August 2016 Newspaper - Volume 61 Number 5

TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESPECTRUMUSLS

THESPECTRUM.USLS@GMAIL.COM

1

AUGUST 2016

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE VOL. 61 NO. 5 | AUGUST 2016

NEWS How is USLS preparing for the proposed revival of the mandatory ROTC? Read on page 2

SPECIAL REPORT Stingers’ and NCaf break their silence on complaints against their concessions.

EDITORIAL The way to combat the triumph of the Marcoses’ many myths, we argue, is by building stronger counter narratives.

Read on page 2

Read on page 4

FEATURE If the current administration’s thrust for a federal government pushes through, what does that really entail for us Filipinos?

UNIVERSITY Get to know more about this year’s Lasallian Icons and their advocacies.

Read on page 7

Read on page 12

FISTS UP HIGH. Students, faculty and non-teaching staff raise their fists as they sing the alma mater song at the end of the prayer reflection and candle lighting event.

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

USLS, SJS-LS unite against the culture of death In response to the pastoral letter released by Bro. Jose Mari Jimenez, FSC, Auxiliary Visitor of the Lasallian East Asian District and President of De La Salle Philippines, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) and Saint Joseph School–La Salle (SJSLS) joined hands in conducting a prayer reflection and candle lighting event last Aug. 17 at the Montelibano Chapel.

The letter, which made trending rounds on social media, was issued last July 21 entitled “Engaging Civil Authorities in Building an Inclusive Life-Giving Society.” It was addressed to the Lasallian community, bearing his personal reflections and calling for them to make a stand against the culture of death.

The event is part of the

Nationwide Simultaneous Reflection: One La Salle Standing Against the Culture of Death, wherein students, faculty and staff from both schools listened to the reflections of USLS and SJS-LS officials.

Additionally, participants wore white in opposition to the extrajudicial killings committed on the current administration’s war against drugs.

Bro. Butch Alcudia, FSC, Office for Lasallian Animation and Formation Brother Animator, gave the reason for the gathering by relaying the events that took place at La Salle Green Hills last Aug. 1, when representatives of different La Sallian communities from the Social Action and Mission offices gathered to organize activities in relation to the call for action.

“Personally, it saddens some of us that we have to be divided as a

community, but it is also a perfect opportunity for us to listen to one another,” Alcudia stated.

Being the first reflection sharer, SJS-LS Director Maria del Pilar Limas quoted SJS-LS School President Bro. Manny Hilado, FSC, saying, “We should do more to enlighten those who do not see anything wrong, or those who approve of the present situation.”

Hence, Hilado has appealed to the SJS-LS community to conduct deep reflection sessions with students, engaging the campus in prayer intentions and encouraging them to do fasting as plausible responses.

“The ends do not justify the means,” Limas expressed, adding that Hilado poses a personal challenge in addition to the communal: to respect, to forgive and to love one another just as Christ respected, forgave and

loved humanity.

Meanwhile, USLS President and Chancellor Bro. Manuel Pajarillo, FSC, said that he wants the Lasallian community to increase their sentiment of horror at the situation where people are killed without benefit of the law.

He then relates the killings to the story of the Israelites’ escape from the Egyptians who drowned in the Red Sea, with God being saddened by their deaths and saying, “They are my people too.”

As such, he says that God values life and, as His followers, the Lasallian community should also show their value for life.

“This decline into the culture of death is something we are not in favour of. It is against all that we have tried to teach in a La Salle school because we follow and see as a model a God who invites us USLS/page 3

Photo courtesy of Shaz Gemina

Bishop Buzon: Take your place in church

WARM WELCOME. Spectators wave their flags as the vehicle carrying Bishop Buzon passes along Araneta St.

By Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Patricio Abella Buzon as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod at the San Sebastian Cathedral with the installation held last August 8 to 9.

Thousands of Catholics waved flaglets with the colors of the

Vatican, white and yellow, on the streets as they welcomed the new Bishop and his caravan from Kabankalan City to San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City.

In an interview, Buzon expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who accepted and welcomed him despite them getting drenched

in the rain, especially the students, who didn’t move out but even stayed as he passed by.

Catholic schools in Hinigaran and other neighboring cities and municipalities, including Kabankalan City, sent students to line up beside the highway where the Bishop and his entourage passed by going to Bacolod in the afternoon last August 8.

Buzon and his entourage stopped in the first town under the Diocese of Bacolod, Hinigaran, and entered the St. Mary Magdalene Church for a short prayer.

Upon the Bishop’s arrival at the San Sebastian Cathedral’s main door, Buzon kissed the Holy Cross held by Felix Pasquin, rector of San Sebastian Cathedral, and then proceeded to the altar for the Te Deum, an early Christian hymn of praise.

All the bishops and laypeople present gathered the next day at the Bishop’s House for the vesting then followed by the procession around the

plaza before the mass and installation rites.

The faithful witnessed the canonical installation and Archbishop Socrates Villegas, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), led the installation rites of Buzon.

Buzon, who is also the current president of the UST Central Seminary Alumni Association, said that they are getting ready for a Diocesan Pastoral Assembly, which is a gathering of diocesan priests and laypeople to plan where the diocese will be heading.

“For plans of my own, I have none, which is precisely why I spent the first three months just going around [in Bacolod] and just familiarizing myself with the diocese before gathering together to plan,” Buzon said.

Since the installation, the new Bishop thanked God as he is adjusting BISHOP/page 10

Solvent-dependent minors rescued

Photo by Ariana L. Chua

By Starlene Joy B. Portillo

TREATMENT. An arm of one of the minors caught for sniffing rugby leans on the grills of the police car. On the background are two other victims of circumstance.

By Maria Angelica M. Ape and Iris Denise N. Rivera

The Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) took solvent-dependent minors into custody during a rescue operation for street children last August 3 along La Salle Ave. Around four children, who were caught sniffing volatile substances, such as rugby, or were in possession of illegal substances, were apprehended outside Mineski, a local internet cafe. They were then taken to the Social Development Center (SDC) for protective custody assisted by social workers for proper guidance and other necessary elements in their reformation.

The SDC also contacts and orients the families of the children in order to give them a clearer picture of the operation.

“We call them ‘children at risk’ or victims of circumstances. This was a surprise operation so that they, too, would be aware of what’s going on,” SP04 Arlyn Torrendon, Deputy Chief of the WCPD, said, adding that the operation has been going on for a while in partnership

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

with the local government. “The operation must be continued and measures must be taken in order for them not to grow in number.”

In an interview with Rosalie Destua of the Community Service Center (CSC) of the USLSIntegrated School, she detailed the initiatives being undertaken by the school in an attempt to help children. She said that they are working with Little Voices, which is one of the Kabulig Organizations under the CSC, an organization that aims to feed and educate street children.

Feeding programs, games, and interactions are held on-campus for street children every Saturday. The CSC is in charge of referrals and facilitation of children that may be deemed ‘at risk’.

The CSC has referred around seven to 10 ‘children at risk’ to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and SDC. “A background investigation on the subject upon validation of the information or history of the subject intervention taken is the responsibility of the referred institution,” Destua said.

THESPECTRUM / NEWS

USLS open to cater mandatory ROTC

RS Dept. conducts Muslim culture immersion Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

*DR. AMY CATALAN

By Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco

The Religious Studies (RS) Department held a talk regarding Muslim culture immersion, spearheaded by Rebecca Doctora, at the Mutien Murray Auditorium A last August 4.

The event was attended by five RS classes all under Doctora, namely ABCO2A, CO2A, CO2F, COAT2 and COHM2 plus a bunch of Liceo students and a few RS teachers.

The talk, entitled “My Cultural Immersion in a Muslim Country: A Journey of Faith and Self-discovery” centered on the experiences of Dr. Amy Catalan, a Lasallian teacher who ventured in Oman to teach and at the same time learn about the country’s culture.

During her four-year stay in the Middle East, Catalan busied herself with teaching and doing volunteer works. Eager to learn more about the Middle Eastern culture, she

went around places and befriended the locals, observing that they are basically nice and gentle-speaking people.

“This awareness of the Muslim culture could provide us with a deep sense of appreciation of ourselves, our own culture and our society where we continue to evolve,” said Catalan.

“It can also make us realize that majority of the Muslims are peaceloving individuals who only want to live their lives and are thriving to fulfill their dreams for themselves and for their families,” she added.

However, she also had to face the huge disparity between the cultures of Oman and the Philippines.

In the Middle East, it is considered as haram or sin for women to befriend men. Singing, dancing, eating pork and drinking alcoholic beverages are also haram in Oman. Men and women who are not related to each other should never be seen together

By Charlene Marie Lim, Starlene Joy Portillo & Stephine Paul Dungca

Hair strands and insects stuck between bites of hearty meals as well as dried soap-encrusted utensils are just a few of the pressing issues that Lasallians have been complaining about over the years. Now, the Stingers’ Food Court and the Nursing Café (NCaf) have broken their silence by defending their concessions.

Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

Apparels in Matrix

The Tiboli, or the Tagalog noble people, Kapampangan peddlers up to Spanish mestizos, upper-class individuals, and people during the 1900s— these diverse ethnic groups, clad in elaborate and distinctive clothing, have been showcased in the form of miniature dolls at the Museo Negrense de La Salle last August 3.

The month-long exhibit called The Evolution of Filipino Costumes Series was introduced to the Lasallians by The Ayala Museum Doll Collection through its partnership with Museo Negrense de La Salle. The said collection, totaling in 26 dolls, is among the original permanent exhibitions stemming from the old Ayala Museum back in 1974.

They are duly attributed to the expertise of Mar Edjawan from Paete, Laguna.

“Despite the modernization, students and faculty alike are met with awe and curiosity upon

witnessing the earlier attires worn by our Filipino ancestors,” said Shinah Santiago, a Museo de La Salle employee. She explained in full detail the materials each doll is made of: wood as medium, some textiles sewn by Panahi (Visayan Contemporary Textile Art), and extracted human hair.

The miniatures are scaled in 1:4 quantities so as to highlight and dramatize the features of these subcultures, as represented by their set of costumes.

As a travelling collection itself, it has already appeared in the Dasmariñas Museum as well as in the Adamson University before stepping foot in the University of St. La Salle. Additionally, the collection is set to circulate around Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Furthermore, part of its mission signifies the detailing of the clothing and how each tribe or group or generation, scattered among the archipelago, was able to imprint and adhere their way of APPARELS/page 6

them a sense of patriotism that can usher their involvement on public and civic affairs.

“The NSTP was enacted into law in response to observations and valid claims about the limitations, constraints and even downside to the implementation of the ROTC. Hence, necessitating adjustments and revisions in the way we nurture our youth’s civic consciousness and sense of nationalism,” Llamas said.

She added that there is already an existing arrangement that underlines the essence of ROTC. However, the institution can only offer CWTS and LTS. Furthermore, those who are interested to pursue ROTC can cross-enroll in Technological University of the PhilippinesVisayas, being USLS’s partner

school in this program.

According to Ann Gladys Ponteras, NSTP Head Cluster Coordinator, ROTC will only be offered if and only if a certain quota be met.

She added that there must be at least 250 students to enroll in ROTC for it to exist in campus.

“When the time comes, we will have to attend to the pertinent preparations,” Llamas said.

At present, a legislative proposal is being drafted under Duterte’s administration for the mandatory ROTC to be set in action.

“Whether the re-birth of mandatory ROTC will ascertain that it will enhance discipline and a sense of nationalism needs to be further studied and explored,” she said.

NCaf, Stingers’ deflect protests on food sanitation

NEWS FEATURE

By Hezron G. Pios

“The institution’s stand is always reflective and discerning when it comes to certain pronouncements as the University seeks to understand the context and reasons for making such announcement as well as the merits that may have prodded him to make such recommendation,” expressed Dr. Frances Mae Llamas, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in an interview regarding the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) last August 16.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte eyed its revival to happen next school year for all college students as a call to action in helping build discipline and values especially

for this generation. Thus, he felt a need for a promulgation of Implementing Rules and Regulations to be administered by the Department of National Defense in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education.

Mandatory ROTC was on a hiatus since 2002 due to the passing of National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, giving rise to NSTP’s three components namely, Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), Literacy Training Service (LTS), and ROTC. The Act recognizes the youth’s vital role in nation-building and the need to develop their physical, moral, intellectual and social wellbeing while inculcating among

SPECIAL REPORT

MUSLIM/page 6

MINIATURE. Terracotta sculptures clad in Ifugaoan attires are displayed in the exhibit.

AUGUST 2016

Photo by Ma. Henna A. Pilla

2

FROM THE CONCESSIONAIRES’ PERSPECTIVE

PACKED. Occupants crowd Stingers’ Food Court during lunchtime.

Concessionaires both from Stingers’ and NCaf have defended their consistent food maintenance and cleanliness by explaining the University’s monitoring program, indicating that service staff are required to wear uniforms and hairnets in addition to constant hand washing. Although the Facilities Management Services (FMS) claims ensured inspection to see if the meal providers are implementing their monitoring program in the absence of a warning or notice, it has not been specified how often.

According to Janet Hechanova, crew merchandiser of the Selecta stall, the ice cream business has been going strong since 2002 due to the steps that the stall would implement such as getting an annual “yellow card”, which is a city health office grant that gives permission for the stall to sell ice creams after certifying the safety and sanitation measures exercised by the franchise.“Also, we clean our cart everyday and we don’t wear jewelry while at work,” Hechanova stated, adding that if any complaints were filed by the students she would back order it from Selecta.

Raffy Atanero of Ryan Ray’s Diner said that their staff has always observed proper methods in ensuring food safety such as wearing gloves and hairnets, with ethyl alcohol readily available.

“We always thoroughly monitor our stall as students order since the food we serve are placed out front. With that, we easily spot faults in food service because we see first hand what is being served to the customers,” Atanero said.

“We need to hasten our pace.

We need to give the students

a faster service and so far, we are doing our best,” he added, emphasizing the concessionaires’ points for improvement.

In terms of food service, the FMS added that concessionaires cannot serve duplicate meals but can serve similar meals different in taste and presentation (e.g. chicken adobo with egg versus a Hawaiian style chicken adobo).

Likewise, products that are not in the menu list sent before serving are asked to be pulled out in order to make it easier for the FMS to identify complaintreceiving served meals.

Moreover, the food stalls are aware of the consequences they will be facing when caught violating the monitoring program or when proved guilty of serving spoiled meals.

“We wouldn’t want to lose the privilege to sell here in this university all because we served a spoiled meal,” a concessionaire staff who refused to be named said.

Service staff also defended themselves regarding hair strands on meals, arguing that it is inevitable, seeing as food preparation is done in separate places. “Sometimes, students aren’t aware of the possibility that it could be their hair falling on their meals,” he added.

Despite knowing that they are not allowed to cook in the food court premises, concessions fry and reheat their products to increase profitability seeing as the students tend to flock toward newly-cooked and hot meals. This explains why the management finds it hard to get rid of the foul odor inside Stingers’.

Furthermore, Elaine Salsalida, FMS Director added

that another reason is the lack of exhaust fans in the establishment. “We are trying to control that [problem] by increasing the number of exhaust fans,” Salsalida said.

When asked about the reprimanding measures done

by FMS, Salsalida stated that a verbal warning is done for the first offense, whereas a suspension and a nonrenewable license effective for 15-30 days was implemented for the second offense. Last August 6, 36 university concessionaires attended a food safety handling seminar and first aid for kitchen emergency conducted by Salsalida herself.

“It is an additional service on our part because through the concessionaires, we are serving the students.”

SALSALIDA: NO BALANCED MEAL REQUIREMENT

While served meals should be “student-friendly”, Salsalida said that there is no strict compliance and need for a balanced meal diet on the menus of concessions since the stalls opt for what would best suit the taste of students, which are usually chicken or pork meals. “They [food stalls] serve the vegetables and fish at their own accord.

They serve different menus.

This so called ‘diet’ lies within the hands of the students,” she added.

Clan-Anne, a concessionaire in Stingers’ Food Court known for serving Filipino dishes, doesn’t observe a balanced diet menu.

According to Clan-Anne food attendant Elmer Obeña, no food inspectors mandated by a private company nor the

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

institution have come by to inspect the food, thus some stalls get away with unsatisfactory food preparations.

“There are some complaints like hard chicken and pork.

That’s because the food is usually half cooked,” Obeña stated.

Furthermore, Obeña expressed that their beef is fresh due to the good marketing system that they would observe such as buying the beef early in the morning, marinating afterwards, to be cooked the day after.

LASALLIANS AND ROMAC’S OPINION

Both the students and the Romac Integrated Facilities Services Limited have agreed that there should be a person of authority to stand by and carefully inspect the observance of Clean As You Go (CLAYGO).

According to Hyacint Banas, a Marketing student, the Lasallians themselves are the violator of the rules.

Banas also claimed that some of the CLAYGO signs inside the NCaf tables disappeared.

Moreover, she witnessed students’ negligence in cleaning their trash.

“They should improve their sanitation,” Ann*, a college student, said.

Edmar Alitao of Romac expressed the same sentiments as Banas. Alitao suggested that a person of authority should also monitor the observance of CLAYGO within the NCaf. Alitao added that he has witnessed students complaining about losses regarding their personal belongings.

As responsible Lasallians, the student body has an obligation to remain vigilant not only regarding the food being served, but with the practice of cleanliness as well. Despite years of verbal complaints, it becomes a surprise that only a handful of protests have reached the ears of the administration. This calls for audacity on the students’ part to voice out sanitary concerns which will eventually help improve the quality of service and overall sanitation of the institution. As change works both ways, it is not enough that USLS food courts alter the way they hygienically operate, but it also urges people to backtrack and ask whether the complainants observe the same.

NEWS / THESPECTRUM

Dengue slays 8 in BCD

By Charlene Marie D. Lim and Starlene Joy B. Portillo

As of the first quarter of 2016, a total of 24 deaths in Negros Occidental have been reported due to dengue, eight of which came from Bacolod City.

One of the eight fatalities included the death of fourth grader Gian Desales from Brgy. 35 last Aug. 12.

His sister Geraldine stated that although Desales has been sick several days prior, he was only sent to the hospital on Aug. 9, after which he was diagnosed with multi-organ failure and in dengue shock.

In a statement from ABS-CBN, Desales’ family encouraged people to immediately see a doctor if they are

having an on and off again fever and other dengue symptoms.

Due to the sudden influx of dengue cases, the medical staff of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital Medical Center (CLMMRHMC) is now rationed to one medical personnel for every eight patients, from the previous 1:3 ratio, the hospital being the place of admission for the most number of dengue patients (669).

In addition, CLMMRHMC Chief Dr. Julius Drilon confirmed that there has been a 150% increase of admission in the hospital as compared to last year.

Majority of the dengue cases as reported by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) belonged to the 11 to

20 year-old age bracket, adding that the cases increased particularly during the months of July and August of this year.

Other fatalities came from the cities of La Carlota, San Carlos, Silay and Talisay with two victims each; whereas there were one each in the cities of Bago and Sagay, and the towns of E.B. Magalona, Hinigaran, Hinoba-an, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and Murcia.

Records show that Silay City has the most dengue cases with 339, tailed by Bago City with 281.

For this year, a total of 3,431 cases were reported from January 1 to August 27 and records at the PHO showed a rapid increase of 2,273 cases from last year’s record

of 1,158 cases.

Meanwhile, in a statement from Rappler, Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang declared, “We’re not entertaining [the declaration of] a state of calamity because that’s counterproductive. We’re making necessary interventions.”

Tumimbang also expressed urgency in the continual fogging and larvicide treatment within areas with the most dengue cases reported.

He has also stated that he would be meeting with Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and the concerned local government units for their next course of action to address the increase of dengue cases in the province.

Project Q to aid BPYC residents

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)-University of St. La Salle (USLS) Chapter launched Project Q, which will benefit 25 Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center (BPYC) residents, as one of its six expositions held August 11 at the ICafe Lobby.

Project Q aims to establish a quail livelihood program which will be the first sustainable program for the USLS-BPYC beneficiaries.

The background of the project is “to relive once more the animo spirit within the Lasallian community,” thus “the concern of USLS-BPYC and its need for benefactors was made known.”

Bro. Daniel Joseph Fenton, FSC, director of USLS-BPYC, graced the unveiling of the project.

“This could be a part of the solution. All [BPYC residents] have to do is put [their] heart and soul in it, take care of it, and work with this,” Fenton said. “This is exciting.

EXPO FOR THE YOUTH. Bro. Fenton speaks to the crowd about projects.

Imagine what this could look like in their homes with their families who are living in poverty.”

He commended the club for showing to the BPYC residents that the project is not an impossible task, and described it as transformative and tremendous.

“Thank you for thinking about us, especially our young residents who need a lot of people to show

Photos by Ma. Henna A. Pilla

them the way and guide them along,” he said.

Project Q is expected to be fully materialized sometime in September, but the cages to house the quails were already turned over last August 20. “Äfter years of being in the institution, we feel like the club should go more than creating legacies one after the other. But

*MAQUILANG

rather, it must look back on what it has made in the past and add value unto those things,” JPIA President Rojay Maquilang said.

Other expositions unveiled were Paper Bins Project, JPIA Signages, JPIA Services, Wester Blackboard Signages, and JPIA video about the club’s quest for legacy and value which are all part of the 55th anniversary.

Santermo Writer’s Guild holds workshop

By Chad Martin Z. Natividad

The Santermo Writer’s Guild Workshop and Lecture series took place last August 5 and 6 at the Drama Hall, located on the third floor of the Artist’s HUB building. “[The workshop] aims to find young promising writers and share with them, collaborate with them, for the glory of Philippine literature,” Santermo Director Jonathan Davila expressed.

“Writing is a quiet [and] solitary life, and so to find kindred spirits is help enough to motivate the writer to keep going on,” Davila added.

Guest lecturer Wanggo Gallaga, a poet and dramaturg, gave a talk on The Writing Life, followed by an open forum on the first day of the workshop.

The fellows for poetry, essay and fiction are as follows: Stefano Ledesma, Chad Martin Natividad, USLS... from page 1

to life. Only He may take it back,” Pajarillo emphasized.

“The penalty of the law is if you are caught selling drugs, you stay in prison for life, not for death. In a sense, it shows the beauty of our laws, as there is an official penalty for an offense. Let our civilized rules be in charge.

Do not let others handle anybody else’s life,” he added.

In behalf of Hector Gloria Jr., Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development, Andre

Roger Joshua Venzal, Lance Juarez, and Gio Eldred Mitre.

The participants took part in a workshop on poetry later in the afternoon. The panelists, Davila, Gallaga and Tim Nubla, gave their expert advice to the fellows on how to improve on the craft.

Director and choreographer Rene Hinojales presented and performed a lecture on writing life and performance on the second day.

This was followed by the short story workshop held later in the afternoon. The panel board consisted of Davila and Gallaga along with playwright Fundador Tipon II. “In the long run, I think the benefit is personal. We want the writer to pass it on,” Davila shares.

The workshop concluded with the panelists imparting their final advice to the aspiring fellows, while the latter expressed their thoughts

on their first Santermo workshop experience.

Davila’s mentions in his closing remarks how inspiration is so powerful that it should be recorded first and then the technique

can follow. “I was pointing at the process of revision wherein technique comes in. But for inspiration, when it first appears, [it] should be written [and] captured immediately,” he advised.

Tagamolila, Diretor of the Office of the Student Affairs delivered his reflection, stating that the Lasallian community is in obedience with the commandment “Thou shall not kill”, as it applies to both the innocent and the guilty.

“We are one in building a La Sallian educational community that reflects the values of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace,” Tagamolila said, adding that La Salle will engage civil authorities as partners in building an inclusive and life-

giving society.

University Student Government Exec. Pres. Kathlyn Tiu spoke in behalf of the USLS student body, saying that the rule of law should be upheld by those who enforce it, and that good nations are those erected on the pillars of justice rather than injustice, whose laws favour and serve the weakest in society.

“We are entitled to our rights and dignity without any form of discrimination and prejudice,” Tiu stressed.

As a sign of being one Lasallian community in the battle against extrajudicial killings and the advocacy for protection of the dignity of human life, a candlelighting procession from the Chapel to the Marian Grotto at the Handumanan Park was conducted, wherein the lighted candles were placed at the statue’s feet.

“There are things worth dying for, but I believe that there are no things worth killing for,” Tagamolila concluded.

*GALLAGA

3

Liceo launches own student pub Photo by Nichol Francis T. Anduyan

AUGUST 2016

PIONEERS INTRODUCED. Kapawa Moderator Roma Jane Hechanova introduces the pioneering Editorial Board and Staff of the Kapawa Publication.

By Starlene Joy B. Portillo

Kapawa, the official English publication of Liceo de La Salle, was launched last August 4 at the University Forum.

Derived from a Hiligaynon term translating to “illumination”, Kapawa aims to produce a monthly newsletter and a bi-annual magazine circulation, in addition to an online page featuring Senior High School (SHS) event updates, feature articles and literary submissions.

“In difficulties, we thrive” is the official publication tagline as announced by Kapawa moderator Roma Jane Hechanova during her introduction of the pioneer editors and staff as well as the publication’s Mission-Vision statement.

“Despite the fact that we are just beginning, we have anticipated responsibilities that will go along with our commitment—our commitment to deliver the truth in its purest form without filters, our commitment to inspire others,” Hechanova added.

Presented on stage were the top editors: Sidrey Mel Flores chosen as the Editor-in-Chief, Enrico Rafael Valencia as the Associate Editor-in-Chief and Disney Espartero as the Managing Editor; and the section editors: Lance Christian Juarez for Feature, Dominique Amisola for Literary and Katrina Sabig for Layout, Graphics and Photos.

Additionally, Christian John Camorahan, Menchie Khairuddin, Stefano Rafael Ledesma, Rohan Andrew Orleans, Lindsay Marie Padilla, Martin Benedict Ramos, Adrianne Saplagio and Kyle

Photo by Jowan Dave G. Guides

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

Anne Villariza have been selected as staff writers while Kate Marie Buencochillo and Font Roevy Junsay were chosen as Cartoonists, Harem Mabugat Jr. as Layout and Graphics Artist, Noegui Parrenas as Photojournalist and Laurenz Leyes as the Editorial Assistant.

“May the meaningful learning experience you will achieve from this publication also serve to illuminate others,” stated Dr. Baldomero Defensor, SHS Vice Principal for Academics, during his opening remarks.

Furthermore, SHS Principal Mario Lorete extended his congratulations, assuring the publication of his hundredpercent support.

As Editor-in-Chief, Flores then shared the publication’s aspirations, which included their sole responsibility to deliver information to the student body and shed light on school issues with utmost honesty and impartiality, their duty to raise awareness of pressing issues concerning not only the school, but also the society and seeing to it that their collective potentials could be put to use through advocating causes significant to the formation of values as Lasallians.

“We are still beginning. We are still young. We are still developing. But as a pioneer batch of this publication, we assure you of our dedication and commitment to our passion – the passion to serve, the passion to speak for the silenced and the oppressed, the passion to spark change and the passion to shine,” Flores concluded.

A separate and independent Filipino publication, Berdeng Parola, is currently in the works with Filipino teacher Rowena Abacaro as their moderator.

4

THESPECTRUM / OPINION

AUGUST 2016

What lingers and must not stay EDITORIAL

History constitutes many contesting narratives. Nostalgia, on the other hand, requires us to reimagine and even renegotiate the past. This tension between the two is what the Marcoses exploit. And they have been successful so far.

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., in the recent elections, was a close contender for Vice Presidency, while sister Imee was re-elected governor of Ilocos Norte and Imelda, their mother, is congresswoman.

This is a telling of the feat of their narrative— that the Marcos regime meant for the Filipino people gleaming infrastructure, rising economy, and unprecedented peace and order— all while discounting the many human rights violations and abuses, as well as the plummet toward international debt, during the Martial Law. All these in just 30 years after the late dictator was ousted in People Power.

Another, as equally alarming, is Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s vocal support for the late dictator’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The divisiveness brought about by this issue, and the gravity of people’s insistence at its pursuit, tells us of the strength of the Marcoses’ dynastic stronghold and historical erasure. This was once unimaginable for political prisoners, victims of state-sanctioned abuse and activists in a postEDSA revolution world: that the dictator is in the brink of being laid to rest in a place for heroes.

In our collective dissent against this burial, we argue that its implications transcend mere symbolism. It is, most importantly, a triumph of the carefully-carved narrative of the Marcoses which has made their comeback possible.

And this narrative, made possible by impunity and failure of memory, in one sleight of a hand erases everything that the People Power has accomplished against a tyrannical rule. It is trivializing both PP’s triumphs and the many injustices that precede and led up to it, as well as disrespecting the people who stood against repression and the dictator’s fascism.

Far from what is commonly believed, the dissent is not, in any way, a show of partisanship toward a political clan, neither toward the Marcoses nor Aquinos. In this matter, we must assume a position that is not merely black and white, but a position that acknowledges rightful history.

In an age where there is more democratic space to voice out our sentiments, and as easy a venue to shroud people with false illusions, we urge you to be more proactive against their narrative’s triumph. We can do so through educating people of the truth, posed as our counter narrative against their fraud and lies. A counter-narrative in which we reclaim the truth and debunk myths, and where we constantly remind the people of that regime’s atrocities. A narrative that demands justice for the people who, until now, have persisting memories of its horrors. A narrative in where the real heroes are those who fought for our democracy.

THESPECTRUM

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

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

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

Editorial Assistant Keanu Joseph P. Rafil

Web Administrator Keanu Kent B. Gargar

Publication Moderator Jean Lee C. Patindol

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

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

Cartoon by Seth V. Pullona

Duterte’s Populism & the Need for Critical Opposition The rhetoric of the Duterte administration relies mostly on populism, a political communication style which highlights the narrative that the oligarchy, a group of aggravating elites mostly coming from the past administrations, has been, for a very long time now, responsible for the systematic oppression of virtuous citizens. Populism required Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, from election period until now, to be a poster boy for the common men, the disenfranchised. An antithesis to the status quo as he promises the turnover of power to the masses.

One that is so unlike the genteel elite that has ruled the country for decades now.

This appeal comes from the earned cynicism and bad faith against towering institutions, the establishment who have presided over us before.

His narrative, in its sloganeering of change, easily overshadowed others. It is even what made him so successful as to gain, according to Pulse Asia survey, a whopping 91% trust rating within just more than three months in office.

This, of course, is obvious by now. So obvious in fact as to result in some people’s gaining tolerance, and even acceptance, towards the President’s constant vitriol and rudeness. This is just him being true to himself. This is the Bisaya way of saying things. This staunch, no-bullshit, angry character, depending on how you view it, either confirms the President’s authenticity or reveals his being problematic. This unbecoming attitude, once unimaginable for a man of this position, is another characteristic of populism, followed by fear and collective anger.

According to Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute, the presence of anger is not regrettable, but rather it is politically vital. The problem, he claims, is when anger is the salient characteristic of a political system. “And populism is driven by grievance; and grievance is the rocket fuel of an anger that becomes truly salient, that becomes truly central to the political system,” he said.

This echoes how Duterte tapped into a distinctly populist mode of uniting the masses during the elections: grievance politics. It capitalized on social unrest and discontent for post-Marcos democracy;

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

But in a time where populism thrives, there is a need for us to assume complex positions in assessing our democracy. the yearning for inclusive growth and visible changes promised by the freedom of a political system purported to be of the people, for the people, and by the people as supposedly embodied by the Liberal Party (LP). This failure by the past administration, in its elitism and preoccupation with inaccessible, neoliberal policies, is being combatted by Duterte’s brand of urgency. This same grievance against the LP, to some extent, might even explain the popularity of the late dictator’s son, on top of the large-scale historical revisionism pervading the social media sphere.

According to Benjamin Moffitt in his book titled ‘The Global Rise of Populism,’ populist politicians also take advantage of an impending crisis “to radically simplify the terms and terrain of political debate, and to advocate [their] strong leadership and quick political action to solve the crisis.” And through this, even expose the flaws of contemporary democratic systems while positing a polarizing alternative (e.g. this administration’s war on drugs).

A crucial example of which is the fact that individual human rights, in the populist sense, are not self-evident but have become negotiable.

This is what happens when penal populism is chosen over evidence-based policy. This stems from capitalizing on the masses’ lack of faith in established law and order by the previous

administrations. It is also, most importantly, an emotional response and an outrage against the populist’s evoked crisis, sparking public anxiety.

Another of causal effect of populist politics is that, in unfair and simplified attempts at explaining differences of views, pitting dichotomies against each other becomes inevitable (e.g. the Yellowtard vs. Dutertard fiction). This is so because fear and anger begets divisiveness. Until now, there is a skewed assumption of absolute partisanship whenever someone opposes or supports the administration.

But in a time where populism thrives, there is a need for us to assume complex positions in assessing our democracy. Black and white are too simplistic of an approach in its scrutiny.

This day and age require us to complicate our views and engage even in contradictions.

Contradictions of acknowledging the legitimacy of the administration and its forward causes and, in the same breath, critically opposing threats to human decency and democracy.

This is where real democracy thrives: in platforms by which we constantly criticize the administrations that govern us and making sure, time and again, that it is serving the common good. The judiciary and the legislative branches of the government serve just as that. In its autonomy, they aim to check upon the powers of the executive branch, including the President himself, in adhering to the constitution, the uncontested fundamental law of the land.

When the President, with his clenched fist and mouth frothing with rage, constantly threatens his critics that, in his own view, could potentially meddle with his policies, do think twice in dismissing it as merely a harmless retort inspired by mere frustration and weariness. We, the sovereign Filipino people, have every right to stay mad and vigilant. Not even him, in an ideal democratic setting, can tell us to shut up. Unless of course this, too, would be robbed away from us in an abuse of supreme power. Its imminence, however, is irrelevant to the discourse yet. But let us speak up until we can.

Social Experiment or Social Standardization?

A sound message – that’s what social experiments should send, whether to inform society of its mannerisms, to bring change in how we see ourselves, or to test society’s reaction to a social hypothesis.

Most of these experiments are effective in their ability to send the desired message but others give broad assumptions of social correctness, unaware of conventional understandings of the issue at hand.

Social experiments are, as the name suggests, experiments. This means that there is a level of scientific background on the matter, to include predictions, tests, and conclusions. Conclusions are drawn mostly by the audience at the end of the video.

There should be a clear goal and a message for the experiment, devoid of false implications, unwanted messages, or undermined insults.

Sam Pepper, a British Youtuber infamous for his ‘Fake Hand Ass Pinch Prank’ video, created this video to entertain. The video shows Sam walking behind unsuspecting women and grabbing at their behinds. After a few days, the video was taken down from YouTube for sexual harassment accusations.

He claimed that this stunt was nothing more than a “staged and scripted social experiment” and was made to “raise awareness of sexual harassment”. He is wrong to label the video as a social experiment, using

Anonymouse Robert H. Jerge III rhjjerge@yahoo.com

There should be a clear goal and a message for the experiment, devoid of false implications, unwanted messages, or undermined insults. the label as a scapegoat to cover his tail against any charges brought against him.

OCK TV, along with countless others, has done domestic abuse social experiments to see how the public would react to which gender was being abusive to the other. The results between the genders contrasted each other rather shockingly,

which was the goal of the video. The male abuser was stopped almost immediately, whereas the female abuser was left to continue her abuse towards her male counterpart. The video shed light on an issue we thought we were familiar with, and showed how society would handle it in public. They have chosen an issue that affects people around the world, regardless of their upbringing.

False implications are just one of the issues brought up by ‘open-ended issues.’ The issues being experimented upon have no definite right or wrong, rather a conventional understanding based solely on how the subjects were raised. Videos with open-ended issues tend to be perceived as setting a standard for social norms, not taking into account as to how the message is received by the viewers. In the end, they aren’t discussing issues, but rather standardizing a general concept we have grown to adapt our own meanings to.

It is a shame that a medium used for raising social awareness is used by people who make social experiment videos just for the sake of making social experiment videos. These videos, if done properly, can effectively bring change in society by showing society how a random sample of individuals react to a scenario.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

OPINION / THESPECTRUM

AUGUST 2016

The Matter of the Manner Jargonaut Andrea Nicole C. Farol andreanicolefarol@gmail.com

It is frightening to have a leader who inspires the mentality of one human life over another, in the belief that criminals deserve to die for the safety of the innocents.

You might like this article or you might not.

You might even think this column is trash.

You might skip it. You might think that you have nothing to do with what I’m about to talk about. You might get ‘feels’. You might say “aww” then get on with your life.

Or you might feel nothing at all.

But as you read this, an airstrike might have just blasted a five-year old boy’s house

into shambles, a rebel might just have died in the ruins of his city, a group of doctors could be trying to keep a wounded pregnant woman alive in a barely lit makeshift clinic or a family might be packed in an old Sedan trying to find a way to leave their homeland.

For the past weeks, images of the Syrian war filled social media sites. One post that particularly struck netizens was of young Omar Daqneesh – whose photo of him covered in dust and blood went viral. Thousands of people reacted and voiced their disbelief (a good number of them: us, Filipinos). Yet as days went by, the heat of the issue died down as fast as it had started. Suddenly, everyone is laughing again at Pak Ganern videos and is more concerned with who ends up with who in primetime. And this –the short attention span, the apathy, for something so big and brutal – bothers me so much.

While the momentary notice that a normal Filipino gives to a certain controversy appears to be harmless, the underlying implications are actually alarming. The Syrian war is far, far away from us. Politically, we have nothing to do with it, whatsoever. But what we can’t deny is the number of lives sacrificed for a goal, a cause or a belief. And yet what do

we do? We like, we share and that’s it. The dead becomes just another statistic to us.

Has the value of human life degraded that much for us to not be going ballistic over the widespread killing of civilians?

Now doesn’t this ring a bell, civilians being murdered for a goal? The modern Pieta, anybody? The Duterte administration has faced a lot of criticism with the war on drugs it promotes. After all, the idea is 50 years old and was deemed a failure in other nations. And yet here we are, building on the discards of the global giants which will ultimately collapse on us all. But going back, it is disturbing to have a leader who does not hesitate to use brute force to achieve “peace”. It is frightening to have a leader who inspires the mentality of one human life over another, in the belief that criminals deserve to die for the safety of the innocents.

The end does not justify the means. We are living in a world where people refuse to learn that phrase. Something may sound promising but it doesn’t guarantee that the way it will be achieved will be great as well.

In the end, what affects us most is not the result, but the manner it is attained.

And as you read this, another life adds up to the figures. Tell me, is this column still trash?

Our Mother Tongue is not English A block mate stands up to recite, but before she could say the third word, the teacher stops her to tell her to answer in English.

Now the student starts shifting her weight from one foot to another, frantically looking at the ceiling and apologizing already for her English.

But then again, what is there to be sorry about?

Then, the answer hit me as she started translating her thoughts. Seatmates snickered, a few didn’t even try to hide their smiles and fewer imitated in whispers. Then and there I found out what she should be sorry for: her countrymen who make fun of their own accent and, at that moment, making her an addition to the joke.

And in what seems like a parallel universe, internationally acclaimed personalities would imitate the Filipino accent and the first to react in defense are the Filipinos themselves, even going to such lengths to request for a public apology.

When Lee Da-Hae, a South Korean actress, imitated different English accents, only the Philippines had something to say. Actually, we had a lot to say about her imitation. It feels like having a strong Filipino accent is some kind of curse to get rid of even in the early years of school.

We beg to be understood, which makes sense why Filipino schools would force the differentiation of our Fs from the Ps and the Vs from the Bs, giving most of us a neutral

Redumbdant Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar daphne_tanya@live.com

It feels like having a strong Filipino accent is some kind of curse to get rid of even in the early years of school. accent. But we cannot completely erase the traces of our own languages and dialects.

As we concentrate on perfecting our consonant sounds, how well do we know our own native languages or even how many there are? We don’t have just five or ten of them. According to an Ethnologue Country Report, the total number of individual languages listed for Philippines is 187. Of these, 183 are living and four are extinct. Of the living languages, 175 are indigenous, eight are non-indigenous, 41 are institutional, 73 are developing, 45

are vigorous (these are not developing, but neither are they endangered), 13 are in trouble (in the process of being broken, but the childbearing generation can still use the language), and 11 are dying.

How can anyone expect to not have an accent with all these numbers? And why is it so bothersome?

Some would describe accents based on how smart they sound. But for particular and prominent emphasis and stress on their words, the Philippines has a 95% literacy rate according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as recent as 2015. So, no, literacy does not equate with the neutrality of the accent.

We are ostracized for having a seemingly bad accent and this will only bring suffering from insecurities because the thought of having a heavy accent as a hindrance to being able to communicate effectively is convincing enough if it came from us.

The intimidation is coming from our own selves. We are the ones making fun of it and we are even being possessive of the persecution. Can we still expect other people to respect our own accents if we cannot do it for ourselves?

It doesn’t have to be how good we can talk and express ourselves in English. Why not make the fluency of our own language the cornerstone? Mastery of the English language has been glorified too much for too long–let’s glorify our own.

Pokémon Come and GO For a lot of kids of the 90s, the game and anime Pokémon are childhood.

Catching ‘em all has always been a lifelong dream for so many “Pokémon trainers” out there. And as of late July 2016, that dream became a reality. The game Pokémon GO simulates a virtual world of Pokémons based on our real world. It allows you to catch the first generation (for now) of Pokémons with just a flick of a finger, go against players with stronger Pokémons, and collect all the Pokémons the game has to offer.

Having thousands of fellow Trainers join you on the adventure in becoming the best Pokémon trainer out there is definitely a thrilling experience, especially when your friends are involved in it. Getting to brag about it is satisfying, and this time, you are challenged to achieve your goal with physical effort. You even get to explore places like public buildings, historical sites, and other landmarks all over the city and realize the city has more to offer than what you think you’ve seen.

However, there are people who would rather play the game than actually engage themselves in a conversation. Well, if all your

friends play the game, this might sound not too bad. But as soon as you run out of battery, you then realize how much you missed out on the happenings in your surroundings.

Most people would argue that the real world is boring and having augmented reality is one way to make reality look a whole lot better.

There is no perfect world, all have their pros and cons. It’s up to you how you’re going to take it. But then again, why settle with a fake or virtual world when you can do things to make the real world better? And, after all, the one we’ll have to face is reality.

Many parents and institutions are also concerned by the apparent danger of playing the game. They fear that the game will serve as a distraction and thus bring hazard to the user. But yet again, this is not the aim of the game. Rather, the game requires responsibility and attentiveness of the gamer.

In the end, not everyone will stay addicted to the game. In fact, most of the Trainers already threw in their hats and went to go on with their lives. As you progress, the game only gets harder and to

The-Bid David Willem L. Molenaar dlmolenaar9@gmail.com

Why settle with a fake or virtual world when you can do things to make the real world better? some, becomes almost impossible. It’s only the true and diehard fans who stay loyal to the game and still aim to catch ‘em all, but there is no reason to put so much hate on them.

Look around you, it has only been about two months and you don’t see players around as much as they used to be. Take it as a phase in their lives, Pokémon come and Pokémon GO. So, Harry Potter GO, anyone?

5

Fifty Shades Lighter Recently, plus-sized women crusaded Twitter with pictures of themselves proudly wearing bikinis with the hashtag “#WeWearWhatWeWant” as an act of defiance to society’s definition of beauty. It was a courageous campaign to show that all bodies could be ‘bikini bodies’, too, regardless of the size. While this is momentous and moving, it also brings with it the realization of a saddening truth of how shallow, unfair and irrational our perspective has become.

Why can’t someone be attractive if they’re plus-sized? What does weight have to do with beauty? In an ideal world, they wouldn’t have felt the need to stand up for themselves because no one would be trampling down their self-worth in the first place. In an Claudiaphrodite ideal world. How about in the world we’re living in?

Christiana Claudia G. Gancayco We laud pageants christianacg@yahoo.com.ph that condone this mentality.

Have you ever seen a plus-sized ‘Fat’ is just a word; contestant in brown, black and renowned pageants like Ms. World white are just colors— or Ms. Universe? until we classified In our society, them according to our especially in own terms, which, Hollywood, some models who are unfortunately, are literally walking terms that are not skin-and-bones reasonable, fair nor already still feel like they have to valid. lose weight (when there’s barely any to be lost!).

Adolescents, usually the female ones, grow up with the stigma that leads them to count the carbs in their food, fearing that if they gain a few more pounds, society would view them as laughing stocks and eyesores. And somehow this fear is valid, if only for the fact that the fear is stimulated by the consequence of being fat in a society like ours.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not endorsing unhealthy diet or lifestyles that most often than not lead to obesity. That’s a different matter at hand. Instead, what I’m advocating against is the unhealthy, unjust and narrow-minded mentality that our bodies should follow a certain pattern in order to be deemed “beautiful” and that the rest not fitting the description would fall to the category of the ugly, the unpleasant and the inferior.

As an old adage goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” If that is so, then how come it seems that we have a specific patent for beauty that we’re abiding to— one that does not even entail the very essence of the word?

Beside me in the jeep, one afternoon, were two girls talking about a contestant in a talent show. “She could be pretty if only she wasn’t fat,” said one girl while the other expressed her agreement.

Shooting a film for a project under the heat of the sun, a classmate of mine commented how she’ll be uglier because her complexion is getting darker. I’ve had female peers who were insulted when people commented that they got fat or were elated when they were told they looked thin. Jennifer Lawrence, who is a staunch advocate against body-shaming, suggested that “it should be illegal to call somebody fat on TV.” But, the thing is, “fat” is just a word; brown, black and white are just colors—until we classified them according to our own terms, which, unfortunately, are terms that are not reasonable, fair nor valid. How did the essence of beauty become tied with how many kilograms a person weighs or how fair someone’s skin color is? Who has the right to say which should be deemed perfect or beautiful and which should not be? How did we manage to come up with this benchmark for beauty? If such a benchmark exists, then is beauty really “in the eye of the beholder”?

In the Philippine setting, another pressing angle to this issue is how we Filipinos, whether consciously or unconsciously, are being discriminating to our own selves. We are angered so much when we are belittled by foreigners, while in fact we are also the ones subjecting ourselves to racism. While we taunt and bully our peers who are dark-skinned, we are also laughing and mocking the natural characteristic of a Filipino, which is having a kayumanggi or dark complexion. We bleach our black hair to blonde and brown mimicking that of a Caucasian’s. We wish our noses had a more defined bridge—again, like that of a Caucasian’s. If we ourselves cannot embrace our own race, how do we expect others to respect it? These features should not be viewed as inferiority.

They are the marks of our individuality; our uniqueness as a race.

No race should be subservient to another. What we are unaware of when we make fun of a person because of their size, their skin, their disabilities, and the like, is that we are fanning a culture of discrimination and hate. We are condoning an unhealthy and antagonistic society that believes that some people are deserving of discrimination, mockery and injustice merely because they don’t fit society’s made-up definition of what is beautiful or pleasant.

It’s not the complexion we should change, but rather the way we perceive people. It’s not the weight we should lose, but rather the mentality that someone’s self-worth is measured on such a shallow basis.

Beauty is something more profound than just facial symmetry.

It goes way beyond what is skin-deep. Our self-worth is not something that could be gauged on a weighing scale.

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

6

THESPECTRUM / UNIVERSITY

AUGUST 2016

CBA faculty pass RCA exam

By Ma. Angeline M. Mayor

Four Lasallian staff passed the Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) certification program last May 12 at St. Paul’s University, Quezon City.

Hailing from the College of Business and Accountancy, Dean Dr. Stephanie Calamba, has a Doctorate Degree in Accounting, and Ma. Fara Magada, Leah May Santiago, and Ed Mark Rustico, have a Masteral Degree in Accounting.

Calamba, Magada, and Rustico received marks with a high distinction— considered as the highest rank in the examination.

According to the University website, RCA is the second level of Certified Accounting Technician examination which is accredited

by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) of Australia to be equivalent to RCA designation.

The ICMA of Australia is the first professional organization of management accountants in the Australasian region, including Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Singapore, Middle East, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

“The RCA program is administered by the National Institute of Accounting Technicians. (NIAT) It is a private company, but the program is recognized by the Australian Institute of [Certified] Management Accountants so those who passed the RCA exam are now eligible to apply for the

equivalent ofthe RCA designation in Australia,” Calamba said.

Calamba explained that unlike the government-administered board examination in accountancy, which is recognized only in the Philippines, the RCA is a certification program recognized worldwide.

The review for the RCA exam took about a week in April, covering all management and cost accounting subjects.

“Of course, we were very happy since we did not really have much time to prepare for the exam because if I remember it right, during the review, we also had the research presentation in a national conference in Legaspi. In fact, there were two days of the review wherein Mr. Rustico and I weren’t

able to attend because we had to go to Legaspi for our research presentation,” Calamba expressed when asked about how she found the examination.

She explained that the real purpose why they took the exam is that they want to bring the certification to La Salle. Now that they are Registered Cost Accountants already, they can train their students who want to take the same exam and work in Australia or somewhere else.

“We’re planning to do that in March or April next year. So we’re already in the planning stage of coordinating with the NIAT to bring the program here in La Salle so our students can benefit also,” the dean added.

USLS’ AFP Dependents Support Program recognized

By Charlene Marie D. Lim

Bro. Manuel Pajarillo, FSC, PhD Chancellor and President received a plaque of appreciation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the University Board Room last August 8.

“They would like to thank USLS for the continued support of the AFP educational program,” Diahnne Salud, Admission Assistant for Scholarships said.

Salud added that they want a courtesy call with Pajarillo

to personally meet with the people from the Admissions and Scholarships Administration Office.

42 years ago, on November 11, 1974, former President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree 577 which aims to benefit students of AFP soldiers who died or have been incapacitated in battle.

The Presidential decree mandates the exemption of dependents of military personnel who died or were incapacitated in line of duty from paying tuition and matriculation fees in public or private schools,

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

By Iris Denise N. Rivera

After a successful Club Fair and Handumanan Week, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is filling their month of August with U-week preparations, outreach activities, and a mini-sportsfest.

Despite delays caused by inclement weather, CAS launched their annual mini-sports event “PalaCASan” last August 13.

Martina Gindap, the CAS Council Vice Governor, explained that the event was held for the students in preparation for this year’s Animolympics.

“Last year, it was an inter-club competition,” Gindap said. “This year, the council decided to change it to a competition by year level, for a change.”

Besides PalaCASan, the College also launched an outreach activity in Purok Sibucao, Brgy. Banago last Aug. 20.

The participants involved were children aging between seven and 15 years old and a short program filled with games, movies, and food was spearheaded by Gindap and the Outreach Committee head of the CAS Council, Gynisa Jaruda.

“We will be focusing on empowering the youth and that is by giving them leadership trainings, games, and other activities that would further develop their skills, and also to give them insights on the importance of education,” Gindap explained.

CAS is also gearing up for the upcoming Lasallian week.

“We will show them how loud we will roar in different activities and events prepared for all of us,” Joseph Lapatan, the CAS Treasurer proclaimed.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY

By Stephine Paul M. Dungca

One of the highlights of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) for the month of August is the annual Champion’s League, participated by different CBA clubs, last August 27.

Another highlight was the CBA Eagles Formation Camp last August 27 to 28, which was aimed to mold and prepare the future leaders of the College.

“The CBA Eagles Formation Camp is a venue for CBA students to be exposed, molded and trained to become a better version of themselves.

The council envisions new leaders that will not only help our college but as well as everyone,” said CBA Council Secretary Charlene Rio. Furthermore, Jesus and Me Time was conducted to suffice the spiritual needs of the CBA students last August 30.

Moreover, various CBA clubs also did their part for the community as Rotaract had a mangrove planting entitled “Viridi Mundi: Serving Humanity through Mangroves” last August 13 at Viewing Deck, Pta. Taytay.

In addition, the Junior Philippine Economic Society (JPES) collaborated with the CBA Council last August 27 to aid in educating the children, cleaning the environment and raising health awareness

universities, colleges, and other educational institutions.

According to Salud, this scholarship grant for AFP dependents is a requirement for every school as mandated by the government.

“We should cater children of AFP who died in line of duty or those incapacitated in times of war.

They will endorse to us a list of students who are willing to study in the University and who are qualified of PD 577,” she said.

“We have to assist them in their enrollment, in their admissions and, at

the same time, if they have problems with their studies,” she continued.

This school year, five out of 6,000 Lasallian college students are under the care of Presidential Decree 577.

“The duty of the University is to provide grades of the students to the AFP and inform them of the academic standing of the student,” she added.

Salud also said that in order to maintain one’s scholarship, the student must not garner a failing grade.

Nevertheless, the final say is still with both the school and AFP.

at Purok Yanson Dos Barangay Mandalagan.

The Lasallian Society of Hospitality Managers (LSHM) had the second phase of their Hospitality Managers Enrichment Program with the theme “Enriching the Key Dimensions of Hospitality Organization” at the SMX Convention Center last August 27.

“August is a short yet busy month for everyone. Our activities were all a success for the month of August. It’s through teamwork and passion that we, the CBA Council, have made it possible,” said Rio. “The council already envisions [the events that] will take place for the college and the USLS community. We advise our students to stay tuned for the latest events. All for God! All for CBA!” she concluded.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

By Ma. Angeline M. Mayor

The College of Engineering and Technology (CET) welcomed the return of their sports tournament dubbed “Tigers’ League” after a one-year hiatus of their Interbarkada event.

The Tiger’s League is a big comeback of Interbarkada merged with the College’s annual Warriors Cup, according to Angelica Moreño, CET Secretary.

“The Interbarkada event has been there for a long time and was only stopped last year, but this time, CET Governor Snow Apares decided to converge both events,” said Moreño.

The College also held their CET Socials named “Prism” held at Plantazionne Verdana Homes Ayala last August 13.

The Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineering bagged the first place in the Presidents’ Challenge in the event followed by Information Technology Society, Engineering Society, Institute of Electronics Engineering of the Philippines, Computer Hardware Interfacing & Programming Society, and Computer Science Society, respectively.

Royalties won the first place in the Dance Battle followed by dance groups VS Primal, The Buttlers, and LateCummerz 2.0, respectively.

Fourth year Bea Conlu emerged first place as the Female Batch Icon followed by third year Kimberlynn Gradiola, fifth year Elgie Cabarubias, and second year Mary Hazel Sen Noarbe, accordingly.

For the male batch icon, second year Elijah Serna emerged first place followed by third year Jenrey Clavecillas, fifth year Jesus Remy Jalea, and fourth year Judel Lacson.

Due to the incessant heavy rainfall last August 27, their planned outreach in Sitio Abkasa, Brgy. Mandalagan was postponed to the month of September.

COLLEGE OF NURSING

By Charlene Marie D. Lim

This August, the College of Nursing (BSN) started off the month with various activities led by Icons Marie Kathleen Medina and John Aldwin Jamero.

Last August 10, BSN took part in a worship night against domestic violence held at the University chapel which was participated by both Lasallians and outsiders.

MUSLIM... from page 2

in public. Catalan, who wanted to gain as many friends as she could, had to adjust to the culture completely new to her.

“I was told to adapt,” Catalan recalled, narrating how she was told to be quiet when in public (since women are expected to be voiceless), not to use heels (as the sound will attract the attention of men), to refrain from using red lipstick and to hide her hair. “Adapt.”

After three years of exposure to the Middle Eastern culture, Catalan eventually converted from Catholic to Islam— only to return to Christianity after a year. Therefore, she decided to head home to live out her Christian faith and to be with family and friends.

But, despite how things turned out, Catalan does not have any regrets. “It made me realize who God is. It gave me a sense of self,” she expressed.

APPARELS... from page 2

life to our culture and history— manifesting what Filipinos used to wear prior to the technological advancements in making modern outfits.

“Maybe those who cannot appreciate our native costumes are those who belong to the younger generation. It exists not only to be displayed, but to be accepted and shared with others,” Santiago said. She further added that the

“I feel like I’m a new person because of this discovery. […] It was in Oman that I’ve experienced the grace and mercy of the Living God, of Jesus Christ. […] The culture itself gave me a chance to think.”

Now back in Bacolod for good, Catalan returned to the University, where she taught for 14 years before leaving for Oman.

“Being aware of other cultures is a very important aspect in education,” said Catalan when asked about the relevance of the issue to the students. “I think it is paramount for students to know how other people live and worship.”

After all that Catalan went through, she moves forward with the wisdom that, “Our beliefs [and] cultures should not stop us from loving everyone no matter what.”

exhibit is highly relevant since the “Buwan ng Wikang Filipino: Wika ng Karunungan” is being acknowledged across the country.

Our way of clothing is capable of narrating the customs and conventions of a community.

The way we dress also speaks about a certain culture, a way of living. Nonetheless, the times are fast-changing. What is wearable today could just become an item from the past in a short amount of time.

“It was to pray for all the abused people in the world. That even though we didn’t know each one, we still prayed for them. And to also let them feel, through the Holy Spirit, that they are remembered,” Ellene Dewara, BSN Secretary said, adding that it was one way of spreading awareness to the students.

A “Flash Mob Dance For A Cause,” which, according to Dewara, is a unique and out-of-the-box way to spread awareness about their specific advocacy to the student body, took place at the Forum.

Other activities included a talk on the importance of mental health with the president of the Philippine Mental Health Association-Bacolod as speaker, and a collaboration with both icons leading to a “Karaoke Night For A Cause” for victims of abuse and experiencing depression.

Furthermore, BSN also participated in a “Trashform sa Brgy.

Singcang” last August 29 which aimed to spread awareness of mental health and domestic violence through art.

BSN is now preparing for a workshop which is spearheaded by the University Student Government (USG) slated this September 3.

Additionally, BSN plans to sell food as well and to participate in different activities this University Week.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

By Ian Kristoffer V. Ga

The College of Education (CEd) spearheaded “Pakaon sa Dahon” for the benefit of out-of-school children last August 6 as one of the activities slated for Eskwela sa Kalsada (ESK) program.

CEd pulled off various outreach programs and activities this August in spite of the month-long preparations for Mytholandia, which will be showcased during the U-Week.

CEd held two activities involving the Future Educators Confederation of Negros (FECON) where the college is affiliated.

Last August 3 and 4, FECON members took on a museum tour at the Museo Negrense de Lasalle.

Meanwhile, FECON elected its officers during the General Assembly held last August 13 with Lyn Nicole Chua, CEd’s incumbent Governor, chosen as the treasurer.

After initiating a collegiate quiz bowl last August 13, CEd will be sending two participants in the Inter-Major Quiz Bowl during the U-Week to be hosted by FECON. The participants underwent an elimination process wherein one representative from each major per year level battled it out.

CEd also conducted outreach activities with the help of the Association of Synergized Secondary Education Teachers at Fr. Gratian Murray Integrated School, Brgy. Alangilan for two saturdays.

In partnership with Alfredo Montelibano, Sr. AFSC Memorial Library, CEd also held a storytelling session in the library’s chosen beneficiaries.

“When it comes to teaching and giving experience to students and learners generally, I think the library had a thought of automatically [choosing] us since it is what makes us [as educators],” Chua said.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

UNIVERSITY / THESPECTRUM

AUGUST 2016

LASALLIAN ICONS: A pageant with a cause

By Maria Angelica M. Ape | Photos courtesy of University Student Gov’t, Nichol Francis T. Anduyan and Ariana L. Chua

Through their personal advocacies, Lasallian Icons Fritz Andrew Abria and Iyra Grace Defensor of the College of Education (CEd); Ian Kenneth Khubchand and Chaela Ruth Mirano of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); Daniel Yared and Jermaine Lamboso from the College of Engineering and Technology (CET); John Aldwin Jamero and Marie Kathleen Medina of the College of Nursing (BSN); and Bryce Alexander Jareño and Heena Elles Lall of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) are proving they are more than just beauty and brains.

University Student Government (USG) Executive

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Second year English major, Fritz Andrew Abria’s passion towards education for the poor drives him to be the Lasallian Icon.

“I think my passion for advocacy and education is what the college saw in me that I could represent the College,” Abria said.

For the Awareness Week campaign, Abria launched a variety show as a kick-off for his advocacy campaign.

Abria also launched a book drive where he spearheaded the collection of books that would be donated to a school in the rural areas.

“I was really moved by an interview that I did in La Carlota.

The main factors affecting the children there are financial problems and the distance of the school,” he added.

“Winning the title isn’t important. It’s really my passion for advocacy that makes me want to pursue this,” Abria concluded.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the CEd’s Project Eskwela sa Kalsada, CEd Icon Iyra Grace Defensor promoted the project in her advocacy booth.

Defensor’s advocacy also lean towards education for the poor.

“We are starting with the children near La Salle along with the College of Education’s Eskwela sa Kalsada.

This aims to give each child his or her right to get educated and to be environmentally and socially aware through my project, Once Upon a Time,” Defensor explained.

Vice President Patricia Villalon said that it was one of her main platforms to have pageants with a ‘greater purpose.’

“That’s what we came up with— an idea to have an advocacy in the pageants. Having holistic [Lasallian] Icons with beauty, brains and heart,” Villalon said.

The Lasallian Icon is an advocacy and pageant event that aims to promote social and environmental awareness through various involvements that will address issues in the society and in the global scene upon embodying the Expected Lasallian Graduate Attributes.

Activities prepared for the Icons were The Icon Times, where the Icons underwent basic training on how to write effective editorial and feature writing regarding their respective

advocacies; One Week Challenge, where they were challenged to catch the attention of the students of University of St. La Salle about their respective advocacies; Trashform, an environmental activity where the Icons held a clean-up drive in partnership with Brgy. Singcang, the University’s adopted community; Corporate Ambassador, a conference aiming to raise awareness and address issues based on problems concerning Corporate Social Responsibilities through the stands of the Icons; and Step Up, where the five pairs must perform a presentation with children from a specific community.

The Lasallian Icons will be declared during the last day of University Week where their advocacies will be highlighted during the coronation night.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Empowering the Future Generation is fourth year AB Communication senior Ian Kenneth Khubchand’s advocacy, while a Marcos Awareness Campaign was led by AB Psychology sophomore Chaela Ruth Mirano.

“I chose that advocacy because I know how hard it is to study without motivation. I know how hard it is to work if you do it for the sake of money alone. I want to motivate kids in my own way and to show them that they could be something more,” Khubchand said.

In collaboration with the college council, both Khubchand and Mirano displayed freedom walls related to their advocacies.

“We randomly gave out motivational quotes for students to keep them going. We also gave some

students a chance to write their own motivational quotes which were posted all over the school randomly like lockers, comfort rooms and the library. For a week I believe we motivated a good number of students,” Khubchand added.

Meanwhile, Mirano’s advocacy became viral on social media where even national media noticed her campaign towards Marcos awareness.

“It’s in hopes that more Lasallians learn about the victims and desaparecidos during Martial Law, the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses, and [others]. Basically to combat historical revisionism and the glorification of the Marcos era.

It is to dispel the notion that the Marcos era was a period of peace and prosperity for our country, It might not be 1972 but we should still care like it is,” Mirano explained.

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

7

8

THESPECTRUM / UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Yared, fourth year Information Technology major, campaigns innovation through the aid of technology while Jermaine Lamboso, a fifth year Chemical Engineering major, advocates for supporting local.

“My advocacy is basically allowing the youth to be able to learn and develop their skills on anything technology-related through seminars, tutorials, and basic training. Giving those who don’t have the privilege to access mere computers and smartphones the opportunity to do so and learn how to utilize them and use them properly. I didn’t stray far from my course so it would be feasible,” Yared said.

He also added that he held a vector designing competition to kick off the one-week challenge and he also held a Powerpoint game tutorial, as well as basic Photoshop editing and vector tutorials.

Meanwhile, Lamboso chose to advocate for the support of the local scene in terms of trade, commerce, arts, and music.

“When I was brainstorming for an advocacy for Lasallian Icon, I wanted three elements to be COLLEGE OF NURSING BSN Icons John Aldwin Jamero and Marie Kathleen Medina’s advocacies center on ending domestic violence and raising mental health awareness, respectively.

Jamero hung tarpaulins around the campus, held a worship night to pray for the victims of domestic violence and sent out flowers to random people with a message of compassion.

Meanwhile, Medina had a freedom wall displayed where students were able to give out advices and she gave out green ribbons as a sign of support to the advocacy.

“As a college student and as an individual who has undergone depression, I understand what it’s like to experience mental plights,” Medina explained. “I chose this advocacy because I have witnessed and noticed that the mortality rates from suicide and self-inflicting injuries continue to increase. I want to emphasize the importance of prevention, because once a person’s mental health worsens, it can lead to complications and mental illnesses. I want to be able to help out as much as I can and encourage others to offer themselves to those who need their comfort as well,” she added.

The pair also held a mob dance at the forum in collaboration with the BSN to raise awareness to both causes as a part of their “One Week Challenge.”

“The whole College of Nursing also joined me in a ‘Mob Dance for a Cause’ and ‘Karaoke Night for a Cause’ to catch everyone’s attentions as we spread awareness on mental health,” Medina added.

present in my advocacy. I wanted an advocacy that pushed for technological innovation, since I personally come from a scientific background. I also wanted an advocacy that is sustainable and can help improve the country’s economic state, and something that has a soul; something that affects us and opens our hearts to a new perspective on everyday things,” Lamboso said.

Lamboso added that she aims to help the local economy by patronizing these goods and to support local inventions and crafts to show support for the dreams of Filipino workers.

AUGUST 2016

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY Marketing Management major Bryce Alexander Jareño’s advocacies center on the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

“I chose this advocacy in order to spread awareness to my fellow Lasallians. And in every little way they can, they too can make a difference and be of help to our brothers and sisters who are fighting their way through every circumstance they meet everyday,” Jareño said.

To promote his advocacy, Jareño displayed an information board that included hashtags about the SLP in which students were also free to express their opinions through a freedom wall.

“For my advocacy, I helped in spreading awareness throughout the campus by asking students to participate in the different activities during the “One Week Challenge” such as giving them an idea on how far our empty bottles can go and asking them to be committed as well, to help in every little way they can,” he said.

Meanwhile, a campaign for water preservation is the advocacy of Heena Elles Lall, a third year Operations Management major.

In an interview, Lall said that she was into good governance for her advocacy, but with the help of the college council, she decided to push through with water preservation for her advocacy.

“When I read about it, I thought that this was something I needed to do. I needed to make time for it. I needed to put my everything into it—so I pursued it,” Lall said.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

FILIPINO / THESPECTRUM

AUGUST 2016

Lihim ng Kabihasnan Ni Ma. Lore Prado| Dibuho ni Sophia Inez A. Bilbao

“Anak! Maraming itim na langgam, huwag mo silang walisin at baka mawala rin ang swerte.” Pamilyar na ito sa mga Pilipino, isang simbolo ng swerte ay ang itim na langgam. Sa pagkatagal-tagal ng kulturang Pilipino, hindi mawawala ang ating paniniwala sa mga hindi maipaliwanag na mga bagay. Sa ilalim ng nakatirik na araw ay mistulang walang gumagalaw na segundo, tulad din ng ating kultura, naabutan man tayo sa panahon ng teknolohiya ay hindi parin nabubura ang ating nakaraan. Patuloy tayo na umuunlad at maraming pinagkakaabalahan ang ating lipunan. Tanong na bumabara sa ating mga isip, saan nga ba ito umuugat at mabuti ba na maraming kabataan ngayon ay kapos na sa kaalamang ito?

“Ang mga Pilipino ay mapagmahal sa kultura , lalong-lalo na sa mga matatanda. Dagdag pa dito, ang mga paniniwala ay may matinding impluwensya sa kanilang pamumuhay araw-araw. Maraming tao ay patuloy paring naniniwala na makakatulong ito sa pag-unlad ng buhay. Ngunit maraming mga bagong sibol ang hindi na masyadong binibigyan-pansin tungkol dito dahil para sa kanila ay bahagi nalang ito ng nakaraan,” pahayag ni Lisa Daskeo, isang guro ng Sibika sa isang pampublikong paaralan. Siya mismo ay naniniwala dito dahil hindi naman daw ito kawalan at wala namang masama sa pagsunod dahil ito ay bahagi na ng kinabihasnan.

Ang mga lumalaganap na pamahiin o mas kilala na tawaging mga paniniwala o aral ng mga matatanda ay bahagi na ng buhay kung ikaw ay isang totoong Pilipino.

Sa lahat ng mga gawain ay hindi ito mawawala. Mga halimbawa ay sa pagkakasal, paghahanap ng trabaho, paglilipat ng bahay, at iba pa. Kahit

na kung ikaw ay buntis, ito’y may kalakip na pangyayari. Hindi mo mamamalayan na minsan ikaw mismo ay naniniwala din dito. Kung bigla mong kinagat ang iyong dila ng aksidente lamang, ibig sabihin nito ay may umiisip sayo.

Ang ating nakaraang Presidente ng Pilipinas na si Joseph Estrada ay nagmamay-ari sa kanyang tahanan ng wasak na salamin sa paniniwala na tinataboy nito ang mga masasamang espirito at mga masasamang pangyayari. Hindi importante ang antas mo sa lipunan, kahit mayaman ka man o mahirap ay nasa dugo na natin ang mga paniniwalang nito at hindi maiiwasan na ikaw mismo ay gumagawa din nito.

Kung ikaw ay isang ordinaryong Pilipino, nakasanayan mo na sumali sa mga superstitious thinking na hindi mo namamalayan. Kailan na nga ba ang huling pagkatok mo sa kahoy, pag-iwas sa itim na pusa o pagbasa ng iyong horoscope? Ito ay tinatawag na magical thinking dahil walang katumbas na paliwanag ang makakapagsabi ng katotohanan tungkol sa paniniwala.

Halos kalahati ng mga Pilipino ang naniniwala sa mga bagay na ito. Karagdagan dito, kung ikaw ay nakatira sa mga bukid na malayo sa syudad, siguradong naniniwala ka sa mga mangkukulam, kaluluwa at mga simbolo ng kamatayan. Ngunit ano nga ba ang papel ng magical thinking sa ating paniniwala? Nakakatulong kaya ito? O ‘di kaya ay sumosobra na tayo?

Ayon sa pagsasaliksik, hindi lahat ng ritual ay paniniwala. Halimbawa, kung ang isang estudyante ay nagriritwal para sa isang pagsusulit, maaari itong makatulong na kumalma at maka-pocus ang isip sa oras ng pagsusulit at ito a hindi superstitions lamang dahil wala kang sinusunod na tagubilin at kusa mo itong ginagawa na nagbunga din ng kabutihan sa iyo. Sa kabilang dako,

kung ang mag-aaral ay naglalagay o gumagamit ng mga charm o mga bagay na pinapaniwalaang nagdadala ng swerte, ito ay maaring isang karamdaman ng Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ayon sa AnxietyBC. Mga taong may OCD ay karanasang ginagawa ang bagay ng ulit-ulit, na minsan ay nakakadisturbo na sa ating araw-araw na kagawian. Ang isang tao na umiiwas sa mga sira ng daan o ‘di kaya ay kumakain sa lugar na palaging pinupuntahan, pwesto na nakagawian na kapag kumakain bunga ng nakasanayan. Kung sila ay hindi makaangkop sa ano mang pagbabago sa nakagawian ibig sabihin ay may OCD sila, ito ay ayon sa pananaliksik ng National Institute of Mental Health. Marahil hindi makikita ang koneksyon ng dalawa, ngunit dahil dito ay hindi maunawaan ng normal na tao kung bakit nga ba nakasanayan na ang gawaing ito.

Ang anxiety disorder o mas kilala sa tawag OCD ay hindi nabibilang sa superstitious thinking, dahil ito ay ang irasyonal na pag-iisip. Ang tunay na kasagutan ay bigyan ng tamang atensyon ang sariling pagiisip, lalong-lalo na kung nakaranas ka na ng anxiety at hirap sa pagtulog o sobrang pag-iisip na nagbubunga

ng pagod at depresyon. Hindi lahat ng bagay na nakasanayan ay dahil sa kultura, minsan dahil ito ay dulot ng karamdaman na hindi masyadong halata.

Pakiramdam na ikaw ay protektado dahil sa sekuridad ay isa sa mga pinakapositibong biyaya ng superstitious thinking, sa pagdala ng isang bagay na nagpapaswerte sa iyo.

Ito ay tinatawag na placebo effect– kung iniisip mo na itong bagay ay makatulong sa iyo, baka nga ito ay magkakatotoo. Kung ang kinalabasan ay dahil sa swerte, ang paniniwala ay hindi na importante, samantalang ito ay dahil sa iyong pagsasagawa ng mga gawain ito’y magdudulot ng positibong pag-iisip at hindi ka na aasa sa swerte-swerte lamang.

Mahirap lamang kung mayroon kang matinding pangangailangan sa iyong mga maswerteng bagay dahil kapag nawala ito ay magdudulot ng depresyon at kalungkutan na magdadala sayo pabalik sa superstitious beliefs na negatibo. Ang phobic superstitious ay nakakadulot ng matinding takot sa ating buhay na nagdadala ng anxiety. Ang Friday the 13th ay isang sikat na paniniwala, kung saan ang karamihan ay umiiwas na lumabas ng bahay dahil malas at punong-puno ng panganib ang araw na ito.

Kulturang kinalakihan at sinubaybayan, mga kwento ng karanasan na nagbunga ng positibo o negatibong pangyayari. Sa tagal na ng panahon ay maraming naghahanap ng kasagutan sa ating nakasanayan. Hindi na maikukubli na ngayon ay marami nang maaaring kasagutan. Tama man o mali ay hindi importante dahil ang paniniwala ay bahagi ng ating kultura, at sa pagsikat ng araw ay hindi na ito mabubura. Mahalin at unawain ng mabuti ang ating nakaraan at marahil ang kasagutan sa lahat ng katanungan ay nananatiling tulog at hindi pa nabibigyan ng angkop na kahulugan.

Lumilisang mga Utak: Ang Paglagas sa Kaalaman ng Bayan

Ni Lyle John L. Balana | Dibuho ni Keanu Joseph P. Rafil

Kung tatanungin ang isang tao kung ano ang isang tunay na kayamanan, maririnig ang mga sagot tulad ng pera, pagkain, kaligayahan, o lupa. Ang lahat ng ito’y tama at kailangan ng isang tao, at kung ano ang kailangan ng isang tao ay kailangan din ng kanyang bansa. Pero merong kayamanang mas mahalaga pa sa mga nabanggit—ang tao mismo at ang kanyang kaalaman. At sa paglipas ng panahon, ang mga dalubhasa ay nagsisialisan para mangibangbansa.

Ito ay tinatawag na brain drain – isang proseso kung saan ang mga taong nakakuha ng sapat na edukasyon at kasanayan ay naeenganyong gamitin ang

mga ito malayo sa inang bayan.

Ang pinakamalaking dahilan ay ang malaking salaping ipapalit sa kanilang hirap na halatang hindi matutumbasan ng mga trabahong naghihintay dito sa Pilipinas. Dahil sa kakulangan ng magandang pundasyon, mas magiging mahirap ang pag-ahon ng bansa mula sa nga problema nito.

Merong mga nagsasabing ang mga taong nakukuha ng brain drain ay nagpapadala naman ng pera. Ngunit ang iba sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) na ito ay gumagawa ng paraan para makapundar ng sapat na halaga upang makalisan ang buong pamilya mula sa Pilipinas patungo sa tinatrabahuhan nilang bansa. Ang mga napadalang pera dito sa bansa ay gagawin nilang kapital para makapagsimula ng

bagong buhay sa malayo, at lalabas pa rin ang perang ito mula sa ekonomiya ng bansa.

At kahit na sa mga hindi nagbabalak na magretiro o magtrabaho ng permanente sa ibang lugar, malaking kakulangan ang nagpapasara sa mga ospital, eskwelahan, at mga negosyo dito sa bansa. Ang pagkawala ng mga espesyalista ay masakit para sa mga industriyang nakadepende dito, kaya nama’y mabagal ang paglago at pagdagdag ng modernisasyon sa ibang aspeto ng bansa. Ang mga nagsisialisang nars at doktor ay mas marami sa mga papalit sa mga ospital sa Pilipinas, kaya nama’y babagal ang proseso sa mga pampublikong pagamutan.

At dahil kulang ang mga doktor, ang pagbibigay at pagbibili ng mga gamot at iba pang pangangailangan ay mababawasan din kaya’t ang industriya at supply ng mga gamot na ito ay liliit at mapapalitan ng mga generik na bersyon o tuluyang mawawala mula sa sirkulasyon.

Lahat ng ito ay magreresulta sa mga pasyenteng di nalalapatan ng agaran at epektibong lunas.

Merong ding negatibong epekto ang brain drain sa edukasyon at mentalidad ng isang komunidad. Ang lahat ng mga tinuturo ngayon ay pinupundar patungo sa globalisasyon, kaya’t ang mga lokal na trabaho at pangangailangan ay hindi na napapakinabangan o nadadagdagan ng mga

empleyado na makakapatay ng ibang mga tradisyonal na gawain tulad ng paghabi mula sa mga tradisyonal na mga habla. Ang nasyonalismo ay mawawalan ng saysay dahil ang pagka-Pilipino ng isang tao ay mahirap ipairal sa lupang pinagtatrabahuan.

Dahil pumupunta ang mga Pinoy doon bilang mga menial worker, dapat nilang respetuhin at sundin ang kultura doon. Ang mga napupulot na aral doon ay nagpapabago sa paningin at kilos ng mga bumabalik na mga nag-abroad, kaya’t nagiging malabnaw na ang kulturang Pilipino at kung ano talaga ang ibig sabihin nito. Nawawala na ang respeto sa bansa at sa mga kaya ng mga mamamayang ito para sa kanilang sarili.

Hindi namin minamasama ang pagiging OFW, at lalong di masama ang pagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa o ang pagkuha ng aspekto ng kultura nilang nakagiliwan na. Ngunit masamang talikuran ang pangangailangan ng bansang sinilangan at kinalakihan.

Kailangang may magsimula sa pagbibigay halaga sa Pilipinas sa paraang makakatulong sa mga nais ng kanyang mga anak.

Isang malaking sakripisyo ang napipinti para sa mga susunod na henerasyon, isang sakripisyong mas malaki ang buwis sa pawis kaysa sa dugo, ngunit ito’y isa pa ring kagalanggalang na paggunita sa pagmamahal sa bansa.

9

Ang Huling Palakpak

Ni Hezron G. Pios | Dibuho ni Karen D. Panganiban

Naging ganap ka nang manghuhula dahil sa mga sirang-plakang linyang binibigkas, mapa-bida man o kontrabida. Alam mo na rin kung kailan lalabas ang panggulat sa katatakutan, o kaya’y hahantong na naman sa sampalan ‘pag natuklasan ng asawa ang kabit sa isang love story, o kaya’y ang bidang naging lugmok sa kahirapan ay ang nawawala palang anak ng isang mayamang negosyante.

Anu-ano pa nga ba ang patuloy na nananatiling paulit-ulit sa industriya ng midya?

Sa telebisyon, lalonglalo na ‘pag teleserye, kung pangit ka, talagang lugmok sa kapangitan ang anyo mo: tigyawat, itim na balat, pawisin. ‘Pag kontrabida ka naman, gawi mo na ang tumawa sabay bulong (pero naririnig naman ng lahat) sa sarili ang masama mong balak. Marahil ang plano na nama’y may maitim na van na biglang dadamput sa bida, tatakpan ang bibig nito ng panyo, at tsaka haharurot paalis. Tandaan mo rin na halos lahat ng programa ay dapat may halong romansa, kaya ‘wag ka nang magulat kung ang plot twist ay isang malaking biglaang halikan.

Mula cartoons hanggang usapang-pulitika at talk shows papuntang K-drama, minsan ka na lang makakawala sa usapang kiligan at hugot lines. Tanging pambansang elemento na nga ito upang pampaganyak sa mga manonood.

Ang mga sikat na mga personalidad nama’y nangangailangan din ng patuloy na publicity stunt upang hindi sila malaos nang basta-basta, kung kaya’t parati silang ginagawang guest actors sa mga sinusubaybayang teleserye o programa, halimbawa ay mga bagong labas sa Bahay ni Kuya (Pinoy Big Brother), mga bagong panalo sa mga kumpetisyon (The Voice, Star Struck, Talentadong Pinoy) at iba pa. Kung sa tambalan naman, nangungana rito ang KathNiel, JaDine at LizQuen—kailangan kasi may chemistry o medyo pabebe o may tagos ang mga linyang

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

binibitawan para makuha ang atensyon ng mga manonood lalong-lalo na sa kabataan.

Paano ba manamit ang mga karakter sa istorya?

Syempre kung isa kang kontrabida, dapat itim na leather jacket, itim na shades, itim na sombrero: basta itim para madaling sabihing, “Ah kontrabida ‘yan. Naka-itim eh.” Kung mahirap na bida naman, dapat napakapayak ng istilo’t kulay ng damit, minsan may disenyo pero kadalasan mismong pangalan o logo na ng sponsors ng damit ang nilalagay. Kung matalino, dapat nakacheckered at glasses; kung siga, dapat nakabaliktad na ball cap. Kahit sa pananamit pa lang, alam mo na kung anong klaseng tao ang ginagampanan ng aktor, ‘di ka na rin magtataka ng lubusan.

Bakit nga ba parati na lang nahuhuli sa barilan o awayan ang mga pulis (hindi tayo nakarinig ng katanggap-tangap na dahilan kahit kailan)? At bakit nasa paliparan palagi ang mga “Mahal pa rin kita” moments?

Bakit kung laki sa ibang bansa naman ang isang babae, wild o liberated na agad-agad?

Kung namatayan naman ng minamahal ang bida dahil sa planadong pagpatay, bakit pa ba iiyak muna at sisigaw ng paghihiganti (malamang magpapayaman muna) bago humingi na saklolo o tulong? Bakit kung malungkot ang eksena, dapat umuulan ng malakas o nasa malayong tingin? At ang pinakamalaking tanong: Bakit ba lahat may halong romansa? Nakakasawa na nakakaaliw ‘di ba?

Kung ang huling halaklak ay nauuwi parati sa bida, ang huling palakpak nama’y angkin ng midya. Kung wala ito, mawawala ang kamalayang hinggil sa mga tumatatak sa ating puso, isipan at maging sa ating kasaysayan bilang tao at bilang sambayanang Pilipino.

Maaari ngang paulit-ulit na lang ang paglitaw nito sapagkat nangangahulugang naging bahagi na rin sila ng ating pagkakakilanlan. Sa huli, tanging tao rin lang naman ang tumatanda, hindi ang kanyang gawa.

10

THESPECTRUM / OPINION

The People’s Champ or the People’s Chump?

The Philippine Senate has housed some of the most influential persons in our country’s history. In fact, nine out of the country’s 16 presidents were senators: Quezon, Laurel, Osmeña, Roxas, Quirino, Garcia, Marcos, Arroyo, and Aquino III. Other big names include Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Benigno Aquino Jr., Jose Diokno, and Jovito Salonga.

When elected, a senator is given the responsibility to evaluate and concur on the House Bills that are soon to become laws.

Aside from House Bills, they also concur with treaties and hold impeachment trials. That is why only the professionals back then were highly encouraged to tread on this career. People who have exquisite knowledge about our country’s The Guanchism Constitution.

In fact, of the 24 senators that Joshua Martin P. Guanco comprised the 1916 theguanks@gmail.com Senate (the very first senate of our country), 11 were lawyers, four were When I heard of that lawyer-journalists, news, I asked myself, four were lawyeragriculturists, three “Did the Filipinos were businessmen, really elect him as one was an agriculturist, and senator?” one was a physician.

Fast forward to 2016, when the country once again casted their votes to elect a new set of senators.

Well, the results were somewhat the same a hundred years ago: there are lawyers, lawyer-journalists, businessmen – and this time, joining the club is a boxer.

Yes, a boxer. And his name is Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

To the world, Pacquiao is considered to be one of the best athletes of all time. After all, he was the one who sat on the boxing world’s throne for almost two decades. To us Filipinos, he is the fighting pride of our country— the man who brought the whole nation with him in every match he had. To the people of the province of Sarangani, he is a hero who doesn’t just save the day by winning boxing matches for the country, but a hero who addresses the cries of his people.

Thus, he was elected as a congressman. He served as Sarangani’s representative in the lower house for six years.

Along the way, he had part-time jobs (brace yourselves), such as being a singer, an actor, a pastor, a basketball coach and a basketball player as well. In 2016, he surprised everyone by vying for a senate seat come elections time.

Some of you might have thought that he’ll do great as a senator, for he will be the voice of the poor in the senate; that he will be the catalyst that will alleviate the struggles of Filipino athletes; that he will carry the Filipino nation with him in the fight against poverty and corruption. That is why he got elected as the seventh placed senator, garnering 16, 050, 546 votes. When I heard of that news, I asked myself, “Did the Filipinos really elect him as senator?”

Well, for his supporters, they did. Perhaps they felt that Pacquiao was ready to become a senator after being a representative for two consecutive terms. During his tenure, he launched a housing project that gave 1,000 new abodes to its beneficiaries.

He also sponsored scholarships to both high school and college drop-outs. He even donated farming equipments to the Sarangani farmers. But, after those projects, what other things did he do as a politician that helped him garner 16, 050, 546 votes (35.67% of total votes)? Let’s look at his political record.

He may have winning numbers when it comes to his boxing record, but his attendance and performance in congress are nowhere near that. Due to his two boxing matches last 2014, he was only present for four days in congress – the worst attendance ever recorded in the history of Philippine Legislature. He authored bills adhering to the needs of his people such as House Bill No. 58 that required a health care center in every barangay in Sarangani yet it didn’t make it through congress. Other bills of his that suffered the same fate were House Bill No. 57 that aimed to revise the Philippine Sports Commission Act (RA 6847) and House Bill No. 61, aiming for the establishment of a breast care center in every region. He may have the worst performance in congress history but there were 16, 050,546 who made him a senator.

It has only been a month or two since he first sat at the senate, yet here, he is attracting controversy to and fro. Starting from that privilege speech of his when he joked about public hangings saying that it is the cheapest form of public execution because one will just kick the chair, which angered some of his co-senators. Moreover, he broke his promise to the nation of having a perfect attendance in senate when he announced that he will have an upcoming fight this November, placing him in the hottest of waters.

After those controversies, a lot of queries came to my mind: Was his promise of a renewed political performance a low form of courting voters? Has it ever occurred to him that he is now a senator? And what is really the definition of ‘change’ people crave so badly? Is it voting for politicians that aren’t even politicians in the first place?

In his boxing matches, Manny Pacquiao has given us something we Filipinos can be proud of by embodying the true Filipino spirit.

Whether he won or lost, he was still our People’s Champ. He loved his country so much that he wanted to serve it beyond the boxing ring. He has done enough for us Filipinos, but sometimes, enough really is enough.

AUGUST 2016

The Protocols of Humor Have you ever wondered how some people can just be so hilarious and it looks as if they don’t even have to try? Do you know someone who can divert a serious situation into a light and trivial matter with just a well-placed funny line? Just how?

This article is not a self-help guide on how to be funny. But it may want to point out what’s not. To do that, let’s try to analyze the essentials of a joke.

A statement intended as a joke should be recognized as a joke. No kidding. Either it’s a joke or it’s not. A joke spoken should be followed by a laugh, unless it’s a failed attempt at a joke, sarcasm or a cheap pun, then it should at least be followed by a sneer.

A statement becomes a joke when it is funny.

But we also know that funny is subjective. What may be funny to a group of pranksters may be chaos to an unsuspecting victim. A statement can be funny when it is unexpected or expected. But nowadays, a statement can be a joke even just when it appears to be clever.

Take for example a clever joke I found online, “I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.”

And it turns out a statement can also be joke when it’s a paradox in itself. Like this one written

by Luis Buñuel: “I’m still an atheist, thank God.” But what I’ve significantly learned about jokes from famous stand-up comedians or even just from the class clowns in our class is that what makes a joke pack a punch is its delivery and timing. Delivery is how you say the joke and timing is when you say it.

Here’s one statement that is obviously a joke anywhere you look at it: “My wife caught me crossdressing and said we’re finished. So I packed her clothes and left.” It’s clever, a bit of paradox, and finishes with a good punchline. Hence, it’s a good joke.

Then here’s another statement that was supposed to be a joke that you may have already heard of. It was one given by Pres. Rodrigo

Duterte during a press conference: “Maybe we’ll just have to decide to separate from the United Nations (UN). If you are that rude, son of a bitch, then we’ll just leave you.”

This was in regard to the statement of a UN special rapporteur, Agnes Callamard, who suggested that Philippine officials could be held liable for the extrajudicial killings.

And yes, it was a joke, Duterte confirmed in an interview, saying, “Hindi ka marunong magbiro pa? Saan tayo mag-join, Association ng mga Lumubog?”

Did you get it? Did you find the joke?

I didn’t. So it’s either I’m slow or it wasn’t obvious as a joke.

Was it clever then? I never knew clever meant suggesting withdrawal from an intergovernmental organization that has helped our country in more ways than one, like that time it provided $193M for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Was it even timely? It’s just months after the member countries of UN helped to support the rule of law tribunal regarding the South China Sea dispute that we have also won.

Now I’m not here to judge his brand of humor. No, humor is subjective. But it might be better, if not proper, that the President of our country would be more careful with his jokes.

It’s not an issue when a statement of the foremost representative of the Philippines is not apparently appreciated as a joke. But it may raise concern when a joke of the president becomes wrongfully mistaken as a national decree.

They say jokes are half-meant. Maybe he was thinking of our independence at the time and his joke was just a too sudden of a defensive expression of our capability to stand alone as a country.

The President was also tired, disappointed and angry when he made the statement, according to Foreign Affairs Sec. Perfecto

Bespoke Sapatero Chad Martin Z. Natividad

chadmartin21natividad@yahoo.com.ph

There’s a Batasang Pambansa Complex for a State of the Nation Address, and there’s a small stage with a stool and mic for a stand-up comedy gig.

Yasay, who clarified on August 22 that the Philippines will not leave the UN. And we know that an exhausted mind most usually fails to think straight.

But this doesn’t mean jokes cannot appear in politics. A joke has been proven, in its timing, to be effective in lightening the mood of an election campaign or a national address.

Jokes are a form of humor, but not all humor are actually jokes. There’s a Batasang Pambansa Complex for a State of the Nation Address, and there’s a small stage with a stool and mic for a stand-up comedy gig. How will we know when we’re following a Presidential Order or a misplaced joke? Its intent needs to be implied, if not stated.

There’s a time and place for comedy, and if the President can’t say “joke”, “just kidding”, “pati ah” or any joke identifier after a statement, then we’ll have a hard time figuring out whether a declaration for a state of emergency is an official statement or just a really exaggerated pun for bad day.

Hear, hear! Look who’s back!

Hello, mga dayhs! I’m back! Did you miss me and my matinik eye for the latest chikkas on campus? Well, kung ga-wonder kamo kung nga-a nadula ko for a period of time, it is kay gin-isolate ko self ko sa mountains of Hiyang-hiyang, somewhere sa mga kabukiran ka Negros ah. I meditated with the butterflies and became one with nature, you know naman, mga tita stuff and gimmicks na sobrang wild.

Okay, so straight to the point na lang mga ateng, ano ni ya ang na-hear ko nga news about some teachers ka La Salle?

Hambal ka source ko perte guid kuno sila, especially when it comes to giving tests and exams. I was surprised guid when I heard the chikka! That is why nanaog guid ko from the mountains of solitude to write this article.

Gusto ko lang i-highlight ang mga gin-tell ka source ko sa akon kag i-express ang mga hinagpis of my fragile heart.

First, may ara kuno mga teachers nga ga-give very damo nga study materials para sa exam, pero wala man lang gali ginainclude sa exam! Dayun ang siling niya nga no need to study, amo pa naggwa. Abaw, na-shock si tita niyo eh! Ka-harsh man na klase nga act, they make pahirap ang students nila to study then indi man lang gali ma-come out sa exams. Papati alert! If like that lang gali, tani wala nalang nila gina give hard time ang students. After all, it’s not only their subject the estudyantes are studying for diba. Consideration lang bala tani haw. Like hindi na lang maging harsh titos or titas sa mga students.

Tapos, my source also told me that

Sugar Says Sugar

thespectrum.usls@gmail.com

Gusto ko lang i-highlight ang mga gin-tell ka source ko sa akon kag i-express ang mga hinagpis of my fragile heart. there are students na makaget-away with cheating during the exams. Tungod ayhan ini sa lax attitude of the magtuturo? May mga students nga ga-open cellphones while ga-exam, pero daw wala lang gihapon gakadakpan. It’s being fair to the students kuno na they’re not being sugid for cheating?? Kay man what? Good scores of the estudyantes reflect well sa titsers??” Mmmmmmhhh. My tita senses are tingling.

May ara pa gid ang klase nga ga-post wrong nga grades ka students dayun islan man lang gale afterwards. Why haw? So they could make hingagaw sa deadline.

Nag-wow si Heidi eh! Dayon sila very strict kaayo with deadlines! Kung ginattack na bi ka hapo ang student upon seeing the grado? Ay nano man. Then

BISHOP... from page 1

himself faster than expected, because although the task is much heavier compared to his priesthood in Kabankalan City, the people here are very supportive and welcoming.

The Bishop messaged the faithful, specifically the Catholic students, to finish school, come out of it equipped for life and be able to contribute to the community, especially as Catholics trying to build God’s Kingdom.

The Bishop also addressed the students, saying, “You are not just the hope of the future [nor] the future of the church or the country, but you are already the present.”

there’s also this late naman magpost sang grades! Hay nako!

You think I’m done? There’s more!

Ara pa gid teachers nga activities lang kag group reportings all the time, tapos they never review the class when the exams are looming. Dipa suplado/suplada-technique pa sila.

Ay tapos here pa, some teachers are repeating their test papers with a few minor changes daw. So mga boys and girls, the test papers of your manongs and manangs may save you! Everything can be study material na so don’t throw your papers away pa! It’s kanugon, don’t you think? Saving Mother Nature pa.

One last more! Mga manongs and manangs ta da sa D.O., next time if you have mga announcements, more visible tani.

Indi nga sa mga bondpapers lang ibutang ang mga memorandums. Kay the students are being made kibot kibot na lang by the guardias nga ga-get sang IDs nila. Ang iban pa sa ila wala ga-give warning!

Those were the reasons nga nag-go down guid ko from the mountains of my isolation. Wala gid nakaya sang heart ko ang mga sizzling news nga ginpang-share ka source ko. Well, I guess it’s a sign siguro nga ma stay nako diri sa Bacolod like forever.

Gina-hope ko man lang ya is world peace in my beloved USLS. Let’s make pamati to each other’s concern and make buligay one another.

Kag sa mga dear estudyantes there, if may problems kamo, remember that your Tita Sugar is only one email away. Xoxo RIO... from page 14

He also addressed the Lasallians that although it might seem too early, it is already their time to take their place in the Church as the diocese mostly have the youth involved.

Buzon succeeded Bishop Vicente Navarra, now 77, who has been the bishop of the Bacolod Diocese for 15 years before he decided to step down from pastoral care. His other predecessors were bishops Camilo Gregorio, Antonio Fortich, Manuel Yap, and Casimiro Lladoc.

August 9 was declared an official church holiday for all Catholic institutions and schools limited to the Diocese of Bacolod.

hired to stage the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics has told the BBC that the show will cost less than London’s in 2012. Brazil, who hosted the 2014 World Cup, also received some protests from its citizens (not to mention those outside the Maracanã Stadium during the opening ceremony) as the budget for the Olympics was 16 times higher than the budget to combat Zika virus, according to Public Radio Internation (PRI)’s website.

But amidst these economic crises Brazil is facing, it was able to provide a show the world awaited for four years. Now the wait resets for another four years before the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

REVIEWS / THESPECTRUM

AUGUST 2016

11

BOOK REVIEW

Negros Tours

Art House Along Araneta Ave.

The Proxy Eros

by Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta

By Iris Denise N. Rivera

A treasure trove of locallymade art lies on a backstreet between Metrodome and Planta Hotel, hidden away from the eyes of the common Bacolodnon. J&L Marañon Art House is a boarding house filled with magnificent pieces of art ranging from Terracotta Warriors to cherub frescos open to the public.

Every building beside it seems to pale in comparison because even just the esoteric facade of the house is overwhelming. The iron gates, guarded by terracotta warriors, are a gold-painted lionhead knocker and only 50 pesos away from being opened.

A repeating motif in the Art House’s pieces is the integration of classical European art with religious themes and Filipino culture.

The first few steps within the house is enough proof with a statue of a glaring Medusa, a Grecian gorgon, wrapping her glass marble-encrusted snake’s tail around a pillar, petrifying visitors.

The garden within the gates of J&L Marañon Art House is brimming with life— plants, caged animals, and a small waterfall pouring itself into a miniature lagoon. An iron spiral staircase wrapped with metal leaves, vines, and grapes lead to the eagles’ cage entrance over the lagoon.

A balcony overlooking the garden is framed by a gigantic sculpture of Eve being tempted by the Serpent and Adam pointing at her accusingly.

An area by the garden left jaws hanging with its largerthan-life statues on each corner—one of which is the Greek titan Atlas seemingly holding up the ceiling. A marble statue portraying Michelangelo’s Pietà stands tall in front of an enormous wood carving that takes up the entire wall. To the right of the marble Pietà is a tile mosaic

By RJ Nichole L. Ledesma

Photos by Jhon Aldrin M. Casinas

of Da Vinci’s Last Supper. A fresco of Adam, Eve, and a female representation of the Serpent looms over the entire room.

The living room area, with its soft orange light and crystal mirrors, welcomes all guests as they walk through the House’s doors. To the left stands a minibar with its marble countertops and bench. A narrow hallway leading to the dining area is lit by different-colored lightbulbs shaped like round cut diamonds.

The dining area is elegantly designed with a long rectangular wooden table and mirrors on

either end. The back wall is decorated with golden leaves, vines and flowers while the front opens to the ocean—at least, that’s where the artist wanted to take his guests. A soft green light bathes the shell-lined walls of the room transporting visitors to the bottom of the sea.

Upstairs, a mural of a Grecian-looking pavilion greets visitors with a comedic surprise of a disappearing Philippine Airlines airplane.

A door with a family portrait of the Art House’s owners opens to a library with an array of large

bookshelves and an enormous porcelain plate collection lining the walls. An adjacent sitting room contained more glass cabinets filled with antique clocks and glass figurines.

Finally, another dining area holds a stylish round table and is bathed in light by stained glass windows. On the room’s ceiling is a reinterpretation of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus with the goddess, now black of hair, standing not on a shell, but on various fruits and vegetables with historical Filipino figures watching on.

It’s surprising that the place isn’t flocked by art enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves into inspiration-inducing environments or fans of the eccentric looking to take the perfect Instagram photo. The City of Smiles tucks away its most magnificent treasures and offers them up to those still willing to scratch at the surface—to those who still look for beauty in oddity.

ALBUM REVIEW

Sukli by Gloc-9

By Lex Diwa P. Aloro

The Philippine’s fastest known rapper has reunited with his debut record label after 10 long years for his eighth music album, Sukli.

Aristotle Pollisco, famously known under his stage name Gloc-9, has returned to Star Music for a comeback album containing eight songs plus one acoustic set.

Sukli was released last June 6. The 38-year-old artist has stuck with his fast-paced rapping style and hard-hitting lyrics but strayed from tradition in terms of musical style.

In this latest album, Gloc-9 has resorted to a more tech-y electronica approach for delivering his lyrical ideas. Though many rap artists — and musical artists in general — have garnered help from synthesizers and autotunes, Gloc9’s use of them in Sukli spewed him right in the middle of the mainstream.

Nevertheless, his brutally honest, ever-unflinching lyrics make up for the surprisingly substandard, middle-of-the-road sounds.

Thirteen years and 40+ music awards after his first album, G9, Gloc is still writing songs about how his slingshot to fame has been a dream come true. It is evident in his six-minute single, Industriya, featuring KZ Tandingan. The song narrates the story of a struggling artist who later becomes successful and drowns in the glitz and glamour of stardom. The whole tracklist is littered with third-party murmurings of various personas ranging from shady men to opinionated fans, setting the scene for a much darker visual imagery of Gloc-9’s lyrics. It certainly had that effect on Industriya when backdrop buzzed of commentaries like, “Oy si idol! / Mayabang naman yan e.,” as the song also tells of the artist’s struggles.

Of course, Gloc-9’s signature social-issues-tackling lyrics reappear strongly in songs like Kalye, featuring Yosha and Ang Probinsyano, and Ebe Dancel. All of the songs in the album are loosely stitched together to form one

narrative that Gloc-9 targeted to cover issues in the Filipino society, such as the people’s conformation to colonial mentality and the undying issue of corruption.

The tracks always have a hint of hopefulness to them, though, and it was Gloc-9’s way of bringing an optimistic view for the album.

In regards to the number of featured artist in this story-driven album, Gloc-9 said that it was an honor to work with the voices of some artists he respects. With the help of other artists, he was able to string up an album concerning “the day-to-day experience of our kababayans,” said Gloc in his Starmometer interview. Over a decade after his debut, Gloc-9 has maintained to be socially relevant and will continue to be for generations to come. Sukli just contributes to those Filipino anthems sung from college campuses to dingy streets. It is with Gloc-9’s lyrics that a part of our culture and society will live on.

Anne Carson, in the context of mythology and romantic relationships, argues Eros’ triadic nature: the lover, the beloved and that which comes between them. According to her, the third component “plays a paradoxical role for it both connects and separates, marking that two are not one, irradiating the absence whose presence is demanded by Eros.”

This is the point of tension by which the poems in The Proxy Eros cleave to. This is Mookie Katigbak’s (as she was yet unmarried to fictionist Sarge Lacuesta at the the time of release) debut poetry collection released in 2008 and published by Anvil Publishing.

At once, she becomes the woman loved and in love, as well as the persona being chased by and running after, gazing upon and being gazed upon, with admiration from within and without, a lover— desire viewed from different heights. This monomania is sustained throughout the collection with Katigbak’s deft handling of the craft employed through conspicuous allusions to myth and art (Daphne and Apollo, chiaroscuro, Jean Cocteau), as well as other overtly literary references.

The book opens with “Making Love” which quickly foreshadows the sensuous lyricism that pervades the collection. (He enters you slow, then lunges / To break the prone wound open. / The seam gives, an involuntary / Quiver, but this is not a heart—// Even as he says this is how we love.) But steering away from being merely pornographic, despite the bluntness of images used, Katigbak injects, with admirable maturity, snippets of sadness and wisdom in the poems.

As she does, she assumes the stance of the virginal but wise persona.

There is apparent deliberateness in the employment of sound and diction. Musicality, which is often neglected in much of the conceptual-heavy contemporary practice in Filipino poetry, is particularly paid attention to.

Mellifluous words, to heighten its lyricism, fill the collection: cobalt, saboteur, whorl, skein, rivulet,

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

cluster. It is also as if the whole collection is a firework display of Katigbak’s technical virtuosity.

Another feat for the poems in the collection is their quality of restraint. “What I am ever is this: composure of stone,” says the first line of the poem As Far as Cho Fu Sa, a re-rendering of an Ezra Pound translation of a Li Po poem titled “The River Merchant’s Wife.” That line resembles the persona in how it views desire: at a vantage point of stillness. The persona embraces her desire’s impossibility of being physically returned by her lover due to the sprawling distance between them, as in the heartbreaking last lines: But nothing moves. Somewhere / You are actual. Happen to me there.

In “Brace Me Somewhere,” she summons the story of the nymph Daphne and the god Apollo in their endless chase, Katigbak assuming the panting and yearning Apollo. (Don’t touch me, you said, meaning / Do. The way a difficult child / Warding off help means to be held.) Similarly, the concluding lines in “Quiver”, also part of the suite of poems that extend the myth, depicts the persona’s persistence: And wherever you go, I am to follow.

The crux of this otherwise gleaming and taut debut, like the problems of sugary Top 40 pop songs made for mass consumption, as well as that which makes them work so well, is it sticks to formula. Baring its bones is not difficult for the observant reader. The poems’ closures, their aphoristic nature made to announce a sweeping statement, can become repetitive. Its effect when experienced throughout the collection, on and on and on, can feel rather like proverbial bumps more than their intended jolts of insight. However, this weakness can be its strength when the poems are judged individually.

One of Katigbak’s challenges, too, is deeply embedded in the subject matter and the form she pursues in this book: desire and lyric poetry.

How does she stand among the greats, from Shakespeare to Sharon Olds, in handling such themes and this form?

How does she carry the burden of bringing about successful contemporaneity against a rich tradition? She makes it look easy. The Proxy Eros, in this difficult feat, triumphs with grace, and with it proves that lyric poetry can still be fresh and exciting, abundant of fresh sensations and new ways of looking at the world only poetry can offer. It will even send a tingle or two down your spine.

12

THESPECTRUM / FEATURE

By Andrea Nicole C. Farol Illustrated by Glen Jed Descutido

One of the things that makes the Philippines unique is its archipelagic geography. Cities and communities are spread out across large bodies of water but in spite of this, we are governed by a single national government. And, seeking inspiration from more progressive nations, the Duterte administration advocates for change in the form of federalism.

As a child, we are taught that we are specks in the vast universe. And in this universe, we exist in a solar system wherein there is a sun in the center and planets revolving around it in their respective orbits. One can view the federal system as such.

Federalism refers to a mixed form of government, wherein a central or general government is combined with regional governments (provincial, state, territorial or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system. Malacañang has already expressed its plan to intensify the campaign for federalism after a Pulse Asia survey showed that four in every ten Filipinos oppose charter change. The poll also revealed that 77% of Filipinos know little about the issue and a lot are undecided.

Federalism will enable regions to be the beneficiaries of own resources and ensure fairer allocation of funds between the national and local government. It will promote development in the rural areas and

will let unaddressed issues take the spotlight. The set-up will establish states which will enable them to enact their own laws and regulations.

However, national citizenship, currency, national defense and foreign affairs will still be under the central government.

There have been previous efforts to amend the constitution but these are only viewed as attempts to extend the term limits of officials.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and his father, former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., a long-time federalism advocate, are both pushing for a “uniquely Filipino” federal set-up. According to the younger Pimentel, “federalism’s complex nature demands careful study. Scholars contend that there is not one model in the world that fits all. Each country must discern its own version of federalism according to peculiar conditions in its society.”

His father, the elder Pimentel, is proposing 11 federal Philippine states: four in Luzon (Northern, Central, Southern Luzon and Bicol), four in the Visayas (Eastern, Central, and Western Visayas and a new grouping for Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon and Marinduque as he believes it is closer to Visayas), and three in Mindanao (Northern and Southern Mindanao, and the federal state of the Bangsamoro).

WHY WE CAN EASILY SHIFT

In our country, there already

exist widely accepted regional geographical boundaries. Currently, the archipelagic republic of the Philippines is divided into 18 regions.

And in these regional boundaries, the national government has set up a regional office.

Also, Filipino is the national language but the geographical boundaries have also coincided with distinct dialects in the different regions. The existence of regional bureaucracies will make it easier for

AUGUST 2016

the regional governments to organize their own government bureaucracies.

“A MOTION IN REVERSE”

Criticism against federalism is the perceived lack of economic feasibility that will hinder progress in the federal states. It is true that there are poor provinces and even cities but the federal states will be regional and not province-based. One indicator for potential economic progress in the region is the presence

Culture and Heritage in Between Woven Fabric

By Daphne Tanya L. Molenaar Photo by Ariana L. Chua

Visayas, or Bisayas, is mostly known for the sugary sweet delicacies and lechon everything, but the 490-island group is not only very particular with food.

The textile industry is just as detailed as the glazed and grilled edibles.

Originally, hemp-based and intricately braided handwoven fabrics are from the abaca plant, which is a small and inedible specie of banana and now there is also the sinamay, piña, and jusi fibers which are known as iconic Visayan textiles.

Intending to show the importance of the influence of local traditional textile in the development of a community, Panahi: New Works on Visayan Contemporary Textile is a combination of a collaborative meeting cum workshop and a month-long exhibit.

Panahi, which literally translates to sewing, aims to contribute to initiating culture

for sustainable development, to further creativity and diversity of artistic expression, and to foster a strong sense of nationhood and Filipino pride through the promotion of the local culture and arts.

Museo de la Salle Bacolod hosted the two-day collaborative meeting and workshop last August 5 and housed the intricately handstitched or machine-embroidered and tie-dyed artworks made out of canvas, silk from Bago City, hablon from Valladolid, and found objects that were incorporated into the works of Olive Gloria from August 29 until September 30.

The Bacolod visual artist, with her love for this Visayan textile, integrated her practice and experience on these local textiles as an art and is also a firsttime National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) grant recipient for her individual proposal of Panahi.

The Panahi Workshop partnered with De La Salle College of St. Benilde, NCCA,

and University of St. La Salle (USLS), and hosted 30 to 35 participants from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sibato Integrated School in Silay City, the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement Bago Training Center, Valladolid Loom Weavers Association, and USLS. It was a whole community of traditional weavers finally getting together to impart their craft to interested students.

Not only was culture centralized here but also the participation of multifarious people was encouraged, specifically to women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and the lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals, transexuals and queers of the community.

“The Evolution of Filipino Costumes Series,” a traveling exhibition curated and organized

by The Ayala Museum, is also timely displayed alongside Panahi at the Museo de la Salle Bacolod,

showcasing dolls dressed in native Filipino clothing.

“I really want the younger generation to show love and appreciation for our local traditional textile and discover its potential for inclusive growth, and the possibilities of how they can promote and preserve this material as a medium of culture, heritage, history and tradition,” said Gloria.

She also added that NCCA has an open call for proposals for everyone and that anyone interested may always check out the NCCA webpage if they would like to come up with their own workshop or to simply check out activities of local museums and galleries as they offer workshops of this kind often.

When asked for any future plans, Gloria answered with a similar yet equally diverse event, “I am planning to apply for another grant for the next Panahi, this time documenting the process and incorporating indigenous needleworks of the Panay Bukidnon tribe.”

of metropolitan areas that could be transformed into commercial, transportation and financial centers.

One of the most important aspects of federalism would be the prospect that the quality of education in the regions could strive to be on the same level as in the capital. This inequality of education standards has been one of the main reasons for the unequal pace of economic development in the country.

Federalism will mean delegation

of decision-making to the regions.

Other labor benefits may also be promulgated on a regional basis.

Even land use regulations may be done on a regional basis and there will be regional economic development plans. This could lead to tax incentives and fees.

Aside from a national strategy, companies may need to formulate regional business plans. Corporate structures for companies with nationwide businesses may require setting up regional branches and infrastructures.

The case for federalism will be judged on whether it will provide each Filipino citizen from all walks of life equal economic opportunity, the right to equal justice and the opportunity for a life of human dignity.

Federalism is not a perfect system–there is none–but it could provide solution to problems which originate from the cultural diversity across the country.

“For me, federalism rests on the principle that the smallest unit of government knows what is best for the needs of its constituents,” Pimentel said.

It is unclear yet how and when the current administration will persuade the public to take a stand on this issue. But, ultimately, the government and the system’s advocates hope that by dividing the work and focusing them to local governments, the nation can work more efficiently as one and thereby steer its way to progress.

ECOBOX

The Season of Smells

By Joshua Martin P. Guanco Photo from www.organicsfs.com

It’s that time of the year again when the “Ber months” start gracing our calendars, when the nights get colder and longer, and when the wind that we feel (and smell) is uncannily unique. Well, it’s not the upcoming Yuletide season; it’s the durian season.

The durian (Durio zibethinus) is a fruit famous for its powerful odor and spiky façade. Its barbs, the duri in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, give the fruit its rightful nomenclature.

Beneath the spiny, greenish skin are seeds embraced in sticky yellow flesh. Just like the marang, this fruit possesses edible pulp with different features ranging from buttery and creamy to amber-colored and stringy. According to durian enthusiasts, the fruit’s flavor is warm, nutty, with a slight reminiscent taste of cheese or onions. For those in the anti-durian lane, it’s another story.

The fruit’s usual harvest season starts in late August to November; and throughout that time period, one can see fruit stalls with vendors chopping this fruit apart with their knives, constantly offering free tastes to curious individuals who are up for the challenge.

Besides its contradicting attributes like its scent and taste, the sugary fruit also boasts the title “The King of Fruits” because of the health benefits it gives. Its pulp is very abundant in raw fats, protein, potassium

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

and vitamins. It is also a good source of Vitamin C which is also found in citrus fruits.

Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines consider durian as ‘heating food’ because of the warm sensation you feel at your belly from the first bite. The durian-eating ritual is then traditionally followed by drinking cold water or eating a piece of mangosteen to provide a refresher for the brave eater.

If you think that its smell made the durian unappealing, think again. It has various health precautions as well.

Pregnant women, people with heart ailments and the frail are all advised to avoid the King of Fruits because of its crippling effects. Durian and beer also don’t get along very well; it leads to a bloated belly and a scent that makes people avoid you whenever you’re near. Its scent alone is also very hard to dissipate specifically in places like hotels and public terminals.

Thus, it is banned from the aforementioned places.

Durio zibethinus might be a fruit that rewards its eaters with various health benefits and an unforgettable scent, but if you’re trying it for the first time, have a few adjectives ready just in case you’re overwhelmed by the sensation. It’s the King of Fruits you’re eating, so it’s best to give it some simple courtesy.

LEISURE / THESPECTRUM

AUGUST 2016

13

CROSSWORD PUZZLE #3 In line with Buwan ng Lahi, try to answer these trivias on everything Filipino.

Aral Muna by Seth V. Pullona

How 2 Impress da Girls by Sophia Inez Bilbao

ACROSS 2. Miss Universe, 1969 5. Mythical creature in Philippine Folklore 6. One of the world’s 17 “Decade Volcanoes” 8. Legendary bird of the Maranao people 9. Famous cola brand

Fancy by Cedric Lance M. Militar

DOWN 1. The Creator God of the Tagalog people 2. Martyr priests 3. Elected president in 1965 4. WBC Featherweight Champion 7. Traditional Filipino Dish

SUDOKU #3

Accident by Karen D. Panganiban

Lagbong by Katrina Y. Nemenzo Solution to Crossword #2:

“THANK

A student’s guide to the many local dialects composing our Filipino language.

• •

Prepared by Joshua Martin Guanco Illustrated by Cedric Lance M. Militar

•

YOU!”

ANGAN KAPAMP T” “SALAMA NO A C CHAVA S” “GRACIA IBANAG LO”

“MABBA

“HOW ARE YOU?”

•

BUTUANON “KUMUSTA NA KAW?”

•

BALANGINGI “SINGGAHAN DA KA?”

•

BOLINAO “ANI IDYA MO?”

•

CHAVACANO “QUETAL MAN TU?”

•

IBATAN “ARA KA MANGU?”

“I LOVE YOU.” •

•

PANGASINENSE

•

“INARO TA KA”

“IHADAW KO

IBANAG

IMU”

•

B’LAAN

“IDDU TAKA”

•

IVATAN

TAGALOG “INIIBIG KITA”

“KANDO TA GE”

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

Solution to Sudoku #2:

• •

ITAWIS LAT” “MABBA

ILOCANO ANAK LA “AGYAM UNAY”

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THESPECTRUMUSLS

14

TRUTH BEYOND KNOWING

THESPECTRUM.USLS@GMAIL.COM

AUGUST 2016

CONTRAST. A player’s silhouette is set against the swimming pool where four swimmers prepare for the swimming competition for the MC All Stars last Sept. 3.

Rio 2016: An Overview of the first South American Summer Olympics

By Stephine Paul M. Dungca

After four years of waiting and preparation, the two-week much anticipated event of 2016 has finally concluded last August 21 at the Maracanã Stadium.

The Rio Summer Olympics bid goodbye with fireworks and festivity after displaying not only athleticism but also unity and sportsmanship among the seven continents of the world.

The United States (US) bagged the most number of medals with 46 golds, 37 silvers and 38 bronzes (121 medals in total). Great Britain finished second on the medal table with 27 golds while China took the third spot with 26 golds. This is the fifth time in the past Summer Olympics that the Americans got to lead the medal count. In addition, American swimmer Michael Phelps was dubbed as the most decorated Olympian of history after bagging 28 medals in which six were from the Rio Olympics

(five golds and one silver).

The Rio Olympics highlighted a comeback of talents including Phelps and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who bagged three gold medals along with his ninth Olympic gold title. However, the competition also welcomed arising legends with American Gymnast Simone Biles who clutched four golds and one bronze in her very first Olympics at age 19.

Though they garnered seven golds, six silvers and six bronzes, the host country took a bumpy ride towards the two-week duration of the games. Men’s Volleyball finally avenged London Olympics’ two-set lead and three-straightset silver medal upset (against Russia) in the gold medal match with Italy. Men’s Football also replaced London’s silver with a gold after dumping Germany in the final match. However, one of the biggest upsets for the Brazilians is the third consecutive Women’s Volleyball Olympic Gold medal

upset after losing to the new champions, China, at home court in the quarterfinals and as well as the disappointing Men’s Basketball start with a 76-82 loss against Lithuania. The host country did not consider the famous phrase “home-court advantage” and took the 13th sport on the medal table.

The 2016 Olympics itself was historic for some countries (and even continents) as Ethiopian runner Almaz Ayana smashed a world record for the 10,000-meter race and bagged Africa’s first ever Olympic gold. In addition, Filipina Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the silver medal in the women’s 53-kg weight division, ending the Philippines’ 20-year Olympic medal drought.

Asia, the powerhouse continent, also made some enormous returns with Chen Long winning his first Olympic gold in Badminton after settling for bronze in London during the 2012 Olympics.

Women’s Volleyball team rose

to the gold medal success after a disappointing two wins and three losses in the preliminary round Pool B result and Ku Bonchan of Korea bagged two golds for Archery. Uzbekistan bagged the most number of medals (seven) in the medal table for Boxing.

After the heated National Basketball Association (NBA) League of 2016, one of the most awaited Olympic Sport, Men’s Basketball, concluded with the US sweeping the whole tournament without a single defeat in their gold medal race.

Aside from the results, Rio 2016 made some great differences compared to London 2012. The opening ceremony, which showcased the beauty and festivity that is Brazil, had rows of seats becoming vacant as the ceremony finished. Alex Ritson of BBC said in his article that the chief executive of the company Filmmaster Events, who has been RIO/page 10

The End of a 20-Year Medal Drought

By Joshua Martin P. Guanco

The Philippine Olympic team displayed why Filipinos are one of the most talented people in the world with their individual performances during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games last August 6 to 23.

The team, who entered the games with a flare of confidence and pride, was composed of 13 athletes who were very determined to end the 20-year medal drought of the country. The 16 athletes were namely, Eric Cray, Mary Tabal, and Marestella Torres for Track and Field events; Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez for

Boxing; Miguel Tabuena for Golf; Kodo Nakano for Judo; Jessie Lacuna and Jasmine Alkhaldi for Swimming; Ian Lariba for Table Tennis; Kristie Alora for Taekwondo; and Nestor Colonia and Hidilyn Diaz for Weightlifting.

The Filipino people, as well as the international audience, witnessed their expertise on their respective playing fields . However, 12 of them fell short of bringing a medal back to the country – which last happened in 1996 with Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco’s silver medal finish in the men’s 48 kg boxing category at the Atlanta

Olympics.

But just when all hope of bringing a medal home was gone, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz nabs the silver medal in the women’s 53 kg division last August 8.

Diaz became the first female athlete to win an Olympic accolade for the Philippines. She also became the first weightlifter as well as the first non-boxing athlete to have won a medal for the country since 1936.

Despite having a haphazard performance in the snatch event, Diaz managed to get a hold of herself during the clean and jerk round, lifting 111 kg and 112 kg

in her first and second attempts.

However, she failed to lift 117 kg on her third attempt, thus holding with the silver medal, while Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Shu-Ching finished gold, and Korea’s Yoon Jin Hee brought home the bronze.

As the ancient Olympic flames travel to Tokyo, the Philippines finished the Summer games 71st out of 207 countries, with one silver medal courtesy of Diaz. And even though only one medal was won by the country during the games, it has left the nation and its athletes a renewed sense of joy and determination to strive harder in future competitions.

Photo by Jhon ALdrin M. Casinas

“God-given talent”

Photo courtesy of Stephen Tan

Name: Nessi V. Ramos Age: 20 years old Sport: Football Course: COMK4E

TIMEOUT

By Gian Von J. Caberte

“I didn’t expect to be a footballer. All I know is that this is a God-given talent,” said Nessi V. Ramos, a fourth year college student who majors in Marketing Management and is a forward in the Ceres – La Salle Men’s College Football Team.

It all started when he and his brothers were playing volleyball and Nessi found it odd that he was much more comfortable using his feet rather than his hands. The turning point came when his dad, a footballer-turnedpastor, suggested that he try football – from there, his life was changed.

“I tried football and I loved it,” said Nessi, “and by the grace of God, until now, my love for football never fades. A day without football is useless for me. Football for me is not just a sport, but a passion. I’m proud to be a footballer and I thank God for that.”

By the time he was 15, he was handpicked and trained

Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle - USLS Student Activity Center, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 - Volume 61 Number 5

with the best of the best.

He is now part of the U-16 Philippine National Football Team – a dream of his from the beginning. “I couldn’t believe it when I was called up,” he remarked.

However, Nessi, as with all other student athletes, is not without his struggles and hardships. With a great number of students lining up and waiting for an opportunity to be part of the select few athletes who represent the University in sports and other disciplines they love, the pressure for him is constant; he has to be in great form, or else it’s the bench – or worse, the boot, for him, as the team’s performance must always be at its best.

Since he trains every day, the greatest struggle for him is in balancing his dedication to football, his studies, and his relationship to God, his family and his loved ones.

All the hardwork and countless hours of training paid dividends.

Nessi’s accomplishments with Ceres – La Salle are astounding: Champions Unigames 2013 and 2014; Champions - Smart Cup 2015 and 2016; Champions - NOPSSCEA 2013 to 2015; Champions - PRISAA Regional 2013 to 2015; Champions - PRISAA National 2013-2015; Champions - Ceres Cup 2014, 2015 and 2016.

However, for Nessi, football is not about being a team captain or being a member of the national team, neither on getting awards, nor scoring goals. For him it’s about lessening the struggles of his parents financially and glorifying God by using his given talent in good way.