The Class 2016 - Volume 61 No. 7

THE CLASS

2016 VOLUME 61 NUMBER 7 | OCTOBER 2016

FOUNDED 1956 | A.Y. 2015-2016 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR NEWSPAPER EDITOR MAGAZINE EDITOR ASSISTANT MAGAZINE EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR LITERARY EDITOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR ASSISTANT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS EDITOR LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR NEWSPAPER WRITERS

MAGAZINE WRITERS

RJ Nichole L. Ledesma Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar Robert H. Jerge III Andrea Nicole C. Farol Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco Lex Diwa P. Aloro Katherine E. Co David Willem L. Molenaar Joshua Martin P. Guanco Chad Martin Z. Natividad Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas Margaret E. Yusay Jowan Dave G. Guides Maria Angelica M. Ape Starlene Joy B. Portillo Ian Kristoffer V. Ga Iris Denise N. Rivera 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

SPORTS WRITERS

ILLUSTRATORS

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Gian Von J. Caberte Stephine Paul M. Dungca Katrina Y. Nemenzo Karen D. Panganiban Seth V. Pullona Sophia Inez A. Bilbao Cedric Lance M. Militar Ma. Henna A. Pilla Nichol Francis T. Anduyan Ariana L. Chua Neil Angelo F. Pelongco Kyle Jyrax D. Sevilla

LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Glen Jed J. Descutido Shara Mae L. Pelayo

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Keanu Kent B. Gargar

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Keanu Joseph P. Rafil

PUBLICATION MODERATOR

Jean Lee C. Patindol

THE COVER On a dark, autumn night, the windows beside you are more like mirrors, bouncing off reflections of you inside the safety of your home. You can barely see the world outside. But move a little closer; the world outside becomes clearer through the glass.

Now, slide the window open and sit on the ledge. There’s a new world out there. It’s dark but alluring. Against all the better judgment in your head, you jump into the allure of the night. With this one decision, you plunge into the struggle of making it through the darkness. It was the weakness of will that landed you here. It will be the strength of your will that gets you through.

CONCEPT & DESIGN BY JOWAN DAVE G. GUIDES

ALLIANCE OF LASALLIAN CAMPUS JOURNALISTS AND ADVISERS COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the Student Activity Center G/F, University of St. La Salle, Lasalle Avenue, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100.

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.

CONTACT NUMBER (034) 432-1187 local 172 E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/TheSpectrumUSLS TWITTER @TheSpectrumUSLS ISSUU www.issuu.com/thespectrumusls

THE CLASS 2016 EDITOR’S NOTE

Self-awareness is easier in theory than in praxis. It is to step back outside of yourself, in a lens at once cold and objective, dismissing sentimentality or self-justification, but nevertheless discerning and wise.

What makes it so difficult, I believe, is because of that tension.

If I lay all the mistakes and bad decisions I made in life, until the point where I am now, in a sprawling display, how do I maintain composure? In the face of evident, self-made failures, how do I love

myself but not romanticize their triumphs? How can I be critical but not weigh myself down in selfdepreciation? How do I see my mistakes as necessary and valuable lessons without lingering on them too much?

I still ask those questions all the time. And I admit I am still skating on thin ice regarding these things. The only solace I have is that mistakes and the thousands variations of it can bear, in a surprisingly new form, something beautiful.

RJ NICHOLE L. LEDESMA PHOTO BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CONTENTS VOLUME 61 NUMBER 7 | OCTOBER 2016

CAS

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CAS

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CBA

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Alyanna Therese Pangilinan

Jorge Gamboa

Jilliane Cortez

CBA

CET

CET

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Janet Santiago

Aimee Polanco

Jose Antonio Caparas

CEd

CEd

BSN

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Roma Jane Hechanova

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Alanette Dumdum

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Jeard Elbe Maguad

CONTENTS VOLUME 61 NUMBER 7 | OCTOBER 2016

BSN

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USG

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ARTIST’S HUB

30

Bryan Amiel Brey

Veronica Te

Leezo Dionzon

BALAYAN

CELAM

PERSONALS

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Athynna Marie Abaring

Ayesa Calaluña

Monica Louise Trinidad Cueto

PERSONALS

PERSONALS

Read our issues online at

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John Dale Gugudan

Ma. Guillana Arriola

www.issuu.com/thespectrumusls or scan the QR code above

THE CLASS 2016 BLITZ

Mistakes do not define people. It does not make you less of a person if you commit a mistake. In fact, it becomes the evidence of your humanity for it is embedded within us to err. It is a primitive human function: to fumble, to fall, to learn from our mistakes. We all have weaknesses that can drive us to the nadir of our lives. But even these weaknesses do not define who we are. How we rise back from the pits of our lowest point in life— that. That is what defines us.

ART BY KEANU JOSEPH P. RAFIL

THE CLASS

2016

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UNPRESSURED GRACE

BY DAPHNE TANYA L. MOLENAAR

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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THE CLASS 2016

IF YOU PUT ALL her

achievements, awards, and community involvements down, you would be looking at a pristine and immaculate résumé.

Something you would see on a perfect sample résumé, except this one isn’t actually, well, made up.

The said résumé would be Alyanna Therese “Trish” Castillo Pangilinan’s.

She graduated recently while a banner of her hung from the indoor bridge near the Mutien Marie building – and for good reason. Trish was one of the Outstanding Students (THOS) – Junior Chamber International Awardees, together with other university’s awards.

She seems to be collecting them. In fact, this article could probably reach the 800-word limit on her achievements and involvements alone, without exaggerations.

Trish was the Editor-in-Chief of the La Salle Yearbook, a Service Excellence Awardee, a Community Involvement Awardee, and also got the Best in Bid Book in THOS - Junior Chamber International Best in Experimental Psychology, to name some. There’s more, but her awards also make do for pronouns.

Honored as the Magna Cum Laude for her degree in AB Psychology, it’s hard not to ask her if she ever thinks she’s too busy. “Everything is grace: this is a saying that I constantly hold on to especially when times get tough.

I just put into mind that God wouldn’t give me something I can’t handle. My involvements energize me and allow me to live life to the fullest but I also make sure I strike a healthy balance by creating some quiet time and space and simply enjoy life’s little pleasures,” she explained.

She is, indeed, graceful, as she passes by different offices to get to hers on her senior year. Trish greets everyone, regardless if they ever met, and it took a while to realize that she is always wearing a smile, almost like she goes on without a worry even with all her extra-curricular activities on top of school work.

As she is finished with school for a

“Do what brings you joy, but be reminded that everything you do leaves a mark in this world.” while now, her plans are: taking up various board exams related to her field, earning a Master’s degree and becoming a licensed Psychologist and probably getting a PhD as well. She doesn’t limit herself when it comes to plans, as she includes that “If God permits, I hope to see myself opening up a clinic in Bacolod which caters to the needs of children with disabilities and also with focus on Therapy for varying ages and for families. At the same time, I plan to travel and explore the world as a needed respite from work. Every time I am asked [for my future plans], I would end by saying, ‘These are simply my plans based on desires and interests, but I am open to possibilities or changes.’ Man proposes, God disposes.”

Now a preschool teacher in A Child’s Place, she proves that she has a soft heart for children and families, as her parents used to bring her everywhere they go and that there was never an instance they left her alone with a “yaya”, together with her plans of pursuing further studies to become a Clinical Psychologist someday. “I took up units in Education because it is a noble way to be an instrument of making a difference in a person’s life. In addition, I am fond of children. I love to be with children. Through this profession, it could give me opportunities to teach them with proper values, touch their hearts and inspire their lives. Teachers are one of the keys to a child’s success,” she said.

Trish, as a child herself, had dreams that were “I” centered but now, her dreams revolve in what she can become not only for herself but more for others,

especially for the significant people in her life. She included that “the end goal of the dream in itself serves as my motivation to reach it and is driven by my desire to create a difference in the lives of others.”

As things do not always go as planned and when it comes to mistakes, she believes that it is important to acknowledge them, but not to dwell on them too much and rather, see the mistakes as opportunities instead. She relates mistakes to humbling experiences which leads her to be mindful of God’s presence and reminds her of her vulnerability. She describes them as lessons learned which also helps define her character.

Imparting not only the familiarity of her face, she has a string of advices especially to the students, to “do what brings you joy, but be reminded that everything you do leaves a mark in this world. Be patient, persevere, and develop a sense of discipline. As you strive for excellence, remember that ‘No man is an island’ so continually nurture your relationship with others.

No matter how little an act may be, do it in an extraordinary way, with love.

Be of service to others without thought of reward. Live life to the fullest, but do not compromise the value of integrity. Remember that you are unique and special. You don’t have to compare yourself with others. Live a balanced life. Discover your passion and pursue it with passion. Put into mind that you are capable of great things; yet, never forget that there is a hand guiding you – God. Allow Him to be part of everything you think, say and do, and you will have a meaningful life.” S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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THE CLIFF-JUMPING ANALOGY ▸

BY IRIS DENISE N. RIVERA PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

“WHEN IT FEELS SCARY to jump, that’s exactly when you jump.”

(Chandor, 2014) Young Jorge Gamboa was obsessed with medical TV shows. He loved the medical jargon (and the blood) and he decided he wanted to become a surgeon. He didn’t.

In fact, when young Jorge Gamboa became high school graduate Jorge Gamboa, he didn’t know what he was going to take for college. He was fresh from the States where his mom worked as a nurse, and moving back to Bacolod with his dad was an adjustment enough as it is.

“You’re gonna enroll and after these four years, you’re gonna know what you wanna do,” he told himself, “so don’t worry.”

Fast forward to March 2016 with college senior Jorge Gamboa sitting among his fellow graduates, quietly whispering to himself, “I still don’t know what I’m doing.”

He took up AB Communications because despite his love for Scrubs and Grey’s Anatomy, he realized he liked the storytelling aspect of the shows more. It worked out for him. In fact, in the eyes of his juniors, he seemed talented, multi-faceted, and almost like he was born for it.

The Jorge Gamboa of today would view AB Comm as the

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most enjoyable course he could’ve taken in hindsight. So much so that he says if he could go back in time, he would not have picked differently.

And so we follow his uphill trudge through college, this Jorge Gamboa, as he deals with grades and deadlines, and figures out the answer to the pressing question all college students ask themselves at this point: Am I doing what I really want to do?

The beauty of AB Comm manifests itself differently to each student. For Jorge, it happened one summer day after his sophomore year. In a Film Production class under Mr. Elvert Bañares, college (not quite a) junior Jorge Gamboa and his groupmates had to, well, produce a film. They got an actress for it and through his camera’s lenses, Jorge fell (and still is) happily in love.

“It was sort of a ‘life imitates art’ kind of thing,” he said.

A few months after graduation, Jorge’s batchmates have already started planning for reunions.

“It’s a bit corny, but at the same time, endearing,” he said, adding that he’s grateful to have an unforgettable batch that he could truly appreciate.

Post-graduation Jorge Gamboa isn’t looking through

classified ads and knocking on company doors just yet. He says it will eventually be on his list of priorities but for now he’s figuring stuff out and having fun while he’s at it.

“I’m slowly treading my way through the dark and murky waters of freelancing,” he said.

Jorge’s dream right now is to work with National Geographic, but he’s also considering film. He’s made a few good films “back in the day,” as he calls it, and the occasional bursts of inspiration have coursed through him but he has yet to act on them.

Recently, Jorge went cliff-diving in Cebu and he couldn’t help but relate it to where he is in life right now. He explained that the scariest part about cliff-diving isn’t the jumping part itself. No, it’s the part when you’re on top of the rock and staring down at the water. You’re sweating all over and your knees are getting weak and you start asking yourself all these questions: What if something bad happens?

How am I gonna do this?

Why am I doing this in the first place?

“I feel like that’s where I am in my life right now [standing on top of the rock], looking at all these endless streams of possibilities,” Jorge said. “It was scary making the choice to not look for a job and not to submit résumés to companies, but at the same time, I don’t want to be held down by that right now. I’ve always wanted to try to do something with my life that’s on my terms.”

As he tries to figure things out for himself, he leaves a couple words of advice for this year’s graduating batch—a sort of mantra he recites to himself whenever he feels insecure: You have nothing to prove; only to share.

“People are always gonna critique your stuff,” he added, “but it’s what you have to share with the world. If it’s in the right intention, then go ahead and do it.”

One day, you’re going to find yourself walking up the very same uphill dirt road towards a cliff overlooking unknown possibilities. You’re going to find yourself on top of that very same rock looking down. You’re going to be afraid.

Your legs will shake and you’ll sweat all over.

You’ll start asking yourself all those questions, you’ll have doubts, and you’ll want to turn back.

And when you do, remember the words from J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year— that when it feels the scariest to jump, that’s exactly when you jump. Because the only other option is to stay in the same exact place your entire life and that’s something you can’t afford.

So take a deep breath and jump. S

As he tries to figure things out for himself, he leaves a couple words of advice for this year’s graduating batch—a sort of mantra he recites to himself whenever he feels insecure: You have nothing to prove; only to share.

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HURDLES MANAGED

BY KATHERINE E. CO

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THE CLASS 2016

FOUR YEARS OF LEARNING theories and acquiring knowledge

through experience-based instruction. Four years of studying for tests, making projects, complying requirements, and perfecting her art. Four years of acing her classes and excelling in her field. Now, an internship in the United States of America, with a Magna Cum Laude title. Now, a moment of glory, a reaping of success, and a dream turned into reality.

Jilliane Cortez, a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) graduate, first started out like anybody else—a fresh high school graduate, faced with the most burdensome decision that will affect the rest of her life—choosing a college course, a career track. Wanting to be a flight attendant and to travel around the world ever since she was a kid, she took up BSHM, believing she’d reach these dreams. As she went along in her journey, however, she learned that the program is not only limited to traveling or cooking but it also deals with managing people and businesses. “[The program] really made me learn more things and to be flexible in working in different areas of

the industry,” she expressed.

In addition to why she made this her career track, Jilliane said: “We, BSHM students, are educated to be hospitable and offer best quality services to all people, be more knowledgeable about the different places in the world, be creative in making and creating new dishes and to become good managers in the future.” She added that making a guest feel satisfied with the good quality services that they offer to them is the best feeling they could ever feel.

The program, she claimed, was no piece of cake. The hardest part of her course was applying all that they learn inside the classroom in practical application. “What we’ve learned in the classroom is a lot different in the real life setting,” she explained, as they were mostly taught of theories, and were left for themselves to manage and survive in real life situations.

Despite difficulties, Jilliane became a consistent achiever in her academics.

For her, grades are important, because through them, she can tell if she’s doing good in her classes, or if not, then she can start improving herself. “Grades aren’t just numbers, they are actually the result of hard work and to see a high grade is a very satisfying feeling because you know your hard work paid off,” she shared.

Being an achiever didn’t mean she had a smoother path than anybody else. She had her share of ups and downs, and her senior year definitely rolled out as the most difficult one for her. She felt very pressured in submitting requirements for graduation, and doing her thesis and defenses. But the greatest hurdle that challenged her was when she had to leave in the middle of the semester for her internship in the US. “It was really hard for me because while I was doing my internship, I was still submitting my assignments and reports online. During my days off, I stayed at home trying to finish my homework and pass it before the deadline,” she recalled. “But with God’s grace, I managed them well and graduated this March 2016 though I wasn’t able to march on stage,” she said with pride but also a hint of sadness.

During times of failure and disappointment, she always prays to God to give her the strength and guidance to overcome her fears and failures. She claims that even just the presence of her family and friends and their advice

always helped her to think clearly and move forward.

“Nobody’s perfect and we couldn’t prevent ourselves from making mistakes,” she said. As she accepts these imperfections, she also learns from them. “I really believe that experience is a good teacher because I would never know and understand different things if I didn’t experience them,” she asserted. She said that whenever she makes mistakes in her decisions and actions, she does her best to think of better ways to prevent committing them again.

Truly her college journey was, just as she described it: tough and full of hardships. “Pressures from academics, friends and family were inevitable.

But as I reached my goal, which was to graduate with flying colors, I could really say that all my sacrifices were all worth it,” she expressed with delight and honor.

When asked what inspires her to appreciate life, she said that it is life itself that motivates her to make the most of every second. She explained that it is experiencing all the ups and downs in life, meeting new people, traveling to different places and enjoying living that made her love the way she lives, while also making her a stron-

ger person in the process.

But more importantly, Jilliane revealed the very thing that matters most in life: love. “You’ll learn how to appreciate everything that you do when it comes from the heart. When you love what you’re doing, the willingness and passion to achieve your goal will come out naturally and sometimes it will also exceed from what you’re expecting to happen,” she shared with a warm-hearted glow on her face.

Now that she’s in the US working as an intern in The Sagamore, a four-star hotel in Bolton Landing, New York, experiencing new things, with new hurdles to overcome, new knowledge to learn, new people to meet, and being able to expose herself outside of her comfort zone, she says that she has already achieved her dream.

Leaving a message for BSHM students and for all who are still chasing their dreams, she imparts, “Never give up in chasing what your heart desires!

Accept all the challenges that life offers and make them your stepping stones to achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but instead, learn from them and always bear in mind that God never gives trials that you can never overcome. Animo La Salle!” S

“You’ll learn how to appreciate everything that you do when it comes from the heart.

When you love what you’re doing, the willingness and passion to achieve your goal will come out naturally and sometimes it will also exceed from what you’re expecting to happen.”

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A DAME CLAD IN TESTED ARMOR

BY CHRISTIANA CLAUDIA G. GANCAYCO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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HER LAST CLASS for the day ends at 8:30

in the evening. She commutes and arrives home at about past nine. In a few hours, she is set to hit the road again to go to work.

Eldest among three children, Janet Santiago was raised in a humble home with humble means. Being a daughter of a tricycle driver and a school canteen staff, the chances for her to receive quality education in a prestigious university were slim. But Janet is not the kind to settle with what she’s given only. She’s the go-getter type. Her parents brought her up to be persevering and self-reliant. When no opportunities come her way, Janet makes one.

And so she did.

She first entered the University of St. La Salle (USLS) as an engineering student. However, she had to quit during the second semester due to financial constraint. Instead, at age 19, she began working as a call center agent. But this didn’t deter her in her aim to support her family and to pursue her hope to study again.

Alas, after about eight years of working graveyard shifts, Janet was able to save up enough money to bring her back to school. She took up Accountancy until her third year, when she wasn’t able to make it to the program’s qualification because of failing one subject. And so she shifted course to Management Accounting.

In college, it is a fact that students are, most often than not, always pressed with time and therefore have their skills in time management tested.

There are loads upon loads of notes to study coupled by a massive mound of to-dos demanded in a small time frame.

If you think that is daunting, wait until you step in Janet’s shoes. Whether she liked it or not, Janet had to pair her very demanding course with an equally demanding job, since her salary was what paid for her education.

“I always tell my classmates for them to be thankful that their parents can support them in their studies,” said Santiago. “It’s very difficult to be a self-supporting student. Even if you want to quit your job because you’re tired, you can’t. You just have to balance everything.”

While other students had time to

“It’s very difficult to be a self-supporting student. Even if you want to quit your job because you’re tired, you can’t.

You just have to balance everything.” spare to bond with friends, to sleep after a long day in school or to spend long hours to prepare for an exam, Santiago had to stay up all night in a call center.

She was lucky if she was able to sleep for six to seven hours, she said. But there are times when she went to her classes or exams with barely two hours of rest— sometimes with none at all.

But despite all the trials and difficulties, she did not give up. She was bent on getting her college degree, so that in the end she can help her family, who served as her inspiration during the times when she felt so worn down.

Looking back at her college years, Santiago remembers all her struggles and what she did to put up with them.

Because she worked during graveyard hours, she was always prone to snoozing during her classes. One examination day, Santiago recalled with laughter, she only had roughly an hour to spare for resting (not even sleeping) and reviewing her notes, backed up by a cup of steaming coffee. She went out from work at about eight in the morning and her exam was scheduled by nine. Extremely exhausted and sleepy from the all-nighter, she couldn’t help but keep on dozing off during the exam.

And then at one point, she woke up to find her exam paper drenched in a pool of saliva!

“I was already done with the exam but I had to linger to let my paper dry before I submit it to the proctor,” Santiago laughed.

All that she went through paid off at last when she finally marched on stage

to receive the diploma she worked very hard for. She was also awarded during the Seniors’ Tribute as the “Most Self-reliant Student.” Santiago was so surprised with the award, but probably the people who witnessed her endeavors were not. She deserved it.

If she would give a message to her younger self in college, Santiago wants to extend her congratulations for being able to support herself through college and also to say ‘thank you’ for not giving up.

After graduating, Santiago was offered by USLS a position as a junior administrative assistant in the Business Office, which she has accepted. Suffice it to say that she is reaping the sweet fruits of her labor.

A message Janet has for students, especially the ones undergoing the same struggles as she did, is for them not to give up. “All trials are temporary.

[They are] God’s way to strengthen your character and personality to prepare you for something bigger,” said Santiago. “Like what they say, God sends His best soldiers to his toughest battles,” Santiago concluded with a smile.

Inarguably, she is one of the best soldiers who braved tough battles valiantly. She is a warrior who had her metals dented and scratched, but nevertheless wears them with great pride knowing that they are proof of what she’s been through: a symbol of her well-deserved victory. S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PERSISTENCE

BY ANDREA NICOLE C. FAROL

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MA. HENNA PILLA

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IN SCIENCE, one will learn that for all materials, there will

be deformation. There is an elastic limit. It will experience fatigue. And ultimately, there will be failure. What will differentiate one material from the other is its structure and its response to the stimuli.

Clutching a handkerchief, sporting a simple outfit of white jeans, sneakers and a shirt, one can immediately see that Aimee L. Polanco is someone who isn’t vying to have eyes on her. To the outsider, she appears serious and shy but once absorbed in a conversation she is actually quick for a good laugh and affable. But more than her quiet exterior is a deep thinker. Graduating as a Cum Laude in her batch, you might think that college was a breeze for Aimee but like every other student, she had her ups and downs.

Aimee is the younger of two children. Her father is a driver– currently unemployed due to sickness– while her mother is a tailor. Her older brother, who was taking up Computer Technology, stopped going to school in order to work as a call center agent to help support Aimee’s college education.

An achiever since the beginning, Aimee describes herself as a very grade-conscious elementary school student.

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Her life revolved on her academics. But, come high school, she realized that there was more to life than just studies and she opened herself to more people and made more friends.

She admits being shy and introverted but despite her social discomfort, she takes pride in being a great listener to her classmates and friends as she is more open to people close to her. Deeply faithful, her motto in life is “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Graduating at the top of her class, she decided to take the challenge that is Chemical Engineering (ChE). As every other taker of the course can attest to, the course initially starts as enjoyable but as the semesters pass by, to the average student, the best way you can describe it is bearable. But like every other student taking this course, the dream to have the “Engr.” before the name and the promise of a good life and great job opportunities are what kept her going.

For Aimee, it was inevitable for everyone to experience failure and disappointments. To her, it is the reality and basics of human life. It might come in different forms and for her, it was during the second semester of her fourth year in the university when the worst part of her college life happened.

Her family experienced financial problems when her father contracted tuberculosis. Added to that was the Industrial Tour, wherein engineering students are required to pay for a trip to the different industries related to their respective

majors. In order to support herself, Aimee needed to find a job and thus, she got a tutorial job online. Juggling a job and her academics, the problems piled up when she got a line of seven for a major subject which threatened her academic scholarship.

“I felt hopeless,” she says, remembering the ordeal. Despite of the bleakness she felt, Aimee, not the kind of person to back down from the difficulties of life, pursued. She worked harder, both for her family and studies.

Eventually, things started to look up. And those days, when her life finally came back on track, are what she describes as the best part of her college life. With God and encouragements from family and friends as her sources of strength, she was able to pass Kinetics and learned that she was still running for Cum Laude after getting a good grade during the finals. Added to that, she also obtained a scholarship from Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC).

Aimee believes it was all in God’s will saying, “If He can carry you this far, He can carry you even farther.”

After graduation, her plans include passing or even topping the coming board exam. Her CBNC scholarship involves a 3-year contract with the company but after that, she aspires to be a plant manager. And, inspired by the hardships she overcame, she dreams of giving back and glorifying God by giving scholarships in the future.

After all she’s been through, Aimee is most grateful to God, her family, her friends and classmates. What she has experienced has strengthened her.

In engineering, one learns material science. And believe it or not, these lessons could be applied in life. One can liken materials to human beings.

Life will mold you. It will test you to your limits. You will feel tired from all the challenges that the universe will throw your way. And you will experience failure in your life. You may break. But what happens to us will differ, in the way we were brought up and in the way we hold ourselves together Her advice to her fellow Lasallians?

“Don’t be afraid of failure because in failing, you will taste the sweetness of success. Once you love your course, everything will fall into place. Be sure to love it.” S

In engineering, one learns material science. And believe it or not, these lessons could be applied in life.

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BEATING THE ODDS

BY MARIA ANGELINE MAYOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICHOL FRANCIS M. ANDUYAN

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WHILE SOME PEOPLE choose to sit back and depend on others

during group activities, Jose Antonio “Anjo” Caparas bravely takes the initiative to stand up and lead. As soon as he entered college, he worked hard for his dream to become an active member of the student council.

“I’m the type of person who wanted change,” Caparas, who enrolled in the College of Engineering and Technology (CET), answered in earnest when asked about what made him want to become a student leader.

“I noticed during my [early] college years that the [CET] students were apathetic and we stayed in the middle most of the time, like being in the third place. We don’t often get to the second or first place in competitions.

I wanted to lift up the college to a higher level.”

His saga as a student leader went on in his second year as president of the Engineering Society which had lost its status as a fully accredited organization in the university during that period. “That time,” he recalled, “the previous officers had a problem so, eventually, the club’s status was [put back] on probation. When my year ended, it became fully accredited once again.”

In his third year as a computer engineering student, he challenged himself to handle another position as secretary of Computer Hardware Interfacing and Programming Society (CHIPS).

However, not everything went very well during his third year as his academic performance suffered. “The usual engineering student,” he laughed. “There had been failures, too.”

“I failed around three subjects in third year - DE, Circuits 2, and Electronics 2,” he admitted. He also failed his physics subject in second year but said that it was more of a problem with his teacher who wouldn’t show up in class and would give tests on topics they did not take up.

In his fourth year, he became president of CHIPS, which had the same problem as the Engineering Society.

“The same thing happened, CHIPS was in probationary status and when my term finally ended, it became fully accredited again,” the secretary-turned-president said.

He could have chosen to leave a club which was on probation in the first place but he decided not to. Unlike other people with ordinary perspectives, he always chooses to take the challenge of getting such clubs from having fallen into a pit and saving them from getting trapped.

In his fifth year, he set the bar higher when he became the governor of the College of Engineering and Technology in the academic year 2014-2015. It was during his term

But no matter what challenges life threw at him, Anjo did not even consider hanging up the gloves. when Information Technology and Computer Science were moved from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) to CET. “I reached out to the IT and ComSci students since they were in the culture of CAS. Their loyalty remained with CAS so I tried my best to help them adjust to the culture of CET,” he explained.

But life threw another curveball at Anjo when he was about to finish the second semester in his fifth year. His group’s design project, which served as their thesis, did not work properly during their presentation, causing them to fail the subject.

And since graduating students with failures or deficiencies are not allowed to march during the graduation rites, Anjo was not able to do so.

“Actually, I was disappointed at myself since I had a lot of achievements in college, and during my fifth year, almost everything was okay except for that one subject wherein I struggled,” Anjo recalled. “I was quite frustrated, and my teachers were, too, of what happened because they had bigger expectations for me,” he went on.

But no matter what challenges life threw at him, Anjo did not even consider hanging up the gloves. “Giving up was never an option for me,” he mused.

His dream to become a successful engineer prodded him not to lose hope. “My dream is to be an engineer that could make an impact in his company and society,” he said with enthusiasm.

“Never give up,” he said and then hesitated for a while when he realized that he was blurting out a cliché. “Always learn from experience, from failures, since failures are actually normal. But it depends on the person if he or she chooses to learn from it and try his or her best the next time he or she is given a chance. My motto really is: Always leave a mark or legacy.”

When asked what he considers as his most fulfilling moments in college is, Anjo did not think twice to say that it was the achievements he had accomplished as a student leader.

“It is still fulfilling until now because I can see the CET excelling. It was like planting a seed and seeing it grow. The time I invested in people whom I trained, especially after seeing where they have gone so far, eventually paid off,” he beamed with pride. S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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C Ed

ON THE CURRENT TO SUCCESS

THREE MONTHS AFTER she walked on the

BY LEX DIWA ALORO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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THE CLASS 2016

coliseum stage with the title of Suma Cum Laude, Roma Hechanova can, from time to time, still be found in the premises of the University of St. La Salle. Specifically, in the students’ library. It must be something about the books that draws this former campus journalist back to her alma mater.

Either that or the fact that she’s studying for her upcoming board exam this September. Nevertheless, her interview was conducted in this safe haven of hers.

In the secluded English Corner of the library, Roma filled me with book suggestions, pointing out Pulitzer Prize Awardees in the nearby bookshelf and books published by local writers in the Filipiñana section.

I’ve heard a lot of stories about Roma, each depicting her differently. The most notable hearsay I’ve heard was one of which that compared her to a shark: ruthless, tenacious, undoubtedly intelligent but also misunderstood and seen as a threat by most. But surrounded by all these books, I see no shark. I see a side of Roma that nearly resembles the role of a

The most notable hearsay I’ve heard was one of which that compared her to a shark: ruthless, tenacious, undoubtedly intelligent but also misunderstood and seen as a threat by most.

caring, old librarian as she shows me a copy of Holes by Louis Sachar.

Roma settles in the seat adjacent to mine, propping her coat next to the Psychology book she had picked out earlier. The room is small with only one table and about eight seats. I’m occupying one of them but Roma, well, her presence seems to have occupied the whole English Corner.

It takes one look at Roma, with her posture straight and chin lifted, and you immediately get that sense of fortitude that radiates from her aura. Yet there’s a childish glee that sparks within her eyes that nearly resembles carefree innocence, and you won’t even deem that someone like her has been through so much already.

Roma Jane Hechanova is the eldest of five. After breezing through high school and graduating with honors, she managed to snatch the coveted Kabayan Corporation’s Academic Scholarship Award. With a scholarship like that around her belt, you’d wonder why, out of all the universities she could have gone to, USLS was her college of choice. Apart from having a fondness towards the Lasallian way of teaching, Roma also had a penchant for one other thing.

“Others may say it’s kind of silly but it’s actually because I really wanted to join The Spectrum,” Roma says. The Spectrum’s literary folios, magazines and newspapers found their way to Roma through a network of friends who had connections in the publication. And after reading the works of these campus journalists, one thing struck through Roma’s mind, “I’d love to join this publication!”

Being a journalist since the fifth grade and being the Editor-in-Chief of her Filipino publication in the Bacolod City National High School, Roma’s résumé easily made it to the selection board of The Spectrum. With her caliber in writing, it’s no surprise that she got in the publication at first try and made her way up to the editorial board in no time.

With her being the news editor, The Spectrum was able to produce a newspaper that received one of the highest honors in that category of the College Press Awards. But despite how well she was doing with her duties and despite how much she loved The Spectrum, certain circumstances forced Roma to make the difficult decision of quitting, three years into her campus journalism life.

“Yeah, it broke my heart leaving but sometimes there are decisions you have to make, sacrifices you have to do, in order to reach perhaps the greater purpose which you haven’t seen first because you were too focused on the first goal you set.”

However heartbreaking those times might have been, it’s all in the past. Roma just channels these challenges to get more strength to push on through life. But perhaps the greatest challenge that set her to be this resolute in life is the separation of her family. “My parents separated more than two years ago,” Roma says.

“It was really difficult,” she remarks, eyes momentarily casting downwards. She remembers it quite well. That night of October, she had just finished editing the upcoming newspaper issue and was on cloud nine

for accomplishing such task. It was nearly 10 o’clock, she remembers that clearly. Whatever bliss she felt as she walked out the office that night faded when she arrived home. The silence was odd, the darkness that clouded their house was even more so.

Their electricity got cut, also their water. Inside their home, stuff were littered and out of place. That wasn’t the worst scene in Roma’s darkened house. No, the worst scene of that night was located in corner of their living room where her mother was crying. That was when she knew something was wrong. “My father made us leave. Wow,” she paused. “He’s the one who made us leave pa ha.”

The aftermath of the separation put Roma and her siblings in a very rocky place. With the help of her family in her mother’s side, Roma and her sisters found a new home in La Carlota. But seeing that they now lack the financial support, one of her sisters can only afford to go to school twice or thrice a week, all the while still managing to ace the exams. Another one has to live with her classmate just so they can save on bus fare.

But in the end, Roma reflects, “Leaving or separating from him was actually better. If the environment is toxic, why stay?”

And so this shark swam on to a better part of the ocean. One without oil spills that stain her or fishing spears to shoot her down. And Roma’s advice to those struggling in the sea of life? Simple.

“Just keep on swimming. Remain afloat though sometimes you couldn’t.”

Maybe she is a shark after all. S VOLUME 61 NO. 6 THE SPECTRUM

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PERSPECTIVE ON 360

C Ed

BY CHAD MARTIN Z. NATIVIDAD

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LA SALLE YEARBOOK

IN A TYPICAL FAMILY set-up, more often

than not, there is always that one lazy child who was never really interested in studying while growing up. The child who’s an average performer in school with siblings who are top achievers.

From elementary to high school, this was the case for young Alanette Dumdum.

“I was known to be the most ‘pasaway’ daughter when it comes to studying. I was the laziest person that never studied since elementary until I graduated from high school,” she confessed.

Until the reality of post-high school life approached and crucial decisions had to be made. She faced the common question a high school graduate would eventually have to face: Should I go to college?

This “pasaway” kid, who became a teen in her high school years, was asked by her parents what college course she wanted to take up. She told them she doesn’t know. Her parents wanted to send her to college right away but she believed she wasn’t ready. But they insisted and persuaded her to choose any course she believes she could handle.

So she asked for advice from her father: a man who never finished college himself due to poverty but nevertheless works, as does his wife, to provide a good future for their kids.

Her father recommended her to take up Education, and because Alanette didn’t think too much about

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her future at the time, she agreed.

“College is now different. I thought of how my parents strive hard just to send me in a prestigious school, [not denying] the fact that the tuition fee is not an easy-peasy. Since then I try to improve myself,” she said.

She eventually enrolled in college and life was “senseless, dull and boring” for two years until something happened that made a significant impact on her life. In that moment, her perspective spun in a 360 degree of realization about the new possibilities that laid out before her. Life appeared to be more meaningful in a way she never felt before. She turned 17 and bore a child.

She was in the last semester of her 2nd Year in college when she got pregnant. When that school year ended, so did her schooling. She gave birth, and became a mother.

But she didn’t stop schooling for long. After a year, she went back to college and decided to finish what she had begun. She told her parents how she wanted to go back to school and, this time, with the determination to finish it.

Her college years with a child at home helped made life meaningful for her. “I have all the reason and inspiration to get up every day. [It] feels like every day is a [challenge] and I loved being challenged by destiny.”

One of the things that really pushed her to finish what she had begun was the fact that the residents in her town degraded her. She couldn’t stand being underestimated by other people.

“I want to prove to those people who have belittled me that I did not live [according to] how they see and talk about me. I have my own [way of ] thinking and I can always do and achieve more,” Alanette pointed out.

But balancing the life of a student and a mother altogether wasn’t easy.

Her weekly schedule was packed with responsibilities for her life at home and at school.

Each Thursday she would try to finish all the things that needed to be done

for school so that by Friday she could head back home to bond with her son.

Then by Monday, at early dawn, she would go back to Bacolod. “Sounds tiring, but [I was able to manage it],” she shared in relief.

She said it was all due to God’s amazing grace. Through serious commitment and prayer, she believed everything would be alright.

All her hard work was paid off when, after a couple of years, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, specializing in Elementary Education.

When asked why she decided to specialize in Elementary Education, she shared how her mom is a school head of a public elementary school in her town. She told the story of how she’d always enjoy going with her mom to tread a muddy road on the way up a mountain. There she would cherish long walks with the innocent kids in the area, talking to them and exchanging smiles.

She would take part in the school feeding programs in that area. They would hold a program called “Gift Giving to the Least Fortunate” every December where her mom was assigned and she would joyfully help along. At those moments, she realized she wanted to be like her mother.

Her support groups as a single mom included her family who never failed to support her unconditionally. She has friends in Bacolod who would occasionally invite her in their group activities.

And she also has God by her side, who proved to be the greatest support of all.

“My life now is easy. My confidence was boosted [because] I am a graduate from La Salle and a degree holder.

I already proved to them that I did not live as what other people see me. I am [currently] reviewing for Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) at Philippine Normal University (PNU) -Cadiz since it’s the nearest review center from here. My son will be turning three years old tomorrow. He’s [doing] fine, is healthy and very cheerful.” S

In that moment, her perspective spun in a 360 degree of realization about the new possibilities that laid out before her.

Life appeared to be more meaningful in a way she never felt before.

VOLUME 61 NO. 6 THE SPECTRUM

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BSN

CELESTIAL CALLING

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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THE CLASS 2016

B

OF THEIR DAINTY white uniforms, little pigtail-sporting Jeard Elbe Maguad used to think of nurses as angels.

It does not come off as a surprise that fifteen years later, she has joined in their flight. Having taken and passed the recent Nurse Licensure Examination last June 5 and 6 at Iloilo City, Maguad flaps the eager worn wings only she can see and dons her typical pristine uniforms. The only difference is that she now sports a wellpolished licensed nameplate. It may not be an actual golden halo, but it’ll have to do for now.

Growing up with a younger brother and two aunts who were nurses, she claims that taking care of people was innate for her. “When I was a senior in high school, demands for Nursing graduates were coming in short.

Because of this, I contemplated on studying Accountancy, Engineering or Culinary Arts. But as they say, ‘First love never dies’. And that’s how I ended up choosing Nursing,” she smiles, eyes gleaming at the brief memory.

Following her childhood dream did her good, as she gets a sense of fulfillment from what she coined as her “wonderful struggles.” She recounts how she had to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning to meet a 6 a.m. eight-hour hospital duty during their second year, as well as having to sit by her patient during her entire shift, just as a guardian angel does.

Additionally, she is also tasked to look at how different procedures are being done so she could get her Clinical Instructor (CI) to sign her Related Learning Experience (RLE) Record Book. “You get to do half of the things the staff nurses do. It was a sensational experience, feeling like a statutory nurse at eighteen.”

With her motto “You’ll never know BECAUSE

“I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

I have learned a lot from my frustrations over the years, and I have told myself time and time again to never give up.” until you try” pushing her to broaden her prospects, Maguad has involved herself in various extra-curricular activities. “One reason why I’m so active in extracurriculars is because I feel like I was born to do so. Because once you start, you can never really stop. It has been a way of life for me,” she expresses with conviction. Over the years, she was able to take pride in being the 1st runner-up during the 2012 Frosh Icon pageant, participating in the Ignition dance competition, being the Cultural Committee Head of the BSN Council, coming in 3rd place in the Story Telling competition during the Speechfest and winning the 2016 Kaya Lasalista Award. Aside from being a staple bleacher cheerer, Maguad also shares that she has also been a regular in the Dean’s List. She would have been a worthy cum laude bet with her profuse credentials and her straight As. “I was aspiring to be [a cum laude], but unfortunately I got a grade of 82 in BioChem during my first year. That was the lowest grade I have ever attained,” she says. However, she remains unfazed by the fact that she lost her shot at fulfilling what she wanted. “I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I have learned a lot from my frustrations

over the years, and I have told myself time and time again to never give up,” Maguad says and then adds that she has and continues to benefit from her misgivings through applying what she has learned in the real life scenario.

She accentuates that we should live by one Do, which is to “Do all things that can glorify your Creator, because all things work together for His good.”

She then wraps up her college recap by citing a few of the Dont’s she lives by: “Do not ever underestimate your own capabilities– if you don’t believe in yourself, how could you expect other people to believe in you? Do not take things and people for granted – take time for the people you cherish most.

Do not forget to show appreciation, even for the little things because they do matter. Do not forget to make friends— no one could survive college without a real circle. And lastly, do not forget to enjoy. Live every moment of your college life to the fullest because you only get one shot at everything.”

With a lifetime’s worth of learning well beyond the blackboard in her pocket and clad in an all-white ensemble of scrubs, pantsuit and clogs, Jeard Elbe Maguad, RN is now ready to serve. Just like any other angel. S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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BS N

OF EMBERS AND ASHES

BY JOSHUA MARTIN P. GUANCO PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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THE CLASS 2016

and embers to start out anew and positive. “Whenever I find myself down, I never questioned God for I believe that He has better plans for me,” he explained with a tone of sanguinity.

Life as a student nurse had its fair share of ups and downs as well. There came a point where his studies were at risk because he had no more time to review his lessons. He had to skip a class just to study a topic he missed.

Receiving low scores wasn’t that bothersome to him, as he accentuates his positive outlook in life, “Bawi-bawi lang kung nubo ka. Take it one day at a time: if you have a quiz tomorrow, then study for it tonight, take the quiz, get a high score, and be thankful.” Bryan also shared that in being a student nurse, few of the most fulfilling experiences one can have are when their patients express their gratitude towards them, and even witnessing a baby take its first breath. But for him, the most fulfilling moment is when one goes home to a very supportive and loving family.

Graduating was one of Bryan’s goals, but there was another thing he had always dreamed of achieving and that is becoming a registered nurse (RN). “I started reviewing for the board exam as early as January of this year. I read my notes one hour a day, and when our official review sessions started, our instructors told us that we should not just aim to pass the exam—we should aim to top it. I told myself the same thing, and it became my goal,” he said. “Plant a goal inside your head, and your actions and behavior will be the ones in charge of making it bloom and grow.”

He entered the two-day Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) with the same passion and determination he had when he was just a teen establishing his footing in the university four years ago. He answered through the questions with sheer belief that God won’t abandon him in his efforts on becoming an RN. “After the exam, I never got out of my house because I was anxious about the upcoming results. I remember when my friend called me that I was one of the students who are in the top, but I dismissed it and thought of it as a joke. I calmed myself and opened the website in order to find out if what my friends were telling me was true—and it was. My mom cried, and I was also moved by her tears; it was really a magical moment of my life,” Bryan recounted that wonderful memory with a dash of wistfulness, now that he has achieved his dreams.

As a first-time taker of the exam, he finished 10th place in the PNLE with a grade of 85%. Brey admitted that he wasn’t expecting to be one of the topnotchers of the licensure exam; nonetheless, he was grateful.

Ending his story, he expressed his utmost gratitude to the Lord, who gave him a family who loved and supported him all throughout his journey, his friends who never abandoned him during his tight times, and all the things that helped and molded him into becoming who he is right now.

“Always believe in yourself, and never doubt your capabilities, because if you doubt yourself then no one would ever believe in you. But most of all, work hard for your goals because there are no shortcuts on achieving them,” Bryan Amiel Brey said, a boy whose dreams four years ago are now a reality. S

“Plant a goal inside your head, and your actions and behavior will be the ones in charge of making it bloom and grow.”

“PASSION FOR ME is something that one loves to do— some-

thing that you put all your heart and soul into. It’s something you enjoy doing.” These were from a man who, four years ago, was a teenager full of dreams and optimism.

Bryan Amiel Brey was that teenager. Now an adult, he still possesses those very qualities he had four years ago. Before he achieved his goals, he had to go through four years of studying Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a course he chose wisely and deliberately. “I chose Nursing because the course itself isn’t one to be messed with. I wanted my college life to be a thrilling one,” he said with a smile.

And so it was. His four year journey started out with a flash flood of opportunities. He recalled having been elected as the First Year Batch Representative, as well as being the male candidate of the College of Nursing in the search for the next Frosh Icon, and being the governor of his college during his senior year. “I have to admit that I was culture-shocked back then. However, as time went by, I managed to go with the Lasallian flow, and I found myself at ease,” he said.

The next three years were still very challenging for the former red phoenix. He had to go to school before 6 a.m. for his duties. He let out a laugh when he recollected a memory of himself sprinting towards Gate 1 because he was late, despite it being just 6:05 in the morning.

“During our lecture sessions, we would enter the campus at 7:30 a.m. then go home at 8:30 p.m., but it didn’t bother me for I believe that when you are that dedicated to something, time flies so fast,” Bryan said passionately.

Bryan’s collegiate journey was like the life cycle of the College of Nursing’s sigil: the phoenix. There were times when he was burning with the triumphs he achieved, and there were times when he plummeted into the flames of his shortcomings. But one thing was constant between his journey and the life cycle of the phoenix, and that is rising up from the ashes

VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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USG

THE LEADER UPFRONT

BY KATHERINE E. CO PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LA SALLE YEARBOOK

SHE HAS COME to your classroom before,

along with her party members, presenting you her plans, programs and promises during campaign period, persuading you to vote for her in the highest electoral position in the University Student Government (USG). You have seen her pass by the hallways before, but you did not take a second look because she was the president, and you thought of her as someone too strict and serious. You’ve seen her give speeches, roam around campus in systematic work during the Lasallian Week, and other events spearheaded by the USG, and represent the school in various student affairs. But you’ve probably never seen any more than that.

This is her story away from the public eye.

“When I was elected as Executive President of the student government, I was excited and at the same time nervous that the people I’d be dealing with ‘under’ my administration are my fellow schoolmates and some are my age. I was pondering on how I can manage them in a way that I don’t look like their queen. I think the word ‘under’ is too domineering,” Veronica Te, or more commonly known as Nikki Te, said, expressing her sentiments just after she got her position as the highest executive head of the student government.

Despite her strong and independent aura, here she talked about her vulnerability in the workplace, saying, “When I was the Manang’ or ‘Beb’ [to my fellow USG officers’], I see to it that I journey along with them. Their opinion and ideas matter, and I affirm their talents and skills. And when I see that their idea is better than mine, I usually give in to it, even if my ego was telling me not to.” Sometimes, she’d come to a point of doubting her capacity to deliver as president, and crying altogether because it hurt her to feel like she can’t perform whatever was required of her. As time went

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by, however, she discovered that she could take care of herself in times of vulnerability. “The key there is you just need people to help you cope with it,” she said with conviction.

When asked how she first started to involve herself in leadership, she said her desire rooted back to her childhood days. She always had the tendency to do something about anything that needed to be acted upon. It was then recognized and harnessed in her higher education, as she started attending seminars and trainings that further developed the leader in her.

Despite being viewed by others as someone strict and even suplada, she’s someone who is actually very approachable and fun-loving. “It’s maybe just because of my looks,” she explained, “[But] when it is about work, I’m serious, but when it’s fun, it’s fun.”

Speaking about her desire for her fellow USG members to also grow as leaders and as individuals, she expressed, “I just strive for the best and only the best for them. I make sure that they are doing something not just for others but also for themselves.”

Nikki Te did not only hold a massive duty in the student government; she was also a Mass Communication student, carrying on her shoulders two very demanding and daring responsibilities. When asked how she managed balancing the two, she said it was really about knowing how to manage yourself. She admitted it was no easy feat, as she herself had been tested many times, getting low grades in her 2nd and 3rd years in college. But if there was one strategy that assured her in making the balance, it was the proper and equal delegation of work. “When you know how to delegate tasks in a reasonable manner, you become efficient,” she shared.

One thing that greatly hindered her in the path to success, she claimed, was her impatience. “I want to get things done as early as possible that I become stressed when it’s not done on schedule,” she admitted. She said she also easily gets upset whenever she trusts people too much to handle work that she forgot to follow-up and whenever things don’t go as planned. Whenever these things affect her, she allows herself to be alone for some time and then goes to a friend for comfort.

For her, her vulnerability and her weaknesses are essential parts to her

“If I was cocoa powder, I may be important in a cake but I’d taste bitter if there’d be no other ingredients added to it. I think what made my administration wonderful is because of the different yet special ingredients mixed to it.” leadership. “It shows that you still need others to help you grow and become better. Because that’s what leadership is all about: you journey with them and grow with them. It doesn’t make you any less of a person or a ‘president’ in that matter.”

On what truly inspires her to always do her best in everything, she says it is her mother, who has only been hardworking for her family ever since Nikki’s father passed away.

“The most important thing in life is to strive to be happy even if you have nothing,” she firmly said with a warm smile. “In my years as a leader, I really can’t avoid stress, and it admittedly affected my wish to always be happy.

That’s why I happen to realize that I’ve been working too hard that I forgot about my own happiness. And so that’s what I want others, especially my fellow leaders, to always do—have a ‘me’ time once in awhile, and always strive to be happy.”

About leaving a legacy, she said that she cared most about leaving a good relationship with the students especially those in the student government, believing that it is what makes a harmonious working environment and what promotes oneness within a team.

“In line with the goal of Kaya Lasalista, which is to enable students to affirm their Lasallian identity and leadership, I believe that the legacy I left in USLS is bringing the Lasallian Leadership Journey (L2J) in Bacolod together with the help of De La Salle Philippines-Lasallian Mission Services,” she shared.

Started in De La Salle-University, the L2J is a breeding ground for Lasallian leaders, aiming to deepen the understanding of Lasallian leadership through the story of the founder and to further develop their skills, imbibing the values of Faith, Service and Communion. It is open to all non-graduating students, she stated, also hoping that it will continue to inspire Lasal-

lians to live out the values wherever they go.

In line with this, Nikki looks forward to seeing more effective and efficient Lasallian leaders in and out of the school campus, more improved projects of the USG and a strong, harmonious relationship between the administration and the students. As for herself, she said she hopes to become better not just as a leader but as a person—to never stop learning life’s lessons and loving her life more and more each day.

When asked how she inspires other people, she replied, “Sharing to people my story is not the best thing I got but letting them know that I am here to understand, encourage and listen to their own stories is I think a big step to inspiring someone.” She said it could go from being just a listener and a friend to someone who needs it most. For her colleagues, it could also be enabling them to do a task they don’t expect to do. “It’s about giving trust to people and affirming them in accepting the challenge even if it was a success or not,” she said.

Taking this chance to express her gratitude to all the people behind the successes of the USG, she said, “If I was cocoa powder, I may be important in a cake but I’d taste bitter if there’d be no other ingredients added to it. I think what made my administration wonderful is because of the different yet special ingredients mixed to it. I couldn’t have done [everything] without my fellow leaders,” wishing them a lifetime of happiness. She also wishes to thank her Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) family whom she called her “fathers and mothers” who guided her all throughout her leadership journey. “And most importantly, to our fellow Lasallians, who trusted us to provide them an enjoyable college experience. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever,” she said with a final bow.

This is Veronica Rodriguez Te, and this is her story away from the limelight she was always boxed in. S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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BA LAYA N

A FACE THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND HEARTS

BY CHARLENE MARIE D. LIM

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICCI BERNELLE D. AGUILAR

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THE CLASS 2016

Through her aspiration to touch others’ lives, she was able to change hers as well.

MEET A WOMAN whose empathy for the less fortunate radiates

true beauty to the youth. A college-girl-turned-social-advocate, who found solace in Balayan, an organization that made her into the woman she is. Divert your eyes into her story—a story that launched a thousand hearts.

Athynna Marie Abaring is a God-fearing Christian with a heart for service. A tough woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. “I am not just a student but a volunteer of Balayan as well. It’s like living in a world outside the classroom, not in the four walls,” she cheerfully says. Through her aspiration to touch others’ lives, she was able to change hers as well.

During her freshman year, she recalls being anxious not knowing which organization to join in. Nevertheless, in a sea of options, a beacon of light came towards her— it was no other than Balayan.

Athynna recounts that at first, this was just a game. She didn’t know anyone from school for she came from Trinity Christian School, a school she considers a secluded environment. “I was kept in a world where all I knew were my teachers, family and friends. And then Balayan came at the right time. I found new friends and mentors,” she says. Balayan took her further into a world of mission.

She recounts the most climactic event in her stay in this institution. It happened during a four-day immersion program in Cauayan. According to Athynna, this was the first step on being a full-pledged Balayan volunteer. They called themselves “aspirants,” prior to attending the staged immersion program. She was blessed to have both immersed and engaged herself for in later years, this practice was eradicated.

This paved the way for one of the life-changing events of her life. “I lived with families who don’t have much in life. They make use of everything they had instead of complaining about the little things, making me realize one should be humble and thankful for what they have,” she recollects.

Athynna’s love and heart for service is what makes her dif-

ferent. That activity secured her a spot as an official volunteer of Balayan. However, during that time, Balayan didn’t have a formator and it was a bit of a struggle to create unity whilst no guidance present. According to Athynna, they, the volunteers, had no motivation themselves.

“Us volunteers, we didn’t know what to do. No one would push us and we felt lost,” she says. The toughest of times reveals one’s commitment on a certain organization; she stood firm in the midst of trials that came her way.

She says that there is no fine line between academics and extra-curricular. One simply needs to set their priorities straight. Moreover, one must be made aware of the balance between, for these shouldn’t jeopardize one’s academics.

What makes Athynna standout is her ability to not only be a steward for change but also be a graceful presence towards the people she helped. She narrates that standing out doesn’t have to be grand. “I think of continuing being a Balayan volunteer since we have this saying that many are called but few are chosen. I have the chance to meet people from all walks of life like heads from different organizations down to the fisher folks in Cauayan. These experiences made me realize that I could empathize with people like them,” she says.

She has conquered tough storms when sickness brought grief to her family. Six years ago, Athynna’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I was in Panaad for an activity in school. I was not beside her during her operation,” she shared.

Last February, it recurred but in spite of this, she remained zealous and optimistic. Athynna shared that they planned to have a family vacation last June. However, the focus of the vacation was changed to her mother’s radiation instead. “I’m still thankful since she still is in my life. I’m happy for I can see God’s works in her life and mine,” she gleefully declared.

Furthermore, besides being a fully-pledged Balayan volunteer, she participated in organizations like the COMELEC (where she was the Board of Election Inspector) and the Decisions’ Makers Club. She was also former Deans’ Lister. Brains, beauty and heart are instilled in this woman’s persona.

When asked about her final message to Lasallians, Athynna delightfully shares, “Get out of your comfort zone. Through this, you will know yourself better and what you can do to society.”

Now, quit harboring so much time on the aesthetic side of life, get your hands dirty and take it from this girl who was able to shape, nurture, and change lives. S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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A RTISTS ’ H UB

THEATRICAL DISCLOSURE

BY HEZRON G. PIOS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARGARET E. YUSAY

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THE CLASS 2016

▸

EMPATHIZE WITH THE character. Thrust

the lines. Own the stage. Shock the audience. Reveal the result. They will then applaud and cheer for you. And the illusory atmosphere would snap back to reality. As an actor, have the decency of bowing before trudging backstage.

In terms of role execution, theater performers hold multiple approaches. Leezo Calderon Dionzon, one of the university’s finest theater actors, is no exception. After four straight years of membership, three of which were spent as an officer, in the Masskara Theater Ensemble, she now believes that she has left an unyielding mark to her subordinates—the legacy of enriching the passion (either on or offstage) for theatrical performance and the whole lot bound to it.

“First of all, Masskara was very demanding. The workload was so heavy and I had to keep my academic standing equally good,” she admits. However, she adds that she’s closer and more drawn to her Masskara co-members than her other cliques, even fondly sharing that she already considers them like family.

On her numerous escapades, she has been into production management (her usual job in theater), theater technicality, stage management and production design. If she wasn’t doing any play or project, she would join summer workshops conducted by the network of theater groups in West Visayas of which Masskara Theater Ensemble has always been a part of. Masskara, being an organization, produced and expanded most of their plays for a large-scale audience.

Additionally, she says theater is a collaborative thing, connoting that when one fails to succeed, everyone gets affected.

Her, along with her classmate’s, ultimate goal preceding graduation was to experience each portion of their theater activities. She gladly says she was able to cross everything off of her list.

Mastering a particular field which, in her case, was acting,, is good. However, theater had no usual routine, allowing every member to immerse in altering jobs and tasks, as well as fostering versatility and adaptability in their cluster.

Leezo was also a participant in Tanghal National Theater Festival celebrated last March. She says Tanya Lopez, her Masskara Theater Ensemble moderator, had been there for her all throughout her college years; a witness to Leezo’s growth.

Her mother Jade Dionzon, a USLS Communications professor, and her two sisters, an incoming 2nd year BS Biology student and a USLS Integrated School enrollee, are only three among Leezo’s treasured people. She says Dionzon was her

“When I get into a character, I have to understand why the character acts that way and I’m sure there’s a deeper reason behind it.”

constant source of inspiration, adding that she would really push her to go as far as she can.

Aside from being a seasoned theater actress, Leezo was also a public servant. She took up AB Psychology with Certificate in Human Resource Management as her undergraduate course and was an officer for the Psychology Society.

“Taking up AB Psychology helped me as an actress. When I get into a character, I have to understand why the character acts that way and I’m sure there’s a deeper reason behind it,” she says. For her, Psychology is very open and it has shaped her to always find the good in every person through empathy.

She further states that no person is really bad and no matter what someone does, you have to believe that there is still goodness in them.

In the Psychology Society, she confesses she was once one of the rebel members. She didn’t pay monthly dues and on her first year in college, she couldn’t bother less of not joining because her interests were not in sync with the club. But times did change; she was appointed as Public Relations Officer and had the responsibility of disseminating information to all club members, which counted to be at least 400 in total.

From OJT to the thesis making, she had to balance her time while fulfilling her club responsibilities. Leezo considers fourth year, first semester as her toughest time wherein she joined two clubs and was an officer at the same time. During those arduous times, she admits she had resorted to chocolates as her happy pill.

Albeit known for being busy, choleric and a workaholic, she says, “Time management was really a challenging thing.”

Her friends even came up with a joke about her time schedule, expressing that whenever they’d need her assistance, they should tell her about it two weeks earlier. She tends to diligently finish tasks although the deadline is, nonetheless, weeks ahead. Leezo has always kept a planner to remind herself of what to do.

“To my old self, just keep going because it isn’t all for waste.

To my future self, I believe in you,” she concludes. She further shares to not be afraid to do things and believe in yourself because there’s so much more to you than you think. On her final note, she defines herself as a “superhuman: someone who goes against and defies one’s capabilities.” S VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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C ELA M

IN SERVICE OF CHARITY

BY LYLE JOHN L. BALANA PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICHOL FRANCIS T. ANDUYAN

AYESA CALALUÑA, the Center for Lasallian Ministries (CEL-

AM) representative, represents the humble virtue required in the service of God and charity. She has few favourites in life, as she prefers to keep herself efficient. For starters, she’ll eat anything, as long as it’s edible and reasonable to consume, eschewing selections for filling her stomach. She has prayer and bonding with friends as top priorities in her downtime, for social stability and relevance is as important as entertainment. She is always in a happy mood, for frowns and sadness beget little and only add to burdens.

“I’m a proud member of CELAM,” she proclaims. “I don’t think I’d see myself anywhere else.”

Far from having a baseline requirement of possessing natural amounts of empathy and spirituality, her current love for charity was cultivated and shaped.

She joined CELAM because it was her passion to serve.

This quality was innate within her, starting when she had been serving in the church, the Holy Family Parish. When she heard that there was an organization that could help her do what she was doing already, it was an easy choice.

“Aside from serving, there is bonding and team building, and every Thursday we have a meeting, where we do a seven-step Bible sharing,” she says, describing the camaraderie in CELAM. It’s an easy way to deeply know God, hearing the experiences of others. “These activities build friendship and family among us.” Hearing the experiences of others has been an eye-opener for her, as the activities have boosted connections between her and her fellow staff. As a result, there have been no major conflicts.

CELAM is very important to her because it helped her

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grow as a person, improved her faith for God, and allowed her to have a deep relationship with Him. As a consequence, she does not find working in CELAM rewarding in the usual sense, where a tangible gain must be present for it to be called rewarding; as a person, CELAM has allowed her to serve, and she really has no thoughts of boons: the love of God she feels is rewarding enough for her. She doesn’t really need incentive in order to help others.

There have been no problems with office and school work, as there’s no pressure for them in the office. They only serve when they are available, which they usually are. Studies always come first, and they don’t have to compromise their time. The CELAM office is very flexible with what it requires of them and what it needs of them. “It’s become a very fun and relaxing experience for all involved. We can serve with a free mind because we usually have our other activities done when we go there.”

For CELAM activities, at 11:30 pm, they attend the mass.

It’s a requirement, and they often come there in groups. Then they have praise and worship to allow the staff members to reflect on their mission and their place in life, along with reaffirming their affection and devotion with God. They also have retreats and team buildings, which have lessons, stories and activities that help them grow as a person, as a group, and as helping hands for the community. One of their most import-

ant activities is the outreach, where they visit communities to help the needy directly.

She remembers her most memorable outreach program: that would be the most recent one, on June 8, 2016. They went to the Bahay Pagasa, a home for children in conflict with the law.

“You can see it in their eyes and in their actions that they really want to change for the better, and I was so happy that I could help with that, that I could help God reach them by participating in the outreach, that I could reach out through my experiences and learning. I could feel that my experience was a gift and that this was what I wanted to do. It’s very rewarding, and I don’t think I’d want anything else.”

For those who would like to join CELAM, she has one advice. “Develop integral character—you have to be true to yourself, you have to know that you are ready to serve and are ready to give.” S

“As a person, CELAM has allowed her to serve, and she really has no thoughts of boons: the love of God she feels is rewarding enough for her.

She doesn’t really need incentive in order to help others.

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PE RSON A LS

DON’T READ THIS SH*T

BY MONICA LOUISE TRINIDAD M. CUETO

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

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WELL THIS OUGHT to be interesting… Once, I escaped quaran-

tine by riding on an Indonesian fishing vessel illegally boarding its way to the backdoor of Mindanao. I was 12, skinny and infected. I hid under the potentially tetanus-causing engine room that reeked of fish guts, human feces, man sweat and lady blood (if you know what I mean). And while there, what seemed to be the body of a more or less nine year-old kid wrapped up in chains was dangling from the ceiling. It was an eight-hour journey. And you know what else? I made that sh*t up. But really though, I once survived a car crash that only had two survivors out of eight. There was a blind curve and we collided with a delivery van. I was in a coma for weeks and I have the battle scars from the accident to show for. Yeah, I’m lying, made that up too. A butterfly bit me and gave me super fabulous but useless powers I have no idea how will save mankind. At least I have extra pretty wings.

Now that one… was a totally lame lie. I apologize for lying

I felt that there was more to this story, a bigger meaning as to why I had to go through what I did.

Why I had to earn my bad luck. The answers, almost by the end of the road, suddenly became clear. and for lying oh so badly. That was way too lame and random. But there is this one lie though, it’s not as interesting as the aforementioned nor as intriguing as the first lie. This is a lie, or should I say, an unprecedented truth that, once told, gets deceived and judged as a lie.

This is my story, the kind of character that I am: mischievous, cunning, sarcastic, cynical, rebellious, and to top it all, an underdog at my field, and once became a role model to great and young talented minds. Now this may not be as entertaining, but this is not a lie.

Do you trust road maps and globes?

How about routes and turning points?

Compasses and GPSes? I believe that everything and everyone were just meant to be in their rightful places, where they are at this hour, what they do, how they feel, where they’re going next, who they choose to love. Time can only give us enough wherein life can give us so much. And time somehow

runs after life to compensate destiny, and if things are meant to be, destiny will be on time.

There is this long road I took by map. I was impulsive so I took a random map, something of the ordinary-looking I might add, or so I thought. The road? Rocky, dark and everything you can imagine in a horror film where the black dude dies in the end. Yeah, that kind of film, that kind of road. *cue in American Psycho soundtrack* I doubted the map and road for years, asking myself every scared-out-of-their-witscollege-freshman would ask: “What the Fudge?” (Censored for your visual safety). I questioned the signs, got mad at the directions and frightened by the idea that there might just be [better or worse] opportunities inside or outside of this road. I know what you’re thinking, I was screwed. Well, you’re pretty damn right I was, front, back and sideways screwed.

The first stop, I was with weapons, an open mind, self-proclaimed talent and to your surprise – innocence. Not enough, right? I was a very stupid kid.

There was fear and buckets full of selfdoubt. At this road, I wasn’t alone but with company. People who shook off some confidence in me and replaced it with some undesirable anxiety and perfectly sculptured self-loathing. Bullies who pinned me to the ground and criticized for the sake of imposing power. Adversaries who saw my failures and made damn sure that at the end of the day, they were right about me, a mediocre writer, someone undeserving of the Name. Veterans, who every day, made me contemplate deeply of giving up – throwing away writing, throwing myself away. At this point, how I badly wish I were lying, but I am not.

So, I crawled on hard sand, did hurdles on top of buildings, walked on earthquake-stricken gutters (true story), forgot the meaning of the word ‘sleep’, built a fort out of my edited articles, buried myself with fresh corpses underground, painted on my scars and bruises, never stopped to mend the broken pieces, drank bacteria-infested liquid, breathed criticism, devoured the reality of my sad systemic and toxic world, and worse of all, grew horns on my head and stayed on that road. My world was as dark as limbo. I became better at what I did, but also, I mechanically developed to become a heartless and conceited monster. And this went on for four years. I didn’t know why I was doing it or why I continued to burden myself. But each day, as the storm continues to blind the route, I continued to wage on, knowing all of it is for a higher purpose. I didn’t know what, I didn’t know when that purpose will come with a picket sign, but I always somehow knew it’ll all make sense.

Where I was, was so hard to leave.

I felt that there was more to this story, a bigger meaning as to why I had to go VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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through what I did. Why I had to earn my bad luck. The answers, almost by the end of the road, suddenly became clear.

I was headed towards the last stop, the last year. By this time, every old member had gone on to their next route. This road was almost done for me, I only had to finish this one final stop and that’s it, I can finally call myself a graduate of Liberal Arts and Commerce, Major in AB Communication and BS Marketing Management, a former member of the school publication.

That’s it. End of story. Closing credits.

Thank the minor and major sponsors.

Kisses to mom and dad.

But the universe had a way, way better plan. A plan engineered to kick my conceited ass and cut off my hardgrown demon horns.

If this story failed to entertain, let me tell you that on my last stop, I was in-charge, what they call the Editor-in-Chief… the very last thing I ever wanted. But I wasn’t scared, no, I was absolutely terrified! “What in hell kitchen’s name did I get myself into?” I asked myself. “Jesus H. Christ! Whyyy mee?!”

I asked myself again. Then vomited a little. I had young and fresh talents following my lead and with the type of character I have in possession, any human being in their right mind would say, “Oh crap”. For I’m never really the role model type.

But this was it. I failed to see the gist of it in the beginning. This is why I had to pick a random map, take the eerie road, allow myself to suffer in deep emotional

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cruelty, and the puzzle was formed.

I made sure my subordinates will never go through what I did, that I can build a better system minus the ego-tripping, minus the bullcrap. I gave it all so they will never have to drink bacteria-infested liquid like I did. I worked as a leader, a guiding light, but never as a boss. Every day was an opportunity for them to learn and for me to teach, also, an opportunity to fix the cracks on the road, to rid of what made things toxic in the past and burn the things that will potentially infect us with conflicts. I was just happy to serve the staff members, the student body.

And out of the five years that I have served in The Spectrum, the last stop was my happiest.

The more I taught them about Humor in Features, Opinion Writing, and some Sex Ed on the side, the more the staff taught me about myself, about the world and how wonderful things can be when you treat the right people well and when you serve because you want to serve not just for the sake of it; it becomes natural to work when you work with a whole lot of heart. And that’s coming from me, so that’s saying something.

Everything was for them, and I tend to forget about myself during those times, but that’s what this story was meant to be.

We crawled on hard sand too and enjoyed it in each other’s company, did hurdles and even jumping jacks on top of buildings, walked on edges of airplanes and boats, forgot there was such

a thing as sleep, built a fortress out of our published works, buried ourselves with laughter, painted on walls and ceilings and art galleries, always stopped to mend the broken pieces, drank the good kind of liquid *wink wink*, inhaled constructive criticism, devoured the reality that we may be exhausted but we are having the time of our lives, and the best thing of all, grew more horns on our heads and stayed on that road. My world was as bright as an angel’s dream and my staff members fixed me.

I was never really the perfect goody-two-shoes role model that society wanted me to be. I lead in a way that I was meant to lead and I thank all the people whom I encountered down that road. The ones who built me up and even the ones that pinned me to the ground. I am who I am, strong and still very sarcastic because of those people.

I thank the heavens they passed by.

My story isn’t as interesting as escaping quarantine in Indonesia but it is half as good as the butterfly bite… I think.

As I am writing this on my company-owned laptop filled with company-related reports, sitting in my office desk, not caring about my P21.1 million quota this month, with a cactus in front of me and the real world giving me bruises here and there, I smile at all those memories and think if I had the chance to go back, to take that random map again, hear the same cries and laughter, I’d do it all over again, the entire process of it. Hey, what’s another beating, right? S

P ERS O NA LS

OF BEYONCÉ AND EARTHQUAKES

BY JHON DALE G. GUGUDAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY JHON ALDRIN M. CASINAS

BY 7:00 A.M., I’M at school. Our classes start 30 minutes

after. By 9:30 I go outside to sit on a bench at the quadrangle in front of my next class. By 10:30 I’m in class answering math questions. I was never good at math.

Things were happening. New school, new teachers, new people, and new math problems. By 12:30 I wait for Tito Ramil to pick me up, go home, eat lunch and watch T.V. By 4:00 I go back to school for another class. I sit on the chair nearest to the back door because I’m scared of earthquakes. There was no earthquake. By 5:30 I wait for Tito Ramil to pick me up, and go home again. That was pretty much life for a freshman who, after flunking Trigonometry in high school, had to do summer classes to get his diploma. I was fine with it.

Sophomore year. I knew my classmates. But things VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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didn’t change. Only that I was even more scared because some of our classes were on the second floor and there was no fast escape route; and that I’ve met two ladies that helped me worry less with a list of 150 plus gore and horror movies that none of us have seen.

I wasn’t sitting near the back door anymore. We called our seat arrangement the Bermuda triangle because of how we were seated. I changed my Google search from “Billboard hot 200” to “Of Monsters and Men” and “Florence and The Machine.” I didn’t think of being crushed by debris. I was having fun knowing myself and discovering things for the first time. We’d spend Valentine’s Day together eating a whole roasted chicken and talking about adding more movies to our list.

And I finally said, “You guys are my Sam and Patrick.” They knew the book that I was referring. From there, things continued to change. ­I forced myself to do two things.

Notice and sing in the shower. These two things were essential for me to keep a more positive approach on things that came my way. My mindset was changing.

I started noticing the birds on our windows and how they were funny because they’d bump into the glass mistaking it for a tree when it was just the reflection of a tree. The sari-sari store near our house for having a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches. The subdivision guards for always greeting people when they come in and out of the subdivision. The 10-minute travel time to school. The food court smell and how it was so unique and memorable. The English café and their popcorn. What I’m saying is that when you start to notice and be more aware of your surroundings, you tend to feel things based on the point of reference.

Suddenly you’re this pie of emotions; and every slice was different from the other. That suddenly I wasn’t just coasting along.

The mornings when I’d belt out “Love on Top” in the shower were also the mornings that I would enter my class saying “Bless you child” to my friends. Some mornings were “Edge of Glory.” I made sure that every morning before I go to school I would be ready for it. So I sang. It started to set the tone for the day. A ripple effect started to happen. Something good would cause something good and so on (and even

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I started to write and look at the different sides of things. It wasn’t just black and white anymore.

There was gray, too. A whole spectrum of how things could be taken and should be taken. if it didn’t, it was fine because Beyoncé would’ve brushed it off ). It put me into a lighter mood and not taking things too seriously. It really helped to keep my head afloat and not drown in the things that would’ve ruined my day back when I wasn’t Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

I started waking up in the morning excited for how it’s going to turn out.

College wasn’t as bad anymore. I no longer did it because I had to graduate and get the degree. I did it because I had friends waiting to laugh with me, and horror movies to watch. I wasn’t afraid of earthquakes at all; I wasn’t using the fear of it as an excuse to participate less. Eventually, I was joining clubs and organizations and didn’t think that I didn’t have what it takes to be a part of something. It was something that I simply had to do because I was running out of ways on how to hone my skills more and have a clear direction as to where I was going with my life.

In the process of doing so, I met amazing people that I knew were going to mark another very important time in my life. I started to write and look at the different sides of things. It wasn’t

just black and white anymore. There was gray, too. A whole spectrum of how things could be taken and should be taken.

Eventually, I wasn’t just noticing and singing; I was painting, writing and discussing. Getting more creative on how the world could be represented through my eyes and my ways. The world started to get more complicated, thus, it got more meaningful to live a life.

I’ve learned that it is very important to realize that one’s journey is not all about how you’re going to receive a diploma. How the beach would feel on your feet. How amazing the food would be in a foreign country. Or how you’re going to survive an earthquake. It’s also about the people you meet and be friends with along the way. The trees and the sunlight on your skin as you pass by mountains. The conversations with a random stranger on your flight about how he will miss his kids. And who you’re with during an earthquake.

These things are far more essential because these are the things you never tell anyone but things you would smile about when you remember them. S

PE RSON A LS

DEVELOP FROM THE NEGATIVES

BY MA. GIULLANA G. ARRIOLA PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARGARET E. YUSAY

VOLUME 61 NO. 7 THE SPECTRUM

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College life isn’t a bed of roses, but it wouldn’t be memorable without you going through one hell of a ride.

IT TAKES A LIFETIME to know yourself

completely. So live the moment, and don’t get caught up and be stagnant in the stage of confusion.

Entering college, I had no idea what was ahead of me—I didn’t know which course to take, and which school to go to. All I knew was, I was alone in trying to figure things out for myself. What I thought was the worst turned out to be beneficial for my growth.

I took up Liberal Arts and Commerce for no definite reason; I just thought it was my safest option. So without a clear idea why I was in this university, I still hoped for the best and went for what I thought could bring me the best, and that’s taking AB Psychology and BS Operations Management.

To you who keeps on reading, I hope you can learn something out of this.

What I’m about to tell you is: College life isn’t a bed of roses, but it wouldn’t be memorable without you going through one hell of a ride. I had my own personal share of struggles, but in the end, it’s not just about what I’ve been, but who I have become.

Getting 3 on your grade. It’s not bad to get 3 on your grades. In fact, now you have the motivation to work hard for the next term just to score higher than what you got, now you understand the feeling of those people who struggle to pass a single subject, now it’s the

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chance for you to have a collaborative work with your classmates to have betters scores. It’s a fun process of gaining not just knowledge but friends.

Losing the hope to have an academic award because of a single subject who gave you 84 as your grade? Now, you’ve encountered people, not to mention teachers, who won’t make life easy for you, but it would teach you the lesson that there is more to life, more achievements to achieve than getting that medal. Plus, can you imagine how would that break you free from all the stress and pressure of maintaining your grades? Still to the achievers out there; I don’t encourage you to lay low, continue running the track, but if you ever fail, note that college is more than just the books that you read.

Lost a friend? I’ve been through a lot of counselling with my friends, so I thought I really had the weak-

ness of keeping them. But from this I’ve learned that you don’t get to say if people would stay in your life or not.

People leave, but that is not the end of story, but rather the end of their part in your story. Plus, no one is indispensable and everyone can be replaced.

Alone? Being a LiaCom student, you will surely have the hurtful experience when you watch your friends marching on their graduation day and you are left alone, facing your fifth year in college. What I thought could be the saddest year, turned out to be the last happiest moments I had in college. It was the year when I found my Spectrum family. See, you would never know what’s around the corner, so I say, keep moving forward.

Though the future is bleak, you can always predict. Remember that it’s your choices that bring you to your future. S

“If you try to be anyone but yourself, you will fail; if you are not true to your own heart, you will fail.

Then again, there’s no success like failure.”

-BOB DYLAN

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