the Weekly Sillimanian - March 21, 2013

109 years TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS | VOL. LXXXV NO. 18 | FRIDAY, 21 MARCH 2013

HIMIG AT SAYAW 2013. The College of Nursing wins home the 1st prize of the Himig at Sayaw 2013 choral competition last March 1 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. PHOTO BY Alexandra Iso

Gov bets face off in first-ever prov’l debate

By Samantha L. Colinco

GOVERNOR ROEL DEGAMO discussed projects under his current leadership while challenger Gary Teves enumerated his plans as both address issues on education, health, employment and disaster reduction in the first-ever Negros Oriental Gubernatorial debate last Feb. 27.

Another contender for the province’s chief executive position, first district Representative Josy Limkaichong, was unable to participate in the event dubbed as “Kumbati 2013: The Negros Oriental gubernatorial debates” at the Luce Auditorium.

During the debate, incumbent governor Degamo said that his administration has given programs empowering the poor.

“We give power to those who have less because 85 percent of the total population of Negros Oriental is living in poverty. And if we don’t give them priority, the province will never flourish,” Degamo said in Cebuano.

Meanwhile, former Secretary of Finance Teves said his priorities are food and jobs with an emphasis on commitment and cooperation.

“We should make sure that the farmers and fisher folks are supported and they are able to produce food at affordable prices

KUMBATI 2013. In-convent governor Roel Degamo and Mr. Gary Teves faces off for Kumbati 2013 which was held last February 27 at the Luce Auditorium.

PHOTO BY Alexandra Iso

. . . so we need to work together with the national government and local government units and pull our resources together,” Teves added.

Both candidates also promised their full dedication to the position they hope to fill after the May 13 elections.

Degamo focused on healthcare with his flagship program “Sa probinsya, mag-Degamo ta.”

“I work hard for this province . . . That is why you will see your governor frequenting the barangays and mountains. As an engineer, I talk less. What I am after are results,” he said.

On the other hand, Teves, with his finance background, concentrated on

funds such as the sin taxes which could be “used to improve our facilities.”

“I’d like to be able to share my experience that I have gathered over the years and to be able to share that with our people in Negros Oriental.

This is my manifestation of gugma ug tabang (love and help) for all people,” he added.

The debate, organized by the Silliman University College of Mass Communication TV Production class and aired last March 4 over FilProducts Channel 6, was the first of its kind to be televised in the province. ~

By Katrin Anne A. Arcala

THE BAD WEATHER caused President Noynoy Aquino’s plane to divert it’s way to Cebu, thus, skipping his supposed first visayas stop for the team PNoy rally.

The only ones who made it on the afternoon of February 19 were campaign manager Senator Franklin Drilon, senatorial candidates Bam Aquino IV, Jamby Madrigal, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Koko Pimentel’s sister, Gwen and Sonny Angara’s wife, Tootsie.

“The President was very excited for his Dumaguete trip. It’s just too bad that the weather did not allow the visit,” Limkaichong said.

Those running for provincial and

local positions were also present to attest their support to the party.

“The attendees might have been smaller than expected. This is due to the heavy rain earlier that day,” Vicemayor and LP mayoralty candidate Alan Gel Cordova said.

Apart from the rally, PNoy was also supposed to attend the inauguration of the new Qualfon building in the city where Drilon served as the keynote speaker.

Qualfon 2 is located at the Link-Sy IT Park, Barangay Bantayan.

The president was present during the groundbreaking of the site last year.

There is no exact date yet on when PNoy would be back to fulfil his visit in Negros Orieintal. ~

challenge to adapt to his dynamics.

But I’m willing to work through it,” Namocatcat said.

In a separate interview, Palad echoed Namocatcat’s statement. He said: “We’re not negative about it. It’s a new experience, how to work with people who are not from your party.

It’s a challenge now, but I know we will be okay. As long as the person is willing to serve, to step up to the challenge and to make changes, it’s going to be okay.”

Palad added that he has a good working relationship with Namocatcat. They are both from the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) and have worked together in the MedTech Society before.

Namocatcat said that the vision she had for ICLS, which she said she has already accomplished, is the same thing she wants to inculcate in every Sillimanian. “I really had a vision of

an empowered MedTech [students].

I think the vision is alive now,” she said referring to the support of Medical Technology students to her and Palad’s victory. “That’s the kind of vision I also want for Silliman.

Students are not afraid to say that I’m from Silliman. Students are proud to say that I am from Silliman… because we really have that holistic education to be proud of,” said the Medical Technology junior.

Namocatcat added that she would work closely with the league of governors to achieve and realize her vision. The governors in the different colleges will be her link to the students.

“We want students to realize that they have a clear line to the SG. I think that way, we empower them.

We give them a chance to speak up, give them a chance to express themselves.”

N a m o c a t c a t continued on page 4

PNoy absent at LP Rally

SURE wins presidency but CAUSE clinches VP, majority of reps

By Ma. Josebelle Bagulaya

STUDENTS’ UNION FOR Reforms (SURE) bet Rona Marie Namocatcat is the next Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) President after she defeated John Henrick Abella of Concerted Action for the Upliftment of Students’ Endeavors (CAUSE) by a slim margin of 29 votes in the SG elections on Feb. 27.

Namocatcat got 1, 397 votes while Abella had 1,368.

“The first time I knew that I only won by 29 votes, it really made me feel that this is really for me. God gave this one to me…,” Namocatcat said of her victory. Although there is sadness coming from the loss, Abella said, he is still pleased because Namocatcat is “one with the mission to really serve the students.”

“The time I knew Rona was my opponent, I really told myself ‘win or

lose’ I’d really be happy,” he said. “I believe she has the will to do it, the capability of really handling the SG next school year.”

Abella said the slim margin of votes was because of the “overwhelming” votes he got from High School.

Abella secured 296 votes while Namocatcat got 195.

Namocatcat will lead next year’s student body with majority in her administration coming from CAUSE party, including her Vice-President.

Medical Technology sophomore Jeff Nicolo Palad of CAUSE, who secured 1,463 votes, beat SURE candidate Arleigh Oracion Jr.’s 1,205 votes in the vice-presidential race.

CAUSE candidates also grabbed 33 out of 43 college representative seats.

Namocatcat said that belonging to a different party may be a “challenge” but their passion to serve is more important than their differences.

“Maybe, at first, it will be a

Journalist hopeful at country’s election pace

By Samantha L. Colinco

VETERAN JOURNALIST LYNDA Jumilla said last Feb. 28 that the country’s political system has come a long way - from the “very tedious and mistake-prone” manual voting and tallying to the “faster and more accurate” automated elections first presented in 2010.

Jumilla, senior political correspondent of ABS-CBN, cited the introduction of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for automatic vote counting as the “biggest difference” in the nation’s election history.

“Given all these changes, we can say that the electoral system in the Philippines have improved a lot. It’s not perfect. We’re not ecstatic about it but neither do we want to go back to the old order,” she told 200 student and teachers at the audio visual theater.

She also added that before the PCOS machines, there were a lot of tension and concern during the counting periods such that election season in the country was like going to war.

“We have war tanks, soldiers and the police guarding the ballot boxes.

People are crying. Again, it was not very healthy for a democracy to have a kind of election that is like going to a battle all the time,” she said.

Another significant change in the 2010 elections, according to Jumilla, was the fast election outcomes.

“If you have faster results there is not enough time and opportunity for those who want to manipulate the results of the elections. So fewer chances of cheating and it also means less tension,” she added.

However, Jumilla also added that even with these changes, the electoral system can still improve not only in the voting process but also in the election of the “right people” for office.

“It is not enough that we count the votes properly. It’s also important to make each and every vote count,” she said.

Winner of the 2013 Marshall McLuhan Prize for Responsible Journalism given by the Canadian embassy, Jumilla is visiting schools in the country to talk about “Polls, politics and the press: New roles, new challenge for the media during the elections” as part of her fellowship in the said award. ~

THECULPRITS Every crime has a suspect. After eight months and eighteen issues, Sillimanians may wonder the shadows behind this school publication. Here are the culprits of the early submissions and delayed releases, touching features and humorous comics, hot news items and cold layout nights.

The suspects of the beautiful crime that is the Weekly Sillimanian.

MAYA ANGELIQUE B. JAJALLA

warlito s. caturay jr.

Sir Caturay is a teacher, baker and singer – all at the same time.

With his eye for details and sharp pen, this paper could be grammatically perfect, if all writers have only passed their articles on time.

We salute him for his patience throughout this rollercoaster school year.

JUSTIN VAL V. VIRTUDAZO pick-up lines? words of wisdom? nobody beats our business manager who manages to throw these words ala chief justice. he is a guy next door who has high standards when it comes to the things he does (and even the girls he hangs out with). his favorite line goes “samuka uy“ with his natural bol-anon accent. but despite his strict and serious aura, this guys has a generoes heart. proof? he refuses to give the tWS staff their salary deduction.

hard-working, God-fearing, talented, approachable, confident— these words describe Maya. For that, and many other reasons, people of all ages and sizes find her tremendously appealing. Her crazy side usually emerges when she has had too much coffee for one day.

When she’s in crazy mode, she is more likely to talk about her feelings.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

MARIELLA S. BUSTAMANTE Despite been born and raised in the Philippines, Ella talks almost exclusively in English when in school, though she has shown a considerable mastery of Cebuano when buying things. She is one of the few tWS staffers who have been published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She is deeply passionate about many things, books being one of them.

KATRIN ANN A. ARCALA Kat is guilty of being a certified “Pusong Bato” with a trophy to prove it. Despite her stone-heartedness she very responsible with her job and acts professionally when the need arises. She often gets away with witty comebacks. One good way of describing her is a “girl on fire” as she has a strong character and a generous heart.

SAMANTHA L. COLINCO

JELANIE ROSE T. ELVINIA

MA. JOSEBELLE S. BAGULAYA

We are crossing our fingers for her to be next school year’s Editor-in-chief.

The great Sam Colinco is the master of writing news stories. But don’t let her looks deceive you. She may look so silent and naïve, but her one-liners will send Boy Pick-Up to the backstage.

Although she has aced all of her subjects, she still doesn’t know how to do the ‘Pacman Emoticon’ in Facebook. Let’s help her, guys.

Half tomboy and half woman, Jelanie is also one-third man. However, beneath that boyish surface is a truly female heart. She can love intensely as a friend and otherwise. She is often seen minding her own business at the tWS office, pecking away at her laptop or singing to herself. She is one of our longest-serving news writers.

This beautiful, chinita Waray who wants to marry a Robredo someday lives in BubblePop Tea and Desserts. Although she doesn’t like the color pink, her blood needs a dose of Taro Milk Tea every single day. Give Belle a pen and paper and you’ll understand why we bow down to her wit and brilliance. We believe that someday, Belle will find the perfect guy for him (preferably a Robredo) who will “add her as a friend” on Facebook.

PRINCESS T. ABELLON Due to her huggable nature, many of her friends use her as a human pillow. Many of the staffers find her comical quirkiness entertaining.

Princess is very good at giving advice and keeping secrets. She enjoys chatting with her buddies and playing pranks on other people. Beyond her wacky nature, Princess is a very diligent student and is awesome at playing basketball

SUZMITA VILLEGAS Never leave your laptops, cameras and cellphones unattended.

“Susu”, as we would like to call her, loves to occupy the memory space of any gadget with a camera with photos of herself.

Whenever in the TWS office, Susu spends her time watching movies.

What’s so unique about her is that she dances really hard whenever she gets tense.

ELANA JOY BARTLETT EJ is wanted for being as tall as a skyscraper. Almost everyone from the staff gets intimidated by her height. She loves to sing and have impromptu sessions with her friends. She manages to be socially presentable despite her utter weirdness and wacky sense of humor.

mICHIKO JE M. BITO-ON The endless womanhunt for Michiko is mainly due to her being an over-achiever and her perpetually busy schedule. Ironically, she still finds time for her friends and her romantic tendencies. Don’t let her fool you. Unlike most people, horror movies don’t scare her. This sly creature’s usual poker face hides a deeply caring and affectionate person inside.

Chik is obsessed with art, science, writing, swimming, and anything related to Hello Kitty.

KRISTINE ANN M. FERNANDEZ

NOVA VERALEY V. GRAFE

Kristine or Inday is confesses that she’s a mean girl, however, she makes up for it by being an incessant hugger (sorry boys, that doesn’t include you).

The internet is her best friend, as it enjoys her awkward taste of music and films.

She believes that one of her best assets is her loud voice---perfect for being a ultimate screaming machine (which helps when she supports friends in contests.)

ROYANNI MIEL M. HONTUCAN Miel is a very nationalistic writer who hates traffic, violence, mathematics, dust and people who always arrive late. She has a perfectly bizarre fascination with butterflies and admits she is in need of a guy in her life who can solve math problems for her. She wants to be an ambassador someday. She is terrified of crossing the street.

Nova is one of the most hardworking writers in TWS. She always strives to do great in her academics as well as in her extra-curricular activities. She is famous for her role in the recent KABSI installation as a dude.

She also played the role of a crazy woman in last year’s KABSI.

CHRISTAL FAITH F. JAVIER Christal is a hardcore healthy lifestyle advocate. In fact, she taught some of us the wonders of Zumba dance and the secrets to beautiful, glowing skin. She is very responsible with her endeavours and despite her focused and strict appearance, she never misses the opportunity to share her antics (not to mention ambiguously suggestive sentences) with everyone. As a friend, Christal is genuinely understanding and kind.

JAIZER JIM R. NADAL

ROBERTO KLEMENTE R. TIMONERA

Jaizer is rarely seen at the office. His writings are shamelessly literary, sprinkled with passages like “when the friction of the years bleaches my hair white.”

His playlist consists of extremely indie artists (North Dorm, Ricky Eat Acid, and Underoath, to name a few). When not waxing poetic, he slaps a mean beat on his bass guitar and jabbers away in rapid Hiligaynon. He is currently a third year creative writing major, something he found himself into after one year of nursing and three years of masscom.

Arkay’s literary prowess is most apparent during post-mortems when he critiques an article using terms that are only familiar to scholars. When going into his room, you can see piles of books in every corner. He is also an adept photographer. During his spare time, he shoots short “indie” films with his friends. He is a big fan of The Beatles and can sing acappella versions of their songs with every word memorized.

JOHN LEE D. LIMBAGA

HENZONLY HOPE A. ALBOROTO Zon is the certified “chuychaps” of the group, and rightfully so. He is the bassist in the punk band “Finpot”. You can regularly see them playing in Hibalag and other gigs outside Silliman. He is also a sought after photographer and film-maker. He is known for starting “Indie Vibes”, a Facebook group which is dedicated to everything indie.

FEDERICO B. MARTINEZ VII Fed does not limit himself to web designing. His hobbies include storytelling, composing music and playing RTS games. One secret that Fed keeps is his strange fascination for tribal costumes. Fluent in Japanese, Fed is passionate about Japanese culture and welcomes the chance to coverse with people who know the language. One thing he’d like people to know is that any pranks involving cockroaches are pranks he would rather not be involved in, since he hates them so much.

JL is the Weekly Sillimanian’s premier basketball hunk. As the staff’s circulation manager, he saves the day by pushing everyone to release our issues on time. JL is the kind of guy who shows his concern by being honest to you in every way that he can.

When it comes to expressing his ideas, he makes sure that they’re all made LOUD and clear. For countless times, JL has proven to us that he has a good heart as well as a gentleman’s appeal.

susannah jane lapa Contrary to popular belief, the College of Mass Communication is also a place for silent people. Susie is one of the most soft-spoken people in the class. But she finds her strength every time she holds a pen. This fashionista from Mindanao is your girl next door.

She’s one of the hard core writers in the class. Silent waters, indeed, runs deep.

REA SAMANTHA P. MIGULLAS Unknown to many, the Weekly Sillimanian’s cartoonist is a military and civil war junkie contrary to her petite frame and sassy vibe. Rea describes herself as an “amateur historian mangaka” when it comes to her style in drawing.

She loves to cosplay certain characters like Haruhi Suzumiya and Miku Hatsune.

As an aspiring teacher, what’s so unique about her is her use of anime as a medium for teaching. How cool is that?

MELISSA ALEXANDRA B. PAL As one of the Weekly Sillimanian’s resident photojournalists, Melissa has taken her craft to a whole new level after one of her photos made it to the banner of THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER. Mel is a very trustworthy friend whom you can count on for any situation.

Not everyone knows that behind Mel’s boyish charm is gentle heart.

There are times when she gets all fluffy and emotive when the proper “circumstance” arises.

NEIL EDMUND A. ALLENA His masculine-sounding name and boyish looks don’t match his nickname (“Yancy”).With his heart-melting voice and guitar skills, he could be the next Mr. Hibalag and CBA Idol. He went into a seminary during his high school years. But he realized that he’s better at spreading God’s love through his charming face and “the moves”. He’s also one of the backstage boys a.ka. LA Crew. Wala pud

siya’y laing bisyo kundi serbisyo.

earl paolo jaculbe When you hear the lilt of authentic Tagalog in the office, that usually means Paolo’s there. This diehard Manileño looks about ten years younger than he really is, owing perhaps to his schoolboyish haircut and clothes. He manages to be very charming despite the biting remarks he throws off so casually. Oh, and here’s a bit of trivia: his house is a stone’s throw away from campus but he feels the need to drive around in a Pajero.

Paolo lim One of the last Knights of the Old Republic, Paulo often played mentor to tWS neophytes, particularly the cartoonists.

He could be viciously objective (if not harsh) when giving out advice, but there was never any malice involved—he really meant well. That said, his talent for drawing is sure to land him a job at Marvel Comics one day. His middle initial—no joke, mind you—stands for Machete.

ALEXANDRA DIANE L. ISO Alex, a.k.a. “rackcitybee” is charged for being a beast when it comes to chocolate.

She loves fashion and has a keen eye for art and photography. Alex is very friendly and approachable especially towards students from the lower years.

She’s always up for any challenge and is very willing to share her experiences with others.

JAE JIREH P. NEJUDNE

VEN ALBERT E. BUENAOBRA Yes, ladies. He’s single!

This charming future lawyer who was crowned as the Ginoong History-Pol Sci 2013 may be the joker of the group. His friends fondly call him “Abs” although he has none. His special skills include washing dishes, erasing marks on the whiteboard, hacking other people’s FB account and stalking his crush’s profile. He’s part of the school’s athletics team. Walang problema ang oobra kay Abs Buenaobra!

roselle publico Roselle could very well be dubbed as a girl-next-door, but if you get the opportunity to know her more, you’ll realize she is more than that. Unlike many of us who find studying a pain, Roselle loves it. She delights in studying as a way for her to excel academically. When she needs to relax, she plays with her dogs.

It’s all in the glasses.

The Weekly Sillimanian’s lone layout artist owns a natural “hipster swag”.

Everyone appreciates her loving nature and unconventional perspective on life. Jae admits that the mere mention of ghosts and/ or monsters scares her out her wits. For this reason, many of her friends resort to telling paranormal stories whenever she cracks mean jokes on them.

jairah hernani Jairah despises deadlines, a trait seen as ironic for a news writer. Aside from writing, music also colors her world because she plays the violin and piano. She admits that she always appears shy at first, but gets used to people later. She makes it a habit to reading the book first before watching it’s movie version, so she can understand the content better.

kriztja labrador Kriztja believes that she owes her funny behavior from watching too many horror movies. According to her, even the sight of a slightly open door creeps her out, and as a result, she immediately closes it on impulse. A foodie, Kriztja loves eating, and believes it is her duty to critisize whatever she consumes---from the toppings, to the sauce.

julia andrea abrenica Julia is one of those inherently artsy individuals. Her illustrations are cartoonish in a sense that they could well be within the same league as any cartoon from Cartoon Network.

She is a very friendly person and is particularly interested in those who have off-beat personalities. Not many people know this, but Julia actually plays the violin. She has a major crush on Martin Freeman, an actor who plays Watson in the series Sherlock.

4 twsopinion

the weekly sillimanian 21 march 2013

Graduates, meet world “It’s not the end, it’s the beginning.” Cliched as it may seem, this saying holds true for those in Silliman’s graduating batch of 2013.

The countdown to graduation has begun---and with it being only a few days away, many seniors can’t wait for the day when they don their togas and get to throw away the title of “student” that they’ve held for four (or five, if you’re in Engineering) years.

Naturally, seniors will be facing dozens of questions about what they’ll be doing after graduation, and are expected to join the chaotic, panic-ridden quest for employment that every fresh graduate seeks out.

College graduates have always embodied certain emotions--mainly that of uncertainty. It’s a big world out there, and it holds numerous possibilities. There is so much to discover in the years beyond college, and so many new situations to experience---it’s a beautiful thought that graduating is a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

It’s time for farewells to be said to Silliman University, where friendships have been formed and tears have been shed. The Weekly Sillimanian extends its warmest congratulations to each and every student of class 2013.

We at the Weekly Sillimanian are not only proud of the class of 2013, but are thankful for those who have touched the lives of these graduates and made their time in Silliman memorable.

We staffers thank the classmates, administrators, teachers and families for supporting them.

We at the Weekly also wish to remind these new graduates that although those years of juggling classes and extra-curricular activities are long gone, it should be remembered that at heart, each student should retain their love of learning after leaving Silliman. True, we grow in many ways when we leave Silliman with all the pomp and circumstance of a fresh graduate, but the opportunity for growth is always present even if we are not surrounded by the four walls of a classroom. Each and every day of our lives can be spent learning something new, be it something as small as learning to cook . Education doesn’t need to stop the moment we step outside of the classroom.

To those graduating, good luck in the world beyond Silliman U. To those who are staying behind, take advantage of everything Silliman still has to offer you. Seniors, never forget what you’ve learned. College has taught you many lessons, and although some have been learned in classrooms, most life-lessons really take place outside. The world is waiting, so go and answer its call. ~

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by John Lee D. Limbaga

“What changes do you expect from the next SUSG officers?”

“I expect a change in the enrollment process where parents or the students don’t need to wait for a long time in a boring line. Since there will be an increase in miscellaneous fees next year, hopefully, SG will voice that out to the Admin and make things happen.” Hyacinth Xyrish B. Tangeres, BSN II “Change is the only permanent thing in this world which may either bring progress or regression. As far as the student citizenry is concern were looking forward for better and unbiased governance which wants nothing but equal privileges to everyone.” Kriza mae A. Quiao, BS MT IV “The past administration did a good job involving students into activities that is something not to be changed instead something to be done better. I think it is not on the SG officers that will ignite change, it is also addressed to us students to stand-up and voice-out to make a change.” Princess Claire Lumapguid, BMC II “Change can start from small things into big things. SUSG officers should listen to the small things appealed by the student body and be able to materialize them with regards to the decision of the “big things” by the administration. If and only if SUSG hears students, Administration listens to SUSG then that’s real change.” Hannah Mayen Sevilla, BBA-MGT III

Editor-in-chief Maya Angelique B. Jajalla Associate Editor Mariella S. Bustamante News Editor Katrin Anne A. Arcala Features Editor Michiko Je M. Bito-on Business Manager Justin Val R. Virtudazo Senior Writer Samantha L. Colinco News Writers Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia, Elana Joy Bartlett, Kristine Ann M. Fernandez, Ma. Josebelle S. Bagulaya, Nova Veraley V. Grafe, Suzmita Villegas, Princess T. Abellon Feature Writers Roberto Klemente R. Timonera, Royanni Miel M. Hontucan, Jaizer Jim R. Nadal, Christal Javier Photojournalists Melissa Alexandra B. Pal, Alexandra Diane L. Iso, Henzonly Hope A. Alboroto Cartoonist Rea Samantha P. Migullas Circulation Manager John Lee D. Limbaga Office Manager Ven Albert E. Buenaobra, Neil Edmund A. Allena Web Manager Federico B. Martinez VII Layout Artist Jae Jireh P. Nejudne Adviser Warlito S. Caturay Jr.

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243. www.theweeklysillimanian.wordpress.com theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com Follow us on twitter @tWS12_13 Like us on facebook at facebook,com/ towardsaprogressivecampuspress Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Farewell When I was asked to write my last column for the Weekly Sillimanian, I couldn’t help but become a little misty-eyed when I realized that I’ve been part of the school paper for two years, and been a student in Silliman for four years. It may not seem like much, but I owe a lot to the school paper, as it helped me figure out where my life would be headed as a student journalist. Being a member of the Weekly Sillimanian staff has helped me meet many people from all walks of life around campus. Through the school paper, I’ve found friends, met mentors, gained experience points, and learned to improve my writing---all which I feel would not have happened to me, if it were not for my duties as a feature writer, and later, as an Editor.

These past few months have been rewarding, in the sense that I’ve noticed how my college (Masscom) has grown closer---more than it ever was, driven by a strong sense of justice, and the notion of accountability. I felt that at its core, all these experiences only heightened my college’s understanding of what it means to be student journalists, and

that the lessons we’ve learned from our teachers (a special shout-out for the awesome Ma’am Acedo and Ma’am Pal) will unlikely be forgotten by us, even when we graduate and head out into the real world.

Most of my time has been spent finishing my internship and making sure I don’t get a single INC. As a result, the thought of leaving Silliman

The first time we’d probably seen them was in the busy halls of our department, huddled at a table with their laptops arranged in a circle. They looked so serious with their eyes glued to their respective screens. Cans of Nescafé littered around which told of the many sleepless nights they spent working on their requirements. Once in a while, they’d erupt into a lively discussion of deadlines and gossip until one of them would remind the entire group that there were other people with them.

Getting the hang of Silliman life takes time and strength. Luckily, most of our senior ates and kuyas are always ready to make the journey easier and more exciting for the many who come from distant provinces and those who don’t know anyone who’s taking the same course.

For many of us, our guidance counselors weren’t the ones who first taught us to do good academically.

Our senior ates and kuyas have talked to us about doing good in our arts subjects and doing even better in our majors since they determine our fates for internship. In cases where we struggle with our lessons, they might have offered to give us their old notes, or better yet, tutor us for free.

They have made it clear early on that keeping our grades up will guarantee us a spot at the Luce Auditorium

stage during Honors Day. From all the academic pointers they could give, however, telling us which teacher gives high grades and easy exams is the most interesting bit.

Our ates and kuyas have acted both as campus ambassadors and Dumaguete guides. They’ve oriented us on who’s who within campus, on orgs we might want to join and on everything else that intrigues us. They’ve also told us of the places in Silliman that are famous

When glasses speak Mariella S. Bustamante

hasn’t sunk in yet, but when it does I imagine I’ll be curled up into a little ball, letting tears leak out of my eyes.

You can say a lot of inspirational things about Graduation, like how it’s a new beginning for everyone--but really, all I can think about is the amount of change heading my way.

Some people tell me that Silliman will always be there and that I can always visit it again---but when I do visit it, the feeling will be different.

I won’t be a student, complaining about college fees. I won’t be having

all-nighters with friends, high on coffee and energy drinks. It’s precisely because I know it won’t be the same that I’ll look back at those moments with a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth, yearning for those moments to return, before reality hits me and I realize I need to pay my bills pronto, because it’s the “adult” thing to do.

Considering that this is the last piece I will likely ever write for this publication, I’d just like to give some advice to those that still have time in SU. Cherish those moments---take pictures, laugh with your friends, talk to your teachers and stuff your face with Pancit Canton and cheese bread. It’s the little things that us graduates will miss the most, so the rest of you should take advantage of your time left, and savor every moment to the last drop. To the class of 2013, I salute you. You guys worked hard to reach this point.

To Silliman University, I bid you adieu. You have treated me well and I will never forget the lessons I have learned from you. ~

Season of the Toga

All That Jazz Michiko Je M. Bito-on

for paranormal activities without our asking, causing many sleepless nights as we imagine the lady in white haunting the dorm’s second floor.

Educating us about Dumaguete City has also been their mission. They’ve brought us to cool hangout and study places, stores we never knew existed and they’ve even recommended certain lifestyle changes so we could save our allowance money to splurge on the things we’d like to buy.

Besides being counselors, ambassadors and pranksters, the best role they have and will ever play is their being superb ates and kuyas. They have generously given their energy

and compassion to us, their “babies”, “smallies” and “kiddos”, despite their overwhelming schedules. Just like real older brothers and sisters, they’ve always strive to guide us to what is right, and like our besties, they’ve taught us, too, to live each day like it was our last. Meeting people who far more experienced and wiser than ourselves but who are as dynamic, endearing and expressive does not happen every day.

It was not long ago when we kept our heads down as our senior ates and kuyas pass by. The superiority that exuded from their mere presence was what demanded us to talk in polite tones and keep our child-like tendencies at bay. Back then, we were scared of initiating conversations with them as they might find our assertiveness unpleasant or, that they might delve into topics that we have little knowledge of, making fools out of ourselves. All that changed with a simple “hello” and “welcome”. We discovered that they are not prudish as we think they are; in fact, they are one of the friendliest, most selfless and most caring people in Silliman.

As the season of the toga nears, let us all offer our garlands of respect and admiration to the graduating batch of academic year 2012 to 2013.

Congratulations, ates and kuyas!~

the weekly sillimanian 21 march 2013

twsfeatures 5

Foresight into Next Year’s SUSG

By Christal Faith F. Javier

H

ere in Silliman, there are a lot of programs and events that the students can be involved in. From freshman year up to graduation, students are treated to a wide array of choices.

Bulletin boards inside the campus are practically screaming with posters about new shows at the Luce Auditorium or “fun runs” sponsored by different organizations.

As these are a great part of the college experience, it’s important for Sillimanians to know the people behind these posters and plans.

The SUSG elections last February 27 was not only a great part in determining the kind of posters we’ll be seeing next year, but most importantly, the kind of changes we’ll be experiencing here in the university. The votes were cast and the results came in.

We now have a new batch of officials for the student government all set for school year 2013-2014. So what can we expect from them?

With only one year to implement positive changes, Rona Namocatcat, the new SUSG president, said that she also wants to be “practical.”

Is anyone disturbed about the dark path along Laguna and the Monapil court at night?

How about the dorm menu?

Even the smallest thing as the unfinished freedom wall might cause you to cringe a little. “I really want to change those things because they give discomfort to students. That’s why students are always angry or stubborn…” Rona said.

On fighting youth apathy, she said that “getting involved is a choice.”

A former apathetic

student herself, she said she even went home during the Founder’s Week and Intrams of her freshman year because she felt frustrated and bored of the events. Her father, being an alumnus, told her of how amazing it was schooling in Silliman. She asked herself “What happened between the time my father graduated and now that I’m here?”

She also said boldly that the upcoming SUSG administration wants to train students for leadership so that they could use their ideas and not only their physical

strength for aftercare in events.

Other than that, they’ve also

planned some activities for next year’s first semester. In June, they’re hoping to have an organization fair at the SU Amphitheatre where they will showcase the various organizations in Silliman. This will help students lessen the trouble of picking out the orgs that suit them.

Besides the org dilemma, some students feel stuck in their course because probably they didn’t get a real picture of it before signing up.

For this reason, they’re also planning on a career fair for the Silliman High School students to give them an idea of what the course they’re eyeing is really like.

“The students should expect a more accessible, a more personal student government,” said Rona.

“I do believe that although we’re in student government, we’re still students. We’re still just students you can talk to,” she said explaining that she wants to hear out the students possibly by visiting the dorms every other week and through an “open mic” at Oriental Hall. “ I really want each college to fe e l that they are r e p r e s e nt e d ; they are heard.” she said, explaining that even the Divinity School doesn’t have representatives in the SUSG.

Even though Rona is from SURE

Party and the Vice President, Jeff Palad, is from CAUSE, both agree that there will be no difficulty in working with each other.

“After elections, it doesn’t matter

anymore. What matters…is how

you’re going to handle the people, how you’re going to delegate tasks.

So it really doesn’t matter if we’re

both from different parties,” Jeff said.

“For me, that’s over. It’s something

that is done. Now it’s about student government…,” Rona said.

Since

they’re

both

Medical

Technology students, Rona and Jeff have also worked together back in

2011 when Rona was the governor of their institute and Jeff was the

freshman president of the MedTech Society.

“We

had

a

good

working

relationship,” Jeff said. He explained

that even though the scope is wider, it would still be “OK.”

Both of them also explained that

although they’re going to be busy with school (Rona’s going to be in her

fourth year and Jeff in his third year), they would still find time for heading

the SUSG. Rona said that “as long as the twenty or so committees continue to work, I think I can continue my work also as their head.” ~

Black Roses: Straight from the broken heart of Ailyn

By Royanni Miel M. Hontucan

P

rologue Ailyn, 19, was just a typical girl who wanted to love and be loved. She met Biboy, 28, and sparks flew despite their age gap.

“Dili man gyud ganahan si mama ug papa niya kay old naman kaayo siya para nako.” (My mom and dad didn’t really like him because he was too old for me.) Despite this and that, they managed to stay together for two years. Ailyn thought that everything would go smoothly until one incident turned everything upside down.

February 13,2013 - Dark Secret Just like everyone else, Biboy had a deep and dark secret. But just like any other secret, he didn’t succeed in keeping it forever. Ailyn was already getting suspicious when a one-yearold baby was always present at his house. “Sige raman siyang pasangil nga iya kunong pag-umangkon.” (He always reasoned out that the baby was his nephew.) Nevertheless, Ailyn dismissed her curiosity until, on February 13 this year, her world crashed upon the confirmation of her greatest fear. “Nag chat mi sa facebook sa iyahang cousin dayon gi straight to the point dayon ko niya nga ang baby kay anak diay niya.” (I had a facebook chat with his cousin then she immediately got straight to the point in confessing that the baby was actually his son.) “I can’t believe how he managed to keep it all this time

that we’re together.”

February 15, 2013 - The Confrontation Stuck in the middle of truth and lies, Ailyn was brave enough to face Biboy when they met again. “Ako siyang gi-pangutana kabahin ato dayon ni tug-an man pud siya.”(I confronted him about it then he also told me what’s true.) “Pero mura ra pud nga wala ra niya… nga mura ra bang dili ra seryoso dayun naa pa gud siya’y tubag nga: ‘unsaon naman nga [naa naman na]?” (It felt like it was just nothing for him…He wasn’t even serious about it and he also answered: ‘what can we do about it when the baby’s already there?’) But being in love, Ailyn was able to tell him, “Okay raman pud nako kay maka-accept raman pud ko kay ma-love raman pud nako kung unsa or kinsa imung ganahan.” (It’s fine with me whoever or whatever you will love since I could just accept and love it, too.)

Then after recalling the conversation, Ailyn told tWS, “I don’t know how I could just accept everything. I think you become vulnerable when you fall in love.” Despite what happened, they didn’t break ties.

February 21,2013 - The Horror Unfolds 7:30pm Exhausted from school, Ailyn threw herself to her bed. Being alone at her house, Biboy decided to accompany her as he arrived some moments later. He was watching TV

at the living room while she slept at her bedroom. A few minutes later, he called her up to eat dinner but she declined.

11:00pm Ailyn woke up with no sign of Biboy around. He didn’t even turn the television off. “Sige ra ko ug panawag niya pero iya man pud i-cancel.” (I tried to call him many times but he’ll just cancel it.) “I was worried and I didn’t know what to think about.”

12:30pm Ailyn was surprised when Biboy was tipsy when he came back.

Ailyn: Aha man ka gikan?

Naka-inom lagi ka. (Where have you been? I think you were drinking.)

Biboy: Hilom dira! Ganina ra biya ko ug tawag nimu nga manihapon na! (Shut up! I kept on calling you to eat dinner a while ago!)

Ailyn: Ayaw shagit kay makaulaw kaayo sa mga silingan! (Don’t shout, it’s too embarrassing for the neighbors to hear!)

By that instant, Biboy held her arms too tight that she could barely move and he, who wass already burning with rage, punched her straight at her mouth.

The Aftermath The next scenes were already blurry from what Ailyn could remember.

“All I could recall was getting

dizzy after he hit me. I could hear my neighbors, the ambulance and the police. I was bleeding a lot as I was being rushed to the emergency room.” When she got back to her senses, she woke up from the hospital bed, “Na-abot dayun silang mama ug papa pero nahadlok gihapon ko.” (My parents arrived but I still could not manage to not be afraid.)

Epilogue Ailyn wants to sue her boyfriend in matters regarding on domestic violence and women rights. Ailyn justified her trauma as she stated, “Whenever I close my eyes, I could see him and it feels like he’s going to hit me again. I feel like everything keeps coming

back.” She added, “Dili pa nako makaya nga makit-an nako siya usab kay sakit gud kaayo ang iyahang nabuhat.” (I couldn’t handle to see him anymore because what he did was very painful.)

Ailyn wouldn’t cross broken bridges and neither would she pick up all pieces of the shattered glass again. The lessons of falling from the railings and getting pricked from broken glass weren’t that easy to learn.

Editor’s Note: The Weekly Sillimanian continues to support and uphold the rights of women in society. TWS condemns all forms of violence done to degrade, debilitate and demoralize women as human beings, as equals of men and as integral stakeholders of the community. ~

6 twsbackpage

the weekly sillimanian 21 march 2013

RANDOMspace: Nothing electrifies an audience like a good host. In light of recent events, let’s take a look at some of the most outrageous hostwork in Oscar history:

the

Billy Crystal Who’ll ever forget Crystal being wheeled onto the stage in a Hannibal Lecter mask?

Throughout the ceremony, Crystal was lightning sharp with his responses to what was going on.

Whoopi Goldberg By appearing in white-face as Queen Elizabeth I to open the show, she created an unforgettable Oscar memory. She was, at least in retrospect, pretty funny.

roundup SURE wins...

from page 1

said that pushing for online enrolment will be the top priority of her administration. The creation of a “mini-Hibalag” in June and the student volunteer development program will be among her priorities, she said. The “mini-Hibalag” will be an organization fair that will allow recruitment as early as June.

“Although they [organizations] are not yet registered, at least they can start the recruitment. They can showcase their organization as early as June and have students get involved [in the activities] from June to August,” she added.

Namocatcat also said that she might merge some SG committees because there are those that are “unnecessary.” “I’d rather have few committees that are really working and effective than have a lot of committees that are okay lang,” she said.

Commision on Elections (Comelec) has added four more

precincts this year and followed a “no noon break” policy. But despite efforts to increase voter turnout, Chairperson Jan Mark Baguio said, the voter turnout was lower than last year.

“Only about 22 percent of the eligible student body voted in student government elections,” he said in an email message.

Baguio asked the students to “have their voices heard” by voting in the SG elections next year. “They have to realize that they’re part of it as stakeholders and that voting is part of the change.”

For the winners of the elections, “I hope that the newly-elected SG officials will continue the good projects of the SG and improve what have been done last year,” he said. “Also, unity among them [Namocatcat and Palad] despite the fact that they come from different political parties.”~

SILLIMANWEEKLYSURVEY Q:

Summer: Does it exist?

Ten representatives per college served as respondents of this survey.

Survey conducted by Roberto Klemente Timonera

Steve Martin Remember how he opened? “Hosting is like making love to a beautiful woman,” he said.

“It’s something I only get to do when Billy Crystal is out of town.”

Chris Rock His bit about what Hollywood really sells in the theatres (remote comments from people lined up to see White Chicks) served as a reminder that the Oscars is, in many ways, lipstick painted on a pig.

Senior Educ students pioneer nat’l testcon

By Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia

FOUR GROUPS COMPOSED of ten senior Education students from Silliman University presented their research on how to meet the challenges of the current educational system in the 1st National Teacher Educational Student Conference held at Cebu Normal University (CNU).

The conference aims to “intensify research and encourage the

publication of such work in journals”.

It also discussed the K to 12 system and inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Allan de Guzman, the key speaker of the event, said that by conducting research works, ideas won’t go to waste. It also helps document information which may be of big help someday.

Jesum Mariam Zerna, one of the researchers, said that all of them hopes that their research can be

published in the Silliman Journal.

She added that it is a requirement for them to have a publication: “In order for you to develop your profession you have to pursue research. You cannot teach what you do not know, what you do not have.”

These ten students started doing their research last December. By February, each group came up with a six-page output as required. ~

championship, SUHS also occupied the 4th and 8th places as well.

“Overall, I am satisfied with the results. SU High won, and a college team reached semifinals. I have high hopes for the Society,” – Micah Stefan Dagaerag, Senior Debater, SUDS. In the words of Mister Dagaerag, the SUDS “successfully promoted” parliamentary debate within the Visayas region.

SUDS also sent three of its own adjudicators (judges) to preside over debate rounds. These were Anna Espino, SUHS; Neil Gumalo, SUHS; and from SU – Megan Cariaso, who ranked 10th best out of the 41 competing adjudicators.

All in all, fourteen schools participated in this year’s tournament: Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), Cebu Normal University

(CNU), PAREF Springdale, Saint

SU hosts Visayas Debate Championships

DEBATERS BOTH FROM the college and high school level all over the Visayas flocked in Silliman University last Feb. 15-18 for the Visayas Universities Debate Championship.

Sillimanian debaters from the high school level bagged the championship for their respective category. However, SU Debate Society, last year’s champion for the college level, failed to defend their title.

“The Society did pretty well this year, considering the majority of us are first year students,” said SU debater Alessandra Pinili.

In the college level, three SU teams made it to the top ten with the 10th, 6th and 5th spots. And for the High School level, apart from the

SU ROTC Garners 98.77% in RAAPE Rifle Disassembly and Assembly done within 7 seconds; Best in Methods of Instructions won by Cdt. Cpt. Melchi Vincoy; Best in Map Reading won by Cdt. Cpt. Paulo Orosco, Renerio Yaun and Gens Puracan, Best in Operational Order (OPORD) Writing won

by Cdt. Col. Voltaire Corsino and Cdt. Maj. Jessie Bato, Best in Theoretical Exam won by 50 class honors and Best in Disaster Relief and Rescue Operation (DRRO) accomplished by the Medics Unit.

The Evaluation covered two

Hugh Jackman The versatile Jackman gets extra points for how good he was as host of the Tony Awards. He also sparkled at the Oscars with an all-out, song-anddance opening number.

Do the Harlem Shake

By Elana Joy Bartlett

THE SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SU-ROTC) Unit obtained a rating of 98.77% during the Regional Annual and Administrative Performance Evaluation (RAAPE) on March 1.

Out of 13 ROTC Units in Region 7, the SU-ROTC Unit emerged as the Best ROTC Unit for S.Y. 2012-2013. The unit also garnered the following awards during its graduation last March 9: Best in Office Management, Best Commandant, Best in M16A11

Compiled by: Jaizer Jim R. Nadal

aspects: Administrative Evaluation (25%) and Tactical Field Test (75%).

A team of evaluators from the 7 RCDG ARESCOM Headquarters based in Lapulapu, Cebu City conducted the assessment.

The SU-ROTC Unit did not participate in last year’s RAAPE due to some issues regarding its administration. The training staff of SU-ROTC opted to join this school year’s evaluation after the said issues were addressed. ~

Therese Educational Foundation of

Tacloban Incorporated (STEFTI), Tacloban Center

Angelicum

(TALC),

Learning

University

of

the Philippines – Cebu (UPC), University of the Philippines – Iloilo (UPI), University of the Philippines – Tacloban (UPT), University of

San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose – Recoletos High School

(USJRHS), University of San Jose

– Recoletos (USJR), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Silliman

University High School (SUHS), and Silliman University (SU)

SU also hosted the Secretary’s Cup

earlier this semester. ~

Seniors Day 2013

Part I Batch 2013 Special @ Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium Part II A Walk to Remember and A Time to Commitment @ Silliman Hall Part III A Time to Celebrate (Cocktail and Fellowship @ Silliman Hall)

March 22, 2013, Friday 1:30-7:00 pm