The Spectrum May-June 2019 Newspaper

T R U T H

B E Y O N D

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

K N O W I N G

Return of the comeback ba kamo? Pwes, you do note the chika...now na!!

THE OFFICIAL S TUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF S T. L A SALLE

USLS embraces Tercentenary celeb

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES WITH REPORTS FROM PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

NEWS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to integrate into society, changing mundane tasks into algorithms to improve global efficiency. read on page 2

EDITORIAL

Is the country’s sovereignty at stake after a Chinese vessel rammed a small Philippine fishing boat? Filipinos must take action against the neighborhood bully. read on page 4

DEVELOPMENT

Modern jeepneys en route to operate in the city are hindered by the threat of monopolization and suspected fare hike. read on page 6

VANTAGE POINT

2019 lands a significant event in the heart of every Bacolodnon that took Pride to the streets. A protest, as colorful as it is, reels in folks to look for the pot of gold. read on page 8

DAGWAY

A local band takes a shot at the big leagues and brings home a record label from the Metro. read on page 10 PRIDE. Girard Mariano L. Lopez, waving the LGBTQ+ community flag during the first Bacolod Pride March.—KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

In commemoration of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s 300th death anniversary, the University of St. La Salle Bacolod joined other Lasallian schools nationwide in a yearlong celebration with the theme: One heart. One commitment.

One life.

Spearheaded by Ilonggo Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC, the #300 La Salle Tercentenary celebration in the Philippines consists of year-round activities from Jan 1, 2019 to May 15, 2020 organized by the Lasallian

Tercentenary Committee.

To kick off the commemoration, Lasallian students, faculty, and staff gathered to form the Animosaic—a mosaic of St. La Salle as a tribute to his life and legacy, last March 12.

“Through us, Lasallian partners—students, faculty, staff, alumni, [and] parents—must understand and realize [that] while the founder is no longer physically with us, through his spirit in us [...] we are La Salle,” Vice Chancellor for Mission

and Development Geoffrey Bob Bergante explained.

Consequently, a group of Lasallian Brothers visited the Chapel of St. La Salle in Kalinga, which marks the scope of Lasallian education as far as the Mt. Province, gifting the village a statue of the founder, last April 7.

“It’s amazing how 300 years from his death, his spirit lives—Lasallian education is very much alive, in USLS in particular,” Bergante expressed.

Recently, alumni representatives from

Summer Splash 2019 ends with a row

BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

After this year’s Summer Splash themed “Spectra: The Flux of Colors” transpired last May 3, one concessionaire aired out her complaints via a social media platform regarding how the event was organized by the University Student Government (USG).

Hazel Dimagiba*, the owner of a food business*, posted a Facebook status detailing the complaints she had during the event that took place at the Nazareth Activity Hub, Brgy. Mansilingan.

According to Dimagiba’s* online post, she was not able to earn profit from her food business*, as students were required by the USG to bring their own meals and containers.

“We were not aware that they were allowed to bring food. We shouldn’t have joined—what happened was

SPECTRA. Newly hailed Summer Icon Rafaella Orian posing for a photo op with the USG Executing officers after the competition.—GERICO T. GUANCO

not fair at all,” Dimagiba* shared on her post.

She also noted that they were promised around a thousand students would be present at the event, as all of the summer class takers were required to attend.

Accompanied by a photo on the post, Dimagiba* stated: “My staff took a picture and I tried looking for the 1000 students that they were talking about.”

On the other hand, E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com

Department of Budget and Finance Secretary Paolo Mansilingan, in charge of canopy rental and concessionaire agreements, defended that other concessionaires gave good feedback, since they were able to have their return on capital and no other complaints were raised.

“The ones that had food catered were for the NEWS / PAGE 2

FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls

various La Salle schools all over the country, along with Japanese alumni, flocked to Balay Kalinungan for the welcoming dinner hosted by the University of St. La Salle Alumni Association Bacolod, Inc. “It’s a collaborative effort [...] that’s how Lasallians do it. We don’t just rely on one person, it’s always collaborative— p a r t i c i p a t i v e , ”

Bergante stressed.

Other tercentenary activities to be observed include: the tour of the relic of St. La Salle in different Lasallian schools around the country, 300 Youth Sojourn to be participated

by Lasallian Senior High School students, and dedication of the Shrine of the Founder at De La Salle Canlubang, Laguna.

F u r t h e r m o r e , Tercentenary Grand Raffle,

PlayCon: Congress of Philippine Lasallian Youth, RODOMO: Lasallian City of Food, Arts, and Music, and Sojourn 2020: Pilgrimage to Lasallian Heritage Sites are some of the expected events.

“While we commemorate his Tercentenary death anniversary, we would rather remember him as being alive in us, within us, and among us,” Bergante added.

USLS earns new position in AUN-QA

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO AND HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

The ASEAN University Network - Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Council recently welcomed the USLS as its newest Associate Member, effective last February.

Established in 1998, the AUN-QA is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) agency responsible for promoting quality assurance among higher education institutions globally.

“Our achievements can be reflected in the continual trust and confidence in the AUN-QA network from our AUN Member Universities and our growing number of AUN-QA Associate Members,” Acting Chairperson of AUNQA Associate Professor Dr. Nantana Gajaseni stated in a welcoming message.

As an Associate Member, USLS is tasked to appoint a Chief Quality Officer (CQO) for the university and nominate candidates to be trained as AUN assessors, as well as to participate and support in AUN-QA activities.

“Sixteen years of

ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls

experiences culminated from series of AUN-QA assessments, AUN-QA trainings, and expanding cooperation with regional and international partners has proven how far we have come and the strength of our foundation as the AUN-QA network,” the chairperson continued.

According to the official AUN-QA website, as an Associate Member, USLS can now enjoy “opportunities to be involved in AUN-QA programmes, and/or projects and to develop joint initiatives with other partnering organizations; networking through CQOs meetings and conferences; and opportunity for their institutions and programmes to be assessed by AUN-QA network.”

Additionally, they will be “given privilege and priority to attend AUN-QA training workshops and courses; and [allowed] sharing of AUN-QA best practices and information relating to quality assurance.”

Gajaseni also asserted that the association is continuing

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to reach new heights while accepting the challenge of uniting the ASEAN community.

“With the 16 years of achievements within our AUN-QA System and Mechanisms, we will remain steadfast to our principles, and continue to promote the Quality Assurance Development in the region and beyond, with a touch of quality,” she concluded.

USLS is one of the only 13 academic institutions who currently possess the position of Associate Member in the Philippines, along with the following: Centro Escolar University, University of Santo Tomas, Visayas State University, Central Luzon State University, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, University of Immaculate Conception, Technological Institute of the Philippines, University of Southeastern Philippines, Cagayan State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, and Trinity University of Asia.

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NEWS

MAY TO JUNE 2019

BCD’s Fight for Lasallites convene for 2nd Climate Justice One La Salle Alumni Congress Ensues

BY KATHERINE E. CO AND PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

BY DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

—PHOTO COURTESY OF JORGE GAMBOA

Governor-elect Eugenio “Bong” Lacson’s inauguration became the venue wherein Youth for Climate Hope (Y4CH), together with environmental activists all over Negros voiced out their concerns for the environment in front of the Provincial Capitol Lagoon last June 29.

“I have been rallying for 22 years already. My grandchild has been rallying since 7 years old. Until when will we continue rallying?” veteran anti-coal activist Dr. Romana de los Reyes expressed.

Jonathan Lobaton, Chief of Staff of Governor Bong Lacson assured the public that the governor is open for dialogue.

“One thing is for sure, we are willing to sit down with you. In fact, he [Lacson] had said that renewable energy has a place in this province,” Lobaton said.

Y4CH has been pushing for a coal-free Negros since the administration of former Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., which resulted to the signing of an executive order that prohibits the entry of coal-fired power plants in the province.

Krishna Ariola, lead convenor of the protest USG CONCESSIONAIRES

faculty and one college unit ordered their own as well,” Mansilingan added.

According to him, the miscommunication started when some of the business owners were not present during the orientation and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

“Four of the concessionaires—two businesses sharing one canopy each [including the business*]—were not even planned and were just last minute extras to fill up the slots. Another business owner* signed the contract on their behalf,” Mansilingan shared.

All in all, there were a total of eight canopies and 12 concessionaires, excluding the three clubs.

“It has already [been] given immediate and necessary actions with the help of the Office for Student Affairs,” USG Executive President Angelica Moreño expressed.

encourages people to talk more about climate crisis.

In an interview with Rappler, she emphasizes that environmental issues are not household conversations.

“We need to mainstream the discussion on the climate catastrophe if we want to start turning the gears and spur our leaders towards drastic and immediate climate action,” she added.

To heed the call for climate justice, Y4CH also joined the second International Youth for Climate Strike last May 24.

“What do we want?

Climate Justice! When do we want it? Now!” This was the battle cry of the youth as they rallied in the streets of Bacolod.

This has been the Greta Effect, after the 15-yearold Swedish activist Greta Thunberg caught the attention of the United Nations for her passionate speeches to save the environment.

Her movement sparked the idea of #FridaysForFuture, an international call for climate justice, encouraging students all over the globe to skip school on Fridays to rally in the streets.

Bacolod’s youthled organization Y4CH along with Youth Strike for Climate Philippines organized the local rally to join other countries around the world to fight for the cause.

Y4CH also appeals for the local government for the full implementation of the Plastic Bag Regulation Ordinance (CO 562) and the passage of a Renewable Energy & Coal-Free Ordinance for Negros Occidental.

The Office of Student Affairs took matters into their hands and contacted the complainant to take down her post regarding the event, as it was a form of defamation against the entire Lasallian community.

However, after taking down her original post, Dimagiba* then shared another one censoring the school’s name but with the same context.

Consequently, the USG is opting to ban the businesses that air the complaints online for their future events.

They revised their MoA contract stating that the concessionaires cannot raise their complaints via online platforms unless permitted to do so by the USG and there shall be an additional penalty fee for every concessionaire that is unable to attend the orientation. *Names were changed to protect the identity of the persons and establishments involved.

In light of the tercentenary celebration of the death of St. John Baptist de La Salle, 150 Lasallian alumni and delegates from all over the country gathered for the second One La Salle Alumni Congress last June 26-29 held primarily in the University premises.

Hosted by the University of St. La Salle Alumni Association (USLSAA) Bacolod, Inc., the national convention themed “Namit na, Sadya pa, Teh!” in essence of the Bacolodnon celebratory spirit aimed to serve as an avenue for Lasallian alumni chapters to share in the growth of the Lasallian mission in the country.

Throughout the four-day affair, Lasallian delegates and key speakers discussed the essence of living out the Lasallian values of Faith, Service, and Communion in Mission through separate plenary sessions, culminating at the University

Coliseum with the Youth at Risk forum among college students.

“Every Lasallian does what he or she is responsible for [...] because we are His living presence in the world,” expressed Br. Armin Luistro, FSC from the Lasallian East Asian District, to echo the vocation of the Lasallian founder during the plenary session on Service at St. Br. Miguel Building on the third day.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, an alumnus of both the University of St. La Salle and De La Salle University, graced the opening ceremony at the Coliseum as guest speaker right after the election of the Federation of La Salle Alumni Associations of the Philippines (FLSAAP).

During the Turnover Ceremony and Chairman’s Night, Johnny Sy, the fouryear chairman of the One La Salle Alumni Congress, passed the chairmanship over to Henry Atayde hailing from the La Salle Green Hills Alumni Association

TURNOVER. Br. Martinez hands down the symbolic bust of St. La Salle to Henry Atayde during the turnover ceremony. —ANGELO F. DESPI

(LSGHAA).

In turn, the LSGHAA will serve as the host for the third One La Salle Alumni Congress in 2021 after USLSAA and the De La Salle Lipa Alumni Association, which hosted the first Congress in 2017, since the alumni congress is held once every two years.

“We have made a difference—our mark in the world is the Animo,” Atayde declared, reiterating what makes the FLSAAP unlike any other alumni federations in the country and in the

world.

Atayde added that there would be much preparation needed for the third Congress, starting with the fourth UMAEL (World Union of Lasallian Alumni) World Congress to be hosted by the Lasallian alumni of the United States of America and Canada on Nov. 22-26.

The alumni congress was participated by 11 alumni associations from 16 La Salle schools and institutions all over the country, along with delegates from La Salle Kagoshima, Japan.

USLS ranks 57th in nationwide best school

BY DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO AND ERICA JAINE A. MESTRE

In a nationwide assessment by The Spanish National Research Council, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) placed 57th in the 2019 Top 200 Colleges and Universities in the Philippines.

The Webometrics is a ranking system for the world’s universities focused on its impact and web visibility whose distinctions were based on the online presence, excellence, and openness.

“This award serves as an affirmation and an inspiration for us to do better,” Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC shared in an interview.

He also emphasized that the Webometrics ranking is not the university’s only source of affirmation, as the university carries a Level IV Accreditation under its belt after six site visits by the Philippine Accreditation of Schools, Colleges, and Universities last year.

Among the entire learning institutions in the island of Negros, only USLS and Silliman University in

Dumaguete were included in the list, with the latter garnering the 10th place.

He also highlighted that USLS is a relatively young institution compared to others on the list.

“USLS was only founded in 1952, while the University of the Philippines (UP) was founded in 1911, and University of Santo Tomas, during the Spanish era,” he added.

Listed on top of the list are universities from Manila, with UP Diliman, De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places,

respective

“Here in Bacolod City, we are the big fish. But compared to the institutions in Metro Manila, we are not.

We might even be a guppy,” he expressed.

Despite the recognition, he also discussed the need for improvement of the university in terms of physical facilities, academic instruction, university research, outreach programs, and the administration.

“The university is not just the building. It is the people,” he concluded.

BCD-based researchers press for AI awareness

BY STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO AND ERICA JAINE A. MESTRE

Other than the climate crisis, another deadline is to be faced by 2030.

Lifebank Foundation Inc. Vice Chairman Nicanor Perlas stressed that by the said year, advanced forms of artificial intelligence (AI) might render some occupations obsolete, during the presentation of his team’s research project titled “Scanning the Artificial Intelligence Landscape (SAIL)”.

“It’s time to reconceptualize everything to prepare us for the integration of AI,” he stated during his talk at the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B)

auditorium last May 23.

The team highlighted that if no intervention is done, the rapid progress of AI shall give way to the automation of more jobs, since it shall no longer require operation from humans.

Furthermore, an estimated 400 to 800 million of the global workforce population may be displaced by 2030.

The project which started last year is also the first attempt at doing ‘actual research’ on the subject matter in Negros, according to Perlas, who added the importance of AI awareness in a time where people have little to no idea about it.

The study centered on the influence of AI in various areas, namely: the business

process outsourcing (BPO) industry, overseas Filipino workers (OFW) , Negros’ agriculture and sugar industry, finance, and society.

Along with team members Dr. Aurora Villaueva and SAIL Project Manager Paulo Hilado, Perlas urged the academe to develop an updated Science curriculum to better equip its graduates for the integration.

“Mundane, repetitive, and routinary tasks can be done by these machines. If we are engaged in tasks like these, then we have to think twice to do something about it and to upgrade ourselves,” Hilado stated.

He added that part of their research’s recommendations were

courses of action that could prepare the workforce for the AI integration, such as: upgrading of skills, policies with the usage of AI, and the ethical considerations when developing the AI products.

“We are living in the future [...] and I believe that if we are not a school of the future, we run the risk of being a school without future,” CSA-B Vice President for Student Affairs and External Relations Fr. Tito Soquino said, regarding the school’s partnership with Lifebank Foundation, Inc. for the event.

CSA-B is the first leg out of Project SAIL’s planned tour around Negros academic institutions, and private and public sectors in its aim to raise awareness regarding AI.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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NEWS

MAY TO JUNE 2019

1st Graduate Research Conference debuts

The Perpetual Changes of Bacolod City NEWS FEATURE

BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA AND HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

BY JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

Showcasing the theses and dissertations of 52 masteral and doctoral candidates in the graduate program, the University of St. La Salle held the first Graduate Research Conference at the Mutien Marie (MM) building last June 8.

With the theme “Pursuing the Culture of Excellence through Relevant Research”, the conference emphasized the importance of graduate education and research in facilitating the pursuit of excellence in the university.

“The nurturance of the culture of excellence should be an essential and integral component of graduate education. It is only through the seamless interface of teaching and research with practical applications that higher institutions can ensure excellence,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Dr. Romeo Teruel.

During the morning plenary sessions, Psychology Department Chairperson Dr. Ramon Clemente Lachica and Elementary Education Department Chairperson Dr. Ana Rosa Carmona shared

the findings of their research entitled “The Psychology of Natural Recovery Among Filipino Drug Dependents” and “Analysis of the HydroSedimentary Response to Biophysical Characteristics of Major Watersheds in Negros Occidental, Philippines”, respectively.

In the afternoon, 12 parallel sessions divided into nine key topics were participated by the students and faculty, which included Teaching and Parenting; Leadership and Governance, Marriage and Family Life; Assessment and Pedagogy; Agriculture and Business; Marketing and Entrepreneurship; Psychology and Guidance; Applied Linguistics, Governance, and Public Management; and Emerging Innovations and Methods in Environment and Information Technology.

The Graduate Research Conference, which shall now be an annual activity of the university, was coorganized by the Center for Research and Engagement and the Graduate Program Office.

As the city celebrates its past, it also embraces the future with upcoming innovations and construction plans.

“For the past 80 years, the Charter Day of Bacolod was celebrated every October 19.

But starting this year, it will be celebrated every June 18,” Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia stated.

Bacolod Charter Day has been moved from October 19 to June 18 due to a recentlydiscovered discrepancy in dates after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11146 last November 19, 2018.

The new law amends RA 7724, which originally declared October 19 as the date for celebration and also commemorates the “correct” date that then President Manuel Quezon signed and approved into effect: the Commonwealth Act 326 that established Bacolod City.

On the other hand, the inauguration of the first city officers took place on October 19, 1938, and since then, Bacolod continued celebrating its declaration as

USLS clinches another 100% in NLE

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

WITH REPORTS FROM MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

For two consecutive years, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) has scored 100% passing rate in the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last June 21.

Moreover, Joshua Sydney Ramon Torres placed sixth among the 5, 059 passers, 70 of which are Lasallians.

“I honestly did not expect to get a place in the NLE. I didn’t put much thought into making it to the top. I just wanted to make my parents proud and get one step closer to my dream,” Torres stated in an interview.

He said that he chose Nursing as a preparatory course, because he wants to become a doctor someday.

Torres also wants to be in service to his fellow Filipinos because he thinks that our country is in need of nurses.

“This batch went through a lot of struggles and difficulties yet they remained resilient, steadfast, and focused on their

goal, which is a 100% passing rate,” College of Nursing Dean Ivy Edemni stated.

Additionally, Edemni expressed that she is very proud that aside from the 100% passing rate,the college of Nursing made it to the Top 2 Performing Schools in the Philippines.

She believes that the reason behind the continuous improvement of their college in NLE is the strict implementation of their Retention Policy, wherein every semester, they evaluate their students’ academic performance.

Edemni also likes to give credit to the dedicated and committed faculty of the College of Nursing, who from the start have prepared their students for the NLE. When asked about her message to Nursing students who plan to take the board exams, Edemni conveyed: “Focus on your studies.

Always have the will and determination to reach your goal despite many difficulties that you may encounter. Pray and never give up.”

Greatness never ends.

The University continues to strive in achieving scholarly greatness, exhibited through excellence across numerous licensure examinations.

In the recently concluded May 2019 Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination, the University has scored 41.18 percent passing rate where 7 out of 17 Lasallians successfully became engineers.

The seven chemical engineering passers include: Joema Arambula, Kleah Yssabelle Baya, John Edelon Dinolan, Frances Garilao, Kimberly Olivar, Alan David Patani, and Mary Antonette Tingal.

For the May 2019 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Exam, the University garnered a 71. 43 percent passing rate, in contrary to the 16.46 percent national passing rate.

The five Lasallians who passed the CPA examinations are as follows: Vann Miller Fernandez, Alyssa Alyanna Gangoso, Vince Michael Hebron, Julienne Therese Torres, and Krisha Mae Vinson.

—ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

A DAY TO REMEMBER. Mayor Leonardia rendered a message during the first Halandumon Festival in Bacolod City’s Government Center last June 18. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

a city on the said date.

“We emphasize the fact that this is our first June 18 celebration in our brochures, posters and tarpaulins yet we will find ourselves next year saying we are celebrating our 82nd year. What a situation!,” the mayor joked to the crowd during the first Halandumon Photo Exhibit held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central last June 13.

The photo exhibit took everyone to memory lane as it featured age-old photographs of the city, from the Libertad Market to the first-ever

Lopue’s Department Store at Araneta Street.

“I made it a point to see to it that I look at all the pictures because what we can see are what we were in the past, what we are at present, and what we will be in the future,” he expressed.

Leonardia also shared his upcoming priority projects for the city, specifically the major renovations and expansion of Bacolod City College (BCC).

The BCC site development and facilities project is to be funded by the P1.7 billion

loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Another flagship project soon to arise will be a P163 million museum and auditorium, as imposed by Senator Miguel Zubiri.

“Bacolod, without fear of contradiction, is one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines today,” Leonardia said.

Bacolod may be known as the City of Smiles, but with all the reformations it’s going through, it might as well be called the City of Change.

Proyekto 2022 instigates 2019 midterm poll results rally

BY HEZRON G. PIOS

An indignation rally was spearheaded by Proyekto 2022 in protest of the 2019 midterm election results last May 14 at the Old City Hall’s Fountain of Justice.

Sixty participants from various backgrounds attended the gathering with students from junior high school to the tertiary level, including young professionals, held placards with the words ‘#ImeldaIselda,’ ‘Lupang Hinirang, Kapit Lang,’ and ‘#NegrosKontraDaya’ to name a few. Some recruits comprised Proyekto 2022’s core members.

Krishna Ariola, a BS Psychology alumna of the University of St. La Salle, led the snap event.

Furthermore, Ariola is a co-founder of the environmental youth group Linghod.

“Among those present were a few individuals from Akbayan and Kabataan partylist. [It] was mostly composed of concerned individuals, who were made aware through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter,” Ariola expressed.

The group decided to organize the said event to insist that they had to convert their energies into something productive rather than rallying and protesting only.

—PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA MARAVILLA

“We have three years left to deal with the [Duterte administration], or maybe a little bit longer, if we learn nothing from these circumstances,” she added.

Since Proyekto is still an amateur cluster, it is hoped to become a youth organization that would tackle social issues headfirst in a proactive manner through events, programs, talks, and community engagement.

Proyekto 2022 is seen as a driving force to instill a deeper sense of awareness in the youth and to act towards nation-building and good governance.

The following were the calls for the rally: Commission on Elections (COMELEC) transparency for the national results; accountability for malfunctioning vote counting machines; corrupted SD cards; inoperative voters’ registration verification machines; voting receipt anomalies; and unauthorized handling of

election materials.

Additionally, they also pushed for manual recount to verify local and national results; dissent against the win of plunderers and murderers in Senate race; dissent against red-tagging of progressive groups and student activists; and accountability and immediate action against vote-buying.

“There was an overwhelming number of support! We didn’t mind the non-supporters, as we also recognize that some may come from a place of misinformation, decadeslong frustrations from the failures of post-Marcos administrations, or simply generation gap,” Ariola expressed.

Ariola remarked that they recognize the deeply-rooted sources of disagreements between our fellow citizens.

She shared that it’s one of the hurdles they hope to overcome as they forward the cause for awareness and education.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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OPINION

MAY TO JUNE 2019

Editorial

No Country for Madmen Gem-Ver, a Filipino fishing boat, once coasted near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. Suddenly, Chinese ship Yuemaobinyu 42212 rammed the boat’s rear part then sped off.

The rupture was so fatal that the 22 fishermen on board had to stay adrift for the next six hours until 10 Vietnamese fishermen came to the rescue. The incident unfolded on the late evening of Philippines-China Friendship Day, June 9.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana enraged the public when the issue circulated. It was no less of a demonstration of China’s aggression persisting towards our national security, our sovereignty.

However, a Philippine naval ship once rammed a small Chinese fishing boat, too, in the exact same area, back in 2011.

The gaping difference? We issued an apology. The conflict resolved itself by an exercise of diplomacy.

Post-collision, President Rodrigo Duterte’s complicity with his apologists, and their attempts at data manipulation, no longer served as news. Inconsistencies with press releases were performed like a spectacle right in front of us. We’re kowtowing to China. Our right to oppose, to demand accountability, or even to assert the 2016 International Ruling in our favor was dismissed.

After a closed interview with Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Junel Insigne—Gem-Ver’s captain—claimed he was unsure whether their boat was intentionally sank or not.

This is the maddening truth: it is they, the proletariat, who are coerced into submission if profit and safety are at stake. Yet prior to Piñol’s intervention, Insigne expressed conviction and disappointment in his statements.

Last June 21, Vice President Leni Robredo paid a visit and offered financial aid worth P50,000 to Insigne’s crew. A joint probing with China, on the other hand, was proposed but Robredo raised doubts. To extend her point, why involve China?

Clearly the narrative neither belongs to the Left nor the Right.

In this disputed wrangling, antagonists are named. Hence they must be targeted headfirst and without question.

As members of the youth, we, The Spectrum, urge you to go beyond your position of ease. To engage through the lens of intersectionality. To be frontliners and take considerable risks with critical thinking. To harbor a sense of nationalism. To panic, panic, panic. And, ultimately, to be intolerant of China.

When we talk about democracy, we talk about how the Filipinos are not inexperienced. History would tell us all the revolutions we had won. At the end of the day, we can only speak truth to the people, and the people shall be the power.

THESPECTRUM FOUNDED 1956

facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY - JUNE 2019 Member Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers and College Editors Guild of the Philippines Hezron G. Pios

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Starlene Joy B. Portillo ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joshua L. Mahilum MANAGING EDITOR

Andrea Danielle A. Gamboa EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

NEWSPAPER EDITOR Ivee E. Manguilimotan ASST. NEWSPAPER EDITOR Ma. Kristine R. Bayadog MAGAZINE EDITOR Lance Christian M. Juarez ONLINE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes LITERARY EDITOR Disney Marie L. Espartero CREATIVE DIRECTOR Martini M. Falco PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR Martini M. Falco LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Alexandra V. Bachoco ASST. LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Alfredo Jr. R. Bayon-on NEWSPAPER WRITERS

Alan S. Villanueva John Vincent E. Rivera Patrick N. Billojan

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Karl Brian T. Marqueza Angelo F. Despi Chris John T. Acero Peter Job T. Bearneza Jr.

MAGAZINE WRITERS

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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.

—CARL HASON T. GERALE

The Fault in I am the voice of the voiceless is entitlement. The quoted line was insisted by a male fellow in a group sharing activity during the 2019 Lasallian Leaders Training Seminar (LLTS) at Balay Kalinungan last May 2830. The quoted line caught my attention off guard and deserved further scrutiny.

LLTS was attended by at least 100 incoming officers of each organization, council, and club in the university in preparation for the academic year since it chiefly exists to foster social awareness and to enhance the skill set of the student leaders through a series of lectures and potent exercises on leadership and interpersonal collaboration.

Here’s my hypothesis, though: majority of student leaders are selfabsorbed and perceive the dire need to aid the underprivileged is theirs to work on alone. There’s nothing wrong with selflessness, mind you. In fact, a Lasallian student leader’s competence is best determined by his or her selfless stances. Stances that trickle down to their communities that trickle down to their constituents they are closely engaging with. But regardless of how pure one’s intent is, selflessness proves to be damaging when it is devoid of selfreflexivity.

To interrogate our motives is pivotal 24/7. For our messianic complex speaks for us, and, in turn, paralyzes us. As Lasallian student leaders, we’re programmed to do more and more and even exceed historical milestones, albeit doing so leads to becoming less acquainted with the scheme of things.

Fig. 451

Hezron G. Pios

hezpios@protonmail.com

No voice—more so of the privileged—must be the rule of law in the service of empathy.

This is a difficulty we must contend with.

If we are to latch to public service, we should police ourselves given that we have limits e.g. a college degree to obtain. Not everything should be compromised.

As Lasallian student leaders, we are duty bound. To serve the student body is Protocol #1. Non-Lasallians already see us as a stratum of assertive but well-versed englisero students who can communicate ably. Yet this typecasting must not prevent us from joining others in solidarity. We know better than to be outdated, insensitive nor bigoted a**h*les.

So who are we, after all, to claim that we represent someone else’s voice? No voice—more so of the privileged—must be the rule of law in the service of empathy.

An indispensable platform should be allotted for each voice to be acknowledged, empowered, sustained.

This is why the case is eminently problematic because we, as Lasallian student leaders, subscribe to the fallacy that the marginalized cannot speak up for themselves. That they possess no voice of their own to begin with. Rather than empowering them and pressing for equity, we instead feed our egos and bypass boundaries as if we’re doing them any favors.

Being poster children churns out lifethreatening risks. It prompts the Others to be mistrustful of their inherent right to articulate their views. It renders them irrelevant in the sociological sense. But if you persist to nurse any favors, perhaps begin by trying to shut up first and to listen to yourself before expressing anything in public.

There are enough reasons why we can no longer acquiesce as members and dare to not contest bigger people with bigger titles as leaders. We are ceaselessly aggravated by injustice. EJK, rape culture, ecological crisis, religious discrimination all pervade in close proximity.

Thus today, we flip the narrative.

Tomorrow, we’ll establish values which will transform to norms which will shape how clusters take action with regard to local issues, grounded on open-mindedness, respect for human dignity, and scientific facts.

Our sense of purpose is neither for glory nor materialistic ease but to uphold inclusive spaces. We transcend by not creating followers, but by creating more leaders—to amplify one another.

Relearning how to protest On the 121st commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day, government officials proudly waved our flags.

Meanwhile, streets across the country were dotted with dissenters from various sectors raising placards of pleas. Northwest of the Philippines, two out of seven million Hong Kongers were met with rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas as they trooped the government headquarters to call for their leaders’ resignation and the abolishment of the Chinese extradition bill. Their demonstration, according to authorities, was a ‘riot’ that left them no choice but to use brute force.

Both of these events transpired last June 12. These cries both reflected the same call for true independence. They underscore a fight between a common enemy backed by an oppressive government. However, these protests are being taken differently.

Described as one of the largest public demonstrations by international media, the Hong Kong protest has caught the attention of a number of Filipinos on social media. How quickly we forget what our voices could amount to, they typed.

Sentiments have been posted, shared, liked. Opinions amassed calls to action, and the numbers that expressed online support equaled to what could have qualified as a riot.

How quickly we have also forgotten, however, the limits of cyberspace.

One of the hallmarks of Philippine Independence and the power of protest was the first EDSA Revolution. It was our

bloodless revolution that showed the world how to resist, peacefully. And as we forget bits and pieces of that chunk of history today, Hong Kong is reminding us first and foremost of what demonstrations for our country need: our physical presence.

We are so eager to contrast the current efforts and numbers behind our own revolt against theirs that we are losing track— have we really taken efforts to pause, look away from our screens, and lift our fingers off the keyboard? What have we done, in contribution, to add to the voices crying out on our very streets?

While expressing opinions on online platforms and reposting relevant information are positive, valid steps to show dissent, it can only cater to a finite audience at an even more finite space.

AGN Nielsen Philippines claims that only one out of three Filipinos have access to the internet.

Many complain on online spaces of uninformed Filipinos, but seldom do we check the discrepancies between our privileges and its relation to access of information. If our purpose is truly to educate and engage, we should at least make the effort to reach out and take the fight to the streets. Because often, we forget that engaging requires contact.

I admit that even I have a lot to learn, and I am only starting to immerse partially. One thing I have come to realize, though, is that the more we look beyond our online lenses, the less detached we become. And in turn, a gap is lessened.

Buzzerbeater Starlene Joy B. Portillo starleneportillo@gmail.com

Because often, we forget that engaging requires contact.

Protests are visual representations of what the masses want. Furthermore, the communal experience teaches us to appreciate activism as a web of personal stories behind the underrepresented convictions. It needs to be sustained to steer more conversations that, in turn, shall keep concerns at the forefront of headlines. Through these continuous efforts, we can only hope that the masses and those in power will see eye-to-eye.

Perhaps, we can even get them to lobby for our causes.

As I’ve heard an advocate say once in passing: we are not outnumbered; we are outorganized. What we urgently need now are people willing to stand in community, long enough for our feet to get tired, but our qualms, rested.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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MAY TO JUNE 2019

Hindi pa tayo tapos sa ating mga sarili? Nalagpasan na nga ba ng sambayanang Pilipino ang mga sumisiil sa ating kalayaan?

Nakawala man tayo sa unos ng kahapon at lumipas man ang pagsupil ng mga dayuhan, malayo pa rin tayo sa pagiging ganap na malaya. Kung susuriing mabuti, laganap pa rin ang impluwensya ng mga banyagang mananakop, na hanggang sa ngayo’y bahagi pa rin ng ating pamumuhay. Ang Pilipinas ay napaghihiwalay ng iba’t ibang rehiyon Poison Ivy at isla na siyang nagbunga ng samu’t saring Ivee E. Manguilimotan tribu’t kultura, ngunit marahan na itong iveeechinm@gmail.com nababaon sa limot dahil sa impluwensya ng … tayo mismo ang nagkukulong mga nagdaang mananakop. na mas binibigyang halaga sa ating mga sarili at naghihilaan at Mababanaag tinatangkilik ang banyagang kultura at pababa, makauna lang sa trono mga produkto, kaya’t nawawalan ng saysay ang nasyonalismo at mas lalong natatalo ang sa tabi ng mga imperyalistang lokal na kompetisyon. Dala ng mga kanlurang nagbabalat-kayong kaibigan. kultura, hamak na mas kabisado pa natin ang mga liriko sa mga tanyag na kantang K-Pop at pilit na tinutuksong “jologs” ang mismong Hindi tayo ganap na malaya, mahaba makabayang original pinoy music (OPM).

Kahit na sa usapang edukasyon, tuluyan lamang ang tanikala.

Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-121 na Araw ng nang tinanggal sa kolehiyong kurikulum Kalayaan, mahigit isang siglo na mula ang asignaturang Pilipino; labis na ngang noong makamit natin ang kasarinlan binabalewala ang sariling atin, ultimo wika mula sa mga Espanyol noong iwinigayway ay tinatalikuran. Baka nga’y tuluyan tayong ni Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo ang watawat malansa.

Kahit na sa mga bilihin, lalo na sa bigas, ng Pilipinas sa asotea ng kanyang bahay sa iwas tayo sa lokal dahil nakatatak na sa Cavite noong Hunyo 12, 1898.

Ngunit mababatid pa rin ang isipan natin na kung “imported” ito’y katanungang: ganap na bang malaya ang mas nakakahigit. Dahil dito, mas lalong lumulubog ang ating ekonomiya at dehado Pilipinas?

Hindi maipagkakailang matagal na ang kaawa-awang mga kapus-palad nating tayong malaya sa kamay ng mga banyaga, kababayan na labis ang pagsusumikap upang ngunit tunay nga ba tayong malaya mula makaahon sa kahirapan ng buhay.

Subalit, hindi natututo ang sambayanang Pilipino. Kaya tayo hindi makaangat sapagkat tayo mismo ang nagkukulong sa ating mga sarili at naghihilaan pababa, makauna lang sa trono sa tabi ng mga imperyalistang nagbabalat-kayong kaibigan. Tayu-tayo mismo ang nag-aalitan at mismong nagbebenta sa ating mga sarili para sa ilang kusing mula sa ating pakuno-kunong kaibigan.

Pilit tayong nagpapabihag sa mga pasista at nagbubulag-bulagan sa totoong nangyayari sa ating paligid. Hawak na tayo sa leeg ngunit masaya pa tayong sumasang-ayon sa kontrabida. Sana’y kalaunan, maintindihan ng sambayanan ang kahalagahan ng ating kasarinlan at pagkakakilanlan.

Ilang ulit na napatunayan ng sambayanang Pilipino na kung tayo’y magkakaisa lamang, lubusang makakamit natin ang hinahangad na mithiin.

Maraming ulit nang napatunayan na kayang malampasan ang anumang uri ng pagsubok dulot ng pagmamalupit at pagmamalabis sa ating bayan.

Ang pakikipaglaban para sa kalayaan ay hindi nagtapos noong proklamasyon ni Heneral Aguinaldo mahigit isang siglo na ang nakakalipas. Ang kalayaan ay hindi idinadaos bilang isang kabanata lamang ng kasaysayan. Kailangang ipagpatuloy ang labang sinimulan ng ating mga ninuno.

Sa ating mga balikat nakasalalay ang pagaalaga at paniniguro na hindi mawawala sa ating mga kamay ang kasarinlang ipinaglaban natin upang mapasa ito sa susunod pang salinlahi.

Halandumon Tower: Questioning my worth When I was a child, I remember asking my mom about the worth of anything she buys and gives me. I always wonder: Is her money enough to buy everything that’s needed at home? How does she budget our daily necessities? She would always tell me, When you want to do or purchase something, always ask yourself these essential questions: is it necessary? is it useful? is it convenient? would it be beneficial?

What factors do we always assess when we look for the value of something—is it worth the money or is it just another come-and-go scheme?

The 81st Bacolod Charter Day was celebrated on June 18 for the first time, in amendment of its former date, October 19. In line with the change, the first Halandumon Festival was observed in the city. Part of the festivities of the Charter Day was the inauguration of the Halandumon Tower.

The tower was coined “Halandumon” which in English, means “memorable,” Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran shared. “While we are celebrating our 81st Charter Day, we must remember the excellent years of existence of our beloved city,” he added.

The P4.8-million iconic structure that stands proud at the center of the Gatuslao— Gonzaga Streets gathered varying reactions and feedback from netizens after it was launched, saying the project was expensive and not relevant.

Why am I sharing this information with you? Because I believe it matters. I

Madame

Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog tinbayadog@gmail.com

Always ask yourself these essential questions: Is it necessary? Is it useful? Is it convenient? Would it be beneficial? would like to present three major factors why I initially questioned the value of this so-called “Memorable” Tower.

First reason (which I think is obvious): the structure’s cost. Project Engineer Loben Ceballos of Bacolod City Engineer’s Office justified that the project was not overpriced.

In fact, the supposed 23-meter tall tower was reduced to 14.9 meters due to budget constraints.

But imagine establishing a 14.9-meter tall tower made of steel framing, light wall concrete, and an extra LED lighting system that would eat up roughly a P5-million expense. The money that was used for the project could have been allotted for improving drainage systems, relocating sidewalk vendors to organized public markets,

rehabilitating formation centers for street children and homeless adults, boosting the economy and tourism through promoting “Support Local” projects, and etc.

Second reason: its location. I think it does not seem fitting to situate a tower in the middle of a busy and crowded road. The once (and always has been jammed) roadway for public and private vehicles, pedestrians, commuters, and even sidewalk vendors will only get more overfilled. Plus, the grandeur of the structure does not totally complement the surrounding old buildings and small establishments that dominate the area since time immemorial.

Third reason: its purpose. According to Vice Mayor Familiaran, the tower was established to showcase the town’s abundance in history, arts, and culture.

The tower is said to serve as an additional tourist attraction in the downtown area of the city—but does that have to be in the form of this structure? If we talk about fostering and exhibiting Bacolod’s prowess, especially in arts and culture, why can’t the local government just provide proper avenues to accommodate it? Or better yet, reserve the budget for more purposeful projects like the following: free health care services in public hospitals, medical missions, job employment offerings, dispense capital for agriculture that could benefit local farmers, and many others.

Now that I am old enough to understand practicality, I’m becoming more careful when it comes to choosing what is worthy.

Spice Spills Ari naman inyo friendly gayborhood nga magahatag sang nagabaga-baga nga chika minute diri sa La Salle!!

Hello, friends from jugetnation! Here I am again serving you hot teas and spilling it straight from the pot. Choz! In short, ari naman inyo friendly gayborhood nga sisterette maga-hatag sang naga bagabaga nga chika minute diri sa La Salle ano. Medyo summer pa ni siya nga issue BUT!!! Of course ga bagabaga gid siya gyapon sakon. Kay bati ko bala sang Summer Splash, bati ko man lang ni ha? Kay shempre ano ta ya bala? RESPONSE: CHISMOSA! Again, ano ta ya bala? CHISMOSA! Te ang bati ko amo to e, shempre wala ka pa kabati kay i-story time ko pa lang siya.

Okay, here we go, sago!!!

Kabati ko storya sa mga friendsters ko man nga mga jugetty!! May rampadora nga natabo sang Summer Splash ano. Well of course, we have the five colleges, super ramp and awrahan na ang aton mga contestants..

Lima man sila shempre mga pretty face with brains, super ramp, super walk, super talking tapos super talent portion ang mga jugets. So after sang ila pa-indis indis sa babaw stage, te super lawagay na places. Ari na, amo na ni siya…. Fifth place…. Goes to…. *name of the college*!! Super clap mga people eh no!!! But after everything, as your resident chismosa, may nag-spyok sakon!!! Okay bongga siya ih! Certified chimosa man ni siya, sizt! Kay gali, nag 5th place lang aton megatron because of one thing, mga mare: nag-crossdress siya kuno.

Que horror. Sa aton beloved university, crossdressing is one of the policies na gina-bawalan gid. Kag!! It doesn’t stop there!!! Crossdressing is a minor offense. Pero!!!!! It was a competition, so??

Um?? Need sang ila college magpa-bongga man ihh because gusto man nila ma-win? So they did what they gotta do to win, but instead they got the last place!

Shookt ang jugets.

I read an article about crossdressing and pano siya maka-affect sa isa ka shota. So imagina bala being straight sizt and may gin-snatchedt simo pagka-tawo.

How would you even handle it? Like for example, being cisgender and then people would restrict you from wearing “girly” clothes or “manly” clothes? Pano?

Like? Ghorl? Shempre, it’s like taking a portion from your identity. Which I guess bala—guess ko man lang ah—it isn’t good.

For me lang ha, crossdressing won’t affect a student’s grades and how would they handle their workload as students. For as long as wala ang mga shota may gina jupakan na people, then I guess it’s okay? So anuna, sizters? Spyok sakon if korek or deins!! Msg lang akez kay replyan ko lang u!

The early bird catches the worm If you’re one of those, who for the sake of 7:30 a.m. classes, forcefully drag yourself from bed when the 6:30 a.m. alarm you set the night before (or just hours earlier) have already been snoozed for the fifth time, you might have been the happiest when Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya filed House Bill No. 569 or the “Adjusted Class Hours Act of 2019” that aims to address the potential “risk of fatigue” among students brought about by the new K-12 curriculum that “puts more workload on students” by banning classes set for earlier than 8:30 a.m. At one point, I understand the good intention of the bill.

However, the question here is: would it really make a difference?

The bill has admitted the problem already: the energy-consuming K-12 curriculum. As a part of the K-12 pioneer batch, I have witnessed for myself how enervating, debilitating, and strengthdepleting the newly-introduced curriculum is. Every quarter, there is a ‘performance task’ requirement from every subject which could range from a simple printed project to reporting; from video presentations to live performances.

But, that’s just 40% of the cake. There are still quizzes and quarterly examinations that constitute the remaining 60%.

The result: sleep-deprived, stressed and tired souls. Now tell me—how can an hour of delay in classes eliminate the

academic stress of the students? It’s not the class hours that make students exhausted. It’s the academic workload they carry.

I understand how much this country wants to produce globally competitive lifelong learners through intensive honing of abilities.

However, that must not reach to a point where the physical, mental, and social well-being of students are already being compromised.

Lastly, the bill would only worsen the classroom situation in some public schools across the country. At the start of this academic year, the Department of Education expected a 2.95% growth rate in student enrolment for both primary and secondary levels which would roughly sum up to 27.2 million. Due to this increase of student enrollees, shortage in facilities became a problem. The remedy: comfort rooms-turned-classrooms, classes conducted in covered courts, by the stairs, as well as under the trees, and worse—shifting of classes.

For schools with class shiftings, morning classes usually start at 6 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. while afternoon classes run from 1-8 p.m.

Adjusting the start of class hours two and a half hours later would also extend the second shift of classes up to 10:30 in the evening.

Imagine little kids going home that late. It would be a torture every child must endure throughout the school year. And that would defeat the purpose of the bill.

In our pursuit for immediate solutions, we sometimes forget to see the bigger picture. Our

Extra Josh

Joshua L. Mahilum

joshuamahilum22@gmail.com

How can an hour of delay in classes eliminate the academic stress of the students? problem was never the time. It’s the new curriculum that requires students to give more than what they can offer. Filipinos are used to having 7:30 a.m. classes for decades. And yet, schools still produce globally competitive graduates. The bill is also selective, which only favors schools, who do not have to fit two to three shifts of classes daily just to deal with the increased student population. If we were to actually push for solutions, it must be universal.

After all, what good is a solution, if it begets new problems.

Got an honest feedback?

Send us your concern to thespectrum.usls@gmail. com and we might publish it on our next issue!

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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DEVELOPMENT

MAY TO JUNE 2019

E-jeepneys in BCD remain a prospect

—PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSTAR

BY WILLI T. FLORETE

The emergence of Euro 4 public utility vehicles (PUVs) suggests that the extant oldmodel jeepneys might just be replaced.

During the launch of Euro 4 PUVs at the New Government Center last May 31, United Negros Transport Cooperative Chairperson Marcelo Ochia stated that 25

units of operational Euro 4 PUVs are already available in Bacolod City and that about a thousand more are expected to come.

Jeepneys are regarded not only as one of the major means of transportation in the Philippines, but also one of the biggest contributors to its carbon footprint—as made evident by their emission of soot or black smoke. In

Balayan stages annual Brigada Eskwela

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND JOHN VINCENT E. RIVERA

To materialize the goal of the Zero Extreme Poverty (ZEP) program of De La Salle Philippines, USLS Balayan Social Development Office conducted their yearly Brigada Eskwela at various public schools of their partner barangays within Bacolod, during the months of April and May. As part of the program, the Balayan staff, together with the internal community of faculty members and student volunteers, held one of its Brigada at Banago 2 Elementary School last May 23, by painting the school’s classrooms, tables, and chairs.

“We did not simply donate materials but we sent people to do the job. […] We cannot also undermine the importance of simply donating the paint. In fact, they were very grateful that there is a reinforcement in terms of material resource,” Balayan Director Andre Tagamolila expressed, emphasizing that the volume of participation was the highlight of the said program.

Additionally, Tagamolila said that the office avoids imposing resources and initiatives on the schools— the service to be rendered rather depends on the needs or requests of the school itself.

“In reality, [in] Brigada Eskwela, we don’t have enough leeway to create our own program for the schools because we are simply augmenting their expressed needs. But of course, the bigger picture is [that] we engage not just once—it’s a

whole year round engagement and we try to do a multidisciplinary approach,” he explained.

The usual recipient schools of the annual program come from the seven partnerbarangays which are qualified according to Balayan’s criteria: the intensity of their necessity in materials as well as human resources, and being long-standing partners of the university.

Meanwhile, when asked about the challenges in sustaining the program, Tagamolila stated: “The challenge is, there were barangays whose leaders transitioned from one office to another, [and] to reconnect with the barangay without the assurance that they will respect or uphold the recent memorandum of agreement that was done with the previous government leaders.”

Furthermore, he pointed out the difficulty of creating a system that would provide the office with efficient documentation of all their efforts and his fresh exposure to the Balayan Office after transferring from the Office of the Students Affairs, last June 2018. “[This program was implemented] to have a more meaningful engagement in the community, to empower them and they will not think that they are simply beneficiaries, but we truly achieve that sense of partnership wherein the relationship is reciprocal—we learn from them, they learn from us. We grow together,” the Balayan Director concluded.

line with this, the current administration made it a point to implement the transport modernization program to address the air pollution.

The modernized jeepneys will be using an environmentally-fr iendly technology—Euro 4, which reduces the toxic sulfur

emissions by 450 parts per million. These new PUVs can also accommodate 32 passengers at most, almost doubling the maximum capacity of the old jeepneys.

Aside from this, they are also equipped with closed circuit television cameras, air conditioner, and a cashless fare system, making them even more enticing than the old jeepneys. But because of these new features, the fare for Euro 4 PUVs is two pesos higher than that of the current fare price required by the current PUVs. In preparation for all of this, the construction of terminals for the new model of PUVs had already begun.

The transition, however, might just have to suffer from a major drawback.

Everything is virtually completed, and according to Ochia, they are just waiting for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to mass-produce the PUVs, to provide route coordination, and to start the operation in the six major

routes in Bacolod, namely: Punta Taytay, Fortune Towne, Tangub, Handumanan, Alijis (Regent Pearl), and Murcia.

On the other hand, Richard Osmeña, Regional Director of LTFRB, revealed that they did not receive any franchise application form from Yellowdot Transport Inc. to operate Euro 4 PUVs in Bacolod City. He added that the operators said they would launch their modern jeepneys, but putting them into operation was not part of their plan.

“They should not launch and then not operate,” he said.

Osmeña also emphasized that the problem here lies on the operators’ reluctance to relinquish their old PUVs so they could replace them with the modernized ones.

Osmeña made it a point to warn them that if they fail to acquire and provide proper documentation, they will be subject to apprehension once they to operate.

The ambiguity surrounding the whole issue has elicited some negative

reactions and doubts from people. United Negros Drivers Operators Center’s Secretary General Diego Malacad said that they completely oppose the operation to modernize jeepneys. “The suppliers should respect the local government and stakeholders, as well as small operators and drivers,” he said.

He also stressed out that if they insist on implementing the project, the operators should first conduct public consultations and public hearings with the various jeepney federations so the launching of this fake modernization program will be transparent.

The prospect of another case of monopoly worries Malacad. Should there only be one company that can mass produce the e-jeepneys, chances are the prices would become higher than expected.

To prevent the province from ever stumbling into this quagmire, he suggested that drivers and operators should be free to choose any operational units in Bacolod and Negros.

City drug rehab construction underway

BY KATHERINE E. CO AND ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

The construction of the P5million Balay Silangan drug reformation center in the city began early last June inside the compound of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in Brgy. Singcang Airport.

The project, approved in January of last year and in commitment with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), intends to provide a means for rehabilitation, livelihood training, and social-reintegration for surrendering drug offenders.

In line with the state policy to provide sustainable treatment and reintegration measures to victims of drug abuse, the program will offer rehabilitation through a three-month program consisting of three phases: education, self-help, and livelihood assistance.

Rehabilitation, according to the scope and limitations of the project proposal, refers to two distinct categories: medical and reformatory.

Under the qualifications of the

program, a surrendering drug offender must voluntarily agree to “bio-psycho-social” interventions conducted by healthcare professionals, as well as participate in reintegration efforts.

Moreover, the inhouse reformation program highlights the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which aims to campaign against the use of drugs through a system of “planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects.”

After the dismissal of the previous head of the BCPO for alleged involvement in illegal drugs this year, many efforts to tighten the reins on the drug issue within the region have been made, including inspections by the PDEA Narcotics Detection Dogs within Brgy. Singcang Airport premises.

Last February, eight villages in Negros Occidental were officially declared “drugcleared” by PDEA-Western Visayas after complying with the requirements

—PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD CITY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

and parameters stipulated under the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 3: Strengthening the Implementation of Barangay Drug Clearing Program, adding to a total of 283 “officially unaffected” villages in the region.

However, Bacolod City still has no drug-free villages up to this day.

Aside from the Balay Silangan program, the local government is also constructing the P35-million Bacolod City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Alijis, which includes male and female

quarters for 52 people, an administration building, a multi-purpose and mess building, and a pavilion.

This is in line with the mandate of the Dangerous Drugs Board through the Department of Health of having at least one drug rehabilitation center per province.

The rehabilitation facility, which is expected to be complete by 2021, will cater to drug dependents with severe substance use disorder—with its services free of charge— and will also accommodate those from localities outside the city.

One La Salle Alumni Congress holds Youth at Risk forum

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

WITH REPORTS FROM PAULA MAE. E. VILLAROSA

“This generation is overstimulated, overworked, over-stressed, and overexpectant.”

These were the words used by Wizard Adman Jason Cruz to describe Generation Z during his speech on the Youth at Risk forum at the University Coliseum last June 29.

The forum titled “Youth at Risk” was the second to the last leg of the Alumni Congress and was made to address the hindrances of the youth in

achieving their full potential such as addiction, early sexual behavior, depression, medical health issues, acceptance of their peers, and irresponsibility towards freedom.

“We don’t want to label the young. We want to understand them. We want to be with them, so that together we can be a community that supports the development of young people,” Teehankee stated during an interview, stressing the importance of accepting and discerning the common good.

He also emphasized the

importance of communication and claimed that Filipinos do not want to talk about challenges, yet he still hopes that with the activity, people can open their minds about these matters.

On a poll conducted by Teehankee with the question: “What do the youth need the most?” direction in life gained the most number of responses followed by a chance to be heard, attention from parents, and recognition.

“For me, direction in life has the most number of responses, because most students are

walking through the wrong path or are being dragged into it. They think it is okay, because they can feel the ease and happiness, but they do not know the circumstances that may prevail. That’s why everyone needs guidance, especially our generation,” Charla Joy Siason, Class Vice Mayor of BABA1G explained.

When asked about his message to the Filipino youth, Teehankee stated “Make your voices be heard, so you can shape this country to be a country for you, because this is yours.”

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

7

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

MAY TO JUNE 2019

On To Green Pastures and Greener Canteens

—GERICO T. GUANCO

BY SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT AND ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

Plastic, the singleuse, tardily-decaying abomination that lurks both on land and at sea, now looms closer to world domination. The age-old rival of terrestrial balance seems to finally have the upper hand, the scale slowly tipping in its favor. But just as the final tic was about to disrupt equilibrium, it arrived. Hope. In the form of an all-green eco canteen.

The Wala Usik canteen was implemented by Eiggy Duller Yap, the principal of Bulata National High School (BNHS) in Cauayan.

The canteen aims to only use recyclable utensils and packaging, such as: locally-made bamboo mugs, coconut shell bowls, and banana leaves. This means that all meals and snacks served to the 492 students and faculty of BNHS is one hundred percent eco friendly and reusable. Going green entirely, although an amiable act, is still tedious

for some to do. But this school has managed to pull it off in its own unique and effective way.

Yap said that the inspiration for the project was the tagline “ # M o r e F i s h N o t P l a s t i c ”.

Being enamored by the flora and fauna of the sea, this selfless nature enthusiast birthed the eco canteen into what it is today. But usually, such a drastic change would end up only as a phase, especially to the younger generation.

A passing fancy that will surely be forgotten tomorrow.

But this was no ives. Almost instantaneously, the students and faculty took the project to heart. Having a more enlightened awareness on the environment made the students more conscious and aware of what is happening to the world around them. Surely, the students have learned to appreciate Mother Nature and its glory due to the Wala Usik canteen.

But the canteen did not come into fruition overnight.

With the help of the faculty and staff, management of the Wala Usik canteen was now equally distributed.

Moreover, the school is not alone in maintaining the canteen. “A memorandum of agreement was formed between the school and its stakeholders, namely, LGU- Cauayan, Brgy. Council, Teachers’ League Association, Bulata Cooperative, and the Parents-Teachers Association for the sustainability of the project to gain more support,” Yap shared happily.

A deed, simple or complex, can really cause a ripple of positive outcomes.

Whenever you feel that plastic wrapper in your pocket and you just can’t find a place to throw it, think of the Wala Usik canteen. That wrapper can make a difference. A simple act is enough to tip the favor back into Mother Nature’s corner.

Keeping afloat during an emotional plight

BY KATHERINE E. CO

Did your grades just suffer an all-time low last semester? Did a family issue just rise up out of the blue that can’t seem to be easily fixed? Did you just discover an ugly truth about a trusted friend, or maybe about yourself?

If so, how did you react to these situations?

When it comes to difficult circumstances we face in our lifetime, everyone can be overwhelmed at some point.

But what is most commonly overlooked is that everyone can be just as capable of overcoming emotional crises all the same. So how can we actually cope better with our dreadful ordeals?

Contrary to most conveniently held views on crisis, it has in fact much less to do with the actual situation we are facing that determines its occurrence, but rather with how we react to it.

Ireland-based psychotherapy center Aspen Counselling aptly describes an emotional crisis as one caused by an event or experience which “temporarily overwhelms our coping resources”. It acts as a signal that for the moment, our usual known problem-solving approaches and subsequent coping mechanisms don’t seem to be doing the job in the new circumstances we find ourselves in.

However, is there even so much to say as a “proper” way of confronting our crises? There is, unmistakably, no existing

standard formula to treat something that simply can’t be explained by our biological chemistry, but there are certain truths we can remind ourselves during an emotional crisis, and a few steps you can do to help ease yourself through difficult situations and emotions.

Controlling the situation or problem is one thing— controlling your reaction is another, which means you always have the upper hand.

But controlling is not exactly the same as artificially manipulating how we feel. Rejecting certain emotions you feel for the sake of “having things in control” can actually make the situation worse. You have to be able to acknowledge your emotions.

Psychotherapist Sue CowanJenssen reiterated in an article in UK magazine Psychologies that if you “consistently under-react, you’re storing stresses up for an explosion later”. So acknowledge feeling deeply upset, being mad, experiencing self-pity, or feeling rejected—nothing in the handbook says you can’t feel what you’re feeling.

A crisis, although naturally pertains to a kind of imbalance, is not particularly abnormal or impossible. Having a crisis is a natural—and arguably, an essential—part of life. It is pushing us to grow from something.

When the situation somehow causes your brain to temporarily freeze and your decision-making skills to be briefly impaired, try

to loosen yourself up and relax.

There are distress tolerance skills in dialectical behavior therapy you can use to break away from the paralyzing turmoil of intense emotions, such as intense physical exercise and paced breathing to slow down your heart rate, and splashing cold water on your face to cool down your body temperature.

Being afraid amidst a crisis is normal. By definition, it is you perceiving yourself as lacking certain resources to surpass the problem or situation at hand, and so the thought of not surpassing it can be reasonably terrifying. But fear does not point to our incapability, instead, it does indicate we are human, and to be human is to err.

Stop antagonizing yourself too much in an emotional crisis.

You won’t be able to help yourself if you treat yourself like an enemy.

You may have contributed your part in making stupid mistakes or just very bad decisions, but remember that just like any living person out there, you can get it wrong sometimes too. So give yourself a break. Make amends with yourself if you have to.

Being in an emotional crisis is not easy—it never was. It’s not a three-step solving process to diligently attend to overnight.

It’s an outburst of your very humanity, and a cry from the creative and intelligent force inside you that is capable of somehow always finding a way out and grow from there—so face your adversity with heart.

Overwork Ethic

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

You know, I don’t think you could ever win a staring contest against a blank piece of paper. You always end up looking away in defeat, and the whiteness of the sheet remains fixated at your frustration and dismissal.

Back in the year 1974, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term ‘burnout’ when he described employees in a free health clinic. Despite their willingness and care to aid their patients, Freudenberger observed that they appeared less motivated and more lethargic while going about their work.

Fast forward to the tail end of May 2019, the World Health Organization officially classified burnout as a medical condition in their International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). According to ICD11, “Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Despite this recent classification, burnout has been in the conversations of psychologists for decades and has been a growing encumbrance in the global workforce.

But it’s argued that burnout can also be defined as creative burnout—if you gaze long enough at a piece of paper, the piece of paper gazes back at you. Regardless of definition though, one thing is certain: burnout compromises mental and physical health.

But at what point can you call it burnout? The condition can manifest in a few ways—perhaps in the form

of procrastination, creative blocks, stress, overwork, or even in physical ailments, e.g., sleep deprivation and tiredness. Going back to ICD11, burnout is characterized as: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.

—ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

In layman’s terms, burnout is what happens when your work negatively affects your workflow and wellbeing. A surefire way to solve a problem is to go straight to its roots—in this case, it’s the relationship between you and your work.

So, how do you defeat that white rectangle of wood pulp?

The first step to every problem is to first regard it as a problem.

Amidst the battle between you and stress, stop for a moment.

How did you get here? Retrace your steps as if you were looking for a lost item, except this lost item is called order and organization.

Repositioning your perspective can be as simple as taking a step back.

To ground yourself is

to acknowledge and grasp things that are certain. Keep asking yourself questions to separate the irrational thoughts from the rational ones. Why am I panicking?

What’s really the cause of this stress? What’s causing me to hesitate? It wouldn’t be wise to make a decision whilst you’re emotionally charged and disorganized. After seeing things for how they actually are, the problem becomes less daunting.

Give yourself time to rest; sometimes not being laserfocused on a task brings about a different take—but don’t confuse this with procrastination. There is a distinct difference between rest, procrastination, and burnout.

Procrastination is the decision to willingly distract yourself from the work at hand, and if you don’t know the reason, then you’re back to asking questions. Rest is synonymous to recharge.

Setting boundaries for how you perceive laziness, productivity, and overwork will lead to significant improvement.

But regardless of the paragraphs above, there’s a catch: not every problem is the same for everyone. There is no “master equation” that can guarantee a fix. The bottom line is that you ultimately know what’s best for yourself.

It’s up to you to determine which coping mechanisms work the best and what your next step would be. And just by acknowledging these thoughts, you’re already at the very first step.

Why would you want to win a staring contest against a piece of paper anyway?

A Smart Student’s Start to Saving the Planet

BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

It’s hard to fathom just how much plastic is floating around on our planet today. From the time it was invented in 1907, to the incredible and disastrous force it has become now, it seems as though humanity has dug itself into a hole that it can’t get out of.

But is that truly the end?

On a singular level, we can make efforts to lessen our own waste and continue the cycle of mindful consumerism.

1.

Become aware of yourself. Before anyone can take the first steps into reducing their plastic waste, an awareness of one’s habits must be formed. Do you buy a to-go breakfast every morning before school? Do you carry a reusable water bottle?

Everyone’s daily routines differ, and once you’ve established the areas that need to be addressed, it becomes easier to cut out plastic.

2.

Spring clean your daily life. It’s an overwhelming task to completely rid yourself of plastic. It’s a convenience that we, unfortunately, have grown to take advantage of.

But in being aware of the items that do more harm than good, we place ourselves on the road to a “plastic detox”, if you will. For instance, do your hygiene products contain microbeads? These are fine plastics that don’t dissolve and cause damaging effects on the environment. Switching to alternative products can rid you of the burden.

—KATHERINE E. CO

3.

Hold yourself accountable. On that note, switching products and reducing plastic waste takes a lot of accountability on your part. An essential part of reducing your plastic waste comes with knowing the insand-outs of the lifestyle you want to achieve. Educating yourself is one of the most imperative parts in the journey.

4.

Adopt a life of minimalism. The logical solution to addressing the insurmountable plastic problem isn’t purchasing the latest metal straw. Quite the contrary, actually! Refusing to contribute to the problem means refusing anything that isn’t absolutely necessary to your life. Just as saying “no” to items wrapped in plastic is a significant action, and so is refusing to subscribe to the latest fad.

5.

Support GREEN businesses. For the times we do need to contribute to our

capitalist society, the choice to shop ethical and sustainable is a valuable option. We are lucky to live in an age where businesses integrate a sense of social responsibility into their operations, and it is up to us, as consumers, to promote this way of life.

6. Buy fresh and local. When you support your local organic farmers, you’re not only contributing to a circular economy that benefits both the supplier and consumer, you’re also choosing to leave the plastic packaging behind.

7.

Bring reusables.

Skip the plastic cutlery and packaging! Opt to bring your own containers and silverware when buying lunch one day.

8. S u r r o u n d yourself with likeminded people.

An important decision you need to make in order to sustain a plastic free lifestyle is to have a community that uplifts you and commends your initiative. Find an advocacy or club that prioritizes a plasticfree lifestyle.

9.

Use your voice.

Be the catalyst for change among your peer group.

Advocate, educate and start the conversation! You can make the biggest difference by sharing what you know.

10. Rally. Ultimately, the greatest burden is placed on us by large corporations.

When you rally and fight for the things you believe in, you not only become a voice for the voiceless, you also inspire people to do the same.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

MAY TO JUNE 2019

VANTAGE POINT The Duality of Hue The City of Smiles witnessed its first ever Pride Parade along with the celebration of the second Pride Party; colors filled the streets as genderqueers and allies held each others’ hands. Despite the festivities, one thing is certain: Pride is protest.

PHOTOS BY Martini Albert M. Falco, Gerico T. Guanco, and Karl Brian T. Marqueza

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

MAY TO JUNE 2019

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

10

DAGWAY

A Scoop of Perseverance

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

-MARTINI M. FALCO

*BASTILA-ONG

What are epics made of? From fiery embers forged from empires and armies? Are they made from the bouts and the clashes of legends? Perhaps.

But what if it were made of ice cream?

An art gallery seems like a room that’s more of a window than a wall—a menu of scenic portals that a curious observer can bask into. Thirteen paintings were hung against the walls of Museo Negrense de La Salle from May 16th to June 20th. And although distinct in their aesthetic, they shared a consistent character throughout the various settings: a lone ice cream man, on his humble treads along and around Victorias City.

The exhibit, simply themed Mamang Sorbetero (or ice cream man in English), was narrated through color by self-taught artist Karl James Bastila-ong—an alumnus of the University of St. La Salle, and a known name amongst art groups around the university. And being his first solo art exhibition, the invigorated 22-yearold primed his artworks to spotlight the journey of his family’s legacy—seemingly inspired by its birth from sheer survival during bleak times in the distant past.

“Experience is a way of refinement—in the way I see the world as an artist and a way to help shape social consciousness through art,” Karl expressed. As someone who laid witness to the

tribulations of his family ever since he was a kid, Karl found inspiration from just his family’s will to survive, highlighting the notion that “all livelihood is survival”.

The driven artist believes that art in every form needs a statement, a message to express, whether it is presented outright or concealed. “After all, art isn’t just to showcase talent,” Karl underscored.

Karl himself has undergone his own journey as an artist. Starting from the age of 13, he ventured out into the craft equipped only with the support of his parents and the determination to engage in the form on his own. At first he was enchanted by the traditional styles, but later on decided to nurture his Impasto art style to capture his vision as an artist.

When asked to look back at the journey he took, akin to the ice cream man in his paintings, Karl expressed: “I feel victorious—at the age of 22, I’ve established my first solo art exhibition.”

Moreover, Karl plans to celebrate his decade in art with a retrospective art exhibition sometime in the year 2020.

The pilgrimage of Mamang Sorbetero is a humble narrative that proves that art will always be found in all forms of livelihood. That the human will is something as powerful and inspiring as it is aesthetic. It doesn’t take the grand nor the enlightened to make great epics after all.

MAY TO JUNE 2019

Summer Splash 2019: The Rising of the Phoenix

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR. AND MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

In death, there is life: an integral truth for a phoenix.

As the Summer Splash 2019 themed “Spectra: The Flux of Seasons”, concluded last May 3 at the Nazareth Activity Hub, Brgy. Mansilingan, the Red Phoenixes of the College of Nursing emerged as victors in the overall championship.

Throughout the course of the event, the College of Nursing (CoN) placed second in the Mural Painting competition and fourth in the Pool Volleyball.

The Summer Icons’ segment staged in the latter portion of the afternoon proclaimed Rafaella Dominique Orian from the College of Nursing triumphant over the four competing colleges.

The reigning Summer Icon acknowledged that it was her first time to have participated in a pageant and that it was also Nursing’s first win after its losses in the previous years.

College of Nursing Student Governor Jan Frederick Bantay expressed his faith in his college as he stated: “[The CoN’s theme this year is] ‘reanimate’, which means rebirth or to come back to life. We know that a phoenix always rises from the ashes,

ENTHRONED. Coronation of the Summer Icon 2019, Rafaella Orian from the College of Nursing during the Summer Splash 2019.—GERICO T. GUANCO

and in connection with Rafaella Orian’s victory, it signifies [...] that she really embodied the blaze of the phoenix.”

University Student Government (USG) Executive President Angelica Moreño has cited that USG supports the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and has considered Spectra as their initial effort in securing the future. Additionally, the theme was selected with the intention of fostering climate change awareness to the Lasallian community. As the fight for the environment continues, the significance of unity despite the diversity among people in terms of

thinking and abilities was also emphasized.

The morning events included the traditional larong pinoy which was particularly composed of taho-water pong, snake hit, dodgeball, egg catch, and patintero along with pool volleyball.

In the afternoon, the Summer Splash was also comprised of talks about climate change discussed by the Youth for Climate Hope and Linghod representatives, and the Summer Icons as the final event.

“In preparation for the Summer Splash, all the participants for the event have shown the burning passion and the fire within themselves

to soar high for our college.

Our victory is just a stepping stone for us and there are more challenges for us to face, and things to learn,” Bantay added.

These successes symbolically identify the College of Nursing as phoenixes rising from their very own ashes, unburnt and unbroken by defeat. .With the number of students that we have in our college right now, and with the same burning passion we have that we could share with our younger siblings in our college, the Red Phoenix will continue to rise and emanate the fire within us,” the Nursing Governor concluded.

Orange is the New Band

BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

The Philippines, a vast spectrum of culture and soul.

An abstract jungle concretized by the visions of our forefathers, the archipelago has been hiding a gem only sought after by a selected few: music.

In this century, we have been gifted soul-touching melodies and ballads by local musicians such as Ben&Ben, I Belong to the Zoo, Munimuni, and many more. Alas, these artists have been active and based mainly in Manila. But what if I tell you there is a local band right outside your very doorstep?

Project Orange, a Bacolodbased band, has been singing, strumming, and banging since last year. Their band consists of Diana Mapa a.k.a.

Moose (lead vocals, guitars),

Ann Marie Pillado a.k.a.

Mari (backup vocals, guitars), Miguel San Miguel a.k.a. Miggy (backup vocals, drums), and Martin Garces a.k.a. Martin (backup vocals, bass). The band was formed when Moose approached the rest of the gang and asked if they wanted to make music, and the rest was history. Although starting as an independent band, they are currently under a Manilabased record label—Lilystars Records—but they still try to produce that ‘indie’ sounding feel.

In the world of music, similar to reality, you’ve got to have something that makes you unique within your respective genre. Project Orange’s genre falls below the listing of Indie Pop and the vibe that they want to promote—being that of having a chill and light

atmosphere—has garnered them rising attention from local music enthusiasts and the like.

Their one-of-a-kind acoustics are melodious enough to sway more Filipinos into listening and appreciating more local based talent. “[…] on a deeper level, we want our listeners to experience different emotions. We want to be able to relate to them in some way. We want our songs to not just set a vibe, but also to convey feelings,” Project Orange shared when asked about what they want their fans to experience with their music.

Although having no albums as of now, they do intend to release one in the future.

But they do have seven singles and one of those singles have brought them a hefty following on a music sharing platform. As of now, one of

the accolades that they have received was garnered by their first hit single: ‘Ctrl + Esc’. The song has reached 30,000+ streams during its first two months on Spotify and was also featured in its playlists, ‘Philippines Viral 50’, ‘New Music Friday Philippines’, and ‘Pinoy Indie Mix’. Due to this, the band is becoming aware that more and more listeners are wanting to hear more from them, and this has slowly catapulted their performances into new heights.

If you’re looking for new music to stream, make sure to not sleep on these up-and -coming musicians. Their chill melody with a hint of indie charm will surely hit the spot and if ever you see them perform live, don’t be afraid to approach them. They love interacting with their fans.

T h e Re t u r n o f P r i d e

BY DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

After four years of silence, Bacolod was once again rocked as hundreds of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual) individuals and allies marched in the streets, singing along to the beat of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”. The festivity was bursting with colors, from beautifully-dressed drag queens, to the vibrant colors of rainbow flags waving freely in the air. However, in the midst of the pride and celebration, the truth still remains: it is a protest—a fight for rights.

And a fight there was.

Fifty years ago, lesbians, gays, transvestites and their allies went head to head with the police in a bloody war at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, marking the first-ever gay liberation

movement in the United States.

Glass windows shattered as bricks, saucers, rocks, and bottles were hurled at advancing policemen determined to imprison members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

With the hopes to establish a respectful and accepting community and leave the dark and violent days behind, Tribu Duag, a youth-led organization, paved the way for the actualization of the first Pride Parade in Bacolod City.

The Fountain of Justice was bustling with life as it stood witness to LGBTQIA+ members uniting to fight for their rights.

Passersby couldn’t help but stare at their colorful banners and their faces smothered with rainbow paint.

“It is nice to be part of something so much bigger than yourself. Seeing people in the jeepney grabbing their phones and snapping pics and

people smiling around, it’s like Bacolod is feeling a bit safer for the LGBTQIA [community]. Our country has a long way to go, but it is a start”, Melle Christian Dionio, an ally from the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas expresses.

Before heading into the streets, heads were bowed in prayer as Girard Mariano Lopez asked the Father to be given the strength to stand up in a world where members of the LGBTQIA+ community have been wronged, remembering the lives of gays and transgenders lost to hate crimes.

To express his support and assure the members of the LGBTQIA+ community are not alone in their fight, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa also attended the event, showing his support and paving the way for the passage of LGBTQIA+ rights in the local government scenario.

PROTEST. Genderqueers individuals and allies rallying through the streets at the Hall of Justice during Bacolod’s first Pride Parade. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

“We are all equal, thus treat people as equals. They deserve the same rights as everyone else,” he said during the prerally program.

Gabriela, Anakbayan, and Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI), Deaf LGBT Community of Bacolod were also in attendance.

Fueled by love and not by hate, they paraded from the

Old City Hall to Tippy’s Bistro, waving, smiling, and radiating happiness to onlookers.

They are also pushing for the passage of the SOGIE Bill (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity And Expression) and Samesex Civil Union which would further uphold their rights as individuals.

“Pride, after all, is a protest at its core, as the LGBT

community vies for equal rights of all people, no matter of (their) background, creed, race, religion, socioeconomic status (SES), or affiliation,” Lopez said.

The day came to an end but the fight never stops. With feet sore and hearts filled with pride and renewed confidence, the protesters retired at Tippy’s Bistro to enjoy a night of mingling and celebration.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

11

DAGWAY

MAY TO JUNE 2019

Of the Ebb, for the Flow Society can sometimes be a ruthless test of selfacceptance and resilience. The unspoken standards, false sense of morality, and a long list of do’s and don’ts demand conformity—to force certain people to be unfaithful to their own identity.

This stiffnecked outlook is perhaps one of the pervasive reasons why members of the LGBTQIA+ community are hindered from revealing themselves to the world.

What’s worse is the hurtful stigma that claims that gay people can’t ever become worthy members of society.

But this hive mind of judgement did not deter USLS Psychology graduate Jean Paul Amit from being part of the reactive force against oppression. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community himself, Amit had his share of systematic oppression.

“One of the worst things is ostracizing and persecution,” Jean Paul enunciated. He recalled a concept in psychology that talks about the need for growing children to belong with a group. He didn’t have that, though he found solace in his female cliques and his family.

It’s from this subtle, subconscious alienation that emphasizes the comfort and security that the LGBTQIA+ community provides.

Rather than scattered pockets of acceptance, the community brings a large safe space rid of judgement.

Despite being involved in movements that promote environmental protection, gender equality, and mental health, Amit chose not to commit to one specific advocacy.

“They [the advocacies] are a matter of circumstance—

they’re all intersectional,” Amit stated. For him, the commonality of these movements revolves around a person’s quality of life— that which can be greatly affected by variables like privilege, circumstance, and environment. And the reality is that, ultimately, these uncontrollable aspects greatly

—MARTINI M. FALCO

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ AND WILLI T. FLORETE

alter the course of one’s life.

It is at this point that Jean Paul highlights the notion of choice. “I don’t have much of a choice as to what issues involve me—I do have a choice as to what issues I remain ignorant and silent about,” he drew. It is also from this that, in the context of political issues, apathy can be synonymous to ignorance.

But, while there are

certain issues that can be well outside people’s range of interest and responsibility, he stressed out that participating in the enforcement of equality and environmental awareness is everyone’s obligation regardless of their personal outlook and social status.

“And a lot of these issues including equality and the environment are not a matter of opinion,” he asserted.

Amit’s participation in the PRIDE parade this June doesn’t only depict the brave revelation and acknowledgement of his true identity, but also his step to topple down the misconception about gay people being incapable of producing good, decent results in society.

But Jean Paul also recognizes just how much his strong character was molded under the shadow of maltreatment. “I never would have made it this far without the struggle,” he added. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to constantly deal with second-hand looks and stares merely on the fact that you are alive.

“Success teaches you to find yourself in the world. Failure teaches you to lose the world and find yourself. I chose the latter, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he confirmed.

As long as the LGBTQIA+ community is subjected to stigma, pride will always be protest. And this pattern of a sort-of whiplash effect from the oppressed groups of society can be found wherever rights *AMIT are concerned—be it ecological rights, equal rights, and ultimately, human rights.

Amit’s story is—as the cliché goes—one of countless. Regardless of his or anyone’s labels, gay, straight, male, female, writer, artist, activist—the mere fact that someone is a living, breathing person is enough to merit them human decency and respect.

TV SERIES REVIEW

FINALE REVIEW: THE IRON THRONE

BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

Game of Thrones, a TV series adapted by HBO from G.R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, has finally concluded its reign as the most jarring series ever released on television after the airing of the show’s finale: The Iron Throne. After two long years of waiting, the fans were gifted with a culmination that had breathtaking CGI that could rival reality, a score that rendered emotions beautifully, and acting that brought the actors to the pinnacle of their abilities. But all of this was still not enough to raise the episode from the dead after the butchering it received from the horrid and vile writing, more brutal than the Red Wedding itself.

Most fans (both old and new) were revolted by the finale, and they had every right

to be so. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (more commonly known as DnD, long term directors and writers of the show) seemed to have had their minds somewhere else while writing the script of the series end. May it be they were at the ruined city of Valyria searching for lost actors or the far away land of Yi Ti hunting for manticores, the series that everyone adored has been reduced from the princess that was promised to some whore as foreign as the aforementioned kingdoms. But that does not mean the finale was not without its strengths.

To a varying degree, one might be inclined to look upon the episode with favor. This was brought upon by the outof-this-world CGI (a combined effort of Jonathan Freeman’s cinematography and Katie Weiland’s editing) and the gut-

wrenching score orchestrated

by Ramin Djawadi. Each scene was further enhanced by spoton rendering and music that made us remember why the show has garnered so much love. Emilia Clarke and Kit Harrington’s performance was also another cherry to be recognized. You can truly see the growth they had made from the eight seasons they were on the show. A scene that completely melds together all three of these advancements was the part when Danaerys (Clarke) was going down the stairs, Drogon’s wings spreads across in the background, giving us the cue that she had finally sprouted her wings. But then again, this only proves to be the folly of the finale.

Years ago, when GoT was just a mere show before the doom of the eighth season ever landed on the shores of

MOVIE REVIEW

KUWARESMA

BY ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

You’d know that this is another Erik Matti masterpiece when a horror movie has a touch of Filipino culture, Philippine history, and mind-boggling storytelling all in one. If you happened to watch Seklusyon during the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, you will find similar nuances from the film.

And somehow, it appears to be a patented film that makes it a disappointment.

Kuwaresma in Filipino terms, is the holy week in the Christian church. It is the week observed between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday dedicated to the Passion of Jesus Christ, where He was crucified and died for three days . It was also believed to be the day when the demons got stronger (somehow the storyline seems to be another version of Seklusyon). The main story was all about a young man named Luis (Kent Gonzales) who returns home to his very stern father, Arturo (John Arcilla) and to his submissive mother, Rebecca (Sharon Cuneta) after he received news about the death of Manuela (Pam Gonzales), his twin sister. The main characters were a mix of both veteran actors and those who are new to the film industry. It details a family who faces different demons in their lives. And as secrets slowly unravel, you will clearly see that even though a family is not perfect, they still care for each other when hard times knock.

“Ang pinakamalaking pagkakamali niyo ay isiping mahina kami.”

This is one of the iconic lines of Cuneta, who plays the matriarch of the family in the film. The script was written in a manner where your mind continually thinks and asks for answers. There were poetic lines as well, and the actor’s lines were intentionally leading into one direction. One of the brilliant Filipino scripts that can be considered as well-thought of and beautifully written.

The cinematography was lit. Every camera angle was placed perfectly in order to add value to the story, just like the unconventional shots in the beginning of the film that creates a feel of mystery

to the audience. Another remarkable scene in the film was the time when John Arcilla was talking to Sharon Cuneta in a garden where they were separated by a bed sheet hanging on the clothesline— that alone creates the barrier for the two characters. If you are a film enthusiast, you will notice that everything that was seen on-screen down to the smallest details were important.

Having the combination of veterans and emerging actors, however, was a downside for the film. Arcilla and Cuneta clearly dominated the acting scenes in the film, even though the novice actors were actually the main characters.

It seems as though there were moments that they missed, especially the dramatic confrontation scene of Pam Gonzales together with Sharon Cuneta and Kent Gonzales since she’s lacking emotion.

It could’ve been better if they casted a well-experienced actor that could fit for the role of Manuela. However, it is totally understandable that the casting was difficult since they are looking for who looks like the main actor, so they resorted to choosing his sibling.

The marketing of the film was great, too. The film has been on several television interviews and guestings, promoted through billboards

and on different social media platforms. However, bad public relations affected them. It was that time where Erik Matti made a critic about a Cebu episode of the Netflix, “Street Food” series where he got a lot of criticisms and bashing. But yeah, they say bad exposure is still exposure.

To sum it all up, the whole experience of watching the film was thrilling. Not enough for me to jump from my seat but enough for me to hide under my popcorn. You just can’t breathe from time to time. The film maintained the creep in your skin, it was a great Filipino horror film because it goes out to the typical Filipino horror films that we used to watch.

Somehow, there are some Conjuring-like scenes but it was brilliantly carried out until it reaches the climax. The totality of it tackled also the cry of feminists, that women can stand up for themselves.

It also depicts that human weakness is not a reason not to defy or fight the devil.

It is a must watch movie for everyone. The comeback of the Megastar, the super performance of John Arcilla, the brilliance of Erik Matti and the beautiful storyline of Kuwaresma are the reasons why people should watch it.

If you are a brave soul reading this review, I dare you to watch it.

Westeros, the watchers on the sofas were adhered to the series because of two things: the dialogue and the twists.

The viewers were left teetered on the edge of their seats when Tywin and Arya had simple conversations at Harrenhal.

The viewers were breathless when then King Joffrey, after being seemingly convinced by his uncle to let Ned Stark (Sean Penn) take the black, ordered the beheading of the Lord of Winterfell. Examples like these just barely graze the surface and yet, they are more than enough to support the claim of dialogue and twists against the usurpers that are CGI, score, and acting.

Years from now, when bored binge watchers stumble upon the treasure that is GoT, they will learn to love the first five seasons. But as they venture deeper into the abyss, like most fans, they will be as disappointed as the previous lords and ladies who watched the finale on its release.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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DAKBANWA

MAY TO JUNE 2019

Pagsaulog sang nahauna nga Halandumon Festival NILA IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN KAG KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

Bangud sa pagsaylo sang Charter Day sang Bacolod nga sang una ginahiwat kada ika-19 sang Oktubre, ini na gina selebrar, sugod sini nga tuig, kada ika-18 sang Hunyo kung diin suno sa Republic Act 11146 nga gin-aprubahan sang sadto anay presidente nga si Manuel Quezon ang Charter Day sang 1938.

Halandumon, nga kung sayuron sa Ingles, “memorable or worthy to be remembered”.

Parte sang “Mga Adlaw Sang Paghanduraw” ang piesta sang Halandumon kun diin gina saulog ang kultura, arte kag maragtas sang siyudad na halin ika-12 sang Hunyo tubtob ika-20.

Gina-tinguhaan sang gobyerno nga mangin manami man ang ini nga piesta sunod sa mas tanyag nga Masskara Festival kada Oktubre.

Gin-athag ni Konsehal Em Ang, Chairperson sang Tourism Committee sang siyudad, nga nahisuno

sa Panaad sang Negros Festival ang Halandumon tungod sa pagpasundayag sang bugana nga kultura sang siyudad.

Suno pa kay Ang, “Gusto namon mag-uswag man ang Halandumon pareho sa pag-uswag sang Masskara na mangin festival destination .”

Nahanungod sa kay Mayor Evelio Leonardia ang ideya na pagliton ang Charter Day sang tuig 2017 pa, suno na pagselebrar sang ika-80 nga anibersaryo sang syudad.

“Ang Halandumon magapasilabot sang mga hilikuton sang mga barangay para ila man mabatyag ang ila importansya sa pagkausa sa mga residente sang siyudad,” hambal ni Leonardia.

Dugang pa ni Leonardia nga lain ang Bacolod sang una sa Bacolod subong.

“Ang Bacolod subong, wala sing makontra, isa sa mga pinaka-progresibo na siyudad sa bilog na pungsod Pilipinas,” siling ni Leonardia.

Kaupod sang pagsaulog

ADDING COLORS TO THE SKIES. First ever Halandumon Festival Street Dance Competition held at the New Government Center last July 16. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

sang piyesta ang tuigan na Streetdance Festival na gin gahuman sang Brgy.

Pahanocoy sang ila OkoyOkoy Festival, nga gin dagan man ang Best in Costume, Concept, Choreography, kag

Production Design.

Ang Dinaguso Festival sang Barangay 17 ang ikaduha nga nagdaug, apang ikatatlo naman ang Sambod Festival sang Brgy. Banago.

Nagtamyaw man sa

piesta si Senadora Cynthia Villar sa Charter Day Program na ginhiwat sa Bacolod City Government Center.

Kabahin man sa programa ang nagbantog

nga pagpatukod sang Halandumon Tower sa dalan sang Gonzaga-Gatuslao nga nangin isa sa mga icon sang siyudad matapos ini inagurahan sang Hunyo 18.

Ilongga, nakadiskubre sang posible nga bulong sa diabetes NILA MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG KAG MAEGAN JOY MATAMORO

Nadiskubre sang isa ka 16-anyos nga Ilongga ang benipisyo sang lokal nga prutas nga sarisa para sa diabetes.

Ang kadamuon sang sarisa nga gatubo sa ila ugsaran ang nagtulod kay Maria Isabel Layson para sa iya pagpanalawsaw sa 2019 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) nga ginhiwat sa Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Kaupod si Layson, nga

estudyante sang Iloilo National High School Special Science Class, sa 12 ka tiglawas sang Pilipinas sa internasyunal nga science research competition, kung sa diin masobra sa 1800 nga student scientists ang nagintra.

Sa iya nga ginpresentar nga pagpanalawsaw nga ginatig-uluhan “Bioactive Component, Antioxidant Activity, and Antidiabetic Properties of Muntingia calabura Linn. An In Vitro Study”, natalupangdan ang

potensyal sang sarisa ukon aratiles bilang bulong sa type 2 diabetes.

Suno sa pagtuon ni Layson, ang amo nga prutas magamit nga bulong para sa mga pasyente sang diabetes tungod may ara ini sang anthocyanin nga gabulig kontrol sang glucose level, flavonoid nga gabulig sa pagpadamo sang insulin release, kag polyphenol nga makabulig likaw sa komplikasyon sang sakit nga ini—mga butang nga may dako nga bulig sa pag-

ayo sang namitlang nga sakit.

“Tanan nga parte sang sarisa may ara sang antioxidants nga makabulig sa iya a nti-diabetic properties,” dugang pa niya.

“Wala ko nag-intra sa ini nga kompetisyon para mangin bantog. Nag intra ko diri tungod gusto ko masolusyunan ang problema sang diabetes kag kung paano ang akon nga pagtuon parte sa aratiles makabulig para resolbahon

na,” hambal ni Layson.

Ginpili niya ang diabetes nga mangin topiko sang iya pagtuon bangod ini ang ginakabig isa sa mga gapanguna nga kabangdanan sang kamatayon indi lang sa Pilipinas, kundi sa bilog nga kalibutan.

Dugang sini, maskin natapos na ang kompetisyon nga gin intrahan, gusto niya magpadayon sa pagpanalawsaw para makabulig sa isigkataho, ilabi na sa iya mga

kasimanwa kag sa bug-os nga Pilipinas.

Suno pa sa Department of Health, ang diabetes ang isa sa mga pinaka-delikado nga balatian sa pungsod tungod man sa klase sang pagpangabuhi ukon genetic factors man.

Nakita sa forecast sang Philippine College of Physicians na may posibilidad nga magalabot sa 7.8 milyones ang mga diabetic nga Pilipino sa tuig 2030.

Sa Likod ng Paksiw at Kinilaw NI JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

-KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

*COLMENARES

Sa dami na ng kanyang karanasan sa pagluluto, maituturing nang kaharian para sa 26 na taong gulang na si Chef Don Angelo Colmenares ang kusina. Isang Negrense chef na tubong Hinigaran City, kinatawan ni Chef Don ang Pilipinas sa Tuna Route Festival na ginanap sa Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal noong Hunyo 5-9.

Kanyang ibinida sa nasabing okasyon, na dinaluhan rin ng iba’t ibang chefs mula sa mga bansang Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Spain at Portugal, ang kanyang bersyon ng paksiw at kinilaw na tinawag niyang “Seared Tuna ‘Paksiw’ with White Adlai” at “Toasted Coconut Tuna Kinilaw”. Ngunit, sino nga ba ang nasa likod ng mga putaheng ito na nagpamangha sa mundo?

Nahanap ng batang Don ang hilig at kahalingan sa sining ng pagluluto mula sa kanyang lolang Kapampangan.

Walong taon siya noon nang siya’y unang mamulat sa mga putaheng Pinoy. “Pinapaupo

niya ako noon sa upuan namin sa kusina habang siya’y magluluto. Pagkatapos ay ipapasubok niya ito sa akin nang ipapasubok, nang ipapasubok. At doon na nagsimula ang lahat,“ aniya.

Sa edad na 11, siya ay nag-aaral na ng basic culinary arts na itinuturo noon ng Reming’s, isang kainan sa Bacolod City.

Upang maipagpatuloy ang nasimulang landas, kumuha si Don ng kursong Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Culinary Arts sa Enderun Colleges sa Taguig at nagtapos noong taong 2014.

Pagkatapos gumradweyt, maraming napasukang trabaho si Chef Don. Siya’y itinampok bilang guestchef sa ilang mga culinary expositions dito sa Pilipinas tulad ng Madrid Fusion Manila at International Food Exposition (IFEX) Philippines 2018. Nakapagsilbi na rin siya bilang personal chef at consultant ng ilang kilalang pamilya dito sa bansa tulad ng mga Cojuanco at Zobel de Ayala. Sa kasalukuyan,

siya ay nagmamay-ari at nagpapatakbo ng sarili niyang restawran dito sa Bacolod City na tinawag niyang Berbeza Bistro.

Sa pagsuong niya sa tunay na mundo sa industriya ng pagluluto, siya’y namulat sa katotohanang hindi sapat ang ilang taong pag-aaral at pagtatapos ng kurso upang matawag ng isang tao ang sariling isang lubos na chef.

“Ang pagiging chef ay tiyaga,” bigkas niya. Ayon sa kanya, ibang iba ang propesyunal na mundo sa mundong nakapaloob lamang sa apat na sulok ng paaralan. Sa pagiging kusinero, kailangan nilang magtrabaho sa loob ng minimong 15 oras araw-araw nang walang pahinga.

Kaakibat ng kasipagang ito ang disiplina. “Kung hindi ka disiplinado, hindi ka magkakaroon ng mga pamantayan, at ang pagkakaroon ng mataas na pamantayan ang kailangan mo sa ganitong trabaho,” aniya.

Isa rin sa hindi dapat makaligtaan ng chefs, lalo na ng mga lokal na kusinero,

ang pagkakaroon ng pagkakakilanlan sa kanilang mga inihahanda. “Ang hamon sa aming mga chef ay kung paano namin maipapakilala ang ating lokal na mga lutuin sa isang kakaibang paraan.”

Gayunpaman, hindi dapat nito matakpan ang para sa kanya’y pinaka-importanteng bagay na dapat tandaan ng mga kusinerong tulad niya: ang lasa. Iisa lamang ang prinsipyo ni Chef Don sa pagluluto: “Kung ang luto mo ma’y mukha lang masarap ngunit hindi naman masarap ang lasa, wala ring kwenta.

Ngunit, kung ang luto mo’y simple ngunit kagulat-gulat ang lasa, ito’y magiging walang katulad.”

Napatunayan lamang ni Chef Don ang halaga ng pagmamahal at dedikasyon sa trabaho na siyang pinakaimportanteng bagay na dapat matutunan ng lahat.

Sa patuloy na pagpapa-unlad ng sarili at mga kakayahan, darating din ang araw na matuturing din nating kaharian ang dating maliliit lamang na kubong binuo sa pangarap.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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BACIWA ‘privatization’, padayon nga ginadumilian NILA STARLENE JOY B. PORTILLO, KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES, KAG SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

—GERICO T. GUANCO

Kaupod sa pagdumdum sang pagdeklarar sang United Nations bilang tawhanon nga kinamatarung ang pag-agom sang tubig, magahiwat man ang Social Action Center (SAC) sang Diocese of Bacolod sang pulong sini nga Hulyo 29.

Angut ini sa madugay na nga ginaduso nga privatization sang Bacolod City Water (BACIWA) District, pamaagi sa isa ka joint venture kaupod ang PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

Gapamatukan ang mga katapu ka BACIWA Employees Union (BEU) sa bisan ano nga joint venture kaupod ang isa ka pribado nga kompaniya bangud gapati sila nga ang gobyerno mismo ang dapat magtatap sini.

Suno sa presidente sang union nga si Leny Espina, 18 tubtob 20 lang ka empleyado sang BACIWA ang hawiran kung madayon ang joint venture. Samtang ang mabilin nga 510 ka empleyado basi kuhaon sang kompaniya ukon hatagan severance package.

Dugang pa ni Espina nga indi nila mabaton ang dako nga severance package bangud ang mga konsumidor ang maga-

agom sang pagtaas sa sukot sang tubig.

Nagapati si Konsehal Wilson Gamboa Jr. nga indi solusyon ang privatization sa kakulangan sang tubig sa siyudad.

Nagpanawagan man si Gamboa sa mga Board of Directors sang BACIWA nga maghalin sa ila mga puwesto, apang ila lamang ginaproteksyunan ang pribado nga kompaniya imbes nga ang mga konsumidor.

Tatlo ka bulan antis nagsugod ang deliberasyon sang privatization sang BACIWA sang Setyembre tuig 2018, ginaprubahan sang BACIWA Board of Directors ang resolusyon sang pagbaton sang ‘public-private partnership’ (PPP).

Madumduman nga ang BACIWA nakabaton sang lainlain nga proposal para sa posible nga privatization halin sa tatlo ka mga kompaniya: Metro Pacific Water, Prime Water, kag Manila Water, sang nagligad nga tuig.

Ginapasulabi naman sang BEU ang ‘public-public partnership’ sa gihapon para makontrol ang pagtaas sang balayran sa tubig sang mga pumuluyo.

Sa subong, ginakonsiderar naman sang BEU ang pag-

negosyar sa Murcia sang ila excess water nga pagabaklon sang siyudad sa barato nga presyo.

Isa si Leah Barcenal sang Brgy.

Felisa, sa mga nagadumili siya sa pagpribado sang BACIWA, tungod sa indi manami nga serbisyo sa ila panimalay apang malapit isa ka libo ang iya ginabayad kada bulan. “[Ang] importante, nami ang serbisyo [sang BACIWA] kay ang tubig, kinanglanon gid sang mga tawo,” hambal ni Barcenal.

Suno pa sa iya, basi magpinagusto ang BACIWA sa pagpasaka sang balayran kung indi na sila kontrolado sang gobyerno.

“Ang public transparency kag accountability amo ang kinahanglan sundon.

Kinahangalan hiwaton una ang konsultasyon bag-o magsulod sa negosasyon,” hambal ni Gamboa.

Dugang pa ni Gamboa nga ang Presidente mismo ang nagmando nga repasuhon ang mga kontrata sang tanan nga water concessionaires sa bilog nga pungsod tungod nakita nga mabug-at kag makabenepisyo lang ang mga pribado nga kompaniya, indi ang mga konsumidor.

Magtilaw kag magkaon diri Neg Occ, sa Kaon Ta! Food Festival kinilala sa kapulungan ng organikong agrikultura NI JORIE E. TORIANO

DATOS MULA KAY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA

Ginawaran ng pagkilala ang Negros Occidental sa katatapos lang na 4th International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) Asia Assembly sa Xichong County, China noong ika1 ng Hunyo dahil sa mga hakbang na ipinapatupad ng probinsya para sa organikong pagsasaka.

Pinuri ng IFOAM ang pagsisikap ng probinsya na maitaguyod ang organikong agrikultura at sa hangarin nito na maging Organic Food Bowl of Asia.

“Ang pangunahin naming layunin ay maturuan ang mga magsasaka ng organikong pagsasaka,” wika ni Edgardo Uychiat, presidente ng Negros Island for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (NISARD).

Upang magkapagtatag ng pundasyon sa produksyong organiko, gumawa sila ng presentasyon sa IFOA International ukol sa sustainable system sa Pilipinas na pinangunahan ni Uychiat at pagkatapos noon ay hinirang silang miyembro ng IFOA International noong taong 2005.

Inorganisa ng IFOA International ang kanilang pagpupulong sa iba’t ibang bansa sa bawat ikatlong taon.

“Kami ay

nagmamalasakit sa kapaligiran at hindi kami sang-ayon sa paggamit ng kemikal sa ating mga pagkain,” saad ni Uychiat.

Nakikita ng NISARD ang kinabukasan ng pagsasaka lalung-lalo na sa organikong pamamaraan.

Nakapagturo na rin sa maraming magsasaka ang naturang organisasyon kung paano isagawa ang organikong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka sa nakalipas na labing apat na taon.

“Alam ng karamihang magsasaka sa iba’t ibang lugar kung paano ito sinasagawa ngunit hindi nila alam kung paano dalhin ang mga produkto sa palengke,” paglinaw ni Uychiat.

Nagtatag na rin ang probinsya ng Organic Training Center sa Tabunan, Lungsod ng Bago, para sa mga taong nais matuto ng organikong pagsasaka.

“Ngayon, nagtayo kami ng Dedicated Organic Rice Mill sa Lungsod ng Bago para magproseso ng organikong bigas ng mga magsasaka,” dagdag pa ni Uychiat.

Isinusulong ng NISARD na suportahan ng mga lokal na mamimili ang mga magsasaka.

Ayon sa tala, mayroong 15,000 ektarya ng lupa ang ginagamitan ng organikong paraan ng pagsasaka kaya ipinagpapalagay na mayroong 15,000 na pamilya ng mga magsasaka ang nagsasagawa nito.

SUPPORT LOCAL. Concessionaires from the Kaon Ta! Festival selling their delicacies at the Balay Negrense. —ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

NI ALFREDO JR. R. BAYON-ON

Matam-is nga pika-pika, manamit nga lutong bahay, masampat nga sinugba, mabugnaw nga ilimnon kag preska nga mga pagkaon halin sa dagat—ini tanan makit-an kag matilawan sa Kaon Ta! Food Festival.

Ang Kaon Ta! Food Festival, isa sa mga ginahulat nga hitabo sa syudad sang Silay nga ginahiwat kada Kansilay Festival magabot ang bulan sang Hunyo kag kada Nobyembre sa Balay Negrense. Sa ini nga hitabo, naga tipon-tipon ang mga lokal nga kalanan kag mga manugbaligya para ipasundayag ang mga pagkaon nga ila ginapabugal.

Suno kay Joey Gaston, isa sa mga tagapagtukod sang sini nga kahiwatan,

ginapadayon ang ini nga selebrasyon para ipabugal ang mga lokal nga mga pagkaon ilabi na gid ang mga luto nga ginpanubli halin sa mga nagligad pa nga mga henerasyon.

Madamo nga mga gapanag-iya sang kalan-an kag mga manugbaligya ang nalipay sa sini nga kahiwatan kay indi lang ini makabulig sa ila tagsa-tagsa nga negosyo, apang naghatag man ini sa ila sang kahigayunan nga mapalapnag ang kanamiton sang pagkaon, indi lamang diri sa siyudad sang Silay, kundi sa iban pa nga mga lugar.

“Sang nagsugod ang ini nga kahiwatan, damo gid sang tawo ang nanamian.

Kag samtang nagadugay, mas nagnami kag nagdako na gid ang festival. Damo damo nga mga concessionaires ang

napasakop kag sila tanan mga tumandok nga Silaynon gid,” suno kay Gloria de Oca nga tag-iya sang Sir and Ma’am Restaurant. Isa ini sa mga una nga kalan-an nga nagpasakop sa Kaon Ta! Food Festival.

Madamo nga turista ang nagakadto sa ini nga food festival kay tungod madamo sang pagkaon ang ila pwede mapilian kag matilawan. Ang ini nga selebrasyon may ara man sang mga pahampang kag talan-awon nga pagtukar halin sa Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble. Nangin balantayon man diri ang pagpresentar sang iban nga pulitiko sang ila kinaiya kag ginapabugal nga mga putahe nga nangin panublion na sang ila pamilya. Ila ginsaysay kung ano ang ginhalinan sang ila putahe kag kung paano ini ginahimo.

“Amo ini ang

ginabantayan ko nga event diri sa Silay kay diri lang gid matilawan ang tanan nga delicacies sang Silay kag ini nagapamatuod nga manamit gid ang pagkaon ta di,” siling ni Ned Aeron Tanuga, isa ka Silaynon nga bumulutho halin sa COHM2_A. “Ginaimbitihan ko ang tanan nga Negrosanon kag mga turista nga magtambong kag magtilaw sang amon manamit kag ginapabugal nga pagkaon diri sa Silay,” siling ni Mayor Mark Golez, alkalde sang pungsod sang Silay.

Kung ikaw isa ka turista sa sini nga syudad kag kung may mag-imbitar gani sa imo nga “Kaon ‘ta”, indi na mag duha-duha kay sa Silay, ang pagkaon tuman gid ka saboroso. Kit-anay kita dason sa Kaon Ta! mag Al Cinco de Noviembre.

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

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An Excerpt from the 18th of April

- ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

BY CARL HASON T. GERALE

Once, when the wisps illuminating modern streets started to dull inside glass confines, and return to dust as they once were.

And the cacophony of voices set on the virtual plains was devoured by a man with sealed lips, for his own hunger and nature.

And no nooks nor crevices were left unveiled.

I slouched my shoulders and let my dull irises wander towards the evening pond, where concoctions were brewed by witches maddened and gods with their pallette.

NI IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

Binagalan ang hinga— buhat ang yugtong walang patutunguhan, ang kislap sa mata

mula sa buhos ng luha, ang boses ng bibig, garalgal sa paghikbi, ang ngiti sa labi, na minsa’y ikaw ang sanhi ang nakatarak na punyal, hindi matanggal-tanggal.

Ipinikit ang mata— muling umaasang makakaraos pa.

The living laid dead as dandelions thrived on the surface and waltzed around the moon plaza and beyond the sugar meadows.

Everything was calm.

And I calmed down.

BY ANDREA DANIELLE A. GAMBOA

makalapit sa mundo, ngunit ang inaakalang pag-alis, ang inaakaalang hakbang palayo, Matapos ang distansyang tinahak, isang hakbang— pinaliliit ang mundo, isang hakbang— papalapit muli sa iyo.

Inihakbang ang paa— makalayo sa kanya,

One Last Shade

There’s a curiosity in recalling a memory. They say that the more you live within a singular moment, the more that things begin to change. Details, conversations, all blur into one nonexistent writing of prose.

BY ALVIN BRIAN S. LEGARIO

The familiar stench of smoke and decaying wood greeted the old man as he made his way into his quarters. For most common officers, the room would be considered dreary at best. From head to toe, the simple apartment was dubbed in only one color: melancholy. But regardless, for the past ten years, this was his domain and that enough placed a smile of familiarity on his lips.

“My castle on a field of roses,” he said with a modest grin, as he shut the door behind him.

Growing up, he always wanted to be a king. A lord of his own castle, where he could do anything he pleased. But being the son of a humble farmer, he had little to no opportunities to lavish himself with these pleasures.

Instead, he honed what was given to him by the gods as the only gift he had ever received: his art.

“Tonight is the night it will finally be finished,” he said with delight as he limped to his simple table and chair fashioned after oak and splinters.

Setting his rifle beside him, he grabbed his favorite pen (and his only pen), took a deep breath, and unhinged the cages of his imagination.

With every delicate stroke of the ink-filled instrument, he came closer to what was his supposed masterpiece.

“If I could finish my work tonight, dying on the battlefield tomorrow will make no difference,” the old man grumbled as he

I can recall the libretto of cicadas’ rhythm and blues.

The tamed floras— exude a rare perfume.

Sedations that clung to the fabrics of the crisp cold air.

Falsities

Lakbay Alay Inihakbang ang paa— dala ang mga alaalang, kay pait ma’y baon pa rin hanggang bukas, mga memoryang nakapaskil sa isipan, nakatatak sa puso, ang nakatarak na punyal, walang tigil ang agos ng dugo.

Along with throes of passion —cultured under its waters.

A boy sits at a table with his late father, his hands balled up in front of him. There’s a familiarity to this moment, but the boy hadn’t always been this scared. His father hadn’t always been this...alive.

A minute passes, then two. Finally, “I wish you had been there more.”

You start to recall things differently: faces become kinder, words become poetic, and things aren’t as black and white as they were, initially.

The spaces where silence sandwiched itself into: within a word-for-word reading of a Shakespeare monologue. A girl reads an obituary of her love out loud as a casket descends into dead grass.

A means of self-preservation; to imagine things in one’s own way. There is solace in the falsity of a memory, the reworking of dialogue and imagery. When lights and sounds and colors blur into one tiny blip in the time-space continuum, Did that memory ever really exist?

“Kaon ta balâ” NI MAEGAN JOY MATAMORO

-KATHERINE E. CO

commanded the pen with voracity and precision but just as he was about to shade the finishing touches, he heard a knock.

“Supper already?” he wisped in confusion. “I’ll be a

minute, lad. Let me just—“ A louder knock followed.

“Come in, come in! It’s unlocked lad,” the old man bellowed.

The door opened.

“It’s too early for sup—“ were the only words he could muster before a bullet cleanly exited his head, smearing his unfinished masterpiece with crimson.

Nagsugot ko nga tagaan ko sentimos Kabudlay manglimos Sa patdan nga ginahakos

Kay biskan ang hapuhap Nga kabug-at Piliton gid Ipatipon kami liwat

Piyungan ang kalaot Pabungolan ang mga tinaga Apang ang pagpangabuhi Amo na ang ginalaot

Kag

Sa mga palad ko nga gakurinot Nagabagsik ang kasakit kag dumot Pero biskan higko ang duta Mas tinlo simo akon kamot Bangod wala bisti Ang makatago Sa hilikuton Nga indi desenti

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

Sa tanan nga agda Nga nabatian Bisan garaguok na ang tiyan Amo lang ni ang indi ko pagkadtuan “Kaon ta bala”

15

LEISURE

MAY TO JUNE 2019

Krosword

KOMIK BYTES

ni Alvin Brian S. Legario Kumpletuhin ang krosword sa ibaba

“Gali No?”

- Carl Hason T. Gerale

“OA”

Across: 2. Ang pangalan ng ama ni Crisostomo Ibarra.

3.Isang namumulaklak na halamang pangmatagalan at palagiang berde, na ang pangalan ay kapareho sa isang Pinoy rock legend.

9.Ang pang labinlima at ang pinaka-sikat na kanta sa ikatlong album ng Eraserheads.

Key:

Down: 1. Isang Fil-Am na aktres na naging bida sa pelikulang High School Musical.

4. Ang ama ng rebolusyon.

5. Leron, leron sinta, buko ng 6. Nakita kita, sa isang magazine. Dilaw ang yung suot at buhok mo’y ___.

7. Ang tanging Pinoy na sumali sa unang digmaang pandaigdig.

8. Habang may tatsulok at sila ang nasa ___.

-Anna Theresa S. Parayno

“The First Day”

- Andrea Danielle A. Gamboa

Wikationary NI JOSHUA L. MAHILUM

Kung akala niyo’y sa wikang Ingles ninyo lamang maririnig ang mga katawagang teknikal sa agham, nagkakamali kayo.

Nasa ibaba ang katumbas ng ilang mga terminolohiyang pang-agham sa wikang Filipino.

- CARL HASON T. GERALE

Sipnayan Ingles: Mathematics Sukgisan Ingles: Geometry Pánandaan Ingles: Algebra

Tatsihaan Ingles: Trigonometry Táyahan Ingles: Calculus Palátuusan Ingles: Accountancy

Agsikapan Ingles: Engineering Aghímuan Ingles: Technology Agham Ingles: Science

Sugnayan Ingles: Physics Kapnayan Ingles: Chemistry Haynayan Ingles: Biology

Dágisikán Ingles: Electronics Palaulatan Ingles: Statistics Agbarugan Ingles: Architecture

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 64 NUMBER 2 · MAY TO JUNE 2019

MAY TO JUNE 2019

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 2

USLS tandem nabs 4th runner-up in PRISAA DanceSport

ACCOMPLISHED. Karen Ballon, representative from the College of Engineering and Technology, sways her way during the Animolympics 2018 dance sports competition. —MARTINI M. FALCO

BY IDA SARENA M. GABAYA AND JOHN VINCENT E. RIVERA

Lasallian duo Sean Arenal and Karen Ballon bested [their way to the final round against] 16 other competing regions during the Private Schools Athletics Associations (PRISAA) National Games DanceSport Competition last

May 21 in Davao City.

The two represented Western Visayas (Region 6) and attained the fourth runner-up spot in the Latin American category.

“Sean is under the Jean Baptiste Dance Company, while Karen was chosen because of her talent and exposure in dancesport.

“Pass It Back” launches in Neg Occ

BY DISNEY MARIE L. ESPARTERO

To engage the youth in sports, Childfund, a nongovernment organization, together with the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU), organized “Pass It Back”, a program which seeks to equip the youth with the necessary skills to compete in the sport of rugby and encourage them to pass these skills back to their communities.

“We are again bringing the event here mainly to give opportunities especially to the less fortunate youth in the community,” PRFU Development Manager Acee San Juan said in a press conference.

The midseason competition took place at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) on May 11, tallying at least 500 Negrense youth and 21 coaches from Bacolod City, Talisay City, and E.B. Magalona.

Project Officer Cookie Derecho said that the sport was modified to “tag rugby” to foster solidarity, sportsmanship, discipline,

Representatives from every region challenged one another on the dance floor, showcasing their flair in five Latin American dance categories, namely: Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Samba.

Their dance competition was composed of three rounds—elimination on the

first round, followed by the semi-finals, and during the final round, the tandems were tasked to dance individually.

Meanwhile, Estanda shared that one of the major problems they had encountered was concerning budget and other expenses.

“We bring the name of Region 6 - Western Visayas,

not just the university,” she also stressed.

The week-long sporting event was held in the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) from May 19-25, where student athletes from private universities nationwide participate in numerous olympic sports competition.

TIMEOUT

Beyond the Metal

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

and respect not just among the players but the coaches as well.

One of the event’s goals is to promote gender inclusion, with PRFU Secretary General Ada Milby saying that they are excited to build the program’s successes up to date by more girls and young women playing rugby in the Philippines.

Philippines is the third Asian country after Laos and Vietnam to be involved in the program, with the event being the second Childfund sponsored program after the “Pass It Back” grassroots training launch back in 2017.

“ChildFund’s Pass It Back program was set up for disadvantaged children living in communities across Asia, who face significant challenges around poverty and inequality,” ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence said during the 2017 leg.

This program is supported by the Australian’s Government Aid program through its Asia Sports Partnerships (ASP) initiative to strengthen the bond between Australia and Asian countries.

E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com

But both of them were already considered as varsity athletes,” USLS Committee on Culture Coordinator Aileen Estanda said.

The pair began training in March as soon as the dancer lineups were finalized, and then proceeded to endure long nights of practice every day.

You’ll never reach the top— but not for the reasons you might think. Bookmark this thought.

The Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) held their national games during the latter half of May 2019 in Davao City. For context, the organization hosts a countrywide competition for a large variety of sports. These are participated by thousands of delegates from private schools in regions all over the country. In short, it is the biggest national athletic tourney of the Philippines.

In the said competition, Karate athlete Isiah Aragon represented Western Visayas and the University of St. La Salle after his own personal journey of climbing up the ranks.

When the dust settled after his bouts in the minus 55 kg Kumite category, Isiah went home with a bronze medal around his neck—dedicating this to his mentor Br. Mario Dacanay FSC for molding him into the skilled, holistic athlete he is now.

Being in the company of elite athletes felt humbling for Isiah, but camaraderie with other regions prevailed

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*ARAGON

—MARTINI M. FALCO

over the heat of competition.

And despite placing third in the national stage, the black belter didn’t think of it as a loss. “The metal medal is not the real medal. The real medal is within me—the fact that I worked hard for this,” Isiah stated.

ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls

But like every athlete, there was a point in time when Isiah wasn’t wearing his black belt. “I started doing karate in the seventh grade. It was a choice between the archery club or the karate club,” Isiah reminisced. Akin to most things in life, the biggest

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changes always start with a choice. “But I thought to myself, if I’d choose archery, I’d have to buy equipment, but in karate, it’s just free,” he added, smiling.

Throughout the following years, Isiah fell in love with karate—it turned from pastime to passion. One huge turning point was his welldeserved promotion to the first recognized karate rank: white belt. “[...] that day I thought, grabe amo na ni,” he recalled. Weeks of rigorous training paid off, turning the spark into an inferno for Isiah’s fervor for the sport.

As someone who was once an aspirant, Isiah urges the youth to not just follow their dreams, but to put it into perspective as well.

“Everyone has a dream, but not everyone chooses to live it and to take it as an opportunity. Opportunities come once, so it’ws either you take it, or you let it go,” Isiah wisely concluded.

You’ll never reach the top because there is no top. You never really stop climbing, but you have to look back at the path you took—at all the missteps and the glory—at least for a little while.