The Perpetualite - January 2012 Issue

Volume XXV • Issue No. 2

theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

JANUARY 2012

Perpetualites bring happiness to the Mangyans Nikko Dave Q. Panti

ABRA DE ILOG, Occidental Mindoro – The Community Outreach Program (COP) Office of the University in cooperation with The Perpetualite (TP) and the Supreme Student Council (SSC) sponsored a gift-giving for the adopted community of the UPHSD in the said province last January 16 & 17, 2012.

The team is comprised of the over-all Coordinator of the COP, Dr. Senen T. Lagonilla, and SPS Director Ms. Bona Mae B. Tiongson, Students Organizations and Activities Coordinator Mr. Donnato M. Hernandez, members of the SSC and TP, volunteer teachers from the Grade School Department and other administrative staff of the University.

“We started helping the community in August of 2007,” said Dr. Lagonilla. Some 300 native Mangyans of the Abra de Ilog were the recepient of the said project.

MANGYANS | Page 4

BIG SMILES. A native Mangyan shares her smile after the gift giving sponsored by the Community Outreach Program of the University at Abre de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro last January 17.

Photo by GLENN MARKO PAULO M. SUNGUAD

Justice for Ruby Rose

Patricia Aidyl A. Santiago and Jobeth P. Zerrudo “We would like to emphasize Ruby Rose Barrameda was AST DECEMBER 16, 2011, Perpetualites of all courses and though that if anything such as this will an Alumna of UPHSD whereat she year levels joined together with happen to any Perpetualite the university fulfilled her duties as an ALTAS Angel, the family and loved ones of Ruby Rose will always be there to support a fellow an ambassadress of good will, and Barrameda in front of the Supreme Perpetualite,” the Executive Director graduated with a degree in AB Mass Communication in 2002.

Court, requesting for the lifting of the added.

“Ruby Rose has been a very Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) More than 100 students began put upon her case to finally attain justice their walk for justice to the Court of special student to us. She had performed a for her death. They wore statement Appeals, holding placards stating “Justice lot for the school and had represented the shirts with“Perpetualite si Ruby Rose, Delayed is very much Justice Denied.”, university well. It is very very sad to learn Perpetualite ako!” printed on it, burned “Court of Appeals: Why the TRO for that this extremely unfortunate event incense, danced a chant, and sung the the hearing of Ruby Rose Barrameda?”, happened and all of the Perpetualites are Lord’s Prayer hoping that their message “Ruby Rose, mananatili kang isang Altas very sad about the whole thing,” Mrs. would reach the people inside the Angel!”, and “Ilang pasko pa ba ang Tiongson shares.

On March 14, 2007, Ruby Rose Supreme Court. aming hihintayin para sa hustisya ni Ruby

“We have been with the Rose?”, all while chanting “Katarungan, went missing for two years and her body Barrameda family in fighting for justice Kapayapaan, para kay Ruby Rose!” as was finally retrieved in a steel case drum filled with cement on June 10, 2009 in a for Ruby Rose and we have been there all battle cries. the way, so our support has been given “Kalunos-lunos talaga ang fish port in Navotas whereat she was also to the family 100%,” says Mrs. Bona sinapit ni Ruby Rose. Hanggang ngayon handcuffed and gagged with packaging Mae Tiongson, Executive Director of the hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa tape.

Rochelle Barrameda, Ruby Student Personnel Services. ”Anytime ginawa sa kanya. Ngayon, araw-araw na that we are needed we will always be siyang kasama sa dalangin ko, na sana Rose’s older sister, extended her gratitude there and we will not stop supporting the ay mabigyang hustisya na ang kanyang towards UPHSD. “Maraming salamat sa family until justice is obtained. So expect pagkamatay at ng makahinga na din pagpunta niyo dito. Alam kong hindi kami that there will be a lot more activities that ng maluwag ang mga nagmamahal sa pababayaan ng Perpetual. Hindi kami we will be joining to be able to really seek kanya,” says Ivan Joseph M. Lagutan a titigil hanggang hindi namin nakakamit junior Mechanical Engineering student. ang hustisya para sa kapatid ko.” justice for what happened to Ruby Rose.

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Errors as launch pads T Roman Carlos C. Barredo

HE PERPETUALITE conducted the second edition of its campus journalism enrichment seminar called “Erratum” last January 28, 2012 at the Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Las Piñas campus.

The seminar was attended by AB Communication students and campus journalists from the different UPHS campuses, representatives from The Bedan Herald, the CAS student publication of San Beda College Alabang, and a lady who came all the way from Caloocan just to “improve her skills in journalism”.

Erratum aimed to help its participants become more excellent in various aspects of journalism, recognizing that previous errors can serve as the best launching point for further improvements.

GMA News and Public Affairs’ Senior

Reporter and Documentarist Kara David, who served as the main speaker of the event, shared her own standard of failure based from personal experience. She quipped, “You are not the story, you are @thePERPETUALITE

[Official Account of the Student Publication]

@TPLalaPERPETUAL

[Official Account of Lala Perpetualista]

just a storyteller.”

Capturing the score with new Media

The first session was a parallel between Freelance Photographer KC The Perpetualite

[Media/News/Publishing]

Lala Perpetualista [Journalist]

Cruz and Philippine Daily Inquirer sports writer Cedelf Tupas. Cruz captured the attention of the participants with valuable principles that they can use to become successful in the field of photojournalism.

Tupas, on the other hand, shared his own experiences in the field of sports writing, with the hope that the students will learn from his own mistakes. He also gave a writing activity by letting Azkals player Nate Burkey field questions from the participants in a mock press conference.

Mike Abasolo, editor of Inboundpass. com, finished the morning half of the event with a session on online journalism and new media. During the open forum, he highlighted the importance of vetting to avoid unnecessary lawsuits. In the fast-paced trending of new media, he underscored the necessity of information control.

Investigating on the Writer

Former Guidon editor-inchief and now Rogue’s Assistant Editor ERRATUM | Page 4

UPHSD is K to 12 ready!

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Roman Carlos C. Barredo

HE UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA can make the bold claim of being the only private university in southern Metro Manila that’s more than K to 12 ready.

K to 12 for Filipinos: Making mandatory what used to be voluntary

K to 12, or Kinder to Grade 12, is an internationally recognized standard in basic education. Before the academic year 2011-2012, the Philippines belonged to the last 3 UNESCO member-countries, which include Djibouti and Angola of Africa, that haven’t formally adopted this standard. Although most people are not aware of it, the K to 12 standard is not new to the Philippines.

The “Kinder” part of K to 12 is already being provided by most private elementary schools, with some even including 1 or 2 more years of “PreKinder” education, which is seen to be a plus factor in other countries particularly when one is applying to study in a university of great reputation. With the formal adoption of K to 12 effective this academic year 2011-2012, the provision of at least one year of Kinder education, ideally to children aged 5, has just become mandatory. As for the Grades 1-6 of Elementary School, it will remain mostly the same with minor curriculum adjustments just to unclog it.

First to fourth year high school,

as currently known, will just be renamed “Junior High School” or “Grades 7-10”.

Students will be given an aptitude test to determine their future specialization as early as Grade 9, a process that some other private high schools are already doing. Whereas, what used to be the optional TESDA-administered courses will mostly become the future mandatory 2-year Senior High School.

Some general education subjects from CHED-administered courses will also be transferred to the curriculum of Senior High School to further enhance it and to clear the curriculum of higher education courses. These changes, however, will all be gradual and only expected to take full effect once in the academic year 20162017.

Beneficial or additional burden?

According to the Senate Economic Planning Office’s Policy Brief dated June 2011, opponents to the idea cite different reasons backed by various studies. They say that there is no correlation to the length of time spent in school vis-a-vis the academic standing of a student. They also point out that making mandatory what used to be optional will just magnify an already blown up problem, particularly referring to the poor state of the public school system. In terms of private school education, they K TO 12 READY | Page 4

SPM relives the true Filipino identity through “TUKLAS”

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Nikko Dave Q. Panti, Jeanne Marie Julia, Geminah Malata and Jobeth Zerrudo

HE ERNESTO Palanca Crisostomo Hall of the University was enlivened last December 2, 2011 with the Sanlahi Pangkat Mananayaw (SPM) performing their recital, TUKLAS: Gems and Treasures of Philippine Traditional and Choreographed Folk Dances.

Tuklas was directed by Performing Arts Group (PAG) head, Mr. Bobby John H. Salinas together with SPM’s dance consultant Mr. Victor Emmanuel L. Flor, and was assisted by SPM alumni and dance choreographer, Mr. Julian Paolo P. de Jesus. Sanlahi

which is a shortened word for isang lahi, which translation means one race aims to preserve, to promote and to educate everyone in revealing the true Filipino identity through their chosen field of art, which is dancing.

De Jesus shared his knowledge in choreography after being taught by Mr. Flor on his stint as a member of SPM. On an interview, he says, “Determination is the key that motivates me in serving our culture, though at times we can’t avoid difficulties in terms of conflict[ing] TUKLAS | Page 3

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The Perpetualite

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Perpetualite campus journalists uncovers the truth Nikko Dave Q. Panti

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HE PERPETUALITE attended the 13th edition of the Inkblots, the annual campus journalism fellowship seminar of the 84-year-old student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, the Varsitarian, last 13th to 15th of October 2011 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) auditorium.

This three-day seminar themed ‘Uncover the Truth’ filled the TARC auditorium with some 200 fellows from all over the country, who were all eager to learn from the reputable and big names of the country’s media industry.

Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., who served as the keynote speaker of the event, stressed that everyone can voice out their opinions and are entitled to one’s freedom of expression, noting that, “in our free and democratic society, there is room for differences and opinion, especially among you who are writers.”

Learning from the Experts

The 13-year-old fellowship seminar stood out in providing competent speakers to discuss various fields of journalism.

Former campus journalist and

founding chairperson of the seminar, Christian Esguerra, now also writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), discussed the technical on news writing.

“It is accurate, as close to the truth as possible,” he said. “It is interesting, if not exciting. The real story is in the details and the beauty in the narrative. Strive to convey singular, related thought in the same paragraph.”

He encouraged budding journalists to “write as soon as you are done gathering details. Do not make the article wait,” and to “go deeper; do not just scratch the surface.”

N e w s writing, as Esguerra would put it, is storytelling, saying that “it is arguably the best and easiest way to tell a story.” Writing a news story as he urged could only be learned over time through constant practice, because there is “no such thing as a perfect news article”, he mentions.

On the other hand, PDI columnist (At Large) Rina JimenezDavid talks about editorial and opinion writing. David stresses to the fellows that writing a column is not just a ‘vanity trade’.

“To be a successful columnist or opinion writer, your writing must resonate with your readers,” she says.

She also advises that “life is too short to read bad books” and that everyone should “carefully choose the people you

read, and read a wide variety of works.

Be a voracious reader.”

Senior reporter of GMA News and Public Affairs and budding director, Cesar Apolinario discussed broadcast journalism, he shared that no matter how big or small a story is it will still make an impact depending on how well it is produced and written. “There is a story in everything, big or small.”

The Future of Campus Journalism Varsitarian assistant publication adviser, Felipe Salvosa III, shared the newsroom practices of the publication in the light that fellows would get some points on how to manage a campus publication.

He accentuated that a campus paper must have an educational dimension in it, where it will not only inform the school community on local events and issues that are surrounding them, but also educate the members of the publication on the various practices and technicalities of journalism.

“You might think student publications are only for expression, but you must not forget the educational character of the school paper,” he shares.

Salvosa also expressed that campus journalists must be extra careful to avoid the publication to be sued for libel, where he cited few instances where the Varsitarian was charged of it. “At the college level, students are essentially free to do whatever they want within the limits

of the law as long as they do not commit libel.”

He also advised publications to go beyond publishing and put up an online website of the publication, so that the o rg a n i s a t i o n would not only save cost in printing issues but also to give information to the student body in a quick but fastidious manner.

The Passion for Writing Palanca award-winning poet Lourd De Veyra delivered the inspirational message that encouraged the fellows’ passion for their chosen craft.

De Veyra, now a television host, shared to the fellows’ how the late Ophelia Alcantara-

NEWS

Dimalanta, his Creative Writing p r o f e s s o r, directed h i s

passion for writing.

“Do not find a teacher for your craft only, but find a teacher who could lecture you about life. Once you discover what you want to do in life, there is no other lesson that you need,” he shares.

De Veyra furthered aspiring writers to always read, write, and revise.

“The only way to learn how to write is to just write,” quoting an old but powerful adage.

The second installment of the “Erratum”, the campus journalism enrichment seminar of UPHSD’s official student publication, The Perpetualite, similar to the Varsitarian’s Inkblots, was held last 28th of January at the Ernesto Palanca Crisostomo Hall and was graced by formidable journalists of the country today, including GMA News and Public Affairs’ senior reporter and documentarist Kara David and Rouge’s Assistant Editor Raymond Ang amongst others. The first edition of the seminar brought the experts in journalism like Charie Villa, Regional Director of ABSCBN News and Current Affairs; PDI senior desk editor John Nery; and sports columnist Rick Olivares.

ID-system complaints PSD competes in Showtime continue T

“

Mitzi Yvonne Santos

Hindi naman ‘yan gumagana eh.

Pang display lang ‘yan,” is the common critique of the students regarding the software that the University currently use for the ID system.

In 2009, the University invested for an ID sensor s y s t e m called the “Smart ID” intended on further securing the safety of the students of the Las Piñas Campus.

This followed the closing off of the Manila Times gate and the implementation of stricter provisions of the F. Ocampo gate.

Since then, the students have continuously claimed the Identification Card (ID) system as “unreliable” and “useless”. In the December 2009 issue of The Perpetualite, complaints mainly focused on the delayed process of the system when entering the campus, which resulted in the “blockbuster” lines that caused tardiness for most students.

Concerns of how the system does not really read the barcode of the said ID was addressed to the School Director, Dr. Alfonso H. Loreto, where he responded “we are still in the process of dry run. We are constantly trying to address these problems and find ways to make it easier.” The administration’s plans of removing the two turnstiles at the exit lane and placing them at the entrance lane of the was successfully implemented, however this did not solve much of the problem.

Since the implementation of the system, the school administration assured the students that it would be a dry run and improvements would be made by the end of that school year.

Two years later, Perpetualites persistently criticize the system more so since the ID fee, as manifested by its increase in the miscellaneous fee section of the registration form, has doubled its price from Php 200 to Php 400.

The system administrator confirmed that the root of all the inconvenience is the defects of the system as it is the system that is being affected.

“Palpak kasi yung company na pinagbilihan ng hardware”, the system administrator explained. He also added that sometimes due to the improper way of swiping the ID on the scanner, the system buffers and the turnstile is the first one to be affected thus resulting to its non-functioning.

Another reason why swiping the ID does not activate the turnstiles is that the student fails to validate their IDs. Every semester, it is mandated that every student has to get their IDs validated since, according to the system administrator, they are blocked after every semester for safety purposes. “The purpose of the validation is to reactivate your ID and to let the school know that you are still enrolled in the University,” he said.

Students can get their IDs validated in RM. 209 in the College of Computer Studies Building, however this information has not been properly dissiminated to the students and so not all have gone through this process.

According to a reliable source (who asked not to be identified), however, the turnstiles units may malfunction regardless if the holder gets ID-system | Page 14

he Perpetual Street Dance (PSD) under the Performing Arts Group (PAG) represented the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Piñas Campus in the popular television program Showtime last January 23, 2012 for its month-long season Campus Clash.

The dance group sent 13 of its

members, mostly trainees, to the said competition to bring pride to our University. Zeus Kier Magalong, Francis Cercado, Andrew Belgira, Melbar Curioso, Marvin Lopez, Carlo Guevarra and Hennelyn Llona all from the College of International Hospitality Management; Cheska Singcol, Alma Galuga and Jillian Baluyot from College of Arts and Sciences; Alvin Magana and Justine Thomas from the Allied Health; and Gellaine Ranjo from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy.

Head choreographer Lawrence Ladera from the Unschooled dance crew and assistant choreographer Shaw Alboradura, former Altas PerpSquad member, auditioned to compete with other schools. Out of the 28 schools that auditioned last January 13, PSD is one of the 7 dance group who were given the chance to perform and represent their respective schools on the Showtime floor.

In less than a month, the group had trained restlessly just to give pride to our school despite it taking its toll on their grades as students. “Kahit na pagod, puyat at nagbabagsakan ang grades, ginawa parin namin yung aming makakaya para ma-represent itong school natin,” said Mselbar Curioso remembering their sacrifices all throughout the preparation for the competition.

John Emmanuel C. Busa

On the day of the show, the crew together with the members of the PAG and their family, and Zahra Bianca Saldua who introduced PSD before their performance, battled out against Central Colleges of the Philippines (CCP) pep squad and National University (NU) dancers.

Right after the group’s performance, Lauren Young, TV personality and one of the judges commented “I like your [PSD] choice of music and the energy pero kulang kayo sa highlights,” referring to tumblings and other acrobatic stunts that the other groups before them showcased. By the end of the show, the PSD wasn’t able to move forward for the weekly finals with their perfect 9 scores while the other 2 groups gained perfect scores from the judges.

“I’ve seen the PSD practice almost every night until they reached perfection and I have to say that their performance was really an epitome of their performance. If we went first then we would probably have perfect 10s as well, especially since we followed the theme of Streetdance and not Cheerdance,” Saldua reacts to the outcome of the competition. “Ang dami kong nareceive na text sa ibang tao galing sa iba’t-ibang universities and astig daw talaga ang choreography at hanga sila sa Perpetual kasi kahit walang stunts naging maangas ang performance. I’m proud of them,”

she adds.

“Tangap namin ang pagkatalo dahil maganda naman ang pinakita ng grupo. Lahat naman ng bagay na gusto ay hindi nakukuha in an instant, it takes time para buo at solid! Sakto lang sa grupo yung ganun para mag-crave kami sa sayaw at matuto pa ng maraming kaalaman sa hiphop,” Ladera explains on what the crew feels

about the decision.

“I would like to thank the whole University for the consistent support they’re giving from the moment we started being recognized as the official hip hop dance group of the school until we competed to different competitions outside the campus such as Sketchers Streetdance Battle, Sayaw Hataw 7 and Showtime,” Jillian Baluyot, PSD Presidet, expresses her gratitude in behalf of the crew.

“Thank you for all the help and prayers especially to the Tamayo Family and the officials of the school.

Thank you for giving us the trust and for letting us represent UPHSD. We wouldn’t be able to make it if it wasn’t for you guys. We dedicate every sweat we perspire and the pain we sacrifice to all of you! We love you coPerpetualites.”

PSD is now on its second year as an organization in the campus.

The crew like the other groups under PAG aims to bring honour to our school as well as to help talented students hone their respective gifts from God. They will be hosting the Inter-High school Dance Competition this University Week and will soon be working on with their own dance concert.

Showtime replaced the noontime show Happy Yippe Yehey and airs Monday to Saturday.

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NEWS

he UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA is dedicated to the development of the Filipino as a leader.

This is the first statement of the University mission and last December 1-3, 2011, the University held it’s annual Perpetualite Student Leader Assembly (PSLA) at the Caliraya Resort Club in Lumban, Laguna.

“Becoming a leader is not merely the position but it’s the passion.

For a great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion not position,” Sarah Erika Mae J. Rivas 2nd year representative of the College of Medical Technology shares about her perspective on what a leader is.

36 student leaders from the various college councils and organizations attended this assembly in the hopes of becoming a more well rounded leader in their fields as well as creating stronger bonds with other Perpetualites.

“We wanted them to learn from the experience that being a leader is not about being respected from where you are seated, but to overlook everything and making decisions for the community without putting personal interests,” says

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Leaders live UPHSD’s mission Zahra Bianca A. Saldua

auditor of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) Frank Lee.

“I’ve learned in PSLA a lot of things. To TRUST our LEADERS and my co-PERPETUALITE STUDENT LEADERS,” says Maritime Student Council Treasurer Jason C. Arevalo.

The PSLA was organized and facilitated by the SSC under the supervision of Student Personnel Services Executive Director Mrs. Bona Mae Tiongson, Student Organizations and Activities Coordinator Mr. Donnato Hernandez, and University Head Nurse Mrs. Nena Garcia RN.

“The SSC really did a good job in organizing this year’s PSLA, and whoever thought of the idea a few years ago did consider pretty well the fact that for the whole university to function well in terms of student solidarity and unity, it has to begin first with their respective leaders,” says Richard Santillan Business Manager of the RadTech Student Council.

“This experience made me realized the value of teamwork and leadership as a perpetualite, they say a

TV quest magnifies Darielle Francis B. Abanilla

“

IT WAS ACTUALLY delegated to the daeans to spread the information about the usage of the televisions,” Administrative Officer Engr. Edilberto D. Matibag, responds to the raising questions of Perpetualites regarding the recently installed LCD televisions around campus.

Since its invention in 1939

by Philo Farnsworth, the television has made an impact to the human lifestyle, holding a definite spot in most, if not all, living rooms today. Not only has the television been a medium for entertainment and information, it has also evolved to be a marketing strategy for various business entities.

A telecommunication company would use it to continuously flash promos and processes for those who wish to avail their services once customers enter its vicinity; a mall would use televisions as a virtual map and would likely advertise the mall’s upcoming activities via the TV; and now even schools are using TVs as a way to exhibit its growing development and improvement in terms of quality education and technology.

Our University is one of the competitive schools, alongside De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Adamson University, Far Eastern University, etc., that chose to invest in LCD televisions with the aim of improving dissemination of information like important school announcements and drawing the attention of potential enrollees.

Since this investment was made from the payment of each Perpetualite through the special development fee under the miscellaneous fees noted in the registration form, students have raised concerns with the utilization of these luxury items.

“Hindi ba sa tuition kinuha yung pambili sa mga TV sa campus?

Eh bakit parang ginagamit lang pang promote ng school? After ng enrollment, [naka] patay na ulit yung mga TV,” says an education student.

“Last sem, nagpa-plug kami sa TVs para sa project namin sa development communication, kaso parang hindi lumabas ni-isang beses yung pina-plug namin. Tsaka parang ang gulo rin kasi medyo pinagpasapasahan ako noong mga signatories at sa kanila rin mismo nanggaling na hindi klaro yung proseso sa paggamit nang mga TV,” complains a 3rd year Mass Communication student.

“The televisions are for the

The Perpetualite

whole college student population,” said Mr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, President of UPHSD, during the show of Tuklas.

Dr. Alfonso H. Loreto, school director, also said the same thing.

Engr. Matibag also said that the use of televisions is for Perpetualites only. “For the students to get the privilege of utilizing the televisions, they would have to undergo certain procedures. A concept paper should be composed,” he adds.

The concept paper should state the objective(s) of the project (video) to be shown including the time span and the TV stations to air it on (since there are four stations located in the U-Lane, the University Lobby, the Registrar, and the high school gate). The concept paper should be addressed to the Head of the Marketing Department Ms. Arlyn dela Cruz, signed by the members of the group, noted by the faculty supervisor of the project of the student group, organization, or council, endorsed by the moderator and dean, recommended by Student Personnel Services Director Mrs. Bona Mae Tiongson, and approved by School Director Dr. Alfonso H. Loreto.

A copy of the format of the concept paper may be provided by the various College Councils or Supreme Student Council, whose office may be located in Room 161 of the Old Grade School Building. However, some of the school authorities who are supposed to be involved in the procedures were not well-informed about it, which leaves the usage of the TVs unclear.

“Honestly, I don’t know anything about it, especially since I’m just new in my post. All I know is that we can also use the TVs for the university’s promotion aside from the external promotions. And we are actually going to have to meet about it again to clarify everything,” said Ms. Arlyn dela Cruz, head of Marketing Department.

This has not been the first time Perpetualites complained about the TV units arount the campus.

Students noticed that the usafe of the TV units was not maximized. In the October 2010-January 2011 issue of The Perpetualite, former TJ Enterprises Food Services (a business unit under the Dalta Group of Companies) Manager, Mr. Tito Autor, explained that they have invested on these TV sets.

Students may also request the canteen TV QUEST | Page 14

to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower, and that, I think we all had accomplished. And holding yourself back and letting others takeover or show their abilities on some ways, because lets face it we all have our own expertise. All in all I can honestly say that it was a wonderful experience. Kudos to the SSC,” shares Alexander V. Aldea, Secretary of The League of Political Science Students.

The three-day assembly consisted of continuous teambuilding activities, where those student leaders who were already well acquainted with one another before the PSLA were dispersed into five groups, and leadership seminars held by Mrs. Tiongson and Mr. Hernandez.

“All hard work, difficulties, and some sleepless nights are worth it seeing that the participants are cooperating, enjoying and most of all learning more about the philosophy, mission, and vision and leadership. I thank all the participants for that,” comments Katrina Joy Wu, the treasurer of the SSC.

According to the evaluation

form that was filled by the participants of the PSLA, everything from the objectives, the program and activities, the speakers, the venue and its facilities, the materials, and the organizers and participants acquired high success rates with an average of 4.70 out of 5.

“It went really well. The food, the facilities of Caliraya Resort, the activities prepared by the SSC and the good camaraderie between the participants and organizers really helped make the event a fruitful and successful one. The best thing about it was EVERYTHING!” says Maritime Student Council Business Manager Deogracias Boldo III.

Due to the implementation of stricter health requirements, each member underwent a health examination and not even diabetics were allowed to join due to past experiences where activities had to be delayed because of complications.

“I could really say that this one (PSLA) was very successful because everyone (the student leaders) was more welcoming and open to what we are

Tuklas

with three glasses half-full of water.

“Madami akong natutunan, yung evolution ng pagsayaw, at yung way ng courting noon. Maganda at maayos ang production,” commented by Mau Yngente, an HRM student. Charlon Ray Correa, also an HRM student says, “Magandang ideya na magkaroon ng palabas about sa tradition ng ating lahi.

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schedules, but still I am able to balance everything [in] the best way [that] I can.” Production director, Mr. Salinas, defined the field of directing as a nonstop discovery, he says, “As a director, as the world is changing you should keep on discovering.”

Tuklas in its rough translation means to discover; which is the bloodline of SPM, to convince and help students to discover the true identity of a Filipino through one of the gems and treasures of our culture, which is Folk dancing.

F r o m the Tadjok dance of Kalinga to the Tinikling dance of Leyte, the evolution of Philippine folk dances was beautifully executed by the dance troupe. They also performed dances which are influenced by the Spanish, such as the Jota Manileña, named after our country’s capital, is a dance performed by clacking bamboo castanets, and the Jota Pangasinana, a festive dance which demonstrates the flair of stomping feet culminating with the cry of “Olé!” Also highlights of the show is the Sayaw ed tapew na bangko of Pangasinan, which literally means “on top of a narrow bench” and the Binasuan dance, which is a colourful and spectacular dance performed by a girl

B

Sa lahat ng mga nag-perform, binabati ko kayo, sana ay ipagpatuloy niyo pa ang inyong magandang layunin sa pagpapaunlad ng kulturang Pilipino.”

Mr. Flor, the dance consultant, cited the difficulties they encountered during the process of preparing for the show. “This members [that] we have, they’re not really professional [folk] dancers. Mahirap din kapag biglang nawawalan ng member dahil sa conflict sa schedule o kapag hindi pinapayagan mag-stay ng gabi.” As for his point of view on what Tuklas is, he said “Tuklas is to keep on discovering, even if the world is always changing. If we limit ourselves to only one thing, it becomes a barrier.”

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saying. To be exact, they were more participative in all our activities. Walang KJ. We did all the activities on time with no hassle,” comments Mr. Hernandez.

On the third and final day, School Director Dr. Alfonso H. Loreto paid a visit to the student leaders in the said venue and shared his vision on student leadership and updates on the University’s progress with regards to the implementation of the K to 12 system.

“We need student leaders like you to help the University achieve its mission,” states Dr. Loreto as part of his motivational speech.

The president of the SSC Cristine U. Suzuki would like “to thank God for the success of the PSLA. For guiding us all the way to the end. Simua sa prep, pagiisip ng mga enriching activities, sa 3-day stay namin doon, sa byahe, at sa lahat-lahat. Thank you rin sa cooperation ng bawat isa, sa mga nagrepresent ng bawat organization. Sana maishare nila ung mga natutunan nila sa council nila.”

She would further like to extend her gratitude to the UPHSD Administration for their unending support during the activities of the SSC and congratulate her fellow SSC members on a job well done.

“Walang superior na kultura sa ibang kultura,” he ended.

“It has been the aspiration of our Chairman of the Board and CEO, Dr. Antonio L. Tamayo, that a university will not be complete without a performing arts group, and our aim is to continue his thrust of supporting our Performing Arts Group (PAG), by the presence of different sectors within the [said] group, such as the dance troupe [SPM], the [UPH] chorale, the theatre group [Dulaang Perpetual], while we are in a trying economic times we are still going to think of more creative ways on how to further the arts and still to continue the current scholarships and their expenditures,” commented University President, Mr. Anthony Jose M. Tamayo, who graced the last show.

As for the PAG, Mr. Salinas said, “We are aiming for an international festival, which is what we are aiming for next year. We’re also hoping to be part of the Pasinaya 2012 on February.”

“Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga naging manunuod nito [Tuklas]. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo ay hindi namin mararating ang rurok ng aming tagumpay! Maraming maraming salamat po! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” as posted on the official Facebook page of SPM. They would also like to invite those who are interested in joining their organization; there will be a (folk) dance workshop on April-May 2012.

Perpetualite bleeds for life

atang biktima sa pagbangga ng truck sa Antipolo, Kritikal ang lagay, was the headline of the December 27th news flash of 2011 that aired on GMA 7’s 24 ORAS.

It was reported that an 18-wheeler truck rammed the houses in Sumulong Highway, Brgy. Mambugan, Antipolo City around 11 AM last December 22, 2011 whereat 8 people were announced dead and 12 were seriously injured, including John Carlo Reyes, a one year old boy who has a rare AB+ blood type.

A week after the incident, news reporter of 24 ORAS Kara David used her twitter account to ask for help for baby John Carlo saying “Help! Baby John Carlo Reyes needs type AB+ blood…” and a Perpetualite from the University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA, Las Pinas Campus quickly responded without any hesitation

Patricia Aidyl A. Santiago with a tweet reply “AB+ here. Where to donate?”

Nikko Dave Q. Panti, a sophomore Psychology student and the current Associate Editor of The Perpetualite, the official student

ang hirap hanapin ng AB+ so kapag mag may ganoon talaga, kapag may nagtweet na kahit hindi ko naman kilala na kailangan ng blood type na katulad ko, I make sure talaga na kung pwede ako tumulong, tutulungan ko talaga siya.”

According to lifeshare.org “All blood donors are important, but if you are type O or AB, you are special because type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma can be transfused to any patient.” It is only 3% of the population that has an AB+ blood type and it is encouraged that people who have this blood type to help those who are in need of it like Baby John Carlo.

We invite students Photo courtesy of Kara David to donate blood this publication of UPHSD, was the volunteer University Week (Feb. 16) at the who donated a bag of blood to Baby University lobby from 9 in the morning John Carlo. In his interview with Kara until 12 noon. The blood-letting program David, he said “Noong nagkasakit kasi is sponsored by the College of Nursing. ako naramdaman ko na yung feeling na

4

The Perpetualite

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Error as launch pads from page 1 Raymond Ang kept the attention of the audience as he tackled the rudiments of lifestyle writing. A heartthrob among the ladies, his lifestyle was scrutinized during a noticably extended open forum.

The participants took his advice to be “interested reporters”.

YES! magazine Editor Paul Mata cooled down the hyped up audience as he discussed Feature Writing. As he dealt with the subject of showbiz news writing, he broke preconceived mindsets when he said, “Akala niyo ba tsismosa ang mga babae, mas tsismoso pa ang mga lalake.” He was talking about his stint at Philippine Entertainment Portal, wherein the staff is predominantly male.

The afternoon session ended with M s .

Kara

D a v i d talking about investigative journalism and documentary making. Despite a brief technical difficulty, the seminar’s highlight

Mangyans

K to 12 ready... from page 1 see this as an additional financial burden to parents in a country where the middle class is becoming a rare breed.

Proponents counteract by saying that formally adopting the K to 12 standard puts the Philippines at par with the rest of the community of nations.

This will become an advantage for future Filipinos who might want to go abroad in the pursuit of higher education or job opportunities. They also say that with K to 12, an unclogged curriculum across the board will help give Filipino students more time to focus on learning. The curricular re-alignment will also make K to 12 graduates ready for employment, with higher education becoming merely a tool for career advancement and not initial employment.

UPHSD’s K to 12 Readiness

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA will find it easier to adjust to K to 12 compared to other educational institutions that only offer a part of the K to 12 program. UPHSD is already offering Nursery/Kinder/Prep which is more than the requirement, and that also gives its preschool graduates an advantage over others when it comes to the discriminating standards of prestigious higher education institutions.

The Business High School of UPHSD also makes for a good cornerstone in terms of the specializations being made available to future Grade 9 students. As for Senior High School, UPHSD has already offered TESDAadministered courses since its early days. In this area, the TESDA-courses department was later joined by the School of Midwifery & Nursing Related Courses [Health Care Services, and Caregiving], the College of Computer Studies [Contact Center Services], the College of Criminology [Security Services], the College of Dentistry [Dental Laboratory Technology Services], and the PerpetualSapphire School of Aviation in making available TESDA-administered courses to its prospective students.

The only major adjustment foreseeable would be the realignment of managers, faculty, staff and students; particularly in the spinoff of TESDA-

related departments to the future Senior High School Department. It would entail consolidation of offices, renaming terms used in the system (i.e.: student records, course descriptions, handbook, alumni records, etc.), and realignment of student organizations. Another issue that might be considered for deliberation is the adoption of the A to E academic grading system versus the current 1 to 5.

The Ugly Truth

This readiness, however, is still “well-guided speculation”. The measure of readiness has been based on the little information provided so far by DepEd, TESDA, and CHED regarding the process to be followed in the implementation of the K to 12 standard.

The Perpetualite asked TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva some questions regarding the matter, but still haven’t received a reply as of press time.

Dr. Alfonso H. Loreto, UPHSD-LP School Director, laments, “We already have a committee ready to tackle on the transition to K to 12. They are just waiting to formally receive the implementing guidelines [from the government’s education agencies].” He points out that he and other school administrators have been attending seminars and conferences related to K to 12, both administered by the government agencies and accrediting organizations. However, he admits that everyone else, not just UPHSD, is still wary of ‘early adoption’ because of technicalities and legalities. “We are an educational institution highly regulated

by DepEd, TESDA, and CHED. We have to wait for formal guidelines from them before making any move”, Dr. Loreto explains.

He expounds that while the K to 12 adoption by UPHSD is not a question of ‘might’, but a sure statement of ‘will’, management deems it prudent to wait for the government. He shared one of the many other questions regarding the nitty-gritty of K to 12 implementation: “What about those academic employees handling general education subjects?

While those subjects are currently part of CHED-administered courses, these employees are not required to be LET-

passers. As a matter of policy, UPHSD only requires them to hold master’s degrees to handle these general education subjects. But once these general education subjects are transferred to the future Senior High School, what will happen? Will they be required to hold a teaching license just like current teachers in the Basic Education department?”

Jan Gabriel Castaneda, a Psychology student, says “These plans are good, as long as they get implemented as intended. I get their point of improving the quality of education. However, what l am forced to doubt is the track record of the government. Look at the public school system. There’s nothing wrong with improving the system, but, if the current system as it already is isn’t being properly implemented and administered as intended, what’s the point of adding more?”

The Good News

In a discussion paper released

by DepEd dated October 2010, they reassured the public that the benefits of formally adopting the K to 12 standard far outweigh the challenges that will be encountered along the way. They acknowledge the various concerns by the general public, considering that the re-engineering of the educational system is a long neglected responsibility of the government. They are optimistic that the Philippines will be able to manage the transition well. That’s the main reason why they are implementing K to 12 in a phased manner, so that the public school system and the private education sector alike will be given enough time to, in our own words, “make mandatory what used to be voluntary”.

Dr. Loreto has this for his final statement, “You can be confident to make the statement that we are more than ready [for K to 12]. Let’s just give [the government agencies] more time to figure out the final guidelines.”

When asked for comment regarding these possibilities, Mrs. Ma. Rosario O. Broqueza, the Principal of UPHSD’s School of Midwifery & Nursing Related Courses has this to say, “You know that I am not indispensable. We know that the only permanent thing in this world is change. If these things need to be done so that we can leave behind a great legacy to future students of UPHSD, then so be it.”

from page 1

“Since the Tamayo family has a property in the said municipality of Occidental Mindoro. The founder of the University, Dr. Antonio Laperal Tamayo, became aware of the presence of the indigenous Mangyans, and he said that we have a social responsibility in the community where our propery is located. Likewise, in Las Piñas we are helping the Satima Village,” Ms. Tiongson said. She added that the main goal of the University is to build a “mission school” where volunteer teachers will be sent to the area to help the native Mangyans.

Colleges were also able to gather and give donations such as clothes, canned goods and school supplies that were also given to the Mangyans on the said outreach program.

“It was a very moving experience,” says Glenn Marko Paulo M. Sunguad, junior photographer of the publication.

Katrina Wu, current SSC Auditor, relays that it was fulfilling to help the marginalized sector of the community, and helping them in her own little way will matter largely on the adopted community. “Dun mo talaga makikita kung gaano ka ka-blessed, na dapat i-appreciate natin talaga kung anong meron tayo ngayon.” the publication Literary Editor, Faith Clarrise Salaver stated.

“It’s not everyday that they receive help,” says Ms. Tiongson. She assures that the outreach program for Abra de Ilog will be held every year.

“For the next outreach program, the students can share a little amount of what they have. And because we are putting up a mission school in the area, we can

NEWS

pushed through -- David’s documentary entitled “Biyaheng Sikmura” was shown to the participants. She reminded the participants that a documentary must show contrast, be relevant, and will be able to make a point in the eyes of its viewers. A measure of success, she shared, is the change in the lives of the viewers that is effected by the documentary.

Learning from Experience

The Perpetualite’s former editor-in-chief and now writer for The Philippine Star Kally Hiromi Arsua closed the seminar by giving a brief inspirational talk. He exposed the various challenges faced by journalists, putting the participants’ feet back on the ground.

His words were like a double-edged sword -- they could scare a passive journalist, but could push into action a true-blooded journalist. One final advice he shared was, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” He reiterated the importance of having a good contact list. He attributed most of the opportunities that opened up to him to well-placed contacts within the industry.

After the seminar proper, the participants were treated to a fellowship night at the IHM Building Lobby. Some of the students shared their performances, both in song and by musical instruments.

Erratum organizer Nikko Dave Panti, Associate Edtor of The Perpetualite, hoped to use this seminar as a launching pad for possible partnerships with various student publications in southern Metro Manila. He envisions setting up a group that promotes collaboration among its member publications and mutual partnership whenever the liberties of student publications are being challenged. help them by giving them school supplies that they will use on the course of their academic years.” s h e

added.

Ms. Tiongson also relayed to the writer her vision of helping “oneMangyan per class” project for the mission school, where one class will support a Mangyan on the supplies that he or she will be needing.

A census on how many students will be enrolled on the mission school was also produced that day.

THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM

Though the COP is helping the community of Abra de Ilog, the office is also doing a simultaneous programs on other adopted communities of the University, On an interview with Dr. Lagonilla, she relayed the plans of the COP, she said that she is encouraging all of the Colleges to partake in teaching specialized programs to their communities.

“The College of Computer Studies already started teaching computer literacy to the childrens of Satima Village,” she said.

“I encourage students to drop by the office and give to us help in their own little way,” she said.

The Office of the Community Outreach Program is located at the Room 128 of the Main College Building. with reports from

Diana Keith A. Balubar

NEWS

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

The Perpetualite

5

Perpetual debate team bags championship trophy

U

niversity of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Debaters won first place in all three categories of the 1st Consortium of the South Debate last 20th of January 2012 at San Beda College Alabang.

The debating society of the said college themed the invitational debate “Youth: New Rules of the Game” and conducted a British Parliamentary debating style, 12 teams, four from each particpating institution namely Olivarez College - Parañaque, UPHSD - Las Piñas campus and the host school.

The Perpetual debaters is organized by Political Science Professor and former debater Mr. Tom Durias. The team is composed of 12 students from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Computer Studies, and Business Administration and Accountancy.

The students are: Francis

O

Manalo, Francis Voltaire Y. Gordon, and Abelardo Martinez III of the Political Science Department; Faith Clarisse D. Salaver, Jan Gabriel M. Castañeda, Nikko Dave Q. Panti of the Psychology Department; Zahra Bianca A. Saldua of Communication Department;Karl Philipps Miranda from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy and Jan Monzon and Micah Llaneta from the College of Computer Science.

Likewise, Ms. Saldua and Ms. Salaver were both awarded as Best Speaker.

In an official statement, Mr.

Durias said that he “didn’t expect that the UPHSD teams would go that far in the contest since it was the first time that they debated against other schools. Everyone presumed San Beda would take the lead spot as their debating teams are old timers in winning local and international

knowledge on the art and skill of debate, he aligned his newly formed group as an arm of The League of Political Science Students. Albeit not limiting the members of the debate team to Polical Science students per se.

With a laurel on the newly formed debating society, Mr. Durias informed the publication t h a t he is organizing a mini-tournament with the De La Salle UniversityDasmarinas and Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite for another debating contest. with reports from

Katherine Ann Grey

DOT defends trending critiques

N THE 6TH of January 2012, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a new ad campaign with the tagline “It’s more fun in the Philippines”. It quickly caught attraction and became a trending topic in the social media website Twitter.

Wildfire response

Filipinos, who are known to be quick technology adopters being 9th on the list of Top 10 Twitter Users, showed to the world their weight in virtual reality.

Twitter, Facebook, other social media websites with Filipino presence, plus the internet in general, were immediately

flooded with mixed reactions. Some people hailing the new ad campaign made their own ads using the same tagline.

The critics were not far behind.

Dennis Gorecho, who describes himself as a Manila-based lawyer, posted within hours a 1951 ad campaign used by Switzerland using the same “It’s more fun --” tagline. This after a previous campaign called “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” was junked by the government 5 days after its launch in November 2010. The campaign logo for “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” was designed by ad agency Campaigns and Grey for free in support of President Aquino, but was marred with accusations

Roman Carlos C. Barredo of plagiarism of Poland’s tourism campaign logo.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was quick to defend, via his Twitter account, the campaign which was designed by BBDO Guerrero, the ad agency that won the bid. Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima repeated another lawyer’s Twitter comment, “Uh, ok, so Switzerland used ‘It’s more fun--’ in 1951 . Thats 61 yrs ago. Even intellectual property rights expire after 50 yrs”.

Senator Richard Gordon was also quick to shoot down the campaign.

He said that the timing of the campaign

Las Piñas bans plastic bags

T

HE CITIZENS OF Las Piñas are now slowly benefitting from the benefits of having a plasticfree community, as the city government passed the ‘Plastic Bag Regulation Ordinance’ last September 15, 2011, and had just taken effect last January 1, 2012.

The ordinance, aside from banning the use of plastic bags in commercial establishments within the city, also prohibits the use of polystyrene foam (or styropor as it is commonly known), as containers for food, produce, and other products – Section 4 of the ordinance stated. Section 3 of the ordinance, on the other hand, prohibits commercial establishments from using/ utilizing thin film, single use, or carries out plastic bags at the point of sale for the purpose of carrying away goods. Las

Jobeth P. Zerrudo

Piñas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, in a release said that the passage of the Ordinance No. 1036-11, Series of 2011, authored by Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, is the local government’s unwavering efforts in

maintaining the ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction. “The banning of the use and distribution of plastics bags and polystyrene foam (styrofoam/ styropor) will greatly contribute to the reduction of solid wastes generated by local communities that end up in canals, waterways, rivers, creeks, and streams and eventually in the bay,” Aguilar said.

Plastic bags are not just the only containers citizens can use as the Mayor Aguilar recommended the use of reusable canvas bags or the traditional ‘bayong’ woven by buri leaves.

Business establishments and violators found guilty of violating and disregarding the said policy will be faced with penalties of P1, 000.00 fine for the first offense, P3, 000.00 for the second

PLASTIC BAGS | Page 14

CaLaBaRZon hails Perpetualite eWizards champion

S

debating competitions.”

He also pointed out that he handpicked students from different colleges who have shown good debating skills and potentials in such competitions and trained them through “tune up” debates.

In 2008, the recognized debating society of the University, the Ex Cathedra Debating Society, was disbanded primarily because members of the groups already graduated. The debating society was formed in 2006 with the main purpose of training students who joins various debating contests inside and outside the campus. And to continue the spirit of debating and to pass on his

IX STUDENTS of our University were whisked off to the Manuel Enverga University at Lucena, Quezon last 1st of October 2011 to attend the 1st CaLaBaRZon Invitational Battle of the eWizards.

Micah Llaneta (BSIT-IV), President of Junior Philippine Computer Society-UPHSD Chapter, recounts their early trip to Lucena, which required them to be at the rendezvous point by 4am.

“Now, I know how they feel,” referring to their current instructors who are also taking up their master’s degree at Manuel Enverga University in Lucena City. Their coach, Mr. Frederick Pedernal, is one of them. “They wake up so early to travel.

It was a challenge for me, since my last class at school the previous day ended at 9pm.” She scored 87% in the individual competition, and was part of the Champion team in the group competition.

“It was a proud moment for me when we brought home the awards, since we have three 2nd year students with no previous experience in competitions,” shares Jan David Monzon (BSIT-IV), President of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) Student Council. He said two 4th year students turned down the invitation to join the competition, so he chose Mori Angelo Tiñana (BSIT-II), Treasurer of JPCS-UPHSD Chapter, and Alyana Marie Baldovi (BSIT-II), PRO

Roman Carlos C. Barredo

of CCS Student Council who scored 86% in the individual competition. Jan doesn’t regret his decision since both were members of the 1st runner up team in the group competition of the Battle of the eWizards.

Jan also won the Champion spot in the individual competition and was also part of the Champion team in the group competition.

Vice-President of CCS Student Council Mar John Allen Tancioco (BSCS-III) doesn’t like the fact that they lost in one of the questions due to wrong spelling. Despite the minor setback, he is still proud of his team winning 1st runner in the group competition. “Most of the questions were trivial”, he recalls. It was so trivial that one of the teams from AMA gave an answer that elicited a plethora of reactions from the crowd, ranging from shock to giggles. The question was “What 2004 virus was named after a dainty female’s name?” Where the team answered a part of the female reproductive organ. The correct answer was “Melissa”.

Chadwick de Leon (BSIT-II), Vice-President of JPCS-UPHSD Chapter, agrees with Allen regarding the trivial nature of the questions. “I must say that I had a lot of fun answering each question despite being serious about it. I even smiled and felt giggly when some

answers felt too obvious”, he remarks.

Chadwick is 2nd runner up winner to Jan in the individual competition and a member of the champion team at the group competition. He eagerly offered this piece of advice to students of the CCS, “Learn as much as you can both inside and well beyond what is taught in the classroom. If you are really interested in your course, rather, your career path, you should enjoy learning new things about it whether it be about learning a new programming language, using a different operating system, web design and so on.”

With the fast pace of development in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, CCS Perpetualites strive to learn and achieve more despite the lacking electives of the current curriculum.

Although the CCS Council President has informally brought the issue up to the College Dean, he was informed that CHED regulations somehow make the issue complicated, to which Allen says, “At the end of the day, it is a personal decision of the student whether he wants to succeed or not.”

In this context, he agreed with Chadwick’s advice. In light of the issue, Micah offered, “We’ll try to find more ICT-related activities that will get the interest of students in the CCS.”

is ill, considering the recent spate of disasters that hit the country. He reiterated that the Philippines should have stayed with “WOW Philippines”, which was launched during his stint as Tourism Secretary.

Premature launch

Though the tagline has Trended in the world of Twitter and has been promoted by various artists like Mikey Bustos (YouTube Sensation and Actor), Sam Gogna (Magic 89.9fm Radio DJ), Kara David (GMA7 reporter), Bianca Gonzales (ABS-CBN Host), etc., and countless Filipino ‘Tweeps’,

the DOT launched a premature website for the tourism campaign: www. itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, which contains nothing more than a colorful background, the logo of the campaign, three pictures that would show how the tagline can be used best, and a means to contact the website’s administrators even when it has been three days into its launch.

Twitter user @immrroj commented in his tweet, “well that’s bad, launching a half-cooked website kung kelan a lot of people will check it @ Joseph_Morong”

OFWS want more Filipino films

B

Victor Francis Linao

ECAUSE OF THE gradual increase of their numbers over 200,00 in Qatar alone, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Qatar that this should be reason enough for the Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company to start screening Filipino films regularly, especially since the country has seen a substantial growth of the number of cinema screens and multiplexes in the last five to six years as if to complement it.

“Our community has grown considerably in the last few years and there are scores of regular film watchers among us. Despite this, there is no movie hall in the country which screens Tagalog films,” rued William Elmose, a movie buff in Qatar, in an article written in the Gulf Times entitled “Filipinos want Tagalog films screed regularly” by Ramesh Mathew.

Movies like “The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin” starring Vice Ganda, Eddie Garcia and Derek Ramsay made a Philippine Box Office all time high this year grossing 331.61 million pesos. “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” starring Eugene Domingo made its way to the independent film history books with its numerous awards such as Best Screenplay, Best Performance of an Actress, Audience Choice Award, Best Director and Best Picture in the annual independent film festival Cinemalaya. In addition, “Rosario”, starring Jennylyn Mercado, Sid lucero and Dennis Trillo, caught the hearts of foreign viewers as it received nominations for the “Best Film” and “Best Director” categories of the upcoming 14th Shanghai Film Festival.

With more and more support being given by nationals in the Philippines to the industry and all the attention some Pinoy films are getting, OFWs in Qatar feel more homesick than ever and are hoping that their request would be given as how the Indians, who were less than 200,000 in Qatar a decade ago, were able to watch Indian movies as they were screened in some cinemas, including two halls in the Industrial Area and Musherieb, which have closed down.

“Along with the growth of the community, the frequency of screenings of Indian films has also gone up and they are shown at multiplexes too, besides the regular venue, Doha Cinema. However, the Filipino community which has grown manifold in the last few years has no chance to watch Tagalog movies anywhere in the country,” Nandan, a regular Indian filmgoer, also said in the article mentioned above.

As a culture that naturally loves

entertainment, many Filipinos over seas like in the case of the OFW’s in Qatar, find themselves having a hard time watching Pinoy films. Even with the numerous multiplexes in the country, they rarely screen Filipino films, and even if they do, the cinema would only screen four to five of the fifty produced each year. This results in OFWs watching the films through CDs that were sent from family members in the Philippines, most of which are pirated.

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a big event of the Philippine Movie Industry that annually showcases the pride and work of Filipino filmmakers, however, has recently exerted efforts into bringing notable Filipino movies to Middle East silver screens for the benefit of international and Filipino movie goers alike.

The first Philippine Film Festival was held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last November 25 and 26, 2011, which featured four awardwinning Filipino films namely “Rosario”, “Ded na si Lolo”, “Botelya”, and “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?”

According to www.abs-cbnnews. com, in an interview with ABS-CBN Middle East Ria Mendoza said there are not much Filipino films being shown in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), so they decided to form an arts and entertainment company called “The Kitsch Company”.

They partnered with several companies and media entities to fund and promote the film festival.

“Films are direct reflection of our culture and arts so we decided to make our first theme - our films, our cultures,” Mendoza explained. “All films showed our traditions, norms and the difference between the Philippines before and the Philippines now.”

In reply to the significance of the movies to the overseas Filipino workers in the UAE, Maria Elisa Cristobal-Anson or Boots Anson-Roa an award-winning actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer replied: “Itinuturo nito sa ating mga Filipino kung ano talaga ang ating identity, lahat tayo, in some point in our life, are in search of our identity. This points out sino ba talaga si Juan Dela Cruz.”

This is not the last Philippine Film Festival Kitsch Company has in store, even stating that they plan on having a bigger event next year. As for the OFWs in Doha, Qatar, hopefully in a few years their request for Multiplexes to regularly screen Filipino films will be approved, the first ever Philippine Film Festival held in Dubai is a sure sign of things to come.

6 The Power of Choice Living Paradox The Perpetualite

EDITORIAL

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Zahra Bianca A. Saldua |@balinguyngoy

2

012. It has been approximately 10 years since the last time I wrote a letter to God and placed it between the pages of the Holy Qur-an (the Holy Book of Muslims). In those times, I’ve asked God to help me decide on almost every decision I considered as a matter of life and death. I’m exaggerating of course.

I remember being told once that being a singer wasn’t the wholesome thing to do as a Muslim girl, which was basically heartbreaking for a ten-yearold to hear that her dreams of being an epic singer would lead her in the realms of hell. In the midst of my troubled thoughts, I wrote a letter to God asking Him to guide me in this “life-decision” that I hoped would end in fulfilling my heart’s desire. I clearly remember writing, “Dear God, You are the Greatest and there is no other as understanding and as merciful as You are. I thank you for giving me my talents and from keeping my family safe from harm. I come to you asking, well, uhm…

I know You know that I really want to be a singer but they say that it isn’t good.

Will I go to hell if I try to become a singer in the future even if I were really wholesome and nice to everyone and donate a lot of my money to poor people?

‘Cause I really, really want to be a singer. If I shouldn’t be a singer, please let me be sick the entire week next week.

If not, then I know You want me to use my talents. Thank you God! I love You!”

Yes, I’m pretty sure that was how it went. I didn’t get sick, so I was pretty happy of the prospects of my singing career was going to turn out.

As the days went by and I was not getting any younger, I continued to pray to God to help me in my life decisions but slowly I stopped with the letters. Basically, those were the times when I thought I had a choice. You see, when you’re a kid, you don’t really have the power to choose since everything has been decided for you. For example, whether you’d go to a party or not, which school you’d go to, what you’re going to be eating for the day- almost everything you could think of was decided by, not destiny, but by “adults” like your parents.

Even joining a school competition would be the choice of the teachers who wanted to show you off as their best student.

Admit it, you had no choice but to join or else you’d be on his or her blacklist for life.

As kids, we naturally complained, and yet we obeyed. As we grow older, we practically begged our parents for more power when it comes to decision-making. In high school, we felt oh so mature that we started craving for independence and claimed we needed more than anything in the world. In that sense, I was just like everyone else, asking for that “independence”, though, now that I look back, I wasn’t exactly deprived of it.

My parents believed that in order for me to gain power and be given a certain amount of responsibility, I had to prove myself through grades and attitude. In other words, “kailangan ko magpa-good shot palagi.”

Being a college student, I was finally able to make some decisions for myself. You can say that it comes with the territory. When I turned 18 last 2010, however, that was when I felt that I was venturing into the world of adulthood where I could finally decide on various matters on my own. Of course, every decision was to be consulted with my parents before actually implementing it. I was no longer forced to do things I didn’t want to do and I was no longer helpless against the forces of life.

I have to say, being given the power of choice is a heavy burden.

It is only now, a few weeks before I hit

the big 2-0, did I realize how heavy a burden and how powerful a right it is.

Every decision will either make you or break you. Let me give you a scenario: having the power to make decisions on your own is like someone placing you in the position to diffuse a bomb, and although you were given instructions, you can’t help doubting yourself since the future of the world is literally at the tip of your fingers.

And here’s the thing, if you refuse to choose then you all die without the chance of survival. Talk about pressure.

Relate this to every decision you make, big or small. It might be ridiculous to think that it’s a life and death decision when it comes to something as simple as what shirt you’ll wear for the day, and it is. However, it is still a decision that may make a difference. Don’t tell me you don’t get embarrassed when you see another person in the same room wearing the exact same shirt you are.

It’s simple high school physics really, Sir Isaac Newton states that for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Choosing is an act that not only has a reaction, but possibly many reactions as most decisions do not only involve yourself, but also those who are around you.

When it comes to the little things, I have a theory that your brain gets so used to making those daily decisions that you don’t panic or contemplate as much, so it’s not really that big of a deal. Other matters, not so much the same unfortunately. The very fact you chose to study rather than hang out with your friends at the very critical time of midterms makes that difference of you succeeding in that subject, which will in turn make your parents proud especially since it’s one step closer for you to pass that subject and graduate.

It’s an example that may not seem drastic, but if you relate it to everything else, it makes sense, doesn’t it?

In the endeavour of career, which is something that can be confusing but never really that complicated. I say that it’s not complicated because it’s really just a matter of “yes” and “no” AFTER you find out what exactly it is you want to do. But how do you find out? Well that, my dear Perpetualites, is also a matter of choice. When you choose to be fearless and “game” for everything. Basically, being a “YES MAN”. I’ve said yes to almost every opportunity and I wasn’t choosy about it, unless it’s an opportunity that required me to sacrifice my beliefs or compromise my principles in life. I also made the choice to grab opportunities and not simply just waiting for it to happen.

As much as I said yes, for the most part, I failed. But failing was exactly what I was expecting when I first started out and, believe it or not, I wanted to hear those harsh criticisms. Why? Simple, I wan’t to find out what I sucked at and what I could improve on. That way, I could filter out the things that are worth working on. Bottomline is, success is a choice.

Lastly, let’s talk about happiness. Yes, it is a choice. The power to choose what really makes you happy (whether it be in friendship, love, or career) and if you want to be happy in the first place. Try it sometime. When you’re down and feeling lonely, stand and say “I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY” and DO something that would do exactly that.

Choose or live a useless life.

Everything is bound by your choice and whether it’s a reward or consequence waiting for you at the end of the day, make sure you STAND BY your decision, since it’ll be more useless and heartrending to make a choice that you don’t believe. That, my friends, is an issue of self-slavery for another editorial.

T

PUT EVERYONE TO SLEEP

he recent hype on the supposed constitutional crisis is as blitzkrieg as Supreme Court Spokesperson and Court Administrator Hon. Jose Midas Marquez aptly described it in a speech dated 13 December 2011.

Starting from then Presidentelect Noynoy Aquino’s publicly displayed disdain for Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, up to lightning-speed moves by the Executive Branch in going after crooks in the government bureaucracy, then to the Supreme Court’s lightning-strike in the form of a TRO on the DOJ’s travel ban against the recently replaced First Couple, and now the tornado-speed vote of 188 Representatives in starting the impeachment process against the Chief Justice; these slew of maneuvers amongst and within the bureaucracy is so offputting to everyday Filipinos who have been used to a slow moving bureaucratic giant known as the Philippine government.

We at The Perpetualite are so amazed at these events, considering that there are lots of other pending concerns, local and national alike, such as but not limited to, the Ruby Rose Barrameda slay case, the RH Bill, the K to 12 transition, and the Marcos burial among others. We are reminded by the alleged “Put the little girl to sleep” plot cried

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ERRATA

[SEPTEMBER 2011] e would like to apologize for the following mistakes we have not foreseen in the broadsaheet which was published last September.

The errata are indicated below with their corrections:

For the news article entitled ‘UPHSD welcomes new dean’, the new dean of the College of Law was misattributed as Attorney where it should be Justice Minita V. Chico-Nazario (Ret.).

For the sports article entitled ‘The PerpSquad Way’, it was indicated that they won second runner-up in the National Cheerleading Championship, where upon clarifications they won first place in the said competition.

Due to printing error, some paragraphs of the sports article entitled ‘Triple Overtime BuzzerBeater Win’ was printed repeatedly.

The column articles ‘Daily Dose of Prozac’ of our Associate Editor and Lala Perpetualista were incompletely printed.

Again, we extend our sincerest apologies to all those involved. The members of the publication will do its best to never commit these errors again.

-The Perpetualite Editorial Board

out by the little lady on wheels and neck brace. As absurd and too obvious as it seems, considering the current administration’s persistence in this landmark case, we are also trying to consider all possibilities.

By now, everything just tends to become too tiring.

Sometimes, we want swift justice.

But when the going gets tough, we resort to delaying tactics, hoping for a sigh of relief. Don’t get us wrong, there are lots of unresolved cases, and we are actually happy to see that in this specific case, quick action is being displayed. But technicalities and legalities become so frustrating at some point. In light of balanced journalism, we won’t and will refuse to take sides. We say that both camps have their merits. Innocence should always be assumed until someone is proven guilty. However, don’t treat the Filipino people as ignorant, because we can quickly discern if a move is merely a delaying tactic, or a railroading attempt.

We believe the government can do a better job in using the most precious resource there is -- time.

There is a time for everything under the sun, as the Good Book has it written. Maybe the government can focus on the dilapidated railroad system of PNR. Or the white elephant named “Bataan Nuclear Power Plant” – instead of making it a tourist attraction with the banner “It’s more fun in the Philippines”,

why not make it a useful piece of infrastructure? The government might also want to consider further upgrading of our public postal services. How about adopting a better environmental stewardship policy? Or further increasing the role of information and communications technology in the day-to-day functions of public offices. We could also use additional investment into the culture and arts. We won’t forget that abandoned building in the Manila Bay reclamation area.

With new buildings springing up like mushroom in that part of the country, we can’t help but wonder why nothing can be done about that abandoned building.

We just hope that the whole political system will be maximized for the benefit of the Filipino people, not for personal political abuse. If every time a high official gets impeached is called a “constitutional crisis”, what’s the point of having the process provided for in the constitution? Let all political moves be transparent and by the book. Stop looking for loopholes in the system, instead, let the procedures be observed. In a true democracy, the people are governed by laws they themselves have set out. What’s the point if these laws become useless in light of political bickering and maneuvering? If this is what will end up happening, then we say just “put everyone to sleep”.

EDITORIAL

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

The truth is ...

Daily Dose of Prozac Nikko Dave Q. Panti |@misterbaks

“We

didn’t elect superhero.”

T

his issue that you are currently reading takes about a monthand-a-half to finish. Articles which makes it to publishing, are deliberately planned. Brainstorming is held, where all writers pitch in the story that they deemed interesting for the students to read. Every paragraph, every word, and even the punctuation are carefully selected by the writer.

All of the articles that are carried out on each section – namely News, Features, Literary and even the Forum and Lala Perpetualista – are painstakingly edited by the section editors, who inspects the article for its credibility and non-biased reportage.

I remember that before having an affair with writing, I have been in the thinking that it is nothing but an easy job.

I was in the thinking that the concept of writing is clearly holding a pen and jotting down words on a clean and crisp white paper, or whatever that works for you.

But I eventually let go of that thinking.

Writing, as they say it, is a hard (reads: pain-in-the-arse) job.

Getting the information, checking its content and finding your audience to write for, is a backbreaking effort. It doesn’t just call for acing grammar or even wide array of words to choose from. It requires the writer to enliven emotions, creativity and sometimes it even requires a dark-and-twisted life.

No offense, you could be a flat1-student in your Basic Grammar class with Ma’am Madamba, but if you don’t possess the creativity and right judgment on words to use, then there is no place for you in this crazy world. You may have all of your agreements – subjects and verbs, speaking – settled, but if your piece lacks emotion that the reader wants, they will never call you a storyteller.

Writing, as a former colleague would say, is a passion of thirst, thus a

a

‘true’ writer will always try to find way to relinquish that thirst. A process – a long and arduous one – that enables us to draw air within our system and express ourselves, which makes every writer’s work a deliberative piece of an ingenious mind.

In the polar contrary, editor’s job is one of the easiest. Overseeing the cycle of publication, is just like cooking eggs for breakfast— making sure that it is a perfect sunny-side-up.

In comparison, an article overseen by an editor should like be the yolk of a cooked egg, perfectly settled. Although there are times that an editor can miss a flaw on the article, thus resulting to a mistake.

The truth is anyone who aspires to be a writer, can be one. But, not everyone can call themselves as one. Confidently, I can say that I am a writer, are you?

I

***

n my Constitution class, I am enlightened with the separations of the three: the executive, legislative and judiciary. All are regulated with different duties and responsibilities in our country, although it should work as one for our betterment.

However, the clash between the branches of our Government has been the talk of the town for weeks now. It has continued to invade the front-page of all national newspaper giants. It’s an issue that will eventually be written in our history books.

The drama, or melo-drama as some constitutionalists would say, started when President Benigno Simeon Aquino III penned the Executive Order (EO) No. 1 on July 30, also known as the creation of the “Philippine Truth Commission of 2010”. The EO was deemed unconstitutional by the High Court headed by the alleged “midnight appointee” of then President Gloria Macapagal-

Be ready for change!

Speak Now

Faith Clarisse D. Salaver|@m

“Change can be very difficult for close minded people...”

I

often ask myself the question why?

Why do things change? Why things should be like this and like that?

Why everything is not permanent?

People everywhere go through various changes in their lives. Every experience affects a person in some way and it’s because the changes. Change, a simple world, a word that I know all of us are familiar with. I know some of us wants change in their lives, some may say, they don’t but unfortunately even though we want or not, change is always there. The resulting effects can be good, bad, or a combination of both.

Many aspects of my life have influenced my personality and the way that I live because of the changes that happened to me.

During my philosophy class last year, I first encountered the line by Heraclitus “nothing is permanent except change”. I had to think about it after my professor wrote it on the board. Yes, it’s true, nothing is permanent except change. Everything changes, from simple to complex, from good to bad and

vice versa.

In life things do change, situations, status, even our personality changes. But I always ask myself, am I ready for some changes? Maybe you sometimes ask the same question also, all of us are dreaming positive changes in our lives, changes that we all want to be happy and to be contended.

I always think that Heraclitus quote really make sense, we can’t deny that the only permanent thing in this world is change itself. As a human being I myself faced a lot of changes in my life, or should I say still facing changes in my life. I was a shy and quite little girl before. When there are events in school or even family affairs you can just see me on the side quite and waiting for them to notice me. But then as I grow things do change.

When I was in grade five there was an audition for a new declaimer to represent the school. I don’t know want kind of magic spell was given to me that time - from a shy kid I hurriedly ask my mom to look for a declamation

The Perpetualite

7

ALTA YELL

Arroyo, Chief Justice Renato Corona – who acts as primus inter pares (first among equals) – in a vote of 10-5. House Minority Leader Rep. Edcel Lagman hailed the decision as a “victory of the rule of law,” while the administration through House Committee on Justice Chairman, Rep. Neil Tupas says that it is a “serious set-back to the justice system.”

Of course the administration can’t dissuade the decision of the Supreme Court, who acts as the last arbiter in all cases in our country. The commission would be headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, who was on the verge of impeachment on his last year as the presiding justice of the High Court.

I couldn’t stop wondering how PNoy is pulling out all he knows to go after his predecessor.

His administration, through the Department of Justice, partnered with a constitutional commission, the COMELEC to probe on the alleged anomalies on the 2004 elections. But alas, through a department circular (No. 41) of then Secretary of Justice Alberto Agra, they put up the Arroyo’s – both GMA and Mike – in the hold departure order, so that they could not go abroad.

The Arroyo’s, through their crème de la crème legal counsel, was granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Corona court. But Leila De Lima, current Secretary of Justice, stood by her decision and asked authorities to not permit the First Couple to go out of the country. Of course, she was hailed “hero” by people “unknowledgeable” of the constitution and the rule of law.

After all the commotion at the airport, the COMELEC filed an election sabotage case against the Pampanga 2nd District representative with the Pasay Regional Trial Court, to which they prompted a warrant of arrest. This happened in just a matter of hours – talk about speed! That’s a new record for our criminal justice system!

The president was clearly unhappy with the Supreme Court rulings, and he goes amok during a gathering with the reputable judiciary head. He made his opinion clear: he wanted reform in the judiciary. “Ang utos ng hari, hindi nababali,” says Corona.

In addition, he was apparently true in an unbeatable three-hour-caucus; the lower house impeached the chief justice, gathering 188 strong solons to sign the articles of impeachment.

The impeachment process

reminds us that we are a democracy, but if the impeachment is used to scare other public officials, then that is another situation. Are we really in a constitutional crisis? Are we to experience another government that will be run by a dictator?

I am no expert, and certainly I am not the right person to say that we are in a dictatorial government, because the last time I checked we’re still the “Republic” of the Philippines.

I am one of many voices still left unheard, keeping mum and watching history unfold before me – via my television set, at least. But what will happen would certainly affect us. I am a firm believer of “innocent until proven guilty” and of our rights as stipulated in Article III of the 1987 Constitution.

President Aquino, if you happen to read this column, I would like to say that there are still numerous pending problems that our country is facing: education, health, jobs, crisis management, economic stability, and so on. If you manage to ask your allies to impeach the Chief Justice in just a snap, then ask them to enact laws that would help the less marginalized sectors of our country. Remind them to use their time, budget allocation, and stint as a law-maker as efficiently and as wisely as possible. Do not be caged in the branding that you are a son of a hero and icon of democracy. You should embark on your own branding.

I know that answers to the problems we are facing will not come quick like Googling. But at the end of the day, what we can do is let our voices be heard and make ourselves aware of what is happening around us and help in every way that we can. We must remember that we didn’t elect a superhero as president; he is a normal human being just like you and me. Lastly, let us all pray that our public officials will be enlightened in everything they do.

The truth is that there will be no harm in believing that our country, the Philippines – known for its people who sport glittering smiles amidst troubles – will soon outshine our neighbouring countries “again.” It may not be in the months to come, but hopefully soon.

If you have any insight that you would like to share with the author you may send it to dailydoseofprozac@gmail.com.Write OPINION INSIGHT as the subject.

*** Jenelyn D. Casim is a junior AB Political Science student of our University.

piece that I can use for that audition and guess what? I was the one chosen in that audition. Changes started in that event, I was the official declaimer of my whole school and who will ever think that I will be known as one of the best declaimer in our town. This was the reason why I gained the confidence and perseverance to strive for success. Nevertheless, even though there are times that I lost, still it gives me the courage to do well and to give my best in all that I am doing.

From a quiet and shy girl turns into a competitive and confident lady. Change that I am thankful with, change of my personality that even during my high school years it was my asset. I was a top student, considering during my elementary grade I was in the lower section and I used to commit absences.

Now, when they ask where I am from? I would confidently answer “I am from Aklan and a proud bisaya”.

Yes! I am prodi as some would address people from the province. Studying far from the place where you grew up was really a big change that happened to me.

A new life, a new challenge, it was a tough change that happened to me. Away from your parents, siblings, friends that you used to go with, and etc. I consider this a big change, living away from your family , facing new people, living in a new place were really very difficult changes that I faced. But as what I have said change is always there. After my first year in college I was asked to transfer into another school.

I was depressed because I have no choice but to follow them. As a student transferring to another school is really a

big test. At first I don’t want to transfer, thinking that being in a new school I will be like a seed again compared to my status in my school that time I have already established friendship and I am very active when it comes to extracurricular activities of the school. I am student leader that time and a president of a college based organization. What will happen to me in my new school?

Who will be my friends? Will I be treated nicely by my new classmates?

Questions that kept bothering me that time, it felt like it was again my first day of college life. It was hard I came from a public school and will be transferring into a private school.

Some would say that it’s up to you how will you handle the changes in your life.

It may be good, bad or a combination of both still you need to face it. As to my case I found a new home when I transferred school. At first, it was very challenging- going to school for one week without friends, studying at library alone, eating all by yourself during break times, thins that happened to me but now as what Heraclitus quote states “nothing is permanent except change”. Obviously you are now reading my column article as the new Literary Editor of the official student publication of our university; I also gained a lot of friends.

Some people normally resist making change, which might prevent us from grow and competiveness. We should learn how to accept changes because in life we are all living with it. Even you have no problem in your current life; you all have everything, and nobody surely say, you will be OK

since the world changes so rapidly. We all need to change, and accept whether it is a positive or negative one. If you do not change, you will so behind. People say that “curiosity kills the cat”, so better stay at home and do nothing. However in order for us to discover new things and to learn something we should not be afraid to go out and face the changes in our daily lives. To release your worry for changes, you try to see the benefit if you make change. Think positive that in all the changes that comes whether it is positive or negative there will always be a positive lesson that we can get.

There are times that whether change is big or small, drastic or mild in general people do try to avoid change as much as possible. To many scholars, change is the foundation of learning, where new idea’s and prospective hope comes into play for our future, without it we prevent ourselves growth, and lack the ambition to set out competitively.

Change can be very difficult for close minded people, and sometimes many people can stand in the way of a bigger and great future unknowingly, due to fears of loss, rejection, disappointment, and being hurt. Change can be very costly sometimes it may even cost life. People come and go because of changes. Yes, there are changes but the sad part is that in this world there are things that we can’t change even if we want to change that is happening doesn’t go with want we want. Life is short and change is always there. Like what a camera brand slogan says seize every moment of your life. Enjoy every moment and accept the change.

***

Be Aware!

Jenelyn D. Casim

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hat is the latest issue in our country today?

Poverty? Maybe! But to some Filipinos, especially to those residing in Metro Manila, are arguing about the impeachment trial of our Chief Justice Renato Corona.

My point is not to inform you about the impeachment trial but to tell you of what I observed every time I go to the canteen (The Perps) to eat lunch and the television is on.

There was a time when I was trying to watch the impeachment trial of Corona but I couldn’t understand what was going on because of the loud noise created by the students that were present in the canteen during the time. I felt a bit mad to them, but at the same time I felt humiliated by their actions.

You see them every day telling their friends or professors that they want the Chief Justice to be impeached – or not – yet they do not even pay attention to the ongoing trial.

Is this the type of college students today? I mean, students today should pay attention to their surroundings. You should be aware of what is happening and its details.

You should not be biased in your views just because you are in favor of the current president and against his predecessor, Congresswoman Arroyo, or vice versa. You should speak with a sound basis.

If we really want this country to be progressive, listen!

If we want it to develop, think! If we want there to be change, act!

And if we want to know exactly what has to be done, be aware!

“Awareness without action is worthless,” so the saying goes.

We are the future of this country; we should start now and step forward for the bright future of our country.

Hulagway

o j a s i e f i L “ n i t s e d a t Ra no

y

, y e n r u o � . n n o o i s t r na aldo Eme

W h p l a

10

The Perpetualite

The P.B.V Era

T

here is no doubt that you have heard this from someone, somewhere: “Mag-salbabida ka nga, baka kasi malunod ka na sa pag-ibig ko.”

“Mother, sight mo yung mag-jowa, chaka ng girlash, bongzy ng ohm!”

“Pag ba bakla salot na agad, hindi ba pwedeng malas muna?”

What about such conversation like this?

“Miss, may size pa kayo nito?

Sales lady: Para po sa inyo?

Hindi hindi para sayo, pagsha-shopping kita, nakaka-hiya naman sayo eh!”

SLANGUAGE is derived from the term slang, which in its literal meaning is the informal language consisting of words and expression not used in the formal setting, it is often vituperative or vulgar. While UrbanDictionary. com defines the word Slanguage as the extensive use of slang words in written or oral communication. Expressions in this kind of language may not be grammatically correct, but as long as people understood the conversation, it is somehow correct.

It is often used to identify with one’s peers and, although it may be common among young people, it is also used by people of all ages and social groups.

It is from the slanguage which paved way to that birth of the P.B.V era, the Pick-up lines, Bekimon and Vice Ganda lines. So now, let’s dig deeper on each of them.

The Pick-up line

Girls,don’tbefooledbythislines: “Pedicab ka ba? PEDICABang maging girlfriend?”

We know a lot of guys have already used this to make us fall on their trap. Kidding!

Such lines were used to start a conversation and also to make a girl fall fast. Pick-up lines were often used by men for flattery. According

O

ur country was invaded and was under the United States Government after signing the Treaty of Paris on the 10th of December, 1898. The Thomasites came and taught us how to lead our own kind as well as a new language. But before their ship docked on the Philippine shores, our ancestors first heard the English language through the invasion of the British in our country in 1762. I cannot help but think if they acquired the English accent.

History really do repeat itself, almost a century have passed and the Americans came to us and pushed us to speak in their native tongue — minus the accent.

At one point, the language even became our national language.It was inculcated in the system of our education, where everyone learns how to use it,orally and written — or at least we thought so.

The E-language is one of the 3 major foreign languages used in the country together with Chinese and Spanish.

Speaking this language comes natural to

FEATUREs

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

(Pick-up lines, Bekimon, Vice Ganda) Patricia Santiago and Mitzi Yvonne Santos to the web, pick-up line is a conversation opener with the intent of engaging an unfamiliar person for romance, or dating.

Overt and sometimes humorous displays of romantic interest, pick-up lines advertise the wit of their speakers to their target listeners.

The term was coined after using phrases to pick someone’s attention. Pickup line is a straight-forward attempt to open a conversation with an addition of humor.

In the Philippines, the use of such lines has boomed after radio jock tandem Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper song entitled “Mahal kita kasi”. Where lines such as, “Hindi tayo tao, hindi din tayo hayop, bagay tayo, bagay talaga” was used and became an instant hit. It was even used as the theme song for a movie starring Toni Gonzaga and John Lloyd Cruz. The latter even used lines in a television

advertisement endorsing a local pizza chain.

Picku p lines are not just

used by men, but also by women; using it for “pambara” and “pangasar” to their partners. Instead of saying to their partners that they are arrogant, they say “Electric fan ka ba? Bakit? Ang lakas kasi ng hangin mo!” And girls, instead of telling the guy that you don’t believe to what he’s saying, you may also say “Lotto ka ba? Bakit?

Kasi puro ka palusot at pambobola.”

Are you familiar with long time running gag show, Bubble Gang’s Boy Pick-up? Played by Ogie Alcasid, where his pick-up lines where a little incongruent, and sometimes non-sense.

In other words, fail! But many seem to enjoy the segment of the show, as it entices viewership. Alcasid may deliver fail pickup lines, but his conviction and his attitude in delivering lines make it even funnier.

Thus, in delivering such lines, it’s not just the “banat” that counts, but also the tone of the voice used by the deliverer, the manner on how he delivers it and of course the attitude. That is why, even if girls heard the line already, it does not have the “gas-gas” factor, and makes every girl who hears it fall for the guy.

Its evolution, from the typical sweet and cheesy line to incongruent line, we just need to wait and see if it will make the future generation fall for it.

The Bekimon

We’re not talking here of the famous celebrity who was discovered through his YouTube videos, but we will talk about the language he used in the videos he made.

Swardspeak is one of the slanguages known here in our country; it’s another term for gay lingo. It is derived from the English-Tagalog code switching or simply mixing up English and Tagalog in the same sentence or phrase. Celebrity names are a huge part of this language, like for example Carmi Martin simply means karma

in their native tongue. Their language is easy to use, because it requires no rules and is constantly changing; no wonder that new terms are being used every now and then.

It came to a surprise that men and women, even the children, know how to use the language. The language that was made to create an imaginary circle among the speakers is now a pandemic not only in the metro but all over the country.

F r o m swardspeak come bekimon, beki¬ which is a colloquial term for gay, is a new terminology which means one – bakla, lalaking bakla or babaeng bakla – who uses hardcore gay lingo in his everyday living, sometimes he can’t even understand what he is saying. Although, it is not to replace swardspeak it is rather to replace the jejemon phenomenon.

“Identification of gay lingo as ‘bekimon’ coincides with the use of ‘jejemon,’ a new communication method that changes the way words are spelled in short messaging service (SMS) and is very popular among certain types of heavy mobile phone users,” says Jesus Federico Hernandez, chairman of Sawikaan 2010 forum on Filipino Communication.

Bern Josep Persia, selfproclaimed initiator of the bekimon, said that he didn’t started the language for him to become popular rather he just did it to make sad people happy. “Walang mali sa pagigiging masaya,” he believed.

Although some people see

Signs, say what? us compared to other countries as they’re having a hard time pronouncing some of the words. Filipinos are known as the “people of tongues“for we’re able to speak as many languages than any other countries can making us globally competitive and easy to be with that’s why the country’s being flocked by foreigners for they don’t experience a hard time communicating with us. This being said, it is sad to find advertisements, posters and other print ads relaying grammatical errors. Signs can be seen anywhere, may it be posters, ads or simply vandals on walls or chairs expresses mistakes against E-language.

Funny? Yes, but the mere thought of the country ranking 3rd in the list of countries who has the most number of people using the E-language after U.S. and India expresses the fact Philippines is having a problem in Educating it’s people…us.

Isn’t it funny where in from

John Emmanuel Busa preparatory up to college, the E-language is rooted in the country’s education? To land on a professional career, being literate in the language is a-must, however the attitude of the Filipinos “okay na yan” or “puwede na” is a hindrance to us to take a step higher for ourselves. This attitude implies that “Juan Tamad” who has a job, a minimum-wage one, will think that that is enough for him, his family and his country. It’s not enough knowing you can understand the E-language, the question is, “Do they understand you?”

In present, the country’s economy is facing challenges; it is up to us how we can be of some help for ourselves and for the country. Being proficient with the E-language takes us a notch higher against other; this in the end makes us globally competitive.

The Other Side

Nationalism! Makabayan! Hindi porke’t nailimbag sa pahinang ito na dapat pagbutihin ang paggamit ng wikang Ingles ay hindi na dapat isaalang-alang ang wikang Tagalog. Aba! Sa katunayan nga niyan, kaakibat ng mga maling paalalang Ingles sa kung saan-saan ay mayroon din namang mga nakasulat sa tagalog.

Nakatutuwa sa unang basa ngunit nakababahala. Naranasan niyo na bang umangal sa dami ng Filipino subjects mula Elementarya hanggang kolehiyo? Hindi na rin bago ang mga katagang “Bakit namin kailangang pag-aralan iyan e Filipino naman kami?”

Mga Filipino na nga, nagkakamali pa sa paggamit ng sariling salita. Mula sa ordinaryong mamayan hanggang sa mga matataas na opisyal, nagkakamali sa paggamit nito.

the language, especially parents, as useless, and that it confuses the mind of young people due to the frequency of usage. But, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) sector says, “that the language adds color to a usual dull conversation, it even widens your thought about us. It’s just the same as putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

Thus, bekimon is not only for the bekis, shokla, or gays but also for the people who are open-minded enough to be part of the new circle.

And for those who wants to join the band wagon, you may check the bekimon translator available on web.

The ‘Vice Ganda” Era Vice Ganda is a wellknown stand-up comedian-slashimpersonator in a comedy bar before he entered showbiz. He is known to his notorious insults to his fellow comedians once on stage. He even brought it with him once he was made unevictable hurado on Showtime, talentoriented noon time show on ABS-CBN.

His famous line gave him the chance to remake the hit movie Petrang Kabayo, and Praybeyt Benjamin, where he used his expertise in delivering comedic lines. Such as: VG:Pasokmongaditoyungmgapapelesko.

Secretary:Sirsaankoipapasok,ditosaloob?

VG: Hindi sa labas, ipasok nga diba.

Pwede bang ipasok sa labas, sige nga subukang mong ipasok doon sa labas!

Many noticed that after Vice Ganda’s era in comedy became popular, there’s no more serious and sensible P.B.V Era | Page 14

Nakababahala ang mga ganitong bagay, lalo na’t ang mga paalala o sign boards ay nakikita ng mga tao sa iba’t ibang lugar. Oo sa paggamit ng wikang Ingles o iba pang wika ay tumataas ang estado natin bilang isang Indibidwal, ngunit huwag din nating kalimutan ang ating sariling wika. Hindi ba’t mas magandang maging marunong muna tayo sa sariling atin bago ang sa iba?

Maaring ang ating gobyerno ay gumagawa ng paraan upang mapaangat ang antas ng edukasyon sa ating bansa tulad ng pagdaragdag ng mga kompyuter at mga pasilidad pero baka naman puwede ring isaalang-alang ang mga basic na pangangailangan tulad ng mga guro na kuwalipikadong magturo, mga aklat na handang magbigay ng tumpak na kaalaman at isang bayan na may pagmamahal sa kapuwa, wika at bansa.

SIGNS | Page 14

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

FEATURES

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Planking hits the world

I

Rizzalyn A. Bernarte and Angelica L. Pablo

t may sound tad crazy, but who would have thought that a man lying in the middle of a busy road – stiff as a board, motionless and soundless – is not a victim of a tragic road accident; but a man having fun on the fad called “planking”?

It may not be the freshest internet craze, but it has already gone worldwide and gained popularity to the new generation, or at least the eager dissenters. The term is coined after the fact that people, who are doing the planking, are imitating a wooden plank – lying face down on the floor, with the arms on the side of the body and feet pointing to the ground – whilst someone is taking a memorabilia photo of your insane action which will eventually uploaded in the web as the essence of the action. Without the photo, you will just be a person lying there for nothing – unless the local television network will give you airtime so that others will be watching you live. The one with the most unusual and original venue,will have the chance to be the most popular and outstanding planker – if there is a term.

Planking or “lying-down game”, was said to be invented by two British guys, Gary Clarkson andChristian Langdon in 2000and made popular by an Australian man, Sam Weckert in 2008.However, it’s still not clear where the idea of this game came from; some researchers claims that planking existed during the ancient times. It was said, that a warrior named Carlos, in the midst of a battle, laid face down so that his enemies will think that he is already dead. Marcus Rediker, history professor at the University of Pittsburg, said that the planking position was used as a way of transporting slaves during the period of slave trade. Based on the history, African slaves were forced to lie face down and sleep on the middle passage of the slave ship’s lower deck.

Even though there are unfortunate events that happened in the history, planking is still a hit at present. After it was started in Britain, it spread into other parts of Europe, where it was coined à plat ventre (on one’s belly) when its popularity hits France; while South Korea named it playing dead

W

hat word comes to your mind when you hear the word “Disney”? Does it remind you of your old pals, Mickey or Donald? The company that Walt Disney founded in 1923, has been part of the lives of many generations of children – including us.

The magical world of Disney, didn’t just magically turned our childhood dreams into reality through its films and shows, we have come to know and love it until today.

If finding the hidden Mickey is just a piece of cake for you, let’s see if it’s also that easy for you to see the hidden meanings of your all-time-favorite Disney films.

Isn’t it ironic to know that a person who created all those fairytale films which taught us to dream and believe in the power of love, and created a perfect place for his perfect characters is actually a victim of his dark past? Yes, you had it right. I am referring to Walt Disney. Walt is a victim of child abuse. His parents, especially his father was really hard on him, because of this he unintentionally showcased violent scenes in his films.

This is proven in Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. This mightbe one of the effects of child abuse and will be passed on one generation to another. Someone must break the chain. Someone who is authoritative and knows the background of that person well.

“Give the people what they want” stated Walt Disney. He is not particular with details when it comes to artworks and he’s not even an idealist. He even asked a young artist to leave pure art for the sake of money making and poparity concerns. Does this include bullying scenes, disturbing plots, and weird characters?

THE UGLY TRUTH

One of the ugly truths about Disney is that most, if not all, of its main character’s parents are either dead, absent or both.

The fawn we all know and love, Bambi, witnessed her mother doe die in from of him, add to that the absence of his father who is tagged as the ‘great prince of the forest’. The 1942 classic is written by an Austrian writer and was made into film

by David Hand. The plot may seem to be inappropriate as a storybook for children, who thinks at that point of their life that

The Perpetualite

11

“People will generally think you’re mad.

That’s sort of the point.”

– Gary Clarkson

in 2003; finally Australia used the term planking – where they inaugurated the 25th of May as the annual Planking day.

But despite the fame that the game has gained, it has generated a few haters who called themselves as the AntiPlanking societies, which continues to grow in number, when a 20-year-old Acton Beale, accidentally fell from his seven-story apartment in Brisbane last May,after planking on its balcony. The accident even pushed the Prime Minister of the country, Julia Gillard, to callout for a safe way of having fun.

Because of his tragic accident, comments blaming the inventors of planking came out.

But Clarkson said that they are not to blame for all of these.

“It’s a bit like blaming the inventor of the bicycle for all the injuries and deaths on bikes since then,” he said.

R u m o r s spreading in the internet say that the activity is a demonic exercise that originated from the old Eastern religious practice. They say that the word was derived from the Latin word which means “worshiping the devil in a parallel position”.

It alarmed people when the statement even said that the activity leads to death and that the inventors revived this act to victimize young people. But plankers all over the world, made it clear that it was just a rumor and it has no enough basis and evidences.

Regardless of all the blames being thrown on the inventors and reinventors of the fad, there’s the fact that they are not only the ones who are responsible for the popularity of this activity. Media also performed a big role on making planking get into the spotlight. Certain events involving the activity were covered by media people,

resulting to a feeling of curiosity to those who haven’t tried it yet. In September 2009, a group of seven accident-and-emergency staff got suspended for doing the lying down game while on a night shift at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. They planked on resuscitation trolleys, ward

beds, floors and even on the helipad and posted their pictures on Facebook. This issue was said to be the first major press coverage on planking, marking the start of the game’s fame.

Another incident was when the policemen in Gladstone, Australia charged a 20-year-old man who planked on their patrol car, Naty Shaw, and gave a public warning about the danger of it.

This confrontation resulted to the opposite of what is intended. Planking became the topic of every conversation everywhere in their country. Radio stations began posting planking videos and pictures on their websites and hosts of a famous morning show also planked on their couch, making the official planking pages in the social networking site, Facebook, grew for more than 107,000 in just one week. Celebrity endorsements also made it more famous as

David “Wolfman” Williams, an Australian rugby player, endorsed planking and made it as his trademark as he planked after scoring on one of their games last March.

In the Philippines, however the activity

didn’t get the attention of the netizens at first; but few months later photos of Filipinos planking on the most unusual places circulated the net. Facebook user Aldrin Pangan, created the infamous Planking Pinas on the 7th of July, merely 45 likes on first few hours, grew to a whooping hundred thousand in just two months – it even generated provincial chapters. Netizens posted their planking photos taken from the middle of the LRT, in front of the Rizal monument at Luneta and even in the middle of EDSA. The Facebook page also started a contest of the most unusual planking photo; winner of the said contest will have bragging rights and will be the face of the said page.

Although there is no known fatalities that has been caused by planking in the country, Quezon City second district Representative Winston Castelo, filed a bill called the “Anti-Planking Act of 2011” after

a demonstrators from the League of Filipino Students planked along the Welcome Rotonda, to condemn educational budget cuts of the government. The bill gained criticisms from the different sectors of the society, even though the act gives no penalty for those who will disobey it. But all schools, colleges, and universities nationwide will be forced to create a “Universal School Code of Conduct” that forbids the students to do the planking activity; every school shall set their own sanction against those who will continue to participate on the craze.

“Unbelieving bus drivers and law enforcement authorities might just ram through these warm and living bodies rolled out on highways,” Castelo said supporting his filed bill. A comic on the New York Times even backed up Castelo saying that planking is one of the activities rioters should not do. But netizens posted their disbelief on the said bill; ergo it’s a constitutional right of a person to plank.

The University also wasn’t able to escape this epidemic planking fever. A Facebook fan page was made by Perpetualites from the Molino campus, but compared to other universities in the country, the page seemed to have fewer members. The fan page was named ‘Perpetual Plankers,’ which generated 466 likes as of press time. However, despite of small amount of members the admin of the said page are still dedicated to their mission to promote Filipino planking and let Perpetual Plankers be known.

While most people enjoy doing planking, some still think this is just a pointless activity being done by crazy people. But as what Gary Clarkson said, being called “mad” for doing the trend is the point of this –nonsensical— activity. Others may raise their eyebrows, some may laugh, others may continue to spread bad rumors about it, but planking will still remain in the hearts of those who truly love the game. We may have different perspectives about it, but what matters in the end is our respect on others’ own view about this internet meme.

“Binge eating may be his way to Can you handle the truth? fulfill the loneliness that he is feeling. For him, food is acting as a comforter. Some people [The real deal behind every Disney films] shop compulsively, some people drown N D Q. P , M Y S V F L ikko

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a deer can talk, you can’t blame the writer and the film-maker, after all it became one of the Walt Disney Animited Classics.

Another case concerning a deceased parent, is a flm that centers on the life on an animal but this time the ‘king of the jungle’. The Lion King, which was released 52 years after the release of Bambi, which has some similiraties; both Simba and Bambi are heir apparent in the hierarchy of the forest, and both of them witnessed losing one of their parents. Although, the story of Simba is an original Disney story, unlike Bambi’s.

THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

That’s why we came up with questions such as: How would a mother react if her child asked her about death? How would she feel about this very sensitive issue?

Which is one of the issues most parents, if possible, would like to avoid including in a conversation with their child.

First, it is very sensitive and critical for such issue requires concrete yet simple explanation to be understood by a child. Toddler years are the stage where children are most conscious and would probably throw in questions that would be very hard for parents to look for answers and children who are within these age have not enough cognitive ability to understand such scenarios. For sure these questions are the same questions you asked when you are of that age. Were your parents able to satisfy you with the answers they gave you? Did these answers give you confusion or you just settled and find the answers yourself along the way?

According to a research study entitled: DEATH IN DISNEY FILMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN’S UNDERSTANDING OF DEATH, such movies particularly the ones produced

by Walt Disney Company have these psychological effects to children who would witness such events; like the

anti

itzi vonne antos and ictor rancis

absence of the characters’ parents, the death of a parent of a particular character and other violent scenes mentioned above.

Children would have these interpretations of death. Death is irreversible and inevitable. Such explanations should be provided by their parents to prevent misconceptions and misunderstandings.

This might affect their thinking capacity.

It can either lead them to a more matured thinking or it can cause trauma to them.

Toddler years are mostly the building block of every child. Whatever events, thoughts they have within these years would certainly contribute to their emotional and intellectual formation and definitely be brought up to their teenage l i f e .

The

research study conducted in New Jersey concluded that such films particularly the ten Disney Films which they used as a reference showed 23 death scenes.

Disney’s portrayal of death may be both good and bad; yet they can serve as effective learning tools for children.

Some portrayals of death in Disney films send ambiguous messages about death and may be confusing to many young children. That is why the researchers advised that parents or guardians must be at their 100% readiness whenever the young viewer asks questions.

inao

Once upon a time we were all little kids mesmerized by all the characters Disney has created. We dreamed with them. We lived with them, but come to think of it, did Disney make all wishes come true or is it forever a once upon a time with a traumatic experience and stuff?

UGLY TRUTH NUMBER TWO

From witnessing dying parents, let’s now set forth to mental illnesses.

We bet no one here doesn’t know Winnie-the-Pooh, the bear we have come to love because of his fluffyness, and his love for honey. The four-part series storybook of the anthromorphic bear was written by Alan Alexander Milne for his son, Christopher Robin, to bring his toys to life. The story revolves around the adventures of Christopher with his rag tag group of animalish stuffeed toy friends, Pooh bear, Eeyore, Piglet, amongst others. One strange thing about this story, is the absence of Christopher’s parents, or any other human for that matter.

The feel and style of the film is completely innocent, even its original purpose is innocent. But upon deeper inspection and observation, you would notice that nearly all of the characters somehow represent different mental illnesses.

Christopher Robin, who according to a research study conducted by the Canadian Medical Association, posseses Schizophrenia which is characterized by distortions of reality and disturbances of thought. According to the study, he is under the state of delusion as manifested by his exchange of messages with the anthrophormic characters in the story.

While Pooh, as often seen in the series munching honey, has developed an eating disorder, for which Freud will distinguish as an oral fixation, thus resulting to weight issues.

their sorrows, Pooh eats compulsively,”

Not only Christopher and Pooh have mental illness; Rabbit and his fussy worry-about-every-sing-detail attitude represents Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Tiger who is characterized of his inability to stay still and bouncing from one point to another and not care at all represents Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); and of course the lovely Piglet who is scared at Tiger and basically at all things, and made up creatures such as ‘jagulars’ and ‘hefflaumps’ characterize the General Anxiety disorder. Other characters from the story like Eeroyne possess Major Depressive Disorder, Kanga and Roo who are codependent from each other, and Mr. Owl who have a Narcissitic Personality Disorder.

EFFECTS

According to Association of Natural Psychology, children’s films leave a pronounced footprint today on the personalities and development of a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. These films might cause children to act violently and imitate the character’s action. There are scenes that show violence but are presented in a bloodless way. Wherein there are not much death and most of the time the characters don’t die even if when analyzed by the adult viewers these are violent and of course unbelievable.

Some children tend to act like animals, imitate their actions, and speak the way the characters do. There are also times that the show contains educational scenes and these are some of the good effects children’s films have imparted on the child’s development.

There are hundreds more of these hidden meanings each one pertaining to a certain film, from slavery in A bugs life to Mental illnesses in Winnie the Pooh, this just proves that there is another side to everything, even in the most innocent of things like Disney, there is always a dark side that is yet to be seen, but whether or not these meanings are true it is still up to the person watching them, and the writers who wrote them.

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The Perpetualite

FEATURES

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Beautifully Handsome N D Q. P ikko

t was a Thursday; the scorching heat of the sun already set, and the mild moon was showing her beauty when we met the country’s representative for Mister International, which was held last 17th of December 2011 in Thailand. How is the sun relevant you might ask? It’s relevant because all of the people whom I asked to describe Fhrancis Oliver Lopez used the adjective hot, to which I’m not protesting.

Franc as he was fondly called is a 22-year-old graduating AS HRM student who stands a little over 5-foot8-inches. He has this buff-but-not-toomuch type of physique, which I’m sure will make girls go loco! It was also the only reason that I can think of why he was one of the four candidates chosen, from 33 of them, to pose for a local magazine in Thailand.

“I was shocked when they decided to have me on the magazine.

Maybe because I’m one of the contestants who lack height,” he shares.

Seven o’clock was a fair time; we had an hour and a half for the photo shoot, which came swift, at the top floor of the IHM building. I cannot help but notice his eyes, dark brown in color, which was calling my attention every time he looks in the camera. At one point I asked him to look seducing for the layout we prepared.

“Hindi ako marunong magseduce,” he joked.

Franc started to take his chances in ramp modelling and eventually joining his first pageant, the second edition of the search for Mister International Philippines where he took home the title.

He also shares that before going back to college, he was once a call center agent, for six months he said. After which he pursued modelling for a year now, where he was casted to be a prospect contestant for the said pageant.

“Masaya ako and honoured

T

he plane has landed; silhouettes of seven gentlemen are slowly making its way into the Philippine boundary. The battle was over, but they are coming back not empty handed, they took home bronze as well as the spectator’s breaths. Home-grown talents, Unschooled, goes back from the World Supremacy Battlegrounds has given The Perpetualite the honor to share their story of success and sacrifices.

Unschooled managed to rank 3rd among other dancing crews in the 8th World Supremacy Battlegrounds (WSB) held last 26th of November 2011 at Sydney, Australia. The WSB is the biggest international hip-hop street dance competition and most prestigious urban dance event in the southern hemisphere, more specifically the countries across the Australasia-Pacific region.

3 out of 7

The group which consisted of dancers from different schools, united in the midst of differences as they say “unity in diversity” danced on the same page with each other. That being said, they are comprised of: Justin Baladad from Colegio de San Juan de Letra, Cortlandt Catajay from Far Eastern University, Benjamin Manalo from De La Salle College of St. Benilde, Franco Lumanlan from De La Salle University – Manila and three from our own University namely Andrew Bermudo, Ralph Caliwan and Lawrence Ladera. Pride of their respective institutions and the country, we’ll let you groove your way to the story, an untold story of the Unschooled Dance Crew.

Yes! That’s right… 3 out of 7 members of this internationally awarded dance group has been swagging their way around the campus, right under our noses. They all came from the College of International Hospitality Management, who were destined to be showstoppers when they decided to join the Altas PerpSquad in 2006. But cheering is not enough for these guys as the voice of the dance floor called out to them and later on decided to form the Altas Dance Listers (ADL, presently known as Perpetual Street Dance or PSD) with their other dancing pals in 2007.

In 2008, Unschooled was born.

ave

anti

dahil ire-represent mo yung Philippines,” he answered when we asked him what he felt after learning that he won the said pageant. “I’m happy na supportive din yung parents ko,” he adds.

After winning the local pageant, he was introduced to different workshops to hone him and make himself ready for the international one that was held in Thailand, where he was one of the 16 semi-finalists.

Joggling between school works and modelling, he said that it’s a tough job. There are doors that open opportunity for Franc, after winning. “I might pursue commercial modelling because of the offers that they are giving me,” he shares.

For those who seek to join future male pageants he has this to say, “Kasi dito sa Pilipinas, kahit sa buong mundo, hindi nabibigyan ng pansin yung mga male pageants, kung gusto nilang sumali, ituloy lang nila kasi dito sa atin sinisimulan na natin magkaroon ng pangalan ang Pilipinas sa mga male pageants.”

“Parehas lang yung advocacy ng male pageants sa mga female pageants, for me yung gender is not an issue, they have no differences,” he says when we asked him about the difference between a male pageant and that of the beauty pageant.

Mister International’s advocacy is awareness in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and promotes healthy living and lifestyle.

At the end of the interview, Franc and the team parted ways at the university lane, he left us noting the serene smile that he has, and the scent that makes us not forget the Thursday night photo shoot. He may have not won the title, but he made us more proud to be a Perpetualite, and inspires us to reach our dreams.

Uncovering Unschooled J E B ohn

“We came from different Universities to see the unity of each school and also planned to make a group with a style, not typical to what you guys see in Sketchers.

We want the style of Unschooled to be unique,” says Ralph.

Some of the early members of the group had to leave to focus on their jobs and studies, so the others who were left pursued and even resorted to have auditions for the group to grow and let their purpose be known. “We decided to join WSB hindi para manalo kundi para maipakilala kung sino talaga kami at para kay God and bawat performances

mmanuel

usa

3 crews flying to Australia namely Boyz Unlimited, Flipendemic crew and Unschooled.

Winning in the Groove Philippines National Hip Hop Dance Championship 2011 last October 8 in Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta, Rizal was just a stepping stone in competing with the best of the bests, it was also the start of their epic story on how to come up with the money to pay for the expenses to cover their trip to Australia. The prize money from Groove were used for their Australian Visas but wasn’t enough for the air fare and other expenses.

performed in the TV show Party Pilipinas to showcase their talent after winning in Groove.

Tension aroused when the flight to Australia was getting near and all members are ready to fly except Baladad and Ladera, to their disappointment, their visas were not yet ready.

“Dalawa lang kami ni Justin na wala pang visa so nakapag-apply kami ng November 10, tapos 10 working days ang process ng Australian visa so abot pa kasi 23 yung alis namin,” recalled Lawrence.

“Late dumating yung sa naunang lima, so mas late samin but we prayed na makuha

[L-R] Cortlandt Catajay (FEU), ===Benjamin Manalo (DLS-CSB), Franco Lumanlan (DLSU-Manila), Justin Baladad (CSJL), Lawrence Ladera, Ralph Caliwan and Andrew Bermudo (UPHSD-LP).

Photo courtesy of Unschooled namin,” he added.

Groove towards the Battlegrounds

After being announced as champions of the Groove Philippines 2011, Unschooled together with 7 other Filipino dance crews were sent to Australia to battle out and represent the country in the WSB. However not all groups were able to join the contest, mainly because the plane ticket alone is expensive, resulting for only

“Tinulungan kami ng Philippine All-Stars, as in lahat ng gigs nila kasama nila kami, minsan binibigay na nila samin para lang makumpleto lang yung pera,” says Ralph remembering the days before the WSB competition in which they have to come up with the money for the expenses.

They even organized the Zufrai Dance Battle Competition for all dancers in the All-Stars Dance Studio to help cover the needed money. The group also

namin in time and nakuha namin 22 ng hapon,” he shares remembering back their experience. After receiving their visas, depositing the airfare became their next problem for they still lack some of the needed money, fortunately, the mother of one of their lady members, Jamaica Jornacion, helped them, “we can’t afford to do it by ourselves kasi busy kami sa pyesa namin, sobrang bait ni God! Dapat susunod nalang kami ni Justin sa Australia ng 24 ng gabi pero

talagang kailangan kumpleto kaming lilipad,” he added.

Right after stepping in the boundaries of Australia, lack of food and shelter, the cold and many problems welcomed them. Help came on their way as the group was helped and housed by a Filipino Pastor, Pastor Rudy Tan of Filipino Christian Fellowship (FCF).

They were given good food and lodging for free. The Filipino community even gave them pasalubong for their families and even pocket money for each member, “Yun pa lang para na kaming champion, salamat talaga kay God,” added by Ralph who wants to extend their gratitude to the Pastor and to the Filipino Community in Australia.

Coming home

The group won the 3rd spot in the WSB and went home with pride and experience not all dance crews will experience. Several invitations and performances welcomed the group as they walked the Philippine land again not just the ordinary crew before but as internationally acclaimed winners.

They’re back and are now working much harder aiming to surpass what they have achieved in the previous years. The spotlight is not over for this guys as we expect to see more than what we saw from them before.

As for our three Perpetualite top performers, at present, they are focusing on their dancing careers as competitors, leaders and followers. They still roam the campus as they guide dancers in the right path. Ladera is still the head choreographer of the Perpetual Street Dance (PSD) as well as Bermudo and Caliwan manages to instill their knowledge in their craft in the members.

[Editor’s note: There were a total of 12 countries who participated in the recent WSB competition, which consists of four categories: Varsity, Junior, Monster Crew and Open division, Unschooled competed in the latter division where in +_-ranked 3rd. Home-grown talents from Pangasinan, Boyz Unlimited, was the champion.]

FEATURES

MS. UNIVERSITY CANDIDATES

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

Jonas Santiago

Jessica O. Asuncion

Cyleena Mari B. Nieto

Abigail Grace C. Cruz

G. Mc Ginnis Bernardine O. Macaballug Rizzel Paula A. Dimalanta Earl BS Radiologic Technology IV

BS Hotel and Restaurant Management III

BS Education III 5’ 7”

BS Radiologic Therapy III 5’ 1”

Crisha Jeane J. Borlaza

Lenie H. Perfecto

MR. UNIVERSITY CANDIDATES

AB Mass Communication III 5’ 6”

BS Respiratory Therapy III 5’ 5”

Maria Cecilia R. Fuerte BS Medical Technology IV 5’ 1”

Williet P. Dela Cruz BS Nursing IV 5’ 3”

BSBA- HRDM IV 5’ 7”

BS Marine Transportation I 5’ 4”

Althea June G. Cartajena BS Pharmacy 5’ 1”

Kezyl Ann Kriziah D. Macias BS Electronics Engineering 5’ 1”

Trishia Geline A. Almeda Franz Elisha Mei F. Santiago BS Tourism 5’ 7”

BS Information Technology I 5’ 5”

Jamie R. Gorospe

The Perpetualite

BS Occupational Therapy II 5’ 6”

Hassan Omar Al-Soeis BS Tourism I 6’ 1”

Louis Angelo S. Reyes AB Mass Communication IV 5’ 10”

Mykee Aldrienne D.G. Miguel

BS Hotel and Restaurant Management IV 5’ 9”

BS Respiratory Therapy III 5’ 7”

5’ 7”

Danvick R. Chato Engineering III 5’ 5”

Jose Nicolas A. Corpuz BS Physical Therapy IV 5’ 9”

Anthonell S. Panaglima BS Aviation II 5’ 11”

Marvin A. Salcedo BS Education II 5’ 5”

13

Bryan B. Biasura

BS Marine Transportation III 5’ 10”

Alvin Mallari BS Nursing III 5’ 7”

Vincent Santiago

BS Information Technology I 5’ 8”

Matthew Reuben B. Aronce BS Pharmacy II 5’ 7”

Basel Hassan Al Sayed BS Medical Technology I 5’ 9”

Marc Justin B. Endriga BS Accountancy I 5’ 9”

14

The Perpetualite

R

last

umor has it that 2012 will be the ‘end of the world’. It is said that it will be the Armageddon, the apocalypse, the end! Such word has been popular as movie titles of – Yes! You got that right – dooms day. These movies were top-grosser, except of the recent one entitled ‘2012’, because of one reason, we are curious of what would really happen if the time will come.

Of course we continuously ask ourselves if this day will ever come, or if it is even real. We also become lax in the thinking that it’s just in our head. But, what if it’s true?

What will you do the day after tomorrow?

Books, movies, songs and documentaries that tackle this topic are being produced every now and then and are now popular. Aside from playing with our imagination on what would happen in the “end of everything”, it gives us the time and the freedom to think on what we have done in the past years of our lives. The things we have achieved, the deeds we’ve done, it it’s enough and worthy?

Faith and religion is out of the question here for it is a fact that we have our own beliefs regarding the judgment day.

Some of you might say that there is no such thing as Armageddon; others would say that it’ll happen tomorrow or surprisingly right after reading this article. But there is nothing wrong with asking and thinking of the possibility that eventually this day will come, like I said earlier, we have the freedom to ask, to think.

So here’s the part where we’ll say

The P.B.V Era from page 10

conversation, because in every obvious questions there will always be a mean yet funny answer. He also thought us another way on how to block a talking person, like the most famous line in his recent movie, “Pag ba bakla, salot na agad di ba pweng malas muna?” And from that phrase, many people made their own like:

“Pag ba madaming friend na lalaki, flirt na agad? Di ba pwedeng friendly muna?,” and “Pag ba pangit sa picture, pangit na agad, di ba pwedeng wacky muna?”

Such phrase is very easy to make and use and you can create your own. You just have to remember that there are two basic parts in creating one, have two things that are similar or are almost synonymous to

FORUM

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

year John Emmanuel Busa

that 2012 will be the judgment day… hmm or judgment year perhaps, whatever, and now I’ll ask you, what will you do?

Will you repent on your sins? Will you tell everyone special to you that you love them? Will you do things you’ve not yet done? Or will you just sit back and wait for what will happen next? There are a lot of things going around a person’s mind when asked about this topic and it’ll be hard for me to enumerate those things, that’s why I’m leaving it for everyone to realize what they will do if it is the end of the world.

The upcoming event

In spite this “upcoming event”, there’s just one question others would ask regarding this. Why be afraid of it? If you’ve lived the life of a god-fearing individual, shouldn’t you be anticipating about it? For after this judgment day, it is implied that the paradise will be of shelter for good people who will be given mercy from the heaven’s wrath. We’re not questioning other beliefs or faith but shouldn’t they be prepared even happy in the coming of the apocalypse instead of being afraid? A thought for the soul.

However, about the things one should do if it’s the moment of truth, one may vary from the others. We have our own things in our minds when asked about this but the question is… “Will you wait for the Judgment Day before doing it?”

A concrete example is that you would tell everyone that you love them right before the day comes. Don’t you have the

the other and just compare it then just start it with the word “Pag ba” and then conclude it with “diba pwede?” For example: “Pag ba magaling na publication Inquirer na agad, diba pwedeng The Perpetualite muna?”

Pick-up lines, Swardspeak, Bekimon, Vice Ganda’s lines were just few of the latest trends in language. There is no harsh in using such, but you just have to know your limits. You can play with words, make fun of it, but make sure that at the end of the day, you should know how to use your real language.

SIGNS from page 10

May it be English or Tagalog or in another language, communication is a key

time to tell them now? Will you wait for that day before you tell them you love them?

We are given the time of our lives to make it up for others and for ourselves, shouldn’t we use it to do everything we want to do, not before we die or vanish? Why should we wait for the end of time if we could do it now, right this moment? Another thought for the soul.

Live like we’re dying

This song by 2010 American Idol Chris Allen is a good example that what we can do now should be done and now wait for tomorrow.

For us to be contented in our lives, one should live like his dying. I don’t mean to live in fear, instead live in happiness, and assume that tomorrow will be your last day for you to realize that what you have right now is enough for you. Treat everyone special as if it’ll be your last day that you’ll ever see them for one doesn’t know what will happen in the next day, hour or the next minute. In this way, if ever the time will come for us to leave or if the judgment day comes, we are ready to accept what faith will be bestowed for us. We will be relieved that we’ve done our share of love for everyone and for ourselves.

Going back to our question, we are given the freedom to doubt and to believe.

There is nothing wrong in asking ourselves, What if it’s the end of the world? What should we do? But again, what you can do now shouldn’t wait for tomorrow.

factor for the improvement of the society.

Thus, when there is a decrease in the literacy of the people of this certain society, they definitely needs quality education. It is a step towards the future, like the old saying goes, “Ang kabataan and pag-asa ng bayan”, and the change should start with us. Atleast in the future hindi na tayo makakita ng sign that says…

“Look at her, she’s beautiful…..don’t you?”

ID-system

from page 2 his ID validated or not since these units purchased from Elid are experimental and are “defective”. Although it is a later model compared to the one used in De La Salle University-Manila, it’s still not as

W

will

Here are some of what Perpetualites of all year levels from various colleges had to say...

“I’d spend the remaining blessed day with my family, just us. I want to fill up those days of my absence when they needed me the most especially to my brother. In that scenario, I could imagine how peaceful I am to say goodbye to this beautiful world made

by God.” – Mary Grace Celosa (BSHRM III) “I’ll do what I want, do what I think is right and do what I think is good.

Ayaw kong marinig na sabihin ko sa sarili ko na: ‘kung alam ko lang, noon ko pa ginawa.’”

– Ela Gregorio (BSA) “I’d have to squeeze the things I wanted to do for so long in 24 hours and make an album about it entitled: ‘my last day on earth.’”

– Haden Elgin Rialp (BSCSIV) “I will look to the people that I made wrong to. Tell my love ones that I am very blessed to have them. I’ll drink my cup of coffee at the beach while waiting for the sun to set in.”

– Lily May Balabis (BSEduc II) “Gagawin ko ang last day ko sa paghahanap sa totoo kong magulang.

Basta sana bago mag-end of the world, masabi kong bago ako mamatay, nabuo ang pagkatao ko.”

- Ghen Vales (BSCS)

good as the model they use.

With these problems mentioned, the system administrator, together with the rest of the team, is doing his very best to solve the problem. “For implementation na sa Emilio Aguinaldo College yung new system at next na ang UPHSD,” he confirms.

Since it has been obvious that there is something wrong with the ID system, the student complaints go back to the Php 400 ID fee.

As of the press time, the University Chief Accountant, Ms. Virginia Cainglet, hasn’t released any statements regarding the usage and whre does the ID fee goes.

The Amazing Playground [Clothing]

e asked our fellow Perpetualites to share what they would do if tomorrow be the doomsday.

*****

TV quest from page 3

staff to turn on the TV sers or increase its volume.

In addition, he mentioned that “the TVs are not there for watching programs like Win na Win and Eat Bulaga!, rather they are originally for watching the NCAA Basketball games to support the school’s teams and cheerleading squad. Other than that, they are supposed to be maximized by the deans and students by tuning into educational channels that would benefit the students.”

Upon hearing previous reports about the TVs, Mr. Lester V. Gajita, newly appointed general manager of TJ Enterprises Food Services said “We are actually considering feedbacks and taking actions for it.” He assures Perpetualites that he will still follow the primary objectives of the previous general manager, but will be stricter in implementing it. Educational and informative TV shows such as the National Geographic, News, NCAA broadcast, and etc., will be frequently aired on the television screens of the canteen. Students may still request for a certain channels but Mr. Gajita makes it a point that “No talk shows, including Showtime are allowed. As much as possible; English TV shows.”

A radio booth, which will be situated along the vicinity of the canteen, is also to be implemented this coming month, where students can announce and advertise for free; with 100% assurance that they will not charge it through their foods.

Plastic Bags from page 5 and third offenses, and P5, 000.00 fine and/ or imprisonment of not more than 6 months upon the discretion of the court; and worse, cancellation of license to operate for a period of 1 year.

Massive information education and communication campaigns are also in place to warn and prepare citizens of its operation that also includes the encouragement of alternative biodegradable packaging materials.

LITERARY

ABORSYON Jeftee A. Senolos

Hindi ba’t sinabing apoy nakakapaso, Sa magsing-irog na dito’y naglalaro Nanay, tatay, bahay-bahayan Itong pag-ibig para ngang laruan.

The Perpetualite

A Woman's Encounter with Humanity

15

Jobeth P. Zerrudo

Halika’t pagsaluhan natin Itong pulot pukyutan na alay ko Sa tamis na dulot nito, Ikapitong langit nga’y matatanto

One Sunday afternoon gave me the chance to have an eye – opening experience. It was as if humanity had forgotten the real essence of being ‘human’ anymore – not just on that day but every day as well.

A fragile, defenseless little girl stood outside the entrance of the church, I was headed to. As I approached the doors, I was able to get a clearer picture of her physique. She was wearing a tattered, torn-out white dress – now greyish black, probably from accumulated from all the nastiest things I could think of. She was also walking on barefoot, dirt and blisters dominating her feet. And her hair, her dark brown hair curled in little ringlets cascaded down all over her face.

She was a true sign of abandonment and negligence.

Some people who passed by gave her sympathetic looks, others harsher, glaring at her like she committed a murder crime.

I understood their mixed reactions when I, myself passed by her; for what was more uncomfortable was that when we looked at each other she smiled at me. Yes, that little girl flashed me the most innocent, genuine smile I have ever seen my whole life. I founded myself speechless as I made my way inside the church and went on with the mass.

I thought that by the time the mass would be over she would be gone too.

To my surprise, she was still there. But she was not just standing anymore. She was roaming around, extending out her hand to every person coming out of the church, and still has that smile she showed me earlier planted on her face.

As I expected, people shooed her away, like a stray animal – probably disgusted

Nakasilip si mamang buwan Habang sa dilim tayo’y nagsasayawan Nagpapakasaya at nagpapakasarap Tinitikman itong mainam na alak.

Tapos na ang panahong kay saya Harapin na itong mabigat na balita, Aking irog nasan ka?

Ako nga’y panagutan na.

Ama nitong aking dinadala Magpakita ka pagkat ako’y nag-aalala Tuluyan na nga bang iniwan ng aking sinta Sinong magpapaliwanag, walang makakasama.

O aking iniibig ako’y naririto Iyong panaghoy ay nadinig ko Hindi pa ako handa magkapamilya’t magka-asawa Salamat na lang sa matamis na alaala.

Ito nga’y nangyari na, may magagawa pa ba?

Tatanggapin na lang ba o pilit aalisin Ngunit sa mata ng lipunan Ano ba ang magiging tingin?

Aking magulang wala pang alam Anuman ang aking pinagdadaanan Di bale ,hindi naman nila malalaman Pamilya’y walang haharaping kahihiyan.

Buo na ang aking loob Ngunit meron paring masamang kutob Ano nga bang mangyayari sa sinapupunan?

Sa batang sa aking tiya’y inalagaan.

Hindi ba’t sinabing apoy nakakapaso, Sa magsing-irog na dito’y naglalaro Nariyan si nanay, nawala si tatay Isang anghel tuloy ang nawalan ng buhay.

Freedom

by that creature in front of them. One lady even said, “Get away from me, you!

Go back to wherever you came from and don’t ever come back!” A normal person would have considered this as rude and offensive, but this girl obviously doesn’t for she just gave that lady an apologetic smile, walked away, and approached another person she saw. The lady, humiliated, grunted with disbelief and stormed off. People who witnessed the incident just held their ground, stared at the child and lingered for a few moments, then walked away. I was about to do the same when she turned around and saw me.

I watched her as she walked up to me, looked me in the eye, extended out her hand, and smiled. I was dumbfounded.

Not knowing what to do, I blurted out the first thing that came into my mouth, “Do you want to eat something?” She seemed surprised at first, her small, black eyes widening at such insane inquiry.

I was suddenly worried that she would run away, frightened. The exact opposite happened. She grinned, nodded, and then exclaimed, “Yes, please!” I chuckled at her incorruptibility.

After she had eaten a decent meal, she voluntarily talked about herself. “You know, we used to eat delicious foods too, me and my parents, after attending the Sunday mass.” “They were the ones who gave me this dress.” She lifted a fabric of her dress, smiled, then stared off into space. “Well, that’s very pretty. What happened to them?” I have nothing to lose here. Like being pulled out from a trance, she looked at me and said, “Thank you.

Oh, they’re not here anymore. They’re

up there.” She looked up into the sky.

“They were killed by someone. I don’t know him, but he is pure evil. Ha said he wanted revenge. My parents managed to get me out of the house before they were both shot. I ran away as far as I could, their faces haunting me. It was the day of my birthday too, that’s why I was wearing this dress. Since then I’ve been here, sleeping on the sidewalk, asking for food, and looking for someone who cares. Somebody even stole my shoe, but I didn’t notice for I was sleeping that time. I awoke to find it gone.”

After she finished talking my eyes started to water. She seemed to notice this for she said, “Oh, please don’t cry. I should be the one crying here. You’re the only person out here to show me that there is still some hope left. Don’t worry; I’m already used to those people wanting me to be away from them. I didn’t even do anything to them. That’s quite funny; you and I know that it is true – that even if you turn the world upside down, I would always be considered as a parasite, something they want nothing to do with.

It’s reality. So I want to thank you, for making a difference.” I tried to hold back tears, but she was able to wipe away one that escaped with her soft, delicate hand.

And what a huge difference did it make in my life. Who would have thought that a small encounter with a little girl outside the church will open my eyes to the harsh realities of life – the ugly and hideous truth humanity has formed within themselves from their own insecurities and inhibitions.

Still You Rizzalyn A. Bernarte

Karl Philips M. Miranda

You run out into the pastures.

Force every obstacle out of your way and block every emotion that gives you grief, denying the fact that you’ve lost everything important to you. Those that said they’ll always be there for you are nowhere to be found. Every problem seems to shadow you wherever you go.

Uncontrollably the hate, the anger with in you is set loose, much like how a rhino responds to hunters.

Swearing, shouting furiously and loud as you can. The sun falls into the abyss and every moment you had, that gave you that feeling of those first days of love follows. It’s similar to how a sun would set from the horizon at the beach, slowly but surely it will disappear, you know the pain will do the same and take over you.

A tear of regret trickles from your eye, and you start to wonder what life would have been if you hadn’t made those choices that put you in the position you’re in, disturbing the silent gentle night you listen to your echoes that fade away into nothing. Telling whatever it is that still gives you strength to move on that you’ll change for the better. But you soon realize that some form of depression has taken over. Still even in the glimpse of darkness a faint smile is lifting, and from the past you realize that the past is the past and you can’t change that. It’s the future you look forward to. As you look up and stare at the stars you realize

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

you have a lot more to look forward to, simultaneously you tell yourself change will not come.

The stars above watch you as you fall apart. Mother nature feels your pain, and is lending a hand giving you the feeling that your never alone, she gives you a push and gently you feel the soft breeze of the light wind flow around your skin, much like how a mother would bathe her child, it’s cool and comforting.

She speaks to you and as you listen to the silent whispers of the night, you can’t help but experience the very meaning of solitude. Your mind eradicates every image or thought that gives fear or pain.

The night grows darker and as it does, the stars in the black sky shine and glimmer, you soon realize that it resembles your heart. Your heart that was once fuelled by the very essence of sadness and pain is slowly being filled with an unexplainable feeling of just plain happiness, like how a dark room in a mental institute is slowly breaking apart, and the light that breaks through those walls is courage, hope and the need to be free.

You then accept the fate of the past. You realize that to move on you must follow your heart. You must believe that there is a God watching over you making sure you are never alone. And so because what has just taken place…

You attain freedom.

I thought I wouldn’t feel this again After a long time of not feeling the pain But tell me, why is it all coming back?

Just when I thought I’ve already fixed the crack

I thought the wounds are already healed I thought I’m done crying over milk spilled But why is it all like this? Tell me why.

Why did it all come back under a different sky?

I don’t want to make this forever hidden But how can I show it if I’m already taken?

How can I tell the truth and be free, If fear engulfs the whole of me.

? y h W

I want to stop this lie and pretension Utter the words to release my emotion But it’s too late to say I love you still It’s too late to say I’ll always will Because I’m not that free anymore To say I need you as much as before I already belong to somebody new Though my heart still belongs to you. ers it. ess cov n k r a d t ues bu for cl

hing Searc . t i There are Faith Clarisse D. Salaver find ? a lot of que can’t I t is way u h s b t t ions? Quest s t i r Why? W e s ions stuck in my head Looking for answ hy? Why Why i ? is it this wa s e l i sm y? Why ther dbye. e’s pain after laughter? Why there are tears after There’s say goo o t t u always a yo negative a o wa n nd positive e k i l it’s When there’s inc rease, there’s decrease. Life is full of why’s and

16

The Perpetualite

FUN PAGE

January 2012 theperpetualite@perpetualdalta.edu.ph

LALA Perpetualista H

eto na ako’t nagbabalik muli, nakarinig na naman ng mga balitang nakakarindi! Ngunit, hindi lang masamang pangitain ang aking ibabahagi sa inyo mga Perpetualista. Dahil bagong taon, less negative vibes ang laman ng aking column. Mapapansin niyo rin na medyo – as in medyo lang – ang transformation na nangyari sa akin. Salamat sa aking generous sponsors.

MGA KAMASKOM!

Madami nang naka-pansin sa pagbabago na ibinahagi sa mga may kursong mass communication. Major lipat ang ginawa sa kanila, mula sa dating isang room lamang, ngayon buong third floor ng CS building na ang kanilang opisina. Stateof-the-art¬ ngang tunay ang kanilang bagong studio. Sana ay alagaan ito ng mga estudyante at maging instrumento ito upang mag-pursige silang mag-aral.

Suportahan din natin sila sa mga gagawin nilang produksiyon. Balita ko dadagsa ang mga stars sa ating campus ngayong Marso para sa ‘Gawad Tanglaw’.

Inday! Ilabas ang gown, darating si Mareng Marian Rivera, Psychology ‘yon!

NEXT IN LINE

Napag-usapan natin ang major change. Sana’y may next in line nang departamento na makaka-experience din ng miracle mula sa administrasyon. Katulad na lang ng mga mag-aaral ng Sikolohiya (Psychology). Hindi man daw sila ‘indemand’ pero hindi sila nauubusan ng mga estudyante, dahil ang mga tao ay patuloy parin sa ‘pag-iisip’. Diba?

Sana’y mabigyan na rin ang departamentong ito ng kaukulang pansin.

Hindi lang sila, sana ang ibang kurso rin upang magkapag-bigay ng quality education.

Sabi nga nila ‘one step at a time’.

BASE 40?

Hindi pa ako nakaka-cope sa lakas ng mga paputok noong bisperas ng bagong taon ay sinalubong na ako ng mga suhestyon na ipapatupad na daw ang BASE 40 ngayong midterm. May mga propesor na di umano’y nagsasabi nito. Ang patakaran raw ay ipapatupad hindi lamang sa mga major subjects, pati na raw sa mga minor – na minsan ay pa-major – subjects.

Nakakagulat, dahil parang ambilis naman ata ng pagpapatupad, hindi man lang isinali ang mga estudyante sa pag-iisip kung tama ba na gawin ito sa gitna ng semester. Hindi magiging masaya ang CHEd kung nagkataon!

Hindi naman sa ayaw ng aking mga friends na ipatupad yan, dahil kaisa sila sa hangarin ninyo na ibigay ang lahat ng inyong makakaya para sa ‘quality education’. Pero kung ipapatupad ang BASE 40 sa mga asignaturang hindi naman competent ang propesor, lugi naman ata ang mga friends ko. Siguro makakabuting, tignan muna nila – i-check kumbaga – kung competent nga ba ang propesor sa asignaturang tinuturo niya.

MAY LIWANAG SA CAMPUS!

Kagaya ko, napansin niyo na rin ba ang mga ilaw na biglang nagsulputan sa loob ng campus? Kay ganda diba? Ilang karapat-dapat na estudyante sana ang mabibigyan ng diskwento kung naituon ito sa mas magandang proyekto katulad ng scholarship grants. Suhestiyon lang naman. Sabagay, magagamit yan ng mga nursing

friends ko kapag maaga ang kanilang duty. Dahil madilim talaga sa campus natin kapag papasok sila. Balitaan niyo na lang ako kapag nakabukas ang mga ilaw o hindi.

ANUNG MERON SA PAG?

May isang ‘pusa’ na lumapit sa akin isang araw at nai-balita ang kwento sa loob ng auditorium. Sana ay hindi ito totoo. Dahil kung gayon, tiyak kong hindi matutuwa ang mga friends kong naghihintay sa mga produksiyon ng naturang grupo.

VANDALISM

Mga friends, nakakalungkot dahil nung isang araw ay dumaan ako sa european garden at nakita ko na may vandalism sa mga tarpaulin na nakasabit sa ikalawang palapag ng main college building – a.k.a nursing building. Ang tinutukoy ko ay ang mga tarpaulin kung saan nakalagay ang ating mission at vision.

Kung may alam kayo kung sino ang naglagay ng mga ito maari lamang na ipagbigay alam sa The Perpetualite. Hindi lang kasi ang mga tarpaulin ang kanilang binababoy kundi pati na rin ang institusyon na siyang nagbibigay sa kanya ng talino.

Tandaan, Character building is nation building!

ANG CANTEEN, BOW!

Mga ate at kuya sa canteen, wag niyo naman pong masamain na palagi ko kayong nasusulat dito, pero palagi kasi akong nandyan, favourite place ko kasi yung canteen.

Naranasan niyo na ba na biglang nagbago ung presyo nung pagkain na palagi niyong ino-order? May friend ako na nakaranas na. Kaya lang hindi niya mapatunayan sa kadahilanang: hindi umano naibigay sa kanya ang resibo nung araw na iyon. Kaya mga ate at kuya sa canteen, tandaan ang batas ng BIR! Ibigay ang resibo kahit ayaw kuhanin ng customer, mahirap nang may mag-reklamo. Sabi nga ng mga friends kong Pol. Sci. ‘innocence of the law is not a valid reason’.

MABUHAY ANG CS!

Nakakatuwa na inumpishan ng College of Computer Studies ang pangongolekta ng tulong para sa mga friends natin na nasalanta ng bagyong ‘Sendong’. Sana ay marami pang kagaya ninyo na handang tumulong at magmalasakit sa mga nangangailangan.

Ang mga naitala sa artikulong ito ay batay lamang sa katotohanan at sa mga kwentong nai-balita sa akin. Ang katotohanan nga mga kwento, malalaman kapag may nag-react! Bato-bato sa langit ang tamaan magkakaroon ng bukol! Bagong taon, bagong buhay! Tandaan, patuloy parin sa pagbabantay ang aking mga friends sa mga gawain na dapat nang ilantad.

Kung may mga kwento, sumbong o suhestiyon na gusto niyong iparating sa akin, heto ang aking email address: lala.perpetualista@gmail.com. I-follow niyo na rin ako sa Twitter, @TPLalaPerpetual. At sa aking Facebook Fan Page: Lala Perpetualista (Journalist).

Utak ‘Dre!

Spider-Man