KNIGHTHOOD THE FRESHMEN SUPPLEMENTARY ISSUE OF THE LANCE
inside this issue 4
INTRAWALK: A Guide to Becoming a Certified Intra-Kid
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Experience Letran in a Bliss
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Unwavering Letran Pride
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Debunking: Letran as ‘bagsakan’ school
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Blue vs. Red
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Dugong Arriba: Kilalanin ang ating Rektor
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#KnowMyStory
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Teejay Obsequio
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Louie Baharom
MANAGING EDITOR
Danielle Macadangdang
NEWS EDITOR
Chara Lomiteng
FEATURES EDITOR
Louise Lizan
SPORTS EDITOR
Jonash Dannug
PHOTO EDITOR
Paul Sugano
DESIGN EDITOR
Xamantha Asdisen
PUBLICATION ADVISER
Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio PhD.
http://thelance.letran.edu.ph
FReshmen tips
New Letranites! Perhaps, you’ve heard the “Letran may not be your first choice, but it is your best choice” line, but I’d be lying if I said that I agree with it. It wasn’t a choice that most of us made. But in most cases, it was Letran that chose us.
While creating a worthwhile story, enjoy your stay here. Never give yourself a chance to regret not cherishing most of your moments in the Colegio. Go out, meet people, and discover something new – eventually you’ll come up with a realization of what you really desire in life and who you really are. Make the most out of the liberty that this phase of your life rewards you. Yet, do not abuse this freedom because it is conferred to you because you are now an adult – so think and act like one. This is when maturity needs to enter in your life. Some will scare you that it’s hard to get out of the blue walls of Letran. Some will even cite cases of people donning the white Letran uniform for more than four years. Don’t fret, frosh, it’s not hard to get out of here as long as you don’t lose focus. Figure things out as early as now and focus on your goals. In some cases that you will trip and not reach your goals as expected, don’t be too hard on yourself for not reaching the finish line as early as everybody else. Always rise up and remember that we are not like everyone else, we are unique in our own very little ways, thus, we will not have the same stories as others and that is OK. Also, accept the reality that Letran like all institutions is not perfect. Expect it to disappoint you multiple times. But now that you’re a part of Letran, it is your responsibility to extend your efforts to make your new home a better place. As you venture to a new threshold of your life, The LANCE presents this simple guidebook to your new home, consider it as a guide to your ‘Knighthood.’ These are stories or guides that your seniors or professors might not tell you, yet an essential tool to being a full pledge Letranite.
- Teej
letter from the editor
As you emerge to write your own Colegio story, do not spare the chance that this institution has given you. Four years (or five for some programs) will fly fast -- which you’ll only realize once everything is over. So write a story that you would want to read.
INTRAWALK: A Guide to Becoming a Certified Intra-Kid
DELICIOUS FOOD, AFFORDABLE PRICES 1. KANTUNAN
Kantunan’s (yes, it’s not a drill, Kantunan is an actual real name) line of carinderias offer inexpensive but delicious food fit for a student’s budget. Found between Mapua University and Lyceum of the Philippines University, students flock around the stalls for a muchdeserved breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. With its jolly servers, students from all over Intramuros are in for a treat with affordable rice meals to keep them at bay. 2. BATCAVE
BY LOUISE LIZAN & DANIELLE MACADANGDANG
It is without a doubt that Intramuros has been a home for most of the Philippines’ history. Its sturdy walls withstanding time itself is seen all throughout the place. However, no matter old and faded these marks are, the famous walled city still manages to be one of the country’s beautiful heritage. Colegio de San Juan de Letran stands high and mighty for four hundred years and has witnessed the change Intramuros have gone through as time passes by, also serving as a temporary home for Letranites. Letranites are used to eating and going around Intramuros, exploring historical places and discovering hidden gems along the way, finding affordable food shacks and leisure trips to pass the time. It is normal to have circled the Intramuros walls during their stay in the Colegio. Now as the newest addition to the Letran community, also given the cost of having a lot of vacant hours, the new breed of Letranites can enjoy these places that are just within their reach, and they’ll probably get fed up of, but it’s a start anyway. What’s a better way to start than on food, right?
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Time constraint? There’s a much nearer place if Kantunan’s too much of a walk. Batcave is located just beside Letran, under the shade of trees is another line of carinderias that students can enjoy, offering budget-friendly meals partnered with a cool soft drink to ease up a hot day. Their famous lechon kawali is a best-seller, making bypassers stop and have a taste of their own. 3 & 4. J’S AND ALYSSA’S
foundation of Intramuros. Located just in front of Lyceum of the Philippines University, students of all levels sit down and eat to their heart’s content. This will get new Letranites on a new level of closeness with the core foundation of Manila’s history, literally. Speaking of history, Intramuros is known for its scarily beautiful ruins. J’s and Alyssa’s are two of the most popular places when it comes to sisig around Intramuros, and giving these places a try might result to multiple orders of rice and a full stomach, especially with J’s unli rice promo. The sisig, (and their dishes) are something to die for, probably the reason Letranites and other students from around Intramuros drop by all the time.
HISTORY HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD
historical trips in and outside the famous walled city, but just within the students’ go-to list. 9. In addition to the museums, there are also various places that students can visit anytime! From Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila to some of the jewels of the Philippines; the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. However, not only do Intramuros stays in the past – but it has also changed throughout time with new infrastructures that cater to the students’ needs.
5. FAST FOOD CHAINS (JOLLIBEE, KFC, MCDONALD’S)
It’s still okay to go with the basics, though. There are several fast food chains all around Intramuros for some go-to and quick meals – Jollibee, KFC, McDonald’s, Chowking, Greenwich, ChickBoy, name it – everything’s probably inside the walled city. It just needs a couple of patience to walk around what it seems like a small area, but it’s far wider than it is expected.
7. FORT SANTIAGO, BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO, ETC. As history books come and go, it’s true that the walled city is famous for the ruins of the colonial and World War aftermath. Along with fascinating structures, it is also a place for parks such as Fort Santiago, Baluarte de San Diego and many hidden parks scattered around Intramuros would give the enchanting vibe of experiencing history at its best. It could be hot, sure, but it’s an unforgettable experience to go around and explore with these places with future friends in tow – just make sure not to bother anyone or anything.
6. WALLS
This is probably self-explanatory. Various food stalls are lined up and welcome students of all universities and colleges to take a seat beside the historical
10. INTRAMALL Don’t worry about having to walk in the heat as Intramuros’ ‘minimall’ will give the students a taste of their different amenities to cater to everyone’s boredom. From a sleeping zone to a milk-tea house, name it, IntraMall probably has it. A great stress-reliever for those who need it, just don’t spend four hours or more inside, they’ll probably have to close soon. At least have the enthusiasm to try and endure the long walks and scorching heat for an all-around trip in the city of history – Intramuros. For the duration of the stay in the Colegio, maybe there will be new gems to be discovered by you – new Letranite. Whatever it is, make sure to tick these places off the list once school starts! A hidden treasure hunt to remember the days by, and for a better choice in choosing where to eat or to chill after a stressful day in Letran, because it’s a must need.
8. NATIONAL MUSEUM For more serious history trips, the National Museum is there to cater to every curious person’s needs. A must-visit trip requires every or soon-to-be Manila kids to a trip to the country’s museums, now that the newest addition of the National Museum of Natural History has opened for the public this year. There are lots of
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EXPERIENCE LETRAN IN A BLISS BY LOUISE LIZAN & DANIELLE MACADANGDANG
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aying “college is tough” is an understatement. The same routine every year, studying in endless rooms, buried on exams, and to top it all off, things only seem to be getting difficult every passing day – inevitable, but nonetheless still enjoyable. It can get a bit boring, going in and out of the same school, the same gates, the same halls for years. It’s really bound to get boring, promise. However, Letran just knows how to have fun. From the start of the school year, Letran already planned various activities for the future breed of Letranites to enjoy their first few weeks before the endless studying starts. Although it wouldn’t stop there, of course. Letran prides itself on producing quality students, one of the things that its best at is giving quality and fun-filled events that makes a student’s stay in the Colegio worthwhile. Flashing lights, energetic performances, and incredible foods are just some of the things included in the nights of wonder. Whether it be a college tradition or just a night out to bond with fellow Letranites, these are some of the highly anticipated events that’ll make a Letranite’s stay complete. 1. Exclusive for new Letranites comes Binyag Arriba, a oneway ticket to four fruitful years of stay in the Colegio. Fresh new start for a fresh new school, right? But just make sure to bring another set of clothes for it can get a bit… messy. It’s also a start of getting new friends and experiencing the rest of the college years with them! Make sure to choose friends wisely and make new and exciting memories to remember by. 2. Right after the blessing of being a true blooded Letranite, what comes after is the annual Pep Rally, introducing the school’s pride and joy, the Letran Knights. Get geared up with anticipating the jeers and cheers for Letran’s very own basketball players. It will fuel the inner Arriba Spirit in every
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proud Letranite. 3. If the Pep Rally will introduce new and intense players on the NCAA court, Letran has its very own event showcasing the skills and sportsmanship every Letran student may have. Each college department will show their pride in their own packs and give the best they can offer through various sports activities such as volleyball and basketball in the Letramurals. Letramurals is a great opportunity to showcase one’s skill and pride for their own college department, awakening their inner cheerleaders and athletes. It can get a little intense, considering that every student wants their own department to win – and that’s what makes the Letramurals an event to look forward to! 4. As a Catholic institution, it’s a Letran tradition to take part in the celebration of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. Letranites are known to keep their own rosaries in their pockets in thanks for the blessing and guidance of Our Lady. It would take the students’ holiness and patience to uphold the essence of the holy celebration by joining in the Grand Procession and La Naval masses. 5. Love listening to local artists after running through the streets of Intramuros at night? Then wait for Colegio Week to have some real fun! Good food, good music, and great company await the new breed of Letranites. Accompanied by a great fireworks display, this will surely be the most memorable night in a freshie’s entire life. Truly a night of wonder. 6. Before the Christmas vacation starts, Letran would give off a farewell that the new breed of Letranites shouldn’t miss out on. Paskong Arriba is a great send off for Letranites to a better end of the year: another night full of great music with preChristmas vibes. Lights and carols would fill the night as the holidays come near, and maybe, there would be a bit of alcohol too. Another reward for every Letranite’s struggles all throughout the first half of the academic year. 7. Speaking of rewards, it’s a nice feeling to get recognized in all the outputs and struggles students put into every project, every presentation, and every requirement. Nights may seem vague, but every department has one to highlight and reward students for all their hard work. Nights such as awards nights or recognition nights are held to push students to aim higher and better than they can be. These events come and go, and even after all the years of experiencing this, it still gets bigger and better every time. Especially with these new Letranites coming in for this academic year, Letran would take the challenge of taking the events up a notch for the quadricentennial celebration next year, proving that the Colegio isn’t just a place for excellence, but a place for fun and enjoyment.
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Unwavering Letran pride BY TEEJAY OBSEQUIO
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olegio de San Juan de Letran is an institution rich in history. Great men have walked pass through those blue walled hallways of this old college – men in cloth (St. Vicente Liem de la Paz, Beato Fr. Antonio Varona, O.P., etc.), nation builders (Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Apolinario Mabini, Francisco Baltazar, etc.), and, in present times, prominent personalities (Laurenti Dyogi, Lourd De Veyra, Vic Sotto, etc.). Almost four hundred years of deeprooted history, there are countless reasons why the multitude of Letran pride cannot be comprehended by those outside the old walls of Letran. Being a Letranite does not end after your diploma is conferred to you. Old men and women donning blue shirts, caps, ballers, and other memorabilia will flock Letran homecomings, basketball games, and Quadricentennial countdown celebrations. Which even extends to social media with posts and comments of “Arriba Letran” whenever the new breed of Letranites give pride to their beloved alma mater. The rich history of Letran dating back to 1620 has connected the Letranistas to their Alma Mater deeply. The deep-rooted traditions of the Colegio from the Binyag Arriba to Sulong Arriba has made us inevitably sentimental which make
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us provide Letran a special place in our hearts. BLINDED BY PRIDE However, a wise man once claimed that “too much of everything is bad,” which also applies to our pride for our Alma Mater. There lies another problem because of this. Some of us will get blinded by the wrongdoings of our co-Letranites – notwithstanding the plagiarism, misogyny, and discrimination. In the Letran Knights games, some alumni, in the essence of showing support to those donning the blue and red jersey will cheer foul antics against the opponent or even raise their middle finger proudly against the other side of the arena. In the essence of foul-mouth Letran’s arch-nemesis in sports. These are cases wherein too much of the pride is unintentionally putting our beloved Alma Mater into bad light. Blinded by the pride, thus, forgetting the other principles and ideals that the Colegio indoctrinates. “ARRIBA SPIRIT” In the quaint campus of Letran, almost everyone knows one another. Some would even blurt out that it’s hard to hide from someone in the Colegio. Being acquainted from one another results to unity in the community to applause the triumph of each and every one.
This in result has made it effortless for Letranites to win in popularity contests, from films to pageants. Achievements, either academic, extracurricular, or athletics, even dismal or luminous are always celebrated because our pride is anchored to the “Arriba Spirit” which, anchored to the Filipino pride, extols resiliency. Letranites will be the last to doubt their colleagues, thus, always uplifting and supporting everyone to reach for the triumph. Our Colegio’s deep history would narrate how Letran was in shackles during the wars and earthquake she has encompassed, yet, until today, nearing its Quadricentennial, she stands mighty as Knight because the Arriba Spirit is in reflection to what the institution has gotten through. MODERN KNIGHT Now, as you, freshmen embarked in your journey as a modern Knight, may you give more glory to the Colegio. Prove -- not only those who have been there before you but yourselves -that there are more reasons to be ‘proud to be a Letranite.’ Now, that you know better, start shying away from the barbaric blindness of pride like misogyny and discrimination.
Debunking: Letran as ‘bagsakan’ school BY TEEJAY OBSEQUIO
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hose who failed the University of Santo Tomas Entrance Examination or simply failed to be admitted will understand this remark: “Bagsakan ng mga taga-UST ang Letran.” After not being admitted to UST, The University will suggest the applicant to try applying for Colegio de San Juan de Letran or UST – Angelicum College – both co-Dominican educational institutions. This may be a marketing strategy for both colleges but, with that, I couldn’t blame those who keep an impression that Letran is a “bagsakan” school. The Colegio has also been tagged as “sure pass” in its entrance examinations. I even failed the Mathematics part of the exams, but here I am. It is because the Colegio offers remedial courses to those who did not meet the passing scores in a certain section in the entrance examinations. In this instance, Letran showcases its efforts in helping students who may have difficulty on a certain topic, but excels in others. Letran is not a “bagsakan,” rather a place for people who are different – those with potential to excel in their own passion. Not everyone could meet the expectations of educational institutions to pass all the sections of their entrance exams, yet it doesn’t mean that they are less capable than those who could. These achievements of the Colegio’s students would vouch that we are more than just a second choice: ICOMM BAGS THREE AWARDS AT 39TH CATHOLIC MASS MEDIA AWARDS Institute of Communication bagged three awards last October, at the Catholic Mass Media Awards. The accolades were “Lumad” as the Best Student Public Service – Radio Ad, “Saan Ba Dapat?” as
the Best Student Public Service – TV Ad, and “Nakauwi Na” as the Best Student Short Film. LETRAN LANDS TOP 5 IN PSYCHOMETRICIAN EXAMS Letran-Manila ranked fifth in the top performing schools at the Psychometrician Licensure Examinations last November 7. The Colegio posted a 85.19 percent passing rate. Two Letranites, namely, Roselle Sorio Habana and Renz Louis Montano, landed at the top 10 with a 82.80 percent rate (top 9). 100 PERCENT PASSING RATE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING BOARD EXAMS The Colegio’s Electrical Engineering pioneer batch achieves 100 percent passing rate in the electrical engineering board examinations, last September 2017. The board passers are Blessie Rose Bondoc, James Van Chan, Maria Abigail Jordan, and Myra Lalaquil. COLEGIO ACHIEVES ABOVE NATIONAL PASSING RATE IN CE LICENSURE EXAMS The Colegio achieves a 72.73 percent passing rate, above the national passing percentage of 48.81, last November 2017. The new civil engineers are Paolo Pio Alaan, Alexander Alegandro, Renzo Angelo Atijera, Christin Joy Bantog, Joshua Bryan Jacinto, Arlene Limos, Princess Camille Mercado, and Klenn Ivan Navarro. LETRAN PRODUCE FOUR NEW ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS The Colegio produced four new Electronics Engineer after acing the licensure examinations last October 2017. The Colegio achieves a passing rate of
57.14 percent, about the national passing percentage of 46.71. The new electronics engineers are Matthew Lawrence de Mesa, Wisdom Dumpayan, Joah Yves Riza, and Nathalie Danielle Yucor. COLEGIO ACHIEVES 100 PERCENT PASSING RATE All of the graduates from the College of Education who took the Licensure Examination for Teachers – Secondary Level passed the board examinations last September. The newly licensed teachers are Melissa Cadatal, Paoluz Ashes Cruz, Edmund John Gambon, Melvin Hipolito, Merrie Anthuanette Quintao, Kristine Ann Villanueva, and Meryl Meclane Carreon. CBAA WELCOMES NEW RMPS AND RBPS The College of Business Administration and Accountancy produced new Registered Marketing Professionals (RMP) and Registered Business Professionals (RBP). The new RMPs are Patricia Mae Baraquiel, Monique Angelica Carzon, and Regina Marielle Macabalitao. The new RBPs are Ruffa Mitch Rasmayor, Jian Mikko Bernal, Cheldee Kimberly Sumo, and Joray Agatep. LETRAN SINGING AMBASSADORS, CHAMPIONS AT PHILTOA ECO CHORALE The Letran Singing Ambassadors gave pride and honor to Letran when they were crowned as champions for the third time at the Philippine Tours Operators Association (PHILTOA)’s annual Eco Chorale competition at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, last September.
*with reports from Knight Life
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Blue versus Red: A quick look on the NCAA’s most renowned rivalry BY JONASH DANNUG
As Letranites, it is our duty to uphold the core values of our beloved Colegio. According to what is written on our creed, we must continue to live our days as one for God, for the fatherland, and for our beloved Alma Mater. One unwritten rule though, is that as Letranites, we must treat every Letran-San Beda face-off as a championship game. Over the years, the Blue and Red have faced countless great battles on the hardcourt, taking up collegiate rivalries up a notch. From the banging of the drums to the jeers of the crowd; this rivalry has always lived up to the hype. In this article, take a look on one of the fiercest rivalries that set stage on the Philippine basketball hardcourt. WHERE IT ALL STARTED The rivalry kicked off in the early years of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) when the Knights faced the Red Lions in the 1950 championship match for the first time. Letran was spearheaded by Lauro “The Fox” Mumar while San Beda was led by Carlos Loyzaga, the father of Ginebra legend Chito Loyzaga. In the second round of the eliminations, the Intramuros-based squad was at the verge of sweeping the eliminations and winning the crown (the Final 4 format was not yet in effect). However, Loyzaga’s San Beda team had other things in mind and downed the Knights to force a championship game. Mumar led Letran’s famous “Murder Inc.,” as they prevailed over the Red Lions in the finals and won their second NCAA championship during that time. After Mumar and Loyzaga’s excellence, the Knights and the Red Lions became certified powerhouses in the league. However, the Red Lions, after winning back-to-back championships in 1977 and
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1978, fell into oblivion and suffered a 28-year title drought while the Knights continued their dominance that eventually carried on until the millennium age. This circumstance though, may have silenced the Letran-Beda feud for a while, and paved way for the San Beda-Ateneo and Letran-La Salle rivalries. HEADING INTO DIFFERENT PATHS Before bolting to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Ateneo and La Salle were member schools of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Back then, some would say that San Beda’s original rivals were the Blue Eagles while Letran’s antagonists were the Green Archers due to the violent history that hampered these all-boys schools. San Beda and Ateneo’s rivalry had their heated moments in the 1977 finals series which was highlighted by a scuffle between the competing teams’ fans. This fracas forced the officials to hold the third game in closed doors, with the Red Lions enwding up as champions. The tides completely turned in the 1980 season when the Knights and the Archers’ supporters turned the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in complete pandemonium and engaged themselves in a huge brawl. With the adversity at hand, the Basketball Association of the Philippines were forced to halt the rest of the tournament and
suspended Letran in all events. The following year, the league readmitted Letran, which led to La Salle’s exit in the NCAA. Ateneo, meanwhile, left in 1978 due to the violence that marred league. REKINDLED RIVALRY In 2006, San Beda regained supremacy in the NCAA and ended their 28-year title drought through the massive help brought by Nigerian student-athlete Sam Ekwe. During the elimination round, the Red Lions defeated the Knights twice, denying Letran of a twice-to-beat advantage in the final four. This, somehow, may have rekindled the rivalry that was set aside for a very long time as the Knights and the Red Lions faced each other in the championship match the following year. San Beda, led by Ogie Menor and Ekwe, dominated the 2007 finals series, 2-0, to win their second consecutive championship after their title drought. Menor bagged the finals MVP plum while Yousif Aljamal (San Beda), Bryan Faundo (Letran), and Dino Daa (Letran), grabbed mythical honors. The fiery rivalry went on with the two teams meeting again in the 2012 and 2013 finals in which both the Mendiolabased squad emerged as champions. However, in 2015, when Intramuros met Mendiola for the fourth time in nine years, the Knights were able to turn the tables around as they nabbed their sweet revenge against the Red Lions in three games, denying San Beda’s bid for a record-setting sixth-straight crown. The Knights, who were led by first year tactician Aldin Ayo and the troika of Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal, and Rey Nambatac, notched their 17th NCAA overall basketball championship. ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE In 2015, the Knights and the Red Lions displayed spectacular performances during the course of their three-game series. Letran’s Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal, and Jomari Sollano and San Beda’s Art Dela Cruz, Baser Amer, and Ola
Adeogun exploited their basketball brilliance in the finals by delivering big-time plays. However, aside from the superb performances of these college stars, the other thing that made this series more interesting is that it added more disputes to the growing list of controversies between these two celebrated teams. In game one, Racal was inbounding the ball late in the Knights’ 94-90 win over the Red Lions when a San Beda fan standing at the VIP courtside area tried to distract the Letran star. The incident, unfortunately, caught the ire of Letran fans which almost resulted into a brawl. Another incident occurred as the last few seconds ticked away in San Beda’s game two victory. Cruz was seen yelling back at a San Beda supporter who he claims shouted at him using profane languages. Several San Beda players pacified the pint-sized guard before things got out of hand. Meanwhile, San Beda manager Jude Roque criticized the referees in Twitter following Letran’s game three win. Roque irked the Letran community with his remarks. But Roque was quick to defend himself, and apologized hurriedly for his comments. The biggest controversy though, came from one of the heroes of the Knights’ Cinderellarun in the NCAA Finals. Knights’ forward Racal launched a racial slur on San Beda’s Adeogun online. Racal came under fire and was slammed by San Beda supporters in social media. The Alaska forward then hastily apologized for his mistake, saying he only got caught up by his emotions. Some of these incidents may have gotten out of control, but the beauty of this age-long rivalry is the lessons that it imparted not just to the players and the administrators but for their fans as well. Disputes come and go, and seeing the likes of Kevin Racal and Jude Roque own up to their mistakes prove that this isn’t your typical rivalry. We may have seen some of these players and officials scoff at each other. We may have seen fans jeering at one another. However, this does not take away the fact that over the years, unlike other rivalries, this Letran-San Beda discord is built on respect and distinction, and that is what separates these two prestigious teams from the pack.
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Dugong Arriba: Kilala
BY MYKEE MONTEROLA
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ilalanin natin ng husto ang ating mahal na Rektor na si Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., SThD. hindi lang bilang rektor ng Letran kundi bilang isa ‘ring Letranista na may dugong ‘Arriba.’ Tubong-Obando, Bulacan, ang 47-taong gulang na si Fr. Clarence ay nahalal noong ika-20 ng Hunyo taong 2015 bilang kapalit ng naunang rektor na si Rev. Fr. Orlando Aceron, O.P. Siya ay hindi na maituturing na estranghero sa Letran sapagkat siya ay nag-aral dito simula 1974 hanggang 1985 [‘Pre-school’ hanggang ‘High School’]. Sa aming pakikipanayam sa kanya, natuklasan namin ang kanyang pagiging isang ‘typical’ na Letranista. BUHAY LETRANISTA Panganay sa limang magkakapatid si Fr. Clarence. Siya at ang sumunod na kapatid niyang lalaki ay pinag-aral sa Colegio de San Juan de Letran habang ang kanilang mga kapatid na babae ay pinag-aral sa Colegio de Sta. Rosa. Ayon sa kanya, ang kanyang natuklasan na dahilan kung bakit sila pinag-aral sa Letran ay dahil sa kanilang Lolo na isa ring Letranista. Bukod pa ito sa dahilan na ‘convenient’ ito sa kanila sapagkat malapit ito sa pinapasukan ng kanilang ina [sa GSIS, Manila]. Pamilyar na pamilyar si Fr. Clarence sa Intramuros sapagkat noong siya ay nasa ika-anim na baiting sa elementarya, sila ay nanirahan ng isang taon sa “Flores Residence,” isang ‘boarding house’ malapit sa Colegio de Sta. Rosa. Nang aking itanong kung sino-sino, bukod sa kanyang pamilya, ang may malaking impluwensiya sa kanyang buhay, ang kanyang sagot ay ang kanyang mga kamag-aral at guro sa Colegio. Ayon sa kanya, “Lahat sila ay mayroon akong magandang alaala at naging bahagi sila ng paghubog ko, sa pagiging Letranista at pagiging Dominican”. Katulad rin ng ‘typical’ na Letranista, siya rin daw noon, ay mayroon ‘ring “kapilyuhan at kaharutan sa pagiging estudyante dito sa Letran.” May mga panahon rin na siya ay lumiliban sa klase upang makapanuod ng basketball game ng National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at nakikipag ‘trash-talk’ rin siya sa mga Bedista, biro pa niya, “until now, kapag nakakalimutan kong rektor ako [nakikipag trash-talk pa rin ako]”.
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PAGPILI NG KANYANG BOKASYON Hindi daw binalak ni Fr. Clarence noon na kumuha ng ‘exam’ sa seminaryo. Dalawa lang ang kanyang kinuhang ‘exam’ at ang isa dito ay para sa kursong ‘Civil Engineering’ sa University of the Philippines na kanya namang naipasa. Kung hindi raw siya nagpatuloy sa Seminaryo ay malamang ang pagiging Civil Engineer ang kanyang propesiyon ngayon. “Ni-require kaming lahat na mag ‘exam’ [sa seminaryo] tapos, wala akong intensiyon na ipasa yung ‘exam’ pero pagkatapos nung ‘exam,’ ako lang daw ang pumasa. Eh last minute umeksena si ‘Lord’ at napunta ako sa pagiging ‘Dominican,” ayon kay Fr. Clarence. Nagpatuloy siya sa Philippine Dominican Center of Institutional Studies kung saan grumaduate siya bilang ‘Summa Cum Laude.’ Nakapagtapos bilang ‘Cum Laude’ si Fr. Clarence ng kanyang ‘Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology’ sa University of Sto. Tomas. Siya rin ay isang Atenista dahil sa Ateneo de Manila University siya kumuha ng ‘Master’s Degree in Literature.’ Kung hindi daw siya naging Dominican, maaring siya ay isang Jesuita ngayon. Inihalal na pari si Fr. Rektor noong ika-14 ng Mayo, 1995. Nakamit niya ang kanyang ‘Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures’ sa ‘Pontificio Instituto Biblico in Jerusalem’ sa Roma [Cum Laude] at pagkatapos ng sampung taon, nakumpleto niya ang kanyang ‘Doctorate in Sacred Theology, major in Biblical Studies’ sa UST [Summa Cum Laude]. Napili ni Fr. Clarence na sumanib sa ‘Dominican Order of Preachers’ dahil sa kinamulatan niyang magandang paglilingkod ng mga ito sa Letran. Nagustuhan ‘rin niya ang kanilang pakikisalamuha sa mga estudyante. PAGIGING REKTOR Naitanong namin kay Fr. Clarence ang tungkol sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Letran bilang Rektor neto. Masaya siya sa tuwing may pagkakataon siyang makabalik at makauwi ng Letran ngunit nang siya ay nahalal bilang Rektor, ang kaniyang kasiyahan ay nahaluan ng kaba. Ayon sa kanya, “dati, parang karaniwang Letranista lang ako umuuwi. Ngayon, eh, alam ko na merong akong parang mabigat na responsibilidad na pamunuan at paglingkuran ito bilang rektor”.
Gayon pa man, nangingibabaw pa rin ang kanyang pagmamahal sa Letran. Sa katunayan, ito ang nag-uudyok sa kaniya arawaraw na ipagpatuloy ang kanyang gawain dahil ito ang kanyang ‘waking thought’ sa pagising at pagtulog. Bilang kasalukuyang rektor ng Colegio, nais niyang ipaayos at ipatupad ang plano ng mga naunang rektor na makarating sa tarangkahan ng pagiging Unibersidad o Pamantasan ang Letran gamit ang mga ‘academic programs’ at iba pang panukat nito. Para na rin ito sa mas malalim at mas makabuluhang pagdiriwang ng ika-400 na taon ng Colegio sa taong 2020. “Ang Letran ay ‘extension’ ng buhay ko at pagsusumikapan ko, pagsusumikapan natin na kung ano ang ikabubuti ng Letran, iyon ang gagawin natin” sambit ni Fr. Clarence. PAGIGING LIDER Minsan nang binansagan ang ating rektor na siya ay may “leadership” sa kanyang dugo dahil sa kanyang mga nagampanan na posisyon. Ayon kay Fr. Clarence, “nahubog sa akin dito sa Letran yung pamumuno sa iba’t ibang aspeto… I was an Associate Editor-in-Chief [ng The Scroll] noong Elementary at sa High School, [Student Council] Vice-President.” Para kay Fr. Rektor, ang isang katangian na napakahalagang taglay ng isang lider ay ang abilidad niyang makinig sa saloobin ng mga sumusunod sa kanya. Kung kaya’t ganun na lamang ang kanyang nais na masubaybayan ang mga estudyante ng Letran. Ika niya, “kung wala ang mga estudyante, wala ang Letran… Pilit kong inuunawa at pinapakinggan kayo kaya nga ‘active’ ako sa ‘social media’ at nasusubaybayan ko kayo at siguro pag paminsan-minsan, kapag tinotopak ay sinusubaybayan niyo rin ako.” Nang maitanong si Fr. Rektor kung ano ang kanyang mahalagang mensahe para sa mga Letranista ay ito ang kanyang sagot, “yung pagiging Letranista natin ay hindi lang sa paraang pasigaw… bigyan niyo ng laman, gawin niyong tunay na buhay yung ‘Arriba Letran.’” (First published on The LANCE’s August Issue 2016)
anin ang ating Rektor
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KNOW mY S OW mY STORY KNO W mY STOR KNOW mYKNOW STORY m NOW mY ST Y STORY “Ang nagpapasaya sa akin araw-araw ko dito sa Letran ay syempre yung nagagampanan ko yung trabaho ko nang maayos. Yung napapasunod ko yung mga estudyante sa polisiya ng Letran.”
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STORY OWKNOWmYmY STORY STO RY mY STORY KNOW TORY
KNOW m
“Mang George? He’s just an ordinary guy. For almost about 25 years, basically, very, very simple works. Wala kang excuses. There’s no ifs; no buts. Always the same. Kaya it’s more than flattering [being complimented]. It’s like you’re being given a pat on your shoulder. ‘Ay, well done ang work mo.’ And that’s more than enough sa mga pagod namin. That’s all we can ask for, hindi naman kami humihingi ng riches of the world. Just a little appreciation will be more than enough.”
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