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VOLUME XXXVII • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2013 • 12 PAGES
MARCHING AGAINST PDAF. Students of letran once again march to Luneta to join yet another call to abolish the cotroversial PDAF | Photo By Normee Agatep
Letran calls for PDAF abolishment Ralphe Lawrenze M. Alarcon
Members of the Letran community trooped to Luneta Park to join the Million People March calling for the scrapping of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) on August 26. Following alleged PDAF scam mastermind Janet Napoles’s hiding from both the media and government, a series of social media campaigns was launched
to gather people at the said park. The scam, which also involved bogus non-government organizations and lawmakers, ignited the public to stage a march and perform pocket activities where the Letran community, from administrators to alumni, participated in. In an official statement, Letran Rector and President Rev. Fr. Tamerlana R. Lana O.P. said: “In the advent of
recent events, the allegations and controversies concerning the tax payer’s funds spent maliciously for personal gains, and landed in the hands of only a few.” Fr. Lana added: “Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila strongly upholds, as ardent lovers of truth, that this issue be resolved for the utmost interest in Filipino people. He furthers: “If this is
IT students awarded Microsoft grants
Information Technology (IT) students from the College of Engineering qualified to be on the list of the premiere Microsoft Student Partners’ (MSP) program’s scholars this academic year. Letran Information Technology Society president Rachael Ly Uycoque, Karl Kevin Manabat, Mark Lloyd Alcones, Letran Student Council Secretary Rajiv Ian Aseron, and Sebastien Paolo Zapanta are the newest additions to the MSP students’ list. Manabat recalled how fortunate Letranites are producing a number of MSP scholars: “May partnership po kasi yung Letran and Microsoft kaya may bridge na for Microsoft to contact Letran.” According to Manabat, Institute of Information Technology alumni who were also part of the MSP handled the initial screening while Microsoft staff handled the second and final interview.
“Nakakakaba talaga kahit may experience na ako. Medyo alam ko na yung mga isasagot ko, sa bandang dulo ng interview medyo tricky na questions,” Alcones said, adding: “Para sa iba siguro wala silang pakialam. But for me, MSP is the first step in reaching my dreams. Sa MSP kasi, the program will train you the fundamentals ng IT work in the real world. We are here as student leaders hindi lang para magpasikat lang.” IT Studnets PAGE 3
not met and the system of allocating Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) is only becoming a nest of corruption, then Colegio de San Juan de Letran believes that this should be put to an end. Review the system, if not, abolish the PDAF altogether!” Amid the issue, President Benigno S. Aquino III said: “Sisiguruhin kong bawat mamamayan at sektor
ay makakakuha ng patas na bahagi ng pambansang budget para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan, scholarship, proyektong lumilikha ng kabuhayan, at lokal na imprastruktura.” Still, PNoy pointed out that there will be no abolition but a replacement with new mechanism. It would be remembered that PNoy
Letran calls PAGE 10
Alumnus nears sainthood Ina Mae B. Penafuerte
Following the footsteps of St. Vincent Liem de la Paz, an alumnus will be beatified on October 13, writing another historical event for the Colegio’s heritage. On behalf of Pope Francis, the beatification ceremony of Eugenio SanzOrozco y Mortera in Tarragona, Spain will be officiated by Cardinal Angelo Amato. Manila born OrozcoMortera will be known as Blessed Jose Maria de Manila after his beatification. The Letran alumnus was the son of the last
Alumnus PAGE 10
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NEWS CBCP: Corruption is terrorism
rOSA mARIA bACLAO In a pastoral letter, the the people, leaders should Catholic Bishops’ Confer- be transparent to them ence of the Philippines and should be open to be (CBCP), warned that held accountable. A crisis government corruption is an opportunity. The pohas become “a growing litical crisis we are facing social cancer,” and called now is an opportunity for it an “act of terrorism” our leaders to show that they are ready to be invesagainst the poor. The two-page letter tigated, to set up radical signed by CBCP president changes for better governand Cebu Archbishop Jose ance, and to seek for the Palma, he said that corrup- good that would benefit tion is not just a betrayal of all, especially the poor and the citizens’ trust, but also those who suffer.” Cebu Archbishop Pala serious offense against God. They listed six points ma also said that the turns of events are not just an as part of its moral stand: 1. “Integrity must be offense or betrayal against restored in the conduct of the public but an offense public office. Every gov- to God. In an article by the ernment official from the Philippine Daily Inquirer rank and file to the high- (PDI), he said: u“This is an est executive must prove offense against God who themselves worthy of the commanded us ‘Thou shall not steal’ and ‘Thou shall title ‘Honorable’;” 2. “According to our not covet your neighbors’ moral judgment, the pre- goods’.” The letter furthered: sent pork barrel practice in government is fertile “Without sufficient govground for graft and corrup- ernment healthcare, stealtion. Promoting the politics ing government money of patronage, it is contrary has caused the death of the to the principles of steward- poor. Our first response to ship, transparency, and ac- the pork barrel issue must countability. It is immoral to be not protest but contrition. We are not just viccontinue this practice;” 3. “The wheels of law tims of a corrupt system… and justice must roll swift- We have all, in one way or ly so that we can immedi- another, contributed to ately punish the errant, this worsening social canrestore what has been cer— through our indifstolen and return to moral ferent silence or through conduct. ‘Hate evil and our cooperation when we love good and let justice were benefiting from the sweet cake of graft and prevail…;’” (Amos 5,15) 4. “We call on our pas- corruption.” Also, the bishops’ tors of souls to educate our people in their politi- conference asked relical duties as good citizens. gious sectors to join Pope We cannot be good Chris- Francis through prayers tians if we are not good and sacrifices. The vigil, citizens, and good citizen- which staged on Septemship in a democracy calls ber 7, also served as night for participation and vigi- watch for Blessed Virgin lance. This we do not only Mary’s birthday. Bishops during elections but all the also hoped that people intime. It is but right that volved in the corruption Church leaders, as citizens demand accountability and transparency;” well, mentioned that there 5. “We call on all Filipi- is a need for a restoration nos of goodwill, especially on integrity. The patriamong our Catholic faith- archs also said that the ful, not to stand idly by in persons who are in high this moment of truth. Let ranks in the government us be concerned and let must display worthiness this concern be manifest- being honorable. “The political crisis ed in our assiduous search for the truth in the spirit we are facing now is an of prayer and solidarity. opportunity for our leadPrayer will make us hum- ers to show that they are ble and open; solidarity ready to be investigated, to set up radical changes will make us strong;” and 6. “Stewardship is for better governance, and greatly wanting in our to seek for the good that country. Positions in the would benefit all, especialcountry are public trusts ly the poor and those who for the service of the com- suffer,” the bishops said on mon good. As stewards of PDI.
VOLUME NO. XXXVII • ISSUE 4
Taoag screens in Letran Anton Vincenz Tantoco
Caption | Photo by Normee AGatep “[It’s] an ordinary task with extraordinary meaning,” said College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Rowena CapulongReyes when asked about accepting the task of assisting in the making of JP Carandan’s Taoag, which had its special screening last August 15 at the St.
Thomas Hall. Taoag is a project initiated by Fr. Jerry Manlangit of the Priory of the Holy Rosary convent in Manaoag, Pangasinan. Letran Vice President for Financial Affairs Fr. Boyd Sulpico, O.P., recommended Reyes to Fr. Manlangit to make a film about the Lady of Manaoag. Carandan, a former Film instructor in Letran, directed and wrote the short film. He also included his former Communication Arts students (now graduates) Reeza Belo, Darel Robles, and Julius Lacaba in shooting Taoag last April. Reyes acted as the supervising producer. “I guess this would be another [JP Carandan] classic,” said Fr. Sulpico. In the opening remarks during the film showing, Fr. Manlangit said: “[The film] captives the ordinary and the extraordinary events of
our daily lives.” He further said that it will allow the audience to see the miracles in those ordinary and extraordinary instances. The short film opened with the founding of the Church of Our Lady of Manaoag during the 1600s and then shifts to the present day where devotees flock the church to offer their petitions. The story then revolves on a family’s devotion to the Lady of Manaoag and how, in a simple way, their relationship with each other grew stronger. “Everyone is called,” said Carandan. “Not only for [our] devotion to Mama Mary. We are called to deepen our faith to the Lord.” Starring Carlo Cruz, Lui Manansala, Angeli Bayani, among others, Taoag was first shown during the Asia Oceania Third Mariological Conference in Dagupan last April 16.
iCOMM initiates environmental advocacy Ina Mae Penafuerte
Institute of Communication (iCOMM) students spearheaded an online campaign as Social Media volunteers to campaign and revive an advocacy that aims to save Camiguin Norte. The Facebook page, “No to Black Sand Mining in Camiguin Norte,” started the rebirth of the advocacy that was first started by an older page “Stop Black Sand Mining in Camiguin Norte.” The Letran-administered page was made on July 17, with initial posts and communication materials actually made by students from the Advertising and Communication Arts programs. On August 10, former Communication Arts Area Chair Fr. Joemar Sibug, O.P., a former parish priest of Camiguin Norte, visited the Colegio to give an update on the black sand mining in the island and bring awareness about the life in Camiguin. The students behind the advocacy and students of National Service Training Program attended the talk at the Student Center Auditorium.
Life in Camiguin Camiguin Norte is located within the Babuyan group of islands. There is no electricity, no paved roads, no public markets, no hospitals, no doctors and no funeral parlors in the island. “The residents there, they plant their own veg-
etable garden to be able to eat vegetables. There are no hospitals and doctors. Those who get sick, if it’s serious, they will most probably get buried the next day,” Fr. Sibug said. In Camiguin, fresh seafood can be bought for a lower price, compared with the prices in the cities. However, bad weather always hovers over the island. Because the island is the exit gate of most typhoons, citizens of the island rely commonly on processed foods like canned goods and instant noodles to suit their needs. Fr. Sibug also furthered that he had to make his own charcoal to use for cooking and ironing clothes. Likewise, because bakeries are not present in Camiguin, he had to bake his own bread. Almost every household in Camiguin Norte has its own radio and set of batteries, because people have to monitor the weather to be able to prepare for incoming typhoons.
“Since there’s no electricity, and fuel is expensive, I try to put up solar panels in my house,” said the Dominican priest. Lyceum of Camiguin, a school Sibug handled, had a total of 140 high school students from first to fourth year. “Nakikita ko yung mga bata, iniisip ko na someday, ilan sa kanila magiging teacher din. Magtuturo sa kabataan. Baka meron d’yan, magiging barangay captain, mayor or even president. Who knows, no? Kaya tumutulong tayo sa kanila para mabigyan sila ng opportunity,” he said. Meanwhile, Fr. Sibug salutes the island teachers for still committing to their profession despite their very low and almost always delayed income. “I asked one of the teachers why she still kept on teaching, and he answered me: ‘There are students, so I ICOmm intiates PAGE 10
NEWS
September 2013 • 12 pages
Letran honors Quezon amid heavy rains Rachelle Annewor T. Yumol
Members of the Letran community celebrated the 135th birthday of Commonwealth President and alumnus Manuel L. Quezon on August 19 despite inclement weather. Annually, the family of Manuel L. Quezon joins the Colegio in the commemoration. However, due to the continuous rains, they did not make it to this year’s celebration. Quezon’s grandson, Presidential Communications Development Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel “Manolo” L.
Quezon III, expressed regret over not making it to the celebration. Through his official Twitter account, USec. Quezon said: “Malungkot ang aming pamilya at hindi kami makakapunta sa Banal na Misa ngayong umaga dahil sa ulan at baha. Nakikiisa kami sa pamilyang Letranista sa pag-aalay ng dasal para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, at sigurado kami na bubuksan ng bawat Letranista ang kanilang puso upang matulungan ang nangangailangan. Nawa’y magkita tayo sa susunod na Ag. 19.”
Fr. Tereso M. Campillo, O.P., the director of the Lyceum of Camiguin, officiated the thanksgiving mass at the Letran Chapel. A flower offering ceremony later followed the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Quezon Garden. A program was supposed to follow after the flower offering but was cancelled. It was expected to consist of song and dance numbers, and recitations of poems written by Letranites. An exhibit was also put up for the former president at the Admissions lobby.
Theology area mounts Dominican quiz bee Marjorie Malabad
The Theology area commemorated the feast of St. Dominic de Guzman with a Dominican quiz bee on August 8 at the Student Center Auditorium. With the theme, “Revisiting St. Dominic’s origin,” the quiz bee aimed to inculcate knowledge and understand St. Dominic’s way of life. Nine groups from different programs competed at the said event. The judges were comprised of members of the Dominican laity, namely: Theology Faculty Head Gladys Estrada, O.P., Bryan Lim, O.P., and Davy Chioa, O.P. The quiz bee proper
was divided into three rounds: Easy, Average, and Difficult. Group seven emerged as champion and was composed of Financial Management student Ma. Fracesca Rivera, Communication Arts student John Christian Dinco, Entrepreneurship student Elaine Tantingco, Engineering student Erwin Evangelista, and Accountancy student Ezekiel Sorita. “It was very unexpected, since we have very limited time to review, given the recent midterm examinations, but I guess what made us win is dedication,” Dinco said.
The event formally closed with closing remarks delivered by Asst. Prof. Michael Maglaque, the over-all chairman of the program. “We wish that this will not only be a successful event but also a venue for Letranites to appreciate love for St. Dominic and emulate his way of life in our contemporary life. We will not only know him, but also through our love we may be drawn closer to Jesus himself,” Estrada said. Earlier a mass was celebrated at the Blessed Antonio Varona Gymnasium to commemorate St. Dominic’s Feast Day.
Disbanded LCS, LCT replaced Diane Marie Reyes
A new squad to boost athletes’ morale during games was formed after the Letran Cheering Squad (LCS) and the Letran Cheerleading Team AllStars (LCT) were officially dissolved. The team will now be officially called Lakas Arriba Cheerers. Cultural Development Director Edna Marco spearheaded the audition. The former Office of the Student Affairs and Cultural Affairs Director confirmed that a number of the former members of both groups auditioned and qualified. “We would like to open [the audition because] there are some students who are interested [also]… pero ang nangyari mostly old members [joined] pero may mga nakasali rin na bago,” Marco explained. The nature of the group is the same as before, however, this time there is only one squad doing both rou-
tines (traditional yells and gymnastic stunts). The name is chosen to strongly associate it with the Athletics Department and is still headed by Coach Buck Briones, then head coach of the LCT.
Dismissal of LCS and LCD LCS and LCD were dismissed after an incident, which happened between LCS’ Letran alumnus Louie de Leon and Briones. According to Public Affairs and Media Development Center Director Jhennie Caldito-Villar, the dispute occurred during the final minutes of the game between the Murallan ballers and Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers last July 6 at the San Juan Arena. “According to the report submitted, there was some sort of a commotion between the LCS and LCD heads,” Villar said adding: “So there was a complaint coming from Asst.
Prof. Louie Ignacio [Office of Student Affairs Director] because he was there as an administrator and spectator [of the game]. According to his letter, he tried to talk to both groups to pacify them but it fell on deaf ears.” Letran Center for Cultural Services (LCCS) formed a committee to investigate the said case. The members of the committee were chosen in accordance to the guidelines of the Student Handbook and was composed of faculty members namely Asst. Prof. Enrico Torres and Asst. Prof. Virginia Salonga, together with students Laarni Amor Glodo and Eunice Cerdeña. “There are recommendations coming from the formed committee. Some of those were carried out [by the deciding body] while some were decided by the LCCS consultative body,” Caldito-Villar said. The decision came from
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OSA upgrades leadership program Ralph Ronald Baniqued
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) launched a leadership seminar series titled “uKnighted: The Manuel Quezon Leadership Development Program” at the Student Center Auditorium on August 16. The event was originally organized to mold and develop student leaders within the Letran system through a teambuilding activity. However, for its fourth year, OSA director Asst. Prof. Louie Benedict Ignacio turned the event into a succession of talks which will be scheduled all throughout the school year culminating with the formal teambuilding activity. Recognized student organizations (RSOs), cultural group leaders, Political Science and Legal Management students, and all aspiring leaders were all invited to take part in the
the LCCS consultative body spearheaded by Vice-President for Academic Affairs Rev. Fr. Juan V. Ponce O.P., who is also the director of LCCS. Other members of the group include Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P., Fr. Conrado Marra, O.P., Marco, Rev. Fr. Boyd Sulpico O.P., Dr. Rowena Capulong-Reyes, and Caldito-Villar.
IT students
FROM PAGE 1 Among the conditions of the MSP are a stringent retention policy, which includes compulsory attendance of roadshows, brand launches, and Windows’ demos. Student partners are also expected to develop an application for Windows 8 and Windows phone. “Sa benefits naman, aside from free shirts, free seminars, meron kaming free license keys for vari-
training program. The pilot session taught participants to learn more about themselves, master teamwork, and the qualities needed to bring out the ‘leader’ in them. “It is a progression. We start with ourselves, then with how we work with others, and how we work for our community, and how we become more aware of the things that are happening around us,” said Ignacio. Psychology Area Chairman Asst. Prof. Christopher Hernandez tackled learning one’s strengths and weaknesses through his session, “Journey within: a Self-Awareness Seminar for Student Leaders of CSJL.” “Hindi mo magagawa ang isang bagay kung walang tiwala sa sarili,” he said in his talk. “The answer will always be no if you don’t take the risk.” It was followed by “Teamwork and Working with Others” led by Asst. Prof. Karen Katrina Trinidad, which discussed the essentials when working in a group. Among the next scheduled uKnightedrelated events are an offcampus leadership seminar on October 22 to 24, a seminar about Priority Development Assistance Fund in November, and a seminar about Intramuros informal settlers in December.
ous Microsoft technologies. Kasama na dun yung sa operating systems, Microsoft Office, and Developer Applications,” Aseron said, adding: “Malaki din yung chance namin na makapag-intern if not sa office ng Microsoft Philippines, sa iba pang Microsoft partner companies.” The announcement in the MSP Facebook page, which came late July, will give the new batch of student partners from the Colegio higher chances of employability through skills under Microsoft technologies. Through MSP, the students are to demonstrate newest technologies while building connection in their industry, nationally and globally. Students are also entitled of trainings including seminars and workshops. The Colegio is the first Microsoft Academy in the Philippines.
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OPINION
VOLUME NO. XXXVII • ISSUE 4
Editorial
A Crusade for Justice “This will not be the last time we will go out on the streets if there is proper time and reason. Let us be vigilant and prayerful.” – Fr. Juan Ponce, O.P., Vice President for Academic Affairs August 26 marked the day when religion, financial status, age, and gender could not divide a number of people who flocked to Luneta in search of communal justice. A good bit of our parents’ hard-earned money was snatched from the palms of their hands (a.k.a. taxes) only to materialize as Porsches and Hummers for some hotshot scammer’s party-crazy children. No wonder our country is stuck in the slow lane. Here are some items that could have given justice to 10 billion pesos: 1) 400 kilometers of standard two-lane roads; 2) 248 million books for public schools (in some provinces, the ratio of book to student can alarmingly reach 1:6); 3) 57 thousand houses for our Armed Forces servicemen; 4) free education for everyone who wants to study; 5) 333.3 million MRT round trips from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City; and 6) at least a million new jobs. In short, 10 billion pesos would have caused our country a great deal of improvement in terms of public works, healthcare, education, and economy. Fr. Ponce said he felt cheated although he does not pay income taxes to the government. “Everybody pays taxes. It’s in everything we buy and eat. Even in your [students] jeepney fares. These are the money of the common people,” he said. Enraged by the “diabolical ways” the people’s money has been used for, he asked Letran Rector and President Rev. Fr. Tamerlane Lana, O.P. to release an official stand about the matter and organize a rally of Letranites to flock to Luneta for the Million People March against legislators’ “pork barrel.” In spite of a mere one-day notice to the college deans, NSTP coordinators, Theology instructors, and alumni, the Letran community united to effectively deliver our message as an institution: “Bring justice to the people.” This was rather an unexpected and dramatic event since or Colegio does not always actively involve itself in political issues—an action that suggested how everyone has the right to pressure the government into running after the perpetrators of the pork barrel scam, and demand that it should never happen again. The LANCE salutes our school administration for showing courage and initiative to step down of the pedestal and take a stand with millions of Filipinos against graft and corruption in the government.
Ralphe Lawrenze Alarcon Editor-in-Chief Diane Marie Reyes Managing Editor Ina Mae Peñafuerte News Editor
Rosa Maria Baclao Features Editor
Ma. Teresita Distor Design Editor
Rea Antonette Gierran Sports Editor
Jan Joseph Mascot Famanila Photo Editor
Lianne Dominique Hidalgo, Marjorie Malabad, Adrian Masacupan, Kim Daniel Rubinos, Patrick Henry Taguibao, Kevin Louise Valdez, Anton Vincenz Tantoco Staff Ralph Ronald Baniqued, Mavelle Durian, Patricia Flores, Marita Karina Gerardino, Rio Jane Legaspi, Camille Ramos, Marilie Tubalinal, Rachelle Annewor Yumol Contributors Normee Claire Noelle Agatep, Silvestre Frando, Jr., Dwight Labilles, Danielle Nenette Soldevilla, Allen Tarroza Photographers Christelle Ann Cala Cartoonist
Carlo Miguel Alfonso Francia Adviser Published monthly, The LANCE has its editorial staff at 3F Student Center Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila. For comments, suggestions, and contributions, email us at letran.thelance@gmail.com
version 2.0 Ralphe Lawrenze Alarcon @masaralphe eic.thelance@gmail.com
Instapogi It has come to our attention that the office beside ours is now ready to fulfill their duties as student leaders. Now, they still have a few weeks before this semester ends, to prove that they are responsibly functional. Prior to the release of August issue of The LANCE, Letran Student Council (LSC) Vice-President Rey Torres had informed us that they are doing efforts for their constituents. Torres also gave us LSC resolutions dated June 2013 to prove that they deserve the votes they acquired during the last elections. It has been months and the students are still waiting for projects that this batch of LSC will leave as a legacy. Time, however, is running out. Letranites are not gullible to accept lame excuses from the LSC. The Letran community has learned to determine what issues are important and relevant to them. *** Not only are many netizens aware of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) issue through social networking sites, it is also a hot topic to talk about
in group conversations. However; I do not think PDAF is the real deal but the graft and corruption our lawmakers ‘make sure’ of. Originally established as the Countrywide Development Fund in 1990, it has been the subject of public condemnation and revelations of corruption. Following the disclosures of Janet Lim-Napoles and her everyday lifestyle, to unproven Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s ‘Sexy’ tag, and to Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s alleged betrayal of his former Chief-of-Staff Gigi Reyes, the PDAF Scam is to set another milestone in Philippine politics—the abolition of PDAF or at least its constructive restructuring. And yes, this country, I think, needs more honest persons than a large chunk of thieves. We have set standards in the media, with ordinary citizens showing admirable acts of honesty returning sums of money and expensive gadgets. What shames us now as Filipinos are the irregularities of these incompetent lawmakers that they still do yet deny. ***
Posting questionable content on social media has become a lifetime consequence. According to a recent survey, the Philippines has emerged as one of the top users of the social networking site, Facebook. Through Facebook, we are connected, reunited, and of course limited. We tend to accept or ask for confirmation from friends, celebrities, professors, school guards, administrators—only to find out that they are not actually the way we see personally. Online media separates our sight from differentiating the real and the online personality. This concern I am tackling might not ring a bell now but will somehow catch the youth’s attention as we observe closely how our ‘friends’ set a trend in social networking sites. The power of social media has always been free but what it gives us in return are not solely praises through likes, shares, retweets and favorites; it takes one or two posts to identify what kind of persons are we. Lastly, if you have issues with a particular person, be brave enough to tell them straight to his/her face. Do not limit it to 140 characters with some clichéd hashtags. Tell them how much you abhor them; being brave on social networking sites will never bring you so much fragrance in your name. I call these kinds of persons, ‘Instapogi.’ You all should stop from being one.
OPINION
September 2013 • 12 pages
blank verses Diane Marie Reyes @dianetootsie onewjeandia@gmail.com
Surprise, surprise There will come a time when we will all ask ourselves what path to take after college. Many of us will take a rest, look for a job, marry, enroll in another program, or just be a bum for a year or two. However, I am still struggling to visualize my plan for my future. Here are some of my twisted visions: One day I pictured myself as a brilliant and confident lawyer. However, I realized, I am too lazy to know and understand laws and facts about the judiciary, and be spontaneous like Atty. Eugene Kho. Or I can be a staff of a communication company or someone who works for the government. Believe me too when I say I imagined myself being a businessperson. Yes, the one doing all the inventories, accounting, calculations, marketing strategy, studying the economics of the Philippines, and mastering the supply and demand law.
Might as well, I will end up crazy after trying to figure out such. Then I stopped. It hit me. Am I sure to march at the PICC on March 2014? I am rushing things. We take shortcuts. We take for granted our courses because we think, just because we are graduating, our professors will let us pass. We don’t come to class on time or don’t come at all. Passing requirements is booted out of the equation, too. Failing our exams and thinking it’s alright are our best behavior. Can’t we see? Our professors won’t care if we do these, if we never let them see our faces every class, and if we don’t take our examinations seriously. Actually, it will be in their favor. After all, it is not them paying for our tuition fees. They might be glad to welcome us again and the Colegio because we will add more money to school funds. Most likely, it is us
three minutes or less Ina mae PeÑafuerte @inapenafuerte inapenafuerte@gmail.com
The Perk of Living outside the Pressure Cooker I was six when I entered elementary school and now I am nineteen years old and currently in my last year in college. When I was a kid, I took school very seriously. However, as I grew up, I learned to chill and be laid back. I threw away memorization and all those stuff I used to do to get high grades. I tried to find the real meaning of school. And I did. I chose to stay away from the pressure, away from all the stress. I realized that I should use what I learned and not force things into my head, and in activities, I shall do my best. So far, I have gotten good grades, so I guess there is nothing wrong with my methods.
Now that I have become who I am, I have the privilege of watching outside of the hot metal container that some of my peers choose to stay in, and I shall deliver my findings on the varying perspectives on education: First of all, grades are just numbers. Sure, they are essential in finding a job, and it may be the simplest form of thanks you can give back to your parents or to whoever finances your tuition, but they are just sums of your overall performance for the past term. I am not saying that they do not totally matter but I advise that you concentrate on what you are actually taking up in class rather than the results. It is better
who will suffer and realize our dreams of becoming a psychologist, IT professional, accountant, director, or journalist eventually vanish in the thin air. What should we do? Just focus. Focus on the goal. Attend every class, submit all requirements, and study for exams. They say nothing is difficult when we start doing it until we get used to it. It’s inevitable to feel lazy at times, to forget to pass school works, to not go to class because we have more to do. Kids, not because we are graduating, we are no longer entitled to do what real students do. No matter how we wish to not become part of the society we call our school, if our dreams mean a great deal to us, we will do everything just to get that. Don’t worry if our professors get strict on us. A day will come that we will thank them for pushing us to the edge until we learn what we have to know. Rushing things may lead us to somewhere we never want to be. Know when to be serious and when to play the game. More importantly, consider your parents’ determination to earn just to send you to a prestigious college. Never waste it. The time will come to ask ourselves what path to take after college but first, let’s make ourselves worthy to receive our diplomas. to understand than just to keep something in mind. Secondly, we are in a Colegio known for garnering lots and lots of awards. Pressure, eh? No, it should not be. There is nothing wrong with a bit of sense of competition but do not let it win you over. Each of you was given a set of skills and talents. They were gifts to develop and showcase. They are not weapons for battles. A tip: Compete, but give a heart. Some tend to overdo things; some tend to overthink. Well, brother, it is not always good to force and squeeze creative juices out. You cannot force art. Let it come naturally. Sometimes, when creations are forced, makers tend to mess it all up. Just chill. Now, I just remembered a line from 3 Idiots: “Pursue excellence and success will chase you.” Do the best you can with what you have. It is better to be surprised by the unexpected, than to expect and be disappointed. Third, for the parents: Do not get mad when your children get low marks.
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[k]night[s]peak Angelica Isabel Paz - Isnani
ks
On Flying...
The serenity of clear blue skies vibrates within my soul. I feel the soliloquy that the heavens bring. I hear the melodic silence amidst the echoes of the clouds. I float. In mid-air, I am at peace…nurturing the thoughts about existence. The life that I live , my past, my present and my future. The turbulences affect the solitude that captured my soul. I am disturbed. I love to be in the company of angels. Angels in disguise as human beings, talking amidst chaotic situations Sharing smiles that warm like sunshine. I am amused. Innate nature of men and birds may seem alike. For in God’s eye, we are but one…with wings that fly and soar up high We reach the peak, we take our stand and look down the earth below. I am humbled. Fly on and linger in mid-air. Let the rays of the sun bathe our souls anew And towards the landing of life’s new course, one wish I make To fly once more.
Angelica Isabel is a graduate of Letran with a degree in BS Marketing, Batch ‘89. She was also a writer of The Lance ‘88-’89.
The views and opinions written above do not reflect that of The LANCE’s. We are inviting you, Letranites, to submit your articles about life and anything under the sun. Send your articles to The LANCE office, third floor Student Center building or email them to letran.thelance@gmail.com
Sometimes, it is really not their fault. Let me raise a question: what do students really do in school? I know that most students understand the tiresome everyday work parents have to attend to just to provide for their children and spend for their education. Some do want to give back something. But some are just pressured that when they get low marks, their parents will be mad. The tendency is, students will blindly cram their lessons to perfect their exam but some do not actually understand what they are shoving into their minds, so after the examination or after a while, they will not be able to remember what they memorized. When compared to learning without pressure, students can take their time to understand things, and understanding can trigger curiosity in a way that can lead to willingness to learn more. Lastly, going back to the topic of competition, I say, do not lose yourself in the war. Yes, I have competitions
gone graciously, but believe me I have also seen it gone ultimately wrong. And one of the worst things is when all gets personal. When at the peak of the mountain, some forget to be professional. Some tend to forget that everything is just business. And the thing is, it is not only themselves that they lose, but also some people who they should be holding on to. People lose friends along the way, even if they do not have to. Some people tend to get hungry for recognition; they tend to forget about the friendly competition. Now, I honestly do not know how I would be wrapping these all up, but I do have one thing to leave you: do not forget the fun you are supposed to have when in school. There is such a thing as the joy of learning, and do not let some contest take away the people you are supposed to share it with. Time flies, and you will be surprised when all of a sudden, you are a senior and your time is almost up. Just chill. Relax. Conquer with what you have.
• Smoking makes the teeth yellow and the lips dark, and causes bad breath and wrinkles. • When smokers catch a cold, they are more likely than non-smokers to have a cough that lasts a long time. They are also more likely than non-smokers to get bronchitis and pneumonia. • Teen smokers have smaller lungs and a weaker heart than non-smokers and get sick more often than teens who don’t smoke. ALCOHOL INDULGENCE
Drinking is viewed positively by the youth perhaps because it is portrayed by the media as classy, fun, and even sexy. But just like anything that is too good to be true, alcohol consumption has underlying problems waiting to unleash. Alcohol is chemicallyclassified as a poison – which explains the disturbances it causes to vital bodily functions like slurred speech, loss of balance, throwing up, messed up perceptions, and lethargy. As for how it affects the mind, it evidently reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts judgments.
In a survey conducted by the University of the Philippines, 60% or about 6 million Filipino youths regularly indulge themselves in alcohol consumption. Sure, sipping and gulping beer with friends is a lot of fun while we are young, but try to think about the horrible health burdens you are slowly bringing to your future family.
If you think liver disease and car crashes are the only health risks posed by drinking, think again – Researchers have linked alcohol consumption to more than five dozen serious diseases like cardiovascular weakness, cancer of the throat, liver, or mouth, anxiety and depression, dementia, liver disease, and even serious neurological problems to name some. The impression is that drinking is cool. Think again: • Teen drinkers are more likely to get fat.
• That feeling of numbness or “pins and needles” pricking in your arms or legs when you become tipsy is actually the sensation of your nerves being damaged. • Men who drink are twice more likely to get cancer of the mouth, neck and throat. • Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving teens.
• There is no amount of alcohol intake that has been proven to be generally safe during pregnancy. Smoking may look cool on you now. Drinking may feel fun for you now. But like everything that makes its mark, your actions are on their way to ruining what little of the life you still have left. For years, you have been studying and doing your best to prepare yourself for the life ahead of you. Everything just so you’ll be able to reach the top of the industry you want to be part of, make your parents proud, and provide a comfortable life for your children. Do yourself a favor; grow old and give yourself the privilege of watching your children become fine adults.
Killing You Softly
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FEATURES
VOLUME NO. XXXVII • ISSUE 4
#NoToBlackSandMiningInCamiguinNorte Rio Jane Legaspi | Photos courtesy of No to Black Sand Mining in Camiguin norte Facebook account
Black beauty applies to all. Even to nature. Recently, an advocacy against Black Sand Mining in Camiguin was successfully launched by students of Letran that has raised the awareness of more than five thousand people. But first and foremost, what is black sand mining and why do we need to stop it? Black sand is rich in a mineral called magnetite found in the Island of Camiguin Norte. Aside from being widely used in making metals, it is also important in fostering the inhabitants of the island and the island itself because it helps in providing minerals to coral reefs which are home to numerous marine creatures. Since black sand provides important metals, it is no wonder that mining companies—big or small, local or foreign—have been itching to exploit it. Black sand mining kills coral reefs by restricting their nourishment thus marine creatures that are highly dependent to them will also die. With not enough food for bigger marine animals like dolphins and whales, the situation may drive them away from the island if it doesn’t kill them first.
Camiguin Island being an atoll, black sand extraction threatens to weaken its foundation that might gradually make it sink. It also poses imminent dangers to the health and lifestyle of the townsfolk.
If you have been persuaded at least once by a schoolmate to “Like and Share” the said page on Facebook and Twitter, it is because that person believes how your one click can save not only the life of people living in the island but also the voiceless and helpless marine creatures who wants to enjoy the life that we, humans, have. We should not wait for the moment when dolphins, whales, corals and fishes will only be seen on books. We should not wait for the island of Camiguin Norte to be written as a tragic event in our history. We should not wait for the #RIPCamiguinNorte to trend on Twitter; rather let’s make #NoToBlackSandMiningInCamiguinNorte a fight that we all want to win. Time is running out. Let’s all get involved in this issue. Together, we can make a difference. Say NO TO BLACK SAND MINING IN CAMIGUIN NORTE!
The Preacher of the Lord
“Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine
clothes.” - St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of Order of the Preachers Have you ever thought about the meaning of your name? What it means? Did you like it? Our name stands for our identity, a thing that could differentiate us from others, our parents who have been united by God are the ones who thought of our names. It is a gift that would change our life right after coming out of the wombs of our mothers. (DAH-mihnik) Dominic, which means “of the Lord,” wa s usually
given to a child who is born on a Sunday. And while St. Dominic’s approximate birth isn’t known, Dominic was named by his mother, Blessed Jane of Aza (St. Dominic‘s name is inspired by another saint, St. Dominic of Silos). It was said that before his mother conceived him, she saw a vision of a dog carrying a burning torch, and that would come forth with his mouth that would make the world aflame (Dominicanis means Dog of the Lord; Domini Canes means the hounds of the Lord). Being named as “of the Lord” myself, I believe that there is some kind of pressure in the name in more ways than I can imagine, but pressure indeed gives an unexplainable force that gives someone the determination to do his/her best. St. Dominic de Guzman focused on the things that he is good at and that is preaching to people wherever he goes. He taught people not just teachings from a manuscript but a way of Life. Do you know the history of your name? Have the time to res e a r c h about it— and be enlightened.
Privileged as he was, he was very dedicated to his studies; he went to schools in Palencia to learn six years of Arts and four of Theology. As a child, Dominic never indulged in what young people do; he avoided games and denied himself even the luxury of a bed and instead slept on the floor. During his studies, the famine in Spain broke out and in order to help people who can’t afford food, he sold all his clothes, furniture, and even his priceless manuscripts. When asked by fellow students why he did an incredulous thing, he told them: “Would you have me studying these dead skins, when people are dying?” A star that lights up the sky is very much like St. Dominic. All throughout his life he shared the wonderful teachings of God. He didn’t only share something, he also influenced others to do the same by finding a common ground. He founded a group that will continue his way of life. They are the Dominicans. Our Dominican Fathers who took the lifetime vow of Obedience, Chastity, and Poverty are the ones who continued the legacy of St. Dominic de Guzman. They are committed to a common mission of preaching the Gospel. They are the brave ones who knew that the only way to lighten up the darkness of the world was to educate and influence people the right way of living our lives.
Childhood is
awesome Kevin Louis Valdez
It was fun, it was magical, and it was picturesque and beautifully innocent. And I think it’s safe to say that part of why childhood was awesome was because of the great entertainment we grew up with. Growing up, we realize we weren’t living in a perfect world; growing jaded and cynical with every passing day. This isn’t entirely our fault, growing up entails the responsibility of facing the dilemma of day-to-day problems that exist. But as we see more-and-more of this world, we start seeing things in a less innocent light. So let’s break out the hammer and start smashing some nostalgia goggles, because you’re about kiss your childhood goodbye. Sailor Moon was really really really gay What you remember: If Dragon Ball was the go to anime for boys then Sailor Moon was the go to anime for girls. It had action, it had romance, and it had ridiculously colorful outfits. It was also a marketing phenomenon. Every girl wanted to be a Sailor Soldier. Every girl wanted to be that pretty heroine who saves the world from evil. Why wouldn’t they? In a usually male dominated cul-
ture, here’s something that shows women kicking butt and taking names. The show was quite revolutionary for its time and also it was quite liberal with its ideas. What you don’t know: It might have been too liberal. While it was never really hidden or glossed over, people seem to forget that Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus are very much gay for each other. Uranus’ entire motivation is to protect Neptune. From her defection to her acts of treason, all those are done for the sake of Sailor Neptune.
Lion King’s entire romance ran on incest. What we remember: Lion King is simple enough. It’s a story about a lion named Simba who ran away from home after being deceived and misled by his cruel uncle named Scar, and came back fighting for what’s rightfully his after learning from a vision of his father in a simple quote of the past as “you can either run from it or learn from it” and ended up claiming his rightful throne in the Pride Lands of Africa. What you don’t know: Might want to grab some pen and paper here cause CHildhood PAGE 8
FEATURES
September 2013 • 12 pages
The Kingdom of Loathing
rhapsody Rosa Maria Baclao
by: Kevin Louise Valdez The Internet has made the world a smaller place. It makes communication easier, information freer, and a whole slew of things more accessible. Yes, the Internet has connected the world in ways early science fiction writers could only dream of. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean it makes the world better. No, the Internet, like all tools, can and has continually been abused by those who see all this connectivity as an instrument to propagate and vocalize their hate and bigotry. And you know what’s frightening? This is the norm. Let us enter into The Kingdom of Loathing.
cyberbullying®
Bullying is heinous and traumatizing. And thanks to the Internet, bullies gain another way of shoving their metaphorical pricks into their victims’ faces. Let’s look at two cases: the case of Rehtaeh Parsons and Amanda Todd. In Parsons’ case, she was assaulted and raped by four boys who then proceeded to take a photograph of the attack and posted it online in social networks for everyone to see. In Amanda Todd’s case, however, she was coaxed into revealing her bare breast during an online chat. Since then, screenshots of her face and body have circulated across the internet. What do these incidents have in common? Well, both were propagated across the net. Both escalated into a level that ruined the affected parties—resulting to the suicide of the two young women.
T he Hate Machine Quick! What do you think of Justin Bieber? Or Rebecca Black? How about Twilight? Oh, you hate them? I would have never guessed. Empathy to hate seems to be the most prevalent thing on the internet. While the bandwagon might be arguing what to love, it can form a consensus on things to hate. Even if there is only a slightly tangible reason to and when the Hate Machine gets rolling, it rolls hard. Go to popular sites like Reddit, 9gag, and 4chan, and express any sentiment that is contradictory to the norm. It will be your funeral. The problem arises when the Hate Machine targets an entity that can’t fight back.
Addiction to Tragedies - jUST for fun “People love to be thoughtful at the very end of a tragedy because that’s the precise moment when nothing more is required of them.” - Gladstone Because to stop online bullying, to stop transgression online would require active and constant participation from everyone. In other words: time and concern. Only at the end of every election, do we express our grievances in the loudest ways. Only after the death of a popular idol do we sing praise and shower adoration. And only after every death do we cry foul. The Internet so loves its tragedies and tragedies needs its victim and often times, the Internet is the one to deliver said victim on a silver platter. The bullying of Rehtaeh Parsons was a two-year ordeal. In those two years, no steps were taken and no one was sent to jail. Ironically, after her death, debates and discussions were opened. People clamored for blood and justice.
DarK Space
The Internet is incredibly huge. So big that some, if not most of its sectors, are unreachable and unsupervised. It has been dubbed “Dark space,” “Free space,” “Dark net,” etc. As you can imagine from the descriptions, it is a place lacking in any
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form of supervision or monitoring that it has inevitably festered into a hive of scum and villainy. Perverted pornography, drug trade, arms trade, and animal cruelty. There exists a plethora of criminal activities that are conducted
in a day-to-day basis on the Internet and because such things are mere rotten fruits of the ever growing technological wonders of the 21st century, we are yet to draft laws that could effectively cull the dark space from existence.
Behind the façade of the Internet lies a festering culture of hate that no one seems to go against. We can stop the hate and we can stop the bigotry; it won’t be easy but it can be done, lest the Internet devolves into a place of abhorrence and detestation. For such is the place of the Kingdom of Loathing.
@AyaBaclao aya.baclao@yahoo.com
Mindanao: All Questions, No Answers Why is Mindanao perpetually in siege? What do the rebels want? What is Bangsamoro? And just who the hell is Nur Misuari? In 1968, at least 23 Muslim recruits were said to have been massacred by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Corregidor after allegedly blackmailing then-President Marcos (money for silence) during a top-secret mission to reclaim Borneo. The slaughter then became the historical “Jabidah Massacre” which angered numerous Muslims, and ignited the long-standing Mindanao insurgency. Muslim activists saw this as an opportunity to initiate a convergence that aims for Mindanao’s “freedom” from the motherland. These separatists claim that Mindanao belongs to the Muslims and is self-sufficient enough to stand alone without being integrated into the map of the Philippines. Recently, Nur Misuari, leader of the biggest separatist group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), broke off a peace treaty with our government and proclaimed himself President of the country he calls Bangsamoro or “new” Mindanao. For 45 years now, countless civilians and noble soldiers have lost their lives because of this senseless pursuit of power. It’s sad how a so-called army and a handful of guns instilled a so much sense of self-importance in one man, enoug Assuming that all Muslims are with them in their self-proclaimed independence is quite rash.
Of the island’s 22 Million population, only 10% are Muslims and not even all of them approve of this ideal. The sad part is, most people within our age bracket will automatically reach for the remote control and change the channel at the slightest mention of Mindanao’s conflict. Yes, there are much, much more important things to focus on and talk about. Say for example: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s break-up, the Kardashians, Enrique Gil, and of course, celebrity sex scandals. Thousands of innocent lives have gone to waste because of the power-hungry crusade that’s been happening in Mindanao for decades. Maybe, if we care more, these terrorists would have hesitated in trying to divide the very nation where we all belong. It is not enough to adequately know about the Mindanao conflict. It is necessary to understand it. Every day that we spend oblivious of what’s happening, every day that goes by without us being aware of the body count, and every day that we spend not wondering when it will stop, will only mean that we have no sympathy towards the people in Zamboanga who so frequently tremble in their houses, praying for the war to end. If we do not ask questions, there will never be answers. And without answers, there will never be a solution. “Wars have never hurt anybody except the people who die.” – Salvador Dali
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NEWS
VOLUME NO. XXXVII • ISSUE 4
LRC, Psych Area discern LGBT issues Rosa Maria Baclao The Letran Research gan yung information namin Center in coordination pagdating sa LGBT kasi as a with the Psychology area normal psychology student mount a lecture on LGBT hindi siya kadalasan nadidStudies with Asst. Prof. iscuss, tapos para sa aming Eric Julian Manalastas, mga 3rd year at 4th year Deputy Director of the psych students na may thesis Center for Women Studies about LGBT. malaking tulong from the University of the siya [lecture] kasi dagdag Philippines-Diliman, as variables siya sa buong study [namin],” said Letran Psyguest speaker. Manalastas defined chology Society president what “Lesbian”, “Gay”, “Bi- Maui Atienza. “Pagdating sa society nasexual”, and “Transgender” really mean based on psy- katulong [ang seminar] dahil chological literature and dun namin mas nalaman na studies. He also gave empha- marami na palang hinaharap sis on the importance of con- ang mga LGBT people katuducting more researches on lad ng social discrimination, the LGBT society in order to social violence saka homopromote better understand- phobia,” the Psychology senior finished. ing from the public. Asst. Prof. Eric ManalasThe junior and senior Psychology students whose tas received his Bachelor of studies focused on LGBT is- Arts in Psychology from Unisues were given the chance versity of the Philippines and to conduct an open forum earned his Master’s of Science in Gender and Sexuality with the guest speaker. “Para sa akin, mahalaga Studies from the University ito [lecture] dahil nadagda- of Amsterdam in Germany.
Childhood FROM PAGE 8
this might get confusing. As the leader of the pride, the alpha male Mufasa had more than one wife, he had Simba from Sarabi. He had Nala from Sarafina. And we know all too well that Simba and Nala became lovers by the end of the first Movie, Simba and Nala are the off-springs of Mufasa from his wives. In short, Simba and Nala are siblings, half siblings, but siblings nonetheless. In the second movie, Simba and Nala had Kiara, while Simba’s late uncle had an apparent heir in the form of Kovu from Zira. As the story goes, Kiara fell in love with Kovu, whom is supposedly her ‘uncle’. The family tree of lions becomes more of an incest tree of lions since the story revolves around few characters, namely relatives. Harry Potter and the very depraved sex. What you know: Let’s assume you are a person who has yet to be exposed to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I say ‘assume’ cause I think it’s theoretically impossible for someone to not know Harry Potter, the tale of the boy who lived. It’s a modern classic rife with stories of friendship, courage, and the magical power of love. A saga spanning for more than a decade, its cultural effects is astounding as it was inconceivable.
What you didn’t know: Remember Dolores Umbridge? That toad like woman who appeared on The Order of The Phoenix. Remember how in the end of the book she was dragged, kicking and screaming, off screen by a band of angry centaurs? Yeah- they raped her. The things about centaurs is that in classical mythology, raping people is kinda their thing. In the wedding feast of Pirithous for example, a band of centaur crashed a wedding party and tried to rape the bride. Nessus, a famous centaur from Greek mythology was killed while he was in the process of raping a woman. Now, you might say you’d only catch on to this if you had a fortunate degree in Classical Literature…. Which author J.K. Rowling totally has. Golden rule among those who create children’s entertainment is to ‘make it interesting to the children but bearable to the parent.’ We can chuckle at it all we want now but when we were just watching these growing up these were the things we watched religiously. Seeing those in another light are enlightening don’t you think? Whatever the case, our childhood is over and the world we knew has long passed us by but you know what? Even without the innocence and nostalgia, I can safely say to you, my childhood was awesome.
Letran Calls FROM PAGE 1
swayed the lawmakers to use PDAF wisely to fulfill his priorities under his term. However, Information Technology senior Marcus Aliwalas said: “Gusto kong makiisa sa pagpuksa ng katiwalian sa bansa. Gusto kong kahit na papaano may
Icomm Initiates FROM PAGE 2
have to go to school.’ For me, the teachers are the heroes,” Fr. Sibug said. Fr. Sibug was the only Catholic priest and only got to celebrate the Eucharist once in each of the nine chapels around the island every year.
Social Media Volunteers One of the residents called the father and informed him about the black
Alumnus FROM PAGE 1
Spanish Mayor of Manila Don Eugenio Sanz-Orozca to Filipina Dona Feliza Mortera. He grew up and stayed in the Philippines and had his initial years of education in Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, and Colegio de
AlMAZAN
FROM PAGE 12 portunity. “I read it from the news tapos ni-relay na lang ni Coach [Caloy Garcia],” Almazan said, adding: “Sabi ko nga kay Coach, sobrang [blessed] ko talaga.” Garcia then told Almazan to follow his heart to which he replied: “…focus muna ako sa NC[AA]. Pero kung may chance maglaro sa Pilipinas, bakit hindi, diba?” For now, Almazan said that he will continue his performance in the NCAA and hopefully help Letran snag their much coveted 17th basketball title. “Ayaw ko [munang] isipin na, ‘Oy, Gilas ako.’ Ayoko ng ganon, e. Basta
nagagawa ako para maattain yung goal ko na yun [with the Letran community]. Ine-expect ko na sa dami ng mga pumunta, maririnig ni PNoy yung hinaing ng mga mamamayan.” “[The event was] not what I’ve expected na sobrang dami ng tao pero nakakatuwa dahil peaceful at malinis,” said Ilaya de Guz-
man, a senior Journalism student. Filipinos in Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Davao, and abroad mounted simultaneous protest activities against the PDAF scam. Napoles surrendered to Malacañang on August 28 and was then brought to Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on September 1.
San Juan de Letran. He was then ordained as priest in 1910. In 1930s during the time of the Spanish Civil War, the priest was as one of the 500 victims of the religious persecutions at the Cuartel de la Montana in Madrid. In an interview, Capuchin Philippine Province Provincial Minister Fr. Euge-
nio Lopez said that with Father Jose being a martyr, the requirement of a miracle for beatification can be ignored, especially that he had died in reason of a group’s hatred of the faith. Nevertheless, for canonization, a miracle is needed. Lopez is calling for prayers and for people to start asking for Father Jose’s intercessions.
play hard [and] practice hard,” he said. Currently, Almazan averages 14.3 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 2.3 shot blocks per game and is ahead of University of Perpetual Help’s Nosa Omorogbe and Harold Arboleda, second and third, respectively, in the MVP race. The last time Letran produced an MVP was when Kerby Raymundo led the Knights to their 14th basketball crown. Coincidentally, Raymundo is a cousin of Almazan. Almazan will be joined by Terrence Romeo (FEU), Kiefer Ravena (Ateneo), Bobby Ray Parks (NU), Arnold Van Opstal (La Salle), Chris Newsome (Ateneo), and Kevin Ferrer (UST) in the list of players
who will be “surely invited” as Coach Chot tweeted last September 1. Meanwhile, a report from Inquirer.net said NCAA hopefuls are Letran’s Kevin Kent Racal, Mark Cruz, and Rey Nambatac; Las Piñas based cager Juneric Baloria, King Lion Baser Amer, and NCAA 88 MVP Ian Sangalang of San Sebastian College. Should they decide to accept, they might be included in the team that will defend the Philippines’ Southeast Asian Games title this year, which will be held in Myanmar. Currently, RR Garcia, Greg Slaughter, Matt Ganuelas, Ronald Pascual, Garvo Lanete, and former Knight Kevin Alas make up the Gilas cadet pool.
sand mining activity in the island and said that community was worried that it will destroy the environment earlier in July. “I told them: ‘I don’t know how to help you. Maybe I can help you by exposing it in the media,’” Fr. Sibug said. The Dominican priest later called iCOMM’s Advertising faculty member Asst. Prof. Eleanor Agulto and asked for help in exposing the issue through Facebook. “We can help them by means of awareness,” Fr.
Sibug said, adding: “So, I think what you [iCOMM students] are doing is a great help because it was picked up by newspapers and TV networks. Black sand mining is not only about money; it is about their livelihood. It’s about their life. If the environment will be destroyed, their livelihood will be gone.” Advocates of the cause are hoping for a soon action against the black sand mining activity in the island and to eventually put a stop to it.
SPORTS
September 2013 • 12 pages
4th Letramurals: Inaugural swimming meet held
wordplay
Adrian Masacupan
Following its successful opening, the 4th season of Letramurals launched the Swimming Competition held at the Army Navy Club last August 17. Seven of the eight official teams competed for the 25-meter Freestyle, 25-meter Backstroke, 25-meter Breaststroke, 50-meter Freestyle, 4 x 25-meter Medley Relay, and 4 x 25-meter Freestyle Relay. The Brown Jaguars were unable to field in representatives for the said event. Israel Ramos of the Blue Orioles managed to edge out Gabriel Paino of the Green Basilisks for the win register-
ing a time of 18.85 secs. in the Men’s 25-meter Freestyle. In the women’s division, Kate Freo of Purple Phoenix beat her opponents with an official time of 17.52 secs. The Purple Phoenix registered another victory with Sheilu Pido getting the fastest time in the Women’s 25-meter Backstroke while the Black Hawks’ Harold Reyes won with a time of 17.32 secs. The Purple Phoenix and Blue Orioles were unbeatable at the 25-meter Breaststroke and 50-meter Freestyle events. Dominic Molino and Joberlyn Banaag won the 25-meter
Breaststroke while Justine Sanguyo and Sheilu Pido touched the board first at the 50-meter Freestyle. The last four events featured swimming relays. Harold Reyes, Gene Herrera and Paolo Austin of the Black Hawks finished first with a time of 1:13.91. The team of Blue Orioles consisting of Pilar Del Rosario, Joberlyn Banaag, Gem Lano, and Rhealynne De Lara grabbed victory in the Women’s division. Jude Villanueva, Jay Baquiran, and Dominic Molino of Purple Phoenix posted a time of 1:02.77 to emerge triumphant in the Men’s 100-meter Freestyle relay. In the women’s division, Rochelle Anne Villa, Pilar Del Rosario, Gem Lano and Rhealynne De Lara of the Blue Orioles finished way ahead of their competitors with a time of 1:45:28. “Walang problema at naging smooth kasi lahat nag-paticipate at saka yung discipline nandun,” said Swimming Competition facilitator Rodrigo Murillo.
AMA nips Letran in Petron beach V-ball Camille Ramos
Letran Lady Knights Queenie Marie Mondejar and Junno Carreon went down in defeat against AMA Computer University 23-21, in the third leg of the 2013 Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball tournament held at the sand courts of University of the East-Caloocan on July 25. The two-point deficit of the Lady Knights paved
kNIGHT sLAYS FROM PAGE 12
from their sluggish outing against Perpetual wherein they lost 80-66, the Knights were relentless, even at one point posting a 27-9 lead near the end of the first quarter. However, the Red Lions were unfazed by Letran’s fiery start as they slowly came back to life. A 12-0 run midway through the third quarter put the three time defending champions in the driver’s seat for the first time in the game, 54-53, but that proved to be the last stand of the Mendiola-based Lions as they saw the Knights end their six-game winning run, finishing the game strong all thanks to Almazan, Ruaya, and Kevin Racal.
the way for the pair from AMA to bounce back from their loss against La SalleDasmariñas Iari Yongco and Mariel Desengano. “Sayang nga eh. Nadisappoint ako sa sarili ko [kasi] di pa yun yung best ko e,” said Mondejar, a Psychology student. Mondejar admitted that she and her partner didn’t have enough time to prepare
Racal finished with 14 points while Mark Cruz added 13 to compliment Almazan and Ruaya’s heroics, as Letran moved to 8-1 after the first round. “Parang di kami prepared kasi nga bumagyo, pero hindi, sabi ni Coach [Caloy] dito makikita yung character namin. Basta may tiwala kami sa isa’t isa. All out namin ito,” Almazan said. Despite the rousing victory, Garcia added that they couldn’t be complacent after the big win over San Beda. Citing that they still have a long way to go, Garcia believes that his team needs to continue to improve in the second round. “It’s not the end of the season, we’re going to the second round, anything can still happen,” he said.
for the said tournament. “Kahit na di kami prepared, nakipagsabayan pa din kami sa kalaban. ‘Di kami nagpatambak,” said Mondejar. Mondejar added that this loss gave them all the more motivation to redeem themselves and do their best in the coming competition in the NCAA this second semester.
Nigerian import Ola Adeogun finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds for San Beda and Baser Amer added 15 but got very little help from the others as it was not enough to steal the victory away from the determined Knights. With the loss, San Beda finished the first round with a 7-2 record. The scores Letran 74 - Almazan 22, Ruaya 15, Racal 14, Cruz 13, Nambatac 8, Luib 2, Tambeling 0, Castro 0, Gabawan 0, Buenaflor 0, Publico 0 San Beda 67 - Adeogon 27, Amer 15, A. Semerad 8, Dela Rosa 6, Koga 5, D. Semerad 2, Pascual 2, Dela Cruz 2,Abarcar 0, Mendoza 0, Ludovice 0 Quarterscores: 27-11, 40-34, 59-58, 74-67
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rea antonette gierran @reagierran antonette_gierran@yahoo.com
A Leap of Faith
A friend of mine was making fun of my first two columns; he/she/it said that it was ‘too serious.’ He/she/it said that I should be myself more; after all, Wordplay is the only space in the paper where I could be free to write whatever I want. Well I have to agree with he/she/it. Maybe I was a little stiff. I’ve been coming up with columns that wouldn’t give away much of myself. I was always being cautious for I might share a hefty fraction of myself to the public. I don’t know. There’s just something about exposure that bothers me. An introvert choosing a career that has something to do with socializing— ironic isn’t it? Well, I tried to be spontaneous last August and I think it was one decent attempt. When I do my column, I usually get my topic from the Internet. I want to make sure that my article is relevant. After deciding on my topic, I then identify the main ideas to be discussed per paragraph. But for this month’s issue however, this is 99.9% unprompted. I followed no framework, and no outline in doing this. Once in a while, it’s okay to forget the rules and simply enjoy writing. “YOLO,” they say. You only live once so treasure the love and trust that people give you. TRUST. Some people say that broken trust is like a piece of crumpled paper. You can try to straighten it out, iron it even, but never will it return to its original form. But I say that broken trust needs not to be pictured that way because human relationships are
Arriba Letran!
Let us support Letran Knights on the following dates:
complex. In mathematics, you always get the same results. But that’s not the case with relationships. When you break somebody’s trust that doesn’t always equate to a relationship tainted forever. Instead of worrying and poring over the mistake you’ve done, prove to them that you’re worth giving a second chance. Earning their trust isn’t going to be easy. There will be days that you need motivation to keep you going. There will be moments where you’ll feel that your efforts are wasted and unappreciated but you have to take a leap of faith. One should always remember that everything happens for a reason. Let me just relate this to one of the Public Relations classes I had with my instructor, Inst. Ana Junio. We were discussing Crisis Management when she said that sometimes, humans commit mistakes because it’s fun, because doing something wrong can be so exciting. But at the end of the day what’s important is to return to your inner self, analyze what’s right, and make sure you do not commit the same mistake again. When you stumble, get back on your feet but don’t forget to bring with you the lessons that you’ve learned in that struggle. “Don’t worry about the future, or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum,” so goes lyrics from a song. Worrying is useless. If you can do something about it, why worry? If you can’t do something about it, why worry either?
SKnights PORTS slay Lions, grab 1st round lead
VOLUME XXXVII • ISSUE 3 • AUGUST 2013 • 12 PAGES
Rea Antonette Gierran Coming off a shocking put their longtime torloss at the hands of Las mentor away for good. Piñas-based cagers UniThe rookie finished versity of Perpetual Help with a career high 15 Altas, the Colegio de San points and added six reJuan de Letran Knights bounds. bounced back heav“It just showed that ily to reclaim solo first our players have characplace at the expense of ter. I think it [the game] archrivals San Beda Red was a challenge. We have Lions 74-67 in front of to prove something toa jam-packed crowd on day,” Letran Coach Caloy August 24 at the SM Mall Garcia said. of Asia Arena. “Kumpyansa lang. Leading Most Valu- Binibigyan naman ako ni able Player (MVP) candi- Coach [Caloy] ng kumpydate Raymond Almazan of ansa para tumira kaya Bataan led the team, post- lumalakas yung loob ko,” ing MVP numbers with Ruaya said, who fittingly 22 points, 11 boards, and took best player of the three blocks. game honors. But it was the star The Intramurosrookie Ford Ruaya who based squad opened the came away with the big game with guns ablaze shots as he stringed five as they started with a 9-0 straight points to give run. Eager to bounce back Letran a 72-65 lead with three minutes to go and kNIGHTS SLAY PAGE 11
Almazan considered for Gilas cadet pool Anton Vincenz Tantoco Letran’s Raymund Almazan, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 89’s leading Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate, is one of the cagers that Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes wants to invite to join the team’s cadet pool. The impending invitation is said to be part of
Photo by Sil Frando
the preparation that Reyes wants for the national team, in preparation for the 2014 FIBA World Cup to be held in Spain. The 6’ 7 ½” beanpole from Bataan said that he feels blessed to have been considered by Gilas Pilipinas and that he is not closing the doors on that opaLMAZAN PAGE 10
Letramurals’ 4th season earns praises Patrick Taguibao and Anton Tantoco
Stronger teams, fiercer action, meticulous preparations, and friendly competition welcome this year’s Letramurals. With the theme “Feel the Force of the Fourth,” the event has received praises for its successful opening on August 14 at the Blessed Antonio Varona O.P. Gymnasium. The event was originally scheduled on the 17th of August but was moved three days earlier. “The opening was great together with its theme. Though there were technical flaws, it is part of any production. I give the opening 8 out of 10 because compared from the past, it is more intense,” said Student Counselor and faculty Asst. Prof. Herman Briñas. College of Business Administration and Accountancy Dean Dr. Cristina M. Castro-Cabral shares the same sentiment. “I am very, very much impressed. The important thing is to have fun. Ang importante, ay ang kwentong may kwentang hahabiin ng bawat Letranista habang nandito sila sa loob ng Colegio; kwentong may kwenta, hindi maganda na ang buhay niyo dito sa apat o limang taong niyo dito ay walang kwenta. So kahit sa tagumpay o pighati, ito po ay bahagi parin ng kwentong may kwenta,” she said. Teams notch first victories Modern Dance Competition and Basketball were
the first two events at the opening of the Letramurals. The Green Basilisk, the Purple Phoenix, the Yellow Dragon, Brown Jaguar, and the Black Hawk were the first five teams who were able to notch victories as they outdid their opponents in the first day. The Green Basilisks Modern Dance Team composed of Patrick Ferreras, Reiniel Gaitan, Kennen Catuday, Noel Urbano, Christine Jane Lucero, Jean Mara Vestil, Razel Kim Sedava Tapalla, Elijah Samantha Ramos, Fabrienne Delos Reyes and Denise Laron placed first followed by the Brown Jaguars and the Orange Tigers at 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. Meanwhile in basketball, Purple Phoenix Mark Fernandez drove past the Orange Tigers’ defense and snuck in a layup to steal the game, 46 – 45, during the last game of the opening. Trailing most of the game, the Purple Phoenix cut the lead to just one, 44 – 45, with 1:21 remaining. Lorenz Boneo, the Tigers’ leading scorer and rebounder last year (16.0 ppg, 12.3 rpg), got his fifth foul off Christian Traquena who missed the two penalty shots and the chance to take the lead. Almocera led Purple Phoenix with 10 points. Prior to that match up, the Brown Jaguars rallied from a double-digit deficit to wrest the win from the
Green Basilisks, 65 – 60. The Jaguars, led by Paolo Casem’s double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals), only allowed the Basilisks nine points in the payoff period while scoring 18. RR Fernandez and Shaq Chinchontic, key returnees from last year, led the Basilisks with 16 points apiece. Meanwhile, in the first two offerings, last season’s finalists Black Hawks and Yellow Dragons made short work of their respective opponents, the Red Horses and the Blue Orioles. The Hawks applied relentless trapping on the hapless Horses for a 55-point drubbing, 95 – 40. Former Squire Renz Rivota had a monster double-double of 26 points and 12 boards on an 11-of-12 shooting to power the Dragons in their 90 – 56 win against the depleted Blue Oriole squad. Michael Solis erupted for 28 points for the Blue shirts who only fielded seven players due to lack of uniform. To make things worse, John Maybituin and Israel fouled out even before the final canto. The teams were divided into two groups: Group A (Black, Yellow, Red, and Blue) and Group B (Brown, Green, Orange, and Purple). Teams will play singleround robin after which the top two squads in each group will play against each other in the semifinals.