The Weekly Sillimanian - August 27, 2012

109 years

Towards A Progressive Campus Press | vol. LXXXV No. 02 | wednesday, 15 august 2012

PARADE OF COLORS. Torch flames and colorful lights illuminate the streets of Hibbard Avenue during the opening of the Hibalag Booth Festival last August 21. PHOTO BY Gino Teves

17 sign up for ‘Study Now Pay Later’ ERAP scholar: ‘Promises are made to be broken’

by Maya Angelique B. Jajalla

Three years ago, 20 scholars entered the halls of Silliman because of a promise.

Three weeks before the beginning of their final year in college, the university announced the termination of their scholarship – because of an unfulfilled promise.

The Office of the Vice-President for Finance and Administration informed the College of Agriculture last June that the university is terminating the ERAP Foundation Scholarship for the 17 (then 20) scholars of the said college.

Dr. Jose Edwin Cubelo, dean of the College of Agriculture, said that the termination was due to the “unfavourable response” from the ERAP Foundation for the past three years. “When I say unfavourable response, there was no response at all,” Cubelo said.

Raymund Anthony Ayco, a fourth year BS Agricultural Business student and an ERAP scholar, said in a

separate interview that his unsettled account from 1st year to 3rd year college amounts to more than P200, 000.

“When I checked my balance last June through the internet (MySilliman account), I cried upon seeing the large figures. How can I possibly get that money?” he said.

The ‘last resort’ In order to continue their studies and finish their last year in college, the scholars signed the contract for the university’s “Study Now Pay Later” (SNPL) program.

The contract binds the students with the responsibility of paying their tuition and miscellaneous fees for this school year one year after graduation.

Cubelo said: “We explored a lot of means first. We coordinated with the Student Scholarship and Aid Division (SSAD) and tried to look for available scholarships. It was actually Prof. Santiago B. Utzurrum Jr. who negotiated that [the SNPL] with the university, so that the students can continue their studies, this being their last year.”

Prof. Utzurrum was the dean of the

said college during the time when the scholarship was given.

“I really want to finish my degree, so I didn’t have a choice but to sign the contract. [SNPL] somehow became my last resort,” Ayco said.

Absence of MOA The issue dates back to September 25, 2008 when former president Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada delivered a speech during a convocation at the Luce Auditorium.

In his speech, Erap reportedly promised to give scholarship grants to incoming freshmen of the College of Agriculture through the ERAP Foundation. The grants, he said, should be given to financially challenged students who are entering their first year.

“I entered college June of the following year (2009). There were 30 of us during the orientation, but 20 were chosen to be scholars in the end. I was one of the 20,” Ayco said. He added that it was Prof. Utzurrum who gave them the orientation for the said scholarship. continued on page 8

Casocot wins 5th Palanca

by Samantha L. Colinco

A faculty at the English and Literature Department won second prize in the Philippine’s most prestigious and longest-running literary contest.

Ian R. Casocot bagged his fifth award from the Don Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, English category for his short story, “It Always Breaks My Heart a Little to See You Go,” which is about a mother’s struggles with raising an autistic child.

While in Baguio for the University of the Philippines National Writers Workshop, Casocot said his good friend, essayist Rica Bolipata Santos inspired the story after she shared with him and other writers her struggles in parenting her own autistic boy. “(Santos) gave us this particular incident about her being stopped one day in a subdivision by a yaya of another house who began telling her about the yaya of her own boy being cruel to her child. According to the other yaya, her yaya was slapping the boy’s (arms and) hands.

“What she remembered feeling was she wasn’t angry at her yaya because she understood why she was doing that. She was actually angry at the maid who was telling her the story: ‘How dare you make sumbong? You have no idea what’s going on in my house.’ She said, ‘I feel for the yaya be-

cause it’s very, very difficult to have an autistic child.

“Sometimes you have to accept the pain of all the tantrums your child gives you. Sometimes you’d feel certain little things that you are ashamed of.”

Casocot added that Santos then challenged them around the table in that café in Baguio and promised to have a mango tree from their ancestral house in Casa San Miguel in Zambales named after anybody who will write.

“I am the only one from those she challenged who even pinched the story . . . Two years ago, she invited me to stay in Casa San Miguel and while there, I gave her the story,” he said.

Although winning one place short of the first prize, Casocot said he is not disappointed but is “very, very happy for my good friend” and first prize winner, Rebekah Khan, who topped her first Palanca award.

“It doesn’t really matter whether first, second or third. It’s all very subjective anyway. A Palanca is still a Palanca,” he said.

Casocot placed first in the same category in 2008. He also won the NVM Gonzalez Prize, a PBBY Salonga Writers Prize Honorable Mention and the Fully Booked/Neil Gaiman Philippine Graphic/Fiction Prize.

He will go to the Peninsula Manila on Sept. 1 to accept the award. ~

Ballet Philippines awakens ‘Sleeping Beauty’

by Susanah Jane L. Lapa

“I took up ballet because of her,” said Jean Marc Cordero, Ballet Philippines’ lead dancer, referring to his on- and off-stage leading lady, Candice Adea.

The real life couple once again enthralled audiences with their natural chemistry in their roles as Princess Aurora and Prince Charming in the world-class dance masterpiece, The Sleeping Beauty, last August 17 and 18 at the Claire Isabel McGil Luce Auditorium.

Helmed by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, the company performed the classic tale as part of their 42nd season “Faces of Eve”.

The dancers rewove the timeless piece with a fresh and dynamic stage portrayal of Princess Aurora and her awakening by true love’s kiss from Prince Charming, “Sobrang gandang reception. Na-

amaze ako kasi dito sa Dumaguete, grabe n’yong sinuportahan yung arts at sa’ka culture. I wish we had that in Manila ‘yong puno ‘yong theatre tas ‘yong response ng audience sa show… It’s really amazing,” Adea said.

“One of my main goals before when I was just starting to dance was to partner Candice on stage. I took up ballet for her. Since I was her boyfriend, I wanted to share the stage with her and from there I worked hard,” Cordero said. The actorturned-dancer started to learn ballet at 18 and eventually developed his passion for it.

Candice Adea, on the other hand, started dancing to follow her sister, Carissa Adea.

“I started ballet at four; following my sister since she started learning it first…it was the typical sibling move. Our parents wanted it to be our playground, for us to focus on dancing, to avoid any vices in the future. Through time, we both learned to love it until we could no longer go without it.”

Being a real life couple, the tandem stressed the value and impact of intimate communication in their performance.

“Maraming advantages kapag yung partner mo dancer din especially kung yung partner mo, partner mo talaga din sa sayaw. Aside sa comfortable ka, ang pinaka helpful is after work napag-uusapan namin kung anong dapat naming iimprove sa sayaw. (There are many advantages when your real life partner is a dancer too, especially when you’re paired off in dancing. Aside from being comfortable [in working together], it’s most helpful when we continued on page 8

SU supports ‘green engineering’

by Kriztja Marae G. Labrador The College of Engineering and Design promotes eco-friendly means of engineering through hosting a forum focusing on environmental consciousness in engineering practice as organized by BAROMETRIX, the Engineering Graduate Students Club last August 20 and 21 at Silliman Hall.

Green Engineering Forum is a worldwide advocacy, said Engr. Nolan Fernandez, president of BAROMETRIX.

“It is about the design, commercialization and use of processes and products feasible and economical while minimizing generation of pollution at the source and risk to human health and environment,” he said.

Their main goal for this event, as shared by Fernandez, is to “promote the use of renewable energy and promote the practice of green engineering in all fields” of their profession.

This is the first Green Engineering Forum in Silliman University. Fernandez said that they are planning to do

it annually and they will also to invite more speakers for the next year.

The main participants of the event were Silliman University engineering students. Some guest participants of the forum were engineering students from Negros Oriental State University, employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bais City and environmentalists who joined on the second day.

Major sponsors of the activity were Chevron Lubricants and Delegenta Solar. ~

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the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

comPROMISEd What makes something can break that very same thing. What breaks something can make that very same thing, too.

The predicament of the 17 scholars of the ERAP Foundation is disheartening.

As one of the scholars pointed out, they seem to be victims of false hopes.

There is one way only left for them, and that is forward. They cannot give up now.

ERAP Foundation The root of the whole issue is the verbal promise of our former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada: to give scholarship grants to incoming freshmen students of the College of Agriculture, through the ERAP Foundation. After almost four years since he delivered his speech at the Luce Auditorium, and after six semesters of constant follow-ups by the university, his words remain a promise.

Estrada already made public his plan to run as Manila Mayor. It might boost his campaign to first iron the stained cloth that he left in Silliman four years ago.

A word of honor, after all, is spoken by a man with honor.

SU Admininstration Unless a marriage contract is signed, an exchange of vows and a kiss in front of the public do not render a couple’s union legal.

The administration should have known better. Taking in students as scholars on the power of a promise, without a formal agreement from the supposed benefactor, is potentially problematic. It does not only shake the financial resources of the university but more importantly, it compromises the future of so-called scholars, especially when the source of funds has remained empty.

And to have allowed the same arrangement to run for four years is no different from prolonging an agony.

Why did the administration terminate the scholarship just this school year?

Six semesters of communicating without results have passed. The problem could have been solved earlier, were it determined earlier. What took the administration so long to realize those sent bills are ignored?

Silliman community The theme of this year’s Founders Day celebration is “Empower me – spirit of the Living God.” tWS urges the alumni and students to awaken the Silliman spirit and be the faces of the Living God to our brothers and sisters in the College of Agriculture. Let us be part of the solution.

Since Dr. Cubelo urged the Silliman community to help these scholars, coin boxes will be placed outside the tWS office for those who would like to donate their extra allowance. A promise once made to them may have been broken. This Founders Day is the perfect time for them to feel that they are not compromised.

Sometimes, the Living God empowers us when we empower others. Let’s empower our 17 fellow Sillimanians.~

Via, Veritas, Vita: Sa Totoo Lang (Paulit-ulit?)

Malalaman ninyo ang katotohanan at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo. – Juan 8:32 Sa totoo lang, paano ba talaga mamuhay sa Silliman? Paano ba mamuhay ang higit sa siyam na libong mag-aaral at ang higit sa limang daang guro ng unibersidad? Masyadong malawak ang paksa kung isasali pa kung saan at paano natutulog, kumakain, at gumagala ang Sillimanian. Kaya naman bigyan pansin na lamang ang buhay sa larangan ng akademya Nakakatawa at nakakahiyang isipin na isang senador ang gagamit sa ideya ng isang blogger nang walang pahintulot. Para sa mga mag-aaral na dumaan o kasalukuyang kumukuha ng BC 25 Research Writing, mahalagang matutunan nila ang American

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by John Lee D. Limbaga

“PAG-ASA reported that two storms are coming to PH this month. How will you prepare for them?”

“Well, storms are not strangers to us. These kinds of phenomenon are already part of our lives. If you’re ready, you will expect what will happen and you will know what to do. Just be prepared at all times.”

Claudette P. Villarin, BS Nursing I "Not just umbrella, jacket, food or flashlight; we must prepare most importantly our prayers to our Almighty God that he may spare and protect the lives of all Filipinos when these storms come to our dear Philippines." Norris R. Wagas, AB Political Science IV "I’ll prepare through checking on emergency kits at home. And, of course, prayer and faith in God are still the most important thing to hold on. ’" Argie Lloyd Y. Morales, BSA Animal Science IV “Pray. Fides in Caritate.” Kristine Ann M. Fernandez, Bachelor of Mass Communication III ** Next issue's question: “Do you agree with Senator Sotto’s lawyer when he said that plagiarism is a common practice and is OK in Senate?”

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

twsopinion 3

Pangalawa sa tatlong bahagi ng serye para sa Buwan ng Wika

Psychological Association (APA) Style ng pagsusulat. Ngunit may iilan pa rin ang tumutulad, sinasadya man o hindi, sa senador dahil nakakaligtaan nilang sundin ang estilo ng APA. Itinuturo din ng mga guro ng BC 25 na hangga’t maaari ay huwag gagamitin bilang sanggunian ang Wikipedia.

Kung tutuusin, ang bawat paksa sa Wikipedia ay may sariling listahan ng reperensya na maaaring gamitin ng mag-aaral. Gayunpaman, may mga makukulit at tamad pa rin na gumagamit nito. Hindi lang mga mag-aaral ang gumagawa nito. Ang textbook na ginagamit sa Fil 13 Pakikipagtalastasan ay sumangguni din sa Wikipedia.

Tinuruan tayong lahat na huwag manghusga sa panlabas na anyo. Pero kadalasan, makakakita ka ng mga

mag-aaral na maporma, hiphop, sosi, o bugoy na hindi nagdadala ng bolpen, notbuk o kahit kapiraso man lang na papel. Sila din ang madalas na nahuhuli o lumiliban sa klase. Sa totoo lang, bakit pa sila nag-enrol?

Kung “sense of time” rin lang naman ang paguusapan, hindi maitatanggi na may mga guro din na nahuhuli sa

Malayang Sillimanian Earl Paolo A. Jaculbe

klase, matagal magdismis, o lumiliban ng hindi nagsasabi. Halimbawa na lang ang isyu na lumabas nang nakaraang linggo tungkol sa guro na madalang pumasok sa MWF na klase

A toast to 111 Years!

It seems appropriate that certain disclaimers are made before I dive into explaining my reservations about the RH Bill.

Firstly, it must be understood that one can be against the bill without having to subscribe to the Catholic Church’s reasoning. In fact, as I will attempt to do here, one can be against the bill on other grounds besides strictly religious ones.

Secondly, because the RH Bill itself has undergone several revisions over time, my reservations about it have also evolved.

The version in consideration now is HB 4244, which is the consolidation of the drafts introduced by Reps. Ilagan, Edcel Lagman, Janette Garin, and others. I can readily concede that the explicit intentions of HB 4244 are note-worthy and I would not be against many of its provisions. My main concerns are only with regard to probable unintended implications of certain practices that the bill would implement.

Third is that I am quite alright if you disagree with me. And I am hoping that, if you are a pro-RH, it is alright with you if I am against some of the things about your bill. More often than not, the reasons for or against the bill emanate from deep-seated sentiments of the person’s conscience, which is informed by their worldview and past experiences. And since nobody has had a full observation of all of reality and because no two people have had the same experiences, matters of the conscience are to be given respect even if one stands alone for its sake.

Lastly, I think it is an important reminder that reasoning for or against the idea of the bill is quite possible without having to criticize the people who are for or against it. If you are in support of the RH Bill because you think Senator Sotto or the bishops are plainly stupid, then you are committing the genetic fallacy, because the ideas against the bill are not necessarily invalid just because those who are against it have possibly committed grave wrongs such as plagiarism. It is rather sad that many intelligent people on both sides of the debate have become satisfied with name-calling or mudslinging instead of critiquing each other’s ideas.

Now that that’s settled, let’s get to the meat of things. What about the bill am I against? And why?

The first is with regards the provisions on mandatory sex education set out in Section 16 of HB 4244, which I think undermines a private school’s right to shape its curriculum according to the ideology for which it was instituted in the first place. Section 16 says, “Such [sex

Anti-RH Bill

education] curriculum shall be common between public and private schools....”

What if the ideology of that school is necessarily in opposition to the premises of such sex education? Why should the state still impose that curriculum on the private school? I do not think there is any reasonable ground to suspend the private school’s freedom to at least tailorfit such sex education according to its institutional beliefs and policies.

Secondly, I think there is a kind of culture the bill encourages which would undo or run against certain tangible effects it wants to happen. Nobody in their right mind will ever say no to more hospitals with better services. Nobody will ever find a smaller doctor-to-patient ratio

Reformed Gadfly Gilbert Augustin Ganir

disagreeable. And nobody should ever say no to special maternal healthcare in critical situations. These are the tangible effects of the bill that I also would want to happen. But when the bill says a full range of modern planning methods such as condoms will be freely provided to those who are too poor to buy them (i.e. most Filipinos) regardless of whether or not they are in a marriage relationship as per Section 7 of HB 4244, some thought has to be given to the kind of atmosphere that will create among that sector.

The sexual act is both for procreation and the pleasure of the couple. I think these two values have to be in balance in a good reproductive health policy, which I do not think is the case with Section 7. If the state only deems sex as for procreation (as the CBCP unduly emphasizes), then the state becomes, well, a killjoy and it does nothing to the population problem. If it deems sex as more for the pleasure of the couple, then it runs the risk of reducing the sexual act down to a purely physical event, encouraging risky and irresponsible sexual lifestyles. Section 7 does the latter, albeit unintended, by giving too broad an access to contraceptives.

In the UK, which has one of the most sophisticated reproductive health policies, teenage pregnancy surprisingly has its highest occurrence in all of Europe, especially among teenagers from working class families. Even with the availability of modern methods of family planning such as IUDs, pills, and condoms, cases of sexually-transmitted diseases are way too frequent among the 15-24 age group. Even with the accessibility of sex

education, most of my contemporaries there do not exhibit the kind of responsible lifestyle and attitude that such education intended to instill in them.

When I asked Rep. Ilagan if the same would happen in the Philippines, I received the answer: “No. The UK is different.”

I disagree. When you get the itch, you will eventually scratch it regardless of the colour of your skin, especially if you are in the 15-24 age group, where the itch just seems to be extra-itchier than in any other age group. In the UK, sex has become an end in itself more and more as people engage with it without having to think about getting pregnant. We may reasonably presume the consequences here will be similar. To me, the frequency and gravity of these problems in spite of the availability of contraceptives indicates that there is a case of solving the problem of overpopulation, but introducing the problem of irresponsible sexual lifestyles.

I think this imbalance can be avoided if some qualifications are added to Section 7 before a full range of modern family planning methods are provided for you for free, e.g. that you are in a marriage relationship or at least in a relationship with the intention to marry. If you’re not married and you want to have sex with abandon, go buy your own contraceptives, because notwithstanding other things, if you want people to be more responsible about their sexual lives, then you have to send the message that sex cannot be reduced to a mere physical act. When people start saying, “I can have as much sex as I want because the government will provide free contraceptives,” then there is a spanner in the works. I think the state still has a duty to send the message that sex is a precursor to parenthood, entailing with it a degree of responsibility which you erode if the act is subconsciously seen as just a special physical moment.

The RH bill shoots itself in the foot by encouraging the overarching culture that causes the individual problems that it wants to solve, instead of mitigating such a culture. I am sure it was with good intentions that the authors wanted to provide virtually limitless access to contraceptives, but, as the say: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Give a poor boy unlimited access to condoms and he can have pleasurable nights with the girl(s)--and though he does not get her pregnant, he might grow to see sex as an end in itself. Nurture him in a culture where sex is not just a physical act and he just might grow up to become a responsible parent. Which do we want more? ~

Founder’s week seems to be the same each time it happens, and yet it is quite different. For one thing, there is the expected: the torch parade, the booths, the echos of screams that come from Psychology’s horror chamber---but there is always something fresh to look forward to every year, as well.

In my eyes, I personally feel that this year’s Founder’s Week has mellowed somewhat, but not to the point where the celebration has descreased.

Roaming around the booths, students who have been exposed to a yearly dose of Hibalag-activities will not fail to have varying opinions about the ambiance. Some say that the booths are more spacious and roomy, and the field seems less packed compared to last year. I, for one, cannot help but be thankful for the small blessing that is a lack of mud on the booth grounds this week. I’ve heard students say express their approval, saying that the quality of the stage has improved, with better lighting and music, while others simply shrug and say that this year feels no different from previous years.

Whatever your thoughts about Founder’s day are, one can’t deny that there is that undercurrent of anticipation and excitement that thrives within. It’s the Siliman spirit, of course, a flame which burns brightly in every faculty member, student and alumni.

And what a flame it is: you can see the blaze and burn of passion shining in

When Glasses Speak Mariella S. Bustamante

everyone. You can feel it in the words of those who praise their alma mater wherever they go, and in the faces of alumni who left and returned to “dear old Silliman” just to see how it’s doing--as if they’re visiting an old friend who they haven’t seen for years. You can see it in those who---even for a moment--stand still to feel the breeze, surrounded by the accasia trees.

Like many great things, the flame of “Silliman Spirit” started with a

tiny spark. It should be remembered that Silliman University started from humble beginnings. It started as an elementary school at first, with Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and his wife, along with 15 Filipino boys who formed the first students. Named in honor of New York philanthropist Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman, whose donation of $10,000 was enough to start Silliman University, it’s difficult to believe the evolution that Silliman has gone through, especially now, as it celebrates its 11th founding day anniversary. The “Silliman Spirit” that started years ago now still flourishes today, with people from all walks of life passing by Silliman’s hallowed halls in order to learn. Indeed, the flame burns bright up to now, with as Silliman University continues to keep its lamp well-lit, with the book of knowledge that it rests upon being a source of wisdom and inspiration for all, as well as a reminder that great things start small. So, Happy 11th Birthday, SU. Have a great one; I know you’ll always deserve it. ~

English and Discrimination

“Mag-eninglish ko niya o dili?”

For the sake of everyone, the sentence above is translated as, “Should I speak english to him/her?”

During the first few years here in Silliman University , I was linguistically shocked because majority of my newly met acquaintances speak American English, and as a fully-grown probinsiana and a public school girl, I need to flourish my grammar a little bit because I never used to talk the english as my household language. It was a little bit awkward for me to talk in straight because I never used it as a normal dialect.

Maybe because of that past experience in elementary, although we were taught basic English and we were encouraged to speak English, but whenever we will attempt to use it in a normal routine, many would judge that you are a “Social climber” or a “Maarte” pupil.

I don’t know the reason of this namecalling. That is why, before I speak, I take time to think about my grammar before I articulate to my foreign friends. My confidence and intelligence was tested because the language has an impact for the people you are dealing with, and becuase you are imprinting an impression towards the people with ridiculously high standards.

Speaking English is very important because it is the way of how the specific things being explained into sim-

plier thought. We were taught to speak English because we want to learn more about how the quadratic trinomials must be factored in a simplier manner, how nursery rhymes must be viewed and how the person must be analyzed from the perspective from an American psychology book. In short, we are injected with the English language because we want to connect communicate from the people who once introduced civilization in our motherland, we want to analyze and synthesize the perspective they’ve shared and kept on sharing, we want also to be heard from the other side of the archipelago as a one nation with one minds, English theerfore is the bridge of the nation gap.

Red ballpen Rea Samantha P. Migullas

However, “English is just a language” my education professor explained, “It will not and never define a person’s intelligence.” And the irony is, she is an English professor. Using mother tongue language in reports, discussions, and interviews must be well appreciated because many people can elaborate better in the native language.

Indeed, English language is just like

and abstract painting, some can understand but a handful seems to have a problem when it comes to understanding, but many has its own viewpoint.

What’s the big deal? By just speaking English cannot stop a war in Syria and cannot form a new life. English language cannot make a country free from anarchy and of course it cannot make the poverty eradicate at just one bite. It can create an elitist society with a belief that people are inherently superior and deserves preeminence and preferential treatment, we do not want a society to be like that. It was used as a channel of back bitting and misunderstandings within a group. Why do we need to be arrogant from being a fluent speaker?

I never heard the president of France and the chancellor of Germany speak english in front of international media, I mean, what is the problem with a person who mispronounced the words the /e/ sound and replaced it as /i/ sounding word when in fact she/he can understand and can speak english?, why do we laugh about it? And of course, why are we making a fun out of it if we hear a person with a dangling English grammar? That is the main problem that we need to deconstruct from our societal schema.

So, I speak English because I want everbody to understand, not to be a superior to the people. ~

at sa halip ay pinapapasok na lamang ang mga mag-aaral ng Sabado. Hindi ba’t pinagpilian, pinilahan, at binayaran ng mag-aaral ang iskedyul na yun? Minsan napapatanong ka, “Sa totoo lang, may bumagsak na ba na guro dahil sa absences?”

Sa totoo lang, Filipino Time ba ang isa sa basehan ng Silliman sa pagiging Filipino? Hindi naman lahat ng event sa unibersidad ay huli kung magsimula. Pero napapatanong ka ulit, “Sa totoo lang, anong oras ba talaga dapat nagbubukas ang Business and Finance Office? Pag-sinabi bang 4 p.m. magsisimula ang Torch Parade, ibig sabihin ba nito 5 p.m. talaga?”

Sa totoo lang, hindi lahat ng magaaral at guro ng unibersidad ay tulad ng iilan na ginagawa ang mga nabanggit sa taas. Sa totoo lang, marami pa

ring mga mahuhusay na kabataan ang nagpupursigi sa larangan ng akademya at paglilingkod sa kapwa magaaral. Hangad ng mga kabataan na ito na ipakita sa kanilang mga magulang na hindi nasayang ang bawat pawis at sakripisyo para lang makatapos sila sa pag-aaral. Alam nila na malaking bahagi ng kinabukasan ang nakasalalay sa kung paano sila namuhay sa Silliman. Sa totoo lang, makikita pa rin sa mga guro ang mithiin na maibahagi ang kanilang kaalaman at pagmamahal sa napili nilang propesyon. Alam nila na malaki ang impluwensiya nila sa kalidad ng pamumuhay ng bawat mag-aaral.

Ikaw? Sa totoo lang, paano ka ba namumuhay bilang isang Sillimanian? ~

Redefining Definitions While watching an airplane flying overhead a particular mall in Cebu, I remembered about the greatest irony in human life. It’s like this: if God created the world for everyone to live in, then why is it not possible for a human being to set sail to the nearest country in God knows what direction he or she is going?

Then, here comes history textbooks. I admit that life sucks whenever it’s being compared to the earliest Dora the Explorer, Mr. Marco Polo. Visa was not invented yet at that time, so, he can go to whatever places he want, meet people, races and learn new and fascinating never-before-seen cultures along the way until he reached what seemed to be very impossible before, Imperial China.

I have the same jealousy likewise to traders, merchants and pirates. Trekking far waters in the south just to trade with an unknown territory might have been the “in” at that time. After trading at sundown with a country’s goods, they head back, remembering the routes they memorized until they reach the terra where a mutual language has been spoken and understood by the majority.

The practice isn’t foreign at all in Europe. The definition of expedition before was influenced by myths and superstitions. Sages before warned courageous young sailors about how the world was flat, and at the edge of the world, they would fall infinitely to void.

Still, men were eager to know what was beyond the sunset and the horizon itself that’s splitting the world in two. And it was not long until we heard from our textbooks that Magellan and his crew set out on a journey to locate treasures for the King of Spain.

And kudos to them, words like expedition, travel, reconnaissance , and the likes were given a new definition and light the moment the same ship and people returned to the harbour of Europe years later after its departure. The system gradually changed as renaissance began.

Now, let’s fast forward to the modern

era, to where man had developed what I call, ‘The Contemporary Paradigm’.

Basically, it’s a system that is being adhered and adopted by all countries by any means necessary. Amongst these are the national anthems, territorial spaces, economy signature, stock market and the many others that are mutually existing to all countries. I have to admit that because of these things, the modern era is more organized and easier than before... or is it really?

The definition of travel in the modern era is the most restrictive in the history of the human civilization. To follow international standards, visas and passports are given before hand to enable one to journey out to another country.

And in the Philippines itself, in as much as two thousand are wishing to attain the papers, two hundred will only receive it at the end of the day.

Illegal immigrants, a word existing only in this period are not exempted too especially when the government notices their forced entry, much like the illegal crossing dilemma in Mexico and the United States. These ‘immigrants’

YOLO Advocate Federico B. Martinez VII

are either bound to be deported or executed in the countries that they are entering.

It takes a circumstance before this definition can be re-defined, be it fated or destined. But in a perspective such as mine, the right for humans to traverse is equally the same as the reason why we possess two feet. To walk is never impossible for us and to discover shouldn’t be deprived from us. The right for us to journey, therefore, should never be a hindrance from us.

There are many angles in this article where one Sillimanian can think outside the box. As a member of society, are you ready to take risks and re-define definitions?~

DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/TOWARDSAPROGRESSIVECAMPUSPRESS FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @tWS12_13

4 twsfeatures

the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

FACTS

for the

Sillimanianbrain

We are 111 years old! It’s time to refresh our minds and revisit our school’s 111 memories.

1. Silliman University is the first university founded in Dumaguete.

2. The campus has a land area of 610,000 square meters.

3. The school is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as being a “Center of Excellence” in nursing, teachers’ education, and Coastal Resources Management.

4. Silliman University is CHED Center of Development in Physics, Biology, Marine Sciences Mechanical Engineering, Business and Management Education, and Information Technology.

5. The school is host to the annual Church Workers Convocation, a gathering of hundreds of members of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines from around the country.

6. It is among the top 3 schools in physical therapy with outstanding board exam performance.

7. Silliman is among the country’s top 3 centers for development in Business Education.

8. The College of Agriculture ranks among the Top 3 schools in the country.

9. The College of Performing Arts (formerly School of Music and Fine Arts) has produced great names such as ethnomusicologist Priscilla Magdamo, violinist Gilopez Kabayao and baritone Elmo Makil.

10. Silliman is also a pioneer in Choral Music Education in the country.

11. The Silliman Information Technology program received 100% rating from CHED. 12. Silliman is also recognized as one of the leading schools in marine biology in Asia with the Marine Laboratory as its home.

13. Silliman is among the country’s Top 10 schools included in the annual BPI Science Awards for student achievement.

14. Silliman has a continuing exchange student program with three Japanese Universities (International Christian University, Shikoku Gakuin University and Ferris University).

15. Silliman is listed as No. 4 on the Top 10 List of schools in the Philippines.

16. The University comprises ten colleges, four schools, and two institutes, enrolling over 8,600 students from different parts of the Philippines and from at least 20 foreign countries.

17. Silliman University is also ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia based on International Students’ Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds, an institution that ranks the world’s top universities.

18. In terms of accreditation, Silliman is one of only five universities in the Philippines with “Institutional Accreditation” by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP).

19. Silliman Hall is the oldest standing American structure in the Philippines.

20. Guy Hall, built in 1918, was one of the buildings occupied by Japanese troops during World War II. 21. When Martial Law was declared in 1972, Silliman became one of the first two universities ordered by the government to be closed, and one of the last to be opened.

22. The year 1979 became a landmark year for Silliman when its Van Houweling Research Laboratory, then headed by Dr. George Beran, produced a dog vaccine that gave a dog three-year immunity from rabies, making it the first and only laboratory to produce a rabies vac-

cine with long-term immunity in the whole of Southeast Asia.

23. In 1994, eleven Sillimanians landed in the top ten of that year’s nursing board exam.

24. In 1994, Silliman alumnus Gonzalo O. Catan Jr., was awarded Most Outstanding Inventor in the 5th National Technology Fair.

25. The University is aggressively adopting a “No Helmet-No Entry” policy for motorcycle owners.

26. Silliman is likewise adopting a “No-Smoking Policy” on campus.

27. The Luce auditorium is the largest theater outside Metro Manila.

28. Regularly frequented by tourists, the university maintains a campus cruiser, a 15-seater golf cart or tram-like vehicle used to ferry visitors around the campus.

29. Silliman maintains three museums: the Anthropology Museum, the Gonzales Museum of Natural History, and the Marine Mammal Museum of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS).

30. Silliman is governed by an independent Board of Trustees composed of fifteen members.

31. Built in 1978, the university library ( The Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library) is a three-storey structure with a seating capacity of 490 readers.

32. To date, the Silliman Library remains as one of the biggest libraries in the Philippines.

33. Once every semester, the Silliman academic community celebrates the University Christian Life Emphasis Week (UCLEW).

34. Sang by the Silliman community for almost a hundred years, the Silliman Song has popularized the phrases “Dear old Silliman”, and “Silliman beside the sea”.

35. In the previous Beijing Olympics, Mark Javier, a Sillimanian, was the lone representative of the Philippines in the field of Archery.

36. Other notable Philippine Olympians who came from Silliman include Jennifer Chan, who won a gold medal in the 25th SEA Games, Lisa Ygnalaga, and long jumper Simeon Toribio.

37. Under the present set-up, the Student Government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial departments.

38. Political campaigns in the university are characterized by rallies in the Amphitheater, classroom-toclassroom speaking engagements, and dorm-to-dorm campaigns. The Student Government is under the supervision and oversight of the Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD).

39. Student publications include the Weekly Sillimanian, one of the first weekly student newspapers in the country.

40. Silliman operates regular and cooperative dormitories which can provide space for approximately 800 students.

41. One of the most notable alumni of the university includes Carlos P. Garcia, 8th President of the Philippines.

42. Sillimanians have also excelled in the field of journalism such as Claire Delfin of GMA Network and Ina Reformina of ABS-CBN. 43. Sillimanians also entered show business such as Bret Jackson and Beauty Gonzalez.

44. The main library was renamed as the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library. Robert B. Silliman served as the university’s Vice-President during the Presidency of Dr. Leopoldo Ruiz.

45. Silliman has more than 300 acacia trees.

the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

Your Hibalag Bucket List

by Julia Andrea C. Abrenica

I

t’s August 21, 2012, and it’s precisely 10:24 AM as I write this. In a few hours, the street extending from Portal West to Harold’s mansion will be closed to give way to the assemblage of fraternities, sororities, and academic organizations. Helium filled balloons, lit torches, newly printed streamers and freshly

laundered banners pepper the crowd in a symphony of excitement, impatience, and anticipation. Hibalag has arrived and here to stay for another weeklong visit.

It is within this week where the empty Ravello Field comes alive, and turns into a little carnival of delights – taking your mind off of your herculean exams and school work, and inducing a feel of euphoria as you indulge yourself in tasty treats, live bands, and all sorts of Hibalag shenanigans all served with love by the different organizations in the university.

Your attention is immediately caught as you enter the campus through the

CBA gate as the queue crowding the darkened AH grounds, lit gloomily only with a few candles. Yet again the Psych Society is in for another round of scaring in the Katipunan Hall transformed into a makeshift Horror Chamber. Being the highest-earning organization every Founders Week with enormous profits of P7, 000 to P10, 000 every night, it is certainly one of the f avo r i t e places to visit b y

H i b a l ag goers.

“Well it is very tiring, from setting up to cleaning the mess, there are a lot of things to do, but really it’s fun, you get the chance to scare the hell out of them,” Bonix Ozarraga, a senior Psychology student said. Although he has not experienced a paranormal event himself, he certainly does not deny the possibility of one happening. “You just have to see for yourself,” he added. Their earnings usually cover for their department fees and are used to fund the different activities they have for the second semester, one being the outreach program they have every December.

After a dose of fright at Katipunan Hall, move your way into the crowd gathering around the giant acacia tree to see your friends rock-climb the twenty foot wall courtesy of Cuernos de Negros. If you feel like having a challenge, why not strap yourself up,

and do a little rock-climbing yourself ?

Now, at this point, you might feel a little hungry from all that screaming and climbing. So a good suggestion is to treat yourself with the grub sold all over the booth area. The Circulo Chavacano is serving satti, which is actually a breakfast meal for the locals of Zamboanga. SU MAGE (Manga, Anime and Gaming Enthusiasts) also serve food at their Japanese-themed Maid Cafe at the Nutrition and Dietetics Department. HISAW (Higala International Students around the World) have cooking demonstrations, displaying international cuisine. For hungry penny-pinchers, you guys might be interested in joining Pan Hellenic Society’s tempura eating contest and HISAW’s banana eating contest.

For those who are craving for more, the booth area is filled with an assortment of fun things to do and indulge in. For example, there is the discothemed booth by the Tau Gamma Phi. For those who want to try dating games, face painting or getting henna tattoos, there is the Hermanas booth to visit.

There are plenty of games to try out in the area, such as the Peryahan sa Silliman and Wag mong PELLETin, Color my Ball, and the seasonal bingo organized by the RYLF (Renaissance Youth Leaders Forum). There are also Ilonggo tutorials by the WVC (Western Visayan Circle) at their booth; tricycles to ride at the PSME (Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers) and fashion shows to watch, organized by the lovely ladies of Amicitas.

So, before deciding to spend the night indoors to study for an exam or to sleep early, take a little walk around the Hibalag Area. Take a break from that book you are reading. Founders Week is only for...well, a week and it comes only once a year. For all the seniors, this is your last Founders Week, and after that, you’ll have nothing but a few photographs of you and your friends by your booth and nothing more. It’s good to enjoy it while it lasts, and this little Hibalag bucket list will help you make memories that’ll last a lifetime. ~

ADVICECOLUMN 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”. (Gilbert Augustin Ganir) *For health and medicine-related inquiries, address your letter to “Clinica de Bianca”. (Bianca Camille Bulaybulay *For matters of the heart and teenage dilemmas, your questions will be answered in “Love, Stephanie”. (Stephanie Denise Martin) *For troubled faith and souls, the “Letters of Pol to the Sillimanians” will help you in your struggle. (Retz Pol Pacalioga) Send your questions and problems in a three to five-sentence paragraph to theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com. We will only feature one letter per week.

EMBODYING THE VIAVERITASVITA

by Shadid R. Sidri very year, Silliman University acknowledges Sillimanians who have brought pride to the University and to themselves through the prestigious “Outstanding SIllimanian Award.” It aims to recognize the Silliman alumni who have achieved success through embodying the university’s motto: “Via, Veritas, Vita”.

This year, Silliman honors four alumni who have accomplished so much in their respective careers.

Maria Christina Roble Esperat has earned the Outstanding Sillimanian Award through her excellence in the field of nursing, research and administration. Ms. Esperat earned two degrees at Silliman. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing in 1968 then, in the following year, received her Master’s degree in Nursing, Major in Parent-Child Nursing.

Now living and working in Texas, USA, Ms. Esperat holds the position of Associate Dean for Clinical Services or Community Engagement in addition to being a professor in Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing. In the past, she has held teaching positions in institutions such as Lamar University, Thomas Jefferson University, Northern Illinois University and Silliman University.

Ms. Esperat has introduced changes to curriculums and evaluation processes for nursing courses in the Philippines as well as in the US. She has also helped in raising millions of dollars for causes such as promotion of nurse-led care. Through her work, Ms. Esperat has improved healthcare services to the medically underserved in the USA. Atty. Kathleen G. Heceta is the epitome of a true public servant. Work-

E

ing under the Philippine government has gained her the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in the field of Government Service in Telecommunications.

Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Laws from Silliman in 1962, Atty.

Heceta has been involved in numerous projects with many organizations including the National Telecommunications Comission (NTC), Comission on Information and Communications Technology and the International Telecommunications Union. Her work has helped create bills that would set standards and regulations for telecommunications throughout the Philippines. With work not just limited within the Philippines, Atty. Heceta was selected as a member of an international group made of thirty-three countries that met annually in Geneva, Switzerland for four years to produce an international telecommunications union draft constitution. Even after retiring, Atty. Heveta did not stop serving the public, as she was involved in numerous activities that help women and today’s youth.

Dr. Enrico C. Sobong is someone who can rightfully claim to be among the best in the field of medicine. For that, he will be receiving the Outstanding Sillimanian Award. Before proceeding to medicine, Dr. Sobong received his Bachelor of Science premed degree from Silliman University in 1967; and graduated cum laude, no less. What makes Dr. Sobong so worthy of the award is his work in combating one of the most feared illnesses in the world: cancer. Currently based in Michigan,USA he has held positions at several hospitals in Grand Rapids, Michigan including being the chief of the medical oncology section at two hospitals. His work has been instrumental in creating a cancer group

Remembering Mom

by Roberto Klemente R. Timonera It’s utter sublimation, A feat, this heart’s control Moment to moment To scale all love down To a cupped hand’s size Till seashells are broken pieces From God’s own bright teeth, And life and love are real Things you can run and Breathless hand over To the merest child.

- excerpt from “Bonsai” by Edith L. Tiempo The afternoon of August 21, 2011 must have been the darkest time in Philippine literary history, as it was the day that marked the passing of National Artist for Literature Edith Lopez Tiempo. She was, and still is, one of the most beloved figures in the field of Philippine letters.

She was affectionately known as “Mom” in the literary community.

This might seem strange. The word, after all, rings with a familial intimacy one seldom shares with one’s mentors, and Mom Edith was a mentor of the highest order; she and her late husband, the novelist Edilberto K. Tiempo, established the Silliman National Writers Workshop in 1962, and aspiring Filipino writers continue to attend this workshop every summer to learn more about the wonders of the written word.

And yet, for all her prestige, Mom Edith was never distant or unreachable. Describing his first experience with her in the National Writers Workshop, fictionist Ian Rosales Casocot wrote: “She was affectionate, but she was also exacting. She took my juvenile short stories…and she critiqued them with the fine comb and gusto of the best formalist, the standards of the most demanding teacher, and the compassion of a mother.”

And motherlike she certainly was.

Over the years, alumni of the work-

shop would come to write, not only of how they learned writing from Mom, but of how they were always welcome at her house in Piapi (and later on in Montemar, Sibulan) and were treated to her delicious home-cooked meals, to ripe mangoes, dinugoan, lechon. The late poet and fictionist Ernesto Superal Yee wrote in his essay “The Comfort of Mom Edith”: “Every time I savor the taste of her cooking, I imbibe her teaching: well-prepared food is the conjurer’s bridge to memory. Like a well-crafted poem, the food’s sight, smell and taste lead and pave the way to associative remembering.” Perhaps this is the quality that made Mom so dear to so many people: while her high standing inspired awe and reverence, she could also “scale down” into someone so familiar, so accessible.

She was born Edith Lopez in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya in 1919. Her father was a government auditor and his job took the family to various places in the Philippines. She finished her secondary education at her hometown and studied law at the U.P. As fate would have it, she never finished her course there; she married Edilberto K. Tiempo, who was also at U.P. taking his Masters, and the two of them moved to Dumaguete where they settled down for good. She graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Education (major in English) from Silliman University in 1947. Soon after, she flew to the United States to join her husband Ed at the Iowa Writers Workshop, where the two of them earned their Masters degrees.

It was their experience in Iowa that inspired them to start their own workshop in Dumaguete in 1962. Since then, hundreds of Filipino writers have come to regard them as their literary Mom and Dad. The workshop alumnus and awardwinning poet Anthony L. Tan, who used to teach at Silliman, fondly spoke of how Mom Edith taught him to teach poetry: “She was the chair of the

and treatment program at Spectrum Health which was then recognized as one of the top ten U.S. health systems.

Dr. Sobong is consistently noted as one of the best doctors in Michigan by Grand Rapids magazine. Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of Dr. Sobong’s career is how much his work means to his cancer patients through dozens of letters written by his patients to him that show how important his work is.

Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor has not just represented Silliman University but the Philippines as well.

Through his work, Ambassador Villamor will be receiving the Outstanding Silliman Award in the field of Diplomacy. He took his pre-law Bachelor of Arts degree in Silliman, graduating in 1953. He initially worked as a consular assistant in the Department of Foreign affairs. His posts abroad include Tokyo, Japan, Washington, D.C., USA and Hong Kong. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally chose him to represent the Philippines as ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Being personally selected by the president speaks volumes of Ambassador Villamor’s ability in the diplomatic field.

These four individuals are this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Silliman Award. With such dedication in their respective fields, they are exemplary representations of what a Sillimanian is capable of if he works hard and strives to reach his aspirations. The university will honor these four in a ceremony at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium on August 28. Hopefully, the current crop of Silliman students can look up to these Outstanding Sillimanians and be inspired to do their best in every single way. ~ Photo from su.edu.ph

English Department at that time. Several times we sat together and I would ask her, ‘So if you were teaching, how would you answer these questions?’ I gained a lot of insight. It was like literally sitting at the foot of the master.”

Edith and Ed came a long way to be called Mom and Dad. In the years of World War II and their entire stay at Iowa, they faced two still-births and two miscarriages. It was only later, upon their return to Dumaguete, that they were finally blessed with their first child, now the acclaimed poet and fictionist Rowena Torrevillas, known to workshoppers as Ma’am Weena.

Her brother Maldon followed a few years later.

In one of her last conversations with her daughter, Mom Edith shared an epiphany she had about all those years she had gone childless. She said that, as the number of Silliman workshop alumni grew, God seemed to tell her: “Do you see now what I meant for you? That if I had given you what you wanted right then, and given you a child when you begged for one, you would never have gone away and learned all the many things you needed to learn—everything that you brought back and shared with so many other children. And now, all of them call you Mom.”

twsfeatures 5 FACTS

for the

Sillimanianbrain

46. Of its overall population of 8,400, over 300 are international students from 23 different countries 47. Every semester, the Cultural Affairs Committee stages five shows that put value on the appreciation for the arts at what most consider as the “cultural center of the south”: the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.

48. The Silliman University Main Library is the first library outside Luzon to be awarded Outstanding Library by the Philippine Association of Academic Libraries.

49. Academic honor awards and aid are available a student/s with a QPA of at least “2.5” or better and who have made reasonable efforts to meet his/his financial needs through selfsupport.

50. Silliman University’s date of founding was August 28th 1901. That makes its current age 110 years, 11 months and 21 days old.

51. Silliman also consistently leads in accountancy as to the percentage of successful board examinees.

52. Silliman has a continuing exchange student program with three Japanese Universities (International Christian University, Shikoku Gakuin University and Ferris University).

53. Rear Admiral Edmund C. Tan, a Sillimanian, is the newly appointed Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 54. Katipunan Hall (Built in 1915) was once named as Silliman University Mission Hospital byDr. Langheim, an American missionary doctor 55. During the Martial Law Era, students continued to meet and conduct activities in a basement room of the Silliman Church they named “The Catacombs.”

56. In 1903, Silliman Hall was completed and is currently designated as a national landmark by the National Historical Institute.

57. The school started to offer a twoyear classical AB course in 1909.

58. Channon Hall was built in 1923 through Rev. Irving M. Channon, the dean of the Divinity School who purchased three hectares of the land where there now stands the Chaznnon Hall.

59. During the war, the Japanese used Channon Hall as a penitentiary and torture chamber. At present, the building serves as a women’s dormitory.

60. Silliman University Cafeteria, built in 1926, was established before the war and is the pioneer fast-food center in Dumaguete.

61. Oriental Hall became a classroom-and-office-building of the College of Business Administration. Today it now houses the offices that used to be in Hibbard Hall, (Portal Office, SOAD, SHRD, OSA, etc) 62. Mrs. Pura Blanco was the first woman graduate of Silliman Institute.

63. Hibbard Hall was constructed in honor of Silliman’s founder and first president, Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and his wife, Mrs. Laura Crooks Hibbard.

64. Hibbard Hall once served as a library. It also became the favorite

hangout place for students where they can play pingpong, darts, and board games while watching movies.

65. The Anthropology Museum was established in 1970 by Dr. Hubert I. Reynolds. The exhibits are rare and priceless collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts which date back as early as 200 BC. 66. Most of the archaeological artifacts in the Anthropolgy Museum are from different parts of Negros Island.

Many were found in excavations in Danao Cave at Tayawan, Bayawan; Magsuhot, Bacong; Buntod, La Libertad; and Polopantao, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental. Some were also found in Japitan, Escalante, Negros Occidental; still others were discovered in Sultan Kudarat.

67. The cross on the main structure of Silliman Church was placed in position during a threatened air raid in WWII, and a final picture of the complete work was taken on April 2, 1942, the time when the enemy landings were being made on neighbouring islands.

68. The Guy Hall was first used as a dormitory for boys.

69. Many haunting tales fascinate Katipunan Hall – ghost sightings, eerie sounds and ghastly happenings. It is even sometimes used as the Horror Booth venue during the university Founders Day celebration.

70. Desiree Faith Lingo is the first female commander in the history of Silliman ROTC. (Year 2010-2011) 71. The lyrics of the Silliman Song were written in 1918 by Dr. Paul Doltz. The tune of the song is an adaptation or modification of “The Orange and the Black” of Princeton University, Dr. Doltz’s alma mater.

72. The SU Medical Center is a 140-bed hospital located on campus, with comprehensive medical services available both to students and to the community in general. It started as an infirmary in 1901, becoming a hospital in 1923.

73. The Portal, official yearbook of the University, first published in 1913; the Dark Blue Southern Seas, is a literary journal published in cooperation with the Department of English; the Junior Sillimanian,is a publication of students from the High School Department; and the Stones and Pebbles, is a publication of students from the Elementary School.

74. The adjoining structures of the College of Agriculture were named the Quintin S. Doromal (president from 1973-1982) Agricultural Academic Complex, in honor of the University’s sixth president.

75. Agustin A. Pulido Hall is anticipated to feature state of the art amenities for dormers and international students, expanding its present use as a dining hall. Pulido served the University president from 1996 to 2006.

76. Vernon Hall was formerly known as New Men’s Hall 77. The wood used to build Silliman Hall was taken from an old theater house in the United States.

78. A cache of artillery shells were found beneath the Silliman University Cafeteria in the 80’s and another cache of mortars were found again in 2001.

And of course, Mom took care to shower her own children with love.

She and Dad Ed encouraged them to express themselves and made them her top priority even when they were busy with their respective careers.

Mom even sang to her children and grandchildren when they were young.

When Ma’am Weena migrated to Iowa to begin her own life, her parents continued to keep in touch with her.

She and Mom wrote each other once a week (and this was before e-mail!) and Mom always told her, “I am just a phone call away.” “That’s what I grieve

for now,” says Ma’am Weena, “she is no longer ‘just a phone call away.’”

While physically she’s been gone for a year now, Mom Edith lives on in those who are loyal to her. Generations of Philippine writers will always remember the love with which she guided the birth of their words. As Ma’am Weena said, “That’s where poetry begins: at the mother’s (or grandmother’s) knee: with the sound of words spoken and sung by the one who loves and nurtures you.”~

6 twsroundup

the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

FACTS

for the

Sillimanianbrain

79. The oldest temporary building in Silliman is the Silliman Gym. It used to be an airplane hangar. A wooden building, some of its walls are still made of amakan, or woven bamboo strips.

80. The parking lot next to the tennis court used to house the Silliman Archery Range for over 70 years and produced multiple Olympic archers for the Philippines.

81. Edith Carson Hall was built from a Fund Campaign led by Dr. Arthur Carson. This T-shaped women’s dormitory was first occupied in 1972 and houses the highest number of female residents.

82. The first six graduates with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Silliman Institute were granted their diplomas in 1924.

83. The College of Education came to be in 1935 from the Teacher Education Program.

84. The first dean of the College of Education was Dr. Clyde Heflin.

85. The Education Building, later named Heflin Hall in honor of its first dean, was completed in 1951.

86. The Luz U. Ausejo Hall (AH) is the new name of the College of Arts and Sciences Building, built in 1998 as part of then President Agustin Pulido’s development program.

87. Dr. Ausejo was the first woman dean of the college and was known for her dynamic and progressive administration.

88. Leopoldo T. Ruiz Administration Hall (RH), formerly the Administration Building, is named after President Ruiz who served from 1953-1961.

89. The Manuel B. Utzurrum Business and Finance Center used to be the Business and Finance Office, located on the first floor of the RH. Manuel B. Utzurrum graduated from Silliman and served as Silliman Treasurer from 1938-1961.

90. The second floor of Kross Kat (which stands for Across Katipunan) is a dormitory housing both male and female students – it was completed in 2011.

91. The Divinity School opened in 1921 as the Silliman Bible School upon the proposition of Dr. Rank Laubach, a member of the American Board Mission of the Congregational Church in Mindanao.

92. The Bible School was renamed as the College of Theology in 1935.

Still later, it was further renamed as the Silliman University Divinity School 93. The Portal West Building (formally opened to public on November 23, 2007), was established as a flagship initiative of the Silliman University Board of Trustees to augment the University’s non-tuition revenues costs around P60 million.

94. The Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium (built 1973-75) is named after the wife of Henry Luce III, elder son of Henry Luce who is the founder and editor-in-chief of Time magazine.

95. Silliman also has off-campus facilities located in Camp Lookout, Valencia and on Ticao Island, in the Province of Masbate.

96. The Camp Lookout facility houses the University’s Creative Writing Center which now serves as the venue and permanent home of the Silliman National Writers Workshop.

97. Miss Silliman is considered Asia’s longest running pageant beginning in 1946.

98. Miss Education Patria Obsequio was crowned the first Miss Silliman in 1946 at the Amphitheater fronting the SU Church.

99. The College of Law is presently housed at the Villareal Hall, a building named in honor of Cornelio Villareal, alumnus of Silliman University who became Speaker of the House of the Congress of the Philippines.

100. Once every semester, the Silliman academic community celebrates the University Christian Life Emphasis Week (UCLEW), a weeklong celebration wherein students participate in the different Bible study or fellowship activities held in the homes and cottages of assigned members of the Silliman academic or religious community.

101. The western side of the Gate of Knowledge is one of the iconic portals of Silliman University. Built in the 1950s, this landmark now serves as the main entrance to the University’s main campus.

102. The original portal, called, the Gate of Opportunity, (built circa 1901-1905) is situated on the southeastern side of the campus facing the Rizal Boulevard.

103. Silliman’s portals have become the actual symbol for the University and the City of Dumaguete. It has also been incorporated into the provincial seal of the Province of Negros Oriental.

104. If a student was sent to him for misdemeanor and Dr. Hibbard rubbed his moustache, it meant the student was not excused.

105. Red and white have been the official colors of Silliman since 1901.

It was first used in September of that year when students dressed in white suits with a red sash during a visit to the campus by a delegation of the Board of Foreign Missions from New York 106. The Silliman ROTC is the only one in the country which lived through the World War II as a unit.

It was inducted into the US Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) in 1942, just a few weeks before the Japanese landed in Negros Oriental 107. Six years before electricitiy was introduced to Dumaguete, Silliman was already using ice. The Mission Hospital acquired an icemaking machine in 1910 and Mr. Charles Glunz, the industrial Arts teacher, attached it to a generator that was providing power for various machinery on campus as early as 1909.

108. Aside from English, Latin and Gernan were the first language subjects taught at Silliman.

109. In 1929, Emilio Aguinaldo visited Silliman in 1929 and addressed the student body.

110. Scheide Chapel, a small structure after Katipunan Hall, once served as hospital chapel in the days when the Hall was the Mission Hospital.

111. Hibalag is a Cebuano term meaning encounter or meet up. (from www.bisaya.com). Hibalag Festival is an annual booth-building festival celebrated since 1950.

the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

Sillimanian placed 9th at Nursing Licensure Exam

by Katrin Anne A. Arcala A fresh graduate from the Silliman University College of Nursing claimed a spot on the top ten passers for the June 2012 Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE).

Jessica Franchizca Estrellado, who garnered 84%, was among the 97 top notchers for the recent exams.

SUCN, however, registered 95.34%,

falling from its usual rank on the top ten performing schools. 266 Sillimanian examinees made the cut while 13 others from the university did not.

On the February 2012 exam, the college produced the most numbers of passers, 367, from all over the country.

It was also a consistent top notcher at the NLE. In 2009, SUCN ranked first among the hundreds of nursing schools.

This school year, SUCN experienced the greatest enrolment number decrease.

As of the moment, Professor Florenda Cabatit refused to comment on the issue.

The 27,823 who passed out of the 60,895 takers will be taking their oaths as Registered Nurses within the year. ~

Al Fresco were: Local Motion, Shadows of Akeldama, Rhythm Rookiez, Code Blue, and Will Free Do. RAYA hailed Will Free Do, Ryhthym Rookiez and Shadows of Akeldama, as

the influence of media, we’ll be able to contribute positively in this [human trafficking] issue,” he said.

RAYA was one of the highlights of the Founders Week’s opening night.

RAYA battles against human trafficking

by Jairah Sheila Joy F. Hernani Local bands rocked the Hibalag booth Area last August 21 in their fight to “Stop: Human Trafficking.”

After the province ranked third nationwide on cases of human trafficking, organizers of Rock Against Youth Apathy (RAYA) 2012 decided to work towards the said theme to revive efforts on using music as an instrument of hope.

Cole Geconcillo, head organizer of the event, explained that their music was not just the stereotyped rebellious rock music. They were singing against human trafficking.

The participants performed three songs each: an OPM piece, an original composition and Carly Rae Jepsen’s Pop hit “Call Me Maybe”.

Given that the latter song choice was not related to the theme, Geconcillo explained that its purpose was to test and not compromise the creativity of the bands while still looking at the substance of remaining two songs.

The five band finalists from the elimination round held last August 18 and 19 at the Robinsons Place Dumaguete

by Paulo M. Lim

SHADOW OF THE BANDS. Six bands battle it out during the final round of Rock Against Youth Apathy (RAYA), Stop: Human Trafficking, at the Hibalag Booth Area last Aug 21 . PHOTO by Alexandra Iso

the winners respectively. Will Free Do vocalist, Norris Wagas, said that their advocacy was to have all the organizations in Silliman unite in order to solve the problem about human trafficking.

“By encouraging the youth in activities like this [RAYA] and giving them a different view of rock music with

Silliman University Student Government, in partnership with the Indievided Movement, organized the event which is now on its second year.

Last year’s SG President Mahogany Ray Bacon was the initiator of the said activity.~

qualities that enables it to contribute to peace, conflict transformation and development initiatives. This is among the many projects of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals.

The United Nations created the Office on Sports for Development and Peace in 2001. In 2005, it declared 2012 as the International Year of Sport Science and Physical Education.

Both initiatives fall within the objectives of bringing together in a cohesive manner the world of peace and sport as well as raising awareness on the positive impact of sport programs especially on regions affected by poverty, violence and conflict.

Columbian expert in sports develop-

ment for peace, Professor Alexander Cardinas, held a lecture on the same event.

The two-day seminar covered “using sports in terms of conflict resolution and in terms of promoting peace in a country with violence and war,” said Physical Education and Athletics Department Professor Dionesio Piñero The group decided to organize a sporting event with all the participants to kick start the annual Peace Week Celebration this 21st of September.

“The ball has already started rolling, it has to be picked up because the momentum has started, so there is wider impact.” Waddington said.~

Sports raises peace

A pioneering certificate course in Sports for Development and Peace was given last from August 20 – 21 at Silliman University.

The course seminar was held in order to “integrate the concept of development and peace in physical education and athletics, and develop a sports event that is very ‘inclusive’ – meaning more fun rather than completion,” said Dr. Myraluz Waddington, Coordinator Master in Peace Studies.

The concept of the use of sport to bring social change within the Sports for Development and Peace (SDP) framework is embedded in the realization that sports possesses unique

Garnier supports plastic-free Dumaguete

by Paulo M. Lim Seven hundred thirty five participants from various schools around Negros Oriental raced for Garnier’s Eco Amazing Race Gear up!

A plastic-free Dumaguete last August 18.

The race is part of Silliman University’s advocacy to channel the City Ordinance No. 231 and spread awareness among the people about the regulation of plastic use in the city.

Ordinance No.231, otherwise known as “An ordinance regulating the use of plastic shopping bags on both dry goods and wet goods in the City of Dumaguete and prescribing penalties thereof,” was the ordinance authored by the Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova in order to reduce the accumulation of the city’s solid wastes.

“The first thing that came into our minds was to really go for the plastic free ordinance of our city since we are already booming and we can’t control

the production of plastics here in our city. The population of the city increases, so plastics are increasing also, it’s directly proportional,” said Erlo John Asentista, one of the three head organizers for the race.

Garnier sponsored the event for the school under the ‘Get active Campus Challenge’. SU is one of the ten chosen schools to compete for the nationwide event.”

This year’s amazing race had over 49 registered teams with 15 members each. It is the race event with the most number of participants since last year’s YADfed Extreme Amazing Race which had 500.

The racers had a ten-hour trudge through the different spots of the city – like the Bell Church, Bantayan Beach and Silliman Hall – to face the race trials.

The top three winners were Team OH!, SU Med School Team and the YESS Team. ~

twsroundup 7

SPECIAL FOUNDERS WEEK

SURVEY

Do you think that the new Hibalag Booth Area layout made the Founders Week celebration better?

Survey conducted within the Hibalag booth area

GOODIE THE GOLDFISH

Heritage Builders Wall unveils 14 new names News from su.edu.ph The Heritage Builders Wall, located across the Silliman Hall from the east side of the University House towards Rizal Boulevard, memorializes long-serving Silliman faculty and staff. It is an institutional recognition of the role they each played in building up the University.

This year’s 14 honorees are: 1. Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman, Professors Emeritus (42 years of service) 2. Domingo T. Adriano, Medical Director (31 years of service) 3. Lino Q. and Eusebia C. Arquiza, Education Dean/Grade School Teacher (18 years of service) 4. Pedro D. Sr. and Venida C. Dimaya, Librarian Emeritus/Home Economics

(30 years of service) Mauro C. Duran, Security and Library Control Officer (30 years of service) 5. Benigno A. Flores, High School Language Teacher (27 years of service) 6. Bernardo H. Lagarde, Buildings and Grounds Water Pump Operator (45 years of service) 7. Teogenes V. Magdamo, Engineering Dean (35 years of service) 8. Apolinio C. Mirafuentes, Vice President for Research and Business Professor (35 years of service) 9. Timoteo S. Oracion, Research Director and Anthropology Professor (40 years of service) 10. Feliciano A. Venturaza, Dean of Student and University PRO (44 years of service)~

HIBALAG DILEMMA

SILLIMAN

WEEKLYSURVEY After the flames of Hell Week came the colorful lights of Founders Week. But before we move on to the second half of the semester, let us pause and reflect on the question:

Q: Do

you think you passed your midterm exams?

HANDULANTAW. Local performing groups present for the Cultural Affairs Committee’s Golden Anniversary last August 23 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. PHOTO BY Melissa Pal .

Ten representatives per college served as respondents of this survey. Survey conducted by

Royanni Miel Hontucan

LIGHTS, FINALLY! Founders week reminds students that the lights along the dark road of Laguna Silliman are still working. During ordinary days, this area is one of the darkest in campus. PHOTO

by Melissa Pal

Court of Justice. Philippine Supreme Court Justice Roberto Abad visited Silliman University and attended as guest speaker for the Forum on Court Practice at the College of Law, Justice Venancio D. Aldecoa, Jr. Moot Court last August 24. PHOTO BY Alexandra Iso.

8 twsspecialsection

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the weekly sillimanian 27 august 2012

Years of being empowered by a

Living God

Photos by: Melissa Alexandra Pal, Kirk Nico Valencia, Darrell Bryan Rosales, Karin Nietes, Lorie Jayne Soriano, Gino Teves, Keziah Clem Quiñones

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 17 studs sign... from page 1 Ayco, the second child of a househusband in Taclobo and a domestic helper in Oman, further said: “Ever since I was still in high school, I dreamed of being educated here. I already got accepted for a scholarship in NORSU. But when I heard of the ERAP Scholarship, I dropped the NORSU scholarship and grabbed the SU opportunity because finally, my dream of becoming a Sillimanian would come true.”

Cubelo said that the university has been trying to contact the ERAP foundation every semester since SY 20092010. “The school even sent the bills of the students to them,” he added.

“However, we were informed that there was no Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the university and ERAP Foundation. I think this is the reason why we can’t start legal battles,” Ayco said. Cubelo confirmed that as far as the dean’s office is aware, a MOA, indeed, does not exist.

Prof. Cleonico Fontelo, vice-president for finance and administration, refused to give his comment on the issue so as not to “put the ERAP Foundation in bad light”.

A call for help From the original number in 2009, only 17 scholars are now left. The other three had health problems which prompted them to drop out of school before reaching their senior year.

Cubelo said that seven of the 17

scholars have availed of the fixed grant from SSAD. The grant provides an aid of P10, 000 for those who were willing to serve as student assistants.

“Through the efforts of the faculty members, we were also able to secure two scholarships from private donors, particularly members of the Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionist,” Cubelo added.

The faculty team of the college also asked helped from their alumni and some of them, according to Cubelo’s statement, pledged generous amounts for the scholars. “But of course, with the number of scholars, the figure is still not sufficient,” Cubelo said. He urges the alumni from the different colleges to help the scholars.

“My mother needs to stay longer in Oman because we are six in the family and three of us are in college. Now that the scholarship is gone, life is harder,” Ayco said. He also added that when he checked his balance last July, only this year’s fees appeared. “We were later informed that the university will shoulder our first three years in college. I hope the university will not suffer a great loss of money because of this,” he added.

In order to earn money for his allowance, Ayco now serves as a Property Custodian for the Portal Yearbook and carries on extra duty hours as a student assistant. Erap, on the other hand, is running for Manila mayor this coming election.

“To Mr. Estrada, I hope you will help us. Promises are made to be broken.

But things can be connected back. We need you. Our families need you,” Ayco said. ~ Ballet Philippines...

from page 1

are able to talk after work about what needs to be improved),” Adea said The company’s advocacy is to promote arts all over the Philippines and expose more people to ballet. Artistic director Paul Alexander Morales said: “We’d like to be able to change things and improve. Like maybe for the kids this morning [at the matinee] it was an unusual performance for them, they’ve probably never seen something like that before but it’s good they are still young and it’s their first time to see it. Something like that is very special because you get to appreciate the music, for one, which is very classical and is very good for the brain because the pattern is very complex. We think that when young children see art, big art like this, they see more possibilities about life and it inspires them in some ways.”

Adea had recently won first prize in the Helsinki International Ballet Competition, one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, along with her partner, Cordero, who was a semi-finalist. Cordero also won a Special Jury Award for Best in Pas de Deux Technique (partnering). ~

Reach the soul through music, says musical doctor

by Katrin Ann A. Arcala World renowned violinist, Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma, gives a “thumbs-up” to the Silliman University Student Government’s approach of using rock music as an instrument to battle youth apathy.

Ma, who learned to play the violin at age two and piano at age 3, conducted a lecture on the topic “Balance the Mind and Body through Music and Healing” at the SUACONA Student Center Lounge II last August 23.

With regard to the use of the rock genre in particular for SUSG’s battle against apathy, Ma said: “Before you could teach them anything, you need to catch their attention. Every generation has their own music and it affects the way they think. If rock music is the genre preferred by the youth, then it will be good to make use of it.”

Being a pediatrician herself, and informally known as the “musical doctor”, MA added: “Some people like the stimulation while others prefer otherwise. What I am concerned

about is the effects of having too much noise to one’s hearing. But so long as it is not life threatening, then it is not really a problem.”

“Music reaches out into the innermost part of the being. In order to heal, you have to make peace with a lot of things.”

Violinist Ma performed with her husband, master guitarist Michael Dadap, last August 21 at the Claire Isabel McGil Luce Auditorium. Although the lecture on the 23rd was not part of her original itinerary, she immediately said yes to the invitation.

“It’s another opportunity for me to share my knowledge and to acquire more knowledge from the participants as well.”

Ma works with children with developmental disorders in the Bronx and Queens. Her recent interests include optimizing communication in all children, exploring the relationship of music to young children’s temperament, and using music as a means to find the “inner language” of children who have difficulties in verbal communication.~