DAGWAY SEPT -OCT 2018

FEATURE

LOCAL

Discover the humble roots of BucalanCaci Sunflower Farm situated in La Carlota City in this issue's Negros Tours! read on page 2

LEISURE

VANTAGE POINT

Blood has been spilt in the fields of Sagay. However, this is not the first time it has happened in the fertile sugarcane lands of Negros Occidental. read on page 3

The Masskara festival is indeed a celebration. But what lies after the masks are taken off, the lights are shut down, and the speakers are silenced? read on page 4

HIGHLIGHTS

Think you know the endemic fauna that thrive in Negros? You can meet some of them in this month’s WIKAtionary. read on page 7

Still having that Lasallian Week hangover? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! read on page 8

Dagway

V O L . 6 3 N O. 4

S E P T T O O C T 2 01 8

F E AT U R E S + L E I S U R E

E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com · FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls · ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls · INSTAGRAM @thespectrum.usls · TWITTER @TheSpectrumUSLS

PIERCING. A performer glances at the lens during the School Category of the Masskara 2018 Streetdance Competition last October 27.

A New Generation of Leaders

by ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

Linghod, a Hiligaynon word that translates to “young plant”, explores an important play on words for the youth-propelled, non-government environmentalist organization that has garnered over a thousand (and counting) following on social media since its start in May of this year. Just as a young plant has been sowed in soil to grow, Linghod believes in the power of the youth to sow the seeds of environmental awareness through dialogue, collaboration, and proactive solutions.

With a volunteer workforce of youth leaders from schools across the country, the organization has made a rattle in the Bacolod scene. From its humble beginnings earlier this year, Linghod has become part of the leading catalysts for change in the whole island of Negros.

The group, spearheaded by recent Lasallian psychology graduate Krishna Ariola, was actually created by accident.

“Most of us were already members of other existing environmental groups,” Ariola said. “We were making events together and didn't know what we stood for collectively. We had no single unifying logo on top of our event posters. We decided to give ourselves a name, and it kicked off from there.”

The organization primarily focuses on two main advocacies: the first being an information and education campaign against plastic pollution, aiming to produce action-oriented outputs from its members and event participants. The second, advocating for the conservation and protection of the Northern Negros

—NICHOL FRANCIS ANDUYAN

Pawprints of Passion

by LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

TREADING ON TRASH. A girl tries to walk between waste and water by the coast of Brgy. Singcang Airport. -MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

Natural Park.

Some of their most prominent projects include the "Bacolod Trash Talk, Bacolod Photowalk", and "Knowing Home: a Forum on the State and Biodiversity of Northern Negros Natural Park and Trash Issues Photo Exhibit."

Claudia Gancayco, who recently joined the organization as a means to fulfill the sense of obligation she felt on becoming more active on the issue of environmentalism, noted that the initiative gave her assurance for the future of the environment.

“In a way, it's a little sneak-peek into what kind of future is at hand,” Gancayco said. “The youth has a bigger role than we realize because whether we like it or not, we'll inherit the world anyway, so it's up to us to decide on what kind of world we want to inherit.”

Haydn Lagunay, a senior-high school student of La Consolacion

College-Bacolod as well as a recent member of the organization, shares the same credence. Lagunay had previously been a delegate of the Negros Young Environmentalists Summit, which was held in the Santuario de La Salle earlier in June. Joining Linghod allows her to work with her fellow delegates and use her learnings from the summit in her everyday life.

“The youth is the strongest voice in our world,” Lagunay stated. “They will suffer the consequences of the actions of all age groups longer than others would.”

As for how Linghod has managed to become successful as an advocacy led by the youth, Ariola stressed the unique potential for the youth to lead change.

“The youth is a cesspool of energy, hope, and creativity,” Ariola emphasized.

LINGHOD/ PAGE 3

When watching cartoons that involved time travel, most of us were familiar with the general rule of not disturbing the natural order of time—be it the fear of triggering paradoxes or to simply refrain from killing a mosquito to drastically alter the course of the future. Small decisions can lead to radical changes over time: a butterfly effect.

Around the earlier half of October, a Facebook page called the Strategic Power for Animal Respondents (SPAR) posted a video asking for help in rescuing dozens of dogs at a pound in Brgy.

35, Bacolod City. Eventually, the post reached Malou Perez, and being an animal lover, she swiftly decided to contact the page and rescue a dog.

Upon visiting the animal shelter though, Perez saw just how many dogs needed to be treated, cared for, and rescued.

She found out that if no one were to adopt the dogs, they would be put down after a week or so, as this is how the pound worked and it is partly due to not having enough resources to care for all the dogs. The sight of the animals’ eventual burial ground pushed Malou to rescue not just

one dog, but as many as possible.

It was through this one simple decision of rescuing a dog that led to her creating the PAWSsion Project, a non-profit group with the purpose of taking in strays as well as helping dogs to be rescued. After some time, she received help from peers and animal enthusiasts alike through social media posts to spread awareness and to reach out to possible volunteers. In just a couple of weeks, she had built a support system for dogs in need, and although it was on its early stages, it was better than nothing.

Currently, Malou has a shelter in Victorias City where some dogs are staying in. Additionally, with the help of her friends and connections, she was able to get the resources she needed for the dogs. Besides collaborating with SPAR, PAWSsion also has connections with other small non-profit organizations with the common goal of animal protection.

The adoption process isn’t too complicated, a small fee of 150 pesos per dog (which comes with vaccination) and getting PAWPRINTS/ PAGE 3

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FEATURE NEGROS TOURS

A First-hand Food Trip to Natural Garden

How a Man with a Flower Surname Started a Flower Farm

by CHARLENE MARIE D. LIM & LORRAINE M. LABOS

SILENT HEART. Despite her disability, an employee of Natural Garden continues to serve her customers with a smile. -MARIANO O. JAVIER

by CARL HASON T. GERALE & CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD

It was quite a sweat-evoking afternoon in Bacolod City when we rendezvoused at Gate 2 of the premises of the University of St. La Salle. Hailing a nearby driver with an audible “Nong!”, we rode his spacious jeepney together.

It was about five minutes of short conversations before we disembarked the jeep and walked the remaining distance to our destination. A quick turn to the right and we were welcomed by lush vegetations grown around the open-spaced restaurant—NatGard, as we fondly call it.

You might think there was nothing out of ordinary about the resto except for their organic homegrown ingredients, until you pay close attention to everything around you.

Maybe it was their frequent menu changes daily or perhaps, it was the interaction between a server and a customer with their hands—voices unneeded.

With drool-worthy food served on the resto, no one might think that the prices range from 60 to 80 for meals and less than 20 for drinks, which was pretty affordable especially for students. After clearing our plate, we decided to start our interview with Roberta “Rob” Tinsay, the niece of the founder of Welcome Home Foundation, Inc. The Seeds of the Garden Welcome Home is a nongovernment organization that provides educational services for the deaf. They basically own the hectare where NatGard stands.

In the beginning, according to Rob, there was Ella, a German—one of many volunteers—that lent their time for the Welcome Home foundation. The volunteers offered various training opportunities for deaf who served their on-the-job training at the organization. Being a vegetarian, she taught various organic recipes to her students, until one day she had the bright idea of opening a small eatery at an empty lot nearby, where Natural Garden stands today.

Yet, it’s not until one interacts with the waiters that you discover the advocacy behind the foodspot and

PAWPRINTS

the adoption papers done is the only thing that separates a dog’s bleaky life at the pound to a life with a caring family. “We know where they’re going to end up in if no one rescues them,” she said in an interview.

Ultimately, she hopes that her actions would inspire other people to take part as well in saving pets who are in need of a home. She wishes that the government would also take action considering non-profit groups can only go so far.

their menu itself has been designed to serve the unique dynamic between the deaf and hearing community.

Beside each meal was the drawing of a hand gesture that represents a letter in sign language.

Translated experiences of a Deaf employee Given the privilege to interview a member of the kitchen staff, we never let the opportunity slip past our fingers. She was Remlyn Malagan, one of the oldest staff in NatGard (considering four years as old). ​During Remlyn’s first time at work, she recalled the confusion in many people’s faces, describing it as awkward. It was also a challenging task for her, taking orders and payments, since she was the only deaf employee stationed outside at the time, whereas her other workmates operated inside the kitchen.​ In Remlyn’s shoes, it is inevitable to encounter miscommunication every now and then. There were instances wherein she would take orders from customers that have special requests.

Those times really require the help of those who are hearing for a smooth process. Fortunately, Remlyn could not remember a single moment when a customer is rude or offensive in any way. They were always so patient and understanding towards them, which Remlyn was thankful for.

Every afternoon during weekdays, the resto was always sought after by a lot of customers, most commonly students from nearby colleges. For Remlyn, seeing people in their mirthful expressions was one of the highlights of her working schedule, as well as seeing customers doing sign language and even showing knowledge on how to express a simple gesture of gratitude.

It won’t take long till more people discover the place, especially since students have been referring it more and more. As to whether more business would make the big step to hire employees with disabilities is a different matter, but with the warm reception towards the service here, we are hopeful. Just like how the best flowers in a garden are spotted, so will this resto find it place in more people’s hearts, in time—and naturally.

Besides the issue on rescuing strays—there are other issues like vaccination, medicine, and above all, population control for the community that need to be addressed.

What transpired through Malou’s actions was a web of human compassion—it’s too often that most of us forget that these kinds of webs always start with a point that connects to another point and so on. She believed that intention without action is useless—making a difference comes from actually making it and not just the thought of it.

When he first saw a single sunflower seed, Vicente Flores thought of it as nothing but a carbon copy of a grain of rice that simply turned black, as he showed no interest in these kinds of things beforehand. He didn’t know how to tend to flora and he certainly didn’t know how a bunch of seeds paired with a simple family request could turn into a grand tourist attraction that he soon would be proud of.

Vicente is a simple man with notso-simple jobs: a contractual worker at the local company of Central Azucarera de La Carlota, a barangay kagawad, and a chairman of health and sanitation. He seems to have his hands full, but despite these tedious and demanding careers, he knows that before everything else, his first job is to be a loving father. So when his son presented him with sunflower seeds in hopes of him growing them into beautiful flowers readily available for his son’s wedding, Vicente couldn’t say no. After all, it was the best possible gift. However, luck was not swaying with them and the sunflowers failed to bloom before the wedding day. Hence, the dream of a sunflower-filled wedding church was no more.

But Vicente is a man of his words and he does not easily back down. As soon as he came back from the wedding, he snapped a photo of the field and sent it to his newly-wed son. The moment his son posted it online, people just went crazy, eager to see those yellow flowers in real life. The bright, happy crown petals of the sunflowers attracted thousands of people and due to the hype, he decided to open up the sunflower farm. Vicente

IN FULL BLOOM. A field of Bucalan sunflowers greets tourists at Barangay RSB, La Carlota City. -GERICO T. GUANCO

Flores, still a simple man, now has five not-so-simple jobs.

Thus, internet fame birthed to an esteemed, newly spawned sunflower farm that hundreds of tourists visit every day like buzzing bees to that of a sweetened flower. BucalanCaci Sunflower Farm located at Barangay RSB, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental opened its wooden gates last September 10.

“This was an accident but then thousands of people started to flock—and that was the beginning,” Vicente said, as he recalled the surprising phenomena. Only a donation box awaits the tourists and not an entrance fee. The place also sells flowers to gain income in order to buy seedlings for planting and paying for the people who help manage the farm. Besides sunflowers, the farm also offers souvenirs and light snacks such as fish crackers, puto, and kutsinta.

“As a barangay official, I want the citizens to see that I am doing my part as chairman of health and sanitation,” he added, emphasizing that the land where his farm stands on was lent to him for free in order to practice his advocacy.

There is also a hopeful possibility that Vicente will be planting different varieties of flowers if the sugar central he is working on gives him another parcel of land to plant on, expanding the farm and smiles of everyone who visit his farm even more.

You can call this bonanza as fate and coincidence with bits of hard-work, but you can’t deny that everything played out well. Vicente Flores is the man with the Spanish term for “flower” as his surname that started a flower farm. And although these sunflowers may only bloom for ten short days, the joy they cast onto people would definitely last for decades.

Unrefining Sugarlandia: an exhibit of a province‘s great turmoil

by KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL

The city of Bacolod is widely known for its geographical beauty and luscious delicacies that have captured the hearts of many. To think that Bacolod has already offered your eyes and taste buds so much, its culture and arts have still so much more to give. And as the Masskara Festival celebration comes to paint the streets of the city once again, it also beckons the prowess of the Bacolodnon artistry and creative magic.

The Negros Museum has opened the contemporary exhibition “Unrefining Sugarlandia” to the public last September 1, and shall run until the 30th of November. Curated

by Georgina Luisa Jocson, this 23-manned art exhibition features the works of exemplary artists like Erika Mayo, Jovito Hecita, Frelan Gonzaga, Barry Cervantes, Emilio Montelibano Jr. and many others.

The exhibit tells the history of Negros when the sugar industry in the province fell in the 1980s. The sugar industry has sparked the golden age for the province’s economy. However, this age has reached its tipping point and unfortunately brought the province to a great downfall that left numerous hacienderos (plantation owners) financially devastated and caused sacadas (sugarcane plantation laborers) to suffer in great hunger that eventually led to death.

Divided in three sections, “Unrefining Sugarlandia” shows those who witness it the different facades of the history of the

province’s sugar industry. The first section, “All the Field’s a Stage” speaks about how the industry is a stage and the hacienderos and its sacadas were co-actors or co-drivers in the ride of its pitiful theatrical plot twist. Next, the “Sugarcoating” section depicts the reality of how Bacolod is being sugar-glazed by the popularity of its laid-back lifestyle and belly-filling cuisine which covers the woeful history of the city and its little obnoxious parts. The last section that is “When Death becomes Negros”, revolves around how Negros birthed from a death of an island’s economy that led people to migrate to the province. The burst of population has paved way to industrialization that grew haciendas (plantations).

This growth, in turn, has sacrificed

the lives of forests and the peaceful habitat of wildlife to give way to sugarcane plantations. A glimpse in the death of an industry that was once flourishing with wealth.

The province of Negros has long been known to be on top of the country’s sugar industry, being labeled as the “Sugar Bowl” of the country, but only a few know how the province had undergone both the blessing and the wrath of such fame. Through this exhibit, as we look back, let us not realize the loss that this history has inflicted to the province and its people, but recognize the resiliency to endure and overcome it. Moreover, it tells us to always look back and reflect to what once were to help us as we progress.

BITTERSWEET. Students' attention are caught by art pieces featured in the "When Death Becomes Negros" section of the exhibit.-MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2018

LOCAL

Wala Kang Takas ni MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

Kailanman ay hindi magiging batayan ang uri ng damit na suot sa sukat ng respeto na dapat ibigay kaninuman. Ngunit, para bang akala ng iba na ito ay isang batayan ng pagpapahintulot. Pagpapahintulot para sila ay bastusin, maliitin, at punahin.

Nasanay ang tao, lalo na ang mga babae, na sumunod na lamang at itikom ang bibig sa anumang sabihin ng nakatataas sa kanila.

Nasanay na magpa-alipin at maging sunud-sunuran sa idinidikta ng lipunan.

Wala na bang karapatan ang babae na ipagtanggol ang sarili?

Ligtas pa ba sila sa bawat araw na lumilipas? Ligtas pa ba sila sa bawat daang binabagtas? Walang pinipiling kasarian ang sekswal na pang-aabuso. Walang takas ang edad, ang uri ng pananamit, mukha, o kahit ang estado ng tao sa buhay—lahat pwedeng maging biktima.

Sa modernong panahon ngayon, kadalasan nang paksa ng lipunan ang karahasang sekswal, maliban sa mga aktibismo ng karapatang pantao at isyu sa kasarian. Sa isang lipunan kung saan tanggap lamang ang natural na kasarian: babae at lalaki, walang lugar at pagkakakilanlan ang mga miyembro ng Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender o LGBT. Naging natural at karaniwan na ang ugaling pambabastos at pagpuna sa katangian ng iba. Kagaya na lamang ng pagiging transman ni Jake Zyrus, na dating si Charice Pempengco, at ang pagpatay ng isang U.S. Marine sa transwoman na si Jennifer Laude.

Salungat sa pag-unlad ng teknolohiya ay ang pagbaba ng lebel ng pananaw ng lipunan sa karapatan ng bawat isa, lalo na sa aspeto ng sekswalidad.

Ang pang-aabusong sekswal na ito ay ang pang-aapi o pamimilit kapalit ng sekswal na pabor. Bahagi ng pang-aabuso ang hanay ng mga malumanay na paglabag sa kilos hanggang sa sekswal na pag-atake.

Ang pagsasagawa nito ay maaaring sa paraang berbal o pisikal. At hindi lamang ang kasalukuyang epekto ng pang-aabuso ang tanging tatatak sa alaala ng biktima nito kundi pati na rin ang mga susunod na pangyayari o trauma na mananatili sa kanya magpakailanman.

Kagaya ng ibang industriya, ang mga pang-aabusong nagaganap sa entertainment industry ay tila isang bukas na lihim.

Isa ang mamamahayag na si Gretchen

Fullido sa mga biktima ng kasong pangaabuso na lumantad at ipinagtanggol ang sarili. Siya ang kauna-unahang kasapi ng press na nagsalita tungkol sa isyung ito.

Ayon kay Fullido, siya diumano ay ginawan ng pang-aabuso ng dating ABS-CBN news executive na si Cheryl Favila at ABS-CBN News segment producer na si Maricar Asprec. Naghain na ng demanda ang mamamahayag laban sa mga akusado.

Sa kasamaang palad, sa kabila ng kanyang katapangan na lumantad at magsalita tungkol sa pang-aabuso, marami pa ring mga Pilipino ang takot at walang lakas ng loob para ipaglaban ang mga sarili.

Dahil sa mga kaso ng pang-aabuso, ipinasa na ang Manila Ordinance No. 7857 o ang “Anti-catcalling Ordinance” na magpoprotekta sa kaligtasan ng mga kababaihan mula sa catcallng. Ang catcalling ay isang akto ng pagtatawag, pagsipol, o pagbigay komento sa sekswal na kalikasan ng babae. Ang uri ng panghaharass na ito ay nasa pangaraw-araw nang sitwasyon ng lipunan.

Maaaring para sa gumagawa nito, ito ay pawang mga biro at katuwaan lamang ngunit para sa biktima, ito ay nakakaapekto sa kanyang sarili, seguridad, at sekswalidad.

Ipapataw ang karampatang parusa sa sinumang umabuso sa mga kababaihan

sa paraang berbal o pisikal. Kasama ang mga kaparehong parusa bilang malumanay, katamtaman na mga paglabag kabilang ang stalking, paggawa ng pandiwang pagkakasala, kamay o katawan, galaw na may balak na i-demean o pagbabanta sa isang babae. Ang mga third-time offenders ng mga maliliit o malumanay na paglabag ay nakaharap sa isang P3,000 multa o 11-30 araw na pagkakakulong. Ang isang tao ay maaaring pagmultahin o mabilanggo hanggang sa isang buwan para sa paggawa ng mga maliliit na paglabag tulad ng pagmumura, pagmamalabis, pag-uulit na paghingi ng numero mula sa babae, o pag-aalipusta ng isang babae na may patuloy na pagbubukas ng usapan tungkol sa pakikipagtalik.

Ang mga malalaking paglabag, tulad ng exhibitionism o paggawa ng malaswang kilos sa isang tao, ay maaaring makatanggap ng mga multa ng isa hanggang anim na buwan sa bilangguan at P5,000. Ang mga parusa para sa ikatlong pagkakasala ng malubhang paglabag, tulad ng paniniktik, ay nagkakahalaga ng mas mabigat na halaga ng P10,000 at isa hanggang anim na buwan ng oras ng pagkabilanggo.

Dahil sa pagpapatupad ng ordinansang ito, nabigyan ng garantiya ang mga kababaihan para sa kanilang seguridad at kaligtasan. Isang hakbang rin ito para maging isa ang bawat kasapi ng lipunan sa pagpapanatiling ligtas ang bawat araw at oras para sa lahat.

Pantay-pantay ang bawat tao, babae man o lalake. Ngunit sa isyu ng sekswal na karahasan, hindi maikakaila na mas madaling maging biktima ang mga babae sa mga piling kalagayan.

Mahalaga na magsama-sama hindi lamang ang mga kababaihan kundi pati na rin ang mga kalalakihan sa pagpoprotekta ng karapatan ng bawat isa.

Nasa uri nga ba ng suot ang sukat ng respeto na maaaring ibigay sa isang tao?

Huwag nang hintayin na madagdagan ang bilang ng mga biktima ng kasong ito. Walang boses na lalabas upang ipaglaban ang sarili kung mananatili na nakatakip ang iyong bibig. Sa usapang kaharasan, kailangang maging isa ang lahat. Kailangang may tumayo, kailangang may lumaban.

Pagdumdom sa mga Tuod nga Bagani ni MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

Sa pagkabugana sang isla sang Negros, indi matago nga ang ginhalinan sang matam-is kag manggaranon nga duta—ang mapait nga sakripisyo sang dugo kag kabuhi sang mga mamumugon. Sa pihak sang ila pagpanikasog kag paghimud-os, sila gihapon ang nabilin nga kubos sa kalibutan. Ang mga manggaranon, padayon nga nagamanggad samtang ang mga pigado nagakagutman. Para sa ila, kung imol ka, indi ka kabato.

Isa sa mga rason kung ngaa padayon ang pag-usmod sang ekonomiya amo ang wala katapusan nga korapsyon kag inhustisya sang sistemang panggobyerno— sistema sang pagpatay kag pabulag-bulag sa hangyo sang mga pigado.

Subong aton pahanumdumon ang mga nagkalatabo sang diktaturya sang rehimeng Marcos—hindi lamang ang mga pagpatay kundi ang pagkabaganihan nga nabun-ag sa tagipusuon sang tagsa ka Pilipino.

Hapon sang ika-20 sang Setyembre sang tuig 1985, nagtipun-tipon ang mga raliyista sa plaza sang Escalante. Mga sakada, mangunguma, propesyonal, manug-isda, residente, kag mga tawo sang simbahan ang naghiliusa kag nagbitbit sang mga karatula para magprotesta batok sa selebrasyon sang ika-13 nga anibersayo sang Martial Law kag ang “New Society” nga ginpatuman sang diktador.

Samtang ang mga tawo ginapakod ang ila panindugan nga pahalinon sa iya termino si Marcos, ginapalibutan sila sang mga awtoridad, mga miyembro sang Regional Special Action Forces (RSAF), Civilian Home Defense Force (CHDF), mga kapulisan, kag mga indi kilala nga armado nga mga lalake.

Sa amo nga tiyempo kung sa diin naga-abanse sa pagwelga ang

Laro Tayo

—GLEN JED J. DESCUTIDO

by VICTORIA MARIAN B. BELMIS

“… Sumakit ang ulo ko, sumakit ang beywang ko – Sexbomb, sexbomb, sexbomb.”

Hindi yata buo ang ating pagkabata kung wala ang samu’t saring larong pinoy na ating kinalakihan kung wala ang mga jokes at mga “clap chants” na nagbigay kulay sa ating inosenteng kamulatan. Yung mga taon sa ating kabataan na tayo’y nakikipag-kantsawan kasama ang ating mga kaklase sa may canteen tuwing recess. Mayroong napipikon, palagi. Yung iba umiyak dahil sa kanya tumapat ang—Baboy!

Balikan natin ang iba’t ibang larong

pinoy, na kung susuriin, ngayon, ay medyo rated SPG dahil ‘di umano sa pagiging “racist”, sekswal, at kadalasang gamit nito bilang panlait sa pisikal na kaanyuan at iba pa. Handa ka na ba?

Girl, Boy...

Bakla, Tomboy, Butiki, Baboy…

Aminin mo, kinanta mo ito ilang taon na ang nakalipas (o baka magpahanggang ngayon). Sa murang isipan ng mga paslit, tila ba ang mga katagang ito ay isa lamang kanta, isa lamang laro— walang labis walang kulang. Pero kung lubos mong pagtuunan ng pansin, lalo na ngayon na hindi ka na isang walang kamuwangmuwang na bata, ang mga katagang napapaloob dito ay lubos na hindi angkop para sa mga bata lalo at tumatalakay ito sa aspeto ng kanilang sekswalidad at pananaw sa pisikal na kaanyuan.

Ikaw ba naman ang tuksuing: bakla, tomboy, butiki o baboy matapos maglaro ang iyong buong klase nito.

Tayo nga marupok, ang mga bata pa kaya.

At huwag mo palang kalimutan ang klasikong larong “turo-turo” nating mga Ilonggo, ang “Cheese, mais, mani, mangga!” na kung saan ang iyong edad ang magpapasiya kung ano sa apat ang iyong estado, propesyon o ugali: Cheesemosa? Mais-tra (Guro)? Mani-ninggad (parang tsismosa na rin)? Manggaranon (Mayaman)?

Bahay-bahayan Kung ayon sa ‘Cheese-mais’ mayaman ka, malamang ikaw ang magiging Donya Nene ng larong bahay-bahayan.

At dahil Donya ka, dapat may alalay ka. Sa larong ito, kadalasang pinipili yung mga kapwa batang palaging tinutukso upang maging alalay, kung minsan nga bilang alagang hayop. May iba’t-ibang papel na pwedeng gampanan sa larong ito pero bakit may alalay? Bakit may maid? Bakit may alagang hayop? Nakakalungkot lang na ngayon mo lang mapagtanto na sa murang edad ay nakagawian na nating maliitin ang mga ka-“tulong” natin sa bahay.

Langit-lupa Impyerno! Ako lamang ba ang nag-iisip na ako’y napakamakasalan, dahil lamang palagi akong natatapat sa “Impyerno” ng larong ito? Baka ako lang nga.

Mangga, mangga hinog ka na ba?

Oo, oo, hinog na ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sinama ko ito sa listahang ito.

Kung mali man po ito ay huwag magalala, napikot ko na ang sarili ko.

One-two-three, asawa ni Marie: Araw gabi, walang—PANTY. Sa ibang bersyon nito “pari” or “pare” ang ginagamit sa halip na Marie. Hindi ko alam kung paano naging “Pari” si Marie o naging Marie ang Pari? Pero yung mas hindi ko maintindihan ay kung ilan nga ba talaga ang asawa ni Marie, at kung may mali ba kung wala itong “panty”

3

mga tawo, ang mga fire trucks nagsugod na sadto basya sang tubig.

Sang naubos ang karga sang mga fire truck, ang mga kapulisan nga nagapalibot sa mga tawo amo ang naghaboy sang tear gas canisters sa mga naga-protesta.

Isa ka tear gas canister ang nahaboy sa bahin nga ginatindugan ni Juvelyn Jarabelo, 20 anyos nga babaye nga isa ka lider sa simbahan kag nagapanguna sa amo nga protesta. Ginpudyot niya ini kag ginhaboy balik sa mga awtoridad kung sa diin ginbalusan sila sang nagsunod-sunod nga mga tiro sang pusil kag siya ang una nga naigo kag napatay. Ang mga nabilin nga nakaluwas sa una nga pagpaniro, ginpalibutan gihapon sang mga armado kag ginpangtiro liwat para indi na kapalagyo. Napulo kag lima ang napatay mismo sa lugar sang welga, samtang ang anum napatay sa ospital.

Trenta y tres katuig ang nagligad, isa ka krimen ang naglapnag sa timog nga bahin sang Negros.

Krimen nga nagkitil sa kabuhi sang bente-uno ka mga aktibista.

Ang sadto nga aktibismo ang nagpukaw sa binag-binag sang mga Negrosanon nga dapat isikway na ang mga kalainan kag korupsyon sa gobyerno.

Makabig nga mga matuod nga baganihan ang mga nagsakripisyo sang ila nga kabuhi para lang maluwas ang bilog nga pungsod indi lamang halin sa diktaturya ni Marcos kundi pati sa mga nakipagbato para makuha ta ang matam-is nga kahilwayan halin sa pag-abusar kag diskriminasyon. Sila ang nagtindog kag naghimakas nga magbato para lang maagom sang tanan ang hustisya kag demokrasya.

Amo gani nga dapat sa pagdumdom sang ila nga ginhimo, kabay pa nga magdumdom man ang tawo nga maghimo sang maayo para indi na magliwat pa kag matabo ang kamatayon kag kabudlayan nga naagyan sang aton nga mga bagani.

LINGHOD

araw-gabi? Angkop nga ba ang mga salitang ito para sa mga kabataan?

Parte na ng ating kultura ang mga larong ito at rated SPG man o hindi, hindi masusukat ang saya nitong naidudulot sa napakarami ng inosenteng bata na hanggang ngayon wala pa ring kamuwangmuwang sa mga bagay na medyo nagkukubli sa likod ng mga kantang ito na aminin na nating napaka-catchy.

Yun nga lang, nakakubli sa sayang naidulot nito ang masalimuot na epekto sa ating sosyedad. Marahil dahil sa mga larong tulad ng ‘Girl, Boy’ ay naging negatibo ang pagtanggap sa LGBTQ Community at naging laganap ang body shaming. naapektuhan rin ang pananaw at respeto natin sa iba’t ibang uri ng tao sa lipunan kagaya ng mga pari, maybahay at mga katulong sa bahay.

Maliit na bagay lamang ang mga ito ng ating pagkabata at ngayon habang binabasa mo ito may mga kabataang naglalaro nito. Mahirap nang burahin ito sa lipunan, kahit gaano pa ka negatibo ang epekto sa paglaki at pananaw sa buhay ng mga paslit, sapagkat nakatatak na ito sa kultura natin. Masakit mang isipin pero ito ang realidad – talamak ang diskriminasyon, kahit sa ating kabataan.

Sana lamang ay magtulungan tayo, bilang isang “woke nation” upang maiwasan na ang pambubully sa kabataan dahil lamang Butiki o Bakla ang resulta ng kanyang “Girl, boy.”

“We are digital natives. We've gone from being dubbed as narcissists to using technology for organizing ourselves. Movements and initiatives have been given wider reach through effective use of social media.”

And despite the disadvantages of time constraints, classes, performance tasks, and homework that goes hand in hand with being a student, Ariola says that they’re “all part of the challenge.”

“When you've grown up in a world that expects you to conform to its crooked ways, to accept the way it just is, asking questions and thinking up ways to change the world is a rebellious act.” Ariola said. “It feels great to fight for causes with a community of young advocates empowering and supporting each other.”

And the world seems promising for the group of individuals who are continuously fighting to see the future that they desire. As members of this generation in fighting for environmentalism, Linghod acts as a foreground for the upcoming battles that lie ahead. Having the time to actively fight for a sustainable future comes with the compensation that no “job” can ever provide. The work being done is passion, and the people at work are this generation’s future leaders.

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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2018

VANTAGE POINT

The morning after Following the week that highlighted this month's celebration, people seldom wait long enough to see the aftermath of the 39th Masskara Festival.

From the piles of rubbish being swept away to exhausted kiosk workers—the dawn brings to light the grimy face behind the mask.

PHOTOS BY ALFED EDRIAN D. AMA, MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA, GERICO T. GUANCO, MARIANO O. JAVIER & KYLE JYRAX D. SEVILLA

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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2018

6

REVIEWS

MOVIE REVIEW

Spirited Away (2001)

by GLEN JED J. DESCUTIDO

Seventeen years ago, Hayao Miyazaki brought us into a realm of magical proportions no one ever expected.

Together with ten-year old Chihiro and her journey within the spirit world to keep her parents from permanently transforming into creatures, we were shown what real friendship, hope, and love looked like—even if it meant working at a bathhouse for a magical, sinister witch.

Dubbed as one of the best animated feature films of all time, Sen to Chihiro no

Kamikakushi (Sen and Chihiro's Spiriting Away) or more popularly known as Spirited Away, has been notorious for making audiences feel emotional and enchanted (emptying tissue boxes only to find another one beside them) at the same time.

There’s pretty much a lot going on in this film: it’s possible one would not be able to fathom all the spellbinding and fun it brings. Journeying through a new territory is frightening, but journeying through the spirit world with inhabitants that transform into creatures is another story.

Spirited Away is very much like Alice in Wonderland and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but Miyazaki's magic clothed this film with wonders that made it a story like no other—a one for the ages. What sets it apart from these classics would be its drive and its details. The film gives its audiences a feel of childhood bravery. The movie’s intricate details are its principal strength. It is evident from the very illustrious maze-like plot Miyazaki was able to put together showing off a “You think you know the story, think again’’ impression despite the fact that it never had a script. Being able to deliver a story so smooth and precise is a rare feat for a film, even rarer for an animated one, and this one nailed it.

Feeling and sympathizing for the

PLAY REVIEW

characters you just met means good writing. Way back the time where I was completely clueless of such wonder Miyazaki’s kaleidoscopic films bring, Spirited Away was able to introduce characters I’ve never known before but grew to love in a span of two hours and 15 minutes. The characters are well developed. It is clearly seen through Chihiro’s character and how she grew from a typical grumpy 10-year-old who fought the unusual wonders surrounding her, into a child with a better perspective in life.

As much as Spirited Away is filled with bewildering, mind-boggling illusions, it still actually mirrors reallife situations; the different forms of genuine love is the one most clearly seen. Chihiro’s love for her parents and the risks she’s willing to take for them, Haku’s care for Chihiro despite the latter not knowing more about him, and Yubaba’s motherly warmth towards her baby regardless of her villainous nature.

Like a colossal gift all packaged properly, Spirited Away is enchanting as it is—a gift someone will accept without any hesitation; a movie everyone will surely watch. But what makes it more special isn’t the thought of how big it is, but what’s inside it—a monumental family drama full of charm, wonder, and courage that will not only inspire kids but also kids at heart.

BOOK REVIEW

Manuscript Found in Accra "... Our task is not to leave a record of what happened on this date for those who will inherit the Earth; history will take care of that.

Therefore, we will speak about our daily lives, about the difficulties we have had to face. That is all the future will be interested in, because I do not believe very much will change in the next thousand years."

On July 14, 1099, the defenders muster their strength against the overwhelming force of the crusaders besieging their beloved city. As the warriors man the battlements, the citizens of Jerusalem are trapped within the walls of their sacred city. As they await the impending breach, they gather: every man, woman, and child collectively congregate to heed the words of a mysterious man, known only to the people as the Copt. He speaks to the people regarding their imminent doom with wholeheartedly spoken truth.

Fast forward into the modern age, the Copt's heated advice to the citizens can still be perfectly headed due to still-existing human values that have endured and are still well alive from then till now. This, molded with Paulo Coehlo's knack for giving life to words, is a combination worth giving a try. The “Manuscript Found in Accra” shows that who we are as a race, what we fear collectively, and what we hope in the years to come, are from the known information and faith that can be

YayaMam

—MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

by MARIA ANGELINE M. MAYOR

“Kina kailangan bang maging perpekto tayo para makapagpabago tayo ng buhay ng isang tao?”

With an aim to honor the teachers in celebration of the World Teachers’ Month, Stairs Theater Production launched the premiere show of their stage play entitled YayaMam at the Coliseum last September 27.

YayaMam is written and directed

by Paul Ballano, the same person behind other notable plays such as Ang Guro, The Fifth Prodigal, and Magulang Magulang. The stage play is actually touring around schools all over the country and sells their ticket at 225 pesos. It is a three-hour play with three acts featuring Tart Carlos and YD Diego who play the same person in the story.

Basically set for a younger audience, particularly high school students, the themes of the play tackled family relationships, overcoming adversities, and acceptance. It revolves around the story of Kinang (Carlos) about her journey as a mother, a yaya (nanny) and a teacher.

The first act tells her humble beginnings working as a nanny to a Filipino family residing abroad to provide for the needs of her five children whom she has left in the Philippines. The second act is about her experience as a mother who hasn’t been with her children for years and felt how they have become distant towards her when she returned to their home. Meanwhile, the third part is the continuation of Kinang’s (now played by YD Diego) story as a teacher, which is actually her lifelong dream, years after she had finally fixed her relationship with her children.

The storyline was simple and comprehensive in the premise that it could easily be understood by its

targeted audience. Nevertheless, it could have been clearer had there not been any technical difficulties encountered during the actual staging of the play. There were a lot of instances when the lapel microphones used by the actors did not work properly. Thus, making the audience have to guess what the actors were saying through their actions and facial expressions. It was later on resolved during the third act by handing the actors wireless microphones instead.

It was a light-hearted drama with a tint of comedy. Though Kinang showed a sincere and meek personality in her character, she also has a bit of silliness in her which gave the audience a good laugh from time to time. But still, Kinang was able to balance the emotions of the story by also tugging at the audience’s heartstrings in some of the scenes, like when she was finally hugged and surrounded by her five children. The only thing that didn’t work on her part was when she sang a song by Lady Gaga entitled A Million Reasons.

Perhaps because the main language of the play was in Tagalog and it was a little bit off to sing a song in English, especially that YayaMam was not a musical play.

The set design for the play was rather light and simple, with only seven panels of different backgrounds to surround the set and mark as a new setting or sequence in the story, and a few other props to fill in the space. Though it compromised the storytelling and believability, it was a practical move given that the whole cast and production team behind the show tours from one school to another around the country.

Story-wise, the first two stories were fun and engaging. The casting of appealing actors worked for the young audience as it played a part in focusing their attention towards the story. The third part of the play, on the other hand, has become too draggy for the audience already, provided that the attention span of the teenagers is shorter. Nonetheless, YayaMam is still a great show for letting the younger generation better appreciate and realize the worth of their mothers, yayas, and teachers.

found within us naturally; not from the problems that envelop us.

In the book, the people throw questions at the Copt and he responds with utmost confidence and truth. It feels as though that he himself is directly talking to the readers, giving you advice on how to face life one step at a time.

This in itself is a book not intended to be read directly like a warm meal, eaten straight. But rather as a snack; delicately reserved for when nourishment of the

soul is required. This book can be read in between and the readers will still find themselves unlost due to the fact that the phrasing and spacing of each chapters are well put together. “Manuscript Found in Accra” can be read straight, but is rather tiring because the author seems to lecture the reader Consider the Copt as Coelho's epitome, and spits forth ideologies, the most novelettish of the sort, and the slugiacsh synthetic bible, similar to those preached in the plaza. ‘‘The gazelle eats the grass and is devoured by the lion,” Coelho writes. “It isn’t a matter of who is strongest, but […] the cycle of death and resurrection.’’ This is no more than Mufasa lecturing Simba about life. A generic remastering of a classic.

At its simplest; a rehash of morality repackaged as wisdom for the modern world.

The most glaring flaw that Coehlo imposed in this book is his failure to be authentic, touching, and persuasive in portraying human suffering. Positive faith, genuine or forced, cannot help you overcome the downs of the rollercoaster of life. As an author who is in tone on introducing his readers to a universe of love, pain, regret, and all powerful emotions, he barely meets the specifications near to melancholy nor mishap in a way that is other than

generically answerable.

Perhaps Coelho’s works may have seeped within you without you actually reading his books. This 65-year-old that is native to Brazil writes stories that are light and is oftentimes well-versed in their plots. But this is not evident in the “Manuscript Found in Accra”.

This can be considered as a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” knockoff. Why settle for something similar if you can read the original itself? Far from his other works, this is best left under the rubble of a ruined city forgotten; can be excavated but not a special find through and through.

off the album, Midnight Sky, at the same time when the musical collective he left released their own single, In My Prison.

Afterwards, the lines became clearer between the two musical acts: Midnight Sky’s calm and restrained acoustics hinted UNIQUE diverging from the dynamic

synths and vibrant discotheque of IVOS’ In My Prison. In other words, UNIQUE wanted to create his own music; his own style.

However, as “Grandma” was released last August (barely three months after his split from IVOS), fans were actually surprised of the album’s musical range.

Not only did its last six tracks contain tranquil, ethereal ballads and hymns like Midnight Sky, which was surprisingly the ninth track, its first six songs were on the other side of the pole: clothed with kinetic synths as well as carefully placed yet upbeat crescendos and rhythmic pulses.

The possible reason why UNIQUE’s first-ever album is named “Grandma” might be simple—all of his songs do what grandmothers usually do: give advices as well as recollect stories. A great example of this is the critically-acclaimed OZONE (Itulak ang Pinto), a retelling of the 1996 disco inferno tragedy, which UNIQUE himself admitted to be one of the hardest songs he had written in the album.

Furthermore, Paalala: and Goodnight Prayer smoothly encompassed the grandmother vibe of the 12-track musical anthology with its almost ghostly auricular that UNIQUE belted toward his “grandchildren” as a form of advice.

Meanwhile, other songs such as Apoy ng Kandila, We Know, and Cha-Ching! display the artist’s perception of the current realities of society as well as an indirect antagonism towards someone. Most especially with the lyrics from We Know wherein UNIQUE somewhat mocks: “I can treat you / But where’s my money? / Please don’t waste my time.”

Despite being acclaimed, it is quite observable that “Grandma” still has a dissonance among its 12 tracks, particularly on what seemed to be the acoustically out of place Jules and My Old Friend that scream inconsistencies in what the whole album purports to establish as its identity. Nonetheless, there is one track that can enamour anyone who listens to “Grandma”: Sino, a mellow, bass-y song

that talks about a lover’s dilemma set in UNIQUE’s clean falsetto.

UNIQUE managed to yield an album within just a span of few months. Through “Grandma”, he was able to show his critics how well-versed he is in terms of concocting enigmatic storytelling in his songs and playing with his vocal range that ebbs falsetto and flows tenor at his will.

However, the album’s cohesiveness and attention to its theme is the chink in its armor. Listeners are welcomed with the catchy yet dark Cha-Ching! yet they get an out-of-place and unnecessary detour as the energy dies down in the later parts of the album.

Ultimately, UNIQUE paid the price of following his passion: he left his band and garnered a lot of naysayers because of it.

Even though “Grandma” has its obvious flaws, it is still a testament of UNIQUE’s passion; his promising career—a visionary who is cloaked in mystique and is already creating major sound waves at the age of 18.

by ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

ALBUM REVIEW

Grandma

by JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO

Passion can be a double-edged sword for artists. Sometimes, it can lead them to cultivate and prosper in their careers; other times, it can force them into culling a part of themselves that was once promising.

The listeners of former IV of Spades (IVOS) frontman Unique Salonga—who now goes by the au courant yet austere stage name ‘UNIQUE’—found out why the fashionable but aloof vocalist of IVOS split from the band while it was in the wake of climbing the celestial stage of Original Pinoy Music stardom: “Grandma”, a 12-track solo album.

Months after parting ways with IVOS, the local music scene was taken aback when UNIQUE released his first single

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 4 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2018

LEISURE “TULOG?”

7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE #13

—CARL HASON T. GERALE

Masskara festival has once again enveloped the streets of Bacolod City. Satisfy your inner fiesta junkie by answering this Masskara festival themed crossword puzzle.

“BUDGET PROBLEMS”

—ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

DOWN

ACROSS

“HUYA”

—ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

3. The center of festivities at night during Masskara.

5. The year that the Masskara Festival Started.

6. Masskara translates to _____.

7. The dance arena where the street dancing competition is usually held at is ______.

8. Usually lines up the streets during festivities.

9. Bacolod is known as...

1. Ang manok ni San Pedro...

2. Papiripo papirit.

4. The highlight of the Masskara Festival.

SUDOKU #13

“OPLAN UTANG”

SOLUTION FOR CROSSWORD #12:

—KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL

SOLUTION FOR SUDOKU #12:

WIKATIONARY

Endemic Animals in Negros Occidental Being the fourth largest island in the Philippines, Negros Occidental is home to a variety of wildlife that either remain unexplored or underappreciated. In an effort to raise awareness of their existence and the critical threat that looms over some of these endangered species, this issue’s WIKAtionary offers a look at five endemic animals that can only be found in the Sugar Capital of the country:

by MARTINI M. FALCO | illustrated by ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

Maral (Prionailurus javanesis sumatanus) Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable) Also known as the Visayan leopard cat, this small species of wild cat is about the size of a domestic cat but slender and is marked with distinguishable dark stripes as well as a short and narrow white muzzle.

Negros bleeding-heart pigeon (Gallicolumba keayi) Conservation status: Critically Endangered (Population decreasing) Peculiar of its color, this pigeon species is most identifiable for its large blood-red patch on its breast hence, the name.

Visayan tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini) Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) It is the smallest hornbill found in the Philippines and has, like many other hornbills, a characteristic ornamental casque on top of its bill.

By the numbers

Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) A nocturnal and endangered species of deer that is located primarily in the rainforests of the Visayan islands of Panay and Negros.

Negros warty pig (Sus cebifrons negrinus) Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing) Researchers say that the reason for the warts is to assist as a natural defense against the tusks of rival pigs during a fight.

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2017

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40

Delegates who participated in the 2nd USLS Model United Nations hosted by the Political Science Society

The year when the St. Brother Miguel, FSC Hall was blessed and inaugurated

Ranking reached by USLS among the schools offering undergraduate programs in accountancy

Recipients during the College of Engineering and Technology’s La Salle Gives Back activity

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Dagway

facebook.com/thespectrumusls

F E AT U R E S + L E I S U R E

@thespectrum.usls

@TheSpectrumUSLS

‘Lasallebrating’ L-Week 2018 PHOTOS BY GERICO T. GUANCO, MARIANO O. JAVIER, MARTINI M. FALCO NICCI BERNELLE D. AGUILAR & MILLEN ANDRE E. GELA

by IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

“Catering to the masa of the USLS community, we wanted to capture the interest of those Lasallians who are inclined towards different activities such as E-sports and international groups,” claimed University Student Government (USG) Executive President Louie Raner.

For the month of September, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) celebrated its Lasallian Week (L-Week) 2018, themed “Lasallebration: Our Pride, Our Home,” with varied activities prepared by the USG. “The USG wants everyone to celebrate with the whole Lasallian community.

We want everybody to have this kind of ownership towards the theme and to really highlight that USLS is our Pride, our Home,” Raner expressed.

Hosted annually, the week-long celebration lasted from September 24 until 28, and was participated by the whole Lasallian community, setting up booths and kiosks for everyone to enjoy.

To start off the week’s festivity, the University Alumni Office held its annual Lasalyanihan Fun Run in collaboration with the USG and the Liceo de La Salle Student Activities Council (SAC). The fun run—which was participated by mostly Liceo students—involved three, five, and ten kilometer distances to choose from.

After the institutional mass during the first day, Raner and Brother President Joaquin Severino Martinez, FSC led the

opening ceremony and announced the launching of the school’s new mission statement at the university Coliseum.

In the afternoon, the USG held the University Challenge at the university football field with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) reigning victorious amongst other colleges while the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) and College of Education (CED) placed second and third, respectively.

For the second day, the annual U-League took place at the Coliseum in which the Lasallian Society Hospitality Management (LSHM) defeated defending champion Rotaract Club with a two-point advantage, 83-81. Whereas, the Marketer’s Union (MU) toppled the Decision Makers Incorporated (DMI) in a battle for third place with a 79-77 finish.

Allen Delagente of LSHM was awarded as this year’s Final’s U-League Most Valuable Player (MVP). Meanwhile, U-League All-Stars outplayed Team Shakey's, 70-68 in the afternoon basketball exhibition game.

Adhering to the suggestions and interests of the student population, the USG hosted a Mobile Legends Tournament at Cody Halls A and B. Team Budik triumphed over Team Chenatatakutan, winning them the championship with a score of 2-1 while Team Smoked Ham coming in third.

The USG also managed the first-ever Korean-themed event, K-Fest, with raffle draws, rounds of games and fan merchandises at the Mutien Murray

Auditorium B. The Rotaract Club in collaboration with Balayan, toured children with special needs from the Bacolod Special Education Center around the campus to celebrate the L-Week in the annual THISability project.

Additionally, Jan Eli Semblante and Jeffseon Sareno won Hugot Lasalyano Spoken Word Poetry contest and TikalTikal contest, respectively.

The student body also enjoyed the Battle of the Bands with “Home of the Champions” of Yu An Log–College Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) bagging the gold.

YAL-CBA Governor Charlene Rio also added that the “Yellow Shielded Champions” has won the Battle of the Bands for four consecutive years already.

“It just shows that they have the passion for music and the determination to win and make our college proud,” remarked Rio. For the annual Interbarkada sports events, Greywolves and Cuervo Ladies dominated the male and female category for football while Team Pirates won in the Frisbee and Team Barbielots for the beach volleyball.

Ending the celebration, L-Week featured Manhattan: The Best of Broadway Stories on its last day, with YAL-CBA roaring their way to first place earning the Best in Costume, Best in Scenic Design and Best in Choreography awards with their production number of The Lion King.

“We encountered a lot of hard times

and breakdowns because we were tired but it never came to a point of giving up,” affirmed Rio adding that most of the props and costumes were made by hand by the YAL-CBA council members.

College of Nursing’s (BSN) Alladin production came in first runner-up and CED’s Rock of Ages grabbed second runner-up.

“There are a lot of changes. With the support of the different offices and the Office for Students Affairs, USLS has been stricter with the security issues of the school, length of time during of booth visits, and there were a lot of simultaneous events that one way or another made the whole week a success and safe for everyone,” Raner confided.