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years Towards A Progressive Campus Press | vol. LXXXV No. 01 | THURSDAY, 09 august 2012
BREAKING THE RULES. A car is parked right in the middle of the parking lot, blocking entry and exit points. A motorcycle driver, at the right side of the car, is not wearing his helmet. Inset (Top) Bicycles are left unattended in front of the Oriental Hall after being rented through the SU SIKAD project. (Bottom) A motorcycle driver takes a cruise inside the campus without his helmet on. PHOTOS by Melissa Pal
SUCN population decreases
17 CIs not rehired
By Roselle Louise L. Publico
For 17 Clinical Instructors (CIs), the decrease of enrolees for the Silliman University College of Nursing (SUCN) caused them their last pay.
SUCN’s enrolment plummeted from over 800 students last year to 528 student nurses this semester. The decline contributed to the non-renewal of contractual CIs. Although six of them were employed in departments elsewhere, the 17 CIs did not meet the qualifications of the college. Silliman University requires their faculty to have at least a Masters degree or to finish this degree in an
appointed time. “The CIs were not laid-off,” Prof. Florenda Cabatit, SUCN Dean, clarified. “Their yearly contracts merely ended. Considering their lack of requirements, they were not rehired to their [faculty] positions,” she added. Cabatit was referring to the Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education, which requires those
teaching in the tertiary level to have a master’s degree. Two previous CIs were absorbed by the college. One is in the Health and Wellness Clinic and another as SUCN’s Liaison Officer. Another two were hired by other departments: the University Service Learning Program and the High School Clinic. The American Schools and Hospitals
SUND 6th at licensure exam
By Jairah Sheila Joy F. Hernanti
Silliman University Nutrition and Dietetics Department ranked 6th in the over-all percentage ranking of the Nutritionist–Dietician Licensure Exam 2012, among schools with 25 or more examinees. The results, which were released last July 27, showed 601 passers out of the 890 examinees in the whole Philippines. Out of the 31 Sillimanian examinees, 20 students passed the exam, or an average of 68.97%. The ND department, which is under the
College of Education, has been garnering an above average percentage in the yearly licensure exam. SU’s passing rate is higher than the national passing rate of 67%. ThenewRNDsof SillimanUniversityare: Mary Grace E. Adolfo, Ruby Jane A. Amor, Ma. Princess O. Bagarinao, Dianne I. Delos Reyes, Casandra A. Eparwa, Ann Francis R. Genove, Alessa Rose G. Godmalin, Isaiah Thomas E. Lim, Hannah Liezl G. Kadile, Loreine O. Ragay, Stephanie R. Reyes, Aimee O. Rubia, Jasmin B. Sarmago, Nikita Kaye R. Serion, Ivy Love O. Sy, Lea Dianne L. Tatoy, Careen A. Tomaroy, Dundee Mayrell C.
Tumarong, Jhon Edison J. Uy, Trisha Erika A. Verora. SUND has also been granted Level I Accreditation Satus by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities earlier this year. ~
‘Majority of architecture students left-handed’ - Dean By Kriztja Marae G. Labrador and Samantha L. Colinco
The College of Engineering and Design (CED) claimed the highest increase among academic units this school year, with 196 students, 104 of whom are Architecture majors. This is the first school year that the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree is being offered. Dr. Tessie Cabije, CED Dean, said: “We were not expecting this number of students. We only expected 1020 students--way below the current enrollment.” Two classrooms at Uytengsu Hall house the Architecture students. A steady increase over the years may prompt a request for a new building. An interesting fact about the 104 Architecture majors is that half of them are left-handed. “During a lecture, a speaker
asked the left-handed (architecture) students to raise their hands and almost half did,” Cabije said. She added: “Studies show that people who are left-handed are more inclined to creative activities such as drawing and designing – traits that are valuable to architects.” The CED enrollment contributed to the overall increase in university enrollment of 4.3%. ORA reported that there are 9,302 students currently enrolled in the university. This represents an increase of 381, from last school years first semester’s 8,921. The College of Nursing had the greatest enrolment number decrease this school year, according to the Office of Registrars and Admissions. Its student population plummeted from 827 to 535. Meanwhile, even with the implementation of the K+12 government program which would
add one year to both the elementary and high school levels, the population of the School of Basic Education (SBE) increased with 48 students. Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, director of SBE, said that the new learning system which requires subjects to be taught in the dialect or the motherbased tongue learning system posed a problem to the department. “To maintain Silliman’s good English program, we innovated the requirement of the mother-based tongue learning system and offered it as a separate subject for Grade 1 students instead,” he said. As with all transitions, Cleope said that the outcome of their plans is still too early to tell but success is within reach “if we work together.” “Silliman goes beyond what is required. [This change] is a continuous learning experience for both students and teachers,” Cleope added. ~
Abroad (ASHA) employed one of them in a special project. One of the CIs who finished his master’s degree at the close of last semester was voted by the faculty as Assistant Level Coordinator. The Department of Labor and Employment registered about 100,000 unemployed Filipino nurses this year. A great number of registered nurses
are also employed in other positions such as call center agents, medical representatives and health secretaries. ~
Editor’s note: A follow-up story will be published in the next issue on the university’s team teaching strategy.
Silliman alumnus competes in Olympics By Samantha L. Colinco A Silliman alumnus competed in the 2012 London Olympics. Two-time Olympian archer Mark Javier placed fifth in the archery qualifying games in Utah where the top seven placers advanced to this year’s Olympic Games in East London. Failing to shake off 2008 Beijing Olympics’ initial knockout defeat, however, Javier crashed out of the same competition stage against the former world number three and reigning Pan American Games champion Ellison Brady, 1-7. Javier, nevertheless, remained undaunted. “Ganun talaga sa laban. Hindi mo masasabi kung ano ang magiging resulta (That’s the way it is in this kind of a match. You can’t really tell how it will play out),” Javier told team leader Terry Lim of the Philippine Archers’ National Alliance, according to ABSCBN news. The fourth Silliman Olympian, Javier graduated from the university in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree. Javier entered the world of marksmanship through air gun shooting introduced to him by his father who was a competitive air
gunner. But when the air gunning club in Dumaguete became inactive, he looked for another sport to challenge him. This is how he found archery. “Since the (air gunning) club became inactive, I got bored. That’s when I joined the (Silliman) archery team . . . My parents were very supportive of me when I told them I wanted to go into archery instead,” the 31-year-old said in a 2007 interview with Silliman NetNEWS. Currently, Javier’s achievements include a gold medal in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, a No. 9 ranking in the 15th Asian Games in Doha Qatar and two chances to compete in the Olympics – Beijing 2008 and London 2012. “It’s a blessing that I got into archery instead of air gunning because I excel here. Aside from that, air gunning has local competitions only, but archery has brought me to other countries,” Javier told Silliman NetNEWS. Other Silliman Olympians are bronze medalist Simeon Toribio (Los Angeles 1932), Lisa Ygnalaga (Seoul 1988) and Jennifer Chan (Sydney, 2000).~ With notes from su.edu.ph, sports. inquirer.net, abs-cbnnews.com
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the weekly sillimanian 09 august 2012
PRESSured June. No paper. July. No paper. First week of August. Still no paper. Instead of the four-page brown publication, rumors regarding the termination of the Weekly Sillimanian circulated around the campus. But tWS is not dead. It should never die. Journalism is often called “Literature in a hurry”. Time is an expensive currency that the press cannot afford. Newspapers should not wait to see the dawn. They have to be the midnight sun. the Weekly Sillimanian is one of those journalistic mediums that are supposed to adhere to this principle. However, the irony lies on the fact that this paper that you are reading right now came out in the middle of the semester – missing important events and issues which unfolded over the past two months. Now, how do you embrace a paper at a time when the world is already preparing for noon? One. This campus paper commits to having at least one in-depth article for every issue of the school year. We believe that a Sillimanian should not only be contented on facts that can be seen on the surface, but also those that are buried deep. Yes, it may mean a lesser chance of being thoroughly read because of the length. But we do not only mirror the Silliman way of reading. We define the Silliman way of reading. It’s time to expand our bookworm status this year. Two. The paper introduces a new corner in the features page wherein problems and solutions will be exchanged by students. It is a column of the students, by the students and for the students. We believe that every Sillimanian is an expert of a single topic. Hence, we challenge our readers to free themselves from the culture of apathy. Be questioned. Be heard. Three. tWS welcomes its new mascot: a dog. As the “watchdog of the government”, the paper’s opinions will not only be read in the editorial section. The watchdog will now bark on different issues that need to be reflected upon by the students, faculty and the administration. New sections, new columns and new set of staff are composing the paper right now. Yes, the challenge lies on the Editorial Board. The challenge lies on the whole staff. But the greater challenge of continuing the 109-year tradition of “improving” lies on you: the reader. No matter how the paper tries to beat the deadline, to be a catalyst of change, to initiate action, if the readers do not take part in the evaluation of the issues, then you are wasting your university publication fee. We are a team here. If you are one of us in formulating solutions, grab a copy every week, participate in the surveys and polls, write a column, and contribute a photo. The SY 2012-2013 staff is up to the challenge and pressure in moving “towards a progressive campus press”. It’s not a matter of how early or late the staffers were chosen and assembled. The bottom line is, we are willing to perform our functions. However, the most important question remains: As a reader, are you willing to be oppressed by your own passiveness or express yourself through the press?~
editorial
sillimaniansspeak Compiled by John Lee D. Limbaga
“Who do you think should be the next Chief Justice?” "Leila de Lima or Antonio Carpio. Because they have proven themselves and they can be reliable if ever one of them will be the next chief justice." Ven Albert Buenaobra, AB Political Science III "Hopefully, Senator Miriam Defensor–Santiago would accept the offer. For me, she is really capable and deserving to be a Chief Justice. Maka-masa with pick-up lines pa." Ziana Gail R. Argate, BS Accountancy II "Miriam Defensor – Santiago because she has proved to everyone that she is not just an ordinary senator but that she can also be an effective leader. " Adelle S. Abalos, BS Math II "Cesar L. Villanueva – being the former Dean of Ateneo Law School and a graduate of Masters of Laws from Harvard Law School he definitely has obtained greater knowledge compared to other nominated candidates. Also, he placed second in the Philippine Bar Examinations in 1981. With these, I personally support him to be our next chief justice." Alfie Calingacion, BSMT IV ** Next issue's question: “Do you think that points should be given to student organizations in the university, or do they defeat the purpose of volunteerism and service?” For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager 09265304941 and indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.
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, Kriztja Marae G. Labrador, Paulo M. Lim, Susanah Jane L. Lapa, Jairah Sheila Joy F. Hernani, Roselle Louise L. Publico Feature Writers Roberto Klemente R. Timonera, Julia Andrea C. Abrenica, Shadid R. Sidri, Miel Royanni Hontucan Photojournalists Melissa Alexandra B. Pal, Karin Louise Q. Nietes, Alexandra Diane L. Iso Cartoonist Rea Samantha P. Migullas Circulation Manager John Lee D. Limbaga Office Manager Princess Jezrael A. Frondozo Web Manager Federico B. Martinez VII Layout Artist Jae Jireh P. Nejudne
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.weeklysillimanian.com theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com 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
Rei
Our Name. Our Pride.
What’s in a name? A lack of a title won’t deprive a thing of its beauty. A change of name won’t make a difference. A river would still be a river. A pen won’t turn into paper. Then why must there be a name? We put names into everything, so as to differentiate one from the other; to differentiate me from them, to differentiate ours from theirs. Thus, some names now become a mark of ownership which would then lead to a mark of responsibility. Silliman University is generously blessed with many namesakes around the city – from several roads to a beach. Yes, freshies, we actually have a beach named after our school. I have gone, on several occasions, to our fondly called Silliman Beach. To the uninformed, the beach is located right beside the airport. Just go north from Hibbard Avenue until you reach the Silliman Farm and take the right road. I’ve been involved in several clean-up operations there. Each one of those times felt like déjà vu. Why? Garbage seems to creep back again even after a meticulous day of back-breaking trash work. What confounds me is that within the near vicinity of our coastline is a great institution known – famed – for its environmental activism. Yet the area around it is filled with bunches of
Styrofoam, pieces of footwear and god knows what else. Likewise, it is very peculiar to note that there are many instances within a year when Silliman Beach gets a temporary face-lift from student organizations out for ComSo points. Haven’t one experienced once in his/her student life a mandatory attendance to such activity with the threat of heavy fines to those who
Greyer Pastures Joshua Ryan Salaveria
won’t? Why then is the coastline until now still in need of rehabilitation? Are the actions of those many in the past futile? A keen observation is that these actions from several groups lack one thing – sustainability. Most of the incidents are isolated in nature. Often, the clean-up drives are done once or twice a year by one organization and then the place is neglected. Ok na yan pare, na-evaluate na tayo. Thus, it now begins to look like an agricultural activity wherein garbage is harvested and then left to pile up again for another season. There is a great need for a sustainable
program from the Silliman community: One that effectively eliminates any hint of garbage within the vicinity. Cleanups are only short-term solutions for this malady. A long-term and sustainable counterpart is needed. Actions of many must be synchronized into one. If we must take an active stand for environmental care, let’s start in our own backyards. Picking up garbage is one thing, telling others not to throw it is another. As what one environmentalist told me, the problem would still be here unless we can form a proper waste disposal protocol for the local community. Could this be another opportunity for the Silliman student body to take action in? The year is young and the youthful vigor is high. The time is right for a change in perspective for all those who are involved. We now have many active student organizations under a working student government. As the old adage says, strike whilst the iron is hot. Let’s make the beach worthy of the Silliman name. We take pride of that beach because it is our namesake. It’s our pride, thus now, it’s our responsibility. We have made great leaps and crossed many frontiers in making change throughout the nation (and worldwide also). Have we forgotten to look back to our locality? ~
The things we learn in college Truthfully, there isn’t enough space in this column for me to tell you about all the unusual, wonderful and awkward experiences I had back when I was a freshman, in order to prove how much fun college is. I guess I just have to trust that you believe me when I say that college is…well, awesome. Many of you roll your eyes at such a statement, but it’s true. College happens during a point in one’s life where---aside from the hectic schedule and truckload of homework---you set out to find yourself. Finding yourself isn’t simple, as you basically place yourself in a variety of situations in order to find out which works best for you. You may be wondering, “What exactly makes college so great?” and there are a lot of reasons as to why. In college, I got to meet interesting people, become involved with student organizations, and most importantly, I learned how to change.Yes, we need to face it: college changes you. It may seem difficult to deal with at first,
as change can be quite an uncomfortable thing to experience for most people, myself included. But I’ve learned to believe that change is a great lesson to learn. In college, people are transported into a whirlwind of emotions and experiences that they never expected to happen, without any idea of how it will end. It’s
When Glasses Speak Mariella S. Bustamante
not easy, as college is one huge step into unfamiliar territory, towards the unknown. Is that something people realize while they’re in the middle of their classes, tests and assignments? Well, if we’re being honest with ourselves: probably not. But if you take time to sit down and think about it, you will be amazed at how much you’ve changed during your years in college…. and if you’re a freshman, well, you still
have a lot of changing to do. Looking back, my three years in college have changed me greatly, both mentally and physically. I’ve had my fair share of triumphs and losses in many aspects of college life, and I’ve made many mistakes along the way, despite telling myself that it isn’t the end of the world (although it feels like it is). Mistakes are there for a reason. We’re young, reckless and bold---and when we make mistakes; we do so in order to learn from them. We aren’t meant to wallow in a puddle of our own misery and whine about life. We’re meant to learn how to pick up the pieces and move on. We’re meant to struggle towards perfection until we finally realize it doesn’t exist, even if it means stumbling a little bit along the way. In college, we’re meant to learn more than just facts and formulas, we’re meant to learn life. …and learning that, I feel, is what makes college worth it. ~
the weekly sillimanian 09 august 2012
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The Diary of a Wimpy Freshman By Julia Andrea C. Abrenica
I
f you were to time lapse the first few months of your freshmen year into a two minute video montage, you would most probably get flashes of alien faces, wrong classrooms, and infamous goose chase to find out what exactly is T-B-A and where the G-Y-M is located. Life becomes a struggle for survival: trying to find your way to your next classroom; mustering the perfect line to say to that cute girl who sits next to you because she might have the same taste in bizarre music you have; trying to live with your noisy roommate who takes too long in the shower. In addition to your freshman woes, that deep pang of nostalgia for the laughter you used to share with your friends back in high school and most especially your mom’s cooking. The times are changing. Yesterday you were just receiving your high school diploma, and the next thing you know, you are miles away from home and about to face a new chapter in your life. College can be very difficult with all the adjusting you have to do, to your environment, to your academics, to new people. The good thing is, college provides a venue of opportunities to meet new and interesting people from other places, different cultures, and backgrounds In its constant effort to promote and uplift student-press interaction, The Weekly Sillimanian will start an advice column on its next issue. The paper wants to know the pressing issues faced by the students and how their fellow students would respond to them. *For political, philosophical and legal matters, let’s “Discuss with Gus”.
Discuss with Gus Gilbert Augustin Ganir Gilbert Augustin Ganir is a first year student at the Silliman University College of Law.
*For health and medicine-related inquiries, address your letter to “Clinica de Bianca”.
Clinica de Bianca Bianca Camille Bulaybulay Bianca Camille Bulaybulay is a third year student at the Silliman University Medical School.
*For matters of the heart and teenage dilemmas, your questions will be answered in “Love, Stephanie”. Love, Stephanie Stephanie Denise Martin Stephanie Denise Martin is a second year MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology student.
*For troubled faith and souls, the “Letters of Pol to the Sillimanians” will help you in your struggle. Letters of Pol to the Sillimanians Retz Pol Pacalioga Retz Pol Pacalioga is a fourth year Nutrition and Dietitics student. He is the Chairperson of the SUSG Religious Life Committee.
Send your questions and problems in a three to five-sentence paragraph to theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com. We will only feature one letter per week. Write to us. We hope to hear from you.
and the campus is teeming with organizations that are more than happy to welcome you. Besides the academic organizations you automatically become a member of, here are some organizations in the university that you might be interested in joining to
lows (IOOF), Kachinas Society, Pan Hellenic Society, Praetorians, Red Shield Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Rho, Skeptron Society, SU Rhoans, and Tau Gamma Phi are some of the fraternities and sororities in Silliman University you might
DIVERSITY. The Freedom Wall represents the different organizations in the unviersity. PHOTO BY Alexandra Iso
add a little colour to your drab life of routine and constancy between the dormitory and the classroom. The Aces & Lilies, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), Amecitas, Beta Delta Rho (BARONS), Beta Epsilon, Beta Sigma Sigma Beta, Hermanas, The International Order of Odd Fel-
want to consider joining if you are planning to go Greek in college.You don’t always have to fight over the anti-Greek message that movies and parents have bombarded you with. Going Greek can be very rewarding as you become part of a tightly-knit circle and establish lifelong connec-
tions reaching far beyond your college days into your careers and professional lives. For those of you who can’t seem to shake that nostalgic scent of home off, the best remedy would be to surround yourself with your fellow kababayang Sillimanians or kabsi’s, by joining your respective regional organizations: Agusan Sillimanites, Circulo Chavacano, Kadugong Bolanon (KadBol), Lanao Kris Sillimanites, Misamis Oriental Silliman Students Association of Dumaguete (MOSSAD), Siquijorian Students for Enlightenment, Enrichment and Service (SEEDS), for students hailing from Zamboanga del Norte, Silingan, SUBSO, SUGBU, WVC, and Zambosur Sillimanites. The Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and The Philippine Student Alliance Lay Movement (PSALM) are two religious organizations that aim to help promote spiritual growth among college students and youth, nurturing them into. For more specific interests there is Cuernos, for students with an appetite for outdoor adventures, and SU M.A.G.E. (Manga, Anime, Gaming Eccentrics) if comics, cosplay, and video games are your cup of tea. Ang Sandigan, Duscian Sillimanites, Higala International Student (HISAW), Renaissance Youth Leader’s Forum (RYLF), and Silliman Uni-
versity Chinese Students’ Association (SUCSA) are some of the sociocivic organizations (or what we call the little heroes-in-training groups) in the university that aim to make a difference through engaging in different kinds of community service. At this point, you might now be confused with all these organizations that you have been bombarded with, but it doesn’t really matter what clique you wish to click with, as long as you just be yourself, smile, and become less sensitive to how you feel and more sensitive to how others feel. So instead of shouting at your roommates every time you hear them laughing a decibel higher than your tolerance level while you study, sharing some of your food with them can go a really long way. College
is one long adventure that you are yet to take, and it can be a nightmare sometimes, which is why you need friends the same way that Finn has Jake.
Editor’s Note: The university has a long-standing policy against hazing among fraternities and sororities. ~
And the Words Came Rushing Back By Roberto Klemente R. Timonera “Poetry hums in the very core of Dumaguete. It pulsates in all sights and structures, fragrant in the air as if uncapped bottles of perfume were wedged in every street corner of the city.” – F. Jordan Carnice Silliman University (SU) has always held a prime position in Philippine letters. Since it started the first creative writing workshop in Asia in 1962, it has rightly been called the nation’s literary capital; the stalwarts that grace the list of workshop alumni include Alfred Yuson, Merlie Alunan, Marjorie Evasco, Miguel Syjuco, Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Dean Francis Alfar, and Lourd Ernest de Veyra, among countless others. Writers from all over the country—and in some cases, the world—continue to flock to Dumaguete year in and year out, almost as if on a literary pilgrimage. And yet, for all the prestige the workshop has earned nationally and abroad, creative writing has figured relatively little in Silliman campus life---in recent years, at least. The course itself faced the threat of being shut down for lack of enrollees. Even today, many students are not aware that their school’s standing in the creative writing field borders on the legendary. This school year marks the resurgence of literary culture in Dumaguete. Named after the illustrious founders of the Silliman National Writers’ Workshop, the Edilberto K. Tiempo and Edith L. Tiempo Creative Writing Center (EKT-ELT CWC) was just established last June and will be inaugurated on August
7. It has since inspired a renewed interest in creative writing among Sillimanians.
“The creative writing center has been a dream that has remained unfulfilled for the longest time,” said CWC coordinator Ian Rosales Casocot. The seeds for it were planted some eight years ago; by then it was supposed to be done in coordination with the Bienvenido Santos Creative Writing Center of De La Salle University. But for some reason, this plan never saw the sunlight of realization. It was in 2011 when SU president Ben S. Malayang III, a staunch supporter of Philippine literature, independently lobbied for the center’s
which involved, among other things, writing a solid proposal and holding seminars to discuss what the center would be all about. Finally, in June 2012, the Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Creative Writing Center. In the two months it’s been operational, the CWC has already held a number of activities that have increased the accessibility of creative writing in the campus. Last June, the New York-based writing couple Fidelito Cortes and Nerissa Balce (both alumni of Silliman’s National Writers Workshop) came to Dumaguete as the CWC’s first resident writers. Their month-long stay allowed them to work on their respective projects, give lectures, and even hold a three-weekend workshop for the benefit of Dumaguete’s aspiring poets. In July the novelist Joni Cham visited Silliman University to read
PHOTO BY Karin Nietes
revival without coordination with De La Salle University. What followed were months of preparation,
from her novel In My Mother’s House which received critical acclaim upon its release earlier this year.
So far, everything has been quite a feat for an establishment so new, it has yet to have its own building! Casocot seems pleased with the progress the center has made. “I like it,” he says. “Part of our goal is to give a forum for writers and I think that’s been successful so far. Based on word-of-mouth, everybody seems to have heard of what we’re doing. In fact, I just got a letter… from the director of the New York Writers Workshop. He’s here in the Philippines and he wants to go to Dumaguete.” Here’s creative writing major Gio Chao expressing his sentiments regarding the CWC: “The creative writing center in Silliman, in my opinion, is probably the best thing that has ever happened in the history of our course. Not only does it help in the understanding of language and literature, it’s also a gateway for artists like Sir Fidelito Cortes to showcase their craft to aspiring writers such as myself. Please, support this movement.” It may be true that the number of creative writers in Silliman has dwindled in recent years. But even the lightest drizzle can come crashing down as a storm if the weather allows it. Here’s to hoping the Edilberto K. Tiempo and Edith L. Tiempo Creative Writing Center will stir up a mighty hurricane in Philippine literature in the years to come. ~
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the weekly sillimanian 09 august 2012
August is a month of many festivities besides the much-awaited annual Founder’s Week Celebration. This week, we celebrate International Psychic Week. So what’s up in the realm of the sixth sense? Here are some things that might psych you out: space Compiled by: Miel Royanni Hontucan
:
The
Pentagram is probably the oldest symbol on earth. Traditionally, it was used to summon and banish spirits in different form of rituals.
Tarot cards originated from a pack of playing cards used in the mid-15th century in Europe and evolved into equipment used by mystics and occultists in divination or in finding spiritual pathways.
roundup
Dream Interpretation is the process of assigning meaning in dreams. In many ancient societies, such as those in Egypt and Greece, dreaming was considered a supernatural communication or a means of divine intervention, where people and objects seen within dreams held special meaning for the dreamer and helped them understand what their subconscious is telling them.
Astrology is believed to predict an individual’s personality or life history based on the positions of the sun, moon, and other planetary objects at the time of their birth.
Goodie the Goldfish
New buildings rise on campus By Susanah Jane L. Lapa The College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) had transferred to their new building in campus while the College of Mass Communication (CMC) awaits the completion of theirs. Former Faculty Ladies Hall-1 and Ilang-Ilang cottage, located adjacent to the Luce Auditorium, are now the new COPVA Halls 1 and 2. Funds used for the construction were allotted by the university. Ian Mark Caballes, assistant professor of the college, said, “This is in accordance with the administration plan to relocate the building closer to the Luce auditorium to make it more accessible and to provide improved facility.” COPVA officially moved in last April and both buildings are now fully utilized by the faculty and students. Proposed expansion of the buildings include: an addition of a recital hall, a gallery and a practice
room for orchestra. Another building is due to be complete of the second floor of the Instructional Media and Technology Center (IMTC) for the College of Mass Communication. The building will be named after the Manila Bulletin owner, Dr. Emilio T. Yap, who donated P5 million for the project. According to Buildings and Grounds superintendent, Engr. Edgar Ygnalaga Jr, the building structure is being reengineered to improve the performance of the building. “We are retrofitting the building for better sustainability,” Ygnalaga said. The structural phase, which cost approximately P7 million, is expected to be completed by September this year. Once vacated, the historical Guy Hall will undergo renovations to be developed into a Visitor and Convention Center. ~
You Tube sensation features SU By Jairah Sheila Joy F. Hernani Video blogger Mikey Bustos shot clips of Silliman University last August 4 as part of his new project for his You Tube blog. The Filipino-Canadian You Tube artist, who was also a finalist of Canadian Idol’s first season, did not want to reveal the main concept for his video which will be released on September. However, a member of the production team said that he’s doing the said project for a famous airline. Bustos and his team are currently traveling all over the Philippines as part of the video’s concept. The crew filmed at Silliman Hall, Portal West building and the West Quadrangle. A first timer around the city, Bus-
tos said that he personally chose Dumaguete as one of their locations. The many angles of city which they could project are perfect for the video’s idea. “We wanted to showcase Dumaguete on You Tube. It’s such a beautiful place and I want the world to see it,” he said. “To all those here in Silliman University, study hard, follow your dreams and never give up hope because dreams do come true,” Bustos added. The vlogger (video blogger) is known for his funny and witty uploads including the Filipino Tutorials, Pinoy Lessons and parodies. His account has about 70, 000 subscribers and more than 12 million views.~
Media tries Miss SU hopefuls By Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia and Katrin Anne Arcala Twelve candidates for the 66th Miss Silliman pageant faced the press and the public last August 5 at the Robinsons Place Dumaguete. Competing for this year’s crown, the contestants were asked about current events and significant issues concerning the environment, society and the community. The questions touched on this year’s theme, “Changing Times: Women as Forerunners of the World”. The 2012 Miss Silliman aspirants are Frances Claire Vintola (College of Arts and Sciences), Jyl Rae B. Ramirez (College of Business Administration),
Krystel Mendez (College of Education), Jovy Anne Daigle (College of Computer Studies), Lyle Rose Chua (College of Engineering and Design), Lissa Patricia Duch (School of Basic Education), Hannah Saycon (College of Mass Communication), Isabel Tabasa (College of Medicine), Chezka Mae Sygaco (Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences), Harlee Jell Tia (College of Nursing), Hallona Ember Segundina Jiddah (College of Performing and Visual Arts) and Mary Ruth Kristine Risma (School of Public Affairs and Governance). Reigning Miss Silliman, Alexis Dawn Masangkay, said: “I’ m looking forward to how different or how similar it’s going to be from our time. What I want to do is to just enjoy seeing the girls having their
own experience and reminiscing my experience as well.” The texter’s choice award, which was introduced in the launching, is an addition to this year’s pageant. Johara Villanueva, chair of the pageant’s committee, said that they wanted to give “power to the people” through the award. She added: “This year’s theme is parallel to last year’s (theme). Difference is that, this time it is more on the act of being the forerunner. It also gives the candidates the option to refer to the past and look beyond the future, in the sense that its ‘changing times.’” Last year’s theme was “Virtuously empowered woman for global relevance.”~
SILLIMAN BEAUTIES. Contestants of the Miss Silliman Pageant give their sweetest smiles during the Miss Silliman Press Launch held at 5pm, August 5 at Robinsons Place Dumaguete. This year’s theme is “Changing Times: Women as Forerunners of the World.” PHOTO BY Melissa Pal
GUITAR AND STRINGS. Michael Dadap (center) and Kwerdas play classical folk music during the One/String concert at the Clair Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium last August 4. PHOTO BY Alexandra Iso
*ARF* I’m the new tWS mascot! I’m not an askal who barks at strangers. I investigate first before I make a sound. I’m not a “teacher’s pet” who licks the hands of those who feed me. I acknowledge every side of the story. However, I still don’t have a name. Can you suggest one for me? Text your suggestions to 09358221533. Be part of history. Name the “watchdog of the government”.
SILLIMAN WEEKLY SURVEY To pump up the hype for the 2012 London Olympics, we ask students:
Q: Do you think that the Philippines will finally win its first gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics? Ten representatives per college served as respondents of this survey. Survey conducted by Shadid Sidri