club, for there was a bit of confusion. The bouncer allegedly did not allow Floresca to enter for she was, accordingly, “cross-dressing”; further insisted that technically, Floresca is still male and should be wearing men’s clothes. Veejay insisted the difference between a transgender and a gay man, and how she is not cross-dressing. She showed her California ID that indicated female as her sex. But still, she was not let in. The fashion designer used her social media account to rant about the incident and how she felt discriminated by The Valk. And boom. The social media circus came to life with negative and positive commentaries regarding the Floresca scene.
It is quite offensive for any establishment, not just The Valk, to “choose” who they want to let in. And it is extremely lame to base it on sex or sexual orientation. But regardless, it is still an establishment bound by rules, and if you want to be let in, you have to follow their regulations, no matter how stupid these may be. Rules are still rules. Veejay said she felt discriminated against. Many might say that this is as shallow as it can be, knowing that other transgendered men and women, bisexuals, and gay people are discriminated in more severe ways; such as being beaten up or not being accepted in jobs due to their sexual orientation, than just being restrained to enter a club to enjoy drinks. But still, no matter how shallow or severe it might be, and to what form it takes, discrimination remains to be bad.
If you were in her position, should you just stayed mum about the incident, let it go, and have just gone to another club? Or is it just fair that you speak up about it, and convince everybody to feel for you? However, there are two sides Are you fighting for a cause or of an issue, sometimes even more. just aching over wounded pride?
EAC, LPU gain permanence BY MARIAN LACSON
JUST IN TIME for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 91 kickoff, the status of the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) and Lyceum of Philippines University (LPU) as probationary members had just been lifted up. According to Melchor Divina, Management Committee chairman of the NCAA, the status of the two schools had been upgraded by the league as they succeeded in meeting certain requirements to earn the privileges of being a regular member. Both EAC and LPU have been playing for six and three years, respectively, as probationary members before their promotion this season. Probationary members are expected to commit to join the league’s other events aside from basketball. All aspiring league regulars are also called to participate with competitiveness in every sporting event of the NCAA, taking into consideration the knowledge and compliance of regulations. mo rin ikundisyon. Mahirap yung naglalaro ka, iniisip mo yung injury mo, hindi ka makakapaglaro ng maayos.” Nevertheless, the graduating senior remains poised and optimistic about what the future holds for him and the rest of the Knights; together with Mark Cruz, who is also playing his final year
with Letran, Racal keeps his eye on the goal and wishes to put the icing to what have been an impressive collegiate career for him. Slowly but surely getting back to his old, deadly form, the 6-foot-2 wingman said he is 75 percent ready to take off, and is hoping to find himself at the top.
VOLUME XXXIX - ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 - 12 PAGES The Opening Presentation of the NCAA Season 91 on June 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena. |PHOTO BY Ryan Miguel Rona
Mapua hosts NCAA 91 BY OJ ANDRES
THEY CAME in different colors but the same spirit as the Mapua Cardinals graced the opening ceremonies of the 91st Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with electrifying dance sequences and loud banners at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June 27. Another series of action, highly physical, and tensionfilled motions are about to
Café France snares its first D-League title
be witnessed as a new set of competitive rivalries unfold with the theme “Engineered for Sports Excellence in the New Decade”. Letran’s Athletic Moderator Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. lit up th ective flags and jerseys, together with their goddess-like muses. Dr. Reynaldo Vea, NCAA Policy Board president, opened the season by saying, “The NCAA is not just mere
competition but also about the celebration of the sports we all love to watch and play.” “Moreover, we also develop student-athletes to their fullest potential and contribute to the pool of national athletes,” the Mapua CEO added. This year’s policy board committee consists of Fr. Aloysius Maranan, O.S.B. (San Beda), Fr. Nemesio Tolentino, O.A.R. (San Sebastian), Anthony Tamayo (Per-
petual), Francisco Paulino Cayco (Arellano), Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. (Letran), Robert Tang (St. Benilde), Jose Paulo Campos (Emilio Aguinaldo College), Dr. Vicente Fabella (Jose Rizal University), Atty. Roberto Laurel (Lyceum), and Vea. Also present was no less than the legendary Alvin Patrimonio, a proud Mapua Cardinals alumnus. “The Captain” gave
pieces of advice for the student-athletes gunning for wins this season. “Let me remind you that talent is not enough. May formula ako for that: ability + attitude = result”. The former two-time NCAA MVP also reminded the student-athletes to keep their feet on the ground and always strive to be a better person on and off the court.
BY CAMILLE TERRADO
THE CAFÉ France Bakers snagged the championship trophy after pulling off a cardiac finish against the Hapee Fresh Fighters in the do-or-die of the best-of-three finals series of the 2015 PBA Developmental League (D-League) Foundation Cup, 56-55. The Bakers were in total control of the first three quarters of the ball game. They managed to maintain a seven-point lead until the opening minutes of the final quarter, 52-45. Hence, with 5:14 remaining in the game, Hapee’s Chris Newsome and Nico Elorde, former Ateneo teammates, contributed five straight points to trim the lead down to two. And after few missed attempts from both teams, Troy Rosario tied the game with a corner jumper at 52-all, with a little over two min-
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FIRST GAME: Christian Balagasay (#15) takes an inside shot against CSB’s Domingo (#6) | PHOTO BY JR Pancho
Letran slates first 2 games BY OJ ANDRES AND RAFAEL MANZANO
Against Benilde, 82-53 BANKING on their immense defensive stops, Letran Knights tow College of St. Benilde Blazers to kick-off their campaign with a convincing 82-53 win on June 30. The Knights never seemed to look back after they held off the Blazers to just 10 markers in the first canto, making it difficult for the Taft-based College to stay within striking distance. Letran took a 37-24
advantage at the half before imposing a 29-point burst in regulation. Despite having the early advantage, the 16-time NCAA champions stayed relentless all throughout and displayed an impressive full court press. The Knights limited the Blazers to 33% field goal shooting. Letran forced the opposing team to commit 33 turnovers as well, which they found success in converting to 32 huge points.
PHOTO BY APEC STA.ANA
Mark Cruz led the way for the Muralla dribblers after tallying 16 points, on top of his 3 boards, 3 assists, and 4 steals. Bong Quinto also contributed 14 mark-
ers while Rey Nambatac and Jomari Sollano netted 11 and 10, respectively. The diminutive Cruz had some words for his team
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