Magazine 2015 very final print by The Mountain Collegian

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University, la trinidad 2601, benguet VOLUME 44 ISSUE 2 | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

Dubsmash Ascending and the VelFie Genesis Ben D. Ladilad: History and His Story Indulging into the Wilderness and Pleasures of Sayang and Mapesak Healing the Past, Building the Future: A Curious Case of the IPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the Church unity in the community: The Linapet Way The Marionette pasko doon po sa amin

News

EDITORIAL: The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University la trinidad 2601, benguet

EDITORIAL BOARD

CONTENTS 12

1st Semester of S.Y. 2015-2016 VOLUME 44 ISSUE 2 NOVEMbER- DECEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER- December 2015

Jerson B. Sabado Jr.

News Editor & Chief Lay-out Artist

The blooming of Poinsettia in backyards and in flower shops signifies the blooming of hearts during this Yuletide Seasona season for kindness, forgiveness, peace, love and humility. Lyn and Beth of Alapang Gardens harvest these colourful ornaments with positivity as they thank The Almighty for a prosperous year that will end and a hopeful year that is yet to come. Read a Christmas story on page 14. Front Cover photographed by Vic Arthur R. Masliyan

Features 4 DubSmash Ascending and the Velfie Genesis 6 Ben D. Ladilad: History and His Story 8 Too Much Salt Can Kill You 10 Indulging into the Wildness and Pleasures of Sayang ang Mapesak 12 HugGifts 14 Pasko, Doon Po Sa Amin Development Communication 16 Healing the Past, Building the Future: A Curious Case of the IPs and the Church 18 Apo Wang-Od as a National Artist Making a permanent mark to the world 20 Unity in the Community: The Linapet Way Literary 22 The Marionette 23 All But None!

Arniel A. Dumigsi | Editor-in-Chief Chatelaine M. Wansi | Associate Editor Ericka L. Pistola | Finance Manager Mylyn C. Maitang | Managing Editor

Senior Staff Writers

News 24 BSU Studes to Benefit from BAPTC 24 300 Studes Undergo BEST 25 Search Committee for Presidency to call for applicants 25 BSU Partners with Universities in Japan 26 MC holds PP8, revisits Filipino values 27 Climax Dance Trio lauds 1st in Talents Face-off Finals 28 BSU-NSTP pushes activities for stude dev’t 29 MC retains supremacy in RHEPC

Apple Mae Guintodan | Milliscent Lucio Hezy Jane Paculan| Jojo Palaruan Fe Balalong | Mariel Ibanez Kerry Joy Felix | Ronaline Canute

Opinion 30 Sina tsok at pisara sa likas-kayang pag-unlad 31 Ang sukat para sa Mundo

Vic Arthur R. Masliyan

Sports 34 BSU hosts CARASUC 2015 36 BSU SLS aces PFF-CRFA in back-to-back championship 36 Wildcats thrive in CARASUC jungle’15, revel its 5th streak

photographed by Jerson b. sabado jr.

Junior Staff Writers

Ceasar James Osben | Jonel Bacayang Nadia A. Tiwing

Senior Cartoonists

Keyzer K. Tad-o | Jumuel D. Lictao

Junior Cartoonists

Fran Jim P. Dilla

Senior Lay-out Artist Senior Photojournalist

Grace T. Bengwayan | Adviser The Mountain Collegian is a 52 year-old mother student publication of Benguet State University published by the students of BSU. A member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and the School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM), Inc. 2015- Over-all Champion, CHED 16th Regional Higher Education Press Conference 2014- SPAM Award of Excellence in the Pursuit of Campus Journalism (Best Publication in the Philippines) 2014- Over-all Champion, CHED 15th Regional Higher Education Press Conference 2014- Awardee, 100 Organizations in the Philippines Fighting to Alleviate Poverty, Nat’l Anti-Poverty Commission 2013- SPAM Best in Cultural Page (Mother Tongue-Based) 2012- SPAM Best Practices in Campus Journalism Award 2011- Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines (National Finalist) 2010- National Commission for Culture and the Arts Best Culture Page 2010- Nominee, Student Publication of the Year, Baguio Midland Courier The views and opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire publication. Office located at 1/f Office of Student Services Building, Benguet State University. You may reach us through our website: themountaincollegian.org | email: themountaincollegian@gmail.com and through Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMountainCollegian

APEC towards transformational change

s the Philippines is put as the world’s biggest stage for a week, the country’s president has undeniably tried every means to be able to showcase in the international arena that Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will bring our nation’s ultimate economic transformational change through the help of other member economies. APEC will boost our economy to bridge the gaps with other economies. Over 19 years since the hosting of the first APEC summit, the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) has expanded to 284.60 billion USD in 2014 from 82.85 billion USD in 1996. APEC 2015’s highlight is opening opportunities to our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their businesses all throughout the country and the region as a whole. MSMEs which comprises over 900, 000 registered businesses in the Philippines are the major sources of employment as 63.7% of jobs offered are from them. Thus, through APEC, these Filipino entrepreneurs will be able to get the financing they need to grow successful businesses and generate more jobs to spread wealth and opportunities to the rest of the country. Philippines will also maximize its human capital development which serves as our country’s major growth drivers. The booming economies opening to developing countries like ours gave way to higher remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and also the rising Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Through giving emphasis to our MSMEs and services sector, Philippines could be on the assurance that we will never be left behind. However, APEC’s frontliners are still the richest men of our country and most commoners are still lagging. #APECtado. The Philippines’ normal routine was also disrupted due to the event. Longer traffic jams, ‘no-plane’ travels, class suspensions, ‘no-all souls-day’, and a lot more issues were faced by ordinary citizens and a budget of 10 billion was used. We cannot help but to ask if why can we use such big amount of money for just a luxurious summit while we cannot even give proper housing to homeless people or better yet use it to more relevant projects to alleviate the country’s poverty. But then, our country accepting the world’s biggest challenge through pulling up the micro entrepreneurs first before the bigger ones would outweigh all those problems and issues that have arisen in a week. The exposure of local companies to the world and increasing investments in the country would be a great opportunity for a soaring employment rate. The Free Trade Area of Asia Pacific (FTAAP) as a result of APEC 2014 and being enhanced by APEC 2015 which brings down tariffs for a freer flow of goods will eventually challenge local producers to aim and create their best products to be offered competitively to global markets. APEC 2015’s products may not be felt immediately after but as time passes, these will inevitably show off. This is because the summit focused on the long-term economic development and a sustainable economy by reaching out first to micro entrepreneurs and poor farmers. Instead of continually criticizing the administration and bad-mouthing APEC summit as useless, we should try to look on the positive effects of APEC outweighing all the negativities because even if how diligent our leader would be in reaching out to the common people, it would always be useless when we will not hold onto his hands. There is no success achieved alone, it will always be a contribution and effort of many. There is no change that happens overnight, it is a process that people need to work on. APEC is just an enabling agent but the people are the change agents.

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

ILLUSTRATED BY NADIA TIWING

Features

ascending

Genesis chatelaine wansi

Are you one of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub’s die-hard fans?

From the sexy and cute face moves in the twerk it like Miley song that went viral for months up to the famous and today’s hottest lines: “Aldub you” and “maAlden kita” of GMA’s hottest love team “AlDub” – comes the birth of the Velfie generation. We are on the cusp of social evolution where everything becomes technology advance. Expressing our feelings and emotions to someone we treasure is never a problem. Texting, calling, or even chatting are no more young and exciting in our minds rather people find it more tickling, expressive, and modernized if these certain romantic feelings are to be shown through dubbing. The dawn of dubsmash According to theweek.com, dubsmash is a video messaging app for Android and iOS phones that was created by a small team of German developers namely: Jonas Druppel, Roland Grenke

and Daniel Taschik. This app, as described by techcrunch.com, lets users create and share dubbed “selfie” videos with only two basic steps to do. First, you choose a famous audio clip, and then record yourself lip-synching the words or lyrics. Finally, upload your finished product. This German-developed app has rapidly become a global phenomenon since its launch in November last year and has been downloaded more than 75 million times across 192 countries, according to dubsmash.com. Dubsmash, more than the usual Earlier this year, actresses, actors and even ordinary citizens have started uploading videos of themselves acting their favorite lines in a particular movie or singing their favorite lyrics of a song. The song twerk it like Miley emerged to be the favorite dubsmash clip that has been sang and interpreted by a lot of citizens and even cats and dogs. These video clips have conquered the social media for weeks.

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Not later than that, the phenomenal “Pabebe” girls emerged to be the center of attention where using the vine app, they created their own videos which also went viral in the social media. Then, a labeled Pabebe dubsmash became a hit. Eventually, AlDub shook the country for series of dubmashes that causes viewers kilig to the bones. Maine Mendoza, also known as Yaya Dub has been named as the ‘Dubsmash Queen of 2015’ because of her series of dubsmashes that earned millions of views in youtube. The prodigious AlDub love team has been one of the greatest products of dubsmash in the Philippines. Frisson of #velfie If you want to take your selfie to the next level, velfie has become a social media and communication staple. It is a simple app yet addictively for that concept rapidly blossomed into viral sensation. ‘Selfie’ was Oxford dictionary’s word of the year in 2013. Would ‘Velfie’ become the dictionary’s word of year 2015? Velfie, a shortened term for video selfie has been the latest craze in India after the dubsmash app. Bollywood stars, sporting heroes and even politicians are taking and posting videos of themselves online using new mobile apps. Published in yourstory.com, Velfie is a mobile app that lets users create personalized video selfies to popular dialogues and sounds and use those for personal messaging and social media. The app is being integrated into the messaging experience. It is currently available on the Android and iOS platforms. This was co-founded by Ankush Johar and Rammohan Sundaram. Velfie aims to sit at the junction of two

Features massive growth engines of mobile usage – social media and messaging. This works like the dubsmash, only that all recordings of velfie are under 10 seconds while dubsmash has maximum time limit of 15 seconds. Velfie as Dubsmash upgrade While Velfie can be compared to Dubsmash, they aim to differentiate themselves by offering users additional features such as the ability to pause and continue a video from where they left off and also create another frame. Velfie app offers live broadcasting while Dubsmash only provides users with the option of lip-synching to different sounds. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a thousand pictures. It is easier to build relationships with consumers by interacting with them on social media, and velfies are emerging as a good way for customers to engage with the brand,” said Idi Srinivas Murthy, of the online marketplace as mentioned in pctechmag.com. As Filipinos enjoy apps in their phones, these creates a disparaging impact in our social circle. We might as well be happily enjoying the entertainment being brought to us by such apps and that by such way we are ingeniously expressing and developing our personalities and artistic perspectives. Yet we have greater responsibilities beyond media and entertainment which we must conscientiously take. Dubsmash and Velfie are great breakthroughs in the field of technology nevertheless; the risk of both to totally replace our deep-rooted manners of interacting physically with our families and friends must be sensibly controlled or rather stopped.

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

policy. In fact, student scholars have increase to more than 200 during his time, along with faculty members sent as scholars abroad. He has also worked out for upgrading of various laboratories in College of Engineering and Applied Technology (CEAT) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), along with tissue culture laboratory in the College of Agriculture (CA), the chemistry lab in the College of Arts and Sciences, among others. As he said, “Through these (laboratories), we can improve student exposure along their field of expertise.” In service to the community, Ladilad is also supportive in the establishment of extension programs. He has established strong linkage with local government units (LGU) to disseminate researches of BSU and the technologies that can be of help to the local people especially the farmers.

PhotographS COURTESY OF THE BSU HISTORY COMMITTEE

ARNIEL DUMIGSI

rom student, he climbed up the ladder from assistant instructor, instructor, assistant professor, associate professor to professor until he reached the utmost height of his success. December 6, 2011. After months of search and deliberation, Dr. Ben D. Ladilad was proclaimed as the fifth president of Benguet State University (BSU). Four years later. At almost the same date, Ladilad bade farewell to his presidential reign, following his retirement on December 5, 2015. He completed the term as indicated in his appointment. A glimpse on his legacy During his acceptance speech in 2011, Ladilad said that he yearns for expansion, upgrading, and excellence in various programs in instruction, research, extension, and production. Guided by the University’s vision of becoming the premier state university in Asia, he wanted BSU to be

at par with foreign universities. In span of just four years, he prides himself on his notable works in BSU and the community. In terms of infrastructure, his major projects include the completion, repair, and expansion of buildings such as the College of Agriculture (CA) and College of Teacher Education (CTE). As of press time, moves are already started for the enclosure of the open gym, repair of the floor and stage of the closed gym, expansion of the administration building, and among others. Ladilad, being an alumnus of BSU (former Mountain State Agricultural College or MSAC), is also an advocate of student first

‘After all, you are the leader’ Persistent, consistent, and paragon are the words that best suit a true leader for Ladilad. His work as the BSU president was more challenging unlike his previous designation in the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOSTCAR). He was Professor V when he was appointed by the former president of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos to be the regional director of the said agency for 19 years. Asked of who inspired him a lot in leadership, Ladilad, with sweet smile, replied it was Dr. Bruno Santos, former president of BSU. Accordingly, the knowledge and values he learned from Santos armed him in his comeback to BSU. “What I have seen in him (Dr. Santos) is he works and doesn’t think about the time but what he can do to finish in a day,” he said. A person with a compulsive need to work, Ladilad admits he even goes home at 3 o’clock in the morning after bulky task in the University. However, this is not the most challenging part for him but on how to deal with greater number of people instead. He equates working with 2 people to working with 300 one because for him, this is part of loving his work. “You have to be balance also to your constituents. You have to balance your deal

Features with them. After all, you are the leader.” Ladilad in hot water Just like other high ranking personalities, Ladilad saw himself in the middle of controversies. Recently, various mainstream and local newspapers reported about his alleged mismanagement issues like imprudent spending of funds and disregarding promotion rules of the University. Although all of the allegations were reportedly baseless, he has yet to tell his story. One of Ladilad’s implementation in production or income-generating function of the school is the “direct contract” with the University where the submission of income will be directly remitted to the cashiering services office. Accordingly, these were some

‘I am happy to exit.’ of the reasons why others lost extra income which paved the way for the campaigns against his administration. Ladilad also denied the reports about the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) order for him to withdraw from his presidency because of the mismanagement issues. “To be fair with Commissioner Patricia Licuanan, she mentioned about the professor,” Ladilad added after revealing that he is given an offer for a professor in the University which he refused because of his retirement. When questioned also of how he deals with the conflicts, Ladilad briefly answered “I just ignore them.” “Im sure that in the future, people will be able to know what really happen even they distort the information. As long as my hands are clean, there is nothing to worry about,” Ladilad added. All about the students If given a chance to talk with the University president, one of student’s questions perhaps is that why is he not around during some

activities of the University, especially when the students are involved? Ladilad explained that during those times, he was on official trip that would monetarily benefit the University. In point of fact, he was able to work out where to outsource greater number of funds for research projects worth almost PhP 200 million. A person who overcame every needle’s hole just to arrive to where he is right now, Ladilad has words of advice to BSU students and graduates. “If they are assigned to work, they have to be committed and they have to do it well because the moment the employers will discover their (positive) work attitude, then I’m sure they will always be in demand. People will always look for them.” Ladilad up close Born in Mountain Province, Ladilad has embraced two different cultures. He lost his mother at the age of four. Though his father is still alive, he was raised in Abra by his foster parents and grew up there until he finished high school. He studied in MSAC with the degree Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education (Batch 1973) where he met Dr. Santos. Developing an environment where their family’s relationship deserves esteem and respect, Ladilad, in his 43 years as a husband, has never quarreled with his wife. He underscores the importance of communication with his children and teaching them always to be humble, friendly, and honest. “There may be instances where you execute disciplinary actions to your kids but not to the extent of hating them but guide them.” ‘I am happy to exit’ With regards to the next president, Ladilad is hoping for the approval of the BSU Code and the full integration of the BSU Bokod and Buguias campuses since these plans where not fully realized in his four-year term. “Even I am not the president, I can still help. I have to support BSU in realizing its vision of becoming a premier university. I will always help.” “I am happy to exit because I know I have done something for the University and before the students.”

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

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IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

MYLYN MAITANG

“ This tongue is a fun of us!” exclaimed Sue and Jum in duet as they are slowly thawed by the saliva inside Pete’s mouth. Satiating Pete’s taste buds is already through; filling his hungry stomach is their next mission. Together with the other food particles, Sue and Jum and their salt kin wamble down to the Pete’s stomach. They were digested into smaller particles required for absorption. As they travel down to the small intestine, they are absorbed with the other nutrients and are conveyed by the blood to every cell of Pete’s body organs. “Were not alone, there is too much of us,” said the sisters again in tandem when they found out that there is too much sodium in Pete’s blood. His kidney failed to excrete them all. The retained sodium was pumped back into the blood as ‘criminals.’ And so they performed their deadly jobs. Months later, the healthy looking Pete felled of heart failure. The king of seasonings and our body Salt has occupied a premier position in our diet. Most of the food we eat everyday are seasoned with salt. Not known to many, not only fatty foods can cause hypertension, salted foods are also capable of endangering human’s cardio-vascular system. Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) said high salt consumption can lead to the rise in blood pressure which can promote the development of hypertension, or aggravate hypertension already present and increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Several researches have now linked the king of seasonings to hypertension otherwise known as high blood pressure. According to Jane Brody, a nutritionist, in her article titled “Licking the Salt Habit,” sodium and chloride are the principle regulators of the balance of water and dissolved substances outside cells. Practically, the blood flow and heart function depends on that balance. If it is disturbed, normal functioning of the cardiovascular organ may deteriorate. Cardiovascular organ includes the blood vessels and the heart. Sodium is an element that the body needs to work properly. Salt contains sodium; 1 teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium. The body uses sodium to control blood pressure and blood volume and for the muscles and nerves to work properly. Our body tissues swim in a salty sea. The more salt in our body, the more water is needed to dissolve it in order to maintain the proper

concentration of sodium. The body’s organ in charge of keeping a normal level of sodium in our blood is the kidneys, the main organs of the excretory system. The kidneys filter all blood every five minutes. During filtration, the kidneys retain the blood cells and separate the water, protein, sugar, urea and uric acid. The water, sugar and protein are reabsorbed. For the water to be absorbed, sodium is needed. When the body needs sodium properly, the kidneys retain it and pump it back into the blood. When the body has excess sodium, the kidneys excrete it. Unfortunately, when the kidneys fail to operate properly or are overworked, it does not get rid of all the excess sodium. It is retained and pumped back into the blood. The retained sodium holds water, increasing the volume of the blood. The blood vessels or commonly called as “urat/ ugat” become waterlogged and more sensitive to nerve stimulation which causes them to contract.

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Since more blood volume now has to pass through the same narrow blood vessels, the heart needs to pump with greater force to increase the pressure for the blood to circulate around the body. This is how too much consumption of sodium can cause high blood pressure or hypertension. Blood pressure is simply the force exerted by the flowing blood against the wall of blood vessels. Each time the heart beats, the pressure increases and when the heart relaxes the pressure decreases. In addition, excess sodium also increases the amount of water in and around body cells and tissues which results to swelling or edema. Fluid overload can strain the heart and contribute to congestive heart failure. Also, stress adds further to the problem by signaling the release of aldosterone, an adrenal-gland hormone, which causes the kidneys to retain more sodium and water. Should you care about hypertension? Statistics from the Department of Health (DOH) show that over 276 Filipinos die of heart disease every day, making it the top leading causes of death in the country. Every one of four Filipino adults has hypertension. Also, According to the latest WHO data published in May 2014, Hypertension Deaths

Features dizziness, fatigue or weakness, they may not be recognizable for they are common to other ailments. The normal blood pressure reading is more than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 (120/80mm Hg-140/90 mm Hg). If your blood pressure is above 140/90 then you are hypertensive and you should try to lower it. How much is too much The WHO recommended sodium intake for adults is about 2000 milligrams or lesser a day equivalent to five grams of salt per day. Adults with high blood pressure should have no more than 1,500 mg per day. Those with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease may need much lower amounts. High mount of sodium are mostly taken from fast foods, chips, soy sauce, and instant foods. Cheese, bread, cereals, canned goods, soda drinks and pies are also heavily laced with salt and additives such as Monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda (also called sodium bicarbonate), baking powder, disodium phosphate, sodium alginate, sodium citrate, sodium nitrite. How to tame your salt habit There are no specific recommended amounts of sodium for infants, children, and

will adjust. Limit use of sodium-laden condiments. Soy sauce, salad dressings, sauces, dips, ketchup, mustard and relish all contain sodium. Use herbs, spices and other flavorings to season foods. Use fresh or dried herbs, spices, zest from citrus fruit, and fruit juices to jazz up your meals. Use salt substitutes wisely. Try to avoid using salt substitutes in which all or part of the sodium has been replaced by potassium. There is a danger of overloading potassium. Be a savvy customer. It is important to read food labels. The Nutrition Facts label found on most packaged and processed foods lists the amount of sodium in each serving. It also lists whether the ingredients include salt or sodium-containing compounds. And be sure you know how many servings are in a package — that information is also on the Nutrition Facts label. Try to avoid products with more than 200 mg of sodium per serving. Eat more fresh foods. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Also, fresh meat is lower in sodium than are luncheon meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausage and ham. Buy fresh or frozen poultry or meat that hasn’t been injected with a sodium-containing solution. Avoid fast-food restaurants. Nearly

Do not be a ‘conscious’ victim of too much sodium. Now is the right time for the right action- save yourself while you can. in Philippines reached 20,986 or 4.03% of total deaths and Philippines ranks number 11 in the world. Hypertension does its harm in several ways. Too much pressure makes the heart pump harder, and after the heart enlarges, and then it weakens and fails to pump effectively or simply termed as heart attack. Pete is just one of the hundreds of people dying every everyday due to stroke or heart attack. Just like Pete, he was unaware of the ‘crime’ ongoing inside his body. He never felt any symptom; he just fell numbly on his face. Most people with hypertension are unaware of this disorder occurring inside their organs for the ailment is stealthy. Most often, it produces no symptom at all. Even when symptoms occur-such as headaches,

teens. Eating habits and attitudes about food that are formed during childhood are likely to influence eating habits for life. For this reason, it is a good idea for children to avoid eating too much salt. Here are some tips on how to reduce harmful amounts of sodium in your diet. Start by not adding any salt at the table to avoid temptation. Remove salt from recipes whenever possible. You can leave out the salt in many recipes, including casseroles, soups, stews and other main dishes that you cook. Look for cookbooks that focus on lowering risks of high blood pressure and heart disease. Or, reduce the salt you use in cooking by cutting the salt in a recipe half. Learn to enjoy less. Decrease your use of salt gradually and your taste buds

all their foods are heavy laden with sodium. As observed, most of the food in a student’s diet is heavy laced with sodium: instant noodles, junk foods, street foods, chips and fast foods. We, students may be enjoying eating these for a certain time but we may not be enjoying the gift of longer, healthy and happy life when we our body organs already fail to function. There is a need to make healthy changes to your lifestyle and your diet must be given with extra careful attention. We may not satisfy much our salt craving, but this is a small price to pay for a more healthful diet─ the key to a healthier you today and healthier you tomorrow. Do not be a ‘conscious’ victim of too much sodium. Now is the right time for the right action─ save yourself while you can.

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Features

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

previous spot and you will surely find time gazing on the soaring Kokop-asun falls, considered as the highest waterfall in Lias. It drops down from the top of the mountain and serves as among the headwaters of the Makak-soor brook. Locals sarcastically claim that this waterfall can be ranked among the highest single-drop waterfalls in the world. It is so high that no approximation or concrete measurements have been done yet. “No words could ever describe the sheer beauty that lies within Sayang. Even photographers could not have a way to capture such,” expressed Catherine Cofin, a local who visited the place.

DANIEL JASON MACHES

As the glaring sun gradually peers with its radiant and sublime rays, a view so magnificent begins to unfold. Cloaked with misty fog and dewy drops, Lias finally comes to the scene, springing from a lowly folklore to a serene yet teeming escapade.

ias is a tribal community occupying the northern portion of the municipality of Barlig, Mountain Province. To get here, one has to endure a roller coaster ride through tortuous and rugged road from Bontoc for three hours. Unknown to many due to its remoteness, Lias is a thriving haven of cultural, historical, and natural wonders aching to be discovered and be imprinted into the very chapters of mainstream tourism. As I-Lias youngsters and hunters continue to venture into the hidden and remote vicinities of Lias, more and more natural wonders are being unearthed. Now, come with your wildest imagination and emancipation from the hustle and bustle of social life as we pace you along some of these spots especially found within sitios Sayang and Mapesak. Sayang mossy forest Nestled on a vast bowl-like site, Sayang

is bordered with Betwagan, Sadanga, on the east and Basao, Kalinga on the north. With its rolling topography and thriving flora and fauna, Sayang is a playground of ugsa (deers) and namorok (wild pigs), thus, making it a popular hunting ground. This is even caressed by the lively and invigorating hum of endemic birds along with the fresh rustling of seemingly magical trees. More than that, Sayang is known by the I-Lias as a mossy forest site with such fascinating azures beyond multiple of hills. But unlike typically-declared mossy forests, the Sayang mossy forest is exceptionally unique in terms of beauty and features. One could fancy along with puffy mosses dangling on the branches of trees, or try jumping or napping on the bed of mosses virtually coating the forest floor. The best time to visit Sayang, though, is during December for one to truly chance on thick and overgrowth mosses. However, one

has to often endure being crept on with matak (lice) which are prevalent during this month, adding to the thrill of the journey. This bloodsucking creatures abound on the forest floor and can often be found dangling on leaves and branches. According to local hunters, trees and vegetation in some areas of Sayang are stunted that one can often see deer and warty pigs running around. The limited growth of some tree species can be attributed to the cold climate of Sayang due to its high elevation, making it like the rooftop of Lias. At certain occasions, the entire valley of Sayang is enveloped with fogs, thus, causing the view visibility to dramatically drop. Along the way going to Sayang, one can have a glimpse of the stunning Kafiliw twin falls which originates from two separate creeks that cascade together to form an exceptional ‘twin falls’. Hike for a couple of hours from this

Mapesak at its Best Mapesak covers the adjacent areas along the lower stretch of the Sayang-Mapesak brook. The said brook emanates from the mossy forests of Sayang and heads downstream to the Tanudan River. It is counted among the largest brooks of Lias in terms of water volume and length. The Mapesak brook which is home to numerous, gigantic waterfalls could truly bedazzle nature enthusiasts and adventurers. The colossal and breathtaking Futitikun falls which is approximately a hundred meters high, comes into full view as a two-tier waterfall with the upper-fall far higher than the lower fall. It is skepticallyknown as the second highest waterfall in Lias. This ambiguity lies to the fact that there is another waterfall somewhere at sitio Chinawat that is comparable to the Kokop-asun falls. Despite this uncertainty, however, many I-Lias consider the Futitikun falls as the best because of its sheer descend and its water volume that is relatively greater than that of Kokop-asun. Further downstream is the Mapesak falls, just a few meters away before the Tanudan river. It is far lower than the Futitikun falls that is about 30 meters only. But it has a wider and a bowl-like pool that is very deep and is jokingly said to be inhabited by a very big snake. There are other unnamed waterfalls within the Sayang-Mapesak brook that are equally as beautiful as the rest. One I have personally seen is a hundred-meter waterfall which I may call as Arakwag fall. It comes from two brook tributaries which gently cascade together in an overspread manner for some 50 meters before it suddenly descends on a tapering gorge to a narrow pool below. Accordingly, it is because of these towering waterfalls that there are relatively few fishes along the Sayang-Mapesak brook since fishes coming from the Tanudan river could not get over through such sheer and majestic ascend. Meanwhile, from the Mapesak point following the Tanudan river upstream for about six hours, you would get to see the Fanat Atufan falls. Folklore have it that Atufan was a hunter from another tribe who fell into the whirling pool of the falls after attempting to grab hold of a deer caught on the same pool, and died. ‘Fanat’ literally translates as a place where someone died. Thus, ‘Fanat Atufan’ means where Atufan died. The Fanat Atufan falls measures about 10 meters and has a long and very deep pool that is narrowed on two mountain crags. Adding to the scenic beauty are the rock formations surrounding the pool. Further upstream the Fanat Atufan is the Tokchag Asun falls which also has a long and very deep pool that is surrounded with craggy, rock formations. Undeniably, Sayang and Mapesak are natural beauties to trek and explore. More than pleasures for our prying eyes and a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of social life, these are sights which would draw us closer to the Almighty. Sayang and Mapesak truly holds a portal to such colossal and breathtaking ecosystems and geographical nooks.

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The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Illustrated by LAXUS

APPLE MAE GUINTODAN Photographed by KRISHA MAE BONGALOS, PP8

ow many hugs do you need to grow? How many hugs do you need to survive the day? Hugs do the work, yes they do and they are free. The cold months are already here which calls for wildly thick jackets, season when aromatic drinks a reserved to warm visitors, time when couch potato heads come alive and start of conversations while sitting beside a bonfire. As December sets the Christmas countdown and reminds us about gifts, we think of how we can give something special for our loved ones. Gifts are purposely given or received by tangible or intangible means. As such, a gift that is perfectly given through a special gesture, a hug, is timely for the cold seasons. According to thefreedictionary.com, hugging is the act of circling your arms around a person as a way of showing affection or otherwise congratulating a person, giving comfort, cherishing friendship or simply expressing thanksgiving. Ms. Erlyn Honeylette Marquez, the chief of the student wellness services, said that a hug is a sign of love, care and gratitude. Is it already a part of Cordilleran Culture that we are not demonstrative but she always encourages her students to hug their parents to show their gratitude for sending them to school and her students would just laugh. Nevertheless, she says that when her children hugs her, it means a lot because it is a way of expressing

love. In addition, mindbodygreen.com said that hugging can be a form of therapy. Research shows that hugging helps to release certain hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine which are effective in healing loneliness, depression and stress. How hugs work instantly A hug merely takes 20 seconds to release the four happy hormones which are known in fighting stress, sadness, and depression. Oxytocin also called love hormone, cuddle hormone or bonding hormone due to its effect on behavior is a hormone that is made in the hypothalamus. Matt Heirtenstein of DePauw University stated in psychologyaboutcom. said that oxytocin basically promotes devotion, trust, and bonding among two people. In addition, according to medicalnews.com, it also has an anti-anxiety or anxiolytic effect. Hugs release oxytocin lowering the cortisol level hormone responsible for stress. The hormones serotonin and endorphin which are linked to negating sadness and releasing depression are also released. Serotonin is responsible for regulating brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. When you are being hugged, the feeling that you are significant or important pumps up serotonin flow, thus putting loneliness away. Endorphins are natural pain killing substances found in the human brain. According to alteredstates.net, endorphins control emotions as well. The brain has parts that control “Glad, sad, and mad and fear”, the average person is typically in glad mode and if pressure downshifts them to sad or mad, endorphins are released for re-elevating them to

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

glad. Dopamine, which is known as the ‘pleasure hormone’ is also stimulated. This is responsible for making someone feel good and promotes motivation which lowers selfdoubt, lack of enthusiasm, and procrastination or putting off what you can do today for tomorrow. According to Charlotte de Guzman, a BSE student, she feels secure and safe whenever she is hugged. She usually feels that all her troubles and insecurities with the person she longs to be with disappears. This is explained by Sander Coole in his ‘Psychological Science Journal’, where he says that hugs can soothe individual’s existential fears. Existential fears refers to the fears that a person usually imagines or feels whether they are true or not and it usually makes them insecure or even afraid to face life. So a hug from someone can instill in people a sense of assurance and comfort. Hugs balances out our nervous system. Through skin contact when hugging, pacinean corpuscles which are tiny, egg-shaped centers that can sense touch and vibration makes contact with the brain through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve also known as the wandering nerve is the commander-in-chief of the nervous system and is responsible for the body’s relaxation response. The effect of electricity and moisture in the skin would lead to a more balanced state in the nervous system. Hugging can also lower heart rates. In an experiment conducted by the University of North Carolina, participants developed a quickened heart rate of ten beats per minute when they have no contact with their partners than those who received hugs from their partners. Angeli T. Austria, a guidance counselor of the Office of Student Services (OSS), said that hug is one expression of physical touch which is one of the 5 languages of love as written by Gary Chapman in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Therefore, hug is a creative and a non-verbal way of communicating love and Christmas itself is love. As Virginea Satir, an American author and social worker, known especially for her approach to family therapy and her work with family reconstruction said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival, we need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Hugs are great gifts. They are convenient, and can be given anytime to give benefits for people.

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Cover Story

Pasko

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Ilang kilometro lang ang layo ng kinatitirikan ng bahay nina lolo mula sa sentro ng Tublay. Tanaw mula sa kinakaupuan namin ang kalawakan ng Tublay Central. “Mas masaya ang buhay doon, pero mas magulo rin,” biro ng lolo ko matapos kong magkwento tungkol sa buhay namin sa Sablan. Pang-dalwampu’t apat na araw ko na dito. “Wala akong balak manatili sa siyudad, Lolong. Piyan ko mangon un uli uli shiyay (Gusto ko pa rin pong bumalik dito),” sambit ko sa kanya. “Hot eshom eshan, kabol ta nakaasha ashal era I, dinibkan sha may edafuan sha (yung iba kasi, dahil sa nakatapos na sila ay di na nila binabalikan ang kanilang pinagmulan), tampo ng lolo ko. “Haan mango Lolo,” nasabi ko na lang. “Etiyo, basketbol kort (Tara sa basketbol kort),” yaya ng isang napadaang ginoo. “Ngantoy wed man? (Anong meron dun?) ,” tanong ng tatay ko. “Afag (karne),” biro ng ginoo. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin, kulang ang dyaket kong suot habang nakatayo sa hagdang pababa sa basketbol kort. Bagamat ang lugar ay nakapagitna sa bundok ng Tuel, Tublay at Pangablan, dama pa rin pala ang ihip ng Pasko laban sa global warming.

Features Naglalaro sa 17 hanggang 18 degrees Celsius ang temperatura ngayon. “Balong, ikalot mo ma itan a say maksheng (Balong, itali mo na iyan para matapos na tayo)”, utos ng kapitan sa binatilyong may hawak ng tali ng tolda. Nakaayos na ang dampa (tent). Tila mahika namang nagsulputan ang mga mamang dala ang mga gangsa at nag-iiyakang baboy. May anim namang poste ng kawayan upang magamit bilang poste ng ilaw. Magaapat na taon mula noong mapagbigyan sila ng BenECo ng suplay ng ilaw. Madali na rin pala ang magiging buhay dito kung sakali. Wala mang de-kuryenteng Christmas tree sa gilid, may mga hanay naman ng kahoy na galing pa sa mga kabahayan ang naroon. Wala ring Christmas lights, ngunit ang untiunting pagbubukas ng mga ilaw sa loob ng mga kabahayan sa taas ng basketbol kort ang nagbibigay liwanag sa munting kort . Wala rin akong nakikitang regalong iba-iba a n g laki

at inihahandang iabot sa kung sino mang nakapangalan dito. Pero alam kong tawa at galak lang ang baon ng bawat isa at handa silang ibahagi ito sa lahat ngayong gabi. Ang sukat ng basketbol kort namin ay maliit lamang. Pangkaraniwa. Ngunit ang paraan kung paano nito napagbubuklod ang higit walong daang katao sa loob ng labindalawang oras sa bawat taon, ang sukat na ito ang nagpapatunay na masasabi mang napag-iwan ang kabihasnan at ang lumalumang pamamaraan ng tao upang maidiwang ang kapanganakan ng Maykapal, sa isang tiyak na hugis na ito lang nakakapagsalo-salo ang mga mamamayan ng Basil. *** Sa pamamagitan ng lathalaing ito, nawa’y nabigyang paalala ang lahat, lalo na sa mga kabataan, tungkol sa natityempong pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan. Sa pag-uwi natin sa ating mga bayan, sa ating mga pamilya, sariwain din natin ang maraming magagandang bagay na napulot natin sa mga pinanggalingan natin. It’s always a marvelous feeling to feel at home in your home!

DoON PO SA AMIN JAINA ASHLYN AWAS

Labindalawang metro at isa. Anim naman sa magkabilaan.

Mga sukat na taglay ng aming munting basketbol kort. Sa pagsapit ng ikatlong daan at limampu’t walong araw ngayong taon, sa munting basketbol kort na ito magaganap ang pinakamaingay na selebrasyon sa aming bayan. dahil sa lugar na ito kung saan tatlong oras na byahe ang gugugulin bago ka makarating sa lungsod. Kung saan animnapung piso (o higit pa) ang kailangang dukutin sa bulsa para makauwi. Kung saan kandila at lampara pa rin ang ilaw sa gabi. Pangalawang araw ng Disyembre. Pangalawang araw ko dito sa bayan. Pang-walumpung kaarawan din ng lolo ko. Si Lolo Carlos, ang tatay ng aking ama. Ito rin ang pangwalumpung taon niyang pamamalagi sa bukid, pagbubungkal ng tigang na lupa sa likod-bahay, paggapas ng hinog na palay. Walumpung taon sa lugar na ‘layunglayo sa kabihasnan.’

Illustrated by JONEL T. BACAYANG

Malawak ang bayan namin. Sa tigang na lupa maghapong nakayuko ang lahat ng tao rito. Mula sa Bongong (ang pinakaunang mararating ng isang manlalakbay mula sa lungsod ng Baguio), hanggang sa Tafaja (ang kaduluduluang lugar ng bayan), samu’t saring pananim ang nakapalamuti sa mga bukirin. Masaya ako at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa ito masyadong napapasok ng mga gulong ng sasakyan. Hindi pa ito nalalason ng kung anuanong usok na sikat sa mga siyudad. Sa lugar na ito hinahanap hanap ang signal ng mga selfon. Mahirap din kapag napag-iwanan ng dalawang jeep na halinhinan sa pagbiyahe. Kinabukasan ka na makakauwi

Photographed by Jerson B. SABADO JR.

But now, it is a critical turning point. Whereas, the gruesome scar marked by the Church in the past is now healing and reconciling to a new era of hope and betterment. Conscious of the ill-fated situation that many of the IPs are in right now, the Roman Catholic Church is now taking a big leap forward in advancing and asserting IP rights and concerns while dealing with the looming threats posed by environmental degradation. The Igorots of the Cordillera region have not been spared all the more. During the later part of the 18th century, the Spaniards launched a series of expeditions to subdue the Igorots and their famed gold resources. According to the book titled “Mountain Province: Its Past and Present” and published by the provincial government of Mountain Province, many of the Igorots who were taken as captives were sold to merchants in Spain and turned into mocking stuffs and displays during the famous Madrid Exposition.

istory may claim that the Church has been a potent driving force that led many indigenous peoples (IPs) to grounds of exploitation and injustices. Under the guise of religion, many natives have been systematically stripped off their rights and dignities as human beings.

DANIEL JASON MACHES

Purification of Memory Pope Francis, during a historic papal visit to Latin America, issued a historic apology to all the natives worldwide for all the grave sins committed by the Catholic Church and its associates during the socalled colonial periods. He further acknowledged the fact that the Church had not been too vocal in voicing out the sentiments of the IPs until now that they are being turned into ‘Davids’ between two fires. This holds especially true that governments and developers are continuously eyeing to construct mines, dams, and agricultural plantations within their pristine forests, fields, and streams. Pope Francis calls these destruction of the natural environment for the sake of socalled development and the disintegration of IP culture as a ‘throw-away’ economic system. During his historic papal visit in the storm-battered areas of Visayas, he showered messages of mercy and compassion especially to the poor and the IPs. He urged them to take considerable actions for the sustainment of the natural environment and prevention of future insurgences. A recent report of Global Witness, an international organization which serve as a watchdog of the case of the IPs, estimated that the killing of indigenous activist who fought in defense of their ancestral domains peaked to at least 116 worldwide. Here in the Cordillera region, abduction and extrajudicial killings in certain remote areas of Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga are particularly rampant especially with the

Defending the IPs “The tapping of natural resources must not be concerned with short term benefits. As stewards of these riches which we have received, we have an obligation toward society as a whole, and toward future generations,” remarked Pope Francis during a conference with Bolivian leaders. Recently, Pope Francis issued an encyclical dedicated to the IPs and their strong connection to their land and their role in its conservation. He acknowledged the fact that Mother Earth is being destroyed and harmed and that the IPs are bearing the brunt of such negative effects given their high dependence to the natural environment. At this case, the Pope stressed that IPs should be listened to when it comes to tackling environmental problems, especially that their cultural identity and treasures as a tribe is tenaciously linked to their natural environment. They should always be partners of dialogue. Coherent with that, he urged governments to grant the indigenous peoples with strong, unambiguous rights over the land where they live. He also criticized governments’ failure to protect IP territories or to consult them over developments that will affect them. As such, he has encouraged actions from local individuals and groups to hold the governments to account. According to Fr. Ronilo Pagao, a parish

active presence of illegal loggers, drug traffickers, and others whose activities are detrimental to the environment.

priest of the Bontoc-Lagawe Apostolic Mission, it is good that Pope Francis is pursuing his predecessor’s campaign of defending IP rights. “So long as evil sets to confront mankind, the Church will continue to speak in behalf of all those whose existence are under constant attack,” he added. “The acknowledgement of the Church on the significant role of the IPs in abating environmental destruction is truly a remarkable feat to reckon with. Now, the IPs walk and speak through the Church and are stronger and braver than ever to take actions in defense of their lands and resources,” expressed Betty Corazon, a local environmental activist of Baguio. In a world where monetary gain or money is chosen over land and its people, many of the IPs have been exposed to harassment, intimidation, and oppression. They have long been silenced by large companies and corporations who seek to utilize their resources for their own greedy motives. But now, the Church is speaking and walking in behalf of the oppressed, silenced, marginalized IPs. No longer does it hide in cloak of negligence but now opens up to voice the sentiments and voices of the IPs long gripped under chains of fear and terror. The IPs now stand steadfastly with the Church in the battle against violation of human rights and dignity as well as in the saving of the natural environment and cultural traditions and practices. The Church and the IPs now stand as one- as a united beacon of hope for a more peaceful and greener world to live in.

Healing the Past, Building the Future A Curious Case of the IPs and the Church

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Development Communication

The Mountain The Collegian Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

MILLISCENT LUCIO

coconut husk containing a mixture of soot, water, and sweet potato and two sticks, one with a mounted pomelo thorn; that’s all what Apo Wang-Od needs to create a mark on the warrior’s skin for each enemy he beheaded. Once a sign of bravery and beauty; the traditional tattoo is now considered an art on an organic canvas that can last a lifetime. Wang-Od Oggay is the 95-year-old tattoo artist of the Butbut tribe located at Buscalan, Kalinga. She is the oldest and the only remaining tattoo artist in her tribe. A skill passed on to her by her father. Wang-Od herself is marked all over her body, mostly by the snakeskin design, and was considered as the most beautiful in their tribe. According to an article in larskrutak.com, the man Apo Wang-Od was in love with died in a logging accident. And so, she dedicated herself to the art of “pagbabatok” (traditional tattooing), an art that according to scholars, is nearly a thousand years old. Filipinos and foreigners alike have trekked the high and rocky mountains and dangerous paths just to be inked by Apo Wang-Od. On the way to the community, the visitors will be accompanied by a tour guide slash translator, whom you will need when speaking to Wang-Od because of her limited Tagalog. After her daily routine of drinking brewed coffee and feeding the chickens, she will be occupied with a whole day of non-stop tattoo sessions. It is customary to give Wang-Od and the host family a gift, and candies for the children, according to several bloggers who have been tattooed by Apo Wang-Od. Apo Wang-Od only does tribal and “Baybayin” patterns; but the eagle is reserved only for the warriors who have killed enemies and are highly respected by the community. There are currently no men bearing this tattoo.

After organizing her materials, she stencils the design using a rice straw. Then, she pounds the ink into the skin by tapping a Citrus needle near the end of a bamboo s t i c k repeatedly w i t h another stick. She wipes the river of blood with a damp cloth and invites you to stay with your host family and be part of the tribe for a day. She has also been featured many times in local and international print and in television outlets, and she is also known globally. Recently, host of Ride and Seek Philippines, Jamie Dempsey featured Apo Wang-Od in her show, stating that getting a tattoo from Wang-Od is one of her main reasons for visiting the country. Also,

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Jessica Soho featured her twice; first for an exclusive interview of her background and her art, and the next highlighting the petition to make her a National Artist. An online campaign aimed to declare Apo Wang-Od (Fang-Od), the “huling mambabatok” of Kalinga as a National Artist has gone viral in various social media sites reaching more than 11,000 shares. The campaign was initiated by Edward Laurence Opena, a Biology instructor of the College of Arts and Sciences of Cebu Normal University in Cebu City. B e s i d e s appreciating art, one of his reasons for pushing this campaign is to prevent w h a t h app e n e d to Professor Julian N. Jumalon w h o pioneered the use of butterfly wings as medium for mosaic known as Lepido mosaic, but was never recognized as a National Artist. The Jumalon Museum, Butterfly Sanctuary and Arts Gallery was established after him as cited in philstar. com. In Opena’s post captioned, “Wang-Od is the last Ancient Kalinga Tattoo Artist. In the past years, the silence of this ancient art was broken because people from around the globe pay homage to this remaining artist

Development Communication and take pride that they were tattooed by her. “It is my personal advocacy to let the Filipino community realize that it is now time to recognize her world-class contribution to the art of tattoo-making that is genuinely Filipino. She deserves to be one of our National Artists,” reads his article. According to the ncca.gov.ph, the official website of National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, the National Artist Award is the highest distinction bestowed upon Filipino Artists whose body of work is recognized by their peers and more importantly by their countrymen as sublime expression of Philippine music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, film and media, arts, architecture and design. These are artists who have promoted Filipino cultural identity and dignity through their art. Administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through Proclamation No.1001 dated April 2, 1972 by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the government of the Philippines confers the award to deserving individuals as recommended by the CCP and the NCCA. Among the National Artist Awardees are Lino Brocka, Bienvenido Lumbera, F. Sionil Jose and Ang Kiukok to name a few Wang-Od’s tattoos represent the Filipino’s very diverse and rich culture and have historical and cultural significance and a valuable asset in promoting our culture. At first, there was the fear of the tradition of being forgotten when Apo Wang-Od crosses the other side for she has no children of her own. Fortunately, she has trained her 19-year-old grandniece, Grace Palicas who inherited the craft. During the tattoo sessions, Grace observes and takes over the tattoo session if Apo Wang-Od is tired or sometimes does some of the tattoos by herself. Grace has also been invited several times to head to Manila to participate in Dutdutan, a famous tattoo festival. Also from Rappler.com, the petition’s followers are also growing as more Filipinos share the post. Some have said that Wang-Od is keeping history alive by continuing to do her work. By honoring her, netizens said, the country is also recognizing its rich but vanishing indigenous culture. Wang-Od’s promotion can also be a start in establishing a better reputation for the art of tattooing. Generally, a person with a tattoo is viewed as a rebel and a criminal. Some establishments are also not accepting people with tattoos. Hopefully, the majority of the people will appreciate tattooing as an art and a way to present the cultures and traditions by wearing it yourself. The culture of the Cordilleras is one of the most valuable treasure that is slowly vanishing. Let us not waste Wang-Od’s hard work in preserving the sacred art of pambabatok. By becoming one of the National Artist Awardees, the valuing of the traditional arts will be spread and increased.

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

Development Communication

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

ILLUSTRATED BY NADIA TIWING

T he Linapet Way erwin john taborda

c Kinley, a city boy and adventurer explored the other side of his village. In his journey, he passed along a community where people were helping each other in making a delicacy wrapped with banana leaves. He observed that the neighbourhood were closeknit as they borrow utensils like the gilingan and others at the same time they offer what they can to their neighbors. He then found out that the community was preparing for a simple yet meaningful occasion. He marvelled at the sight, decided to stay longer and witness the celebration. He chatted with the folks and found out that the festivity is called Linapet Day. He also found out that after the festivity the folks help their kailyans in preparing the land for planting.

According to Cynthia Lidab, a native of Gueday in Besao, Mountain Province, Linapet day is an annual and a rare tradition because only the commoners of LAGA (Lacmaan, Agawa, Gueday and Ambagiw barangays) held this festivity every 30th month of September for the community to have a good start in preparing the rice seeds for planting. Lidab added that Linapet day started decades ago but sad to say that no one was able to take note document the specific day when natives started the feast. Linapet is an indigenous delicacy made out of ground glutinous rice with coarsely ground peanut as filling and wrapped in banana leaves. The peanuts are either from their harvest or was bought in the market. In making linapet, the ingredients, the ground glutinous rice and peanut, banana leaves and oil are prepared. Put a little amount of oil in the banana leaves, followed by one scoop of ground rice then a spoon of peanut. This is the basic in doing linapet. “Linapet serves as a token of gratitude to our elders and mostly, it is the youth in the community who hand these to show respect and cordiality,” urged Lidab. In the olden times, pigs and chickens were butchered to celebrate the feast of planting season namely: Obayan di Lakat (feast to start the planting Taro), Obayan di Padog (feast to observe before spreading the rice grains over the seedbed), Obayan di Tuned (feast of the sowing season), Obayan di Kilkilaw (feast to prevent birds from eating the sown grains), and Obayan di Aaw (feast for bountiful harvest). However, this feasts are not practiced today. But because of population growth and of the advent modernization, linapet is serve as substitute for pigs and chicken. Sun makes the feast Amidst the chilly breeze sweeping over the valley, the native of LAGA and curious tourists alike are brought to a halt of excitement as they await and witness an annual phenomenon. As the clock ticks with the roosters, the sun reveals its foreshadowing rays blotting the gigantic rock in the far northern mossy mountain of Langsayan at Lacmaan, Besao. When viewed from atop, it projects a laser beam-like rays to a stone calendar engraved at the Dap-ay Awaw. Dap-ay Awaw is where the LAGA natives and tourists gather during this festivity. It is the most suitable place to witness the spectacular sunrise. According to igorotblogger.com, this phenomenon is called by the natives as ‘sunrise in a sunset’ because of the changes in color of the sun rays and strategic position of the sun ontop of the Ambaon

Development Communication bato found in the mountain. Ambaon Bato is the spot where the sun takes its dominance during the day. The people observe the rock as it forms into Bulol-like statue ( Ifugao’s rice god). On top of it is a family of grass that looks like a hair. Tablets of Stone Also called Agricultural Stone Calendar, this is used as a mark for the inhabitants of barangay LAGA as their agricultural basis in starting their planting season. When the sunrays are projected in parallel position on the stone, it will signify the start of the Obayan di Linapet (Feast of Linapet) and the planting day. According to the elders of LAGA, this stone has inscriptions, which are still present toady, were etched by their ancestors after offering an alingo or wild boar to the spirits as a sign of gratitude for abundant harvest. This proves the observation of Gloria Bantog, a former Besao councilor and a devoted observer of the culture of LAGA. She stated that the shorter the inscription is, the villagers have butchered smaller pig, while the longer lines mean that they have butchered a bigger one. Legend also narrates that when the sun projects light beam on the stone calendar, writings showing some similarities with the ancient form of the Chinese writing were formed. This is according to William Henry Scott, an anthropologist who carefully studied the inscriptions. Scott’s statement also correlates to the study conducted by Spiback, a Jewish scientist who accidentally discovered LAGA in 1956. He claimed that the people may have descended from China’s Shang dynasty. His hypothesis was proven by the observation of Bantog that the people of LAGA, especially the i-Agawas, have chinky eyes and body features similar to the ancient Chinese having a well-built body and chinky eyes as described by encylopedia Britannica. The tradition’s origin “Long time ago, elders did not know when is the start of planting season for them to have a bountiful harvest. That is why they observed the sun because it was what as stated in the legend which they believed,” stressed Cynthia Lidab, a native of Gueday. According to the legend stated in cordiwebs. com, a man named Kingat saw a strange man sitting in the towering rocks (Ambaon Bato) of the mountain. He mounted two large stones, which are now known as the Agricultural Calendar Stone, on the Makeyang or Dap-ay Awaw. This is the basis of the belief of the i-LAGAs. Kingat expressed to the man the community’s problem on the planting season. Then, the man said

to him that the stone (calendar stone), in relation with the sun and the rock (Ambaon Bato), will spell out the secrets of the planting season. He added that there will be a time that the sun will be perfectly situated on the peak of the towering rock during sunrise where he is seated. He concluded that this situation will only happen after a long time. From then, Kingat and his tribe followed what the man said and true enough, the lives of the settlers improved while enjoying an increase in their yield. Way back in 1920 an unknown man observed every time the sun is positioned just right on top of the towering rocks, it is the 30th day of September in the present calendar. A feast that binds “Eat all you can,” is somewhat the theme of the Linapet Day. Even the tourists are welcome in the community and ushered to every houses to taste the native delicacy, a way of inviting them to be part of the occasion. Moreover, beyond this culture is the idea of building up unity among the Applai of Besao, not only between the natives of LAGA. Every time Linapet Day comes, this serves as a reminder among the LAGA people to strengthen the spirit of harmony in every family and in every household in the entire community. Stressed by Bantog, this occasion is the locality’s version of Christmas celebration where in every family gather together to strengthen the essence of the Linapet festivity. To wit, exploration beyond this festivity is advocating the spirit of sharing, hospitality, respect, and obedience. Youngsters are obligated to bring linapet to the elder folks especially to their parents, grandparents and parents-in-law. The youngs are also obligated to exchange linapet within the neighborhoods. It is not contesting for the best cook of linapet but rather, for them to taste each other’s linapet and value sharing as part of their daily lives. When this day also lands, natives of LAGA coming from the different walks of life gather to witness and attend this Linapet festivity. If others cannot make it to their hometowns, they still celebrate the Linapet Day by gathering at one place and sharing what they have cooked. From a legend to reality, unity was founded, built, and kept as every clock in Besao ticks and tacks towards a promising sunrise. This festivity treasures the past and the present sincerity and belongingness of the people regardless of whom they are and what they have.

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Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

News

Literary

Mga Kwentong Hatid ng Tunay na Karanasan.

illustrated by jonel t. bacayang

MILLISCENT LUCIO Photographed by Jerson B. SABADO JR.

Her hands moved with measured and precise gestures, yet with grace as if unguided. Her nimble feet, treading lightly on the stage, danced to the beat of the shamisen. The light reflecting on her porcelain skin created a glow around her while the delicate silver headpiece and pins decorating her bun made the illusion of a halo on her head. The slow tinkle of the strings playing the complicated music piece was nothing compared to her beautiful dance. With the song coming to an end, the maiko made her final move just as the last pluck was finished. Barely a second passed, before everyone watching in the park clapped and cheered. Before they exited, they put some money in the small bag below the mini-stage. Even as they walked away, their awe was still present as they relieved the memory of the maiko’s performance. Meanwhile behind the mini-stage, a tall middle-aged man appeared from behind the curtains that covered the backstage. The man had a raggedly handsome look; bright green eyes, midnight black hair styled in a high cut, and square jaws with a stubble. The man was obviously tired but happy as he retracted the strings from his fingers and carefully arranged them in a way they would not tangle. He held the limp body of the maiko gently and with utmost care into his arms, feeling the smooth porcelain on her uncovered hands. “Well done Tsubaki, let’s go home,” he murmured. He fixed the collapsible mini-stage and collected the props; these he carried in one hand while he carried Tsubaki on the other. Arriving at his humble abode, he set the props and mini-stage down to unlock the door. After settling his precious Tsubaki gently on a small couch he made. Assuring himself she would be safe, he went about his usual duties. The moon was shining amidst the clear night sky; it was an hour before midnight. He was carefully brushing her silky black waist-length hair which he untied out of its elegant bun. Next, he cleaned her face to make her dark eyes, light pink cheeks, and blood red lips stand out more. Next, he changed her clothes from a kimono to a simple yukata. After finishing grooming Tsubaki, he lied Tsubaki near his pillow then turned off the lights and fell asleep. When the clock struck quarter to twelve, Tsubaki emitted a pale blue light; then the light emerged and formed itself near him. From a shapeless wisp, it slowly formed itself into a woman – a human version of Tsubaki in fact, only she was translucent and had a ghost-like appearance. Moving near his sleeping form, she took her fill in gazing and caressing his face – sadness and longing reflected brightly in her eyes. Oh! How she wished he could see her, hold her; he who has loved her so much it gave her life. But it was not supposed to be; he cannot see her, he should not see her – that is how things should be. A minute before midnight, Tsubaki caressed his face one last time and

placed a gentle kiss on his lips. When both hands of the clock struck midnight, the ghostly form of Tsubaki dispersed and went back to where it came from. Years passed and everything continued still; he performed from one place to another, loving Tsubaki more than ever, more than anything he had ever loved – loving her as he had loved his lover who died years before. Meanwhile, Tsubaki’s entity continued to appear every night at quarter to twelve until midnight, loving him as much as he loved her. Yet, as cruel fate dictates, happiness will always be tested by grief, loneliness, and suffering. He was going down the familiar path to his home later than usual carrying Tsubaki close, when two masked men cornered him and demanded to hand Tsubaki and his valuables. He gave his valuables but refused to give her, for Tsubaki is more than just a simple valuable. She is his world, his reason to live. But the two men were not willing to let a porcelain piece escape them. They grabbed her but his grip was tight, when one punched him in the gut, he lost his grip as the other thief lost his hold. He can only watch as she fell to the ground and cracked into pieces. His body felt numb as tears escaped his eyes. Even as the two beat him up, he did not feel the physical pain but only the pain in his heart seeing Tsubaki’s shattered form scattered around the pavement. He didn’t feel the punch in his face, the kick to his stomach, the knife stabbed to his knee and stomach – only the memory of her destruction continued to replay in his mind. Everything around him didn’t matter anymore. He did not notice that the two thieves fled as he continued to bleed out, still looking at his precious Tsubaki’s form. As the light slowly died in his eyes, he saw the form of his late lover, Tsubaki’s namesake and model, wearing her favourite kimono and smiling down on him as she held out her pale hand. “Let’s go home,” she said. He smiled and weakly held her outstretched hand. Both finally got their wish and reunited once more. What was left for the townspeople to find was the street puppeteer’s bloody corpse clutching the hand of a beautiful porcelain doll across him with a smile on his face.

All but none! mylyn c. maitang

A message caught my love-blinded eyes. Gentle touches, my thumb gives then blushes Lab. Dub. Lab. Dub. Lab. Dub. My heart beats so loud and fast. As if in cadence with two words: “In love.” “In love.” “In love.” A message from you, dear Dab. Word? None. Letter? None. Punctuation mark? None. Scrolling down. Down. Down. Dot? None. Emoticon? None? Sigh, all but none! Your message, my love, For years, I waited Is as clean as a white blank sheet. I texted you hundred times, And your only reply is A message with no message. It almost broke my heart. But made me realize that Your blank message is a message indeed It let me not see your love But let me feel being loved. Love. Dab. Love. Dab. Love. Dab. Now sings my heart falling in love.

The Mountain Collegian The The Official Official Student Student Publication Publication of of Benguet Benguet State State University University

News

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

News

Search Committee for Presidency to call for applicants ARNIEL DUMIGSI

Benguet State University (BSU) will be opening the search for the next president, confirmed outgoing president Dr. Ben D. Ladilad.

MORNING SPREE. This farmer takes advantage of the cool and bright morning to water his young lettuce plants in preparation for a tourist-filled season. Photographed by jerson sabado jr.

BSU studes to benefit from BAPTC ARNIEL DUMIGSI

The full operation of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) is in favor of upholding Benguet State University’s (BSU) fourfold functions, according to University president Ben D. Ladilad. Ladilad told that the BAPTC was a collaboration between BSU, the local government units which include the provincial government of Benguet and municipal government of La Trinidad, the office of the Congressman, the farmers, and the Aquino administration which provided PhP 600 million funding through the Department of Agriculture (DA). “With the blessing of the President Aquino, the Department of Agriculture gave the funding and BSU provided the land,” he reiterated. Accordingly, the supposed agreement between the concerned agencies and BSU is that the two-hectare of University in the Strawberry Fields will be rented. But Ladilad realized that although the University can gain monetary benefits, it is better if the students can also benefit from the trading center by having an exposure in the facilities. “That’s why the area increased into four hectares for the full storage, the breeding area, and other facilities. So at least, when that (BAPTC) will be in full operation, our

students from the College of Agriculture (CA) and also from the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) can go there and observe as a part of their exposure,” he added. Aside from benefits to instruction and production or income-generating functions, BAPTC is also a big help to the other half of the functions of the University. In terms of research, Ladilad mentioned that when there are problems of the farmers especially in the production of vegetables, the University can focus its research on the problem and thus, helping the farmers with their scientific needs. “Extension also, we can do right there the training of the farmers. This will improve definitely our relationship with the farmers and the business sector,” Ladilad said. The country’s biggest trading center, BAPTC is a major project for the improvement of the quality of Benguet-grown vegetables to cope with the full implementation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2015 free trade agreement.

300 studes undergo BEST MILLISCENT LUCIO

300 students under the Information Technology Education (ITE) programs are now undergoing the Basic English Skills Training (BEST). This is a part of the Service Management Program (SMP) facilitated by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) after the Benguet State University was chosen among the 17 universities in the Philippines. The students were given a BEST compact disk containing the installer, lessons, and the instructions, and a BEST card with the serial number, password, and username during the orientation last August 11. Along with the Advanced English PreEmployment Training (AdEPT) and the Global Competitiveness Assessment Tool (GCAT) which are also under the SMP which (the SMP) is issued in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 06, Series of 2012 and CMO No. 34, Series of 2012. The students given the BEST toolkit were first and second years of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), second and fourth years of the Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSE) Majors in English, third years and five second years of the Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BSDC). The BEST toolkit is already being used by the students and is now a part of their requirements. The BEST aims to strengthen the four macro communication skills which are listening, speaking, reading, and writing required for effective communication in English to prepare the graduates for a career in Information Technolog y and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry.

As of press time, Ladilad already concluded his four-year term last December 5. Meanwhile, Dr. Grace T. Bengwayan, University and Board secretary, said that a Search Committee for Presidency (SCP) has been appointed by the Board of Regents (BOR). Chaired by Dr. Emerlinda Roman, former president of the University of the Philippines (UP), the search committee includes Dr. Romulo Malvar, director of Commission on Higher Education- Cordillera Administrative Region (CHEd-CAR); Dr. Nieves Dacyon, president of CAR Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC); Dr. Serano Oryan, BSU faculty representative; and Mr. Gerry Lab-oyan, private sector representative. “They (qualified applicants) will be evaluated and interviewed. Among them, the Board of Regents will elect the next president,” Ladilad added. Section 2 of the said CHED CMO states that the Governing Board or Board of Regents (BOR) shall select and appoint a president upon the recommendation of a duly constituted search committee.

productive break. Students taking a review of their lessons under the shade of trees is a common scenario inside the University. Photographed by ARNIEL DUMIGSI

The Board of Regents is the highest policymaking body as embodied in Republic Act (RA) No. 8292. Presently, the chair-designate for thr BSU Board is CHED Commissioner Alex Brillantes, Jr. Members include Hon. Pia Cayetano, Senate Committee on Education; Hon. Roman Romulo, House Committee on Education; Hon. Milagros Rimando, director of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) – CAR; Hon. Victor Mariano, director of

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- CAR; Hon. Lorenzo Caranguian, director of Department of Agricutlure (DA) – CAR; Hon. Marvin Chagyo, president of BSU Alumni Association, Inc.; and Hon. Malcom Bacuso and Hon. Ryan Guinaran, representatives from private sector; and Hon. Norell Jay Osting, president of Federation of Supreme Student Government (FSSG).

BSU partners with universities in Japan GENEVA BUNGONGOR

Benguet State University (BSU) is going global! BSU and two universities in Japan, namely; Tottori University and Shimane University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which focus academic exchange and agreement of cooperation on student and faculty, research and extension. Sonwright Maddul, College of Agriculture (CA) Dean said that the features for the partnership with these two Universities are similar. Furthermore, the partnership is open to all the Colleges in BSU. Elaborating on the MOA, Maddul said

that BSU and Japanese students from these universities will pay for their airfare and lodging but the tuition fees will be waived. In both Universities, the field of study is not more than 1 year and the units will be credited to their degrees. According to BSU President, Ben Ladilad, specific engagements should be stipulated in the MOA. As stated in the minutes of the University Administrative Council, both universities, Tottori and Shimane could propose for funding from JICA for these exchange and cooperation agreements. Meanwhile, International Relations Office Director Dr. Janet Luis said that the trip to Tottori University is an offshoot of the visit of five Japanese students who visited BSU.

This year’s Benguet Adivay Festival focuses on Sustaining Benguet’s Gains. Photographed by Vic Arthur Masliyan

News

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

News

Climax Dance Trio lauds 1st in Talent Face-off milliscent lucio

The Talent Face-Off Finals headed by College of Arts and SciencesStudent Government (CAS-SG) was witnessed last November 23 at the Benguet State University Gymnasium.

#ekawp101. This year’s Pintig at Pantig 8 rolls with the theme Edukasyon sa Kagandahang Asal at Wastong Pagpapahalaga sa mga Manunulat Pangkampus. Photographed by GENEVA BUNGONGOR

MC holds PP8, revisits Filipino values geneva bungongor

Through the theme, “#EKAWP101: Edukasyon sa Kagandahang Asal at Wastong Pagpapahalaga para sa manunulat pangkampus”, The Mountain Collegian (MC), the official student publication of Benguet State University (BSU) highlighted Filipino values during the staging of eighth Pintig at Pantig, the MC literary awards at the BSU gymnasium on November 21. Aimed to revisit the slowly fading Filipino values, the event was participated in by students from eight elementary and 12 schools around Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tublay, and Tuba area. The competition holds poster making, poetry writing, and photography for both elementary and secondary students while essay and short story writing were given for secondary students only. This year’s resource speakers were: Niño Seriosa, MC Alumnus and an Instructor at the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) for poster making; Karen Laking an instructor at College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) - Department of Humanities for poetry writing; EV Espiritu of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) for photography; Juman Kevin Tindo and Richard Giye both MC Alumnus for essay writing and short story writing, respectively. Ulysses Anongos of the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values served as the guest speaker during the opening program. Using biblical verses and illustrations, he challenged the participants to reflect on the virtues on respect, understanding, forgiveness, and sincerity. He further challenged them to always lean on God in times of adversity. “You have to move on from your bitter past in order for you to have a better future,” he said. He also emphasized that respect to parents should be imbibed by each student. “Do not post on face book if you are angry. Choose the words that you say, it matters what you speak,” he stressed. PP8 awardees recognized The awarding ceremony was held at the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) Strawberry Hall on November 28.

Kinci Gaerlem from Lucban Elementary School (LES) took home the trophy for winning first place for poster making elementary; Abby Gail Aguas from Ucab ES (UES) ranked second, and Dan Hill Estocapio from Paoad ES (PES) came third. For poster making secondary, Rembrandt Jhon Bernal from Benguet National High School (BNHS) - Main won first place, John Leo Sibayan from Joaquin Smith (JSNHS) second, Touch Pokling (BNHS- Main) third, and Kurt Daryll Ludaes from Cordillera Regional Science High School (CRSHS) ranked fourth. For poetry writing elementary, English category, Denise Aiken Lumagto BSU- Elementary Laboratory School (BSU- ELS) jump to first place, Aesha Leigh Kitong from Alapang- Camp Dangwa ES placed second, Bhea Laureen Garcia (Bugayan ES) third, Jade Anniban (Rizal ES) and Jamilla Rayne Osabel (Lucban ES) fourth and fifth places respectively. Meanwhile, in Filipino category, Rholea Carylle Lacsinto (Ucab ES) won first place, Reynelle Herence Ma- ao (BSU- ELS) second, Maria Cecilia Soriano (Rizal ES) third, Mareden Joy Bilayan (Alapang- Camp Dangwa ES) fourth, and Keziah Mae Tingga- an (Lucban ES) fifth. While for the secondary, English category, Jema Cyrene Galvez (Dominican- Mirador NHS) won first place, Ian Hope Belingen (BNHS- Main) second, and Adlei Vic Lao- e (Hope Christian Academy) third, Erika Lyn Dulay from Kings College of the Philippines- Secondary Laboratory School (KCP- SLS) fourth, and Aleck Luis Jacobe (Rizal NHS) fifth. For the Filipino category, Leslie Linggoden (BNHS- Main) grabbed the first place, Kishel Estong from Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC- SLS) was second, Jonalen Marcelo (Dominican- Mirador NHS) third, and Bojo Ray Riogelon (JSNHS) together with Ghea Lennette (KCP- SLS) shared the fourth spot.

For photography contest Elementary, English category, Rizza Mae Lim (Buyagan ES) is best photographer, Raleigh Golocan (LES) second, Denzel Ampaguey (Alapang- Camp Dangwa ES) third, and Frenzer Sectel (PES) fourth. For the Filipino Category, Juvie Kristine Ternura (Buyagan ES) grabbed first place, Gwyneth Suzanne Cabay (Rizal ES) second, Jhessa Ciano (Alapang- Camp Dangwa ES) third, Dawn Mikaela Apolo (LES) and Nathaniel Cambod Jr. (UES) won fourth and fifth places respectively. Winners for English category, photography secondary were filled up by Joy Gwen Podeque (CCDC- SLS) as the first while Krisha Mae Bongalos (CRSHS) placed second. Jezrah Jhem Rullan (JSNHS) and Christine Quinit (KCP- SLS) won third and fourth places respectively. Fifth place was given to La- ongan Canam (BNHS- Main). For Filipino category, Claire Judan (BNHS- Main) got the first place, Bernard Tocpel from Baguio Central University (BCU- SLS) second, Erica Janine Sayaan (JSNHS) third; Anne Versoza (CCDC- SLS) and Tom Ayagan (KCP- SLS) won fourth and fifth places respectively. Winners for essay writing secondary, English category were Klenia Mendiola (BCU- SLS) as first, Jemelle Jones Santiago (CRSHS) second, Denmark Ray Velasquez (KCP- SLS) third, Trisha Mae Vinoya (Dominican- Mirador NHS) fourth, and Ian Clark Lamsis (CCDC- SLS) fifth. Filipino Category winners were Joshua Cadiongan (BSU- SLS) first, Geraldine Germano (Dominican- Mirador NHS) second, Soiyee Mangapac (CRSHS) third, Marge Pomentil (BNHS- Main) fourth, and Jovan Pucya (JSNHS) fifth. Short story writing winners for the English category were Kyla Degay (CRSHS) first, Charmaine Nonoy (BNHS- Main) second, Myra Casinto (CCDC- SLS) third, Jolee Lig- o (KCP- SLS) fourth and Kyla Bagyan (BCU- SLS) fifth. First place for Filipino category was Lordy Campos (JSNHS) Rose Ann Mae Tiago (CCDC- SLS) second, Jonalen Marcelo (Dominican- Mirador NHS) third, Cleciaflor Shermuel Balabag (BCU- SLS) fourth, and Sharmaine Fanged (BNHS- Main) fifth.

Students with varying talents from the Elementary Laboratory School (ELS), Secondary Laboratory School (SLS), and the different College Departments auditioned in order to compete in the final round. Only twelve were chosen. During the final round, the performances were judged by the following: Zimri Gangaey, Mr. Benguet 2013; Meryl Joy Laukey, administrative staff of Benguet Capitol; and Albert Sacla, a talent handler and the owner of Albea’s Salon. Of the several entries, the majority of the contestants consisted of solo singers. Carylle Drea Aquino and Rana Celino from the SLS, Raiya Cuyan from the ELS, Libe Kideng, and Kendrick Anthony Canuto were the solo singers among the group The Vox Lunaris group which is composed of the majority of the BSU Glee Club, meanwhile performed an acapella chant with complete choreography. On the other hand, Re Ann Blaze and Joshem Mangayey performed a duet with a twist by switching genders as they sang “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum. Meanwhile, the two dance troupes were

GENTLE MOVES. The Molina Brothers Flairtending Team from the College of Home Economics and Technology display their manly yet graceful acts which wowed and entertained the crowd during the CAS Face Off Finals. Photographed by GENEVA BUNGONGOR

included in the competition namely Eight Dance Troupe and Climax from the CTE. Ionee Grace Mallari from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) performed a mashup with her violin and The Incredibles band from SLS sang “21 Guns” by Greenday. The Molina Brothers from the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) mixed dancing and bartending in their Flairtending

act.

Climax dance trio was awarded the first place. Kendrick Anthony Canuto grabbed the second place while Vox Lunaris bagged the third place. The winners were given trophies, certificates, and cash prizes. Meanwhile, the other contestants were given certificates and tokens.

SERIOUS ENACTMENT. CN students actively participate during an earthquake drill organized by the college in cooperation with the Benguet General Hospital. Photographed by GENEVA BUNGONGOR

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News News

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

christmas is here and now. NSTP students gather during the culmination of “Natatanging Selebrasyon sa Tinig at himig ng Pasko” where they featured creativity and competitiveness in showcasing their own hand-made lanterns, MC ARCHIVE

BSU-NSTP pushes activities for stude dev’t ERWIN JOHN TABORDA

Geared at improving its services and expanding its programs to its main clientele, the Benguet State University- National Service Training program (BSU-NSTP) conducted student developmental activities for the first semester of the school year 2015-2016. Studes battle for musical prowess Anchored to the theme “NSTP revelry: Celebrating God given talents”, first year students showed off their talents in the “Natatanging Studyanteng Talentadong Pinoy (NSTP)” on November 13 at BSU gymnasium. Out of 62 students of the NSTP class, top 10 students were selected in the solo category and top five were choosen in the group category. In the group category, Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) 1A was the champion while Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education (BTTE) 1A and Bachelor of Science in Nursing(BSN) 1A ranked second and third places, respectively. The other two finalists for the top five includes the classes of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BSDC)1A and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering (BSAE) 1B. Moreover, in the solo category, Jeffery Coyasan of BSE 1A, was acclaimed as the Natatanging Studyanteng Talentadong

Pinoy ; Rachelle Kilakil (BSE 1D) got the second place; Rhoda Daliw-as, Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) 1A, won the third place; Jamille Millar (BSDC 1B) and Jay-an Bartolome (BSE 1C) placed fourth and fifth, respectively. “NSTP musical season 1 was conceptualized to showcase the talents, awaken camaraderie and sportmanship of the students and to raise fund for the upcoming NSTP activities and project implementations,” said Rhe-ann Ngayaan, program coordinator. Eco-friendly lanterns showcase Also, the BSU-NSTP’s annual lantern parade dubbed as the “Natatanging Selebrasyon sa Tinig at himig ng Pasko” kicked on December 7 from BSU administration building to BSU oval. “The lantern parade aims to promote environmental protection through recycling, re-using, and reducing wastes products by encouraging all the students enrolled in the different NSTP components to create and display Christmas lanterns made of recyclable materials during the parade,” said Alken Sasa, event organizer. Sasa added that the activity is for the students to appreciate the essence of Christmas through an environmental-friendly celebration. Each class presented their lanterns, hand

lanterns, and banners during the parade. In the class Christmas lantern, Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEE)1C won as the Natatanging Parol; Association of Entreprenural Technology (AET) 1A ranked second place, BTTE 1A placed third while BSAENG’G 1B and BEE 1B both landed fourth place; and BSE 1E qualified for fifth place. In the class hand lanterns, BSE 1A won for the Natatanging Hand Lantern; Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) 1A and 1C shared the second place; Bachelor of Science in Agri- Business (BSAB) 1A and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) 1A also shared in the thrid place; BPA 1B snatched the fourth place while AET 1A placed fifth. Moreover, for the Natatanging Banner, Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) 1A clinched the first place, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology(BSIT)1A got the second place; BSAB 1C ranked third place, BPE 1C and BSE 1C placed fourth and fifth place, respectively. Further, the Bachelor of Science in Hotel, and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) 1A topped the class jingles. “This activity is great and unique because most environmental activities are connected with the tree planting, waste disposal, etc. while this acitivity promotes environmental activities through Christmas lanterns,” said Bernice Tellias, BSAB 1C.

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

News

MC retains supremacy in RHEPC geneva bungongor

For three consecutive years, The Mountain Collegian (MC), the official student publication of Benguet State University (BSU), remains the overall champion after besting 17 other schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) during the 17th Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC) held at Baguio- Benguet Community Credit Cooperative Inc. (BBCCC), Baguio City on December 3-5. White and Blue of Saint Louis University (SLU) is 1st runner-up and The Corps of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) placed 2nd runner-up. The Flame of Baguio Central University (BCU) and Tala of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) are 3rd and 4th runners- up, respectively. Overall points were gathered from individual and group events. The individual on- the- spot writing events on news, editorial, sports, opinion, feature, poetry, Development Communication, comic strip drawing, editorial cartooning, literary graphics illustration, copy reading and headline writing, photojournalism and lay outing. The group events are Best Page Design, Best News page, Best Editorial page, Best Feature page, Best Development Communication page, Best Literary page, and Best Sports page for tabloid, magazine, newsletter, and broadsheet category. MC ranked 1st runner- up in Best News page, Best Editorial page, Best Feature page,

Best Sports page, Best Lay- out and champion in Development Communication page for broadsheet category. For the newsletter category, MC ranked 1st runner- up in Best News page, Best Editorial page, Best Development Communication page, Best Layout and champion in Best Feature page and Best Sports page. Also, for the magazine category, MC emerged as champion in Best News page, Best Feature page, Best Development Communication page, and Best Sports page; 1st runner- up in Best Editorial page and 2nd runner- up in the Best Lay- out. Furthermore, literary folios were judged for Best Literary content, Best Cover page, and Best in Folio. Kalaleng, the literary folio of MC, ranked 1st runner- up in Best literary content and Best folio; 2nd runner- up in Best Cover page. Meanwhile, the MC staff were able to place in the top five of their respective events in the individual on-the-spot contests: Geneva

Bungongor, ranked 2nd runner- up in News writing (English); Erwin John Taborda 1st runner- up (Filipino) and Hezy Jane Paculan 3rd runner- up (English) in Poetry writing; Jaina Ashlyn Awas championed Feature writing (Filipino) and 1st runner- up in Opinion writing (Filipino), Ericka Mae Pistola ranked 2nd runner- up in Copy Reading and Headline Writing (English); Milliscent Lucio ranked 3rd runner- up in Sports writing (English) and 2nd runner- up in Copy Reading and Headline writing (Filipino); Arniel Dumigsi championed Editorial writing (Filipino) and 1st runnerup in Development Communication writing (Filipino); Mylyn Maitang ranked 1st runnerup in Development Communication writing (English); Jerson Sabado Jr. championed Photojournalism (English) and 1st runner- up in Lay- outing; Nadia Tiwing 1st runner- up in Editorial cartooning (English) and 1st runnerup in Comic strip (Filipino); Jonel Bacayang 1st runner- up in Comic strip (English) and Ceasar James Osben, 3rd runner- up in Literary Graphics and 4th runner- up in Editorial cartooning (English). The MCians and other top five winners will be representing CAR to the 16th Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) on February 2016 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

MC ARCHIVE

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

Opinion

Ang papel nina tsok at pisara sa likas-kayang pag-unlad Ma k ap ang y ar i h an Ang kaunlaran ay nasusukat din sa kung ang edukasyon. Ito, sabi paano nabubuhay ang mga tao ng maligaya, nga ni Nelson Mandela, matiwasay, at kontento sa kung anumang ay ang pinakamakameron sila. Ito para sa akin ang mataas na pangyarihang sandata kalidad ng buhay. upang baguhin ang mundo, ang buhay ng tao. Kahirapan. Paglobo ng kaso ng mga sakit. Pagkawasak Arniel A. Dumigsi dumigsiarniel@gmail.com ng kalikasan. Hindi mo aakalain (at maaaring hindi ka maniniwala) na ang solusyon sa mga suliraning patuloy ang pagdarahop ng ilan? Ayon sa panlipunang ito ay ang edukasyon. Oo, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and hindi ka namamalikmata, e-du-kas-yon. Cultural Organization (UNESCO), kung Edukasyon. “Oo, alam na namin ‘yan. ang lahat ng mag-aaral sa mga naghihirap Kesyo key to success daw. Nakakaumay nang na mga bansa ay napagkakalooban ng pakinggan.” May bahid ng kalungkutan sa batayang kaalaman sa pagbabasa at akin ang pagsasawalang-bahala ng ilan pagsusulat, 171 milyon ang maiaahon sa sa importansya ng edukasyon. Sa halos kahirapan. apat na taon kong pagpapakadalubhasa Ang kamatayan dala ng iba’t ibang sa pagkaguro, ipinaunawa sa akin ng mga uri ng sakit ay hindi manipestasyon ng instruktor at propesor ang kahalagahan kaunlaran. Ang isang sanggol, halimbawa, nito. Mahalaga ang edukasyon hindi ay may malaking posibilidad na mabuhay dahil sa ito ang susi ng tagumpay. Para Ang edukasyon ang kasi sa ilan, ang tagumpay ay kung paano solusyon. Sure akong alam hindi na mabilang ang tubo sa negosyo. Ilan karami ang kamag-anak na nasa na nating lahat ‘yan ngunit “States.” Ang edukasyon bilang “key to kailangan ay muli’t muling success” ay binabase ng ilan sa personal ipaalala sa atin. na benepisyong maihahandog nito sa tao. Makasarili, hindi ba? Ngunit hindi dapat at at lumaki ng malusog kung ang nanay ay hindi maaaring maging ganun. Mahalaga functionally literate, ayon na mismo sa ang edukasyon sapagkat susi ito sa likas- United Nations International Children’s kayang pag-unlad o ‘yung tinatawag na Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Sa tulong sustainable development. din ng edukasyon, maiiwasan ang mabilis na pagkalat ng HIV at iba pang sexually Ano ba kasi ang kaugnayan ng transmitted diseases. (Alammo ba na edukasyon sa likas-kayang pag-unlad na ang Pilipinas ang may pinakamabilis na ‘yan? paglobo ng taong nagkakasakit ng HIV Ayon sa United Nations (UN), ang sa Asya?) Malalabanan natin ang AIDS, pandaigdigang kaunlaran ay makakamit malaria at iba pang pwedeng maiwasang sa tulong ng edukasyon. Pinapahintulutan sakit kung may sapat lang sana tayong ng edukasyon ang sangkatauhan upang kaalaman kung paano ito maiiwasan. bumuo ng mga desisyon upang makamit Sa kapangyarihang taglay ng edukayon, ang mga pangangailangan ng kasalukuyan isinusulong ngayon ng UNESCO ang nang hindi naisasakripisyo ang susunod Education for All (EFA) 2015, isang na salinlahi. Maisasakatuparan ito kung pandaigdigang kilusan upang mapabuti may sapat na edukasyon hinggil sa at maipagkaloob ang libre at abot-kamay environmental sustainability o ang tamang na basic education. Makapagkamit ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan. mahusay na kaalaman at kakayahan Ngunit paano makakamit ang para sa mga kabataan at nakatatanda. pangangailangan ng kasalukuyan kung Maisulong ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng

The Epsilon

lahat ng kasarian sa pagaaral. In short, mapabuti ang estado ng buhay. N g u n i t makapamanglaw dahil mismong UNESCO rin lang ang nagsasabing hindi makakamit ang nilalayon ng EFA 2015. Bagamat mayroong pag-unlad sa estado ng edukasyon sa ibang bansa, nananatili pa ring napagkakaitan ng edukasyon ang iba lalo na sa mga marginalized o mahihirap na mga komunidad. Malakas ang kutob kong isa ang Pilipinas dito. Kung nabibigyan sana ng halaga ng pamahalaan ang edukasyon para sa lahat imbes na isipin ang dalang tubo at pakinabang ng bagong programa dala ng komersyalisasyon, eh di hayahay ang buhay ng mga Pilipino. Hindi lang gasgas kundi pudpod na rin kung ituring ng ilan ang konseptong ang edukasyon ang makapag-aangat sa buhay ng tao. Tanong nga ng ilan, aanhin mo ang diploma kung hindi naman ito ang talagang sukatan ng tagumpay ng tao. Oo nga naman. ‘Yung iba nga, kahit na hindi nakapag-aral o hindi nakapagtapos ng pagaaral, napalago ang kanilang kabuhayan. Yumaman, naging makapangyarihan. Ang kaunlaran ay hindi lang nasusukat sa halaga ng salapi. Mas lalong hindi sa GDP o GNP. Hindi sa dami ng matatayog na gusali. Sa dami ng fast food chains. Sa dami ng iphone o android phone ng isang tao. Ang kaunlaran ay nasusukat din sa kung paano nabubuhay ang mga tao ng maligaya, matiwasay, at kontento sa kung anumang meron sila. Ito para sa akin ang mataas na kalidad ng buhay. Kung ang lahat ay nakatapak lang sana sa loob ng klasrum, nakapag-aral at ginagamit ang mga natutunan sa kabutihan. Para sa sarili at sa iba. Para sa kalikasan at sa bayan. Tiyak kong ang likas-kayang pag-unlad ay abot ng ating mga kamay. Ang edukasyon ang solusyon. Sure akong alam na nating lahat ‘yan ngunit kailangan ay muli’t muling ipaalala sa atin. Kung hindi ka naniniwala (o sawa ka ng pakinggan), saan kaya napunta ang maraming taon ng iyong pag-aaral?

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Opinion

Ang sukat ng pagkatapat ng Pilipinas sa Mundo Wan poynt payb (One point five). One point five degrees Celsius. Isang sukat na napagdesisyunan ng higit limampung pinuno. Isang sukat na nakatakdang abutin ng higit sandaang bansa bago matapos ang taong 20150. Isang sukat na magtatakda sa kinabukasan ng boung mundo.

Pero, sa totoo lang. May pag-asa pa. Mula sa pag-usbong ng ika-dalawapu’t isang siglo, may mga adbokasiya na rin tugon para sa lumalaking (double XL) epekto ng global warming at climate change.

Optimun Jaina Ashlyn Awas

envimidjaina@gmail.com

Sa Manila-Paris Declaration na naging usapan ng mga pinunong dumalo para sa Climate Change Conference noong nakaraang buwan, naging laman nito ang pagdeklara sa 1.5 degrees Celsius na pagbaba ng temperatura sa boung mundo. Dati nang napag-uusapan ang pagtatalaga ng isang tiyak na sukat para sa pagpapababa ng temperatura, ngunit masyadong imposibleng pababain ng dalawang degrees Celsius ang kabuuang temperatura, lalo pa’t maraming bansa ang kinilalang “vulnerable” sa dulot ng climate change, partikular ang Pilipinas. Ang layuning ito diumano’y makakamit

bansa. Andyan na rin ang AFTA at ang ASEAN. Partey, open na open na pala ang Pilipinas, no? Siyempre, masunurin tayo hindi ba? Masunurin sa friendship ties. Eniwey, Maraming ookrayin. Pero wala e, hanggang okray na lang ba. Solusyon kaya, meron ba nun? Sa pagtalaga ng 1.5 na iyan, nakatalaga na rin ang tatlumpung taong ibubuhos ‘sana’ sa paghahanap ng paraan upang maka-contribute man lang tayo sa pagpapababa ng temperatura. Di yun madali no. Biruin mo sa bawat katao lang, ilan kayang karbon ang nagagamit. Mula naman sa industriya, gaano kadaming karbon ang

ng mga renewable na enerhiya. Hindi lang tayo nakapagsusulat upang mangwestyon. Hindi rin upang makapanlait lang. Isang kaisipan lang naman ang nasa utak ko ngayon. Ako ay isang estudyante na Environmental Sciences ang kurso. Marami akong nalaman na problema sa mundo, at siguradong marami pa akong malalaman. Hindi imposible ang pag-po-propose ng mga kasunduan para maabot natin ang likas-kayang pag-unlad (Sustainable Development, courtesy of Arniel) subalit pilitin man nating hindi maging praktikal, imposible pa ito. Kelan kaya magiging posible? Siguro sa panahong kumakain ka na ng gulay. Anong konek? Ang pagkain ng gulay imbes na karne ay malaki ang ambag sa carbon footprint ng isang tao. Mas malaki ang value ng karbong lumalabas sa iyo kung pipiliin mong maging ‘carnivore’.

Mula ngayon, mayroon pa tayong tatlumpung taon bago ang “deadline”. Tatlumpung taon para maihanap ng paraan ang paggamit natin ng 100% renewable energy. Koya, ate, keri ba natin? sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng 100% renewable energy hanggang sa taong 2050. Sa pamamagitan ng pagcut ng carbon footprint, makakatulong daw ito para sa vision ng Manila-Paris Declaration. Ang carbon footprint ay ang kabuuang paggamit ng Carbon ng isang tao sa isang taon. Mula ngayon, mayroon pa tayong tatlumpung taon bago ang “deadline”. Tatlumpung taon para maihanap ng paraan ang paggamit natin ng 100% renewable energy. Koya, ate, keri ba natin? Sa kalagayan ng Pilipinas ngayon, yumayaman na raw tayo. Maliban sa pagkabayad ng natitirang utang ng bansa natin sa nakalipas na walong dekada (sa pamamagitan ng administrasyon ni dakilang PNoy), andyan pa ang sari-saring partnership ng bansa natin sa ‘kaibigang’

naiipon? Saan pa’t bilyon bilyon na tayong Homo sapiens dito sa Earth? Oo, anjan ang karagatan, ang pinakamalaking reservoir ng Karbon, pero hanggang kailan. Ayon sa Aquatics instructor namin, ang mga karagatan natin ay busog na sa Karbon, at sa dami ng karbong pinalunok ng mga pabrika at ng kung sino sino, marahil limampung taon na ay patay na ang mga ito. Isa pa, aasa pa ba tayo sa atmospera e kadami nang methane doon. Wala nang space! Pero, sa totoo lang. May pag-asa pa. Mula sa pag-usbong ng ika-dalawapu’t isang siglo, may mga adbokasiya na rin tugon para sa lumalaking (double XL) epekto ng global warming at climate change. Noon pa nakahanap ang mga Pinoy ng renewable energy. Aba’y kailangang paigtingin ito, dahil paubos na rin ang mga sources natin

Sa panahon din siguro kung kelan maglalakad ka na lang mula Open University hanggang CEAT. Trenta minuto yun, malaki na ang mababawas mo sa timbang, may syete pesos ka pang naitago sa bulsa mo. Panahon na ding sulitin mong maglakad ng isang kilometro nang makita mo ang mga kalsada ng ating unibersidad. *Wink* At isa pa, ipahalata mong masyado kang na-bo-bother sa usok na nilalabas ng jeep na sinakyan mo. Malamang, baka makonsensya yung driver at ipasuri niya yung sasakyan niya sa emmision centers jan sa tabi. Kaya nga meron nun e. *Pasko na, tapos bagong taon. Be the change, Juana, Juan. Di kaya kailangang BSES ka rin upang makiramdam sa kalikasan. *wink wink*

irony means by nadia tiwing

lazy break-up by nadia tiwing

aguinaldo by nadia tiwing

Tanim mo, animo by Ceasar James Osben

Comics Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Illustrated by NADIA TIWING

Comics

Sports

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

SMOOTH POWERFUL SPEED. With power and strength, Jason Kidiatan kills the ball against Ifugao State University during the CARASUC championship game at Benguet State University. Photographed by vic arthur masliyan

BSU hosts CARASUC 2015

Volume 45 Isuue 2 november- december 2015

Sports

BSU-SLS aces PFF-CRFA back-to-back championship milliscent lucio

Seemingly given the home court advantage, Benguet State UniversitySecondary Laboratory School (BSUSLS) emerged as the victors in the Under 14 boys and girls category during the recently held month-long Philippine Football FederationCordillera Region Football Association (PFF-CRFA) Youth Championships at the University Football Field, in October 11 to November 15.

Teams from the different schools of Baguio and Benguet participated in the event facilitated by the BSU Football Club; there were 10 teams in the Under 12 boys category, seven teams in the Under 14 boys category, and eight teams in the Under 14 boys. Heading the Under 12 boys category is the Balili Elementary School, followed by the first runner-up BSU-Elementary Laboratory School (BSU-ELS) and the second runner-up, Quezon Elementary School. Meanwhile, BSU-SLS got the lead spot in the Under 14 girls category, Benguet National High School (BNHS) and Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) claimed the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

BSU-SLS still hold the championship grip in the Under 14 boys category, leaving the La Trinidad Valley Mustangs in first runner-up and the Cordillera Goshenland Football club in second runner-up. The Under 12 boys and Under 14 girls simultaneously played last October 12, 16, 17, 18 while the Under 14 boys had their game last October 24, 25, 30, and 31. According to Martes Dionisio, Grassroots Development Officer of the CRFA, “The event aims to promote Football in the locality and select representatives of the CRFA for the Regional Festival of Football (FOF) on February 2016.”

SMOOTH POWERFUL SPEED. This player finds a way to get the ball over the other side of the court as his opponent defends, blocking the ball’s way. Photographed by vic arthur masliyan

kerry JOY FELIX

Benguet State University (BSU), after its past victories, hosted the annual classes. “They (BSU Wildcats) started preparing Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and earlier than usual,” said Bawang. Colleges (CARASUC) Meet last Dec. 3-6. “I think we are more than ready to face the Games on the said meet were badminton, athletics, table tennis, lawn tenis, taekwondo, arnis, chess, basketball, softball, football, and baseball. According to Rex Bawang, director of the Institute of Human Kinethics (IHK) and overall in charge of the event, the preparation for the venue including the equipment is 8090% done. Aside from BSU, six State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) participated the event, namely, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), Ifugao State University (IfSU), Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST), University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) Baguio, Kalinga- Apayao State College (KASC), and Apayao State College (ASC). Some of the college rooms in the University were occupied by the athletes. The College of Engineering and Applied Technology (CEAT) was used by IfSU AND UPB, College of Forestry for KASC, College of Teacher

Education (CTE) for MPSPC, Benguet State University- Secondary Laboratory School (BSU- SLS) for ASC and College of Arts and Sciences- Annex (CASAn) for ASIST. The billeting rooms in the said colleges were identified by the college deans. As for the unoccupied rooms, they were still utilized for

challenges from the different SUCs in order to retain our supremacy,” he added. The opening program on Dec. 3 started through a parade in the University oval. On the other hand, the closing and awarding program was set on Dec. 6 after the completion of all the games.

Teamwork and speed. Wildcats release extra ounce of energy as they take the lead at the BSU Oval. Photographed by vic arthur masliyan

Wildcats thrive in CARASUC jungle ‘15, revel its 5th streak ROSE DAGUPEN AND kerry JOY FELIX

Proving its worth for the crown, Benguet State University (BSU) Wildcats seized the title during the Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) Meet 2015, yielding an entirety of 89 gold, 43 silver, and 29 bronze medals. The Wildcats struggled to surmount 49 gold medals in team sports, six in taekwondo, eight in racket games, 16 in athletics- track and field, and 10 in arnis last December 3-6 at the University grounds. Moreover, 43 silver medals were garnered among team sports (13), chess (8), racket

games (4), athletics- track and field (13), taekwondo (2), and arnis (5). The Wildcats pocketed another 29 bronze medals comprise of eight bronze medals in racket games, 14 in track and field, 1 in taekwondo, and 16 in arnis. Next in line with BSU’s championship

is Ifugao State University (IfSU) with 3838-64; Apayao State College (ASC) landed 2nd runner- up gaining 26-23-19. Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) trailed in 3rd runner- up spot gathering 1434-28 while Abra Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) accumulated 9-8-7;. Kalinga State College (KASC) amassed 7-3-23 and University of the Philippines (UP)- Baguio ended in 6th runner- up spot having 3-0-10.

The Mountain Collegian The Official Student Publication of Benguet State University

News

The Mountain Collegian

Kamera ng kampuS

Larawan at mga salita ni Jerson B. Sabado Jr.

Sa init na dala ng haplos ng aking mga kamay, damhin ang aruga ng isang ina. Pangakong ang iyong pagsilang ay mapupuno ng galak at kasiyahanpagkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mahal kita at mahal mo ako.