110 years TOWARDS A PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS PRESS | VOL. LXXXV NO. 10 | TUESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2013
ART OF PASSION TO GENERATION. Challenged by his young assistant Ken, Mark Rothko (played by Bart Guingona) realizes that his achievements might pull his career as a master abstract painter down. An award winning play during the 2010 Tony Awards, Red captures the hearts of Sillimanians at Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium last Sept. 13. PHOTO BY Yuys Fatima Escoreal
Foreign students’ services fee increased By Jelanie Rose T. Elvinia
A SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY foreign student wondered why her foreign services fee increased almost double this year, and later knew that this was due to the increase of operating costs for her application, enrollment and more. Yun Ji Yeon, a Korean national and a senior student from the College of Mass Communication had been paying P3, 000 every semester for foreign services fee. For this semester, she paid P5, 000. And this big increase made her wonder. “If there’s a change for foreign students (services), they should tell us because we are also students here in Silliman. And we’re the ones paying for that. It’s from my parents and it’s (money) not free. They work for that,” Yun said. With eagerness to know the reason behind the increase, Yun went to the office of Foreign Services Section located at the Oriental Hall and asked.
The office is new this school year. It is opened since the government is requiring universities to have one. In this way, foreign students around the country are well served. At that moment, all of Yun’s concerns were given an answer. SU adviser to the international students, Moses Joshua Atega, said that the increase also covers for the salary to be paid to the employees of the new office. He added that it would also cover expenses to some operations such as during their (foreign students) enrollment and arrival in the country. In the other hand, Atega said that the university chose him to be in such position because he’s a stress - free person. “When you love your job, when you’re just there for service, you’re happy to work, it’s actually stressfree. Christian faith will always tell you that when you are given a new job, it is to prepare you for a higher bigger challenge,” he said. ~
DON’T PICK ON ME. Speech 11 Section F coached by Prof. Vanessa Gaspay-Nezamloo champs Inter-Class Speech Choir Competition 2013 “Bullying is whack! Get on the right track!” with their piece “Who Are You to Pick On Me?” at the Claire Isabel McGil Luce Auditorium, last Sept. 23. PHOTO BY Dylzaree Recentes
Youth Summit promotes selfie as self-worth
By Kristine Ann M. Fernandez
FIRE THROUGH THE YEARS. Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, signs her book “Milestones of Academic Excellence: Fire in the Five Cs of Silliman University Education: A Collection of Speeches” during her book launch at the Silliman University Library, last Sept. 23. PHOTO BY Dylzaree Recentes
VPAA launches book on milestone excellence
By Nova Veraley V. Grafe
ON HER BIRTHDAY, Silliman University Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Betsy Joy B. Tan, launched a book entitled, “Milestones of Academic Excellence: A Collection of Speeches,” at the Main Library, Sept. 23. “Milestones of Academic Excellence: A Collection of Speeches”, is a book that is a collection of Dr. Tan’s speeches that embodies the word F. I. R. E in the 5Cs of Silliman University (SU) education. F. I. R. E. is an acronym of the words Faith, Instruction, Research, and Extension. Dr. Tan said that the book is divided into three parts: first part is
on Milestones of F. I. R. E, speeches on Faith, Instruction, Research, and Extension of SU; second part is on milestone of the Five Cs, speeches on the 5Cs of SU: Church, Court, Community, Classroom, and Cultural Activities; and the third part is remembering the heritage builders of the university, speeches on the people who built a strong foundation for the institution of SU. As stated in the foreword of the book, Dr. Tan quoted Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, president of Silliman University that the speeches of the book seek to transform the person through education. “Education that goes beyond building competence…, seeks for continued on page 4
Smoke-free council fast tracks revisions
By Katrin Anne A. Arcala
CITY ADMINISTRATION WILLIAM Ablong stressed the need for amendments in the smokefree Dumaguete ordinance. The smoke-free council, through city councilor JV Imbo, is currently pushing a batch of revisions for Ordinance No. 94 in the council sessions. First, instead of being reprimanded for the first offense, violators will
be fined directly. Second, barangay tanods, who are primarily part of the enforcing team, will be given incentives for every violator whom they will spot. Ablong said that the smoke-free council saw these as the answers to the prevailing non-attendance of those who are required to join the smokefree seminars. Out of the 638 violators, only 198 attended the orientation. Dumaguete City only has three enforcers to cover the entire 30
barangays. Tanods were supposed to be part of the main enforcing team. However, for the previous months, they were inactive on the implementation. “We have seen several loopholes in the ordinance. Now, we are working to fill in those spaces.” Another problem they faced was the lack of budget. Ablong said that some of the enforcers had to spend from their own wallet particularly during their roving duty hours.
“Last year, we weren’t included yet in the budge since the ordinance came in the middle of the year and the budget was drafted a year ago,” he said. For 2014, the council is already expecting a proper allocation after having passed all their requirements for the approval of their budget plan. “By the end of the year, we may already have the revisions passed. By January 2014, we already have a budget,” Ablong said. ~
1,500 HIGH SCHOOL from all over Negros Oriental (NegOr) learned their self-worth the “selfie” way during the Tatak #Selfie Pinoy Youth Summit 2013 last Saturday and Sunday at Bais City. The boom of social networking sites influenced the boom of selfie or what Oxford dictionary defines as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.” Because of its worldwide popularity, Carole Lieberman, an American psychiatrist sees the rise of selfie as a “metaphor for our increasingly narcissistic culture.” In the recent youth summit in (NegOr), the main organizers namely—Gawad Kaling, Gaba-an Youth Lead, and Newground Events cleverly used selfie to do an “antithesis or contrast of the trend into a positive appreciation of self ” rather than inflate one’s self-centeredness. They aimed to boost the youth’s self-esteem, direct their energies and skills into caring, and give their kindness towards others and the community. A Silliman alumna, Amethyst Dequito, who was the head facilitator of the summit said: “This generation seems to take too much photo of one’s self to make his or her own existence known to others. This is not bad but too much maybe bad and annoying for others.” Frederick Mascardo, a fourth year high school student from Panalaan National High School, shared what he learned from discovering his self worth. He said, “The activities really relayed a message to my life. All in all, I learned that when you experience trials you have to strive hard and stand up for you to succeed.” 300 youth facilitators who were composed of college students and fresh graduates from various universities in NegOr were also present in the event, some of them are Sillimanians. continued on page 4 Dequito
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the weekly sillimanian 27 september 2013
Increase THE QUALITY OF service could not really mean how much the payment cost. With the increase from the standard payment, it is of possible expectation to receive the proper service to be rendered. The new office for the foreign students caters for the needs of the allocated students. The increase in fees signifies the improvement of services to equal the amount being paid. May this not be a negative perception among the concerned individuals as unjustifiable moneygrabbing schemes since the amount collected would be used for the betterment of the operations of the office. The operations cover expenses of the arrival and enrollment of foreign students. The amount would also pay the salaries of the people working at the new foreign services office. There couldn’t have been any issues if the administration informed and consulted the foreign students first before increasing the fees. This increase of fee for the foreign students should have been implemented properly by gathering the feedback of the students first and should have not automatically charged to their accounts without prior notice. Paying the tuition for the current semester is not just an easy weight-out from the pockets of the parents or students and adding another questionable charge that has been increased doubles the pressure of payment. Money is earned through hard work and should be paid for something worth it. Since the increase of fees has already charged to accounts then let’s just assume that the services to be rendered and the necessities to be catered will be of great quality, so then would attest that the increase of fee is justifiable. ~
editorial
sillimaniansspeak Compiled by Nectarina Catada
“How do you feel about the standoff between the MNLF and the Philippine government in Zamboanga City?” “What a heartbreaking reality that our government has not been able to have their control over those Bangsamoro arm forces. That is really a clear slap to the governments face that even how much favor and how many peace agreement they deal with the MNLF, still the MNLF has afford to be against our government and been able to harm our Filipinos in Zamboanga.” Lourine O. Barillo, BSAB II “The MNLF’s outburst in Zamboanga City is definitely a distraction to divert our attentions from Janet Napoles’ Pork Barrel Scam although I feel very sorry for the people in Zamboanga who are stuck between the exchange of fire between the MNLFs and the Philippine Army.” Edcarl R. Cagandahan, AB Political Science II “The war in Zamboanga is bad because civilians including children were killed and the chaos has not been resolved yet. The President did not declare state of calamity even though it is needed. It’s a good thing supplies were given for the people in Zamboanga.” Dave B. Sesnorio, BSED Bio III “I feel scared about my family’s situation, since we are from Zamboanga, but the good thing is my parents live two hours away from the city. However, it is still not safe because 2 hours is also near. Every time I hear news updates about Zamboanga, I feel nervous. I can’t concentrate in my studies knowing that I am safe here but my loved ones are not. That is why I was filled with happiness when President Noynoy Aquino went there. But after that, cruelty from the MNLF’s still continued. My father told me that one of my friends is one of the hostages but luckily he was able to escape. My dad also told me that the MNLF’s raped the women they hostaged. Zamboanga, my beloved place, is not a safe place since then. And now, it’s at its worst stage. Aside from fighting back, all we can do is PRAY. And when I say pray, it means PRAY HARD. PRAY HARD FOR ZAMBOANGA.” Lorie Jayne C. Soriano, BMC III ** Next issue's question:
“What do you regret not doing this semester?”
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
Youth’s Challenge: For a better world People have long dreamed of living in a fraternal society they can trust; of being one with others; and of living a healthy, peaceful, and dignified lives in a world that could watch over them. These are what human beings dream of. You, I, we all aspire for these. But, let’s take a quick glimpse of what is happening around us. Social unrest, crimes, corruptions, chaos, and death are very sad realities. It is as constant as change, as regular as the ticking of time. It has weakened the bonding of our families; endangered the union of every community, every country and every race. Who among us would want to make our lives vulnerable to the invasion of hatred, anger, indecency, idolatry, envy, selfishness, corruption and war? These root causes of our impurities may lead us to act improperly. Emptiness in our hearts may create a continuous moral hollowness in this world. What then can we contribute to respond to the ailing needs of our society? Are we ready to make a difference in our lives? Focus. Let us change our paradigm. According to Melody Beattie and I
quote, “ Gratitude makes a sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” And from Harvey Firestone, I quote, “ You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.” This simply means that in everything we do, we need to reflect and examine the deepest part of ourselves, our attitudes that strongly influence the way we handle differences with others. It is but simple to say “ Thank you,” “ God
Beyond Acting Nova Veraley V. Grafe
Bless you,” “I’m Sorry,” “ I accept your apology”… but can you recall the first or last time you did it to a friend or a foe? Patience is a test between pride and humility. Let us learn to live life to the fullest by accepting our strengths and weaknesses, being pleasant to others even if others are not, sharing our blessings even if others will not, and above everything
believing in God’s wisdom because He knew from the beginning that our keeping Him in focus would keep us from being distracted with worldly pleasures. Humans are saved by grace through faith but will be judged by works. If we continue to cultivate and nurture the values expected of us we will be able to contemplate our way of life not only in terms of today and tomorrow, but in terms of how God will ultimately judge our life as we continue to exist. I long to see a better world ahead of me. Somewhere my family would enjoy and live harmoniously with the rest of mankind and nature. As an instrument of change, I am aware that everything should start within me—my values, my motives, and priorities in life. I wish to convey this message to everyone. With all these, we will be assured that all men, women, and children in every part of the world will live a world of love and harmony; a world with boundless progress; and a world where dignity is respected. ~
Days of Disquiet: Former Editor Remembers Martial Law. Four decades ago, these two words evoked fear and anger. These are memories left unwritten in the Martial Law chapter of the history of my school, Silliman University in Dumaguete City. I just graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in March, 1972 and by June, I had started taking courses leading to a master’s degree in sociology. I supported myself in college through the University’s student assistantship program and the scholarship I got playing for the chess varsity team. I planned to finish my master’s degree and the last thing I needed was martial law disrupting my plans. The proclamation of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972, announced two days later, had become a dreadful event to remember. On that fateful day, the staff of the University’s student paper, the Weekly Sillimanian, were working on the week’s issue at the University Press. They were mostly students of the School of Journalism and Communication. Our banner story that week had the headline: “Martial law looming?” As editor-in-chief, I ordered the staff to destroy our issue that was already almost ready to go to bed. I also suggested to them to burn whatever subversive materials they have in their possession that might incriminate them. I was not a member of any of the several militant groups on campus but being editor of a progressive campus paper in one of the oldest private universities in the country, I invariably got involved in discussions of current social issues among friends, a number of whom were staff members of the Weekly Sillimanian. Many of my friends were identified with militant groups like the Kabataang Makabayan (KM), the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK) and other groups under the League of Filipino Students (LFS). Suddenly, we had to change our
banner headline to: “MARTIAL LAW DECLARED!” It was set in 72 pt. Bodoni Bold, all caps. But, unfortunately, we could not print that issue anymore. Speechless, with our heartbeats racing, my associate editor and I took a long, hard look at the pageone galley proof. We stared into space with the unuttered question: “What now?” I went back to Dao Cottage, the dormitory of the Silliman men’s varsity athletes. That night, fearful that I might be apprehended, I decided not to sleep in my own room but in another room of the cottage.Before long, in the early hours of the morning, members of the Philippine Constabulary carrying long firearms barged into the dorm and forced open the door of my room. Although
Dionisio T. Baseleres
startled by the commotion, my dorm mates did not give any information on my whereabouts. Unable to find me inside the room, the soldiers ransacked my personal belongings ostensibly to look for subversive documents. Penniless and tired of running around, I decided to go home to Bohol. Disguised as a laborer at the Dumaguete pier, I managed to go up the gangplank of the boat bound for Tagbilaran City undetected by PC soldiers who were on guard. While on board the boat, I hid among the passengers until I safely reached the port of my destination. But after a few days of relative quiet at home, my father received a notice from the military stating that I was the “second most wanted man in Negros Oriental.” My father thought it was best for me to go back and surrender
to clear my name of the accusations. I heeded my father’s advice and took the boat back to Dumaguete. I went to the Negros Oriental PC headquarters and surrendered. There I was held as a political detainee. I spent the warm days and cold nights in a stinky room with other college students and some members of the Silliman faculty. There was not enough food to go around. For those of us who were far from our families and did not have relatives in the city, no one brought us supplies for personal hygiene. Tired, weary and frustrated as the days turned to weeks, the big question in our mind was: “How long are we going to be held captive?” For several days, the PC operatives interrogated the detainees. When it was my turn at the interrogation room, I was asked repeatedly, in several variations of the same question: What do I know of the plans of the militant groups to overthrow the New Society? The question was preposterous. I told the interrogator I was not a member of any of the militant groups he mentioned. If indeed I was not an activist, another interrogator pressed, how could I explain the presence of subversive materials inside the office of the Weekly Sillimanian? I felt a bulb lit up inside my head. “Precisely!” I almost yelled. “You see these materials lying around because these were the ones we did not publish.” That bluff saved the day for me. After more than a month in detention, I was released from the stockade upon the intervention of Silliman University officials. ~ __ The author, now living in retirement in Tagbilaran City, was the editor of the Weekly Sillimanian when martial law was proclaimed on Sept. 21, 1972. The tWS, the country’s oldest existing student newspaper, was first published in 1920.
the weekly sillimanian 27 september 2013
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Rizal Boulevard: 700 meters of bliss amazing pattern of lights, the plethora of acacia trees scattered throughout the boulevard gives you the cool even hundred meters. That’s approximately how breeze whenever you stroll and watch long Rizal Boulevard is in the rolling waves. All throughout the Dumaguete City. Although it is not as long as Roxas Boulevard in Manila, every centimeter of this strip of road and beach won’t disappoint. Whether you may be a local, or a student, or a tourist, this attraction surely has almost everything you want to spend a fruitful weekend or a hopeful sunrise morning. But aside from the rich culture, entertainment, and leisure that it offers, Rizal Boulevard’s history is also just as colorful. Named after Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal, this 700-meter strip is said to be once a favorite hangout place of the national hero himself. During his stopover in Dumaguete City on his way to exile in Dapitan, he made a brief visit here and often strolled around the area. It is but interesting to note how Rizal himself was able to find bliss and satisfaction in just a brief stroll in Dumaguete’s day, Rizal Boulevard is filled with lush beach before spending four years people, both tourists and locals. In of punishment for a crime that the the morning, it is a favorite jogging, Spaniards then framed him of doing. cycling, and exercising spot, and in The beautiful lineup of Spanish- the evening, especially on weekends, it style lamp posts throughout the strip is filled with music, chatter, and pure welcomes you once you arrive in entertainment, while the aromas of Dumaguete by boat, especially if you different foods served in the long line arrive here by night. From the airport, of restaurants will surely make you go it only takes a short 15-minute ride hungry. to get here. Not too far away, the Tourists will also find a haven in century-old Silliman Hall and the east Rizal Boulevard, since numerous quadrangle of Silliman University also hotels and restaurants run along its give you a sense of prestige despite the strip. And whether you’re a foreign city’s provincial feel. To add to the or local visitor, your taste buds will By Iphraim Cabristante
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absolutely come to life because of the varied cuisines restaurants serve here. Italian, Austrian, Chinese, American, Spanish, Japanese, Mexican, Korean, French, and Filipino dishes are served
(where a chick can already be seen) egg. Adding to the nice ambiance and fun chitchat with friends as you nibble the delicious street food are singers who, along with their homemade
PHOTO FROM flickriver.com here, making Rizal Boulevard a melting pot of cultures and giving tourists a wide array of foods to choose from and enjoy. But one thing that makes Rizal Boulevard unique from all others is the awesome street food that everyone craves for whenever coming to Dumaguete City. In the area just right across the Silliman Hall is a group of street food carts together serving purely Filipino finger foods such as tempura, fish balls, kikiam, and the exotic balut, where you can choose between a 16-day and an 18-day
guitars and God-given talent, sing their hearts out to your favorite love songs. And if you’re an avid music lover, restaurants nearby also have bands that play dance, mellow, and funk music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Walking down memory lane can indeed become literal as you stroll along the boulevard, especially during weekend nights. When you grow tired from all the strolling and the chitchat, or if you want to relieve yourself of the stress and pressure that come along with
work and study, there are community masseuses ready to soothe you at a very affordable price, making it much more affordable than going to a massage parlor. Since its recent start, the massage services at the boulevard have also become an attraction among tourists and locals alike who want to shun the stress away. Most people love to convene here during late afternoons to early evenings at one of the sidewalk cafes, bars, or restaurants. It is also the perfect place to experience sunrise and sunset either while sipping a refreshing drink or just sitting and staring out into the horizon or gazing at the majestic beauty of neighboring island provinces Cebu and Siquijor. No wonder that the boulevard is also a favorite place for professional and amateur photographers who want to capture the comfort that the strip of road and beach offers to Dumagueteños and foreigners alike. A perfect time to visit is in October, when Negros Oriental celebrates the Buglasan Festival. Seas of people gather together in the boulevard to watch the beautiful fireworks displays set during the final days of the celebration. If only the nooks, crannies, and lamp posts of the Rizal Boulevard could talk, they surely would have thousands of stories to tell. These thousands of stories have made this 700-meter boulevard one of Dumaguete City’s best loved places. And again, a visit to Rizal Boulevard will never disappoint you.~
The Trend of Ligiron
transport goods from the uptown to the mercado. It dates back to the he reign of the mountain 60s when motor powered vehicles bikes and longboards may were still out of sight and ingenuity soon be cut short, here comes was at its peak. When technology a new extreme sport in Negros Oriental which allows you to sit like a biker, push like a boarder and feel a new thrill. It thrives on hilltowns and breathes a downhill track. Sounds similar to the same old extreme sports experience? Maybe yes, only that this time, it is made of wood and scrap materials - the LIGIRON cart. PHOTO FROM dumaguetemetropost.com Ligiron is derived from the Cebuano term ligid which overtook its popularity through means to roll. consequently, it may habal-habals and sidecars, slowly the also mean ligid or wheels. The ligiron ligiron met the dusts and rusts of is a wooden cart which uses bamboo several residences in its respective as its chasis and wood for its wheels. community. It was only last about two years The sport originated from the town of ago when Nicky Dumapit, an Valencia, Negros Oriental. Originally, the carts were used to environment activist, knew about By Katrin Anne A. Arcala
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these carts which were nearing extinction. “This is more than just about the sport. This is about the culture that we have here which is so unique. It
of the finish line. The photos and videos went viral in the internet, increasing the race’s popularity among Filipinos and foreigners alike. In fact, several
would be a waste to lose it,” he said Finally, last June 9, the sport had its debut through the Ligiron 2013, the official race for the wooden cart. About 20 racers joined the event under the beginner and expert category. The track included cemented pavements and rocky roads. A big leap and a bumpy landing capped the crossing
individuals have already ordered their own customized ligiron carts which are often sold for about 200 pesos each. Aside from being a past time, it has also been an alternative source of income for the rural community of the said area. The Lipay ang Kalibutan movement (The world is happy), through
Dumapit, said that the event was a fruit of volunteerism and generosity from the community. And through the efforts of many individuals, the race now expanded to other towns of Negros as inquiries and invitations are pouring in. There were talks to make the event annually and a part as well of the Buglasan festival of Negros Oriental as an official tourist attraction for the province. Though the sport had gone from being endemic to being in demand, Dumapit said that in the end, what matters the most is not really the popularity that it beholds, but the genuine appreciation the humble cart deserves. As he puts it, the carts are not just toys or means of transportation but a representation of the unique culture that the Philippines has. ~
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the weekly sillimanian 27 september 2013
There are some fruits we have come to know so well by their local names yet hardly bother to think about in English. Let us know some of these by their other names: Compiled by Roberto Klemente R. Timonera
JAMAICAN CHERRY No Filipino childhood would be complete without these little red globes of love. Known to us as aratilis or simply as ‘cherries,’ this species is native to the Caribbean and in Central and South America, and has since been naturalized in many tropical countries.
SUGAR-APPLE Also known as “soursop,” the atis looks like a clump of green berries from afar. The seeds are surrounded by sweet, white, and creamy flesh. The tree grows in many parts of the West and was probably introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards.
SAPODILLA The fruits of this tree are brown and the flesh is soft, sweet, and gritty. In our country it is called chico. The tree is also a rich source of chicle, one of the ingredients of chewing gum.
SOURSOP A large green fruit whose flesh is sour but creamy. In our tongue, this is guyabano. The plant is known to have various medicinal properties.
Rain, rain, go away!
roundup SU celebrates peace week By Princess T. Abellon
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY RELIGION and Peace Studies Department (SU-RPSD) of the Divinity School spearheaded the Peace Week Celebration last Sept. 16-21. Dr. Myraluz VivaresWaddington, coordinator of the peace week celebration, said that in order for the people to understand and practice peace in their lives, they should be educated. “Without education, they would not know how to live a peaceful life,” Dr. Waddington said. This year’s celebration centers on education as a tool to raise awareness on peace. In line with this, Religion and Peace Studies Department conducted four activities: peace storytelling, peace forum, sports for peace and art exhibit. Storytelling In partnership with Dumaguete City Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), religion professors and instructors together with selected students from religion classes visited five day care centers from three barangays— Brgy. Tinago, Brgy. Daro and Brgy. Poblacion 8— to conduct a puppet show peace storytelling for the morning and afternoon sessions. “The peace story is taken from the biblical story Esau and Jacob. It is about a conflict between two brothers (Esau and Jacob) but in the end, they reconciled,” Dr. Waddington said. After the peace story, the facilitators taught the young day care pupils to relate the story to their own young lives and relationships. “We asked them a few questions. Questions like how was their relationship with their siblings at home as well as with their friends. We made it a point to emphasize
the importance of peace in our daily lives,” Jeasela Lucyn B. De Barras, said one of the story-tellers. “It felt awesome to look at the kid’s smiling faces and hearing their laughter, knowing that somehow I caused that happiness even for just a little while,” she added. Peace forum As one of the peace week activities, the Religion and Peace Studies Department invited Mr. Mike Alar, project manager of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, to speak in the Peace Forum: The Mindanao Conflict and the Role of Peace Education in Peace Building, last Sept. 17. The said forum aims to provide a venue for students to learn about the development of the peace process in Mindanao and the key role that education play in peace building. Sports for peace Covering the weeklong celebration is the “Sports for Peace and Development”. This program promotes sports in development camaraderie and teamwork, and engages students who are at risk of dropping out of school and are currently under the Project Agakay of the Department of Education (DepEd), last Sept. 21. DepEd’s Project Agakay is to assist the SARDOs (students at risk of dropping out) to stay in school through tutorials and other activities such as sports fest. Art Exhibit The College of Education (COE) and the College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) spearheaded an art exhibit using recycled materials. Their works were based on the theme, “From Chaos to Peace”. The United Nations (UN) declared Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace. ~
THE “BRING ME” RIDDLE! Congratulations to last week’s winner:
JR Salaveria
Last week’s answer: ID
Youth summit..
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highlighted a distinct Sillimanian character that contributed in facilitating the event. She added: “Silliman University aims for the holistic development of its students. Holistic development can be satisfied when a person knows and acknowledges his or her own worth. Self confidence is one of the tatak (trademark) of a Sillimanian. This is what makes us different from others because we are confident but not conceited.”~ VPAA launches..
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all Sillimanians to become persons for others, for themselves, and for God; and seeks for all Sillimanians to live out the via, veritas, vita in their personal and professional undertakings.” said President Malayang as quoted by Dr. Tan. The book serve as a response to the requests coming from the various institutions and schools; from local, national, and international HEIs; and from professional organizations.~
Silliman University gathers to pray for Syria and for our country By Nova Veraley V. Grafe
THE UPRISING CIVIL war in Syria; the pork barrel scam issue and the Zamboanga crisis between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in our country—made Silliman University Church together with the Justice and Peace Committee of SU Church Board of Elders, Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) and its committees to organize a prayer gathering last Sept. 11, at the SU Church. Atty. Joshua Ablong, chairperson of the Justice and Peace Committee of SU Church Board of Elders said that as one community of faith, “it’s about time that we share the burden of the people being affected and help change for our nation and for our world”. “We cannot do it with just mere
SU grad stud wins 2nd in Nick Joaquin Lit Awards By Michiko Je M. Bito-on
AMONG THE WINNERS of the 23rd Nick Joaquin Literary Awards for this year is from the Silliman University Graduate School. Karlo Antonio G. David, a Master of Arts in English Major in Creative Writing student, bagged 2nd place for his short story entitled “In the Manner Accustomed”. “It’s very affirming particularly because I’m 22 and…I won a national award and it’s not only affirming for me but for young writers like me.
This affirmation is also of young writers from the regions”, David said. He added, “It’s [the short story] semi-autobiographical. I’m aware of my weaknesses…it’s a personal story more than anything.” The writer received P30,000, a Lenovo tablet and life insurance for being the second best in his category. In first place was Angelo Lacuesta for his short story entitled “Sparrows” and in third place was Jenny Ortuoste for “How I Spent my U.S. Vacation”. David is the
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.
Bring me to the TWS Office and claim your prize!
youngest writer to win an award this year. The Nick Joaquin Literary Awards is an annual literary competition named after National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin. The award is given by Philippines Graphic, the only national publication in the Philippines which publishes literary works and wherein Nick Joaquin had served as editor during his last years. The awarding ceremony took place at Ramon Magsaysay Center, Manila last Sept. 20. ~
Craving for pork? A forum on the Pork Barrel Fund
Here’s our riddle of the week:
A portable explosion, the universe between your teeth.
human effort, we need spiritual guidance”, Atty. Ablong said. Atty. Ablong also said that “in our deeper part of conscience as human being, we cannot just stand and close our eyes of what is happening in our world today…we are one humanity and what is inflicted against human being is against all of us”. “We are not taking any other side, but we are taking the side of prayer…lifting everything to God”, said Rona Marie Namocatcat, SUSG president. Various Silliman University student organizations also lend a prayer for good governance; for accountability and for government official; for active youth involvement and student leadership; and for Syria and Zamboanga. As a symbol of unity and as a concluding part of the gathering, the people formed a human cross. ~
DON’T STEP ON ME! Winners of the Extemporaneous Speech Speaking Contest pose after getting their certificates of recognition. L-R Second place, Kimberly Mill T. Flores, sophomore, AB-Pol Sci; the first place, Genin Raya V. Amiscaray, freshman, BBA Mngt and third place; Mary Ann A. Monda,sophomore BSN. PHOTO BY Darrell Bryan Rosales
September 30, 2013 10 am MMS 3rd flr