Volume 61 No. 8

TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING

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SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE VOL. 61 NO. 6 | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016

NEWS Learn about the atrocities during the Martial Law era through these testimonies.

Read on page 3 and 4

SPECIAL REPORT Negros Island Region may be torn apart again, as hinted by the Pres., and as quickly as it had become one. What does this mean for us?

Read on page 2

EDITORIAL

FEATURE

In times of divisiveness and political uproar, the media’s role in being critical without compromising the truth becomes even more pronounced.

Indigenous Peoples have long since struggled against threats to their identity and ancestral domain brought about by capitalism, rapid modernization and imperialism.

Hear their cries out.

Read on page 4

UNIVERSITY Relive the highlights of this year’s Lasallian week themed “Of Constants and Changes”.

Read on page 7

Read on page 11

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

SIMULATION. Students, faculty and staff await instructions at the Football Field during the Fire Drill supervised by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

‘Church of Christ includes all’ -Pajarillo

Pimentel prods support for Federalism

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

The administration is considering the idea of establishing a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT+) organization in the university.

“Inclusion is not just fashionable. It derives from our gospel values. If we are a school that professes to be Christian Catholic, it’s really Jesus’ message of love for all,” expressed University President and Chancellor Bro. Manuel Pajarillo, FSC. Inclusion is one of the six strategies outlined by Pajarillo in his inauguration last August 2015.

He shared that inclusion is evident in the Catholic Church, not to

mention Pope Francis stressing its importance in looking after the people in the margins and peripheries. “The church of Christ includes all,” Pajarillo said.

In today’s context, he cited those who are excluded in the society and that the LGBT+ community is among them.

Hailing from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, he shared that an LGBT+ organization existed in campus dubbed as “Pink Steps”, which earned the support of the University. Also, parties were thrown during the weekends for the homos, lesbos, bi and sympa.

Sympa are straight, individuals who are sympathetic to LGBT+.

Last July, the Benilde HIVE, an

LGBT-oriented organization in the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB), running on unofficial operations for 5 years, was finally accredited by the college’s Student Activity Unit, becoming the first ever official LGBT organization in the country’s Lasallian schools.

According to Pajarillo, putting up an LGBT+ organization might help address the needs of a marginalized group such as the LGBT+.

He said that the administration cannot organize clubs for students as the inputs in establishing so must come from student body. “The students themselves must articulate how best we can accompany them.” Also, he was open to the

idea of holding a conference about LGBT+ and inviting speakers who are well-versed in that area of concentration.

For Pajarillo, (USLS) administrator, will then be viewed as a place of learning that deals with contemporary issues and discusses what is real, and ultimately, a school that is faithful to its mission of accompanying the youth.

Meanwhile, Hector Gloria Jr., Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development, said that as a Catholic institution, there is a recognition that everybody is a child of God and that each one of us is different. “If we keep LGBT/page 7

SMX, USLS team up for Delirio

Photo by Ariana Inez L. Chua

By Starlene Joy B. Portillo

POINTS TO CONSIDER. Delirio talents and production team listen to feedback from USLS professors and the media during its Critic’s Night.

In partnership with SMX Convention Center Bacolod, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) orchestrated the Delirio horror room at the SMX Convention Center Function Hall 1, running from Oct. 28-30.

Forged through University President and Chancellor Bro. Manuel Pajarillo, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Rowena Bañes and Communications Department Chair Hannah Mariveles, the partnership absorbed members of the USLS Mass

Communication (Mass Comm) Society and the Production Support Group (PSG) for Delirio’s production.

“Through the years, our horror rooms have become the best attraction in USLS, as well as the best grosser in terms of sales and receipts. It was because of the good word of mouth that we were able to get a contract,” Mariveles said.

Director Mika Alvez stated that Delirio is a sequel to Mass Comm Society’s horror room entitled Demente, which ran last Sept. 6-9 during this year’s Lasallian Week.

SMX/page 2

Photo by Ariana Inez L. Chua

Admin urges presence of LGBT org in USLS

*PIMENTEL

By Lyle John L. Balana

Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel talked about federalism and its nuances in the “FedTalks #ForChange” forum held at Mutien Marie Auditorium A last September 30.

He talked about the proposed federal states in the Philippines, where there would be 11 federal states, with Metro Manila as a Federal Administrative region, and the federal states, composed of four states in Luzon, four states in Visayas, and three states in Mindanao, distributed along the usual borders with some crucial changes.

Pimentel opened his talk by telling the audience about his role in the proposal of federalism.

The talk, he said, was to educate the Filipino about the benefits of the federal government.

He stressed that federalism was a chance for regions to benefit from their own revenue, production, and potential.

The Federal State of Minparom, for example, would see Mindoro moved into the Visayas federal states instead of a Luzon federal state.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

The Federal State of Bangsamoro is seen as a compromise between the Islamic culture prevalent in the area and its location in a mostly Christianized country, with special provisions for Sharia Law, or the body of Islamic law.

In the Bangsamoro, Sharia Law can be applied if the litigants are both Muslims, but if one of the litigants is either a non-Muslim or a Lumad, the national law would apply.

The Bangsamoro Federal state might also undergo a different division, with it divided into two states between the mainland Muslims and the offshore Muslims.

The Negros Island Region might be converted into its own federal state or split apart, with Negros Occidental to the Federal State of Western Visayas and Negros Oriental to the Federal State of Central Visayas.

Pimentel also laid out the plans for a modified budget allocation, elections, senatorial seats, and the powers of the national government.

In the federal system, the president and the vice president would be elected as a team, for six FEDERALISM/page 2

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THESPECTRUM / NEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

Remembering USLS misses out on UNIGAMES,

launches HAIL

the dark decade

COMMEMORATION. Lasallians listen to firsthand Martial Law experiences in line with the 44th anniversary of the Martial Law Declaration.

By Iris Denise N. Rivera

“Forty-four years ago, our freedom saw its demise,” said Br. Antolin “Butch” Alcudia III, Office for Lasallian Animation and Formation (OLAF) Director, during his speech in the Martial Law commemorative event organized by OLAF and Balayan at the Coliseum lobby last September 21.

“The majority of the 100 million Filipinos today,” he further added, “wouldn’t even care nor would even want to know what transpired.”

He was alluding to the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines by Former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.

The Martial Law era, which lasted for nearly a decade, was enacted due to an alleged communist insurgency, a series of bombings, and the assassination attempt on then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile.

“Fourteen years later, Enrile admitted that it was a fake ambush— a staged one in order to create a scenario that there was really a need for the declaration of Martial Law,” explained Marife Varela, Political Science teacher and one of the resource speakers.

She then challenged the audience, millennials in general, to read more about what transpired in that particular historical narrative.

According to Amnesty International, around 70,000 were imprisoned, 34,000 tortured, and 3,240 killed during the era based on the accounts of survivors.

FEDERALISM... from page 1

years, with no reelection allowed.

The senator numbers will be increased so that each state could provide six senators of their own, as well as the Metro Manila Federal Administrative Region, and to allow voting for nine overseas senators.

The revenue shares of the federal states will have 20% go to the federal government and 80% allocated to the local government units.

The fund sharing between the local and national government will have 40% go to the local government and 60% to the national government.

There will be an Equalization Fund to allow poorer states to be on par with the richer states in terms of development and quality of life.

Also, there will only be one constitution which all states will follow, and the central federal government will retain a handful of powers which include the National Defense, the National Law enforcement, one monetary system,

One such survivor is Julie Dojillo, a former Balayan member, who was invited to the event as a resource speaker regarding her Martial Law experience.

She was a member of Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA). She was 30 years old then, but her awareness was raised at 18.

“The oppression was so rampant, and [so were the] suppression, poverty, and starvation. It raised our awareness, the youth at that time.”

Dojillo recounted her experience of arrest and detainment only a week after Martial Law was declared. In a somber tone, she talked about how the opening skit affected her.

The skit was presented by members of Marca18 Productions and began with two half-naked girls in chains being dragged and chased by two men in military uniforms.

They came from the parking lot screaming and fell on the Coliseum Lobby stage, exhausted.

More real-life stories of Martial Law victims were also told through a silent protest orchestrated by Chaela Mirano, a second year AB Psychology student. Volunteers held up placards with the stories of victims such as Liliosa Hilao, Hilda Narciso, Dr. Juan Escandor, and others.

“We have to remember,” Varela reminded the audience, “so that we will not experience what those patriotic Filipinos went through. So that we, the present generation, can enjoy the freedom that we have today.”

one flag, and one foreign policy.

After the talk, there was a reaction from two invited speakers. Professor Patriarca Elias talked about the political aspect of the proposal, while Gabriel Christian Lacson spoke from a student’s viewpoint.

Patriarca cautioned against rejecting change, but also has his concern about the national government’s ability to maintain stature.

“This is a catch-22. We don’t have a strong nationhood.

Federalism may enhance us or weaken us further. It has a negative side or impact, but it may also lead to stronger national integration,” he said.

Lacson noted that federalism was a key part of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s mandate, and that it was up to the Filipino people to become partners in change.

“This process must be genuine, free of malice, meaningful for every stakeholder in the province,” he added.

The University of St. La Salle missed out on the recently concluded 21st Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES) held on Oct. 23-30 and hosted by Foundation University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental as University of St. La Salle (USLS) makes changes in its varsity sports program.

UNIGAMES was initiated

by Br. Rolando Dizon, FSC who was then-president of USLS back in 1996 and has since then become the country’s official tertiary games.

The first UNIGAMES was hosted by the USLS, although some succeeding editions have also been hosted by Dumaguete City’s Foundation University, Silliman University and Iloilo’s Central Philippine University.

Thirty-six colleges and

universities out of 60 member schools from all over the country participated in this year’s edition, which is lesser a number compared to last year’s 40.

Meanwhile, USLS launched HAIL, a program designed to aid in the holistic development of students through sports that starts from the grassroots level and seamlessly transitions into the collegiate level, in order to improve curricular and co-curricular performances.

“We wanted to look inwards and reflect to the USLS Varsity Sports Program,” said USLS Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development Hector Gloria Jr. “We wanted to see how we can maximize our resources,” he added.

The said program is an integrated and progressive response to the University of St. La Salle’s (USLS) Varsity Sports

Program and is built on the Lasallian core values of faith, zeal of Service, and communion in mission according to Gloria.

HAIL is composed of various programs and activities that will assist in the growth and development of athletes and enthusiasts alike. Namely, these programs are The Grassroots Program, The Stingers Squad, Club La Salle, House of Solomon, La Salle Brother’s Cup, and League La Salle, a league which consists of La Salle schools from all over the world.

“HAIL advocates the development of life attitudes and skills. It’s not just about sports; sports is merely just a tool,” said Gloria.

According to him, education does not happen in the classrooms alone; it is not purely academic. He stated that education can also be found in the field, in the court, in

the swimming pool, and even creatively in the arts.

“It is not about academic, non-academic; smart, nonsmart.

Education happens everywhere. That’s why the entire campus should be used as a teaching tool,” said Gloria.

The implementation of the program presents the challenge of adapting to new rules and guidelines and requires the undivided attention of the athletes, coaches, and the administrators..

“We’re preparing them for life and equipping them with the skills necessary for facing contemporary realities and the challenges of living in the 21st century,” said Gloria.

HAIL transitions and propels USLS into the 21st century Varsity Sports Programming, continuously developing young people in skill, academics, and most importantly, attitude.

SPECIAL REPORT

The Gravity of Simulation

By Andrea Nicole C. Farol

To the average student, a fire drill is a momentary escape from class, standing in the heat along with hundreds of students and school staff. But in the eyes of authority and the law it is far, far more serious than that.

Last September 5, students from all levels, faculty and staff joined the fire drill – a simulation conducted twice every academic year in order to prepare the community in case of fire or disaster. By all means, this activity is for the wellbeing and is a practice of safety for Lasallians, but recently there have been comments among students and faculty on the efficacy of the simulation.

Some of the things pointed out were the calmness (bordering to laziness and apathy) of students and faculty, and the location of gates opened.

The Republic Act 9154, or better known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, sees to it that institutions and communities follow rules and prohibitions for fire prevention. In the case of a public assembly building (any building or structure where 50 or more people congregate, gather, or assemble for any SMX... from page 1

“Demente was the story of Ophelia, who is a cannibal.

The take on the story was supposedly on the mind of a monster and Delirio is what happens to Ophelia after that, explaining her journey even further and adding more important components into the story,” Alvez said.

Furthermore, Demente director Rex Villamor said that SMX staff approached some of his batchmates who were interns there during the summer and proposed the idea of holding a horror room in one of their function halls after the success of last year’s Bilib Awards at the same venue.

He added that he has always toyed with the idea of an

purpose) or private institutions, certain requirements need to be fulfilled in order to ensure fire safety. The University follows these by the existence of a “fire brigade”.

According to Gilrey Vocales, General Services Director, the University has an Emergency Response Team (ERT), composed of personnel from different offices (including the Integrated School), which receives training from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The latest training was held last Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The

ERT is composed of teams ,namely, firefighting, first aid, evacuation, search and rescue, site security, communication and transportation.

Equipments such as a fireman suit, fire hose boxes and fire extinguishers are available, although Vocales plans to add more and put these on every strategic location on campus.

Also, they are planning to increase the frequency of the drills to two per semester.

However, the difficulty lies in the schedule. Fire drills supposedly need to

have orientations for faculty beforehand in order to map out the evacuation plans and response, but Vocales says have difficulty in finding an available date with the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs office. Also, fire drills are all semi-announced, which Vocales and team want to change in order to have a more realistic simulation.

Vocales explained that when a disaster happens, panic will ensue and people will rush to the evacuation sites by whatever means, and there will be unforeseen obstructions.

“The reason we see congestion is because indifferent students walk slowly and stop in groups to chat, even teachers, which blocks the paths,” he added.

And because of this, fire drills are conducted in order to inculcate to the consciousness of the people what to do in case of emergencies.

“Safety is a communitarian act. The key here is the cooperation of the students and faculty. The bottomline is that, this is behavioral. We need to have awareness and we need to take it seriously,” Vocales said.

asylum-themed horror room, and it was after the SMX offer that he and his batchmates saw the opportunity to bring the theme to life, seeing as two classrooms would not be enough to stage it.

“Basically, what we got to show last University Week was what went on inside Ophelia’s head. What we see in Delirio though, is the whole asylum she’s in,” Villamor stated.

Additionally, SMX Bacolod Branch Manager JB Ongsingco coined Delirio as “the biggest horror room in the region” during the horror room’s Critic’s Night last Oct. 27 wherein USLS professors, SMX managers, as well as representatives from the Negros Press Club and Negros Bloggers Society were given the chance to experience

Delirio a day prior to its opening, and to comment on its overall production.

“Our brand has always been recognized as the host of the most exciting events in the Philippines. And our decision of bringing it over here in the City of Smiles two years ago is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made,” Ongsingco added, saying that although SMX already has contemplated organizing a Halloween event, time constraints urged them to postpone it.

The first-time collaboration proved to be a sensation to customers of all ages, particularly to the young audience who have heard of the reputation of Mass Comm Society’s horror rooms.

“I could really feel the asylum because of the

realistic setting. Especially with all the dextrose and hospital paraphernalia,” said La Consolacion College architecture student John Pierre Jarmonilla.

“I have to commend the actors for their acting, although I was not scared because I’ve experienced worse, having worked in different hospitals before,” commented May Aileen Yangco, a school nurse for Bacolod City College.

Moreover, Mariveles said that SMX was initially planning to extend the staging until the 31st for Halloween, but it has not been pushed through.

“If the proceeds turn out great in addition to the crowd’s feedback, then hopefully this could be an annual thing,” she concluded.

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

By Gian Von J. Caberte

CROWDED. An officer takes charge of a crowd of Lasallians that were gathered at the university Football Field for a fire drill.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

NEWS / THESPECTRUM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

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USLS produces new CPAs and Engrs. Visayan Youth cry BABA retains 100% passing rate; ECE grad ranks 4th After garnering a 100% passing rate last year, all 29 graduates of the accountancy program reigned victorious with a 100% passing rate once again in this year’s Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure examination last October 1-2 and 8-9.

According to Former Executive Treasurer, Ceejay Urbano, becoming a CPA required insurmountable sacrifices, adding that he and his classmates were forced to give up a lot of things in order to pass, graduate and earn their title.

“The 100% rating completed the personal victory each of us has accomplished.

Without the perfect mark, our win would have a big, gaping hole in it. It was a validation of the brilliant undergraduate training of La Salle Bacolod’s Accountancy Department.

It was a testament of their hardwork and dedication in preparing us for the Board exams.We owe this victory to our mentors. Believe me, the best news you can receive while waiting for the results is a 100%,” said Urbano.

According to Urbano, future takers of the board exam must take their undergraduate studies seriously and must master the basic concepts before graduating.

“Ask help from the ‘Man Upstairs.’ He will be with you every step of the way. I am not

much of a religious guy but board exams made me feel, not only see, how much He loves us. Fear not, La Salle Bacolod has prepared us well. Do your part. Keep Him close. Get that CPA,” he added.

Meanwhile, USLS has 28 newly licensed engineers out of 60 takers who took the Electronics Engineering Licensure Examination (ECE) resulting to a 46.67% passing rate.

Moreover, the University has 51 Electronic Technician Board passers amassing to a 92.73% passing rate.

Mark Jison, who out of 2,722 passers secured fourth place in this year’s Electronic Technician Board Exam (ECT) said that he feels

blessed to have topped the board exam.

“It was an uphill battle for me. I wasn’t used to studying three or four hours everyday.

I needed to establish a study habit and so I did. It took me a while, but I got the hang of it. From there, it was mostly smooth sailing until the end,” Jison said.

When asked about his message to Lasallians, Jison said: ”For all those who aspire to pass or even top the ECE or ECT Board Exam, my message to you is study smart, be resourceful, be consistent, focus on your goal and give it your best shot. Also never forget to pray. His guidance and blessing will sustain you as you prepare.”

‘Never again,’ urges Martial Law survivors In line with the 44th anniversary of the Martial Law declaration, two survivors of state-sanctioned abuses during the Marcos dictatorship shared their testimonies in the forum titled “Martial Law: The Negros Experience” held at Msgr. Fortich Hall, Redemptorist Shrine last Sept.

21.

Kolektib, a Martial Law awareness initiative, spearheaded the event, as they aim to educate millennials of that era’s atrocities and corruption, as well as to counter the revisionist narratives pervading social media.

Among the two who shared their testimonies was Edwin “Ted” Lopez, current Executive Director of Alter Trade Foundation Inc. Although born in Negros Occidental, he pursued college in University of the Philippines - Diliman, where he grew his activism.

He recounts how on the noon of February 26, 1982, during a meeting of rural community organizers at the office of Community Integrated Development Services at Quezon City, a group of armed men barged into their room, ransacked their cabinets and kicked them with their boots.

Their faces were then

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

By RJ Nichole L. Ledesma

TESTIFY. The audience huddles in to listen to Edwin “Ted” Lopez and Vilma Riopay share the atrocities they have experienced during the Martial Law years.

covered with black cloths and their arms were handcuffed as they were transferred to the headquarters of the Metrocom Intelligence Group (MISG) in Camp Crame, recalled Lopez.

He was then taken to a solitary cell, where Major Rodolfo Aguinaldo of Regional Security Unit-5 banged his head several times on the wall, making him almost lose consciousness.

“They can imprison your body but never your consciousness,” Lopez said.

After relentless torture and repression, locked in austerity and confinement, he was freed with the aid of an international human rights body. This was three years, three months and eleven days from the night of his arrest, recounted Lopez.

“I do not regret that I came to the aid of our people in the darkest years of our country,” he said.

Vilma Riopay, another Martial law survivor, also shared her first-hand encounter of military abuse back when she was 21.

On July 17, 1977, a group of armed men encircled the Riopay residence in Magballo in Kabankalan City. They were, as it turns out, members of a notorious Constabulary unit led by Sgt. George Presquito.

They barged into the house without a search warrant and announced themselves in intimidation, looking everywhere for signs of insurgency, but to no avail.

Instead, they took Vilma away forcibly, threatening the family to be silent and to not report it to the authorities.

Being active in the parish of Magballo, involving herself in addressing social problems in the community, she was easily marked as a supporter of the New People’s Army.

After Riopay’s abduction, Domingo Riopay, her father, sought help from different religious groups in different Philippine Constabulary camps around Negros Occidental to find her.

Her story quickly spread to different groups and residents of Negros Occidental, and it sparked a collective action and outcry against this injustice.

Ultimately, she was found in Cebu in the custody of Col. Dizon shaken and disoriented.

It was later found out that she was repeatedly electrocuted, touched maliciously in private places of her body (However, no rape was involved as contrary to several reports.), and water cured.

Vilma’s torturers were never dealt with punishment nor due process until now.

In conclusion, she said that we should all be vigilant of telling signs of potential avenues for abuse in the administration.

“Don’t let it happen again,” she said.

USLS joins 27th Nat’l Statistics Month Celebration

By Joshua Martin P. Guanco

The University of St. La Salle (USLS), along with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Negros Island Region, celebrated the 27th National Statistics Month last Oct In line with this year’s theme “Sustainable Development: Making Statistics Count”, USLS launched four different institutional events throughout the month, namely the 13th National Convention on Statistics, Statistic Quiz Bowl,

Statistical Software in Research, and Statistics and Infographics in Reports.

The month-long celebration started with the 13th National Convention on Statistics where Dr. Sweet Rose Leonares of the Mathematics Department presented her paper termed, “Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Teach Probability Using Heuristics” last October 1 at the Shangri La Hotel in Ortigas City.

The second event of the month, which was the Statistic Quiz Bowl

was staged at the Cody Conference Hall last Oct. 4 wherein representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences, namely, Patrick Anthony Puey, Denise Kyle Marie Barredo, and John Francois Postrado finished first among the five competing colleges.

Additionally, the third event of the month-long celebration, Statistical Software in Research, which was a joint project of the University Research Center Office and the Junior Philippine Economics Society, was also held at

the Cody Conference Hall last Oct. 6 with Dr. Romeo Teruel, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, as its speaker.

Furthermore, the seminar was attended by the University’s Economics students.

Meanwhile, the Statistics and Infographics in Reports, a seminar attended by the University’s Research Office associates, was held at the Computer and Science Laboratory 5 last Oct. 20 wherein Engr. Fondador Mendoza, Jr. of the Quality Assurance Office was the lecturer.

for climate justice

Photo coutesy of Climate Reality Project Philippines

By Charlene Marie D. Lim

ECO WARRIORS. Environmental youth advocates from all over Visayas pose for a group picture after the Filipino Youth Beyond Paris event held at Palmas del Mar Resort last Sept. 13.

By Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco

Over 20 youth leaders and eco warriors from Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Negros Island Region converged for the Visayan leg of the Filipino Youth Beyond Paris youth program, spearheaded by The Climate Reality Project (CRP) Philippines, at Palmas del Mar Resort last Sept. 13.

The Visayan youth leaders were mentored about key climate issues and underwent four mentorship sessions regarding the following tracks, namely: climate policy, spearheaded by Climate Reality’s Advocacy Director Beatrice Tulagan; climate science and communication, led by Pecier Decierdo of The Mind Museum and the Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc.; and creative campaigning, instructed

by Rodney Galicha, CRP Philippines’ country manager and Director of Ateneo de Davao University Ecoteneo Office .

“After a discussion on the Paris Agreement, the participants were divided into four focus groups to negotiate youth positions on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and means of implementation (capacitybuilding, climate finance, technology transfer),” said Galicha.

Atty. Wilmon Peñalosa of the Provincial Environment Management Office, and a Climate Reality Leader himself, rendered an opening talk regarding Visayan youth and climate action.

Representing the local Climate Reality Leaders, Art Alvarez of Let’s Do It Philippines gave a talk about the role millennials could play in combating climate crisis.

“I see this event as an eye opener, a perspective widener.

It removes the blinds that are covering our eyes and enable us to see the inconvenient truth and that is: we only have one Earth. this movement has started spreading awareness and we should embrace it.

Let the spark ignite into a fire. A fire of a revolution of a generation,” said Pauline Anne Lumela, a representative of the Disaster Resiliency Youth Volunteers group of Bago City.

After the mentorship sessions and the discussion on the United Nations (U.N.) negotiating process, the Paris Agreement discussions and the simulation of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations, the participants then proceeded to the drafting of the Filipino Youth Statement on Climate Change that will be submitted to the 22nd Conference of Parties (COP22) to be held at Marrakesh, Morocco on Nov. 7-18.

“The Visayas youth representatives also reaffirmed some statements proposed by Mindanaoan youth leaders in the original version of the statement such as limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees and employing the human rights approach to climate negotiations for the sake of vulnerable countries around the world. The draft statement will then be shared through the National Youth Commission’s regional youth advisory councils for further consultation and comments,” Galicha said.

Completing all the regions of the country, one session each were held at Davao City last Sept. 10 and Quezon City, Manila last Sept. 19.

As of press time, Filipinos are stressing urgency for Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte to ratify the Paris Agreement for the upcoming COP22.

ERRATUM In our August 2016 (Vol. 61 No. 5) issue, the story “CPA faculty pass RCA exam” made a mistake in saying that Dr. Stephanie Calamba had a Doctorate Degree in Accountancy instead of Doctorate Degree in Business Administration while Mr. Ed Mark Rustico, Ms. Leah May Santiago, and Ms. Fara Magada had Masteral Degrees in Accountancy instead of Masteral Degrees in Business Administration. Our apologies.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

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THESPECTRUM / OPINION

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

He Said, They Said EDITORIAL

When Pres. Rodrigo Duterte makes the latest pronouncement (cutting ties with the United States) or quips on something that is not a subject for laughter (comparing oneself to Hitler), he instantly makes headlines. In the age of clickbaits and online traffic, he is a staple on media outlets here and abroad. His words spread like wildfire, shared by both supporters and critics alike, subject to different interpretations and reactions.

His war on drugs, even more so. The world, since day one, has been but critical towards his administration.

When Sass Rogando Sasot, a trans-Pinay and political blogger now living in The Hague, Netherlands, boldly claimed that foreign media is responsible for “destabilizing the Philippines” on her Facebook page, her thousand followers echoed her outcry. But she has no basis to say that international media is putting Duterte in a bad light. Actually, international media provides an outside view of the issue at hand.

It is not their fault that Duterte has a brash personality and a loose tongue. Is she saying that international media must only report the good conduct of the President? The bloody war on drugs in the country is something the President elicited with the promises of bounty and thus, he is to be linked to his advocacy. This is news that the world has to hear. Media is not destabilizing the country in the way she puts it. It is shaking us but it definitely does not crumble us. Instead, it aims to wake us of the atrocities that are happening in our nation.

If Duterte and other government officials receive backlash, which in turn reduces their credibility, it is not the media’s fault but theirs. It is, in fact, the media’s essence to be a critical lens by which citizens look through. What Sasot is doing is not helping, but rather she’s just misinforming everyone else.

Recently, a petition to shut down sexy-star-turnedpolitical-blogger Mocha Uson’s blog has been circulating for alleged “spreading of misinformation.” In defense, Uson, and her thousand followers, have called out the petitioners for disrespecting her freedom of speech. But this is not just the issue at hand. Freedom of speech does not include sparking outrage and divisiveness through sensationalized or wrongful news spread that may have dangerous repercussions. And Mocha Uson is not alone in being accountable in this— all news outlets, no matter their leanings or inherent bias, and every citizen, journalistic or not, are too.

To be critical, then, is not to assume complete objectivity.

To be critical, as is the role of media, does not mean blind hatred. To be critical is never about building false narratives and claims that only serve one’s biases either.

To be effectively critical, rather, is to acknowledge that biases do exist and from there, know how to balance them as to promote the truth, no matter how hard it is to swallow.

THESPECTRUM

F O U N D E D 1 9 5 6 www.facebook.com/thespectrumusls | thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 61 NUMBER 6 | September to October 2016 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers and College Editors Guild of the Philippines RJ Nichole L. Ledesma Editor-in-Chief Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar Associate Editor Robert H. Jerge III Managing Editor Andrea Nicole C. Farol External Affairs Director Newspaper Editor Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco Magazine Editor Lex Diwa P. Aloro Asst. Magazine Editor Katherine E. Co Online Editor David Willem L. Molenaar Asst. Online Editor Joshua Martin P. Guanco Literary Editor Chad Martin Z. Natividad Photos and Videos Editor Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas Asst. Photos and Videos Editor Margaret E. Yusay Layout and Graphics Editor Jowan Dave G. Guides Newspaper Writers Maria Angelica M. Ape Starlene Joy B. Portillo Ian Kristoffer V. Ga Iris Denise N. Rivera Magazine Writers Lyle John L. Balana Hezron G. Pios Online Writers Charlene Marie D. Lim Maria Angeline M. Mayor Ida Sarena M. Gabaya Danielle Emmie L. Villaera Filipino Writer Ma. Lore P. Prado

Illustrators Katrina Y. Nemenzo Karen D. Panganiban Seth V. Pullona Sophia Inez A. Bilbao Cedric Lance M. Militar Photojournalists Ma. Henna A. Pilla Nichol Francis T. Anduyan Ariana L. Chua Videographers Neil Angelo F. Pelongco Kyle Jyrax D. Sevilla Layout and Graphics Artists Glen Jed J. Descutido Shara Mae L. Pelayo

Sports Writers Gian Von J. Caberte Stephine Paul M. Dungca

Editorial Assistant Keanu Joseph P. Rafil

Web Administrator Keanu Kent B. Gargar

Publication Moderator Jean Lee C. Patindol

The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, thespectrum.usls@gmail.com.

All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Media Corps. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

Cartoon by Jowan Dave Guides

Who’s Afraid of Mental Health?

It is that time of the year again: fear becomes a commodity. Your nearby 7-Eleven store displays cobwebs, bright orange pumpkins with carved grins, large spiders, and skeletons on its walls and above its hotdog stands. Posters stapled onto electrical posts read “Wear your best killer clown costume and you get a free beer and burger.” The “biggest horror room in the region” opens in SMX, met with a long line of sweating and nervous spectators who paid for the biggest scare of their lives. Everyone seems to be in for the trick and the treat.

In another town, a student jumps, from a considerable height, off a building. It was allegedly caused by pressure in keeping up with his grades in school. This explanation, however, is only the tip of the iceberg. A larger machination was at play. That kind of explanation can just be a quick fix for our need to know what we cannot easily understand and are afraid of. Explanations, such as those printed in the papers, can just serve as artificial closure.

In this town, about a year ago, a boy still in high school shot himself using his stepfather’s gun.

Explanations abound and spread in circles. One hearsay claims that he was telling his parents he couldn’t sleep and that something was wrong with him. Something was bugging his mind and he couldn’t think straight. His parents said, he’ll be fine.

You’re okay, they said. No matter the grain of truth in this, mental health disorders can be dismissed by unsuspecting citizens as a mere headache that can be relieved through a dose of analgesic.

On social media, thousands of people sign the petition to legislate the Mental Health Act, an initiative by the Philippine Psychiatric Association that will protect and promote the rights of people with mental health disorders and/or disabilities. In the petition’s target of 200,00 signatures, it has only reached the 30,000 mark as of late October.

In this town, and most towns, in this country, mental disorders are still seen as a supernatural phenomenon. It is a curse from God. It came from messing with evil spirits. You have to pray it away.

Metaphor-Play RJ Nichole L. Ledesma rjnicholeledesma@gmail.com

In this town, and many other towns, mental illnesses are still stigmatized through ghastly representations that do not truthfully depict their situation.

Huddle over and lay your hands on him whose mind evil lurks on.

In this town, and most towns, in this country, mental health disorders are taboo and a source of fear. Worse, in most towns, in this country and elsewhere, it has become severely misrepresented.

In this town, and many other towns, mental illnesses are still stigmatized through ghastly representations that do not truthfully depict their situation. Some even inadvertently feed the gross stereotypes and infuse fear to otherwise serious disorders.

In Los Angeles, an attraction called “FearVR: 5150” in Cedar Fair shut down after being called out by a man whose son was a schizophrenic.

Not only that, his son was also a victim of deeplyembedded mental health stigma: he was beaten to death by a police officer for fear of the boy’s actions.

The attraction’s main premise was of exploiting the false mentally-ill tropes in its jump scares. Its name was even derived from California police-code 5150 for someone who is suspected of having a mental health disorder.

This isn’t just about political correctness,

either. This isn’t just about being too sensitive. This isn’t just about feelings of hurt and victimization. It is calling out against social discrimination, no matter how seemingly harmless it is in the surface level.

What it reinforces, that this could just happen and people remain unperturbed, is exactly the kind of normalization that is dangerous.

Mary Giliberti of National Alliance for Mental Illness has this to say about the matter: “You know this would never happen for other health conditions. You wouldn’t have a Halloween attraction about a cancer ward. It is mocking something that is a very serious illness.”

This is a telling as well of the gross aestheticization of mental illness promoted by popular media. Aside from its demonization, it could also be inadvertently glorified.

Depression, for one, can be seen as a romantic trait to have—and even aspired for. A lot of people on social media curate themselves as to depict an aura of faux-depression, trivializing how it is a serious illness rather than the trend they deem it to be.

Another manifestation of this is through the excessive idolatry of artists who underwent severe mental turmoils. Take Sylvia Plath and her teenage cult following. Those that surround her tragic suicide and see it as an artful, dramatic and even poetic way to die: a head shove in to the oven. Rather than a cautionary tale, it has become a spectacle.

But mental illness should never be taken lightly like a punchline or a marketing scheme. That and coupled with the fact that in this country, a law has yet to exist that aims to protect people with mental health disorders from discrimination as well as in their awareness is beyond alarming.

It should be talked about more frequently and with good intentions to break the stigma of it dug deep under our skins. It is also to empower those minds afflicted by what people are still afraid to name and yet to take seriously; that mental illness is not a trick in the brain, but one that needs treatment and our full attention.

Their Halos are Made of Smoke A person in a suit and tie asks to borrow your phone. You lend it. A person with tattered jeans and sleeveless top asks the same. You think twice.

This is the halo effect, a psychological phenomenon established by a society obsessed with the way people look – as if it can see the person’s soul on the sleeves of his or her threefold shirt.

In India’s oldest collection of tales, the Panchatantra, a hawk – out of all animals – scrutinized the lapse of the human race to focus more on mere appearances than the real grace within. Now, that fable might be farfetched from real life, what with all its magical elements, but the morals embedded within this piece of literature is a bullseye to what is happening today. Humans do uphold physical appearances to an extent that we associate people’s looks with their personalities. This is where the fault comes in. We rely too much on first looks that we assume anyone who looks clean is clean. This problem has even gone to an extent that we judge the morality of someone by what they wear. Society has gone so far as coupling this halo effect with occupationism, which is just like any other -isms in the field of discrimination, but this one is based on a person’s job. A police officer can’t be prejudicial, right? A teacher can’t be immoral, right?

A priest can’t be judgmental, right? No. Not right.

At least, not all the time.

The type of stereotyping that backs the halo effect for this kind of discrimination is so insubstantial that

it doesn’t stop on race, or gender, or age. It goes as shallow as to the clothes on our backs. This type of discrimination isn’t even skin deep; it only goes as superficial as our uniforms or lack of one.

The halo effect might tell us that someone carrying a leather briefcase is more trustworthy than someone carrying a tray, but that’s not always the case. A hoard of police officers once hailed 107 bullets at a mother and her daughter, but none of the officers were convicted. Why? Because the officers claimed the incident to be an “accident”.

And this is where the halo effect becomes ridiculously powerful for some people actually believed it. Even the law is not excused from these types of occurrences for there are court witnesses not given the benefit of a doubt just because they “don’t look honest.”

In a study from the Psychiatry Department of the University of Massachusetts called “Warmth and Competence on the Witness Stand”, it is stated that the perception of the jurors can be manipulated so that they would rule in favor of the people who present more credibility in appearance. Even in politics, there are far too many citizens who vote for the candidate who looks trustworthy without even reading over the facts about the said contender. But we all need to remind ourselves that those titles stitched with a person’s name – Dr., Engr., RN – aren’t always enough to label someone. No profession can

Never Yawn Lex Diwa P. Aloro dngaloro4@gmail.com

We rely too much on first looks that we assume anyone who looks clean is clean. ensure the credibility of a person. The capacity of a person to commit a fault does not solely rely on the attires they wear to work.

There are already a lot of discriminations plaguing the world: racism, sexism, ageism; don’t let occupationism add on to these issues, too. These people with “respectable” jobs aren’t always as respectable beneath those uniforms. There might be horns sticking out of their halos but people are too blinded by the faux divine glow their garbs emit. Gaze past these society-built illusions and see people for what and who they are— no color, no sex, no age, and definitely, no titles.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

OPINION / THESPECTRUM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

Breeding Ignorance Jargonaut Andrea Nicole C. Farol andreanicolefarol@gmail.com

To many, this is just a little running gag we have going but we have been unwittingly letting the culture of antiintellectualism creep into our consciousness.

You are hanging out with your friends and a good topic comes up. You all try to talk over each other until, by a stroke of genius, you say something so clever and well-articulated you could not even believe it’s coming from your own mouth. You smile smugly as you wait for your friends to take it in.

“Edi wow. Ikaw na matalino.”

And just like that the banter dies down. Almost all of us have experienced this, a good thought shot down by a remark that makes it appear that as if

speaker is bragging. The recent passing of the “Iron Lady of Asia” Miriam Defensor–Santiago was and is greatly mourned by people from all walks of life.

But, during the life of Santiago, she was criticized for her high intelligence which was frequently joked as being threads away from madness. We’ve all had our shares of “edi ikaw na magaling” and “oo na, ako na bobo”, sending our ideas down the drain. To many, this is just a little running gag we have going but we have been unwittingly letting the culture of anti-intellectualism creep into our consciousness. Shouldn’t we be alarmed by this?

Anti-intellectualism is defined as antagonism to learning, education, and the educated. This culture in our nation stems back to the time of the Illustrados, when privileged Filipinos were given the chance to be educated abroad, marking the divide between the Indios and the elitists.

According to Dr. Virgilio Enriquez in his book “Sikolohiyang Pilipino”, this can be explained by the fact that the psychology of the Filipino mind is based on togetherness. We live on conformity.

Unfortunately, the majority of the population–the common Filipino–is composed of poor and barely educated citizens. Therefore, it is no surprise that we slant on ignorance because we equate this to the humility of the poor against the arrogance of the

educated which the majority see as elitists. Although yes, it is known that Filipino families greatly value education, most are wary of high intelligence.

Somehow, when a person throws a critical thought to our way, we think of it as an insult that implies we are dumber than them instead of taking in the idea and proceeding to a healthy discussion.

We are living in a world where almost everything is accessible in a few clicks. We have a wealth of information at our fingertips. We have a voice in social media and social media is a melting pot of ideas, principles and beliefs. In addition to that, we are living in a country wherein dinnertime’s additional viand is news about political drama and issues in our society. Simply said, we live in a world where critical thinkers are on demand. So why are we letting this mindset get the best of us?

Look at other Asian countries: Japan, South Korea, China and Singapore. There, high intelligence is greatly praised and even expected of everyone. In turn, the difference on the state of their country from ours is greatly discomfiting. Our culture of pakikipagkapwa is positive but let us use it to support what is best for our nation.

Anti-intellectualism is not a laughing matter.

The way we celebrate ignorance is not helping us–it is only dragging us down.

Refinement of Hate You know what there’s plenty of nowadays?

Not deadlines, not last-minute projects, not our own lapses, but hate.

Hate as in if-that-person’s-name-is-on-DaddyD’s-list-let-me-be-the-one-to-shoot-them kind of hate. And I might get hate for that statement as well but that would be helping me prove my point anyway.

Back to the “thing”: hate—well, it’s everywhere.

It’s present online, in conversations, and even the most subtle actions can denote hate. The cultures around the world are so diverse but this one, the Culture of Hate, makes an appearance in almost every setting. And just like any other culture, this one is learned.

It is so extremely easy to hate and it’s even easier to show others how to hate. It might be because the discussed fundamentals behind the distaste is something very familiar to all of us: bias.

You might have heard of this before as it is really old (and it is), more so than you think. In 1847, 34-year-old Danish writer and thinker Søren Kierkegaard, widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher (existentialism is old too, apparently), observed and explained a prevalent phenomenon that is hate.

“There is a form of envy of which I frequently have seen examples, in which an individual tries to obtain something by bullying. If, for instance, I enter a place where many are gathered, it often happens that one or another right away takes up arms against me by beginning to laugh; presumably he feels that he is being a tool of public opinion. But lo and

Redumbdant Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar daphne_tanya@live.com

This proves just how useless throwing fuel wood to an emblazoned fire really is. behold, if I then make a casual remark to him, that same person becomes infinitely pliable and obliging. Essentially it shows that he regards me as something great, maybe even greater than I am: but if he can’t be admitted as a participant in my greatness, at least he will laugh at me. But as soon as he becomes a participant, as it were, he brags about my greatness.”

Kierkegaard later recounted nearing three young men outside his gate who, upon seeing him, “began to grin and altogether initiated the whole gamut of insolence.” He noticed that they were smoking cigars and asked one of them for a light. Suddenly, the men’s attitude shifted as the simple gesture had provided precisely that bid for a participation in his greatness.

This proves just how useless throwing fuel wood to an emblazoned fire really is. Instead, the

best course of action may be to request for help. It will make sense as this is better explained as a subtle but effective form of flattery and it is also known as the Benjamin Franklin Effect.

David McRaney, author of one of the best psychology books of 2011, examines this as how excellent we are at deluding ourselves and the selfdelusion mentioned is that we do nice things to people we like and bad things to those we dislike.

But what the effect reveals is actually the opposite, attitudes are reversed as we grow to like the people we do nice things to and dislike those we are unkind to.

When we ask someone for a favor, especially for something that they have and we don’t, this is a way of showing admiration and respect and, in turn, they become willing enough to keep helping which would end up in a genuine affinity.

This immediately raises their opinion of us and makes them more willing to help us again both because they enjoy the admiration and have genuinely started to like us.

Put one and the other together and the culture of hate doesn’t have to keep continuing to the next. It’s all a conscious effort and sensitivity towards others instead, and to not always take it personally.

Shortly before his early death, Kierkegaard again approached the subject of hate decades ahead.

“Showing that they don’t care about me, or caring that I should know they don’t care about me, still denotes dependence… They show me respect precisely by showing me that they don’t respect me.”

There’s plenty of hate nowadays, as it has always been ever present.

Fear for Discipline Motivation–a basis for improvised or changed action.

Fear is a motivator credited with evolving the human race and conditioning us to differentiate danger from safety. From an evolutionary standpoint, fear kept our ancestors safe from predators. Now that we are beyond our primitive ancestry, why is fear being used by world leaders today and throughout history to set social standards and conform their citizens?

Argumentum Ad Baculum is a fallacy in logic that means “an appeal to fear”. This means that an argument is accepted not because it is logical, but because not accepting the argument would result in danger or harm. In other words, a threat or warning.

“Loose lips might sink ships” is a quote from an American World War II propaganda poster depicting a sinking ship. The purpose of this poster was to maintain a level of confidentiality when discussing military-related rumors or news. Bringing harm to American soldiers would be very unpatriotic, thus inducing a fear of discussing such topics in public.

This kind of fear-induced social adjustment is all right, in that it disciplines a whole nation to protect their armed forces from leaked rumors or secrets.

In contrast, an unhealthy form of social discipline would be to kill people who do not fall under the norms set by superiors. In Pres. RodrDuterte’s antidrug methods, he is willing to wipe out millions of drug addicts without a court trial or a chance to visit a rehabilitation center.

During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, civilians on the island were told by Japanese soldiers that if they were captured by the Americans, the invading forces would drag the men behind their

Anonymouse Robert H. Jerge III rhjjerge@yahoo.com

Why is fear being used by world leaders today and throughout history to set social standards and conform their citizens? tanks and rape the women. This fear of Americans led many to commit suicide during the initial American attacks on the island. “At the time, death seemed to be the easiest, safest way out,” says Tsunehiko Miyagi, a survivor of the mass suicides, in an interview regarding the Battle of Okinawa.

In this case, fear was used to force a false depiction of a foreign entity.

Discipline is another condition brought upon by fear. It is the result of a desire to avoid negative reinforcement in the form of a punishment.

Maintaining a proper speed on streets avoids a speeding ticket and an issued fine. In our University, an improper uniform or other violation would result in a trip to the Discipline Office and an issued set of community service hours.

Discipline is only effective when the punishment for disobedience is severe enough.

Schools elicit discipline in the form of grades.

We have been raised to understand that an “F” on a report card is bad and is feared because of the resulting lectures our parents would give us. This negative response would help us strive to pick our grades up so that we may save ourselves from negative reinforcement.

Comparatively, Duterte’s methods, for what seems to be the development of a new anti-drug discipline in Filipinos by inducing a fearful (and bloody) negative response of those who are involved with narcotics, were implemented in hopes that this would deter people from using such substances, and make them safer than their substance-abusing counterparts. These extrajudicial killings targeted at drug addicts and drug pushers were probably meant to reduce drug use. I say ‘probably’ because this policy could easily target other unsuspecting minorities in the future. As powerful as a leader of a nation is, and as influential fear is, they should not use the other to push policies onto their subordinates. Instead, I feel that proper and effective education rather than fear mongering is the answer for drug misuse and any other suspected felony Duterte feels obliged to send his death squads to fix. Education is the perfect stepping stone for a drug-free society, by teaching people about drugs and drug abuse at a young enough age and continue to supplement the topic, and so they will be able to become better individuals for society.

5

‘We, men’ and Women: The Prelude to Rape Culture We live in a time where an influential leader could speak about women in a lewd manner and get away scot-free with a mere dismissal of it as simply “good ol’ fashioned locker room talk”. As if that would justify the act. As if there is any justification for it at all.

A male political leader directs the limelight towards the sexuality and personal affairs of a female politician, and people were torn between defending the female politician and justifying the accusations of the male political leader. As if sparing a woman her dignity still required second thoughts.

A female journalist was Claudiaphrodite catcalled amidst a press conference; a male president jokes Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco christianacg@yahoo.com.ph about the rape of a female missionary.

People in the crowd laugh heartily. As if objectifying women has just been made the new brand and style of humor.

Ladies and gentlemen, behold the prelude to ‘rape culture’.

What is rape culture?

The Wikipedia definition of it states that, “Rape culture is a setting in which rape is pervasive and normalized due to societal attitudes about gender and sexuality.”

In the book titled Transforming a Rape Culture, author Emilie Buchwald explained, “In a rape culture, both men and women assume that sexual violence is a fact of life, inevitable.”

We may be unaware of it, but sexism, discrimination and misogyny impact not only an individual or a select group of people targeted by it, but also the overall mindset and perspective of an entire era. Consequently, this will also affect our behavior towards rape. What more of an example would the people, especially the youth, need than the blatant tolerance of misogyny and sexism in the international media, especially since it is no less than a presidential candidate showcasing such vulgarity, after all?

In a 2005 tape that was leaked a few weeks ago, American businessman and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump could be heard bragging about how his fame allows him to have his way with women. “Grab them by the pussy. [...] When you’re a star, they let you do it,” Trump’s voice could be heard saying.

Following the leakage, Kelly Oxford, an author and social media personality, took to Twitter her disdain for Trump’s inexcusable remarks that send a wrong and dangerous message with regards to sexual harassment. Whether consciously or unconsciously, the implications of Trump’s remarks make it seem that sexual harassment is pardonable for certain instances (say, if you’re famous enough) and if certain people would do it (like if you’re a famous Republican presidential nominee, for example). In her tweet, Oxford enjoined women to tweet her their first assaults to show that they are ‘more than just statistics’. Oxford then went first and shared her first assault. In no time, thousands of women, and also men, tweeted back to Oxford their experiences.

The hashtag #NotOkay trended in Twitter as Oxford estimated receiving about two tweets per second.

It was a noble thing for Oxford to do, empowering women to speak up, especially since in the United States (U.S.), majority (54%) of rape cases still go unreported, according to a research by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-assault organization in the U.S. “But increasing reporting alone won’t solve the problem: only about one out of four reported rapes leads to an arrest, and only about one out of four arrests leads to a felony conviction and incarceration,” according to RAINN. More than just causing a public uproar, remarks and behaviors such as Trump’s worsen the already severe stigma that envelopes the topic of rape.

Regarding Trump’s defense saying that what he said was just ‘locker room talk’, professional athletes refuted the presidentiable’s usage of the term. Dahntay Johnson of the Cleveland Cavaliers had this to say: “Claiming Trump’s comments are ‘locker room banter’ is to suggest they are somehow acceptable. They aren’t.”

Too many people suffer from sexual assault everyday. What they are going through must not be merely shrugged at and be dismissed as“locker room talk”.

But please, please don’t get me wrong. This is not a feministrant-gone-out-of-hand. I did not write this so I could point a crooked finger to blame the men. I am not blaming them alone, at least. Men and women alike, whatever the age, whatever the status, have somehow taken part in shaping the rape culture—consciously or unconsciously.

The crowd who laughed at a sexist remark is as much to blame as the one who made the remark. The people who justify the act of catcalling is as much reprimandable as the people who catcall.

People who justify misogynistic remarks or simply dismiss it lightheartedly are as guilty as the ones who let out such remarks.

If you are being passive regarding this matter, choosing not to step up, you are also as equally accountable for the genesis of the rape culture just as sexists and misogynists are.

As if objectifying women has just been made the new brand and style of humor.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

6

THESPECTRUM / UNIVERSITY

USLS holds La Salle Exchange

Seniors attend work ethics seminar

Photo by Ma. Henn A. Pilla

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

IN PREPARATION. Rene Hinojales preps graduating Lasallians through a symposium about Proper Behavior at Work at the University Coliseum.

By Joshua Martin P. Guanco

The Job Placement Office, Internship Program, and the Guidance and Evaluation Center conducted a symposium about proper behavior at work that aimed to cultivate the next batch of Lasallian graduates last Sept. 24 at the University Coliseum.

The two-hour long session was hosted by former actor and renowned Lasallian alumnus, Rene Hinojales, who provided the graduating Lasallians with tips about proper working etiquette as well as things that should be done during a job interview.

The forum also delved into the do’s and dont’s in the fields of wearing corporate attire, proper time management, and practicing work decorum.

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

“Always dress up, not dress down,” Hinojales encouraged the attendees.

Hinojales also advised the students on how to improve their working performance as beginners, such as volunteering when an opportunity is presented, striving for competence and excellence, doing followthroughs, communicating inside the workplace, being assertive and friendly, and keeping an open mind.

He also emphasized during the discussion that the most important thing an employee could do is become a good example toward his/her co-workers.

“Nothing will happen if you will not be a good example of everything that you have learned during your college years,” Hinojales addressed the audience.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

By Iris Denise N. Rivera

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ended the first semester jampacked with accomplishments and activities.

The College participated in both major and minor events during this year’s Lasallian Week and managed to bag the championship titles for Killer Karaoke and Limitless. Starr Mijares, one of their Golden Voice representatives, also won first runner-up.

The College’s Lasallian Icons, second year AB Psychology Major Chaela Mirano won second runner-up while fourth year AB Communications Major Ian Kenneth Khubchand bagged the Mr. Photogenic award during the culmination night, Empyrean: The Ascension.

“Yes, there were lapses, loopholes and many unforeseen situations but we were able to get the places in the top positions,” expressed Jan Conrad Cabales, CAS Governor.

CAS took home more than just shiny medals these past two months, having been able to push through with their outreach activities despite preparations for the L-Week.

The College invited the youth and kids from Purok Sibucao, Brgy. Banago to perform a recital called CASayahan held at the Cody Conference Halls A & B last Oct. 1.

The event was the culminating activity of two singing and dancing workshops held throughout the month of September which was facilitated

by Martina Gindap, Renzo Grijaldo, Jimme Malijan, and Cabales.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY

By Stephine Paul M. Dungca

The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) welcomed September and October with a quest for excellence and service through activities aiming to enrich the students and the community with the participation of various CBA clubs.

The Champion’s League was continued last Sept. 3, wherein the second year students lead the score board. The CBA Bingo last September 14 was also conducted.

“CBA has proven that we are indeed champions,” said Governor Joshua Feliciano. “Champions are not limited to rankings, but speak more of our winning attitude.”

For the Lasallian Week, CBA bagged various awards including first place in the first Celebrity Challenge. Kristian Villanueva, “King Footballero ng CBA”, swept 11 contenders at the Coliseum Lobby last Sept.14. On the other hand, Emie Lucasan, Chanelle Ureta and Adee Espina took home the Animo Quiz Bowl trophy last Sept. 16.

“The road was never easy but we trusted the Almighty. The experiences and memories made the journey of a yellow-shielded champion more fulfilling and worthwhile,” said Feliciano.

Furthermore, CBA finished second for U-Splash and Limitless, and third for 3Dition as they had their week-long cafe-type fundraising activity entitled Patawhay sa W-Fifteen.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) staged the first edition of La Salle Exchange (LSX) with the theme “Inclusive Leadership: Working Together to Solve Youth Unemployment” held at Santuario de La Salle last September 20.

LSX is an avenue wherein dialogues between and across various disciplines such as the arts, science, business, and global issues are encouraged towards positive social and personal transformation.

During the event, a partnership with BagoSphere was set in action through a Memorandum of Understanding, as signed by Bro. Manuel Pajarillo, FSC, Chancellor and University President.

BagoSphere, Inc. offers an affordable and intensive job preparation program that teaches high school and college graduates relevant communication and Information Technology (IT) skills in an authentic workplace setting for future endeavors.

“Our engagement with BagoSphere came at a time when we were in search of partnerships that would take our efficient gifts in the areas of continuing education and lifelong learning to a higher level. Until we were led to a vocal social interest called to empower the youth and catalyze change which is BagoSphere, Inc.,” Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Frances Mae Llamas, PhD expressed in her welcoming message and introduction.

She added that the institution’s

common interests are rooted in its expertise in designing and delivering customized training curriculum for the English language based on specific outcomes.

According to Llamas, this engagement with BagoSphere will develop institutional capacity while strategically positioning USLS as a hub for critical thought, creative communication, social innovation, and design thinking.

Ellwyn Tan, Head of Business Development and co-founder of BagoSphere, said during his introduction of BagoSphere that as the world is heading to this new era where companies need to cope with the changes it brings about, talents are going to be critical in the future and competition about talents is only intensified.

He highlighted that human resources and talents are integral in the success of the organization.

Dr. Peter Wuffli, Chairman of Elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization, was the guest speaker of the event.

He shared that as he was growing up in Switzerland, they had a simple view of the world: that it is divided into three which are the First World, Second World, and Third World.

“Since then, I think we have seen tremendous transformations of the world [coming up] to a one world. We have seen tremendous interconnectedness between these worlds, with fast-paced human inventions and job opportunities,” he said.

He expressed that the varying perceptions from people about the

October first was welcomed with grandeur as the Lasallian Society of Hospitality Managers Club hosted the city’s grandest synchronized banquet, entitled La Cena Sinfonica, at the Santuario De La Salle.

In addition, the council collaborated with the Decision Maker’s Club in conducting a mangrove planting activity last Oct. 8 at Balaring, Silay. On the same day, the council teamed up with the Third Year-Section D Marketing students in their “Filled with Love: Maagang Pamasko” to 50 children from Barangay Banago at the ICAfe. “My deepest gratitude to all of those who contributed time, effort and heart for the college,” ended Feliciano.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

By Ma. Angeline M. Mayor

The College of Engineering and Technology (CET) continues to transcend as they bagged numerous awards during the annual Lasallian Week held last Sept. 13 to 16.

CET representatives Daniel Yared and Jermaine Lamboso were declared as the first ever Lasallian Icons of the University during the Lasallian Week 2016 Culmination Night entitled “Empyrean: The Ascension” last Sept. 16.

Also coming from the orange College, Christian Allen Morales was hailed as this year’s champion of the annual Golden Voice.

CET emerged victorious as they beat the other colleges during the annual U-Splash held at the University Football Field.

The College also finished up as the first runner-up in the events 3Dition and U-League, second runner-up in Celebrity Challenge, and third runner-up in Limitless and Animo Quiz Bee. “Whatever my college has achieved in this year’s University Week was all because of the efforts laid upon by each one—the council officers and committees and the participants themselves,” said CET Governor Nila Mae Apares.

CET also held its own version of quiz bee entitled “CET Witties” and bingo game “E-Lugo 4”.

According to Apares, they only had around two weeks of preparation because of other council activities and also with the midterm examinations getting in the way. CET Vice Governor Marty Yanson said that the CET Council had been conducting social activities for Sitio Abkasa in line with its goals to help each community member become a holistic individual in their studies, spiritual pursuits and livelihood.

The CET council is now focusing on brainstorming for the Animolympics preparations and finishing up some of their remaining outreach activities.

COLLEGE OF NURSING

By Charlene Marie D. Lim

The College of Nursing (BSN) welcomed the months September and October with a unifying win from Lasallian Icons representative Marie Kathleen Medina and John Aldwin Jamero who both placed first runner-up in the first ever Lasallian Icon pageant titled “Empyrean: The Ascension”.

challenges of inclusion and the new divide, a phenomenon separating people within the border from those outside it, raise the question of whether globalization has to remain or not.

“We have powerful arguments speaking in favor of globalization to be here to stay. The benefits of globalization has lifted out billions from poverty. There is an increasing recognition of some universal values of life and there are international institutions to help make them grow.”

He also stressed the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing global issues and in coming as one.

BagoSphere is the latest of Elea’s portfolio succeeding Coffee Circle in Ethiopia, Africa and iCow in Kenya, Africa.

Also, during the event, representatives from the academe, local government, and industry sat down for a panel discussion with Zhian Lee, Chief Executive Officer of BagoSphere, as their moderator.

The panelists were Dr. Peter Wuffli, Bro. Antolin Alcudia III, FSC, Brother Animator of Institutional Lasallian Animation and Formation, Hon. Alan Gatuslao, Board Member of the 5th District of Negros Occidental, and Frank Carbon, President of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“For the last six years, I represented Negros Occidental in the Regional Development Council and I’ve seen a lot of fragmented plans and development work thrown to the council. […] Those

are fragmented ideas that, if put together, will probably, in one way or the other, push the area in one direction,” Carbon stated.

He said that they have been looking for partners who can convince the local and national government to form constructive engagements and develop a comprehensive plan out of the fragmented plans.

Meanwhile, Gatuslao aired that there is a big disparity between what the government, industry, and academe can do if they work altogether.

While government spending is concentrated in the marginalized and poor communities, he said that there are still resources waiting to be tapped if different sectors partner with them.

“The government is not an expert in all matters, but if [the academe and business sectors] can come in and tell us what we can do, then we can really propel youth unemployment in the province,” he added.

On the academe’s point of view, Alcudia said that having Lasallian alumni both in government and industry sectors gives them opportunities to create linkages.

The low turnout of the Technical Vocational track with only 17 Liceo de La Salle students was also brought to light.

“These are the things that [USLS] needs to study. [...] We want to change, but also, we want to ensure that we are [on the right track] because anyway, the mission of USLS is education of the youth,” he added.

“It feels amazing. We are truly blessed to have Marie Kathleen Medina and John Aldwin Jamero in our college. They have worked really hard for this event and they deserve everything that is coming their way,” John Joseph Medina, Nursing Student Government (NSG) Vice Governor said.

Additionally, BSN also placed first runner-up in the Killer Karaoke challenge with Maraiah Castulo as its representative.

Meanwhile, BSN placed second runner-up in U-Splash, fourth runner-up in Limitless and fifth place in 3Dition.

Also, BSN, in partnership with its alumni, spearheaded a bloodletting activity at the Negros First Provincial Blood Center last Sept. 13.

“The purpose of the partnership was to ask for assistance when we needed so. We believe that they have always been there to aid us whenever we needed assistance and we are truly blessed and thankful for everything that they have done to help the College,” Medina said.

Furthermore, BSN had an outreach at Sto. Niño’s orphanage which, according to Medina, aimed to instill knowledge to the children regarding their health through teachings about health and proper hygiene.

He added that food and donations were distributed to the children.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

The College of Education (CEd) was true-blue to its theme for September, “Paper Clips: Collaboration and Collation” as it partnered with various clubs and organizations for a common cause.

The council participated in the Human Rights Caravan hosted by Social Science Major students last Sept. 5-9.

During the Lasallian Week, different clubs and majors organized booths which were Mytholandia: Dr. Faustus by the Association of Synergized Secondary Education Teachers, Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Young Educators Society, and Play It to Win It by Physical Science and Math Major students.

“But it isn’t about the most visited or most popular booth. What is important is that the participants for each booth enjoyed acting, guiding and facilitating, and that the visitors and customers had fun and had learned something at the same time,” CEd Council Secretary Ma. Angelica Tupas said.

On Sept. 15, 25 volunteers from CEd engaged with Junior Philippine Economic Society and Rotary in Action-University of St. La Salle for a program entitled “THIS Ability”. Forty hearing-impaired students from Bacolod Special Education Center were entertained by games and other activities.

Meanwhile, CEd representatives, Liza Fronda and Josejie Nillos, bagged first runner-up in the FECON Quiz Bowl held last Sept. 16.

According to CEd Governor Lyn Nicole Chua, the college fared well during the 1st semester. “We proved that sometimes having less means more. We have less students this year but it made us think that we have to do better and prove that strength is not in numbers.”

Looking beyond the challenges for this semester, Chua is ready to take the lead.

“Other colleges should watch out because I have a great team of 500 strong students with me,” she said.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

UNIVERSITY / THESPECTRUM

LGBT... from page 3

highlighting the differences, we’ll always fight,” he added.

A study conducted by Dr. Rowena Bañes, PhD, College of Arts and Sciences Dean, says 70% of 66 self-professed LGBT+ in the university felt the need for an LGBT+-based club inside the campus and for seminars to be conducted in line with LGBT+.

Gloria’s initial reaction about Bañes’ study was to find out which university in the Philippines has already established an LGBT+ organization. Thus, he was led to the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD).

He stated that they have strong research agenda on the LGBT+ and UPD has been showing support on this plan.

According to Gloria, the establishment of such organization will result to acceptance in the same way that everyone is accepted with all their quirks.

“The LGBT+ should be accepted as members of the Lasallian community,” said Gloria.

“We should exemplify acceptance and love for other people, whatever his color, creed, sexual orientation. You are a human being and in the Catholic tradition, we are taught to love each one,” he expounded.

He stressed that the institution does not encourage same-sex marriage, sex change and the likes in the course of putting up an LGBT+ organization. In addition, the institution just focuses on the

growth, development, and formation of each and every student on the campus.

Gloria remarked that young LGBT+ have questions like any other young people and sometimes, instead of bringing them up to their parents, they ask for answers from their friends who also need accompaniment.

“It’s like the blind leading the blind,” he compared.

He is hopeful that it will not remain as an idea, should his office take the lead. “This is not something we have invented from thin air. It’s a global phenomenon. […] We have research to back it up,” he stated.

FROM AN LGBT+ ADVOCATE’S PERSPECTIVE Tony Alfred Carmona, a fourth year Communication Arts student and an LGBT+ advocate, is excited with this idea of having a representation in the university.

He said that having LGBT+ advocates or an LGBT+ organization in the university will make an impression that as an institution, USLS is finding ways to help the LGBT+ community feel less disenfranchised by the society. Furthermore, he stated that with the support of the administration, it will create a safer and more secure environment for them.

However, Carmona believes that they are not fully accepted in the university. “Upon entering the gates of USLS, you’re already bombarded by the transphobic no-crossdressing policy. Some professors still treat LGBT+ students as a subject for ridicule

and stereotyping. Our school may ‘tolerate’ queer behavior but that doesn’t mean we are fully accepted with respect,” he said.

He expressed that each one should be treated equally in the university. “Being given a voice definitely means that you are given a chance for your sentiments to be heard, and having proper representation means that our existence is respected and acknowledged,” Carmona expressed.

In the LGBT+ movement’s battle against oppression, he even pointed out that it has made milestones through the years and if everyone becomes crusaders and catalysts, full acceptance and equality will reign. “If you believe you have a potential in giving voice to the voiceless, empowering the LGBT+ community, and calling out discrimination against the community, then you should definitely be an advocate.”

To get things moving, Carmona expects the university to provide a competent leader and moderator. “It’s not that hard, really. I think as long as the university supports the cause wholeheartedly, the process would be at ease. It just needs an authority to help build it, and a great leader to sustain, encourage, and empower the LGBT+ movement.”

LIZADA ON SPREADING OF GOOD NEWS, COLONIZATION OF IDEAS Meanwhile, Ronnie Lizada, PhD, Department Chair for Religious Studies and Philosophy, has mixed thoughts about the

administration’s plan.

While everyone has a basic right to form associations and organizations, Lizada is not sure of the purpose why the administration will target a specific group for such organization. He emphasized that even ordinary groups with peaceful means would be redirected as to their purpose as soon as radical groups penetrate with their radical philosophies.

“We respect the person, but the action of sodomy is something which we, in the Catholic Church, would consider to be sinful as it is abhorred even from the time of Jesus,” he said.

Lizada viewed that it is going to be problematic once the advocacy of such group is to promote a permissive society and to be emboldened in calling for same-sex marriage, gay parade and the likes.

“As Pope Francis would say, let us be careful with the colonization of ideas,” he added. “On the other hand, if it is a group designed to promote the spreading of good news, then it’s acceptable.”

Lizada said that the administration has wisdom regarding this course of action.

“If there is a need to organize, then let it be,” he added.

He hopes that the organization will have a good purpose and two of which is to proclaim the good news especially to the marginalized sectors and also to avoid foreign ideas that are dangerous to the fabric of the society.

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ASEANyouthprogram talks socmed literacy

Photo by Kyle Jyrax D. Sevilla

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

PROPER PUBLICITY. Raffy Cabristante lectures Communication students about the use of social media in advocacy at the American Corner of the Montelibano Library.

By Ma. Angelica M. Ape

With the goal of promoting the skills and leadership capabilities of young leaders, the United States government launched the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program to strengthen leadership in Southeast Asia.

A talk discussing the program [YSEALI] and promoting branding and advocacy through social media was held at the American Corner of the Montelibano Library last Sept.

23 with Iphraim “Raffy” T. Cabristante of Silliman University as the speaker.

“YSEALI is a great opportunity for students, including Lasallians, to be part of a great network of peers who have high hopes and dreams to make a difference in their communities,” Cabristante

said.

Cabristante discussed the effects of social media, online etiquette and using new media as a platform for promoting a brand or advocacy.

Cabristante added that he hopes that through his talk, Lasallians were not just able to be more discerning on what they post online, but can also be part of an amazing community that is YSEALI. Through a variety of programs, members of YSEALI are immersed in educational and cultural, and regional exchange programs and through seed funding.

Every Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) youth is eligible to join the program for free through the U.S. Mission to ASEAN website.

Celebrating L-Week 2016: Of Constants and Changes

By Ma. Angelica M. Ape

With the theme “Of Constants and Changes”, Lasallians celebrated the annual Lasallian Week despite being cut a day shorter last Sept. 13-16.

The festivities began Tuesday, Sept. 1 3 instead of Monday, Sept.

12 due to the Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday.

University Student Government (USG) Executive President Kathlyn Tiu said that despite the holiday, many still enjoyed the week-long celebration.

She also added that this year’s activities have been innovated.

“We recognized that people coming to [University of St.] La Salle want variety, so we gave it to them: singing and dancing, artworks and exhibits, advocacies and causes, action and adventure, food, music, and freebies,” Tiu said.

In terms of the theme, “Of Constants and Changes,” Tiu said that the theme is about ‘being ready to face the challenges of this year.’

“We fully embrace these changes as we have been equipped with the right values from the legacies of people and experiences before us, which are then constantly lived out by every Lasallian,” Tiu said.

Highlights include the annual U-Splash, Golden Voice and Limitless held on Tuesday where the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) placed first place, followed by College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), College of Nursing (BSN), College of Education (CEd) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), respectively.

Coming from CET, Christian Allen Morales was crowned as this year’s Golden Voice champion while the CAS emerged as the overall champion for Limitless.

On Wednesday, Group Untouchables were declared winners for Annihilation: Survive

the Purge, a new twist on the previous year’s’ zombie outbreak events, while “King Futbolero ng CBA”, Kristian Villanueva, won the Celebrity Challenge.

Continuing the Yamaha caravan, celebrity guests joined the L-Week celebration for Paradigm on Thursday with Spoken Word artist Maimai Cantillo, DJ Nina, TJ Monterde, and Ella Cruz.

Part of the highlights for the weeklong festivities include the culmination of the first ever Lasallian Icons held Friday night.

Hailing from CET, Jermaine Lamboso and Daniel Yared were

Photos by Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas, Margaret E. Yusay, Nichol Francis T. Anduyan, Ma. Henna A. Pilla, Ariana Inez L. Chua

crowned as the first ever Lasallian Icons during Empyrean, the [Lasallian Icons] coronation night held Friday, September 16.

“Gratitude filled my heart when the hosts announced CET as winners for Lasallian Icon 2016,” Lamboso said.

“Duty and honor are two words synonymous to Lasallian Icon. More than being awarded the honor to represent the Lasallian community as an icon, I am beyond blessed to be entrusted with the task and duty to challenge the community today

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

with my advocacy,” she added.

Moreover, Lasallian Icon Daniel Yared shared about his reaction when he found out he was given the title.

“I felt pretty ecstatic and rather shocked I was chosen. I’m just glad it’s all over and that I did my best with what I had,” Yared said.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our councils and the people who gave us encouragement to push on. So a big thanks to everyone,” he added.

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THESPECTRUM / FEATURE

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

NIR: A One-Hit Wonder?

Duterte administration is eyeing on its abolition while the EO is just making its teeth.

According to Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, the two provinces under NIR will have to be reverted to their previous regional groupings because the government cannot fund the Php 19 billion needed to establish the new region composed of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Its impending abolition carries with it the economic advantages the region will still have to glean from this stance.

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga and Andrea Nicole C. Farol | Illustrated by Seth V. Pullona

“They nestle in one common island; have common fowls and beasts in the forest; share the same soil in our plains and mountains; benefit and suffer together from the rivers that snake through our land; and our ancestors roamed the same length and breadth without complications of political, social, economic, religious and lingual obstacles.”

Created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No. 183 issued by Pres.Benigno Aquino III on May 29, 2015, the Negros Island Region (NIR) is the 18th and newest region of the Philippines, comprising the highly urbanized city of Bacolod and the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, along with its corresponding outlying islands and islets.

But recently, after months of transition work, the current administration is about to sign the abolishment of the region due to budget constraints.

GENESIS In the 1980s, the movement for a single-island region started, when officials of both provinces proposed a one-island, oneregion unit. At the time, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were the only provinces in the Philippines situated in the same island but belonging to two different administrative regions with regional offices located in

neighboring cities of Panay and Cebu. This led to the filing of House Bill No. 1477 titled “An Act Merging the Province of Negros Occidental and Oriental into One-Island Region.”

The proposal was continued through talks between Former Gov. Bitay Lacson of Negros Occidental and the late Former Gov. Emilio Macias of Negros Oriental in 1990.

Their successors, Former Gov. Rafael Coscolluella and Former Gov. (now Representative) George

Arnaiz took the initiative further, first identifying Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental and the neighboring municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental, with the two situated on or near the geographic center of the island, as joint regional centers. However, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) turned down the proposal for lack of funds to effect the merger.

THE SITCH Since the stakes are high, the

LOSING MORE THAN JUST NIR The idea of creating a oneisland region came about due to the lesser influence in the Regional Development Council and similar venue associated with lesser representation. Both provinces have relatively lesser population and resources than Iloilo City (Region VI) and Cebu City (Region VII). Both provinces of Negros seek for more infrastructural developments to boost their local economies and proponents of the One Island Region thought that creating NIR would eventually give way to better economic opportunities for their constituents through the implementation of more infrastructural developmental projects in order to allow faster movement of labor, goods and services to bigger markets.

Better economic opportunities are needed much more urgently

for Negros Oriental which has for so long suffered from poor economic performance and high poverty incidence, making Negros Oriental one of the poorest provinces in the country.

The problem of poverty in Negros Oriental has never been addressed either due to political neglect or lesser influence and power of the province in winning a bigger share in the region’s resource allocations.

One massive advantage of NIR is that Negros will have a strong political influence on the national government.

Therefore, it is easier to win more infrastructural developments that would benefit both the provinces, such as the creation of super highways connecting Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and even to other islands (Iloilo and Cebu). A good transportation network system has long been overdue. More farm-to-market roads are much needed. The two provinces will both benefit from the economic development of boundary areas such as Mabinay, Kabankalan, Sagay and Bayawan.

And since more infrastructural developments will occur, it would be easy to promote tourism in the province and the region as a whole. Movement of the factors of production such as labor and raw materials from one area to another would hasten, causing a smooth flow of the economy in the region.

More importantly, NIR is expected to have a great potential for becoming a land-based and

integrated business hub, and new growth areas can be set up which will then speed up the delivery of basic services such as the putting up of tertiary hospitals outside the cities of Bacolod and Dumaguete.

If new growth centers will be set up and industrial zones will be developed, more investments will be poured into the two provinces hence more jobs can be created for their constituents. It is important that the agricultural sector will be developed alongside the industry sector.

With the advent of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic integration, slow-paced economies that are greatly endowed with natural resources and people, such as the Negros Oriental and the Negros Occidental, must be supported with massive infrastructural developments in order to allow all the sectors of their economy to better position themselves in the ASEAN market.

THE ALTERNATIVE Due to the rise of support on the Philippine government’s conversion into federalism under Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, NIR may have the capability to become a separate federal state. If NIR is elevated into a federal state, then it will be able to reform and redevelop itself in order to make the region self-reliant and highly sustainable in the future, as well as probably gain a Human Development Index (HDI) higher than the rest of the nation.

A Contrast of Two Presidential Declarations

By Lex Diwa P. Aloro and Katherine E. Co| Illustrated by Glen Jed Descutido

On September 2, Davao was hit with a tragic incident that cost the lives of 15 citizens and injured at least 70 other people casually strolling about the night market.

This incident was considered as a terrorist bombing and therefore, as a counteraction, the present president of the Philippines and the former mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte, declared the whole country to be under a state of lawlessness, or state of lawless violence.

With this proclamation, the people of the Philippines went into a frenzy. Historically speaking, the Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared a state of lawlessness as a stepping stone for Martial Law, and now some are in a state of panic over the rumors that this might mean our current president is also gearing up for the same declaration, while others are ready to defend the choices of their president from these hearsays.

Hearing the term “state of lawlessness”, someone not familiar with the expression might misconstrue it for a step taken closer to declaring Martial Law. But in today’s issue, this does not necessarily mean that Duterte is filing for action towards a military regime. People should opt to adequately educate themselves first with what the country is really facing following this State declaration, rather than causing unnecessary panic over rumors and unchecked facts.

The state of lawlessness and Martial Law are two very different things. The only distinct similarity

between them is the president’s call for help from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). But even those are on varying levels of assistance and are for different reasons. On one hand, using the country’s current status as an example, Duterte’s declaration of the state of lawlessness was altogether pushed by a relatively small yet deadly attack. The bombing in Davao City was initially claimed by the Abu Sayyaf Group to be their doing, and on other accounts, of an ally group by the name Daulat Ul Islamiya, aimed to send a message to the president that they aren’t afraid of him, as well as a warning for more similar attacks in the future. On the other hand, Marcos’ Martial Law declaration, however, was simply a self-coup, or the unlawful assuming of extraordinary (in his case, dictatorial) powers of a nation’s leader, triggered by fear of the former dictator of usurpation via revolution; this intention was camouflaged by a need to suppress grave social unrest brought about by immensely growing armed communist insurgencies and bombings in the country and, specifically, a staged ambush on Secretary of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile that was planned to justify Martial Law as a necessity. The people today are nowhere near the rebellion of the citizens during the Marcos era. What is happening today is merely violence with no sensitivity or respect towards the law. To stop these violent attacks, and to generally keep things “under control”, the president has opted to declare a state of lawlessness and garner help from the AFP, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), in hopes

to restore peace. At least, that’s what the Duterte administration is debating.

First of all, the president is only granted special commander-inchief powers by the Constitution under certain circumstances. He has the power to call the armed forces to directly aid the police in enforcing law and order within the country only when there is lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion.

In our case today, following the Davao blast, there is lawless violence, which then prompted Duterte to declare the state of lawlessness. And because his assuming of various powers comes with limitations, he cannot suspend the writ of habeas corpus, which is a written command implemented by any legal authority that is used to bring a criminally convicted party to a federal court instead of a state court. This means that if the writ is suspended, authorities can make arrests without having to put them in trial. Then lastly, he cannot declare Martial Law, the

highest and last degree of power he is granted. He can only declare the next two emergency measures (suspending the writ and declaring Martial Law) only if invasion or rebellion is present, and if necessary for the public safety and welfare.

Otherwise, he cannot assume these special powers. In addition to this, a president’s decision to suspend the writ of habeas corpus or to declare Martial Law is also subject to the Congress’ approval or rejection after the president has sent the report in person or in writing within 48 hours from the declaration of either measures, which may either cause such to be pursued or revoked immediately.

A majority ruling from the Congress may also approve or reject a president’s plan, if he ever has, to extend the duration of writ suspension or Martial Law from its original limit of 60 days at the maximum. The state of lawlessness, on the contrary of the surface definition of Martial Law, is indefinite; the Commander-

in-Chief is free to deliberate when to lift the State action. The Supreme Court may also review the proclamation of Martial Law or the suspension of the writ for “sufficiency of the factual basis” if a citizen petitions for it to be so.

This, then, leads us to infer that one distinct characteristic that strongly differentiates the state of lawlessness from Martial Law is the status of the country’s civil right to file a writ of habeas corpus.

However, in our current state of lawlessness, this writ remains untouched and unchanged. In contrast to that, the writ of habeas corpus is suspended, along with other civil rights, during a military regime such as Martial Law. Another characteristic that would differ between the state of lawlessness and Martial Law would be the severity of various policy implementations.

For one, the enforcement of curfews are more severe during a Martial Law regime than in a state of lawless violence, which is, on 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 61 Number 7

other hand, optional and only if deemed necessary. The amount of military presence during a state of lawlessness is also increased all throughout the country among vital areas and posts, conducting checkpoints. Both the PNP and the AFP are on full alert to resist any incidents of lawlessness. But unlike this, the scenario during Martial Law are, in great lengths, more severe, especially since some civil rights are suspended. During Martial Law, newspapers and broadcast media may be put down, and group assemblies may also be banned, both of which happened during Marcos’ time under the late dictator’s orders.

Both the president’s representatives and law experts have similarly expressed that Duterte’s nationwide declaration of a state of lawlessness was mainly to suppress lawless violence in the country and take control of it, especially terrorist forces that are threatening the peace and order of the people of the nation. Putting aside unlikely possibilities of extremely lethal cases of invasion and rebellion within the country, the state of lawlessness might remain as it is for some time until it will be lifted, without having to be aggravated to the next levels of State measures, which would now involve suspension of some of the the citizens’ civil rights. But for now, the people’s rights are far from threats and all they are experiencing is heightened security control all over the country. The Filipino people have yet to see if President Duterte will have any intention or plan to further heighten the emergency state of the country, if he thinks any such measure is truly needed.

FEATURE / THESPECTRUM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

PERSISTENT PASSING: The Fight for LGBT Anti-Discrimination Bill

9

ECOBOX

Of Spinterns Aplenty

From Vice Ganda’s well-loved sarcastic humor on It’s Showtime, Charice’s world-class hit singles, to Saturday late-night talks with Boy Abunda, one could say that the third sex is a staple in the common Filipino’s day-to-day living. However, permanence does not equate to acceptance.

With the Philippines being ranked

by US-based Pew Research Center on its survey titled “The Global Divide on Homosexuality” as the most Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)-friendly country in Asia, comes the deliberate dismissal of people for the need to pass decrees that ensure the safety of the LGBT community. Although some of the richest and most influential Filipino entertainment stars are widelyaccepted LGBT members, the scope of approval does not extend to every average third sex constituent. This, too, often goes overlooked as ordinary LGBT persons often become the focal point of ridicule and violence.

THE WAKE-UP CALL On the 11th of October 2014, 26-year old transwoman Jennifer Laude was found naked on the bathroom floor, with her head leaning on the rim of the toilet bowl inside her motel room in Olongapo City.

Previously unaware of her transition, 19-year old U.S. Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton had strangled her to death, stating in court that he was “repulsed” and that he “feared he would be raped”, prompting him to “subdue” her in self-defense. Out of the 29 documented murders of transgendered people since 2008— that being the highest number of reported cases in the Southeast Asian region— only this one sensational case has managed to make the headlines.

This, among other instances demonstrating a lack of awareness in the discrimination and vehemence done towards the LGBT community, has prompted Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao for the refiling of House Bill 51 or the Anti-Discrimination Act for the LGBT community. Along with Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr. and Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, who is the first transgender woman elected as Philippine congresswoman, Bag-ao seeks to define and penalize

discriminatory practices on the basis of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) in terms of: “hiring, firing and demotions; rejection or expulsion from any educational or training institution; giving harsher penalties, punishments, and requirements; refusal and revocation of honors, achievements and licenses; hindrance of use of public facilities; mandatory psychological tests; and harassment or refused protection by law enforcers”. Fines for violators can range from P100,000 to 500,000, or imprisoned for one to six years.

Additionally, the court may require community service as punishment.

“Prejudicial beliefs and policies based on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, workplaces, commercial establishments and public service limit the exercise and enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Bag-ao stated. “Surveys have already shown that a majority of Filipinos are in favor of passing a law that will protect LGBTs, but we have yet to see the manifestation of this support not just inside Congress, but even in the streets where they can march and be heard,” he added.

A TIMELINE OF TRIES Throughout former President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III’s term during the 15th and 16th Congress, none of the filed bills on LGBT discrimination have been passed, including Bag-ao’s initial filing of the act under House Bill 110 during his term as representative of the Akbayan party list.

Nevertheless, the legislation of the bill was established as early as 1995, when Representative Rey Calalay filed a bill propositioning to acknowledge the third sex as a sector. Following the move was the formation of the Lesbian Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB)— the country’s first LGBT lobby group, who also helped in the crafting of the Anti-Discrimination Bill under House Bill 6416 in 2000, filed by late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales. Consequently, Rosales filed another attempt (House Bill 5687), only reaching the second reading in the Lower House.

Bag-ao stated that “the bill faced stiff opposition in the past and lacked a strong base of supportive legislators”.

Meanwhile, Ging Cristobal of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said that the Anti-Discrimination bill is at a standstill, adding that it is being opposed by legislators who are pressured by the Catholic Church and Catholic denominations. Although the existing versions of the bill do not include same-sex marriage in the provisions, most opposition groups think otherwise, thus the hesitation.

“LGBT rights are not special rights, just human rights,” Cristobal countered.

THE LASALLIAN LGBT COMMUNITY’S PERSPECTIVE Most Lasallian student members of the LGBT interviewed have said that although they are aware of the existence of such a bill, the

details regarding who are behind its authorization and re-filings are not clear to them.

“All I can say is that I am very grateful to the people behind this bill.

As a bisexual person, the pushing of this bill helps me believe and have faith that equality can possibly spread from one heart to another and every sorts of gender in this country,” said Tina Joy Dumalay, a third year AB Psychology student who is aware of the said bill being passed in Congress.

“We cannot change the fact that close-minded people will always be there to hurt us [...] But the LGBTQ community will not be moved and shattered by this shallow perception.

We aim to stand and embrace the rainbow way. This is what makes us a person,” Dumalay continued.

Closet lesbian Nicole* added that, “We are still humans, and humans are ought to be respected. And as humans, we have rights. We are still the same in the eyes of God, but it’s what we do that separates us from Him.” Gay and pansexual sophomores Isaiah and Jamie* think that since the University of St. La Salle (USLS) is a Catholic School, the AntiDiscrimination bill has conflict towards religion. “Religion is somewhat tradition. The religious sector barely changes. They always stick with the tradition — the Bible and all that. They don’t adapt to the modern rule with what’s the trend— trends that are important and are crucial to human socio-cultural development,” they expanded. But the two of them believe in the safety of the LGBT community within campus premises, with everyone receiving equal academic and nonacademic opportunity.

“We have not really seen tangible experience of discrimination and/ or bullies, but some teachers have their limitations and reservations on the topic of LGBTQA+.” In their opinion, as long as the LGBT community abide by the rules, just as everyone else would, they are safe.

In terms of environment, USLS welcomes all. “It’s truly beyond our control if someone’s against LGBT. It’s inevitable. Most Lasallians, though, accept change, so we adapt to what’s new,” they concluded.

Permanence does not equate to acceptance. Inclusiveness, however, paves a path that leads to it. *NOT THEIR REAL NAMES

Photo by theheartthrills.wordpress.com

By Starlene Joy B. Portillo | Illustrated by Cedric Lance Militar

By Lyle John B. Balana

Rambutan season has come and gone again. This fruit, which usually comes clad in red, is bought by bulk, split out of its thin skin to be enjoyed as a snack, and eaten in handfuls at a single sitting. But what, exactly, is the origin of this wonderful delicacy?

Rambutan was originally a native to Malaysia, then seeded throughout Southeast Asia through migration and trade. Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Borneo all find this close relative of the lychee common, with Thailand being the greatest manufacturer of the fruit worldwide. However it is not as famous, nor as sought after, westwards. Its name is derived from “rambut”, a Malay word which means “hair”, referring to the flexible spines coating its skin.

Rambutan trees only bear fruit twice a year, five to six years after being planted. It creates this fruit from petalless flowers lining its branches, resulting in dense clusters ready for picking and eating. It is said that eating rambutans straight from the branch is far better than eating those who had been already parted into individual fruits.

The rambutan is composed of three areas. There is the aforementioned hairy skin, which may be reddish or yellowish, depending on the rambutan. The white, sweet flesh, which is best eaten raw, follows. The bitter seed is at its core. Inefficient rambutan eaters usually scrape away at the seed with their teeth, resulting in a woody taste lingering in their tongues.

The rambutan does not have many processed options, unlike apples and peaches. It can be turned into a jam, or sometimes stewed, but that is usually the practical creative limit on its alternative uses, as it is almost exclusively devoured as-is. Since it is a relative of the lychee, it can be used as a replacement for the fruit in salads for something different, usually peeled or pitted.

But don’t think that means the rambutan is ignored as a subject of study. In 1950, Philippine agriculturists started a program of selection in a testing plot, located in the Provincial Nursery, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro. Three hundred sixty trees were chosen in the plot. Around 10 years later, 190 trees were bearing fruit, while 196 other trees failed to produce any fruit, mostly on the account of being male. Continued observation led to the selection of 21 clones classified into four groups, dependent on size— very large, large, medium, or small— which led to the different classes of rambutan that more savvy buyers would ask for to assure their picked quarry would have a succulent, satisfying taste.

So next time you sink your teeth into a rambutan, think briefly of the clusters it sprang from, the intimidating, bristling spines that had softened to your gaze from repeated exposure and its astonishing lack of resistance, and the seed that you must absolutely not swallow nor bite.

A culmination of nutrition, selection, and cloning, easily peeled and eaten.

ART REFLECTING NEGROS

By Hezron G. Pios | Photographed by Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas

The sugarcane fields, the cranes and water buffalos, the bahay kubo, the Sacadas and the rise and fall of humidity, all indicate the Negros Island setting.

Similarly, these elements have starred in a display to portray the inhabitants whose lives exactly compose the island’s totality and grandeur.

Curated by Paolo Rossini Fortaleza, 2004 graduate of BS Computer Engineering in the University of St. La Salle, Laragway sang Negros (translated as “Image of Negros”) commenced last Sept. 20 at Museo de La Salle - Bacolod.

It was a group exhibit which gathered six artists, namely, Rolando Dayon, Chalmer Relatorre, Annalyn Trespicio, Leonardo Samson, Ramon delos Santos and Divinia Peñaflor. It ran until October 21, 2016.

The exhibit did not only feature varied sizes of painted canvasses but also miniatures that identify with the common dwellers of the Negros Island.

Moreover, the prices ranged from P500 to P20, 000; larger or multiple artworks would cost at least P50, 000.

Fortaleza shared that Ramon’s (the group’s sole sculptor) sculptures were no joke in terms of its making process. First, the clay is barehandedly shaped into miniatures (e.g. street vendor, perky kids, and sugar field workers). Next, the sculptures are put inside an oven for a week-long heating process. Then the final step would be intricately coloring the miniatures to give them its distinguishing factors.

Comparatively, the exhibit was formed to glean memories

and perceptions out of the artist in creating newer concepts by turning something ordinary into something meaningful.

The exhibit itself was proof of how the artists conveyed their personal understanding, experiences and memories

regarding the Negrosanon way of living, specifically those residing by the rural side of the region.

The paintings and sculptures depicted farmlands, sunlit fields, varying species of birds, rural house structures, and

many individuals from different walks of life.

“They’re not just images or paintings; it might be something personal to the artist, or something personal to the audience. The power of painting isn’t limited to the artist’s capacity himself.

The power of painting is that the artist is able to transcend his emotions visually,” said Fortaleza.

When asked about the group’s struggles, he noted that effort and time are necessities in an artist’s life. If one creates art only for money, one cannot fully embrace his artistry and identity in the field. And although all of them have established their own families, they persisted for Laragway in spite of the one-month time constriction.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

Also, Fortaleza shared that art enthusiasts/collectors from other countries don’t look for big names, but rather those who remain consistent and committed to their craft. He personally believes that artists deserve to receive continued support from the government or someone capable of aiding the art scene. He suggested that artists should opt for an art union to serve as a community of veteran and starting artists alike.

“For me, I tackle self-conflict in my works while others go for something else. And being an artist is a solitary practice– meaning, an artist’s issue is his own. Lastly, never stop doing art. Because once you’ve chosen art, everyone will expect you to know how to find your way through it,” he concluded.

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THESPECTRUM / FEATURE

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

IT’S ALL IN THE HEAD–AND MORE

By Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar | Illustrated by Shara Mae L. Pelayo

Mental disorders are quiet and invisible to the outside world.

The outside world, in turn, would say that “it’s all in the head”–but isn’t that enough to worry about? It’s exactly what makes it something necessary to fuss over because not everyone knows how to deal with or treat a sick head. The mind is powerful and it can affect everything else in our body.

For something not as obvious to others, maybe statistics would paint the reality of our country’s mental health.

In a group of five Filipinos, one is suffering from a mental disorder according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, drew this out from an average of 88 reported cases of mental illness for every 100,000 Filipinos. This does not include unreported cases as the topic itself is still considered as taboo by some, if not most.

Every year, 2, 555 Filipinos kill themselves. Breaking that down for a smaller number in a shorter amount of time would make it 7 Filipinos committing suicide everyday, as stated from the 2012 data of WHO and the Department of Health (DOH).

The Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) added that the statistics on mental health are often underreported as it is still treated as taboo.

With the stigma, there is also a high association between mental disorders and shame.

“It’s time to tell all Filipinos with mental health needs that they are not alone, that they should not suffer silently in the dark.

It’s time to tell them that seeking treatment is a sign of strength rather than weakness,” said Hontiveros.

The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia without a comprehensive mental health law. That fact emphasizes the growing need for a Mental Health (MH) Act, which the passing of our own, the Senate Bill No. 1190 or the MH Bill proposed by Sen. Hontiveros, has already been delayed for 15 years.

With the initiative for a petition by the PPA, the MH Act aims to “protect the rights of people with mental disorders and/or disabilities by putting in place an official body that will oversee the policies and programs that need to be developed to prevent and treat mental illnesses, and to promote the mental health of Filipinos.”

Medical students will also be required to study mental health according to an article by CNN Philippines wherein DOH will prioritize Mental Health in the

country.

As of late October, the petition to have the MH Act passed has gathered approximately 32,240 signatures. Once it reaches 200,000 signatures, the petition will be delivered to the Philippine legislators, the senators and congressmen.

There is still little support given to mental health facilities and operations despite a 41% increase in the DOH’s budget this year as it only receives 5% at present. Discussions on the budget allocation also did not mention mental health,

according to the PPA. When asked if our country needs a Mental Health Act, the University’s Chair of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Ramon Clemente Martin Lachica, did not hesitate to agree.

“The mental health services provided to the population right now are very poor,” says Dr. Lachica. He included that in the province of Negros Occidental, there are only five psychiatrists, those with the license to prescribe medicine, and are all in Bacolod City.

This means that the doctors in

the rural areas do not have the license to prescribe these medicines and so the patients would have to go to the city for proper consultation and prescription.

According to WHO, the state of mental health in the country can be stated by three facts: there are only 0.05 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in the Philippines, most health insurance companies still don’t cover mental health-related issues, and the stigma still weighs heavily on people suffering from mental illness.

“It’s a good thing that we have a private initiative, the Philippine Mental Health Association, here in Bacolod City, who organizes psychiatric missions, wherein psychologists and psychiatrists will go to the municipalities and conduct medical consultations and counseling,” he took into account.

Together with the psychiatrists, they are able to prescribe medicines which cannot be simply bought over the counter. The private sector is initiating this service for the people while the government does not.

“The Mental Health Bill is

really for the protection of the patients, and given that if their rights are protected, then the government is forced to provide services to these patients. It will definitely ensure that the services will be provided to the patients, especially the indigent, those who cannot afford,” Dr. Lachica emphasized.

Having an MH Bill waiting to be passed makes Dr. Lachica, a mental health practitioner, hopeful as the government is starting to see the need for mental health support, especially to victims of natural and manmade calamities.

“Aside from that, it is really the services to the patients that are very important, not to mention the drug addicts. They are patients, too.”

With some parts of the outside world celebrating Halloween every October 31st, mental illnesses are used as costumes–another reminder that people are aware of it and how it is very much around us as well. Although, this knowledge is not accurate enough because these illnesses are used to scare people. These illnesses can be scary, but the people struggling with it shouldn’t be. This may add to the stigma revolving around the illnesses and how they are demeaned constantly.

The government and other institutions may offer protection and services, but a conscious effort for proper knowledge should be given to all as well, not only if the people with mental illnesses pose a threat to others but most especially if they become a threat to themselves.

Before There Were Sugarcanes

By Joshua Martin P. Guanco | Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla

You drive past the circumferential road from the airport to your destination. As you continue to traverse through the asphalt path, you open the car windows. With the car radio playing your jam, you look at the things around you: to your right is a sea of green stalks swaying amid the zephyr’s songs, to your left, still the same. You continue to drive your way to your destination, and as you turn the steering wheel and step on the gas pedal you see people treading through the sea of green – some were slashing through it with their espadings and binangons, while a couple of them were atop of a carabao-driven chariot that carried a block of sugarcanes on their backs. Next, you fix your gaze to the other people in the green field: they carried the same brown canes on their backs and some have piled it up on a 12-wheeler truck. The next thing you realize is that you were already on an urbanized part of the area. Once again, you set your eyes on the images around you: there was a towering condominium, a well-lit mall, and a crowd of people crossing the busy street. You started to feel that you were nearing your destination. With one last push, you finally arrive to the place. It was an oasis surrounded by buildings and moving cars. Within it, is a lagoon brimming with life. You take a deep breath and then close your eyes. After a few seconds, you open them and look at the place around you. You

know where you are. You know that the place you’re currently on is no other than the province of Negros Occidental.

THE ETYMOLOGY Negros Occidental is a province situated in the northwest part of Negros Island. It is dubbed as “The Sugar Bowl of the Philippines” due to the fact that it produces more than half of the country’s sugar output. In fact, the province boasts 15 sugar centrals that are scattered all throughout its premises. It is also an economic juggernaut thanks to its prospering industries, may it be in the fishing, agricultural, tourism, private company sectors, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.

But before it achieved prosperity and fame, the province was far different than it was in the past. It was just a lowly island situated in

the Visayan sea; an island whose discovery paved the way to what it is right now; an island before there were sugarcanes and buildings.

Negros was originally known to the tumandoks (the natives of the island) as “Buglas”, which means “to cut off” in old Hiligaynon dialect. It is believed that it started off as an island with thick rainforests that covered its northern apex down to its southern parts. The forests provided the natives with all of their needs spanning from their everyday food, their clothing, weaponry, shelter, and livelihood. With each passing year, many tribe s made their homes in the island. As for the province’s capital city, Bacolod, its nomenclature is derived from the Old Hiligaynon word bakólod which means “hill” in English.

In April 1565, the Spaniards found the island. Upon setting foot, they were welcomed by the

dark-skinned natives from the Negrito tribe. Hence, they named it “Negros” because of the inhabitants that they saw.

THE TALES OF SUGAR AND OF MEN During the latter part of the 19th century, sugarcanes were introduced to the province – marking the start of its perpetual devotion to the sugar industry.

Within the years 1856 to 1893, the province’s production of sugar improved from 4,000 piculs (a picul is an old Chinese/Southeast Asian unit for weight) to 2,000,000 piculs.

It was also in the last decade of the 19th century when the province made history. General Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta, along with Negrense revolutionaries and with their fake cannons and rifles, ousted the Spaniards off the province. The

event would later on be remembered as the Cinco De Noviembre revolution or now commonly called as “Negros Day.” The island was then divided into the Occidental and the Oriental in 1890 but was united briefly in November 27, 1898 when it became the Independent Republic of Negros. It also became a part of the United States protectorate up until 1901; however, the republic was dissolved. After that, Negros was dissected again into its two constituents, being adjoined back to the country.

The province encountered a downturn at the start of the 1980s because of the decrease of sugar prices around the world. After an extreme drought, typhoons Nitang and Undang also thrashed through the province on the same year, pushing Negros Occidental to its farthest limitations and resiliency.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

THE PROLOGUE TO THE EPILOGUE Because of a referendum at Cadiz city, Negros Occidental was divided into two provinces on January 23, 1986. The fractions were Negros Occidental (mother province) and Negros del Norte. The main province was left with three cities and 18 municipalities while Negros del Norte had three cities and eight municipalities ranging from Silay City up to San Carlos City. However, the newly formed province didn’t last long; it was dissolved on August 18, 1986, thus bringing Negros del Norte back to its main province.

Investments on the agricultural sector started to lift the province up on 1988, restoring its economy into a more flourishing one. However, with the recurring downfalls of its sugar industries during the 1900s, the province’s continuous economic rise was decelerated.

Within just a span of two centuries from its conception, Negros Occidental has faced countless hurdles.

It has experienced two world wars, withstood a number of cataclysmic natural disasters and severe economic plunges; yet the province managed to hold its ground and stability through its people’s resilience and love for it.

Even though it has encountered both success and hardships throughout the course of its history, Negros Occidental still remain as sweet as the sugar it produces. And as the winds of the future ushers in the clouds of progress, the province will continue to retain its tenacity like the sugarcanes of its land.

FILIPINO / THESPECTRUM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

11

LABAN PARA SA KALULUWA NG MGA PILIPINO Mga Balang Pananim Ni Lyle John Balana | Larawan ni Bullit Marquez/AP

Dalawang linggo na silang nagpoprotesta sa harap ng embahada ng Estados Unidos.

Para silang mga mandirigmang nakahanda para sa isang madugong giyera. Ang mga mata nila’y puno ng pagnanais sa mga bagay na matagal nang ipinagkait sa kanilang pananaw— hustisya, tinig at suporta ng gobyernong namamahala sa kanilang minamahal na Inang Bayan. Nakatutok sila sa simbolo ng kolonyalismong bumalot sa Pilipinas ng napakaraming taon. Sa palagay nila, hindi pa rin natapos ang siglong nagdala ng mga banyagang amo sa bansa, bagkus ay napalitan lamang ito ng ibang pangalan at ibang pamamaraan.

Sila’y lumalaban para matuwid ang malaking maling nagawa sa kanila.

Isa na rito ay ang batas na umano’y para sa kanilang kaginhawaan.

Merong batas na nagsasabing protektado ang mga katutubo mula sa abuso. Sino man ang magtangkang kumuha ng kanilang lupa ng walang pahintulot ay mapipigilan ng National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).

Ang organisasyong ito ay may pananagutan sa pagbantay ng kapakanan ng mga katutubo. Sila ay binigyan ng responsibilidad na siguraduhin na ang mga katutubo ay nasasakupan ng mga probisyon ng Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). Ito ay isang batas na ginawa upang mabigyan ng sariling daan ang mga katutubo patungkol sa kanilang mga lupa.

Isa sa mga probisyon dito ay ang Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Ito ang kailangan ng mga gustong kumuha ng lupa mula sa mga katutubo upang gamitin sa negosyo at iba pang mga gawain.

Nasa pangalan nga na dapat na ang pagpapahintulot ay hindi sapilitan, dapat maibigay bago ang ano mang operasyon, at dapat may kaakibat na detalye tungkol sa plano ng kumpanya para makapagdesisyon ng maayos ang mga katutubo kung tatanggapin ang alok o hindi. Ang probisyon na ito sana ang magbibigay ng pangil sa kanila. Kapag ayaw nilang ipamigay ang kanilang lupa, walang makakapilit sa kanilang isuko ito para lamang pakinabangan ng iba. Pero ang panangga sana laban sa pang-aapi ay wala naman palang silbi.

Merong mga kumpanyang walang pakialam sa implikasyon ng FPIC at sa mga karapatan ng mga katutubo. Nagpapagawa na sila ng mga pabrika, mga kanal, mga makina’t barina, ngunit madalas ay pahintulot lamang mula sa gobyerno ang kanilang kinukuha. Ang iba nama’y naghahanap nang butas sa pagkuha ng FPIC, o nagbibigay ng suhol sa mga lider ng komunidad, o nagsisinungaling na maliit lang ang operasyon nila, o na mabibigyan ng mga trabaho

ang mga mamamayan. Sila ang mga bagong mananakop. Papel ang kanilang bayoneta at pera ang kanilang kalasag. Tanging kamao lamang ang panlaban ng kanilang mga biktima, kamaong binaldado na ng sarili nilang gobyerno.

Mismong NCIP pa minsan ang tumutulong sa mga malalaking kumpanya na makakuha ng permiso o ng FPIC sa paraang hindi makakatulong sa mga katutubong ipinagkatiwala sa kanila.

Hindi nagtatagal ang mga lahi ng mga katutubo sa bansa dahil sila’y nagpaparaya. Sinasabi sa kanila na ang mga Mining Act at ang IPRA ay makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng Pilipinas, pero hindi kapanipaniwala ang karahasan sa lupa nila. Sila’y nagpulong, nagdesisyon, nagtalaga ng himagsikan na ang layunin ay ang maipakita sa mga Pilipino na mali ang ginagawa sa kanila, at sa mga banyagang mananakop na hindi sila naloloko ng mga salaping pinagbibida.

Ang Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minoryo ay isa sa mga protestang ito. Dinala nito ang mga

katutubong Moro at ang mga katutubo mula sa Cordillera patungo sa isang layunin: na marinig ang kanilang mga hinaing.

Sila’y nagpoprotesta sa Manila mismo, sa harap ng embahada ng pinakamalaking kaibigan ng Pilipinas, upang iparating ang kanilang hinaing. Suot nila ang kanilang tradisyunal na damit, dala ang kanilang tradisyunal na mga ideya.

Isa sa kanilang pamamaraan ng pagprotesta ay ang paglagay nila ng Estados Unidos sa isang tribunal na ginanap sa kalye. Inilista nila ang mga nagawa ng bansa laban sa kanilang mga ninuno: ang masaker sa Bud Dajo, ang mga abuso sa Aytas nang tanggalan sila ng lupa para sa mga base ng mga Amerikano, ang pagkuha ng mga kumpanya sa kanilang mga lupa para sa mga yamang nakaimbak doon. Hinatulan nila na maysala ang inaakusahang bansa pagkatapos nito.

Sila ay ang mga katutubong naglakas loob na ipahiwatig ang kanilang nararamdaman tungkol sa kanilang mga karapatan sa mga lupang tinitirhan nila; lupang pinalago ng kanilang mga ninuno, ipinamamana sa mga anak na magiging tagapamahala balang araw, at pinapangalagaan gamit ang tradisyong nasubukan na ng panahon. Sila’y nakatira sa mga isla, sa mga bundok, sa mga lugar kung saan nakakatayo ng tuwid ang mga kakahuyan ng mahabang panahon.

Sila’y mga Pilipino. Ang kanilang mga paniniwala’y tumulong upang mabigyan ng anyo ang bansang Pilipinas. Ang kultura nila’y hango sa mga impluyensiyang nasa bansa na. Sila ang tulay mula sa nakaraan patungo sa kasalukuyan.

At napakasakit na ang kanilang halaga’y isinasawalangbahala dahil lamang sa salapi.

Libangan Lang Ba? Ni Hezron G. Pios| Dibuho ni Sophia Inez Bilbao

Mayamang binata, babaeng hikahos sa hirap, may nagkaamnesia, matagalang barilan, maaksyong bakbakan, palitan ng mga sanggol, bidang talunan, agawan ng leading man, DNA test, atbp. Mapatelebisyon, pelikula o radyo man, ang masa ay busog na sa mga sirang-plakang nangyayari sa lahat ng patalastas.Ang hindi mo lang alam, mayroon palang mas malalim na kabuluhan sa likod nito.

Kung may laban si Manny Pacquaio, gigil na gigil ang manonood na wari’y humahangad na sila na mismo ang sumalang sa ring para tapusin ang laban. Ang mga love teams naman tulad ng AlDub at LizQuen ay iilan lang sa mga artistang binabaliw ang masa sa kilig. ‘Wag mo ring kalimutan ang mga biro’t pagpapatawa nina Ai-Ai delas Alas, Vice Ganda at Vic Sotto. At syempre, ang katatakutan at sindak sa sigaw ni Kris Aquino.

Halos lumabas na sa balat ang manonood ‘pag nahigop na sa kuwento.

Mula sa isinulat ni Shakira Sison (Rappler), ang herd o mob mentality ay inilalarawan kung paano naiimpluwensiyahan ng tao ang iba upang sundin ang mga trends, mamili ng kung anu-ano, at gumawa ng kakaibang asal.

Ayon naman kay Jens Krause at John Dyer ng Unibersidad ng Leeds, nangangailangan lang ng

5% ng karamihan para himukin ang natitirang 95% na siyang sumusunod na lang nang walang namamalayan.Ang tawag ng ilang sikologo rito ay deindividuation, kung saan nawawala ang malay ng tao patungkol sa sarili. Halatanghalata ang pangyayaring ito sa ugali ng mga Pilipino.

Hindi lamang limitado ang uri ng patalastas o anumang pelikula sa drama at romansa, talamak din sa Pilipinong telebisyon ang mga sensitibo’t maseselang tema, lengguwahe, karahasan, sekswal, horror at droga na hindi nararapat sa mga menor de edad. Alinsunod kay McCann-Erickson, ang mga programang pantelebisyon, musika, pop idols at librong tinatangkilik ng kabataan ay ang pamuhatan ng kanilang konsepto kung ano ang tama’t mali at kung anong importante’t walang silbi.

Ang huling pahayag ng pagsusuri ay “Ang media ay tunay na ngang naging surrogate parent.”

Buhat naman mula kay Zbigniew Brzezinskli, makapangyarihan ang TV sapagkat nagiging pamantayan ito para sa tagumpay, galing, karangalan at moralidad ng karamihan.

Taliwas kay Brzezinskli, ipinahayag ng Asian Mass Communications Research Center (AMIC) sa Singapore, na ang pinakamadalas na nirereklamo ay ang dominasyon ng pagtatalik at dahas sa telebisyon. At ayon sa kanilang pagsusuri, ang Pilipinas ang nangungunang bansa sa lahat ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries na may pinakamaraming marahas na patalastas. Pangalawa ang Thailand habang pangatlo ang Indonesia.

Ayon naman kay Dr. Lourdes

Carandang, isang Pilipinong sikologo, ang pagkakalantad sa media ay tumutungo sa karahasan, panlulupig at ang walang katuturang pagtatalik nama’y nagsisilbing pang-udyok at marahil ito ang humihimok sa mga batang manonood na maging agresibo. Dagdag pa rito ang natural na paraan upang lumawak ang kaalaman ng isang bata ay sa pamamagitan ng role modeling kung saan may pinagkukunan siya ng ideya’t ginagaya niya anuman ang kanyang nakikita.

Bukod dito, ang masyadong panonood ng karahasan ay nareresulta sa pagka-insensitibo ng mamamayan. Samakatuwid, kahit maging bakbakan lang ito na pinapalabas sa cartoons, kayangkaya nito lumikha ng pag-iisip na ang dahas ay isang mabuting gawain.

Panggagahasa, pag-aabuso sa bata, racism, ethnical differences, social status at maging personal statusー lahat ng nabanggit ay walang dudang bahagi na ng makabagong normal. Nakakatakot ang katotohanang kahit saan ay makakarinig ka na lang ng maseselang topiko at minsan, may tawanan ka pang masasaksihan.

Lingid sa iyong pag-iisip, hindi na ganap na libangan ang layunin mo sa madalasang panonood ng pelikula’t patalastas, sa halip, hinahayaan mo ang pagkakataon na gawing kang mababaw at salaulà.

Ni Lyle John B. Balana | Dibuho ni Seth V. Pullona

Tatlumpu’t isang taon na ang nakalipas. Meron na namang komemorasyon para sa mga namatay, para sa mga napagkaitan ng hustisya, para sa mga nabaon na sa limot, lupa, at panahon. May mga paalala, mga pagtatanghal, mga gawaing upang mapaalala ang karumaldumal na mga abusong nagpalaganap ng ganitong klaseng karahasan.

Ang Escalante Massacre ay isa sa mga napakaraming krimen ng rehimeng Marcos laban sa mga mamamayan ng bansa. Nagsimula ito noong bumagsak ang pangdaigdigang presyo ng asukal. Ang asukal ay ang premyadong produktong ipinalalabas ng Negros Occidental upang makalikom ng pera. Dito nakataya ang marangyang pamumuhay ng mga sugar baron nito, at dito din nakapako sa trabaho ang libu-libong mga sakada.

Sila’y walang pinag-aralan, nalalagas sa init ng araw habang nagtatanim at umaani ng tubo, at nagpapakain sa pamilya ng pagkaing nabibili nila sa konting salapi na bayad sa kanilang serbisyo.

Naabuso na sila ng lubusan bago pa man naging diktador si Marcos, ngunit nadagdagan ang kanilang pighati noong nagkaroon ng batas militar.

Ito ay sa kadahilanan ng mga sundalo ng gobyerno’y nagnakaw at pumatay ng mga mamamayan sa halip na makipaglaban sa mga terorista.

Meron isang pambansang kilusan ang nagpabuhay sa mga loob ng nagdurusa. Ito ay ang Welgang Bayan, isang pagproprotesta laban sa mga katiwalian ng gobyerno.

Nagdesisyon silang gawin ang protesta simula Setyembre 19 at magtatapos sa Setyembre 21 sa New Escalante.

Unang araw pa lamang ng protesta’y marami na ang sumali mula sa mga karatig bayan at sa mga malalayong lugar.

Mga magsasaka, mangingisda at mga estudyante ang siyang pumuno ng espasyo sa harap ng City Hall ng Escalante para sa Welgang Bayan. Karamihan sa kanila’y determinadong patapusin ang planong protesta ng tatlong araw, at naglagay rin sila ng mga barikada para mas mabigyang pansin ang kanilang protesta.

Sa ikalawang araw ng protesta, napalibutan na ang mga nagproprotesta ng mga pwersa ng gobyerno.

Ang mga trak ng bombero ay nagpakawala ng water cannon sa mga nagprotesta

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

upang mataboy sila, pero hindi ito umubra. Pinaulanan ang mga nagproprotesta ng tear gas. Hindi sila natinag at nagkapit-bisig. Sumigaw sila ng kanilang mga hinaing, nang kagustuhan nila ng pagbabago.

Isa sa mga nagprostesta noon si Eddie Villalon, at ito ang sinabi niya sa isang interbyu sa mga mananaliksik ng Bantayog Center.

“Nagtawagan kami sa ibang rallyista na magkapit-bisig.

Ang tanging mga sandata namin ay ang mga tanglaw na dala naming kagabi.”

“Pagsimula ng dispersal sa Barricade 1, nakapagbiro pa yung mga rallyista doon.

Naubusan ng tubig yung mga firetruck doon. Nagsimula nang magbato ang Civilian Home Defense Force (CHDF) ng mga tear gas na canister.

Pumulot ang isa naming kasamahan, si Juvelyn, at hinagis pabalik ang canister.

Doon na nagsimulang magpaputok ang CHDF, at pati na rin yung machine gun na nasa town hall.”

“Akala naming, sa Barricade 2, warning shot lang ‘yon. Marami pa nagsabi sa amin na panakot lang raw.

Binombahan rin kami ng tubig. Nasa harap pa ko. Ang sakit, naalala ko. Yung iba sa amin pansamantala pang nabulag.”

“Tumakbo yung ibang mga nagproprotesta mula sa Barricade 1. Yung iba duguan ang mukha, yung iba naman wakwak na ang tiyan. Ang iba nagkapit bisig pa kasama naming. May nagsisisgaw na minamasaker kami.”

“Nagtakbuhan na yung mga tao. Yung iba nagtago sa mga bahay. Yung iba naman sinubukang magtago sa tubuhan.”

Pero pinaghahabol pa rin sila ng mga armadong mga kampon ng gobyerno at pinagbabaril.

Tatlumpu’t isang taon na ang nakalipas. Wala pa ring hustisya para sa mga namatay.

Sina Alegre, Dayanan, Lape, Jaravello, at iba pa’y napatay nang hindi malang nabibigyan ng bayad-pinsala ang mga pamilyang nawalan ng mga anak, ng mga ama, ng mga ina.

Walang halaga ang makakapagbayad sa buhay na nawala dahil sa abuso at karahasan. Ang magagawa lang ng mga henerasyong nakarinig ng pangyayari ay matuto at huwag makalimot.

At sa pag-alala sa pagyao ng mga nakipaglaban para sa mga karapatan ng maliit at naapi, mabibigyan ng halaga ang nangyari sa Escalante.

12

THESPECTRUM / FEATURE

The Jupiter Effect

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

Blink and You’ll Miss It

by Katrina Tuvera

By Iris Denise N. Rivera

By RJ Nichole L. Ledesma

Most of the literature about the reign of the Marcoses, as either fiction or nonfiction, follow the heroic narrative arc. The good trumps evil trajectory or the tragedy of resistance without any redemptive value at all, as sometimes it would focus on the stomach-churning atrocities. But in The Jupiter Effect, Katrina Tuvera’s second book released in 2007, it instead sheds light on the other side of the fence.

The novel centers on the story of siblings Gaby and Kiko Contreras, progeny of known Marcos cronies, mapped into two parts. The first part being their innocent and unassuming observations of their privileged childhood.

The second being them making sense of their past and their complicitness in the country’s larger context of corruption.

The setting, the important names (Marcos is referred to only as the President), nor the dates are never explicitly mentioned but the parallelisms are consistently verifiable and embedded in historical facts. The book is even highly textured and visual, from the random trivias such as what movies were showing: the Miss Universe contest, to the Thrilla in Manila, and political landmarks such as the lead up to Ninoy Aquino’s assassination and the Mendiola Massacre.

“That’s how I create fiction, where everything and nothing is true,” Tuvera concludes in

the book’s afterword, where she also explains the process and context of the novel, from its inception, actual writing and completion. It is an apt end considering Tuvera’s biography: daughter of known Marcos loyalists, a Malacañang speech writer and an editor for a leading New Society magazine in the 1970s.

This then begs the question of whether the novel is truth veiled in fiction. She answered it in the vaguest terms, but rightly so, as it shouldn’t even matter. However, it is for a fact that Tuvera is familiar with the landscape of that tumultuous era, a testament not only to careful research but an undeniable emotional authenticity of someone who has deep connection to those times.

More than 20 years after the People Power, Tuvera has grown mature and discerning enough to look back to those times with guided objectivity. The result was this brave novel, however spare and detached in its writing. A novel that had so many tender moments, with earned nostalgia that does not crumble into it being an apologist’s tale.

It is not a novel you pick up to learn the cold truth in grim statistics and testimonies about the dictatorship, but a far, greater emotional truth.

One that tries to show, not tell, why people are drawn to become the villains that they are.

THEATRICAL PLAY REVIEW

Lupad

Photos courtesy of LUPAD Facebook Page

Travelling to Silay already feels like travelling back in time, what with its myriad of ancestral homes and its compactness. However, a small gem-of-a-restaurant lies almost hidden in its expanse.

Café 1925, a quaint Silaynon café rests on a backstreet from the main highway in Silay, just a little way off from the plaza. If someone were to walk on the sidewalk without looking 90 degrees to his or her left, he or she would’ve missed out on the experience Café 1925 brings to all its visitors.

The painted glass facade of the café opens into a room that could seat about 15 to 20 people at a time, making the location perfect for intimate gatherings. The place makes up what it lacks in size with personality. Wooden panels and floorboards create a cozy atmosphere that eases the tensions of customers as soon as they walk in. The walls are decorated with

ALBUM REVIEW

ILLUMINATE

by Shawn Mendes

By Lex Diwa P. Aloro

If Taylor Swift were to have a male version in the Hollywood pop scene, the spotlight would fall directly on the 18-year-old Canadian, Shawn Mendes. Not in the context of having a long list of exes, but in the sense that his songs will surely find a spot on your break-up playlist. This is made evident by Mendes’ sophomore album, Illuminate.

Released on September 23 under the Island Records music label, Illuminate certainly follows his promises to his fans of gunning in more electric guitar and incorporating a John-Mayervibe into the tracks. Opening with the crooning, rock-suffused single, Ruin, Mendes sets the tone of the album to a very restrained form of yearning. With lyrics like,

By Katherine E. Co

Performed in the Gallaga Theatre of the University, the recent productions of the dramatic theatrical play (which has been restaged several times before) brought by The Performance Laboratory, Inc. tackle the story of a challenged family consisting of different narratives of each member that truly set them apart from each other, creating a distinct complexity and twist to the conventional Filipino family set-up. The Javellanas comprise of a divorced mother (Mate Espina), who later developed mental and emotional issues over the years; a homosexual son (Kurt Soberano), the eldest, who left home a tad early than usual for career opportunities

Photos by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

tasteful tapestries portraying the Bacolodnon and Silaynon lifestyles.

The relaxing and intimate ambiance itself is enough to transport visitors to a time where life is less rushed, but their menu is the one that deserves the highest praises. The Café is best-known for its pasta and desserts, but they also have a specialty that changes daily. The desserts are displayed in a glass case, whetting the appetites of the customers who decide to take a peek.

They are famous for their signature dessert, a Sunny wafer topped with a generous dollop

of whipped cream and served dripping with chocolate sauce.

“The place, the food, and the service— that’s what people come back for,” said Ranie Patrona, the Café’s supervisor. He adds that their customers range from local regulars, out-of-town walk-ins, and first-time foreigners.

The original plan was a burger stand of sorts. But when they were offered the place, they didn’t say no. The establishment was originally a home built in September 3, 1925, hence the name. The Café itself didn’t start running until October 25, 2008.

Patrona mentions how important it is to showcase how Silay is preserving its cultural heritage. The Café is just another addition to the already rich tradition of the former Paris of Negros.

And to think it could so easily be missed by tourists who aren’t looking for it. It just goes to show that when you’re in Silay, you need to slow down and take it in all its details and it just might surprise you with one of the best food-tasting experiences of your life. So keep your eyes peeled.

“And I’m not try’na ruin your happiness, / But darling, don’t you know that I’m the only one for ‘ya?” and Mendes’ brittle voice, the first track alone is enough to send your chest constricting as he ends the track asking if he ever crosses your mind.

Mendes has come a long way from where he started. From a Vine star, posting 6-second renditions of pop songs back in early 2010s; to an overnight sensation with his debut album Handwritten which featured his first hit, Stitches; to a pop icon belting out ballads from his second album. Perhaps, the biggest change that can be observed in Illuminate is the lyrical shift as Mendes moved to the driver’s seat of the song-writing aspect, taking pop co-writers, Scott Harris and Teddy Geiger, in the backseat.

The track Bad Reputation best exemplified the young artist’s lyrical caliber.

Narrating the ballad of a troublesome girl, Mendes hits just the right words to make the listener sympathize with the subject of his song.

Along the lines of his new songs like Patience and Lights On, one can also notice the change from the innocent, boy-next-door lyrics to the subtly-sex-infused lines which the aforementioned songs

display. It’s clear that the newlyturned 18-year-old has graduated from his puppy love songs such as Kid in Love.

Music-wise, Illuminate follows Mendes’ signature formula of heavily-acoustic instrumentals coupled with his raw, passionate voice. He may have overdone it with taking inspiration from John Mayer as some guitar licks in Like This and Ruin exhibited guitar licks that were one note away from being an exact copy from Mayer’s music sheet.

Nevertheless,

Mendes succeeds in giving the tunes his own, little vibe.

As his fame arises with this album, Mendes puts a reminder to himself on the last track of the album, Understand. In this soulful song, Mendes targets the theme of sticking true to one’s self. And with the song’s interlude ending with Mendes’ voice reciting the words, “You grow up, everyone moves on / You’re just learning / You stay true to yourself”, Illuminate closes with a hopeful anthem about growing up.

and a place to live with his boyfriend; a neglected daughter (Knica Klein Calalang), the youngest, who takes all her chances to finally be independent from the support of home, in constant longing to be with her son in Singapore who resulted from an unplanned incident born from immature ignorance; and a favorite (Leezo Calderon Dionzon), a woman who also faced failed relationships in her own personal life, as well as a fear of leaving home and of becoming someone she could not easily let go, or maybe someone who simply held on to her too tightly.

Directed by Cleo Patricio, and written by Tanya Lopez, the Moderator of Maskara Theatre Ensemble and an actress herself in one of the

earliest productions of the same play years ago, Lupad portrays the inevitable reality for most parents–to be left alone by all grown-up children who are seeking out more of what the future has to offer for them, and even branch out and form a new home for themselves—and the pain of separation and loneliness in the years at the dusk of life.

It also fearlessly depicts the repercussions that come to a family after years of separation, great lack of communication and unresolved conflicts and misunderstandings in the past. It shows just as well the long-term effects on the part of the other siblings as a result of being left behind the shadow of the “favorite kid”.

With a warm, homely set of a living room that boasts of

affluence, the setting played a fair contrast to the family with damaged relations that are, in some way, incapable of repair.

Coupled with superb acting, heart-wrenching lines, dramatic outbursts, and a frequent injection of humor, the two-hour play captured a realistic image of the complexity of the Filipino family and the long-term struggles that may accompany it if peace hadn’t ruled out early on amidst their differences.

But more importantly, Lupad shows how a mother is eternally bonded to her children—favorite or not— having nurtured them in their growing years and looked out for them, at least in some way, until these children no longer believed they needed her still.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

LEISURE / THESPECTRUM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

13

CROSSWORD PUZZLE #4 How aware are you about the Martial Law era?

Nagmahal by Sophia Inez Bilbao

Always Gutom by Cedric Lance Militar

ACROSS 1. the iron butterfly 4. means “you may have the body” 8. “to execute or dispose of a person summarily and secretly” 10. a cartoon banned during Martial Law because of its storyline

I have a...Hu hu hu by Karen panganiban

DOWN 2. victims of involuntary disappearance 3. a regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours 5. controversial process of developing and refining the writing of history 6. worked as the Minister of Public Information under the Marcos regime 7. Former President Marcos’ lucky number 9. first case of death in detention during the Martial Law era

SUDOKU #4

Sir? by Katrina Nemenzo

Thesis by Seth Pullona Solution to Crossword #3:

A student’s guide to the many local dialects composing our Filipino language. This month, we give you words from our very own dialect, Hiligaynon.

ted

Illustra

trina

by Ka

enzo

Y. Nem

Solution to Sudoku #3:

Dalayawon - Praiseworthy Dalayawon guid ni si Junjun kay na perfect niya ang exam ni Ma’am sa Math.

Kahilwayan - freedom; liberty Ex. San-o pa ko makatilaw sang matam-is nga kahilwayan man?

Tayuyon - continuous Palaligban - problem Ex. Bisan ano nga palaligban, dapat maisog kita kag magbato.

Ex. Kabay pa tayuyon lang ang dalagan sang gugma nga ini.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - September-October 2016

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESPECTRUMUSLS

14

TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING

THESPECTRUM.USLS@GMAIL.COM

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2016

PASSING THROUGH. USLS Women’s Football Team B lords over the USLS Alumni Girls team during the final match of the Inter-Barkada Football Tournament.

Photo by Margaret E. Yusay

La Salle NOPPSCEA-ready, says IVSO Director

By Gian Von J. Caberte

The University of St. La Salle continued its string of victories, bagging golds in Athletics, Swimming, Sepak Takraw, Lawn Tennis, and Women’s Chess a few weeks into the 2016 Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) season.

“Our teams are ready,” said Joseph Christian Fernandez, Institutional Varsity Sports Office Director. “Different aspects of training are concerned: mental, physical, and psychological,” he added.

A number of sports including basketball, football, and

volleyball are still to be held in the coming weeks in venues around the city.

The Lasallian athletes participating this season have been training since summer in order to finalize the lineups and fill the gaps left by the graduates.

“The teams have been training off-season, as early summer, around May,” Fernandez said.

“Spots left by athletes who have graduated need to be filled-in by new applicants,” he added.

On-season training starts

by July to ensure the athletes are at their best form when the NOPSSCEA season kicks off around September.

“We attend pocket

tournaments which we are invited to as a complement to the training our athletes get. Sometimes, we host these tournaments ourselves,” he stated.

The Stingers Basketball and the Volleyball teams recently went to Iloilo for exposure games, while the football and swimming teams respectively have the Dynamic Football League (DFL) and the Monsignor’s Cup. In addition to their training, the athletes also attend talks and seminars regarding mental conditioning, time management, and the psychological approach to the game.

The coaches also get their

share of valuable information through seminars from all over the country about training, recovery, conditioning, and managing teams.

“They relay what they learn in these seminars to us as much as possible, then we share the information to different coaches so that they may use whatever is applicable to their teams,” said Fernandez.

USLS recently formed two new teams, namely, the Women’s Basketball and Football teams.

However, it remains to be seen if there are teams around the province ready to compete with the said teams; for the meantime, they are in a class of their own.

Photo courtesy of Maria Mycka Navarro

The Defense Specialist

Name: Maria Mycka Navarro Age: 19 years old Sport: Volleyball Course: ABPS3A

TIMEOUT

By Stephine Paul M. Dungca

Is there a better feeling in volleyball than denying an opponent’s big kill and keeping the ball alive on

air? University of St. La Salle Women’s Volleyball Libero, Maria Mycka Luzcia Navarro, believes that she may not be a scoring entity for the team, but she can still make a huge difference with her floor defense specialism.

Having been a pure-blooded Lady Stinger since the age of ten, Navarro already waved the green and white flag with pride and honor. However, the defense specialist did not start as the floor guard expert that she is today. “I started playing as a spiker because back then height didn’t matter. It was discovered that I could be a libero when I was in high school because ever since, defense was my specialty,” said Navarro.

Aside from being an athlete, Navarro also holds huge responsibilities as a consistent dean’s lister and as the College of Arts and Sciences Council Secretary. When asked about how she handles these obligations, this Psychology student replied, “I don’t look at it, me being

the council secretary, as a heavy responsibility because when I think of it as a burden then the work will become harder. It just needs proper balance of priorities and time.”

“For me, what I think made me survive as a Lasallian student athlete and leader is that I always focus every time I do any work, may it be related to council, academic or sport to finish it fast and excellent,” she added.

As recognition of her outstanding performance in academics, sports and service, Navarro bagged various awards, including the Shakey’s Volleyball League 2011 National Champion. She was also Palarong Pambansa 2012 silver medalist, Shakey’s Volleyball League 2012 silver medalist, Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) 2014 Champion, Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WV PRISAA) 2014 silver medalist and the 2015 University Student

Government Kaya Lasalista Athlete of the Year.

When asked about who inspires her to roll, dive and dig on the volleyball court, Navarro answered, “Arisa Sato, the libero for the Japan National team, who has been awarded with multiple international individual awards, inspired me because I would always ask myself that if she could do it, why couldn’t I?” But what kept her going further in crossing boundaries is her passion for the sport, together with the people who believed in what she can do as volleyball player and the Lord God Almighty who has blessed her with the talents she has.

“What comes with all of these is my love and passion for what I’m doing. Because if I don’t have these two, I don’t have any motivation at all to serve hard, play harder and study hardest,” Navarro said.

Ceres F.C. cops gold in DFL 2nd Conference

By Gian Von J. Caberte

Ceres - La Salle Football Club (FC) shelled Villa Angela FC 3-0 in the finals to head home Dynamic Football League (DFL) 2nd Conference Champions last Sept. 4 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium.

The team was composed of collegiate varsity players while Villa Angela FC was brimming with veteran players—former varsity players who still have the passion burning.

“For our team which is composed purely of college students, it is a rich experience in a sense that they were pitted against veterans,” said Institutional Varsity Sports Office Director Joseph Christian Fernandez. “However, since our players were much more conditioned, their performance can only be properly gauged if they play against another collegiate team because then, the conditioning levels would be at par,” he added.

Villa Angela showed their class in the first half with crisp passes, dangerous free kicks and threatening strikes but form prevailed as Ceres-La Salle took the game into their hands in the second half of the game.

Problems were initially caused

by Villa Angela’s offside trap, where defenders took a well-coordinated step forward just before the opposition passed to their forwards to leave the frontmen in the offside, as Ceres - La Salle was constantly flagged for offside.

Ceres - La Salle’s vicious attacks were readily dispatched by Villa Angela’s seasoned back four.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 7

However, the varsity team got into their stride and began to regain possession near the middle part of the half.

The deadlock was broken as a ruckus in the Villa Angela penalty area was all it took for Ceres-La Salle’s Ashli Pamilar to poach a goal with the end of the first half looming.

The second half saw Villa Angela, who were a goal to the bad, set their eyes on an equalizer to which Ceres -La Salle answered with great defending and quick counterattacks.

A second goal was snatched by Ceres after a well-timed run from Ilemona Usman beat the offside trap and found himself enough space to try a shot which eventually ended up in the back of the net.

Minutes later, Ceres defender Nessi Ramos headed in a goal which sealed the game and gave the younger team two goals in two minutes and a three-goal cushion over their seniors.

More chances were created by both teams in the later parts of the half but all were either snuffed out or wasted.

The final whistle handed yet another gold for Ceres-La Salle’s already impressive trophy cabinet.

The DFL is one of the many so-called “pocket tournaments” Lasallian athletes enter in preparation for the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPPSCEA) Games which is held annually, usually at the end of the first semester up until the starting weeks of the second.