the weekly sillimanian - sept 17th 2013

110 years Towards A Progressive Campus Press | vol. LXXXV No. 10 | tuesday, 17 september 2013

PRAYERS FOR PEACE. Students, faculty and staff of Silliman University form a cross inside Silliman University Church last September 11. Spearheaded by the Silliman University Church and Silliman University Student Government, they gather to fight for the accountability and transparency of our government and peace in Syria and Zamboanga City through prayers. PHOTO BY Yuys Fatima Escoreal

Students: Where do surcharges go?

By Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia

“We need transparency.

We need to know where our money goes. What are you going to do with the students’ money paid for the surcharges? Valid ba ang kapadulngan sa fees?” a student asks the Silliman University administration.

Darell Bryan Rosales, a junior AB Speech and Theatre student has been charged with an amount of P600 for the month of August. He said that it is okay for him to be charged with penalty as being set in the contract as long as the reason is valid.

“We’ll be taking it (surcharges) as income for the university,” Carol Bartolata, Silliman University treasurer said. She said that these will be used to fund the operations of the university.

“It is justifiable in a way that it serves as a deterrent (to parents in paying

the tuition). We weigh it up. On one hand it’s not too big an amount that it would be burdensome to the side on the parents, but on the other hand it should be high enough that would serve adequately as a deterrent,” she added.

Bartolata said that the purpose of the new payment system is to do away with permits. She said that without permits, the students don’t have to worry anymore and can focus more on their studies.

Meanwhile a freshman student assistant, Rhea Jane Chavez taking BSED English, said that the penalties are just too big.

“It is so oppressive to the students especially to the student assistants. They should have considered our parents who work hard just to find money for payment. Mubayad raman pod unta mi,” she said.

Another sophomore student assistant taking BBA Management shares the same sentiment with Chavez.

“Imbis naningkamot og pangita’g inog bayad, naningkamot og trabaho aron mi makabayad sa tuition, chargean na nuan mi’g dako,” Marceliza Villareal said.

Villareal said that if possible, the old system of payment will be used again because the current one is more hassle and more expensive due to the charges.

But Bartolata said that for the meantime they cannot change the system for they still have to look further if it’s working effectively.

Bartolata said that students are requested to approach the head of students’accounts officer at the Business and Finance building in case they have concerns or problems regarding their accounts.~

We want to hear from you – SUSG

By Katrin Anne A. Arcala

A week after the Founders Celebration, the Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) looks forward to what they deem as the most important factor of Silliman life – hearing feedbacks from the students.

SUSG President Rona Marie Namocatcat said that they want to bring the SUSG closer to every Sillimanian.

The group wants to give more ways to stay connected with the student body.

To ensure that they are a lot more accessible this time, SUSG, through its Students’ Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Committee, created its hotline digits 0916-276-0664 available 24/7.

“Their [the students’] comments are important to us. It is our basis for improvement and our basis on how we are doing. We [SUSG] don’t want to evaluate ourselves based on how we see ourselves. It’s better to have evaluation from outside the group,” she said.

Use of Social media Earlier this semester, SUSG already launched their official Facebook page as well as their Twitter and Instagram accounts. Namocatcat said that they are utilizing social media considering that most students get their updates through the internet.

“This is the first step of actually saying that you [students] are done with being apathetic. One text message says that you are now standing up against apathy. We are not asking for anything more at this point,” she added.

Hibalag Festival Evaluation In the SUSG Executive Committee meeting held last Sept. 7, the group gave an overall rating of nine out of ten for the entire Hibalag Booth Festival.

Namocatcat also answered the queries of not having a national band and other prominent actors and actresses for the occasion.

“To spend so much [financially] on a time like this while many people are having struggles looking for food? I think at this time, we should lessen our being materialistic. That’s a message that we want to push through,” she said.

SUSG recognized the risks of deciding against having national bands. But they are willing to prove that SUSG this time “is not an event making body.”

The Cheerleading Team of Central Colleges of the Philippines (CCP) Bobcats and beatboxer Zee Jacob were the only celebrity visitors for the entire week.

Second semester plans After the Hibalag Week, SUSG is now gearing up for the second semester projects. Part of the line-up will be the relaunching of the Sikad project for the bike rentals and the kick-off for the U Speak, a campus-wide tour by the SUSG. “If they can’t come to Oriental Hall and visit our office, then we’ll bring our office to their respective colleges. We hope to make our presence felt by every Sillimanian, regardless of their location in campus,” Namocatcat said. ~

REPENTANCE IS ALL IT TAKES. Paul [played by Rykiel Conol] seeks forgiveness for his sins as he sings “Susundin Kita” with the other members of the cast during the musical play “KABSI 5: Byaheng Langit” directed by Jai Molina Dollente. It was shown on Sept.

8-9 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. PHOTO BY Dylzaree Recentes

SU chemistry alumna eyes scientific breakthrough

By Samantha L. Colinco

DEFENSE. Silliman University Stallions coach Ramil Q. Cornelia urges the team to manage turn-overs and transitions to notch more points over Foundation University (FU) Greyhounds for the Governor’s Cup elimination round last Sept. 7. CONTRIBUTED BY Kirsty Balansag

SU ranks 3rd in MedTech top performing schools, gets 71.42% PT passing rate

By Kristine Ann M. Fernandez

Another set of Medical Technologists and Physical Therapists from Silliman University (SU) passed the licensure examinations last August.

Medical Technology With a passing rate of 100 percent for the first-time takers and an overall performance rate of 98.95 percent, SU notched the third spot of the top ten performing schools

in the August 2013 Med Tech Licensure Examination with 50 or more examinees.

Ninety-four SU graduates are among the country’s 2,276 newly licensed Medical Technologists.

SU increased its Med Tech passing rate from last year’s 93.10 percent.

This year’s national passing average is 80percent.

The Med Tech Board Examination was conducted last August 31 and September continued on page 4

A US-based scientist and Silliman alumna is planning to develop a cellphone app capable of detecting infectious diseases and contamination in food and water.

A first of its kind, the said innovation can give results as fast as within an hour and will considerably hasten laboratory procedures that usually takes days and weeks to conduct.

Dr. Evangelyn C. Alocilja, a biosystems engineering professor at Michigan State University (MSU), said that she and her team hope to develop the cellphone app within the next 10 years and that it will take on from the currently available biosensors such as the glucose meter used by diabetics and the wristwatchtype pulse monitor used to measure heartbeat.

“The idea is to empower the person. Yes, you still need a doctor, but we want to make something that you can carry with you. That way you, as the patient, can do something about your case immediately,” she told 150 students and teachers at SC 110 last Sept. 5.

A 1973 BS Chemistry cum laude graduate, Alocilja spoke as part of the Department of Science and Technology’s Balik-Scientist Lecture.

She is also one of this year’s Outstanding Sillimanian Awardees as well as the continued on page 4

2 twsopinion

the weekly sillimanian 17 september 2013

Better Solutions than Surcharges According to SU Administration, the imposition of fines in the form of surcharges acts as a “deterrent” so students and their parents will be urged to pay their financial obligations on time but the fines will not be “too big an amount that it would be burdensome to the side on the parents...”

The Weekly Sillimanian believes that this thinking lacks hindsight and is inconsiderate of the current reality that most of its students are facing today. A substantial fraction of SU students is working as student assistants while others are able to study in SU through financial support from their parents and relatives. Although the surcharge may come in a relatively small amount, it spells “additional expenditure” nonetheless. Money used for paying fines could be used for other important things. Many students also reason that they would surely pay on time if only they had the money. Unfortunately, money is truly hard to come by these days.

With this current set-up, we could not help but wonder if the Administration is simply losing faith in the ability of its constituents to pay on time or if it is plainly maximizing the use of this income generating scheme. Besides, if they need funds for the operation of the school, aren’t they covered under the tuition fees that we periodically pay? Aren’t they enough?

Then again, if students don’t pay their tuition fees on time, Silliman can’t function well. But with the old payment system, the university managed to operate despite many students not being able to pay on time. Why can’t we do the same now?

Another loophole that the Weekly Sillimanian sees is the charging of fines to students who pay their fees on time. Is this simply a glitch in the system? Is this done deliberately?

With the number of complaints that the Weekly Sillimanian has been receiving, the right thing to do would be to reconsider the implementation of the surcharge. It has obviously caused more harm than good in the students’ academic stay in SU. The SU Administration should change the current system and cancel the charging of fines to quell the annoyance and disappointment of its constituents. If the Administration could not fully do away with imposing fines, it should at least consider collecting once for the entire semester, the amount of the fine for one late payment.

This is more reasonable compared to collecting fines every single payment period which triples or quadruples the amount to be paid.

Most importantly, in making drastic decisions on the financial and academic welfare of its students, it should be sympathetic to the circumstance of each person and be open to dialogue with parties involved.~

editorial

sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Nectarina Catada

“Many students have paid their tuition fees on time this semester. Despite this, a lot have been receiving surcharges in addition to their current financial obligation. What can you say about this?”

“As a freshman student, I’ve experienced this kind of dilemma when I checked my account in the internet.

I had a surcharge of 250 pesos. It was very obstructive and unjust because you pay the exact amount on time. Even though it is just a small amount, still, our parents worked every penny for it.” Krisjan Marie S. Osabel, AB Political Science I “The surcharge can be a good thing because it is a form of discipline for the students, source of extra additional budget for university programs and convenience during exam period where getting an exam permit is sometimes a hassle.” Jan Fitzgerald Kennedy C. Calo, BSEE IV “This is such an overburden to students and their parents. They should stop surcharges.” Sheena Mae Diongco, BMC II “It’s an additional problem to students and parents. I first thought that Silliman wants to upgrade the level of education that is why we pay expensively. However they are now collecting extra surcharges. Where do these go? Can somebody explain to the students? JM Diputado, BBA-MGT II ** Next issue's question:

“How do you feel about the standoff between the MNLF and the Philippine government in Zamboanga City?”

For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09279878522). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

Editor-in-chief Michiko Je M. Bito-on Associate Editor Royanni Miel M. Hontucan News Editor Keren Ann V. Bernadas Features Editor Danica Grace B. Gumahad Business Manager Justin Val R. Virtudazo Senior Writer Samantha L. Colinco News Writers Katrin Anne A. Arcala, Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia, Kristine Ann M. Fernandez, Kristine Felva P. Licup, Princess T. Abellon, Nova Veraley V. Grafe Feature Writers Roberto Klemente R. Timonera, Maya Angelique B. Jajalla, Michael Aaron C. Gomez Photojournalists Dylzaree D. Recentes, Nelly May S. Dableo, Yuys Fatima L. Escoreal Cartoonist Nicky F. Maypa Circulation Manager Nectarina M. Catada Office Manager Honey Grace A. Suello, John Lee D. Limbaga Web Manager David Mupe Layout Artist Jae Jireh P. Nejudne Adviser Warlito Caturay Jr.

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243. www.facebook.com/ towardsaprogressivecampuspress theweeklysillimanian1314@gmail.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

“BABOY! TAMBUKIKOY! GULANG PALIT ASIN!” Dili gyud nako mapugngan ang pagtulo sa akong mga luha sa matag higayon nga madunggan nako ning tulo ka pulong nga pirming singgiton sa akong mga classmate kaniadtong Grade Three pa ko. Matag hapon samtang maglakaw mi pauli, magdula mi’g dakpanay aron malingaw ug dili mi kapuyon ug binaklay.

Ug tungod kay tambok man ko, ako ang kanunay nga mahimong “it.” Tanang diskarte nga akong mahunahuna gibuhat nako kaniadto, apan di gyud nako sila madakpan tungod kay lupig pa man ang snatcher sa ilang kapaspason sa pagdalagan. Tinuod nga mas dako ko ug lawas kung itandi kanila ug mahimo nako silang kulatahon, apan tungod kay dili ko layhan nga mabutang sa gubot ang akong kaugalingon ingon man ang akong mga ginikanan, ako na lang gi-aguwanta ang kasakit ug kahapdos sa buot samtang ila kong gikataw-an ug gibugalbugalan.

Fast forward ngadto karon, ug mamatikdan na sab nato ang “Baboy” nga padayong gihisgotan sa tanan. Sa telebisyon, radyo, dyaryo, ug ingon man sa Internet, starring na sab ang hayop nga atong paboritong kan-on matag pista. Apan sa laing pamaagi gihisgotan karon ang pinalanggang hayop. Dili na ni kabahin ug unsaon pagkuwarta pinaagi sa pagbuhi kang piggy. Hinuon, kwarta ra man gihapon ang hisgotanan diri, apan ang maong kuwarta giingong gikuha sa ngil-ad kaayo nga pamaagi.

Oo, ang nag-init nga isyu sa Priority

Baboy

Development Assistance Fund kon PDAF, o mas ilado pa sa ngalang “pork barrel” nga giingong gikawat ug giabusar sa pipila ka mga pinalangga natong magbabalaod, ang akong gipasabot niining akong gisulat. Gawas kung dili ka layhang mangilabot niining kontrobersya, siguradong magmuro gyud ang imong dagway sa kapungot tungod kay ang mga tawo nga atong gipili ug gisaligan aron mahimong kaabag nato sa paglambo niining atong nasud mao sab ang nagbugalbugal sa atong dignidad isip mga Pilipino ug tigbayad ug tarong nga buhis.

Puto ug Tsokolate

Ephraim Cabristante

Mouyon gyud ko sa giingon ni kanhing national treasurer ug kasamtangang pangulo sa Board of Trustees niining atong tunghaan nga si Prof. Leonor Briones sa bag-o: di gyud trabaho sa magbabalaod ang magtukod ug mga dalan ug mga pampublikong tunghaan. Kung wagtangon na gyud ang pork barrel sama sa gilaum sa kadaghanan, matuman na gyud sa mga senador ug kongresista ang bugtong tumong kung ngano silang gipili sa katawhan - ang maghimo ug balaod.

Kung buot hunahunaon, kitang mga tawo duna’y usa ka kinaiya nga duna sab ang mga baboy: ang paghigugma sa kaugalingon. Sama sa mga baboy nga magtiyabaw kung gutomon bisa’g

nakasamok na sa silingang natulog, naa’y mga higayon nga kita maghunahuna sa kaayohan sa atong kaugalingon labaw sa uban. Ang atong pagkamahiligon sa “selfie” usa ka timailhan niini. Tungod ini, makakuha ta’g kapin sa usa ka gatos ka hulagway sa atong kaugalingon samtang pangil-aron nato’g tuyo ang atong mga nawong aron ingnong “cute” ta. Dako sab kaayo ang atong gugma sa kaugalingon nga makit-an na gani sa ubang “selfie” ang kasilyas, tuwalya, ug mga brip ug panti nga way laba sa luyo.

Apan akong klaruhon: dili sayop ang paghunahuna sa kaugalingon, gani usa kinahanglan nato ni aron mabuhi niining kalibotan. Usa kini ka natural nga kinaiya nato isip mga tawo ug bisa’g unsaon, dili gyud nato kini matago. Apan kung masobraan na ta’g paghigugma sa atong mga kaugalingon nga makaguba na ta sa pagsalig ug dignidad sa uban sama sa pipila nato ka mga pinalanggang magbabalaod - lain na ‘ni nga storya. Dili na ni paghunahuna sa kaugalingon. Usa kini ka linoog nga krimen nga gitawag nga kahakog.

Isip pagtapos ug sa ngalan sa tanang tawong wala gigasa’g matahum nga pigura, duna ra ko’y hangyo kanimo nga nagbasa niini: Palihog lang, ayaw na mi tawagi nga mga “baboy,” kay duna’y ubang mga pulitiko nga nindot ug panglawas nga mas baboy pa labaw namo. Ang mga hakog sa kuwarta ug gahum ang tinuod nga mga baboy niining atong katilingban, dili kaming mga chubby.~

In Between Farewells

‘Forever’ does not promise a genuine constancy. For every road to where life leads is a crossroad. The best of friends would write another of their own fairytales after committing to ‘I do’ at the altar. One whispers ‘goodbye’ the moment when graduation caps are tossed high up in the skies. Airport tickets exchanged a thousand farewells. Last kisses break two hearts. White roses and burning candles cause a million tears.

It’s always natural. It’s not to be avoided. It’s not really announced, predicted or designed. We tend to live in momentary happiness without worrying of tomorrow’s sorrow. At the back of our minds, we halfheartedly think of those who matter most in our lives.

Taking things for granted became an easier ground. Soon, we will realize how it wouldn’t be the way it used to be and perhaps, alterations define the passage of time.

Someday, we’ll miss stealing French fries from our best friend’s lunch. One day, we’ll reminisce the rhythmic banging of the lockers along the hallway. Somehow, we will regret why we didn’t tell everything we could have told to that uncle of ours at the pre-departure area. Someday, we will think of what could have happened if we just held that special someone’s hand and never let go. Later in our lives, we remember how we listened to our beloved grandpa when he strummed his ukulele under the moonlight skies.

These are in between farewells: the borrowed chapters of every story. It didn’t write the beginning or color the end but it kept the wheel of everyday going even if we never know when or where we will end up someday. Somewhere in between, we get a glimpse of double rainbows and beautiful sunsets. Somewhere in between, the intervention of meaningful acquaintances results to millions of special moments.

Country Casual Royanni Miel M. Hontucan

Two of the best writers I personally know painted different hues of farewells.

Michiko defines how we will spell our goodbyes, “Our humanity has given us the unusual privilege to stand as markers of the change we wish to manifest around us.” Kuya Arkay realized how temporary moments should be cherished more than we consciously think, “Which is why it is extremely important that, during their time away from the figurative camera-frame of the world, we make the most out of those stolen moments in the intermediates between arrival and departure.”

The promise of happy endings could still be kept but it wouldn’t always mean the fairytale type. Maybe a day shall come

when our high school best friend would ring our doorbells again. The night will come for us to attend our batch reunions after some years. There will always be round tickets to get our uncles back.

Maybe we’ll change our minds and start to hold the same hands again. And maybe in golden silence, we’ll smile upon browsing the yellowed photographs of our childhood days with grandpa.

Memories are intact but there are just so many pieces scattered to be looked for. Yet, even if we will not be looking for every piece, they will come looking for us. A mixture of emotions comes flooding in as we come across our old friendship memorabilia. We could give heartfelt laughter upon browsing through photographs. We get consumed in solitary and momentary loneliness whenever we hear the landing of the airplanes. We will never forget how he used to call us beautiful or how she kisses our foreheads.

And playing the ukulele brings back the music that only our hearts know how to listen.

‘In between farewells’ does not pledge to certainty and holds no promises of long-term companionships, no contract of terms and conditions, no agreement on legal basis, only heartfelt commitments.

Forever will never be the truth but it will not also be a lie. It will be a constant parade of engagements and farewell letters.~

the weekly sillimanian 17 september 2013

twsfeatures 3

The Juandering Champions

By Roberto Klemente R. Timonera

F

or free? Trip for free?”

Such were So Myeong Lee’s words when, sometime in July, Sesinando Quilao, Jr. asked him to be part of his Juan for Fun audition video.

Sponsored by Cebu Pacific and the Department of Tourism, this was the contest that would send them (along with their friend Patrik Norouzi) racing across the Philippines on a mission to do as many fun activities using as little money as possible.

From August 27 to September 2, they competed with four other teams from all over the country and emerged victorious as they recorded a total of 117 fun activities and spent only P14,895 out of the P35,000 given each team. They went home bringing not just photographs and memories but also a host of awesome prizes: twelve round-trip tickets to local or international destinations of their choice, a three-day/two-night tour package for three courtesy of the Department of Tourism, and three Samsung Galaxy Tablets, to name a few.

Myeong, Patrik, and Sesi are all Sillimanians and members of Victory Dumaguete’s music team. Collectively, they form Team Crimson, otherwise known as Team International as they are comprised of a Korean, an Iranian, and a Filipino. They are united by their love for Christ, music, and adventure.

The Juan for Fun Backpacker Challenge officially started on August 27 in Metro Manila. There were six destinations all in all: Manila, Kalibo, Davao, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, and Cebu. Each destination had a special

by Michael Aaron C. Gomez

S

kill in most artistic forms is honed through observation, imitation, and education— this last one done mainly by apprenticeship, in much the same way as the Karate Kid training under Mr. Miyagi or other old-style master-student relationships in those martial arts films way back when.

This is true for writing: maybe one of the most difficult artistic media to master, requiring much practice and even more patience. In fact, it may be the only form out there that never gets any easier, no matter how much experience and training one may have.

Not a lot of people know this currently, but Silliman has the richest and most prestigious literary tradition out of any school in the country.

Most—if not all—of the Philippine writers worth knowing and reading have passed through the portals of the university in one way or another, as a result, branding the entire city itself as the literary capital of the country.

To drive home this point, the 5th Taboan Writers Festival held in the city last February called Dumaguete “The City of Literature” in its tagline.

Silliman even boasts of producing the first student literary folio in the country (way back in 1948): the nowdefunct Sands & Coral. Campus writers used to be able to submit their works—be they poetry, fiction,

challenge that yielded very attractive prizes. The teams each had a martial with them who would help log the other fun activities they did.

So, for Metro Manila, the challenge was a modified 4 Pics 1 Word game that featured aspects of the Manila life.

“Patrik and I couldn’t do anything,” Myeong says. To which Patrik replies: “We were just watching and Sesi answered.”

S a d l y , they lost this challenge.

So they proceeded to Kalibo where they tried their hand at the old tradition of weaving cloth from piña fibers (K alibo’s Special Fun Challenge) and took a side-trip to Boracay.

“Actually, we didn’t have any plans in Boracay,” Sesi says. “There were people who would give us some activities, give us the rates, all over the beach. So I was told to just go there and bargain with them. When we went there, they crowded all over us because—to me lang, ha, they were very attracted to the foreigners.”

From there, they made their way to Davao where they had to race around

Crocodile Park and eat a lot of durian.

They stopped by Blugré to get some durian cappuccino and even went to Samal Island where they did more crazy things, including riding a habalhabal and, in Patrik’s case, twirling with twirlers.

And then off they went to Dipolog, Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines. Here the teams actually had to bottle sardines according to

a very meticulous procedure—they had to evenly cut the tails, insert spices, and arrange the fish so that their top and bottom ends pointed upward alternately. Then it had to be sealed such that when the jar was upturned, the contents would not fall. Afterwards, Team Crimson went to Rizal Shrine and even got a breathtaking view of Dapitan from

Ilihan Hill.

At this point, Team Crimson had not won any one of the Special Fun Challenges.

“We actually lost the first four challenges,” Patrik says. “Everybody had won except us. And we found it so depressing…that we don’t win no matter how much we tried, even though it’s physical or mental, whatever it is—we just don’t win.

Until the fifth day.

Until Palawan came, we really said this is our turn, we must win.”

And surely e n o u g h , in Puerto Princesa— the next destination— they exacted utter ownage upon the Special Fun Challenge.

Dressed in their pink team shirts, they rode a pink padyak around the city and sped to Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar. Here the challenge was to wolf down some really exotic food: tamilok (worms harvested from rotten wood) and fresh crocodile sisig (which Sesi mistook for beef at first), followed by shots of lambanog or palm wine. As the first team to finish off their meal, they won tickets to various hotels in Palawan. They also found time to go

jet skiing before going to the final destination: Cebu.

Here the final challenge was to have their pictures taken beside some historic landmarks in Cebu—with nothing to guide them but photos of the places. No names, no directions.

Afterwards they were to head to the finish line, Crimson Hotel. Funnily enough, even the taxi driver didn’t know where the landmarks were.

They eventually found the landmarks (the oldest seal of Spain, the statue of Pigafetta, the oldest port of Cebu, the Capitol, and Museum Sugbo) and beat one team to the finish line by one minute, earning them the grand prize and a celebratory buffet.

“It was a fun experience,” says Patrik.

“Very challenging, very tiring, but we had a lot of fun…To say that we were able to go to a lot of places and visit some of the most famous places in the Philippines free of charge, that itself is a blessing and something we can cherish.”

As for Myeong, “To be honest, I couldn’t enjoy well. We couldn’t enjoy well the places because of time constraint. So just for me, I got a lot of curiosity for the places, so…I feel like I want to go back.”

Even the ever-laagan Sesi concedes, “It gave us a glimpse of how good the places are. I’d been to all the places before but I didn’t know na some of these things exist diay in those places so I was really surprised pud so I thought ‘oh, there’s much more to discover pa diay in this place, one visit is not enough’. We had our share of laughter, just taking pictures…It was really funny.”~

Literary Boot Camps plays, essays, or criticism—to the editors and then (hopefully) see them published later in the school year. Students from all colleges and departments were free to submit their work, thereby promoting a healthy and inclusive literary scene in the campus.

Due to the absence of a folio, Sillimanian writers today are obliged to leapfrog the school scene straight onto the national audience through the writers’ workshops that have cropped up over the last few decades—where, every summer, apprentice writers experience their baptism of fire, so to speak. Here the spotlight is shined on three of the main writers’ workshops in the Philippines.

IYAS National Writers Workshop Held at the University of St. La Salle right next door at Bacolod City, this workshop was founded by a Silliman alumna, Elsa Martinez Coscolluela (the Palanca Hall of Famer whose play In My Father’s House was produced at Silliman last July), with the assistance of De La Salle University’s Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center.

This workshop lasts for one whole week—usually on the third week of April—and examines the fellows’ poetry and fiction and drama in these languages: English, Filipino, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a.

Naturally, applicants come from all

over the country, giving way for a truly cosmopolitan summer experience for those accepted as fellows. And, yes, this has to be mentioned: the food in IYAS is absolutely namit.

fortunate fellows with a literary award—namely, the Jimmy Balaquit Award. There’s also the Boy Abunda Fellowship given to one of the yearly fellows (though this is only given to

Iligan National Writers Workshop This one was founded by a Silliman alumna—Christine GodinezOrtega—is hosted by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and is held usually on the third week of May. It is the only one of the three that rewards

fellows from Eastern Visayas). One more thing about the workshop is that it accepts submissions in the most number of languages: English, Filipino, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray—just to name a few.

Silliman University National Writers Workshop

This is the hardest one to write about, since everything that could be said about it could not fit a standard feature article—but anyway, for starters: the Silliman Writers Workshop is the oldest, the longest, and the most prestigious writers workshop in the country.

Founded in 1962 by Edilberto K. and Edith L. Tiempo, the three-week workshop—now held at the Rose Lamb Sobrepeña Writers Village in Valencia, usually for much of May—has been the stepping stone for all of the established Philippine writers we know today: Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Bobby Flores-Villasis, Elsa Coscolluela are but a handful of the writers who have passed through this rite of literary initiation. And true enough, young writers today consider the Silliman Workshop to be the rite of passage into being part of the national literary community. Also, an interesting fact to consider is that the founders of both IYAS and Iligan are alumnae of this particular workshop.

While writing skill is enough, it also helps a young writer to get in touch with the tradition behind him and to get to know the people behind that tradition—these workshops are the best way to achieve these things: and if one is from Silliman, it is more fulfilling on the whole. And, perhaps more importantly, there’s free food and travels for weeks over the summer—who wouldn’t like that?~

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the weekly sillimanian 17 september 2013

Compared to the late nights at the Hibalag Booth Area brought to us by fun-filled August, September is a back-to-reality month for Sillimanians. But this month inspired several songs, movies and screen names in the past years. Here are some of them: Compiled by Maya Angelique B. Jajalla (Sources: http://www.imdb.com/title/ tt0093940/)

“September” is a 1987 film written by Woody Allen. The story is set in a summer house in Vermont. In the film, everyone (all of the main characters) is in love. Unfortunately, each beloved loves somebody else, and no one seems to realize it. The film stars Woody Allen, Elaine Stritch, Denholm Elliot and Mia Farrow.

roundup SU Chemistry..

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2012 MSU Innovator of the Year recipient for her work in biosensor technology.

Precaution not diagnosis The biosensor works by reading and interpreting signals sent by electronic waves that are caused by the reaction of specific antibodies towards a sample, which can be food, water, blood, etc.

However, Alocilja explained that the biosensor is not for diagnosis of a disease nor is it an “end-all” but rather, it is a “prescreening tool.”

“Immediate information is always valued. You’ll have to confirm the results from the lab and maybe you’re wrong when you find out later but at least we have given that person pre-cautionary measures to avoid potential damage. That’s the purpose

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The following are the newly licensed Medical Technologists from Silliman University: Alcala, Stanley Buling Abines, Christine Fe Alcoriza Amancio, Rae Marlew Aguilar Amasula, Agos-Gel Ramos Amiscaray, Rickmel Joseph Cimafranca Amores, Dote Bulabon Arrieta, Milena Maica Raterta Asdillo, Rhona Lee Alam-alam At-at, Keezel Nell Merano Atay,Lordfrey Dickson Magtuba Bandico, Jonahmae Honculada Barluado, Nova Blanche Villoria Baterna, Johanna Frances Gara Bicar, Keren Eulyna Chungalao Bu-ot, Abigail Limbaga Busmeon, Bea Mechelle Cagulada Calapiz, Gievin Tac-an Calingacion, Alfie Fernandez Calumpong, Eiffel Athena Fontelo Caluscusan, David Jonathan Solis Castañeda. Jona Claire Cantiller Catacutan, Carmel Mae Torres Catan, Seth Angelo Gamora Cimafranca, Louie Mar Elnar Dagodog, Yreca Jane Pepito De Guzman, Roy Anthony Tan Digamon, Elenette Jane Dagomo Drilon, Katrina Claire Dicen Duran, Kimberly Davao Dy, Lianna Thea Faburada Ege, Genesis Adrianne Villaluz Ejera, Thea Alyssa Galapate Enoperio, Caroline Bensulan Gabo, Edith Jane Llorente Gabrinez, Arnel Andilab

September is a Swedish singer-songwriter whose real name is Petra Linnea Paula Marklund. She released her single “Cry for You”, which came from her second studio album “In Orbit” (2005). The song became a huge hit worldwide, charting in countries including United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan.

She then released her studio album Dancing Shoes (2007), which also featured big hits including “Can’t Get Over”. The album subsequently won a Grammis for Best Dance Album.

Mannequin of biosensors,” she said.

She added that the app does not detect non-infectious diseases like cancer because they are diseases that “you can live without knowing, meaning there is no imminent danger.”

Her motivation Described as a Christian missionary, Alocilja said she hopes to use this technology to fight tuberculosis, adding that the Philippines is number nine among countries with the highest tuberculosis death rate worldwide.

“Everything we learn in this life, the Lord already knew. So the thought that I can use this knowledge to potentially save one life makes me wake up in the morning and come back to the lab the next day,” she said. ~

BEYOND BASKETBALL.The College of Business Administration basketball team performs during the opening of Green Sports organized by Ang Sandigan at Robinson’s main atrium last Sept. 9. PHOTO BY Nel Dableo SU Ranks..

“September” is a hit song

by Earth, Wind & Fire. The song was one of their top three most famous in the UK. “September” sold over a million copies making it a Gold single (a Gold single equalled to1 million units sold.

Gepanaga, Kathryn Kaye Bulias Gitamondoc, Joymyrn Concepcion Racal Grapa, Joshua Benjamin Rocamora Griño, Justine Estacion Humangit, Lyndell Jet Lim Jose, Carmel Joyce Pinili Kuizon, Nhikki Manliguez Las, Anne Beatrice Ramos Ledesma, Allen Earl Sederio Lood, Liannica Aurora Tan Loques, Ace Mykole Paculanang Macarine, Anne Dawn Vidal Maglasang, Janice Montebon Maldo, Nathaldane Trumata Manahon, Donabella Dayot Micarandayo, Krystle Sharna Butanas Mongcopa, Noelyn Galera Montebon, Keziah Marie Utzurrum Ombos, Mary Lyn Ly Vidal Pacarro, Keith Roland Cuevas Pacatang, Maurice Guillene Balladares Pague, Stephanie Mae Faburada Palomar, Ken Marcelle Vallecer Pasculado, Janice Lendio Payales, Geni Rose Pacaldo Pidor, Marica Montelibano Polestico, Karla Katuzza Cortes Polvorosa, Rejohnedale Patrick Pacho Quiao, Kriza Mae Abal Quiñones, Kezia Clem Panes Ragay, Carell Hope Dayucos Regalado, Gian Paolo Paralejas Rosario, Korina Pinili Same, Jhosa Lyn Elloreg Sandoval, Cydinn Erika Abello Sarabosing, Isa Mariah Rara

SU establishes columbary project

By Keren Anne V. Bernadas

As part of the 112th Founders Celebration, Silliman University formally launched the columbary development project of SU Memorial Garden last Aug. 24.

Located in the west of SU Church along the national road, the memorial garden and columbarium aim to house urns of persons’ cremated remains. The development plan will feature niches and corresponding landscape design.

Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino, Vice-President for Development, said that the revenues generated from the Columbarium will support the spiritual and faith-strengthening activities of SU. “The proceeds of the income [columbarium] will help brace up church activities such as the Galilean fellowships, Dorm devotions and Sunday services,” she Sardua, Keilah Faith Mejica Serafin, Lady Mae Aranjuez Silot, Marnelli Vanelli Gabiana Sisona, Ellen Ortaliz Somoza, Nova Jean Duran Soriano, Gabriel Paolo Nercuit Taborada, Merry Dame Calidguid Tabunda, Ma Laarni Racal Talingting, Rouselle John Eder Teves, Danielle Marie Aleney Amigo Teves, Serafin Gino Bobon Timosan, Jenaree Bandoquillo Tolin, May Ann Bacaltos Tubat, Maris Alabata Uy, Irene Joy Amistoso Valencia, Basil Salimbangon Valiente, Rovie Tuting Villanueva, Aesha Eleyna Amigo Virtudazo, Christine Hazel Ty Yap, Carl Gerard Alcantara Yecyec, Janine Fernando Yecyec, Jhunalee Vergara Yurong, Caesey Mae Alcoriza Physical Therapy From last year’s 90percent passing mark, SU declined to 71.42 percent in the recent Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Licensure Examination.

The national passing average for Physical Therapists (PT) is 52.28 percent.

Among the 1,834 new PTs are: Adasa, Natania Ellis L.; Barrera, Janeen Marie E.; Borromeo, Raecy T.; Dabuet, Vidgeon Javez C.; Geconcillo, Leovin P.; Maquiling, Maria Paz E.; Pelicano, Pritzel Marie L.; Quinan, Maria Samantha S.; Sumilang, Dana Lou E.; and Taleon, Ernette Joy C. ~

said.

The University Spiritual Life Council and the Church Council had agreed on the policy that eligible availability of the niches will go to people who have connections with Silliman. They had also created the Columbarium Committee that will approve all applications for the use of the garden and the vaults.

The Columbary project includes: Parallel Memorial Walls for alumni who would want their loved ones’ name to be carved on a tombstone on the wall if they are unable to retrieve the remains; Vertical Memorial Wall for alumni who would prefer the ashes of their loved ones to the columbary; Wall of Remembrance exclusively for the urns of alumni family members who would prefer their niches grouped together with their names etched; and parallel to the Wall of Remembrance, is a wall

for alumni who would like to donate a niche for someone who made their lives meaningful while in the university.

Prof. Belarmino said, “[Admin] is still to lay-out the financial calculations of the total number of niches and how much will each cost.”

The construction of the columbarium has already started and is expected by VPD to be finished before the school year ends. The project also includes landscape design with benches, floral arrangements, and a “reflecting” pool.

Prof. Belarmino added: “When the K-12 hits the year 2016, there will be no income. So the portion of [columbarium] revenues will still support the faith-strengthening part of your education and also to ensure the support for the Church.”~

THE “BRING ME” RIDDLE! Congratulations to last week’s winner:

Chilsey Claire A. Bolestana Last week’s answer: COIN

MECHANICS:

Every week, the Weekly Sillimanian publishes a riddle about things found within the university campus. Participants must be students enrolled in the current semester of SY 2013-2014.

Participants must literally bring their answers to the Weekly Sillimanian office from Wednesday to Friday at 12 PM – 3 PM following the release of the Weekly Sillimanian paper. Winners will receive awesome prizes from the staff.

Here’s our riddle of the week:

Who are you?

That’s who I am.

Who am I? That’s who you are.

Bring me to the TWS Office and claim your prize!