T RU T H
BE YON D
K N OW I N G
VOL . 63 N O. 2 | M AY T O J U N E 2018
DISCUSSION Is being eco-friendly currently treated as a genuine movement or just another passing fad? Read on page 2
FEATURE Read more about the first SAMALAYA SAGES candidate in 10 years to be elected as USG president! Read on page 2
LOCAL Find out why there is an ongoing debate as to Bacolod’s real Charter Day. Read on page 3
PHOTO ESSAY A contrast between the city’s development and the struggle of its people. Read on page 4
WIKATIONARY Familiarize yourself with lesserknown gender identity and sexual orientation terms. Read on page 7
—MARIANO O. JAVIER
EMBRACING THE RAINBOW. Bacolod held its first-ever Pride Party, The Burning House, last June 30 at the House of Frida.
Pride Month: From Riot to Revolution BY HEZRON G. PIOS
When the New York City Police Department (NYPD) raided The Stonewall Inn on June 27, 1969, the rainbow banner bustled in full color. Four hundred frequenters witnessed how the bartender, the doorman and a few drag queens were harshly cuffed and, eventually, how they themselves swelled into a tally of 2,000 individuals immersed for close combat. The night incited dissent and words such as “Gay Power!” that bounced back and forth with such clarity. At the height of it, beer bottles and trash cans soon exchanged. By 4 a.m., when the hype already thinned, what took place seemed symbolic for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT+)
community. It served as a precursor to a revolution—a revolution of inclusivity and pride. A month later, Brenda Howard, considered to be the “Mother of Pride”, attended a march which commemorated the Stonewall riots. She later organized the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March to honor Stonewall in its anniversary which was tagged as the first Pride parade in the world. Soon, other cities and countries replicated the event and made their own versions, inciting the blueprint for Pride parades internationally. Howard, along with Robert Martin and L. Craig Schoonmaker, coined the term "Pride” while Sylvia Rivera, a trans woman whose speech given on Christopher Street
made waves in the progress of Pride, also championed the word. The said speech concluded with, “I do not believe in a revolution, but you all do. I believe in the gay power. I believe in us getting our rights, or else I would not be out there fighting for our rights. That’s all I wanted to say to you people. [...] The people are trying to do something for all of us, and not men and women that belong to a white middle class white club. And that’s what you all belong to!" In 1999, Pride Month was legitimized by then-president Bill Clinton in the United States. Even former President Barack Obama acknowledged June as the official season of Pride Month for the LGBT+ community.
Meanwhile, 24 years ago in Quezon Memorial Circle, the Metro Manila Pride March was declared the pioneer Pride March in whole Asia. It saluted the Stonewall riots and was moved to December in 2003 to coincide with World AIDS Day (December 1), National Lesbian Day (December 8), and International Human Rights Day (December 10). This eventually transformed into Pride Season, a six-month long celebration. However, it was moved again to June in 2015 but its influence only resonated to the neighboring regions. In addition, LGBT+ ally Sen. Risa Hontiveros has also been eagerly pushing for Senate Bill No. 1271 or the “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression
(SOGIE) Equality Bill that is currently being processed by the 17th Congress. “Love is the currency of our struggle. We are still here to march for equality, for our right to decide and become who we are, for our right to love. We march to show that the same rights we have pushed before are the same rights we are pushing for now. We assert the space of the [LGBTQIA+] community. We march for Jennifer Laude. We march for our kids bullied in school. We marched for those who cannot,” Hontiveros said during last year’s Pride March at the Marikina City Hall. This year, the march was set on June 30 with the theme “Rise Up Together”. Furthermore, the then Negros Island Region and its premier
cities are catching up as well, with both of them organizing Pride parades and parties: Bacolod City celebrating a Pride party entitled “The Burning House” at the House of Frida, whereas Dumaguete commemorated #6200Pride at Portal West. The Philippines, in spite of its historically-charged Christianity, continues to untangle itself of the many variations of discrimination and violence growing, especially in this fast-paced age. The LGBT+ community nonetheless sustains. What began as a riot now proliferates in the form of a rainbow, that is as infrequent but ubiquitous as ever, but with quantities of hues sprawling in all directions, and love as its major currency.
WHEN IN LA SALLE: A FROSHIE’S GUIDE TO COLLEGE BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD
This is how it begins. It seemed like only yesterday when you’d rise at the crack of dawn, button your uniform, then shimmy through an eight to nine hour-sleeve of school. Although, you still can (the waking and buttoning part), for some, school for a day barely even amounts to, well—a day. Some classes now only occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays, others that meet every other day, beginning Monday, and there are classes where you only ever assemble once a week! You have heard this already, but here it comes again: Welcome to college! At first glance, it's not much different from the dimension called high school. There are teachers and discipline officers, but now, there are deans and department chairs, too. Familiar classes like English or History are still around, while some have been rebranded, into Religious Studies or General Science. The scotch schedule feels almost unreal, maybe even charitable. Here, free time can
merit you half a season of your followed show. But don’t let that firecracker freedom fool you. Where vacant hours abound, workload comes stalking. Thesis and on-the-job trainings wave like momentary strangers from afar. No pressure intended, but college life is last to the trifecta that is formal education. It’s the final line of “whatever you want” between the great and unknown reality that is the working world. While this doesn’t have to be your dream course yet, hopefully, you’ve enrolled in a profession that you could one day see yourself performing. Hopefully, again (for hope is in demand here), you’d have already pinned down your room assignments, been briefed of the college counterpart to quarters (terms and semesters), and found an ally or two among your fellow classmates (or should we say, blockmates). It should be said: there is no universal walkthrough into succeeding and surviving the undergraduate years before you. College experience is varied even
ILLUSTRATED BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA
for simultaneously-enrolled twins. Instead, let this be a local tutorial for getting by college, as it is in University of St. La Salle. Lasalle adopts a dualsemester academic year (as opposed to other schools that practice trimesters). Initial
classes should have briefed you that each semester is composed of three terms—the prelim, midterm and end term, to put it explicitly. While the terms have exclusive grade percentages, weigh each part as you would a sum. They will all total your
unified academic package. Only a few teachers require textbooks around here. The popular substitute being printed handouts or downloadable presentation, depending on the professor. While all may be available handily, preserve your virtue of note-taking. The testing style and demand of your classes may vary even after the first skirmish. By now, you should also already know the value of listening. In college, when your final average for all subjects is 85 or better, you get tagged into the Dean’s list, a record of consistent well-performers that are recognized by the university. If you’re aiming for Latin honors, persistent presence in the Dean’s list is a progressive sign that your Laudes are still up for the taking. Of course, college is just as co-curricularly imbued as high school. Each department has its own affiliate club or society run by students of the same course. USLS also has various volunteer groups like the University Student Government (USG) and the Center for Lasallian
E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com · FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls · ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls
Ministries (CELAM), for students of leadership, dialogue or service. Keep an eye out for posters and television ads sprawled across the campus to find openings and instructions for application. The university club fair in the coming month is also a great chance to meet your curricular comrade for the next few years. Keep in mind though: you’re a student first before anything else. You’ll also find that specific academic weeks or months are decorated with their own occasions. There’s a Sportsfest for the sport-passionate and a University Week to celebrate our identity as Lasallians. Department clubs also hold culminating nights, where students of the same course could gather and catch up. Like they say, don’t say no, till you’ve tried it once. It may seem intimidating at first, or dull if you’re not directly participating, but there’s always more to a program than its main events. If you don’t want to subscribe for FROSHIE / PAGE 3
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THE ENVISIONED HERITAGE OF THE NEWLY-ELECTED
From an exclusive interview: A glimpse of the newly-elected University Student Government (USG) Executive President Louie Raner—his plans, priorities, and a review of his campaign for Academic Year 2018-2019. BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD WITH REPORTS FROM CHRISTIANA CLAUDIA G. GANCAYCO
—MARIANO O. JAVIER
Affiliated with the Samahan ng Makabagong Lasalyano (SAMALAYA) political party, Raner is the first SAMALAYA candidate to occupy the spot of presidency since a 10-year streak by Kausa sa Paghiliusa kag Pag Alagad Students Alliance for Progress (KAUSAP). For him, it was combination of personal and social conviction that compelled him to run for the responsibility of executive president. “[You know what they say that] when your greatest strengths and the deepest hunger of the world mix together, you’re there in the middle. That you know you have the skill, you know that you are capable of doing something then a lot of people ask for help. At some point, [that’s when I considered] yes, I think this is for me,” Raner affirmed. During the campaign period, Raner was in Makati attending the Ayala Young Leaders Conference, unbeknownst to most of the public. His absence raised foregoing doubts about his commitment and eligibility prior to appointment. “You are the [running] president but you are not there to defend your party, especially, during the room to room campaigns. And if you would ask me, it was a very tough time for everyone and a challenging one because I’m in the middle of the congress, while my party is campaigning for me and at the same time, I have this certain cause I want to fight for,” he regarded. Louie says he understands where the questions are coming from. He sees the conference to not just be a matter of representing the school, but as an investment and somehow a training for him to give back to the university. The Here, Near and Far Since the K-12 program, the university has had its latest batch of freshmen enrollees after a long period of vacancy. Engaging the freshmen will the nearest agenda for the student government to tackle at the beginning of the school year. “[We want to] be a bridge between the freshmen and seniors. We want them to connect and meet somewhere in the middle. It's also one way for us to mentor these students, guide them on how to become
a Lasallian student with Lasallian values,” Raner pointed out. The executive president is keen on upholding the “university” aspect of the student government. Currently, he has been making contact with the president of Liceo De La Salle and the Integrated School in the hopes of establishing a unified council. For long-term, Raner has expressed the growing need for regarding the significance of Mental Health. He looks forward to a future of presenting mental health in a different, positive way. Adding on the freshmen entreé, a new batch of students is synonymous to a new blend of needs and personalities, according to the president. He wishes to incorporate activities during University Week that cater to the current interests of the generation, not just to entice them but to set a tone of responsibility. An Administration that Listens Trailing consistency from his first event--- the Summer Splash 2018 at the Nazareth Activity Hub last May 4--Raner would like to apply more depth, meaning and purpose for all university plans and decisions. If there’s one thing that the executive president hopes the student body will remember about this academic year, it’s that it will be a year where concerns are heard and addressed. A music lover, religiously downloading the soundtracks of most movies he’s watched, Louie shares a similar flair for feedback. But instead of downloading feedback, he says he’s the type to “use that feedback, put it into paper then translate it into action.” “Mahirap magsalita nang tapos (It’s difficult to speak with finality),” Raner said about revealing projects. And yet he can’t help feel excited and challenged for the year of possibilities before him. On another note, Raner also pondered how political parties can divide people at some point. He shared how he was saddened as some friends turned against him due to his affiliations. But that did not stop him from doing what needs to be done. “Right now, I’m more focused on delivering my tasks and responsibilities. Regardless of the opposition, regardless of the people who wanted to pull us down, especially my administration, I find myself ready to conquer all that. Because I know if you have a good cause, if you are genuine, and your purpose is sincere, [no one can stop you] to make and to create something new. No one can stop you from doing great,” he said with the same conviction that the student body has come to love from him.
MAY TO JUNE 2018 NEGROS TOURS
A Break From the City BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA
A twenty-minute drive away from the city of Bacolod lies a quiet abode nestled among the picturesque green fields and trees of Granada. Far from the trellises of concrete buildings and smog from the congested city, Nato’s Farm sits quietly upon a cozy stretch of land surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. The farm sets itself apart from other resort homes here in Bacolod through its quaint surroundings, homey atmosphere and humble beginnings. Now an exclusive rest house that caters to only two groups at a time, what started off as a simple vacation home for owner Margot Villaruel and her family for nine years has become a mustsee destination for nature lovers and vacationists alike. Villaruel’s father, Nato, loved to plant vegetables and fruit trees so much that he built a pool for his children to keep him company while he worked on his garden. Eventually, friends began to ask to rent out the farm. From its start as the family’s vacation home (with its first rental happening only four short years ago) to what it is now, Nato’s Farm has flourished into its own unique destination while keeping
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARMANE A. ABANO
the natural atmosphere and intimate feel of farm life. It was interesting to hear that none of the trees were ever cut down by request of Villaruel’s father and because of that, the main house of the farm is structured around a tall and fruitful jackfruit tree that still bears fruit every now and then. There aren’t many enclosed spaces, and the wide open grass areas and windows to let light and breeze in almost distracts you from the fact that you’re only mere minutes away from the bustling metro that Bacolod has become.
The structures incorporate and accommodate as much of the natural landmarks as it can. Behind the property runs a small, flowing creek, and the mix of timeless farm living and contemporary design seems as if it had come straight out of a Pinterest board. Although the private venue is situated on quite a large property, the farm itself maintains a feeling of nostalgic homey-ness. It also doesn’t hurt that the farm is a short drive out of the city on smooth, paved roads, beside lush, green fields and trees. It is a refreshing change from the
typical hour-long drive it takes to get to anywhere remotely charming and scenic. Nato’s Farm brings to the average city-dweller a chance to ground themselves in the sounds and song of being back in nature. Villaruel emphasizes that the farm’s silence and simplicity is what sets it apart from other travel destinations in Bacolod. It is simply in the company of family and nature that you can truly connect with yourself. A cliche, I know, but something about this quick escapade takes me back to a simpler time.
Green is the New Black BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA
It’s fair to assume that when it comes down to the issue of environmentalism, most everyone would be quick to agree to its importance and urgency. However, with this optimistic generalization comes the reality that things we, as human beings, rely on everyday merely to exist are posing irreparable damage to our planet. According to findings based on studies from the Yale Journal of Industrial Ecology, 70-80% of all environmental degradation comes from transportation, food, and home energy use. This fact alone makes it also fair to conclude that most people wouldn’t be as quick to give these necessities up in the name of “compassion” for Mother Nature. Consequently, the 21st century has brought with it enthusiasm for environmentalism through the latest eco-friendly trends. The state that the world is in today makes it almost seem unbelievable that plastic usage had only become popularized in the 1950s. Lately, “thinking green” has become a fad (an innately well-intentioned one at that) that the youth of today have latched on to, thanks to social media posing as the leading campaigners in the pursuit for sustainable living. Certain lifestyle changes have become accessible means for the average person to lessen their burden on the earth. But when
metal straws, stainless steel in sustainability. In order razors and other “eco-friendly” to truly make a difference, tools are being sold in plastic refusing must be one of the packaging, how can we ensure crucial actions we take in the validity of this movement reducing plastic waste and and not view it as a ploy for by principle, purchasing businesses, under the guise sometimes unneeded of being environmentally trinkets that come conscious, to make money? with the fad of environmentalism Zero-waste movements might be and sustainable living are considered a little both philosophies that counterintuitive. have popped up on the internet in the hopes of Metal straws are encouraging people commendable ways to become more to bypass the load aware of their of single-use straws ways of and its consequences l i v i n g . on the Things like environment, but b a m b o o straws, according toothbrushes to Australian and metal scientists Denise straws all Hardesty and seem like a Chris Wilcox, fashionable account for only contribution 0.03% of the eight to help the million metric rampant tons of plastics p l a s t i c estimated to enter problem, the oceans in a right? But given year. Not in the grand to mention, the scheme of manufacturing of things, do these items creates these small steps a bigger carbon actually make ILLUSTRATED BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA footprint a difference? than using what you already have at We all know importance of home. Taking these things the three R’s when it comes into perspective, skipping a to sustainability: reducing, straw doesn’t have that big of reusing, and recycling. an impact on plastic pollution, However, the current climate than let’s say, pledging to of the earth has forced the contact your local politician for addition of a fourth step
support, organizing cleanups (shout out to SWEEPwalk Bacolod!), or even making the promise to ban all plastics in your everyday life. If we look at the pollution problem from an even-handed point of view, the only way to significantly make progress in the reduction of plastic waste would be to convert to a complete zero-waste lifestyle. That is, living off what you already have, using everything to its fullest potential, and avoiding plastic packaging when buying items. But this, as you can imagine, proves to be an extremely difficult change to uphold for some people. Convenience is a luxury that this generation has had the privilege of enjoying that isn’t the easiest to let go of. But the biggest takeaway in the movement for a cleaner world is that in the end, what matters is that we each, individually, take initiative to reduce our own waste. Whether that be the first step of skipping a straw and reading up on the harmful effects of plastic to our planet’s animals, or making eco bricks to recycle plastic waste or even the giant step of going vegan to lessen the toll of agricultural carbon emissions on the earth. The green movement is a collective effort and there is absolutely no harm in doing what you can, when you can.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
Dagway
MAY TO JUNE 2018
Two birthdays, one city BY HEZRON G. PIOS
The city of smiles, for years and counting, has been celebrating the city’s Charter Day on October 19 coupled by the MassKara Festival. In spite of that, recents events have spiraled into the questioning of the date’s authenticity. One party is in defense of October 19, the other debates that June 18 must be mandated. So which is which, you ask.
Push for June 18 Congressman Greg Gasataya said Republic Act 7724 “bears with it the misconception that the city was created on the day of its formal inauguration and the first assembly of the city council on October 19, 1938” thus “causing several problems.” Republic Act (RA) 7724 declares Oct. 19 of every year as the Bacolod City Charter Day. However, incumbent city mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia argues that it “created the legally unfounded belief that the Bacolod City Charter Day is on Oct. 19.” This convinced Gasataya to file the House Bill (HB) No. 5875 before Congress which was approved by the
House of Representatives on June 13. The bill seeks to change the date of the city’s Charter Day into June 18. The bill was approved unanimously, according to bill proponent Rep. Greg Gasataya. It now awaits the Senate’s approval. Gasataya also claimed that his team have complied with the request of the Committee on Revisions on Laws. The bill would not have been approved if it did not comply with the established requirements. Declaring June 18 of every year as the Bacolod City Charter Day will make it a special non-working holiday in Negros Occidental’s capital city. If passed in the Senate, HB No. 5875 will amend Republic Act (RA) 7724. He also insisted that thenpresident Manuel Quezon signed Commonwealth Act 326 on June 18, 1938—officially turning Bacolod into a city. Meanwhile, Gasataya expressed that RA 7724 was only enacted on May 19, 1994 “for the purpose of having the Charter Day coincide with
the festivities of MassKara Festival.” On its 80th celebration, Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito added that it was fitting that June 18 should be declared a special non-working holiday in order to instill to the residents of Bacolod, particularly its youth, that the City of Bacolod was indeed created on June 18, 1938.
Stick to October 19 Earlier, former mayor Monico Puentevella said he wants the non-passage of HB No. 5875, saying that he will ask from a member of the Senate to block the bill’s passage. He further stressed that Bacolod came into “corporate existence” on Oct. 19, 1938 when Quezon inaugurated the city, citing the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. said that in a Sept. 28, 1938 City Council Resolution signed by thenMunicipal Mayor Fernando Cuadra and the City Council expressly stating that “Bacolod
as a Municipality is now converted to a City, nowhere did it mention about June 18 as the “birth of Bacolod City”. Gamboa shared that Maria Serena Diokno, former chairman of the National Historical Commission, wrote former Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. in a document dated Jan. 9, 2013, that the city started its “corporate existence” on Oct. 19, 1938. Thus, it should celebrate its Charter Day every October 19. Although National Historical Commission of the Philippines had earlier said they recognize that both dates, June 18 and October 19, have basis in the history. There is no other option to celebrate the Charter Day but through as of the moment. Unless it reaches the office of the president. Whether it’s during MassKara season or during the first half of the year, Bacolod City’s Charter Day is a simmering matter of interest exponentially on its way to the hot waters that will determine its fate for the many decades to come.
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the affair, personalize it with friends, and jump in for the people. In college, if there’s one virtue that might stand toe to toe with your Expected Lasallian Graduate Attributes (ELGA)—it’s independence. “You graduate from college once, and that's it. You're going out of that nest. And you have to find that courage that's deep, deep, deep in there. Every step of the way,” said American actor Andrew Shue. In college, your outcome depends on your action or inaction. You are responsible for passing case studies or projects, settling grades with teachers, or basically just being there in your classes despite the sometimes inconvenient schedules, all the while keeping a berth between your maximum allowed number of absences. While there are no longer respective advisors, you’ll always have your department offices or any familiar teacher to approach for assistance. The Guidance and Services Center (GEC), beside Nursing Cafe (NCaf), is always enthusiastic towards students who’d like to have counseling; and nope, it’s not limited to sizable issues— they’re open to everyday advice too! Nota bene: the Registrar’s office will oversee optimizations for class statuses; the Information and Technology Center (ITC) next to room CSL 4, on the 3rd floor of the Science and Engineering building,
distributes the exam permits and clearances; and the Audio and Visual Resource Center (AVRC), where you could get your validation sticker and borrow the Digital Light Processing (DLP) kit, is along Cody Hall. Also, remember to clear your IDs at the Discipline Office (DO) before the semester ends to avoid warranting community service. Some things shouldn't be taught in words, but felt through experience. In time, you’ll discover your own fastest routes (most buildings have several access staircases), places to spend those crazy long breaks (the library has three floors, each with its sub rooms), and affordable plus chill spots to eat (hint: there’s one nearby for every odd-numbered gate). The saying goes: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. College may feel like this grandiose educational empire, when really, it’s just an institution like many others around the world. That said, while universities have standards, there’s no regulation on what pace to adopt. Invest in memories, then charge lessons to experience. Discover emotions, yet know where they’re coming from. Compromise. Be firm. Dare. There’s no major on how to best maximize college, yet, remember: it’s often the minor mundane things that we miss the most about high school.
Nandito na si Niña: Tips Para sa mga Mag-aaral Ngayong Tag-ulan NI KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL
Nasa kama ka lang. Tila sumasabay ang patak ng ulan sa iyong bintana habang naka-full volume ang The 1975 sa bluetooth speaker mo. Nakabaon ka lang sa kumot at unan sa loob ng pinakamamahal mong kwarto, sinasamsam ang lamig ng panahon. Sa lamesa sa tabi ng kama mo, nakalagay ang isang tasa ng mainit na kape. Bango nito’y halimuyak ng iyong paligid. Hinahayaan mo lang kainin ng kadramahan mo ang oras dahil hawak mo ito— ‘yan ay kung wala kang pasok. Kung wala kang car at palagi kang stranded kung saan-saan tuwing galit ang kalangitan katulad ko, heto ang ilan sa mga tips na pwede mong sundin para malampasan ang dagok ng pagiging isang estudyante sa panahon ng tag-ulan—dahil wala kang choice! 1. Oplan Protect to Attract. Dahil 2018 na at uso ang landian, lumihis tayo sa kinagisnan nating paniniwala na ang payong ay ginagamit lamang para panangga sa init o ulan. Ito ngayon ay maari na ring gamitin para mahila si crush papunta sa init ng iyong kandungan, lalo na ngayong kalamigan ng panahon, in matter of seconds or minutes— or in God’s time. Be waterproof but not lovelife-proof. Una sa lahat, siguraduhing hawakhawak mo ang sandata mong payong. Make sure na si crush ay kalapit mo lang. Yung tipong: you inhale the same air pollution, ganon. Pangalawa, make sure na paulan na o umuulan na para iwas “muntanga”, brodie. Huwag ka puro make-up o pabango. Try mo din mag put on ng utak paminsan-minsan. Dagdag
—SETH V. PULLONA
DIBUHO NI GLEN JED J. DESCUTIDO
emote din sa moment of contact niyo ‘yun. Lastly, pag matindi pa sa pag-asa mo na magiging kayo ng crush mo ang bagsak ng ulan, ibanat mo na ang mga katagang “@/crush gusto mong sumilong?”. And kaboom! Yun pala, may dala siyang sariling payong. 2. Put on your mermaid suit(s). Puwera na lang kung mukha kang syokoy dahil iba na tawag doon. Halloween costume na ‘yun brodie. Jacket, hoodie, sweater, pull-over, wind-breaker o ano
mang tawag mo sa mga laman ng wardrobe mo, para sa lamig ng panahon na nabili mo lang rin naman ng P100 sa ukay at binabad sa ilang pakete ng FabCon, flaunt it! Ito na yung time na nilaan para mag-ala New Yorker ka sa school mong ‘di ka naman hatid aircon o magpalaganap ng K-drama feels sa hallways habang may bitbit na milktea, dahil bakit hindi? Ganda ka eh. Magcostume— este—magdamit ng naayon sa klima. Tag-ulan lang meron sa Philippines, te. Si Lyn from Las Vegas Models lang ang may
karapatan sa Winter so ‘wag kang epal. At dahil on vacation leave ang init ng araw, make sure hindi bilad-electric fan o bilad-banyo ang mermaid suits mo so you won’t invade anybody’s nose space. ‘Di ka alien, get me? 3. Beware of “Wet” Walkers. Get the reference? Push ko talaga yung “Wet” Walkers para patunayang #witty ako regardless of the probability na mawawalan ako ng mambabasa dahil dito. Kapag malakas na ang ulan at mistulang beach resort na ang
paborito mong mall o highway, at pahirapan na ang paghahanap ng masasakyan, be advised na ang bawat loading and unloading stations ay puno ng mga “Wet” Walkers. Actually, isa ka na din sa kanila kung basangbasa ka na, walang masisilungan at walang malalapitan. Sila yung mga madlang people na lakad nang lakad from point A to point “a letter not included in the alphabet anymore” kakaasa na may biyayang bigay ang Diyos na jeepney, Grab Car o taxi para iuwi sila. But you, as an intellectual (I believe so!), knows better than them. So don’t be Jon Snow and prove you know something when it comes to diskarte para masurvive ang dagok na ito. At yun ay ang pagconsider sa mga 24-hour coffee shops at fast food chains para maging panandaliang silong mo sa panahon ng karupokan at kawalan ng sasakyan: A strategy of the true King of the North! Just don’t practice incest para wholesome lang tayo. 4. Put on a Regine Velasquez and Co. vibe. Para labanan ang pagkabagot, isa sa maibibigay kong tips ay pakikinig sa musika. Una, dahil natatakpan nito ang taenga natin sa ingay na dala ng mga taong nagrereklamo dahil sa ulan, na siya ding nagrereklamo noong tag-init na bakit hindi pa umuulan. Ikalawa, nagbibigay sa atin ang musika ng “zoneout” moment. Nakalimutan natin ang dyaheng bigay ng mga kaganapan sa paligid. Panghuli, naalala natin lahat ng “heartbreaks” natin na bagay na bagay talaga sa panahon. Kahit galit ka sa kanya dahil gusto niyang bumuhos ang ulan at huwag nang tumigil pa at stranded ka na somewhere, pwede mo siyang maasahan para kantahan ka on this perfect “bed-weather-that-you-wish-
you-were-in-bed”. Meron din siyang mga mutuals para tulungan kang ma-enjoy ang panahon ng kalamigan. There’s Cueshé na walang ginawa kundi magreklamo na lagi na lang umuulan at walang katapusan, eh La Niña nga for a reason. And there is Sheryn Regis na mahilig mag: “come on in out of the rain”. O Rivermaya na sigaw ng sigaw ng ulan in a prolonged manner para idiin sa mukha mo ang lagay ng panahon. Magpapakabog ba ang Aegis na kahit nakasilong ka na, kapag narinig mo eh feeling mo nasasalo mo ang bawat patak ng ulan? O si Moira na hininga pa lang, winter na. Be mindful lang na ‘di ka magmumukhang tanga sa gilid sa kakaiyak at kakahagod sa sipon mong nakikicompete sa buhos ng ulan. What I’m trying to say is, a good music is a good company lalo na sa imbyerna na dala ng tag-ulan. And consider your own choice of songs dahil nothing beats the feeling of hearing your favorite artist habang pasayawsayaw si Niña sa iyong parada. At ngayong naibigay ko na ang mga tips ko para sa inyo on this rainy season, hindi na makikipagkompentensya ang buhay—at love life mo, sa pagkamakulimlim ng kalangitan. Sa mga ganitong panahon na wala ka talagang choice kundi suungin ang ulan, baha at tsunami of stranded passengers, palaging tandaan na magiging mas madali ang lahat kung iisipin mo na lilipas din ito. Isang makabuluhang pangyayari sa buhay natin ang maranasan ang imbyernang hatid ng mga natural na kaganapan sa paligid natin. At, natural din naman sa ating mga Pilipino ang tumawa habang nasa gitna ng pagiging hindi komportable, pero mas natural sa atin ang pagiging madiskarte. Kaya, Happy La Niña season mga brodie!
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
VANTAGE POINT
THE RISE OF SMILES
Bacolod is famously nicknamed "The City of Smiles" after its sweet and fun-loving culture. However, behind the smiles is a society of toil and struggle. This photo essay is not about the tourist-worthy "City of Smiles", but rather how the face of poverty can also be the very same smiling face of Bacoleños that is determined to create a developing Bacolod geared towards progress. PHOTOS BY MARIANO O. JAVIER, NICCI BERNELLE D. AGUILAR, ENA LOUISE P. APELO, CHRISTIANA CLAUDIA G. GANCAYCO & KYLE JYRAX D. SEVILLA | WORDS BY CHRISTIANA CLAUDIA G. GANCAYCO
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
Dagway
6 MOVIE REVIEW
Everything, Everything
TV REVIEW
A Love So Beautiful (2017) BY GLEN JED J. DESCUTIDO
BY KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL
An adaptation from the Nicola Yoon book of the same title, Everything, Everything is a 96-minute drama-romance film that lays open about the worth of the risk of everything worth having. Directed by Stella Meghie and written by J. Mills Goodloe, the film is focused on the story of Madeline Whittier (Amandla Sternberg) who has been on house arrest for most of her life due to Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) which is a very uncommon disease. It is a rare genetic disorder that requires its host to be kept in a very sterile environment or else he or she will be exposed to a number of infections that may cause death. Madeline has been kept indoors for 15 years with only the company of her mom, Pauline (Anika Noni Rose) and personal nurse Rosa (Ana de la Reguera). However, her long agony of being isolated inside their home slowly came to an end when Olly Bright (Nick Robinson) moved next door with his family. What started as a courteous effort of offering a terrible bundt cake quickly transpired to window-to-window sign languages and eventually led to emails and texts. But will two people who are attracted to each other settle for that? As Maddie conflicts herself between falling in love and her health, she knows that she can’t have everything she wants—and Olly is one of those. But this movie won’t let its viewers resolve themselves on that: it shows the audience how being in love can change the way they see life as it is. As it makes us guilty to want more of what is, it will make us want to experience everything that life has to offer. However, it also serves a dose of reality check that there are circumstances in life that we have to choose what is right over our own emotions. The movie is also a form of pure aesthetic. From every corner of the Whittier’s residence to every spot this movie will take you is a visual fest. The film’s cinematographer, Igor JadueLillo, has made sure everything
that is put on screen would affirm to its target audience, which are the teenagers and young adults. Another thing you can’t ignore about the movie is its soundtrack. Musically arranged by Ludwig Göransson and RussianGerman EDM artist Zedd, the soundtracks of the film featured artists of different genres such as Kehlani, Khalid, Billie Eilish, and Alessia Cara that effortlessly blended with the movie's pacing and plot. On the downside, the movie somehow focused more on attracting its target audience; that the movie became a bit inauthentic and can make one cringe. The actors did their job well that it has compensated the screenplay. However, Amandla and Nick’s character complimented each other well enough even though they have totally different auras. On the later parts, the script became confusing as it somehow shifted into another story that somehow dumped all the emotional build-up made by the protagonists. It is understood that the film wants to defy the usual teenromance film plots and give the modern moviegoers something to be astounded about after finishing the film, but by some means it discredited the kind of love they want to put a spotlight on. Nevertheless, the film is visually enticing as a whole and did not fail in developing its characters. A teeny bopper film as it may seem, this movie is more than just the aesthetic and its fight-for-love plot. It requires your deeper understanding to be able to figure out what it really has to say. Sometimes, people aren’t fortunate enough to be with the one they truly love or to fight for what they really want. They have to accept what is not really meant to be or to go through tons of hitches just to be able to attain it. That love, as a strong feeling, will make you do something you never thought of doing. The movie may have garnered lots of bad reviews but it somehow urges us to defy inabilities and that there is always a way when you want something to work— something that is worth to risk a life for. Something that make us feel everything, everything.
MAY TO JUNE 2018
For years, teenagers have always been carelessly wandering: searching for things the mouth cannot fully describe and the human mind cannot comprehend. Through the journey, they then get to discover a thing—more of a feeling— where they find something they want and pursue it, all the while fighting for it; in the name of love. The Chinese web series, A Love So Beautiful tackles the school life we all once loved and the budding romance we knew.
Chen Xiaoxi, played by Shen Yue, is a bubbly highschool student (who doesn't really love studying) who is head-over-heels for her childhood neighbor and classmate, Jiang Chen (Hu Yi Tian), a guy known for his good looks and intellect. Despite the latter’s indifference towards others, Xiaoxi is very vocal about her admiration for him, prompting feelings to either waver or develop as they embark on a journey with their friends that will make them find out who they are and what they really want. With the surge of Asian (mostly Korean) dramas, may it be in televisions or the net, A Love So Beautiful, despite its simple and cliché plot, stands out. The first time it (love) struck me, I did not understand what it was, neither did you and nor did Chen Xiaoxi or Jiang Chen. They were clueless, and their cluelessness was raw. What made it stand out was its connection with the audience and how it felt real. Golden rays of sunshine, a compact classroom, messy tables and highschool sweat—the setting was just all too familiar. It was natural, and it hits close to home. The series’ characterization
is commendable, exhibiting one of the most innovative I’ve seen in the romance-comedy genre. Chen Xiaoxi, in spite of falling in love almost everyday, doesn’t get love drunk. She’s not just there to dream about Jiang Chen falling for her; she’s there to dream about becoming a celebrated comic book artist too. She has her own individuality, and she’s there to live. A Love So Beautiful was able to incorporate metaphors like Rosetta and Philae’s journey to finding each other and in addition, was also able to tackle the sensitive issue of depression and some real familial bonds and matters, which is another feat for the series. Shen Yue and Hu Yi Tian are both praiseworthy with their leading performances with the latter delivering a very effective portrayal of someone who’s cold but can love too while the former for her cute and high-spirited character. However, the real standouts were the ones in the supporting line, Gao Zhi Ting, who plays the role of Wu Bo Song, Chen Xiaoxi’s friend and admirer. He served some Second Lead Syndrome (this happens when the viewer
prefers the female lead to end up with the second male lead) to the audiences real hard. Wang Ziwei’s Lin Jingxiao and Sun Ning’s Lu Yang are both equally enjoyable. With Lu Yang’s childish attitude and Lin Jingxiao’s tomboyish vibe, the chemistry is flawless. This sets off a high bar for the both of the characters in Episode 14, which everyone should look out for. The series like most of its kind, isn’t perfect. It had its fair share of cringey moments and unrealistic scenes, some not very kiligable(is that even a word?), but what makes A Love So Beautiful fascinating is its portrayal of life, its unfairness, uncertainty and the failures that come with it. It shows us how we can still be ourselves while loving someone else. Love may be cheesy and sometimes problematic but that shouldn't take away all the beauty we are bound to feel and this series just proves that love is indeed, the most beautiful thing in the world. P.S. its OST, I Like You So Much, You’ll Know It, is really addicting, you just can’t afford to skip the intro.
BOOK REVIEW
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD
There is an ache that exists only in absence. Whether you're stationed overseas or staying at a friend’s house, homesickness will find you, an internal tug. It can be emotional iceberg for a seafarer, but generally, to experience it makes sense. As humans, we constantly yearn for something familiar, someplace consistent and safe. But what if it ain’t always that. What if home, subjective as it is, equals to disconcerting hot mornings and mosquitofrenzied nights? Enrich that picture with barbed wires raised high from the ground (to curb something worse than robbers), a porch inhabited by poisonous insects, and a landmine field that also happens to be the only traversable road to town. In 70’s Africa, several once-occupied farms fit those specifications. And, according to Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (DLGDT) author, Alexandra Fuller, she and her family would favor that over dull, eventless Britain any day. The memoir, written in first person, spills the childhood tale of Bobo (Fuller’s given nickname) growing up in Southern Africa. When the Fullers arrived in
Rhodesia in 1972, the historical Bush War had already been blithing the state for eight years. Yet, for the English/Scottish family, civil war news is radioed weather. Since their first homestead in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), till their move to Malawi (Nyasaland) and finally, Zambia (northern Rhodesia), their domestic arrangement would remain the same, though not necessarily hoped for. Initially, they would adopt an inhabitable farm—one with a capacity for accommodating livestock, several cats and dogs, and (essentially) them and their waffling luck.
Afterward, it became a pilgrimage of making peace with conditions. Each farm blends the unforgiving Mediterranean climate of a third-world country plus the on-guard, toe-standing threat of a looming civil war. Their everyday concerns involved keeping an eye-out for scorpions and snakes while taking the “loo” (careful not to kill a spider, less it triple their rotten luck) and bartering with customs patrol, offering cigarettes and soaps to traverse the road leading to school. At night, they are serenaded by owls, jackals and hyenas whose “woo-ping, sweeping, land-travelling calls” add “an eerie mystery to the night. What makes the memoir compelling is the regressed tone of the author. From 1976, she would adapt her tone to express past events in the candid, unsubdued voice of a four-year old child, evolving in vivid frankness as the years rack on. One instance, she recalls an scenario when policemen visited her school: “Vanessa said he had come to chop off my thumbs. I tucked my thumbs into my fists, but the policeman stood on the stage in the Assembly Hall and rocked back and forth in tightsqueaky shoes and stared over
the top of our heads and didn’t look toward my thumbs once.” As in most autobiographies, the reader is exposed to the special moments of joy and private hours of suffering. There are times where you could bask in chronicles of late afternoon cattle “dipping”, shared by Bobo and her mom, and episodes of bonding in an attempt to teach the young girls how to load and fire a gun. Eventually, as it is inescapable in memoirs, you’ll also bear witness to the times the family withstood tragedies and loss—each Fuller coping in his/ her own way. Despite the rocky environment, the Fullers never surrendered,opting to relocate trenches, furrowing deeper where the soil is untillable. Besides the racism and temper, Bobo’s parents are hard-living workers, resuscitating tobacco fields and taming wild, loose cattle to sustain a living. The author mirrors the same affection, if not more profoundly. In a letter to the reader by a mature Bobo, she comments that DLGDT is “not a political story or the story of an Empire. It is the story of how one African came to terms with her family’s troubled history; it is a love story for the continent.”
the band was formed in 2010 and consists of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powys, Josh Bentley and Sam Rasmussen. After the huge success of their EPs, the band decided to release their first full-length album, “States” in October 2013 which gained a lot of praises. It was then followed “twelvefour” in August 2015 with their lead single ‘Electric Indigo’ topping the charts in Australia. I’d say their new album is a melancholic masterpiece. It makes you feel the same things as Bentley: that you’re
in his shoes, writing these appealing songs about late night longings both romantic and heartbreaking. Overall, the tone and the minimalistic instrumental throws a whole new atmosphere to the band and it gave the album a more unique and stern sound. As to the band, they revealed that “On The Train Ride Home” is the first leg of a two-part release and will be followed by “On the Corner Where You Live” this August. Now, if you haven’t heard of this band just yet then I’m telling you, you’re missing out!
ALBUM REVIEW
On The Train Ride Home BY MARTINI M. FALCO
This eight-track album would give you all of the “feels” in just one sitting. You could listen to this album when you’re feeling
down (to be honest, don’t), heartbroken (absolutely not), you just want to get sad, or even just for the cool-vibe music. After three years of being AWOL in the industry, the Australian indie rock-folk band The Paper Kites released their third full-length album, “On the Train Ride Home”. It consists of eight marvelous tracks, this record is just a perfect comeback for their fans to listen to. The album is made to comfort “the escapists, the street wanderers, the lovers and the lonely”, as per frontman Sam Bentley. It made the album more dream-like and
melancholic best made for those who wander and feels lonely yet loved. The band's titular song, ‘On the Train Ride Home’ describes the feeling of contentment we all experience. The line “If I can’t get the things I want / Just give me the things I need” clearly states that material things don’t last and that we should hold on to those who are precious to us. Sure, it’s an easy thing to say and each one of us strives hard to get the things we want in life, however, when we can't, we stick to the things we need and people we value in
our life thus, the lyrics: “I want someone to grow with / Songs I can sing to / And a family to cling to / But if I can’t get the things I want / Just give me what I need.” It’s quite dreamy for us to be contented with what we have and it’s ironic how Bentley expressed his wants and that he’s truly dwelled on the things that he wished to happen. The Paper Kites started sharing their music in 2011 with their EP, “Woodlock” including their first single ‘Bloom’ and blasted their way through the industry. Titled as an indie rock-folk ensemble,
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
Dagway
MAY TO JUNE 2018 "LANDI BAGO ENROLL"
7 CROSSWORD PUZZLE #11
—KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL
Test your Filipino Pop Culture knowledge by answering the crossword puzzle below!
"ALONE BUT NOT LONELY"
—ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO
ACROSS
—KAREN D. PANGANIBAN
“I HAVE A PLANNER”
—ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA
1. Considered as the Beatles of the Philippines. 2. What is the name of the beautiful female that is also the namesake of Mount Mayon? 6. The national sport and martial art of the Philippines. 7. Sweetened Milk Powder, also a powdered Filipino treat. 10. What is the last word of our National anthem?
SUDOKU #11
“WALA NA, FINISH NA”
3. What is the longest running Filipino telenovela? 4. Hoy! Hoy! 5. Ayon kay Yoyoy Villame, ano ang dapat gawin tuwing umaga? 8. The only country in the world whose flag is hoisted upside down when the country is at war. 9. What is the team name of the national basketball team of the Philippines?
DOWN
WIK ATIONARY
LGBTQIA+ and more PREPARED BY MARTINI M. FALCO | ILLUSTRATED BY KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL
An eye-opener that there are more to sexual orientation and gender identities than the ones we currently know and the ones we grew up with.
1. Queer - It is an umbrella term for sexual minorities who are neither heterosexual nor cisgender. In short, one is Palitaw – a small, flat, sweet rice still unsure of his/her sexual orientation. cake eaten in the Philippines. They are made from washed, soaked, and ground malagkit 2. Cisgender - A term for people whose gender identity or performance in a gender role classifies their sex as to what they were assigned at birth. FACT: Not all cisgender people are straight, some could be gay, lesbian, and/or even bisexual.
Kutsinta – steamed rice cake often served with puto and is good with freshly grated coconut
4. Asexual - A person who lacks sexual attractions or desires to others.
5. Demisexual - A sexual orientation in which someone feels sexual attraction only to people with whom they have an emotional bond. Demisexuals are considered to be on the asexual spectrum, meaning they are closely aligned with asexuality.
3. Pansexual - People who have romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018
Dagway
MAY TO JUNE 2018
Summer Splash 2018 PHOTOS BY MARIANO O. JAVIER, MARTINI M. FALCO, NICCI BERNELLE D. AGUILAR & ENA LOUISE P. APELO
The new academic year's streak of collegiate activities started off with the Summer Splash 2018 themed "Tropicus: A Paradise Awaits" at the Nazareth Activity Hub, May 4. Revisit the Lasallian summer highlights below!
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 63 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2018