Today's CAROLINIAN - February 2017 Issue

I TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Christabelle Escudero Associate Editor (Internal Affairs) Julienne Anjela Termoso Associate Editor (External Affairs) Zarah Louise Majam Managing Editor for Administration Mikhailah Rañada Head of Writing Department Ynaro San Juan Assistant Head of Writing Department Cesar Carlos Heyrosa Senior Correspondent Christine Daryl Suson News Editor Paolo Perez Deputy News Editor Kaye Diamos Features Editor - English Kerstein Kylle Despi Features Editor - Filipino Paolo Louis Manghihilot Literary Editor Kyn Noel Pestaño

The Progressive Student Publication of the University of San Carlos

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS Cebu City, Cebu Philippines 6000 VOLUME XXVII No. 10 FEBRUARY 2017

EDITORIAL STAFF Operations

Finance Officer Theresa Kate Palompon

STAFF Secretary Geralden Morre

Web Administrator Francis Alec Yap

WEB DEVELOPERS Julius John Puno, Daniel Hans Tan

Director for Circulation and Strategic Development Christian Rey Camay Writing Department

News Bureau

WRITERS Janzyl Mae Go, Reanne Jeanne Go, Jet Mangubat, Von Daniel

Plasencia, Laura Posadas, Joen Jacob Ramas, Sofia Isabel Tajos,

Joshua Cesar Uy, Jeanne Paulie Yap,

Miriam Burlaos (Contributor)

ONLINE CORRESPONDENTS Patricia May Compra,

Genesis Ryan Calle Art Department

LAYOUT SUPERVISOR Mar Virgil Eway

LAYOUT ARTISTS Pamela Urbiztondo, Giann Mikhael Alipar, Jan

Joshua Velasco, Rex Jed Fornolles, Will Lois Perez,

Janrick Carl Romales

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Francis Ian Palanca

Head Illustrator Zachary Borromeo

HEAD ILLUSTRATOR Geralden Morre ILLUSTRATORS Justine Patrice Bacareza, Eduard Jude Jamolin, Jon

Ahmed Durano, Ramon Kristoffer Tiu (Contributor)

HEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST Angelo Nico Daroy

PHOTOJOURNALISTS Wednesday Dawn Abelgas, Keith Raymier

Ayuman, Christen Cacanog, Eloise Noreen Diaz, June Kirslie

Escudero, Carmelle Charlene Gacasan, Erica Nicole Jabel,

Dorothy Lee, Jessa Marie Pedrola, Jasper Gabriel Ramirez, Garel

Sison, Christine Daryl Suson

HEAD VIDEOGRAPHER Gifthir Lemuel Elmido

VIDEOGRAPHERS Czarina Gicale, Shekinah Danong, Christian Paul

Naparota, Joseph Michael Tan

VIDEO PRODUCER Daniel Johns Masilang

THE COVER New expectations spring from the arrival of dawn.

We look to the future, learn from yesterday’s misgivings, and work towards improvement.

We are all writers of what’s to come. We are capable not only of thinking of a better tomorrow, but also of fighting for it. Even new mistakes made let us move forward. Do not fear missing a step.

The vast horizon that is our future hides wonders in it. Seek them out, though you may never find them.

Nevertheless, with each new dawn, always hope anew.

Words by Mikhailah Rañada Art Direction by Mar Virgil Eway Photograph by Angelo Nico Daroy

HOW TO REACH US LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, with the writer’s name, e-mail address and contact number, should be e-mailed to todayscarolinianusc@gmail.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity. © 2017. TODAY’S CAROLINIAN All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Today’s Carolinian publishes one to two issues per academic year. Today’s Carolinian may also publish occasional extra issues. An electronic version (PDF Format) of every publication is available in the Today’s Carolinian website.

C O N T E N T

2

EDITOR’S NOTE

4

KIKO

6

NAKABANTAY BA KA?

8

VOX POPULI: SSC 2016-2017

10

CONFORMITY IN THE UNIVERSITY

12

TO THE POWER OF Y

14 15

A LOOK INTO THIS YEAR’S SSC SSC YEAR-END REPORT

20

SSC ELECTIONS

30

CAROLINIAN SURVEY 2017

34

MONDAY

36

VOX POPULI: DUTERTE AND A MOUTHFUL OF OPINIONS

38

FALL OF THE GOLDEN HAIR

40

MOCHA USON, and Why She Matters to Filipinos

42

growing pains: The Ups and Downs of Duterte’s First Few Months as President

44

inday

45 46

Louelle 7,107 city

48

GENDER EQUALITY: Still in the Dawn of a New Era

50

THE PROBLEM WITH OPEN BORDERS

52

FIX YOUR HEAD

54 56 58 62

EULAlia FILM REVIEW WALTZ IN RED LIGHT FARCEBOOK

64

Sincerely, Dale from the Cake Eaters

66

PARTING SHOT

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LIQUIDATION

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s a new day, a new morning, a new dawn… and it’s time to wake up.

The whole world has been on the edge of its seat for long, watching new days transpire before its eyes. New days that has formed the machine age, the atomic age, the information age. New days that have shaped histories. What’s the next one?

This is the world we live in — it faces victories and adversaries time after time, and it can never contain them. They will never cease to unfold. How do we fit in the picture? Are we spectators of the show happening before us? Are we actors that allow the story to shape us? Or are we writers deciding what happens after?

It’s a new day, a new morning, a new dawn. Have we waken up yet?

TC

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LITERARY

kiko Joshua Cesar Uy

Photo by Eloise Noreen Diaz

Hearing the soothing sound of birds outside my window, my wakening moment has just begun. I stretched myself with effort and started opening my eyes. My entire day is about to be lived.

I snapped out from my daily dramatics in the morning and rushed my way to the bathroom. I was running late.

“Accio motivation to finish this day!” I feel my Ravenclaw shirt helps my knowledge. Again, I said feel.

and sucking the soul out of everyone.

My little fingers start to march themselves toward that pen at the far right side of my table, and scribbled on the table – “Kiko was here (2017)”. It looks pretty cool with Fido Dido standing beside my name.

I then stared at the board full of scribbled numbers. The thought of graduation came to my mind.

“A year to go,” I thought.

The usual, I book myself an Uber ride… Two-hundred pesos for a day’s ride is practical, right?

With around an hour of being happily stuck in traffic, I arrived in school, and got inside the classroom right in time before my favorite professor came in. She’s simply the batch’s favorite — having the same compassion in teaching like Trump’s towards i mmigrants. For the record, she also looks like him.

Her three-hour classes are quite similar to watching a Korean drama without any subtitles on. The ones when you just look at your classmates having blank faces while she continues to chunter about regression lines,

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“How hard would life be right after?”

Pursuing that #TravelGoals dream seemed right! Who cares of my educational investment reaching half a million? It’s just a scented piece of framed paper with my name and degree on it anyway.

Twenty minutes passed. I couldn’t stop staring at Patricia with her cherry blossom cheeks, her white hands that are too soft to touch, her smile as bubbly as ever. Her gorgeous face has become the solace of my miserable college life.

LITERARY

Jason spotted me nonchalantly staring at her and snapped me out of my delusion within seconds.

I cursed at the back of my mind for Jason disturbing me with my day-today fantasies.

Thirty minutes passed. I started to smell a rotten morgue from someone behind my back. I turned back and tried to sniff, realizing that it came from Nathan, the math nerd who simply doesn’t know what personal hygiene is. I guess holding my breath for an hour would be fine.

Forty minutes passed. My body started to become a new part of the chair I was seated on. I decided to scroll through my phone and look at my newly saved memes. I hold my breath as I giggled at the top of my lungs open seeing Jhepoy Dizon which Lady Trump almost caught.

More minutes passed. I lost track of time, and in life as well.

I stared back to Mrs. Trump’s face blessed with wrinkles and crooked lines all over it. Am I going to look like her 50 years from now? I cringed for such idea.

“Warren Buffet have built Berkshire Hathaway into a massive holding company with interests ranging from underwear to private jets,” Lady Trump said. For once, I’ve heard her voice.

“Buffet has,” I thought.

“Impact, he is a wise investor and a capitalist.”

I ordered the usual and sat on my favorite place: the one far away from the windows fronting the busy road, with lights glooming up above my head bright enough for me to read a book. Everyone else was busy highlighting their notes, while some are attending to their sales calls.

“One venti Macchiatto with two shots of almonds for Kiko!” the barista said with a heavy Cebuano accent.

Half annoyed for shouting my name in an un-classy way in public, I stood up, took my venti and beamed her a smile, and went back to my place.

“Take a selfie with your coffee,” said my ego.

“No way. No one cares,” I answered.

“People will like your photo because it’s Starbucks, you know,” the ego argued.

After a constant battle and persuasion, I grabbed my phone and snapped 15 to 20 pics. I uploaded it expecting to have likes right after. Garnered around 50 likes within five-minutes is already an achievement I must say. I might not be that ugly after all.

-----------“For what reason on Earth should I ride a jeep and suffer such public transport dilemma?!” My inner soul shouted as I try my best to have the tip of my butt stay on the jeepney seat. The entire trip was gruesome being the intern of the driver. In all fairness, my financial literacy improved when I left the jeepney and resigned for such an amazing job.

“In fact,” I thought. When was this ever gonna end?

Minutes, hours or perhaps decades passed by unknowingly, I became fully aware that I cannot get myself out of the idea of how well I would be with a bunch of goals at my list, and how am I supposed to glaze through the realities of the upcoming events of my life. I’ve been thinking a lot, I guess, and here’s my Quantitative Analysis too, dragging me down to the least that I could be.

Lunch break came — finally I was a free spirit. My friends and I walked together to the nearest restaurant our financially deprived wallets could weather. Then came those roosters strolling around again, with those man-buns. I wasn’t sure what those muscle shirts were for. To show these vacuumed imbotidos how malnourished they were?

When lunch was served, without hesitation my friends grabbed their phones and took pics of our meals and posted them on Instagram. This was the update for the grace before meals, a longer version at that.

I arrived home, drained from entire day’s trip. I went straight to bed, curled myself in my blanket and opened my phone. I scrolled endlessly through Facebook to have a peek on my friends’ nonsense lives. But darn news is breaking my vibe. Who the heck cares about Duterte’s actions toward the war on drugs? Or the presidential farewell speech of some dark guy? Or some random Asian guy who visited the country?

Or Nickelodeon wanting to build some sort of Bikini Bottom in the Philippines? The heck. These are the kind of news that make the youth of today dumber.

I looked at the clock, and it’s already 2 a.m. Still too early in my book, but hey, I was exhausted doing nothing.

I closed my eyes, and prayed “Lord, I hope the shoes I ordered from Zalora will arrive within this week. Safe and sound.”

I drifted to a dreamless sleep.

And may the Igers above bless our food.

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Hearing the soothing sound of birds outside my window, my wakening moment has just begun. I stretched myself luxuriously and started opening my eyes for my entire day is about to be lived.

My classes were done by 6 p.m., and I felt extremely relieved to escape the doors of hell after eight-straight hours. This day deserves a steaming hot mug of coffee as a reward for having a barely passing mark from my exam.

I snapped out from my daily dramatics in the morning and rushed my way to the bathroom. I was running late. TC

I light up a stick of cigarette upon carrying myself towards the nearest cafe. The fumes lustfully play around my lungs, as Hades lures around nearer. Such sensation engulfing me made me alive.

Floating freely.

Weightless.

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OPINION

Nakabantay Ba Ka? Kaye Diamos

Photo by Keith Raymier Ayuman

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OPINION

High school pa lang ko, wala jud ko magdahum nga makasulod ko og Sangkarlus kay lagi, prestihiyoso nga skwelahan, taas kaayo og standards ug taas sad og tuition. Mao na nga ang ako ju’ng panglantaw sa mga estudyante dinhi kay mga utokan ug dato.

Kana sa’ng maglakaw ko panaog sa bukid sa Talamban, daghan ko’g masugatan. Naa’y mga estudyante nga but-an ug nawng, naa sab ju’y kanang mahadlok sab ta kay seryoso ra kaayo, naa sa’y charming pud lantawn, naa’y gatuon; naa sab gani nga murag wala lang.

Sa dihang naka-entrance exam na ko ug pwera buyag, nakapasar pa jud, sa akong unang pagtan-aw pa lang daan sa mga estudyante, nakaingon ko nga kuyaw diay ang skwelahan nako sa sunod nga upat ka tuig.

Silang tanan sa akong panan-aw kay lisod amigahon kay maldita ug mga nawng, mahalon ug mga gamit; unya tungod sa ka-utokan, basin dili sad mamansin kay busy pirmi.

Naa sa’y mga manag-uyab nga dili mabuwag bisan unsa kadako sa sidewalk, ampay kaayo ang shuttle nga huot, ug pilit na kaayo nga usahay dili na jud mao. Hinuon, lahi-lahi man jud kuno ang tana’ng tawo.

Dili tanan imong uyonan, ug dili sad tanan kay mo-uyon nimo. Pero makahibaw sad unta ta nga mulugar kay Carolinians man kaha ta.

Sa pagsugod sa klase, maypagkangit-ngit pa akong panglantaw kay wala ko kahibaw unsay dangatan nako dinhi. Mao na nga gikulbaan kaayo ko, unya daghan kaayo ko’g pangutana sa akong kaugalingon, “Makasugakod kaha ko dinhi? Daghan ba kaha kog maila-ila nga mga tawo dinhi? Daghan ba kaha kog nindot nga memories nga mahimo?

Makakita ba kaha ko ni forever, aw sayop, mga amiga diay nga makauban nako samtang naa ko dinhi?”

Tuod man, nakasugakod ra man kay naningkamot man sad, nakaila ko ug mga amiga, naa sa’y mga good memories; wala pa hinuon si forever pero daghan na sad ko’ng mga tawo nga nakaila. Sa paglungtad nako dinhi nga skwelahan, kada adlaw, maka-ingon ko nga bag-o jud kay tungod daghan pa kaayo’ng mga bag-ong nawong nga makasugat sa Portal makasakay sa shuttle o maka-classmate sa uban subjects.

Ako nga himantayon, naa ko’y akoa nga mga ilhanan para makaila kung taga diin na nga department ang usa ka estudyante, labi na jud dinhi sa Talamban. Kung bright tan-awon pero murag chill lang, para nako, naa ra na sa Engineering or sa Sciences. Kung mura’g naa’y party adtoan, basin sa SAFAD na. Kung naga-puti, gadala ug notes pirmi, nya stressed, sa SHCP na. Kanang makaadto sad ko og Downtown Campus, makaingon sab ko nga sila ang mga rich kids.

Oo, ga-stereotype ko. Pero angkunon na lang sab nga ato na ning nabuhat. Dili ni siya malikayan sa kadako sa atong skwelahan ug sa pipila ka mil ang ga-skwela dinhi. Kahibaw pud ta nga dili ni nato mahimo og amiga tanan. Mao na ang atong gibuhat kay ato na lang silang bantayan ug diha, makaingon ta kung ganahan ba ta nila. Kita ra man sad ang nakahibawo sa mga klase sa tawo nga gusto natong makauban. Pwede sad ta maimpluwensiyahan sa mga tawo nga ato nang naandan.

Sa kadaghan nga higayon nga pwede ta makaila-ila ug bag-ong mga estudyante, maayo jud nga makahibaw jud ta molugar depende sa tawo nga gika-atubang. Naa ra sab jud na nato kung magkasinabot ta o dili.

Naa’y tagsa nga mahabilin sa atong kinabuhi, pero kasagaran jud kono kay mulabay ra. Sa atong pag-ila ila anang mga tawhana, makaingon jud ka nga lahi ra jud ni siya sa kining lain nato nga kaila.

Pero kaila man o dili, kahibawo ko nga dili sab jud nato malimod nga mamantay ta og mga tawo. Kining pagpamantay nato nila kay naa ra jud na sa duha: bati o nindot. Apan naa sa’y usahay nga dili ta muangkon sa atong kaugalingon nga bati na diay atong gipang-istorya nga maghimo dayon ug excuses, o nindot ra sab kaayo nga dili ta ganahan ingnon nga basin naa ta’y gusto ato niya. Sa mas simple nga istorya, bisa’g unsaon, naa ju’y ika-sulti ang tawo, labi na ang mga estudyante nga naa sab ju’y standards kung mangita ug amigo ug amiga. Mga higala kaha’y gipangita, o ang kadato lang ug kagwapa o kagwapo ato niya?

Sa akong mga panahon nga ga-eskwela ko og Sangkarlus, nagpasalamat ko nga nabutang ko og lugar nga dili ra ko maglisod ug uban sa mga tawo. Usahay sab, kay dili man sab jud malikayan nga mugawas ka sa imong comfort zone, unya masagol sa mga estudyante nga dili nimo kaila o dili nimo masabtan, lisod sab kaayo. Ang nakanindot lang kay mas makaila ta og mas daghan nga kinaiya unya, mas makahibaw ka unsaon ang pakig-uban nila sa sunod nga makasugat na sab ka og mga ingonana nga klase sa estudyante.

First year pa ko, kulba kaayo. Mura siya’g kaadlawon nga wala ko kahibaw asa ko puniton inig kahayag sa kalibutan. Apan, kung hunahunaon lingaw sab nga wala ta kahibaw kay kita jud ang magbuot kung asa ta padung, unsa atong ganahan buhaton ug kinsa atong mga makaila. TC

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VOX POPULI

What can you say about the performance of this school year’s SSC? Patricia May Compra A student’s voice is one of the most crucial impacts to change. In this university, embodying that voice is the sole purpose of the Supreme Student Council.

With their numerous projects geared toward the betterment of the student body, it is high time that we hear the response of those they have sworn to serve.

For me, this year’s SSC are trying their best to serve and treat the students right and I don’t see any problem at all. So far their performance as a council is doing well. Hoping that by next term all councilors are hands on to their responsibilities and duties.

- Ronel Querobin, BSBA - Executive Resource Management 3 I’ve heard nga some officers are not active or like nag salig sila since amazing ang president. Niya daghan ug fresh activities na-accomplish. Despite sa activities nga na-implement successfully, it seemed like wala namo na- feel ang presence sa officers due to minimal exposure. So we are not sure who really exerted effort and deserving sa post or if they deserve to be there na pud next time.

- BSBA – Marketing Management 3 I think it’s nice that the current SSC is focusing on projects geared towards student’s rights and welfare compared to previous years just focusing on social events and so called “parties”. I think the students can see these improvements as well, but I do hope the next SSC could reach out more to those students who are apathetic because I think this is what’s lacking in the SSC this academic year.

- BSIE – 5 In my fourth year of studying in USC, this school year is the year when I never felt SSC’s impact or significance to the student body as a whole. Besides spearheading merry-making events, they barely do anything about aiding with the students’ concerns regarding the flaws of the school administration and the inconsistent implementation of school rules.

- BS ME-LP 4 I would like to commend this year’s SSC for the different activities they were able

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VOX POPULI

to organize. However, like the previous administrations, they were not able to reach a number of Carolinians through their programs. There is always a room for improvement.

- Michelle May D. Rama, AB POSC-LPS 3

activities and events I knew were good too. Also the organizations of the university seemed more united and transparent. It’s not easy to handle thousands of diverse people so in that, I thank you for staying on your post SSC. Kudos!

- CGQ eBSN-3

This year’s administration has truly been directed towards reforms and courses of action that put the students’ welfare into the pedestal, from the landmark deliberations on Magna Carta for Students’ Rights to the simple but effective #BeLikeCarlos campaign for cleanliness, I have nothing but an outstanding remark for this year’s SSC. - Joshua Monsanto, AB POSC-LPS 3

As an officer in an organization, I can really tell that they are doing their best in making the councilors’ advocacies come into reality. I have also observed that there are more programs this year, where the students can participate into, compared to last year’s. However, I think that if I was just an ordinary student (not an officer), I won’t be feeling a significant difference between SSC today and yesterday. SSC needs to constantly improve their program information dissemination so that ALL Carolinians will be informed (and definitely participate in the program that interests them).

- BS Pharmacy 3

So far, with this year’s Supreme Student Council doing their utmost best in executing their responsibilities as student leaders, I am happy on how they have truly strive in upholding their advocacies through the implementation of various projects. Though I can say that there are disappointments in the school system, I hope that they’ve addressed to more serious issues residing within the institution (particularly improving school facilities, an improved and consistent uniform, attire and haircut policy to name a few).

- Patricia Desquitado, BS Psych 3 This year’s SSC has amazed me with their constant effort to create new projects and policies for every Carolinian to enjoy. My personal favorite is the CLAYGO Campaign because it encourages students to be environmentally conscious. Overall, I think that this year’s SSC has outdone themselves and has served as an inspiration for the entire Carolinian community.

- Nika Blanco, AB-LIT 4 This year’s Student Council to me, did a good job. Their efforts are mostly seen in the updates they post in the Facebook page. All the events and updates are put up on time.

- BS ID 3 Honestly speaking, I don’t quite feel the SSC’s presence in this school year unlike before. So far as I’ve noticed, there weren’t much activities and programs that were notable to the students. There was nothing peculiar that would make today’s SSC a unique one. I know there’s a lot of members in the council however, I only noticed a few actively, may it be in giving information in social media or in actual activities and events.

Please do not be carping of my opinion for I am a third year student and I may care less in other matters than before. It might be the reason why I don’t feel SSC now or maybe I have mutual opinions with others. But I didn’t mean this year’s council is unsuccessful. I’m also grateful that nothing bad happened and no major problems that would affect the students occurred. It was a quite and peaceful year this time, I think. The

While I can say that their activities for this year were great, somehow, I rarely feel the presence of the SSC. - BS Chemistry 2 At the early part of the school year, I observed that the SSC was really active in conducting activities that would involve the whole student body. They were very active in a way that each organization would get to know other organizations around the school. They were able to make good connections with external offices and that’s really a good thing. But towards the end of the school year, Ii was not able to feel their activeness already.

- Janielle Bernice A. Guion, BS Chemistry 2 For me, I can say that they really did their best and promulgated things that benefited the studentry. The efforts are felt by students who engaged into SO activities and those who participates in the activities they have initiated. But I had a talked with one of my friends at school and he said (non- verbatim): “Hapit na mahuman ila term? Murag wala lage nako na-feel.” For me it may be true for them since they don’t really participate in such activities but it might be a warning or attention call for SSC to let the students feel that they exist. For me, I commend this year’s officers for doing all their best and doing their jobs as the representatives of the studentry to the administration.

- Nino Philip Fernandez BSEd Physics-Math 3 All I can say is that SSC is doing their best to improve. Even though they have their flaws, they’re still trying its best to make the best out of the Carolinians.

- BSEd-ReED-VEd 3 TC

9 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

FEATURE

Conformity in the University Paulie Yap

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FEATURE

“Get good grades, acquire employability skills and graduate.”

“Observe, do not question and move along.”

Those are the mantras. A blatant culture of conformity exists in the university. Almost everyone, mainly the students, are simply treading water.

It may not seem alarming to most, but it is an issue that leads to more severe consequences — apathy for example.

A person’s sense of individualism becomes unclear. Because of the yield to group pressures and fear of displeasing authority, the freedom of academic thought and progress in knowledge are slowly shrinking to a minimum.

Another concrete example that students can relate to is the strain to follow social trends . In a group, it is as if they are just clones instead of individuals. With uniform views and apparent suppression of their distinction, it is a depressing reality to see every day.

Bullying, teasing, shallow criticisms are other examples of conformity amongst peers. To think that these taunts are done for the sole purpose of supposed “delight”. Don’t worry, “Lingaw-lingaw ra man ni gud”.

In higher education, it is an even bigger battlefield.

Yes, as an entirety, the sole purpose of our university is to mold its students, the Carolinians, into individuals armored with their own judgment. However, a sad reality is that apathy rings through the four walls of its classrooms.

A number of reasons are to blame for how the students have succumbed to this though. For one, we are a collective culture. Compared to Western countries’ individualistic characteristics, the thoughts of others — family, friends and teachers — matter to us. Consequently, their regard of us affects our actions.

Another reason is fear: fear of being reprimanded by the administration, fear of getting on the bad side of a teacher, and the fear of standing out.

of students’ minds. It is understandable though — they have no other choice. To evaluate existing knowledge and propose new truths have now been considered as “disrespect” or “acting superior”.

The lack of controversy among the students and their peers also gives way to conformity . When someone arises above the rest, he or she is verbally slain by groups of bullies and is labeled as “troublesome”, “uneducated”, and “rebellious”.

The individual thoughts of intellectual radicals are also censored. Thus, students are led by consensus and conformity, which further lead to the reluctance to say anything controversial at all. Putting ideas beyond discussion is damaging because then, who would know and care about anything at all?

The ongoing controversy about a certain topic is a good thing. Not everyone will agree on something, but it is fine. These things stir people and their thinking and, in a way, the concern in them blossoms.

Opposition is also a good thing. It gives an opportunity to challenge students. Just imagine it, a classroom with a battle of ideas whose end is agreement. It may be noisy, but it will be the noise of substantial arguments instead of the silence of apathy.

Speaking out in the university may seem like an awful violation, but it’s not. The idea of protesting within the university could also help the case against conformity and mediocrity. Letting the students protest does not make them look like animals simply in herds but instead students with individual sentiments.

The university must challenge instead of conform. In Joana Williams’ book Academic Freedom, she stated that rejecting the liberal project of advancing needs through competing truth claims has left universities without a purpose.

The tolerance for apathy and conformity should end. Gone is the undermining of academic freedom, and we ought to relinquish intellectual sterility in classrooms. Instead of opting for employability skills alone, tinker with the mind, too. Conforming to employers’ and society’s expectations alone is questionable.

Since when has this been a bad thing? Why do older people have to look at distinctive students in horror? Since when has silence been satisfactory?

Bring back the days in the university whenre differences were celebrated and the students had a voice — where they had every opportunity to put everything into light and cause a ruckus with awareness.

The loss of academic free speech and critique has led to the dormancy

Think freely. TC

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FEATURE

√To the Power of Y Theresa Kate Palompon

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FEATURE

Over eight centuries have passed since Euclid discovered the concept behind exponents as a reference to a square of a line. Following him was Archimedes who wrote “The Sand Reckoner,” an account on a new number system that makes use of the concept of powers.

In the past, people only utilized the powers of two and three; however, as time progressed, more rules and concepts that underlie exponents were discovered.

Records reveal that the population of the Philippines has reached approximately 1.03x108 (103 Million) at the time of writing. Out of this number, the Central Intelligence Agency deduced that 33.71 percent are below 15, 19.17 percent are between 15 and 24 while 36.86 percent are aged 25-54. Based on these figures, it can be safely concluded that the majority of the population belongs to the Generation Y segment, otherwise known as the Millennial.

If we compare these statistics to the number of students enrolled in the University of San Carlos, the difference would be material. Truth be told, the university’s population is but minute when contrasted to a broader spectrum. It would take a great deal of effort to make the voices of the students be heard.

However, the power that the millennials hold is definitely strong enough to make the impossible seem possible, and the students of USC are no exception to such fact. Looking back, 2016 proved to be a year of controversy and though often referred to as nonchalant, it was the youth who served as frontrunners ion the fight for life and historical preservation.

In the midst of the hype of issues on Extrajudicial Killings and Marcos’ unanticipated burial in Libingan ng Mga Bayani, Carolinians openly manifested their stand against these matters not only through social media discussions but also by participating in protests and simulations.

What most people fail to see though is that the university has long been involved in advocating against social ills that are plaguing our country. Beyond the bounds of the virtual world, there are Carolinians fighting against injustices and faults against our nation.

When you raise a number to a certain power, this represents how many times you multiply a particular number by itself.

It all began with the power of one. Idealab, referred to as the laboratory for ideas, advocacies and student leadership, was the brainchild of USC alumnus, Miguel Garcia.

Although it was not put into existence until

2014, Garcia’s vision of a “nerd culture,” where people value each other’s ideas to create a better world, has been taking its flight.

Carolinian Political Science Society, the official co-curricular organization founded by the faculty of the Department of Political Science.

“Ideas do not come from trees.” True to this statement, Idealab pioneered the presence of TEDx in Cebu, which aims to share ideas of people that are worthy to solve the nation’s problems. In fact, they plan to bring in its analog, BIL, to provide more avenues for Carolinians to acquire new ideas, knowledge and skills in hopes of reincarnating intellectualism.

The organization aims to immerse its members into various social realities and to adapt to dynamic issues that circulate in a complex society. Apart from conducting departmental activities that promote civic engagement, CPSS transcends by joining active movements outside the institution.

When the exponent is a fraction such as 1/Y, you take the Yth root of a number.

The root of a better society is the awareness of its members. Which is why, the Campus Integrity Crusaders, a non-partisan organization duly recognized by the Office of the Ombudsman, has been inculcating the basic principles of human rights and civic duties within the students as they battle against corruption.

As the student arm of the Ombudsman, CICUSC places emphasis on opening the eyes of the Filipinos to the upshots of corruption and political ignorance by conducting forums on anticorruption and voter’s education. They HAVE also ventured into creative ways of information dissemination by creating a jingle on the banes of corruption and joining the Integrity Caravan in Balamban.

According to the Zero Rule, any number raised to the power of zero is always equal to one.

In the absence of a force acting against it, a particular problem will always exist. As a result, the Golden Z Club was formed in 2015. For the propagation of feminism and children’s welfare, Zonta Club of Cebu II, under Zonta International, sponsored the inception of its Carolinian counterpart.

The Golden Z Club gears towards the advancement of the status of women through service and advocacy. They have been engaging public high schools into knowing more about feminism, gender and rights with their #StopTheStigma talks and Gender and Development Seminar- Workshop. In addition, they participated in UNICEF’s 3rd HighLevel Meeting Asia-Pacific Youth Innovation Challenge.

According to the Product Rule of exponents, when you multiply two powers with the same base, simply add the exponents.

A common cause can bring people from different walks of life together. If any consortium can prove this point, it would have to be the

Despite the nods of both agreement and disapproval that they received from the public, CPSS still believes that students have no excuse to dissociate themselves from these issues. “For as long as these things are done legitimately and rightfully, the causes must be considered,” says CPSS president, Sofia Lorraine Ygot.

The Power Rule states that in order to raise a power to a power, you must multiply the exponents.

Although these groups have been functioning effectively as individuals, there is no doubt that more heads are better than one. Student awareness and participation are the keys towards a better institution and if possible, an even better Philippines free from man-made adversaries.

As Golden Z Club President, Athina Olan, has put it, there is no cause at all without support and participation. “I would like to think of organizations as being the brain, the cause being the heart, and the supporters being the blood that runs through the veins,” she adds.

The power that Generation Y possesses is not meant to be concealed. Studying in an institution that opens its gates to social acts and movements is a privilege that not everyone is given. This opportunity grants people the chance to rebuild this afflicted nation.

If we relate it mathematically, a cause raised to the power of Y would equate to a better society.

However, as we raise this equation to an even larger exponent, the Power Rule shall take effect resulting to a completely just and humane society.

After all, the word exponent, outside the Mathematic parlance, simply means someone who supports a particular cause or belief. Thus, every Carolinian is called to be an exponent, a socially literate citizen who fights for the betterment of society.

Thing is: Are you willing to raise your cause to the power of Y? TC

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FEATURE

A Look into this Year’s

Supreme Student Council

Mikhailah Rañada Photographs by Keith Raymier Ayuman, Shekinah Danong, Angelo Nico Daroy, June Kirslie Escudero, Jessa Marie Pedrola & Eloise Noreen Yuson Every year, the student body is given the chance to elect the next academic year’s set of Supreme Student Council officers. Those who decide to exercise their right to vote choose to do so with the hope that the elected candidates will fulfill their promised activities and programs. Some voters just want to make sure that those who get in the university’s highest governing student organization are only those who deserve to be there. More than anything, we want to ensure that they do their duties well and properly represent the student body before the administration and before other external parties.

As the end of their term approaches, one of the questions that comes to mind is: How well did the Supreme Student Council Officers 2016-2017 perform?

When he was asked to evaluate his council’s performance throughout the academic year, SSC President Bret Balbuena expressed that he is satisfied with the collective accomplishments of the council. Still, he thinks there were projects wherein he and his colleagues could have done better. Nevertheless, he believes that this year’s council “truly delivered.”

Some of the activities the SSC initiated this year were the Carolinian Summit, Gadja, the ED Caravan and Abtik Carolinian. These were all geared towards particular objectives like student leadership development, celebration of Carolinian pride and socio-political forums. In fact, one of the flagship projects of the SSC this year, the Warriors Run, generated enough income to fully fund the education of a chosen scholar. The current council hopes this project will someday grow and that, in the future, they can adopt more scholars.

As the representatives of the university student body before the administration, the members of the council have participated and are participating in movements like the revision of the student manual and the process mapping, which was done to help reduce redundant provisions in the

14 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

university student services.

According to Hon. Balbuena, one noteworthy change in the SSC that was implemented this academic year was the creation of the council’s own bank account. This is significant because, in the past, dues just go into and get accounted for from a personal account. In addition, this year’s SSC never received a full comprehensive liquidation report on the monetary activities of its predecessors. Regarding the importance of the SSC having its own account, Hon. Balbuena said, “...this will enable for greater transparency of our cash receipts and disbursements so that it be made known to everyone that no cash is being unjustly appropriated for personal use.”

An account separate from any officer’s personal account makes transaction history tracing easier and less troublesome to account for.

Knowing that the SSC is currently composed of people from the three different political parties of the university, Hon. Balbuena was also asked about the working relationship of the SSC officers.

It is common knowledge that there are a lot of matters in which the individual political parties disagree on; however, the president made no mention of any significant disagreements within the council. Hon. Balbuena painted the SSC’s working relationship as light yet responsibility-driven.

He said the officers were all “responsible enough to come together and just work things out” although the separate campuses made it less easy to form a bond with those on the other end.

As to the question on the fulfillment of the winning candidates’ promises to the voting body during the previous election, the council president admits that it was hard to gauge whether the officers’ promises to the student body were realized. Some of the things changed and implemented this year were not part of the promised activities of the winning candidates while some promises were too idealistic to be fulfilled. As a candidate, there are many things one would want to achieve if given a chance to be an SSC officer. However, Hon. Balbuena stated that when already an SSC officer,

so many factors come in play to prevent what is hoped for — the administration’s disapproval, lack of resources and other circumstances unique to specific projects.

It is important to remember why we have an SSC. Its members are students themselves tasked to embody the thousands of enrolled Carolinians before the people who have a say on matters that have an impact on their stay in the university. The council has to see to it that every student’s right is fought for and student development is promoted while also making sure that nothing they do could negatively affect those they serve. Part of its job is to bring together student organizations within the university in order to widen its reach on the student body, considering the university college departments are spread out within three different campuses.

It would be very hard to get an objective answer to the question on whether our outgoing SSC officers performed well throughout their term. Naturally, any SSC officer would claim that much effort was invested for the success of the council’s activities.

A student who has benefitted from the SSC’s realized projects might say the council performed well enough while a student who has not felt the presence of the SSC at all might be indifferent towards the matter.

What makes a well-performing student council?

Is it unity amidst diversity? Success despite disputes? Positive deviation from well-established practices? As an SSC officer, is it better to meet expectations or go beyond them?

Every individual has his own criteria for judging the performance of the people who are meant to serve the students as members of the highest governing student organization of USC. Based on your personal criteria, are you satisfied with the SSC’s performance this academic year? TC

FEATURE

SSC YEAR-END REPORT 2016-2017 Bret Balbuena SSC President, A.Y. 2016-2017 Your USC Supreme Student Council believes that its direction should be towards creating relevant and sustainable programs that benefit the Carolinians. However, we understand that the University and its students have numerous problems that we must try to address; thus, we made it a point to ensure that our internal systems were properly in place in order for this council to operate effectively and efficiently.

The council plays quite a number of roles ranging from representing the students in external affairs, to having internal sessions with the administration, to organizing events, to creating avenues for individual growth, to initiating forums on social causes, and even as simple as to relaying messages and disseminating information. With this, the council believes that the power of partnerships is not anymore a luxury but a necessity. In this desire of the governing body to succeed, we need collaboration not just with the student organizations present in the university but also with Carolinians who simply just want to serve.

Our group started this year with Excellence, Relevance and Innovation in mind. I believe that for the past year, we have strived to deliver these in various forms. To highlight a few, we wanted to be excellent in transparency and financial statement disclosure and thus it is only this year

that your council has established a separate bank account so that the cash need not be deposited to any officer’s personal bank account. Hundreds of students year after year after year always cry out the inconsistencies of the implementation of our school policies and yet when we look at the student manual, there lies the problem because of its ambiguity at times. This year, the student manual revision is happening and your student council is very much a part of it and we believe this is not just relevant to a few but to a big majority of the university. The council places great value in education. This year, one of our innovations is the scholarship grant provided to a student that is fully funded by the proceeds of Warriors’ Run (Disclaimer: No single cent was utilized from the original SSC Funds for this program). The council aspires that it may later on create a community of scholars that would embody the brand of USC and the Warrior’s brand of leadership.

As the USC Supreme Student Council continues to better itself and improve its services to the student body, it continuously also asks for your relentless support in all its endeavors. The council simply asks that it may journey with you in your student life. As we come to a close for this academic year, and as we welcome the incoming officers that would soon be elected, we present to you some of our highlights for this academic year:

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FEATURE

SCIENTIA Innovation Convention Innovation Convention is a project dedicated to support the ideas of innovation. It is an interdisciplinary research conference for students focusing on the areas of Science and Technology, Marketing Strategies, Design, Healthcare, Breakthroughs in Social Sciences and Teaching Methods, among many others.

By providing the Carolinians an avenue for a healthy discourse of plans and showcase of ideas, we take the first step forward towards being ahead of the competitive world.

Constitutional Convention During the first semester, the council initiated the formation of the Committee on Constitutional Review and Reform and the creation of the Constitutional Convention. The goal of the initiative is to review the USC SSC Constitution and create reforms in order to have a more relevant student council that can address the present needs of the student body.

Abtik Carolinian Abtik Carolinian is a three-phase advocacybased program that shall influence university students to act on several advocacies.

Under this program, students will undergo (1) simulations with advocacy champions, (2) trainings and workshops on advocacy-building and (3) network building and strategic planning for a sustained advocacy network in the university.

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Magna Carta The Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee (STRAW) has continuously worked on drafting and revising the first ever Magna Carta for Students’ Rights for USC even before the start of the school year. It is an initiative that aims to address the common issues faced by students especially and particularly on the inconsistency of school policies.

Carolinian Summit: Think Global, Engage Local The Carolinian Summit is an annual gathering of Carolinians who wish to improve themselves and get to know themselves better through training and experiential learning. On its 5th year, the focus was on the idea of globalization and how Filipinos or Cebuanos specifically should act towards this phenomenon.

It featured several keynote speakers who have been recognized internationally for their way of doing things locally. It also partnered with 2Explore, an independent homegrown company that specializes in experiential learning.

Conglomeration of Student Organizations This academic year, the council was able to take one step further and fully operationalize the Conglomeration of Student Organizations (CSO). The CSO was able to launch its first CSO Talks and it featured several key matters that are beneficial to aspiring youth leaders

such as Choosing Advocacies and Project Planning and Development.

ED Caravan ED Caravan is a movement-driven social awareness project of the University of San Carlos Supreme Student Council. Its main objective is to provide timely and relevant educational discussions in regard to local and national social issues in the different industries each college faces.

Student Manual Revision Finally, after 4 years, and with the continuous efforts of your Supreme Student Council, the Student Manual Revision has come to a reality. Our present student manual was last revised during 2012 – 2013. This year the SSC will have a substantial role in the reformation of our student manual. They are part of the committee handling the Code of Conduct and Student Activities. They are now in the process of working with the Office of Student Affairs in drafting the Student Manual which will be effective in the year 2018. This is a huge leap for the students as the council will be able to suggest policies that are more relevant today and the council also has a voice in the deliberation process of the student manual.

FEATURE

VIRTUS CLAYGO Clean As You GO or simply CLAYGO is an initiative that aims to address the pressing issue of unsanitary practices of students in certain public areas within the university such as leaving their trashes on tables and throwing their garbage at the wrong disposal bins.

Moreover, this project does not only aim at changing the students’ mindset and habits, it also provides a sustainable plan together with the university administration to provide more suitable trash bins.

Carolinians showcase their talents in order to celebrate Carolinian pride.

Warriors’ Run On its 6th year, Warriors Run 2016 has truly outdone itself. The event had a record high 1,200 participants (conservative estimate) which is almost 10 times the previous year. Moreover, this annual gathering of Carolinians to celebrate Fitness and Health did not just end with the Run itself but it has now produced its first ever Warriors’ Run Scholar – also a first for the USC Supreme Student Council.

Warriors’ Week Warriors’ Week is an initiative to increase the morale of the University and its Warriors Brand.

It is also an avenue to support our athletes as they represent the school in various local competitions, one of which is CESAFI. It was culminated by Warriors’ night wherein several Carolinians (both Alumni and students) were recognized for giving pride to our institution.

KASADYA: Week of Welcome The Week of Welcome is an annual celebration spearheaded by the Student Council to welcome the student body to another year at the university. It is coupled with various activities from student organization recruitment, to several quiz bowls, to orientation seminars for newcomers and closed out with a bang with the much anticipated Pasigarbo sa USC where

University Intramurals This year, the council had a greater participation and role in the Annual Intramurals as compared to previous years and it ought to be this way and even greater in the following years. The council worked hand in hand with the Office of Fr. Ocariza (Athletics Office) and it also organized the culminating activity Gadja, a celebration of Carolinian pride.

Usa Sa Cultura Usa sa Cultura is an initiative to emphasize the ideas of inclusivity and cultural exchange. Our university is filled with not just Filipinos but also various international students. This program helped bridge the student council with the International Student Assocation (ISA). They’ve expressed how grateful they are as this is the first time the Student Council has reached out to them. Moreover, the project was culminated by a Musical Concert featuring several local artists (most notably are those in VISPOP).

Gadja Gadja: The Carolinian Persona is the culmination of the Intramurals Week and is a celebration of Carolinian talent and pride. This year the event was for Carolinians only and it included the senior high students as well.

Despite the fact that Carolinians battled it out and competed against each other in the various intramurals games, we all still came together in Gadja.

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FEATURE

DEVOTIO USC – SSC SCHOLAR This USC Supreme Student Council has produced its first ever USC Scholar (this is as far as documentation goes because I would not know if there were scholars of USC SSC 5 years and beyond before).

The recipient underwent, together with other applicants, a rigorous process by sending their applications to us highlighting their achievements and accomplishments in various aspects of their student life such as leadership, academic excellence and community involvement. Our administration strongly encourages the future SSC Officers to continue this project and hopefully build a community of competent scholars of the Student Council.

LINC Linc is long-term project and initiative of the council to address the information gap between opportunities (may it be jobs, leadership camps, internship programs, special trainings and the like) and students. With the advent of technology and growing potential of social media, it has come to our realization that we can reinforce (not totally replace) the efforts of our university in connecting its students to these opportunities.

SSC involvement with Cebu Federation of Student Councils At the onset of this year’s term, the council sought to ensure that it will actively be involved in the then upcoming elections for May 2016. It partnered with the Cebu Federation of Student

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Councils to encourage the youth to be actively involved in the elections.

SK Carolinians SK Carolinians is an initiative that aims to address the issues on Sangguniang Kabataan reforms and is also an avenue for the youth to discuss and ask questions that are relevant for creating a more relevant system in the government where there is active participation coming from the youth sector. The event was graced by the National Youth Commission Commissioner representing Visayas: Honorable Jo Jan Paul Penol.

Carolinian Christmas Concert The Choristers, the Office of External Affairs and the Supreme Student Council partnered in order to realize the Christmas Concert at SM Seaside.

It was a showcase of Carolinian talent to the Cebuano Community. It was spearheaded by former Office of Student Affairs Head Mrs. Nimfa Alo. Carolinian Christmas Park The Student Council transformed the Wrocklage Yard to a Christmas park wherein student organizations could interact with the student body. It was a way for the students to feel and embrace the Christmas spirit and at the same time to remind everyone what Christmas was truly all about. It was culminated by a concert.

External Partnerships of the Council The council believes that it is more productive if it creates partnerships outside of the university.

For this year it had made several partnerships which had benefitted the Carolinians such as its partnership with UBER, ABS-CBN and Ateneo Student Exchange Council to name a few.

Through these partnerships and linkages, the council hopes to increase its network in order to create more value for the Carolinians.

Carolinian Volunteers The Carolinian Volunteers is an avenue for Carolinians to get involved in student activities wherein they contribute their skills and knowledge in order to make projects successful. It is also an avenue to meet other Carolinians with similar interests and collaborate for future projects. Moreover, it is also an opportunity for them to invest in themselves even more with training and team building activities. iDiscount One of USC’s flagships projects that aims to provide discounts and privileges to Carolinians by partnering with establishments in the community. This year it has successfully established itself as our partners grew in number and we now have a greater variety from food shops to artsy stores to recreational activity centers to gyms to karaoke & entertainment pubs to cosmetic stores and other more.

FEATURE

SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL Liquidation Report February 11, 2017

Cash Balance, AY 2015-2016 Cash Inflows Summer Dues Contributions from Officers (LTS) First Semester Dues Sponsorships Carolinian Summit Registration Fee Bank Interest (Net) Usa sa Cultura Ticket Sales Gadja Subsidy Warriors' Run Proceeds Second Semester Dues Total Cash Available Cash Outflows 04.24.16 LTS 05.12.16 Carolinian Summit 05.25.16 CSO 06.16.16 Week of Welcome 06.28.16 SK Carolinian 07.21.16 Magna Carta 07.26.16 Carolinian Volunteers 07.29.16 Opening of Bank Account 08.04.16 Warriors Week 08.27.16 Gadja 09.02.16 Usa sa Cultura 09.22.16 EJK Forum 09.23.16 Martial Law Exhibit 09.26.16 4th International Youth Assembly 10.01.16 CCRR 10.07.16 Chicken Pork Adobo 10.15.16 Retooling 11.05.16 DC General Cleaning 11.07.16 SCAP 11.07.16 Uber Shoot 11.14.16 CLAYGO 11.25.16 TC General Cleaning 12.01.16 Pakighinabi 12.09.16 ED Caravan - Leg 1 12.14.16 Carolinian Christmas Park 12.17.16 Commission on Elections 01.21.17 LINC 01.27.17 Donation Drive 02.04.17 Innovation Convention 02.05.17 USC Youth Day 02.08.17 Miscellaneous Expenses 02.09.17 IDiscount Abtik Carolinian Ed Caravan - Leg 2 Unite SSC Polo Shirts Cash Balance, February 10, 2017 Appropriation for Warriors' Run Scholarship Program Net Cash Available

142,422.75 85,603.20 2,300.00 225,545.62 39,000.00 42,000.00 63.40 12,440.00 35,000.00 68,233.00 169,381.24

26,675.00 91,388.00 1,295.00 47,400.00 1,854.00 4,585.00 1,500.00 450.00 74,500.00 80,000.00 36,970.00 1,000.00 10,722.50 2,845.00 2,832.50 6,000.00 14,232.90 520.00 12,983.00 5,000.00 5,349.00 300.00 19,936.00 8,899.00 13,269.00 80,000.00 2,695.00 2,000.00 37,947.50 20,000.00 14,370.85 7,000.00 18,500.00 6,101.00 13,000.00 9,440.00

679,566.46 821,989.21

681,560.25 140,428.96 68,233.00 72,195.96

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SSC

ELECTIONS 2017

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ELECTIONS

SPP “Power is never stored up so that it may be tapped in times of crises. There is no such thing as stored power, only power in actu. It exists only in its exercise, in its actualization. ‘Power is actualized only where word and deed have not parted company, where words are not empty and deeds are not brutal, where words are not used to veil intentions but to disclose realities, and deeds are not used to violate and destroy to establish relation and create new realities.’”

-Arendt, H. The Human Condition cited in Aquino, R. The Dialectic of Power, Rights, and Responsibility STUDENT POWER PARTY (SPP) was founded on February 14, 1998. It has been steadfast in its advocacies of Student Empowerment, Advocacy-Driven Service, Academic Democratization and Excellence, Transparency and Accountability and Socio-Economic Responsibility.

For 19 years, SPP has continued to fight for students’ rights.

It has organized and supported numerous activities that uphold and defend the rights of the students. SPP firmly believes that the University of San Carlos can become not only an avenue of learning, but also of students’ leadership, creativity and expression. Improved campus facilities, open exchange between the students and the administration, enhanced response to complaints, quality projects and events, increased transparency and accountability, influx of opportunities for Carolinians – these are just some of the things SPP envisions for USC. Every student is a catalyst for change. Constantly, believing that everyone has the potential to become student leaders, SPP is composed of empowered members seeking change and improvement for all Carolinians. SPP aims to mold them into responsible change-makers who have a selfless vision to serve USC and society as a whole.

In campaigning for an election of change, SPP lends an ear to the woes of the student body in order to formulate timely solutions. Although SPP recognized that much effort is already done by the administration, student organizations and the Supreme Student Council to fulfill the needs of the students, it also believes that there is still so much more to be done.

“Students unite, fight for our rights!” This is the first line of SPP’s brave battlecry.

The Carolinian community is a pool of different colleges, different personalities, different interests and different priorities. However, SPP believes that unity in diversity is possible. Once the students empower each other and unite for their rights, doors leading to greater paths for the Carolinians will be opened.

“Pagsulti ug baruganan, gahum sa tinun-an!” The second part of the battlecry recognizes the very foundation of SPP: the students themselves. The Student Power Party is nothing without the students – both the students who serve and the students we serve. Real power inside the university is with the students. With the students united and unafraid, the possibilities are limitless.

SPP will always be with the students. At all times, SPP seeks what is right and just for the Carolinians. Truly empowered service does not tremble and get carried away by the ebb and flow of students politics. It remains steadfast and strong. This is the service SPP will always offer to the Carolinian community.

We strive and fight for a more inclusive SSC. PLATFORMS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Clear Liquidations, Explanations & Just Reasons (C.L.E.A.R.) Provision on liquidations, notices of any sudden increase and an insight into how our financial resources are being handled throughout each semester Carolinians On Air Amplifying communication through an in-school radio to effectively disseminate information to the Carolinians.

Promoting Awareness Through Transparency & Accountability of SSC (P.A.T.A.S.) Strict implementation of policies regarding the submission & publicizing of reports on liquidations and minutes of the meeting on a timely and relevant basis.

Information Disemination System (I.D.S.) A push messaging system and an active social media presence where important news and announcements are readily available.

COMMUNITY EXTENSION SERVICE Project Delta A community extension project that aims to extend quality education through tutorials and workshops to the less fortunate young generations.

STUDENT EMPOWERMENT Grievances And Rants Directive (G.A.R.D.) An efficient and effective operation of a committee under the SSC that focuses on the rants of students such as matters on facilities.

Student Social Center (S.S.C.) A ground for students to address and voice out their problems and concerns on school-related issues.

The Carolinian Ideas A collaboration of ideas and project or activity concepts from Carolinians which will serve as an inspiration for future SSC activities.

A Fair A week-long event with activities in the different fields of interest to unify Carolinians amidst their diversity.

Anti-Discrimination Resolution This carries out the policies of the concurrent ordinance in Cebu City that would fit the rights of the Carolinians to protect all students specifically minorities from discrimination imposed by and within the campus and would provide facilities for groups to level out the playing field in extra & co-curricular activities.

Student Empowerment on Programs and Services (S.T.E.P.S.) A series of gatherings among the students, faculty and the administation for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the programs and services of the university.

Empowerment of Collegiate Councils (E.C.C.) To enforce the full re-enactment of Article X of the USC SSC Constitution which brings back the power of the Collegiate Councils in the SSC to bring their advocacies closer to the students andbring service in a much larger expanse.

Linking Invaluable Networks for Carolinians (L.I.N.C.) A link between students and different establishments which bring career-related opportunities through part-time and summer jobs and partnering varieties of organizations where students can apply.

Food Watch Canteen regular inspections and health pubs will be implemented to aide Carolinians to a healthy lifestyle.

Student Involvement Through Art as a Whole (S.I.T.A.W.) As a skill acquired by experience and study, art as a whole will serve as an outlet for the students to express themselves and discover their passion for their profession in the form of art conventions, music and art festivals.

Happy Carolinian Campaign (H.C.C.) Despite the problems of stress, pressure, anxiety and depression being experienced by the students, this campaign intends to bring positive mindset and advance mental health by having out-of-the-box activities for recreation.

Green Project 2.0 A campaign gearing towards a healthier, cleaner and greener USC through sustainable and practical activities.

Career High A new breed of career opportunitiTes through workshops, conventions and mentorship programs.

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ELECTIONS

Why should the student body vote for you?

Nineteen years of genuine and passionate service to the student body and of offering Responsible, Empowered, Dedicated student-leaders to the Carolinian community—this is what SPP has unceasingly fought and struggled for. A government that listens and responds with action—this is how we envision the SSC. What are the issues within the university that you seek to tackle and why?

The SSC is the vanguard of student rights and interests in the university thus it must at all times protect student rights and advance their interests. This duty to the student body has been put forward in every SSC administration yet students feel the inadequacy of the programs as response to their concerns and interests.

Thus participation of the students in SSC-organized activities has waned even up to now. Some call this apathy, others deny apathy and claim only a shortcoming in information dissemination. We in SPP believe that this is just a manifestation of the problem of ineffective response to student issues and interests brought about by a shortage of creative and practical ideas. Thus the SSC must hold consultations and dialogues in regular intervals to know the sentiments of the student body to whom SSC officers must answer to directly.

Aside from organizing events and seminars, what else can your party do for the student body?

Even more important than plans and activities, we offer our commitment to the protection and advancement of student rights. SPP has put premium attention to giving the student body a choice in the policies and activities of the university. We shall spearhead sustainable, meaningful and practicable activities as is evident in our candidates’ programs of action aiming to make them committed and empowered servant leaders, not just participants.

How will your party work together with other parties after the election?

The Student Power Party has engaged in a dynamic relationship of critical collaboration with the other parties because it is our belief that no party has the upper hand in providing the best service to the Carolinian student body. The best service will only be attained in a collective and synergistic effort of the three political parties and all stakeholders. Thus we will always keep our lines of communication with the other parties open and we will work with them in activities that are SSCorganized or not, as long as these activities are in accordance to SPP’s principles.

02

Jan Duterte PRESIDENT

How do you ensure that members of your party, when they win, remain active for the rest of their term without compromising their academic responsibilities?

Academic excellence has always been integral in the identity of a “studentleader” that SPP abides with. The party has chosen students who are responsible in managing their time, students who are dedicated in their studies and their responsibilities in their respective organizations. The balance of intra- and extra-curricular activities is an art that our members are continually learning and developing. The party has made it a point of internal policy regarding its selection for its slate that only individuals who are equally passionate in both academic and extra-curricular responsibilities. After all, a student-leader is a student as much as he is a leader.

As a representative of the Carolinian populace and a member of the youth sector, how do you plan to contribute to greater national awareness?

National awareness must first be defined. SPP understands it to be a person’s exposure to and knowledge of current and important issues of national scope.

The university, as a microcosm of the nation, must not be isolated from the society wherein it is an indispensable part. As a student political party, we can contribute to national awareness by being a venue where social issues of local and national importance can be discussed and debated regardless of one’s beliefs.

Any final words for our fellow Carolinians?

Join us in our fight to make the Supreme Student Council relevant and inclusive.

Let us continue to fight for the improvement of the system we are in by pushing for increased student participation and involvement in all phases of project planning and execution. We urge each Carolinian to vote for the leaders who have a clear vision and conviction for change. We are one in our shared experiences and aspirations. We are one in our fight to make the SSC inclusive and relevant to you.

Come March 2, 2017 exercise your right to vote. Vote for an inclusive SSC, a united USC. Vote for the Student Power Party.

Students Unite, fight for our rights!

Pagsulti ug baruganan, gahum sa tinun-an!

TC

22 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

03

Krisha Viado VICE PRESIDENT

ELECTIONS

COUNCILORS

03 Aldrich Albaño

05 Nhanina Asupan

11 Januaree Collamat

12 Dmitri Cortes

14 Maxel Abe Damuag

15 Waverlee Delfino

16 Christian Delos Santos

18 Kate Danielle Dy

21 Niño Philip Fernandez

24 Kamille Geson

25 Ma. Theresa Shayne Go

31 Frances Niccolie Junsay

34 Exequiel Lebumfacil

39 Brian Kenneth Miole

42 Naomie Lee Oplado

46 Geo Lorenzo Peig

47 Ronel Querobin

49 Alejandro Sabarre

50 Ma. Jill Sabarre

57 Almira Tangpos

23 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

ELECTIONS

STAND The Student Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy is the oldest, widest, most established and the only progressive student political party in the University of San Carlos. The history of STAND is the history of the student movement within the university and the history of the progressive Filipino.

Promotion of Student Welfare: Carolinian Freedom and Advocacies

The roots of STAND trace back to the Pre-Martial Law era. In the 1970’s, a time of political, social and economic crisis, the best of the youth decided to fight against an oppressive system and an oppressive Filipino government.

The peak of this crisis was when Martial Law was declared stripping the Filipino people of their civil liberties and the students of their right to a student council, student publication and student organizations. In retaliation, a group of students formed the USC or United Student Coalition to fight against the dictatorship. Many of these brave students were silenced but in the wake of 1981 their fight won them back the rights they lost. In 1982, the United Student Coalition renamed itself to STAND and conducted the first student council elections in the entire country since the beginning of Martial Law. Thus, had it not been for STAND, the student council would have never resurfaced. STAND’s legacy is the foundation of the entire student body.

GADJA A night of Carolinian pride and merrymaking.

But the fight for the liberation of the Filipino people from oppression did not end in 1982. In fact, it was only the beginning. That is why throughout the years, STAND has fought against repressive school policies, unjustified school fees and the culture of apathy. STAND has won countless victories with the students from scrapping the ID sling policy to bringing back Today’s Carolinian and even stopping the expulsion of four students who stool alongside the GSO workers.

STAND has identified the root problems of the Philippine Educational System. STAND believes that our education system is repressive, commercialized and colonial. STAND will continue to fight until it becomes mass-oriented, scientific and nationalist. Only STAND is a mass organization aside from being a political party which means our interest go beyond the elections and instead focus on societal problems that affects all students.

For as long as there are students to serve and students to liberate from oppression, STAND will continue to exist. Our strength lies in the student movement and for the masses we will always remain. Padayon!

CASH Network Carolinian Action for Student Safety and Health Network, a network aimed at improving school facilities and the well-beinf of the students.

USC-ACLE Alternative Classroom Learning Experience based on the students’ interests and advocacies.

Vol. Corps The volunteer-arm of the SSC which gices students the avenue to directly work with the SSC in creating projects.

A.I.D.S An efficient and effective information dissemination system for the students.

SADYA Student Advocates for Youth-led Awareness, an interactive exhibit of the advocacies and programs in the University.

OK Ra Ka? Mental health awareness program.

ISMIS Watchdog Seeks immediate redress of the students’ ISMIS concerns.

Foster Solidarity Among Other Sectors: Awareness and Action Tambayayong An immersion program for students with the basic sectors of the society.

C2E – Coalition for Change for the Environment An advocacy for the environment.

ED Fest Educational discussion on relevant societal issues gearing towards social action.

PLATFORMS Protection of Student Rights: Democratization and Identity PAKLI An interactive and democratized student manual revision process.

Fees Watch Scrutinizes our school fees with the active participation of the students.

GSCOPE An interactive grievance system that maximizes the role of Collegiate Councils and Student Organizations.

Pakighinabi an avenue to advance the demands and address the concerns of the students.

S.O. Subsidy SSC’s financial assistance to student organizations.

LGBTQ&You seeks to foster a discrimination free culture in USC especially for the LGBTQ community.

24 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

Why should the student body vote for you?

A vote for STAND is a vote for the entire student movement. It is a vote that believes in asking the harder questions and fighting the greater fight. It is a vote for the progressive mindset thay is actively challenging the status quo. It is a vote for a solid history thay has time and time again been proven and tested and eventually came out of certain struggles victorious. Voting for STAND is knowing that the struggle is far from over and that there are victories that are yet to be achieved. A vote for STAND is a vote that believes in the capabilities of the students and our ability to create change together.

Yes, it is a vote for track record and exemplary service but more than that it is a vote that believes in bettering the lives of everyday Filipinos.

What are the issues within the university you seek to tackle and why?

The main issues that need to be tackled are repressive school policies, the lack of a comprehensive and structured grievance system and the existence of unjustified school fees. These problems are all products of an oppressive system that seeks to stifle student expression and freedom. STAND believes that it is time to have a more participative student manual revision that is truly representative of the populace’s interests. It is time for everu student to be included in the process of creating a grievance system that allows students to not only air out concerns but have them acted upon.

ELECTIONS

It is time to end the discrimination against the LGBTQ community and all victims of our repressive system and lastly it is time to continuously scrutinize school fees and question if these fees should even exist.

Aside from organizing events and seminars, what else can your party do for the students?

That is why here in STAND we offer to you policy-based platforms that bring back the true essence of a student council: governance. In STAND we believe that the student council has not reached its fullest potential and capability to serve the students yet. That is why we offer long-term projects such as G-SCOPE for a better grievance system, AIDS for better information dissemination, Fees Watch for the scrutinizing of school fees and Pakli, a more participative student manual revision process. STAND believes that policy-based platforms are what is necessary in order to protect students’ rights and promote student welfare.

How will your party work with other parties after the elections?

STAND believes that the only way a student council will function is if we all believe and protect the tenants of democracy. STAND believes in the integrity of the elections. This is why STAND is willing to work with other parties after the elections because STAND believes in keeping the integrity of the elections intact and respecting the results. STAND will continue to push for the interest of the Filipino people but we will not discredit the attempt of the other parties’ right to do the same.

How will you ensure that members of your party will remain active and academic etc.

STAND is willing to police its own members and ensure that our service will not be compromised if it comes down to it. But, we also believe that a true leader is not measured simply by credentials and exemplary academic performance alone. Many leaders in the past have had both yet still failed the Filipino people like Marcos who ended up being a dictator Thus we believe that for as long as a student leader believes in uplifting the Filipino masses and serving the student movement, he will perform well.

03

Shawn Go PRESIDENT

As a representative of the Carolinian populace and a member of the youth sector, how do you plan to contribute to greater national awareness?

STAND has always been politically active when it comes to issues outside the university. This is because we are the only party who is in solidarity with other sectors. STAND spoke up against the burial of Marcos at the LNMB. STAND stood alongside the Lumads. STAND speaks up for labor rights and was even present at the DepEd consultation about the implementation of K-12. We believe that we can involve all students through our Educational Discussions. This is how we link back national issues to the issues within our university and only STAND has the objective and scientific means to do so.

Any final words for our fellow Carolinians?

Carolinians, dare to challenge. Dare to STAND. It is time for all of us to ask the harder questions and to take the fight to greater heights. It is time to put the movement back in student movement. If 35 years ago, Carolinians just like us were killed for our right to walk through our classroom doors, the question is what are we going to do about the legacy and history we stand upon? This is why we are not just asking you to just vote for STAND but to join us. We ask you to join the struggle, join the alliance, join STAND. We want you to ask yourselves this “What are you going to do AFTER March 2?”

Fight for true student representation and fight against student repression.

Serve the students. Serve the people. Padayon!

TC

02

Joahanna Veloso VICE PRESIDENT

25 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

ELECTIONS

COUNCILORS

02 Rucin Jess Agapay

04 Vince Joseph Alloso

07 Lester Loius Bartolini

08 Katrina Gayle Blanco

10 Alnie Boy Caparoso

17 Angel Duazo

19 John Kaizen Engerra

20 Coline Fernandez

22 Raymart Fernandez

26 April Heramiz

27 June Emmanuel Hermoso

29 Ange Ibones

37 Jeduthun Ligan

44 Bryle Keanu Pjaron

55 Neil Sillar

59 Lenill Villanueva

30 Clare Inso

45 John Vincent Patalinghug

26 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

32 John Jobel Labang

52 Jonathan Sarabosing

ELECTIONS

TINGOG Currently celebrating its 29th year, TINGOG was formed in 1988 as an alternative to the left-leaning campus politics of the time. After the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986, there were strong sentiments against the pervading extreme leftist-oriented student politics of the early ‘80s. Such method and ideology were deemed no longer relevant and responsive to the burning issues of the time, both within the university and throughout society at large, where students deserved a more positive, proactive, constructive and participatory approach to campus politics.

With 29 years of unwavering servant leadership, TINGOG has always been at the forefront of serving the Carolinians through our threepoint agenda of STUDENT ASSSITANCE, DEVELOPMENT and EMPOWERMENT. The party’s guiding principles embraced and embodied by every member are: Active Non-Violence, Authentic Humanism, ProPeople Democracy, Filipino Nationalism, Environmental Stewardship and Servant Leadership. These principles have continued to guide TINGOG Carolinian leaders as we offer concrete platforms and projects that are proactive and responsive to the needs of the Carolinian community.

TINGOG Carolinian has always put the students first.

The party color PINK represents Active Non- Violence (ANV), one of TINGOG’s core principles. Another color for ANV is orange, and this is the color used by Mahatma Gandhi, one of the prime crusaders of the ANV philosophy.

PLATFORMS

This year, TINGOG Carolinian is offering new projects to better cater the diverse interests of the Carolinians. Platforms and initiatives like Inspire Up, which engages the Carolinians to develop the interests and passions that inspire us – be it Art, Talent, Literature, Advocacy, or Sports. Another is ABC or Accessible Books for Carolinians, which will provide a book depository where Carolinians can freely place, borrow, and trade the required textbooks for their classes. And All Should Know (A.S.K.) which empowers students with updated information on basic procedures like shifting, lost and found, withdrawing, and many more. We also bring the Carolinian Caravan Medical Check-Up (CCMC) to ensure the health and wellness of every Carolinian by bringing medical services directly to the students.

TINGOG Carolinian continues to promote platforms that promote holistic development in the Carolinian with the Youth Engaging in Spirituality (YES), the University Night (UNITE) and Warrior’s Week.

Lastly, TINGOG Carolinian pushes for continuing sustainable projects and important initiatives with IDiscount, Innovation Convention, Carolinian Summit, Constitutional Reform and Review, the Student Ecological Movement (STEM), USA SA CULTURA and Magna Carta of Students Rights and Welfare.

Why should the student body vote for you?

TINGOG Carolinian is a vanguard of students’ rights and welfare. We have battled for the realization of the Magna Carta for Students’ Rights and Welfare for years. As a final step, the Magna Carta is now ready to be passed and implemented. This not only enshrines the protection of the rights of every Carolinian but also ensures greater participation from the students in the policymaking process of the university.

This year, TINGOG is fielding a set of handpicked leaders that represents the 7 schools of the university. Along with this leadership is the vision of a collaborative and innovative SSC encourages greater participation among Carolinians and banks on the achievements of the past to be more relevant as we move forward. Furthermore, our concrete platforms are centered on the policy that students are always first priority.

We urge the Carolinians to vote straight for the TINGOG Carolinian party because as we continue to be with and for the students in every endeavour.

What are the issues within the university that you seek to tackle and why?

The inconsistent implementation of school policies. This covers a wide range of problems from unnecessary fees, to haircut, to discrimination, among others. Policies are there to regulate our conduct and accord due process. However, TINGOG believes that the students as stakeholders must be part in the drafting of these policies. Through the Magna Carta of Students Rights and Welfare, this problem is addressed and the participation of students in policy making is ensured.

Aside from organizing events and seminars, what else can your party do for the student body?

We equip students with relevant and useful information through forums and seminars. However, knowledge is stagnant when not applied.

TINGOG Carolinian provides two platforms: Abtik Pinoy and Innovation Convention. Abtik Pinoy connects the Carolinians to leading personalities and organizations that are at the forefront of tackling major social issues for them to be able to apply their learnings in real word lobbying or policymaking. Innovation Convention provides Carolinians a network for them to partner with industry organizations as they develop ground breaking and novel thesis projects and outputs. Lastly, the party is linked with multiple organizations both non-governmental and governmental to continue fighting for the advocacies that the party has espoused as per our principles.

How will your party work together with other parties after the election?

We invite and welcome fresh and new ideas, perspectives and even new projects and activities so long as they are for the betterment and service to the Carolinians. We envision a collaborative Supreme Student Council, and through this we want to embrace the diversity among TINGOG, SPP, and STAND. We offer unity in this diversity. After all, we are all here for the same reason, it is for the students.

27 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

ELECTIONS

How do you ensure that members of your party, when they win, remain active for the rest of their term without compromising their academic responsibilities?

Public office is public trust. That is why in order for us to ensure accountability among our members TINGOG Carolinian has maintained a culture of policing our own ranks. TINGOG Carolinian functions the whole year through; we constantly assess and review our members, their academic integrity, their optimum Council performance, and their behavior whether they are in the Council or not. All this to ensure that what we promise is always delivered. Through this internal mechanism, we have maintained the excellence that TINGOG Carolinian has given the students for the past 29 years.

As a representative of the Carolinian populace and a member of the youth sector, how do you plan to contribute to greater national awareness?

Greater national awareness is promoted through the platform ABTIK PINOY. This is a TINGOG-initiated project which aims to tackle timely and relevant socio-political issues such as EJK, Death Penalty and Mental Health Awareness. We have partnered with civil society organizations and NGOs in order to collaborate on how Carolinians can voice out their opinions with regards to the different socio-political issues. Last year, ABTIK PINOY has opened opportunities for Carolinians to formulate informed opinions and choices. This year, we want to expand more our participation by engaging the Carolinians to bigger political discourse such as lobbying our positions to the concerned governmental and nongovernmental institutions.

01

Deodatus Burgos PRESIDENT

Any final words for our fellow Carolinians?

Fellow Carolinians, it is either that you will have an election of collaboration or an election of innovation but TINGOG Carolinian assures you that it is both. This is an election of collaboration and innovation.

Vote straight for the TINGOG Carolinian Party. We assure you that 21 councilorial candidates, our Vice-President Marius Viktor Aragon and our President, Deodatus Paulo Burgos best represent the diverse interests of the Carolinians.

Kuyog ta ninyo for a collaborative SSC! Kuyog ta ninyo for an innovative SSC! KAY SA TINGOG, MARIUS ug DEO, KUYOG TA NINYO! Make TINGOG, your Voice! Make TINGOG your choice!

TC

01 28 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

Marius Aragon VICE PRESIDENT

ELECTIONS

COUNCILORS

01 Jamil Faisal Adiong

06 Li And Avila

09 James Harold Cabalhug

13 Dain Anthony Dacera

23 Ed Lyka Galeos

28 Norch Van Honoridez

33 Dorothie Meil Lazala

35 Joelia Marie Lee Yu

36 Troy Leonardo III

38 Sharland Malazarte

40 Troy Nadela

41 Niveno Ocdinaria

43 Christine Origenes

48 Gabriel Geo Rojas

51 Ralston Samadan

53 Shara Angela Servande

54 Ariel Antonio Sevilleno

56 Glory Tangarorang

58 Jodimarie Tio

60 Gerramae Villarin

61 Joseph Stephen Zapanta 29 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

SURVEY

TODAY’S CAROLINIAN

2017 1

0.6%

1.2%

3.5%

How would you describe your general outlook this year?

32.0% 15.1% 7.0% 44.8% 1.2%

2

SURVEY 6.1% 30.8%

Idealistic Cynical Apathetic Neutral No answer

7.0%

SAMPLE SIZE

How frequently do you study your school lessons?Have you been trying to achieve your 2017 New Year’s resolutions?

23.3%

2.3% No, it’s too impossible. I quit.

26.2% No, I’m too lazy.

32.0% Yes, I’m looking forward to achieving it all throughout the year.

39.0% Yes, but not all the time.

0.6% No answer

3

Parents Friends Significant other Teacher/s Myself No answer

How do you motivate yourself to do something you don’t really want to do?

45.9% 8.1% 30.8% 13.4% 1.7%

5

School of Business and Economics School of Engineering School of Arts and Sciences School of Law and Governance School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design School of Health Care Professions School of Education Not Indicated

Whose counsel do you value most in making important decisions?

36.0% 10.5% 9.3% 0.6% 43.6% 0.0%

4

27.3%

6

When my friends tell me so When my family tells me so When I feel uncomfortable about myself When I’m inspired Never No answer

30 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

What usually stops you from doing something nice for strangers in need?

30.8% 51.7% 1.7% 12.8% 2.9%

Talk to yourself Write motivational quotes for yourself Give yourself incentives Others No answer

When are you willing to change your attitudes?

3.5% 2.3% 64.0% 23.8% 6.4% 0.0%

*Number of respondents: 172

7

I’m too shy around strangers.

Fear of being rejected/unappreciated I’m too busy to notice people in need.

Others No answer

What do you usually do when awake at dawn?

12.2% 34.3% 8.7% 14.5% 29.7% 0.6%

Reading (print or digital) Browsing social media Watching movies Making school assignments Nothing, I’m sleeping.

No answer

SURVEY

8

Which is more important: getting a diploma early or learning?

4.1% 29.7% 64.0% 0.6% 1.2% 0.6%

9

Do you believe it is fair to pirate sources of information online to help in academics?

48.8% 26.2% 24.4% 0.6%

10

11

Getting a diploma early Learning Both are equally important.

Both are not important.

Undecided No answer

40.7% 12.8% 18.6% 27.3% 0.6%

16

17

12

What can you say about the performance of SSC this year?

13

Is there a correlation between one’s physical appearance and his grades?

7.0% 59.9% 17.4% 10.5% 4.7% 0.6%

14.0% 72.7% 12.8% 0.6%

If USC plans to build a new campus, where would you want it to be located in?

9.3% 12.8% 64.5% 12.8% 0.6%

18

Far north of Cebu Far south of Cebu Focus on Talamban first Outside of Cebu No answer

How do you usually get up-to-date international and local news?

Facebook/social media Newspapers/print media Word of mouth I really don’t read/watch news No answer

What do you feel about news / topics about politics becoming more visible in social media?

41.9% It’s a good thing. It means that more people are becoming aware about politics and the government.

4.1% I don’t like it. I’m tired of seeing so many things related to politics in social media.

50.6% I think mainstream media is becoming biased/uncritical and there are a lot of fake or click bait news.

1.7% I see no change / I do not engage in social media.

1.7% No answer

They did great.

They were okay.

They did poorly.

I don’t care.

What SSC? No answer

Yes No don’t care anymore.

No answer

If a roaming barangay health personnel hands you a free condom in public, how would you respond?

74.4% 16.9% 0.6% 6.4% 1.7%

Are you interested in joining any student political parties??

I am a part of one.

Yes, I am interested.

Yes, but I am shy.

No. No answer

Yes No I don’t care.

No answer

44.8% Accept it proudly without hesitation 8.7% Look around the surroundings if there are other people around and accept the condom if there are no one 45.9% Reject the offer 0.6% No answer

Yes No Uncertain No answer Work immediately Take a month/year off Study again Undecided No answer

Is there a division of culture among Carolinians from the Downtown and Talamban campuses?

75.0% 12.8% 11.6% 0.6%

Once you graduate, you will...

5.8% 9.9% 20.9% 62.8% 0.6%

14

15

19

Can you easily distinguish factual news from fake news?

23.3% 44.2% 29.1% 1.7% 1.7%

20

Always Most of the time Sometimes Never No answer

How do you take negative comments in social media?

10.5% 8.1% 77.9% 3.5%

I fight back.

I report it immediately.

I just ignore them.

No answer

31 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

SURVEY

21

Are you willing to voice displeasure or discomfort, even if it is regarding those above you such as the government or administration?

18.6% 20.9% 37.8% 7.6% 12.8% 2.3%

22

Yes, publicly Anonymously but publicly Only to those I trust Not at all; I find it risky.

Not at all; I find it useless.

No answer

How is Duterte’s perfomance as president so far?

21.5% He’s been very good. I have no problems with him at all.

58.7% He’s doing well in some aspects but I am also concerned about some things.

8.7% He’s been very problematic as a president.

9.3% I have no opinion.

1.7% No answer

23

27

28

Yes No Undecided I have no opinion.

No answer

2.3%

Which countries would you want as allies for the Philippines in a time of war?

39.0% 29.1% 3.5% 4.1% 22.7% 1.7%

China and Russia USA and UK North Korea PH can stand alone.

Undecided No answer

32 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

Fast internet Free education for all Monthly allowance for families I choose to be under their sovereignty for free.

No answer

Do you think the Philippines (given the culture and the mentality of its countrymen) is susceptible to change?

45.3% 39.0% 14.0% 1.7%

30

Yes No No comment No answer

What will you be willing to get in exchange for the USA extending its sovereignty to the Philippines?

11.0% 57.0% 18.0% 11.6%

29

Yes No Undecided No opinion No answer

Should Filipinos opinions/comments on the Trump presidency matter?

52.9% 27.3% 17.4% 2.3%

Do you feel that increasing the excise tax on new vehicles and oil will help solve the traffic in urban areas like Cebu?

34.9% 48.8% 9.3% 5.2% 1.7%

25

Yes No Undecided I have no opinion.

No answer

Do you think Donald Trump will do generally well as the president of the United States?

14.0% 43.0% 23.3% 17.4% 2.3%

Do you think that lowering the income tax will slash poverty rate in the country?

25.6% 36.6% 22.7% 13.4% 1.7%

24

26

Yes No Undecided No answer

Are you susceptible to change?

80.8% Yes No 3.5% 14.0% Undecided No answer 1.7%

Are you susceptible to change?

Photograrph by Angelo Nico Daroy

33 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

SATURDAY

SUNDAY MONDAY The Black Prince Illustration by Zachary Borromeo

TUESDAY

34 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

I woke up to the blaring sound of my alarm.

Always a harbinger of terrible things, it was Monday and I hated it. I sat at the edge of the bed considering my options: curling back up into a ball, missing school or dying.

Dying was a pretty tempting option. It was Monday.

I got up anyway and started showering, being lazy was too risky. The guards in USC would take note of you and that was the last thing a Carolinian wanted. Going to school was a pain; the weekend was a kind mother to my laziness.

By the time I reached the gate, fellow students were beginning to line up.

The guards thoroughly inspected us one by one — a necessary pestilence. They had to check every single bag of every single student expecting to find drugs or weapons. Did they really think someone was dumb enough to break the rules? The line moved smoothly and it was my turn for inspection. Their guns were just as inviting as they were last week.

I started walking to the bus waiting near the Portal when I overheard a girl exclaim something behind me. I looked back to see her on the verge of tears while her bag was being rummaged. Was that a phone the guard was holding? It’s been a while since I saw one. Maybe that was the reason for the commotion. Poor girl.

I took my seat at the bus only to find someone drawing on his notebook.

He was good. I haven’t seen art in a long time either. I asked what his program was.

“Mechanical Engineering,” he said not looking up from his sketchbook.

He would’ve been great in Fine Arts, if SAFAD was still an option. That school was long gone though. Maybe he felt the same way I did. I wanted to be a photographer.

The bus reached the stadium. I walked over to the bleachers to find a place to sit. A few people to my right noticed someone was wearing a Today’s Carolinian sling. Weird. He shouldn’t be. I heard from my brother that the student publication was disbanded years ago when all of this started.

Speaking of, the stadium’s large screen lit up blaring the national anthem.

He dominated the screen, wearing a white barong and looking at us.

When the anthem ended, it showed the same words it showed every week, with Him still watching, “The great president eradicated criminality and brought peace to this country, the Filipino mustn’t fear of Martial Law as it will bring stability to our land, as it did before.”

The screen went black. And He was gone. It was our cue to leave and go to class.

I took the long way down to the Bunzel Building and passed by the old SAFAD building, empty except for a few janitors and guards. The large mural it once held had been painted white. I remembered seeing pictures of what SAFAD was before, filled with sculptures, paintings, scale models of houses. Now it was just a husk.

was declared. There was no room for creativity in this nation. Creativity made people think. We had to follow the rules, so the government had to censor it. He had to censor it.

I reached my classroom at the Bunzel Building and took a seat. We waited for our political science teacher. I was beginning to assume he was sick when a new person came by to tell us that Mr. Jimenez wasn’t coming in today. Or tomorrow. Or the week after this week. Because he wasn’t going to teach us at all.

He was dead.

The person explained that Mr. Jimenez was shot after resisting arrest. He was accused of carrying drugs, some cocaine found in his jacket. I found it hard to believe. The person in front of us was going to be our substitute, apparently, and class went on. Like usual.

I didn’t really have an appetite when lunch arrived. I saw some of my classmates and joined their table. They spoke in low voices. Heads hunched over. Gossip.

“I can’t believe Sir Jimenez is dead,” One of my classmates said. “Died selling drugs too.” I wasn’t planning on joining the gossip, though I don’t remember hearing that Sir Jimenez was selling drugs.

“You shouldn’t believe it. He was a protester, you know. That’s probably the reason he died,” another said. “That stuff happens all the time.”

It was just a rumor that all these dead criminals were framed, that they were actually rebels. No one could question a dead man anyway, so I didn’t put much thought on it. The topic was risky, and it could get me in trouble, so I left the table and went to class. Our teacher for this one was alive, fortunately, and class went along smoothly.

When I got home, I turned on the television and was greeted by the only channel in the country. The news just began. Turned out a group of students were caught protesting in the streets and were now being brought behind bars. I noticed the students were bruised and bloody. Were the police allowed to do that?

I shook my head. Others would say that crime was gone, though fear took its place. He arrested critics and disarmed the masses. Phones and the internet were banned and publications in school were disbanded. Only He could control what we saw with the one news channel He gave us. Sadly enough, His followers loved him for it. Their ignorance, His most powerful weapon. The news would show Him speaking to the people and the audience would bellow in agreement and give him applause. He promised us safety and prosperity if we let him wrap His fist around the country’s neck.

But that was life.

The news ended with them reminding us of our curfew, any who’ll be found out in the streets after eight would be brought to the police. I turned off the television, went to my bed, and set my alarm. I lied down and closed my eyes.

I just really hate Mondays. TC

Art was dead. It became an act of rebellion a few months after the law

35 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

VOX POPULI

Du30

and a Mouthful of Opinions ns Christine Suson

It’s been six months since Rodrigo Duterte was inaugurated President of the Philippines last June 30, 2016. Ever since he took office, his unfaltering fight against drugs, crimes, and corruption was as notorious as he is.

More than the sparked controversies, his administration also managed to make an impact on matters concerning the economy, OFWs, transportation, labor, terrorism, foreign relations, health, telecommunication, law and order, agriculture, education, energy, and environment.

More than a million drug users and pushers surrendered, almost 50,000 were arrested including government officials, and more than 2000 drug personalities were killed— all as of 2016.

Six months have passed and we are yet five years away from the next presidential election. As the sought-after change continues to ripple further, we may only hope for our voices to be heard. TC

What is your opinion regarding Duterte’s first few months in office?

“I do not think he did as well as I hope he would. He lacks consistency in his rhetoric. His actions, especially towards the vice president, are backward and divisive. He’s chummy with the Marcoses . His war on drugs is all over the place as it saw more deaths than rehabilitation. But since it’s the first few months and it’s our duty to support our president, I still think he deserves the benefit of the doubt.”

- Isabella Villarojo, AB POSC IRFS 3 “The first few months of the Duterte Administration has been very strong in terms of political will. A leader with strong political will like Duterte will go against the norm or will make unpopular decision, even with the presence of a lot of critiques, mainly to achieve the goal. The incidence of criminality in the Philippines for example, has expectedly dropped, especially in the urban areas. On the other hand, Duterte’s fight against criminality and illegal drugs has caused the numerous extra- judicial killings and perceived human rights abuses in the country. Because of these incidents, he has drawn condemnation from a lot international human rights group. But despite that, he remains strong with his unpopular decisions and actions.”

- Honey Babe Tagalog, AB POSC LPS 3 “Duterte’s unconventional way of leadership has sparked many controversies and harsh criticisms, however perhaps that may or may not be what the country needs in order to grow. I’d like to quote what one of my teachers had said, “I always give every president two years. I did it with Gloria and Pnoy, I’ll also do the same for Duterte.” The night is still young, there’s more to be done but pray vigilantly Filipinos for our country!”

- Icee Myth Caspe, AB POSC IRFS 2

36 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

“As someone who brought so much promise of ‘change’, Duterte together with his administration has so much expectations to meet and things to deliver yet. I believe that the Filipino people should remain vigilant by continuously scrutinizing Duterte’s ways and decisions. Until now, I am still skeptical of fully putting my trust and all out support to the administration. I hope the divisiveness in status quo doesn’t interfere people from being objective and fair with their judgments towards the government.”

- Alex Bajarias, BSBA MKTG MGT 4 “I sincerely thank him for all the good and important changes that have been felt by the Filipino people. And I will continuously support him in our fight against corruption and criminality. And I hope that he delivers his promises of choosing the right and the best people for our nation.”

- Bret Balbuena, BS Accountancy 5 “Duterte’s first few months in office have positive and negative actions - but there is a good effect on our country as we see it on statistics. It is too early to criticize one’s leadership. It takes years more than 6 years to improve the state of our country. I believe that we cannot fully rely or simply just rely on the government. As citizens we have to partake on this, not by putting down or criticizing our leaders but making the move ourselves and trying to appreciate what our chosen leaders are trying to do to make our country better.”

- Dhanica Lim, BS ECON BUS 4

VOX POPULI

“I know it was hard for Duterte the mayor of Davao to easily adjust as president of the whole country, but he had to start somewhere. When I think about his first 3 months in the position, sustainability for the country was all I could think of. Although a lot of sacrifices we’re made (e.g. Extra judicial killings and the like) to instill discipline, a lot of good things happened - some of it are strengthening of ties with neighboring countries and the fast growing economy of the country.”

- Jefferson Ombe, BS IE 5 “Controversial. So many had happened on the past few months - downs and ups for the Philippines as a nation. Though the term has still a lot to prove, let’s give it a chance for improvement. It’s all for our betterment, anyways.”

- Francis John Jurado, BS Chemical Engineering 3 “Duterte has been very inconsistent. He made some promises during the campaign period that he has not fulfilled yet. But he has done some good stuff, though.”

- Geo Peig, BS Applied Physics 2 “I think it’s been a hopeful disaster, precisely because he is fulfilling his campaign promises. A war on drugs that hasn’t been a tremendous success, a move away from the USA and onto China and Russia, an inability to avoid swearing in public, and a historic snub to the vicepresident. On the other hand, more people have their fingers after the New Year. On the whole then, I’d give his first few months a 4/10.”

- Jan Duterte, BS Chemistry - 3 “Duterte’s first few months in the office was very much like a roller coaster ride for everybody. There were some things he did that I do not fully agree with but there were also some things that he did quite favorably. What’s left for me (and for the citizens) to do is to acknowledge the things that he did good while criticize the things that he did bad. I do admire his love for his country. However, I feel like he doesn’t really think outside the box in terms of creating solutions for Philippine’s problems. Overall, I think Duterte’s first few months in the office cannot really determine the things he will do in the future.

His inconsistency makes him more interesting than the previous presidents.”

- Paul Dejos, BS Psychology 3 “In his first few months in office, it was indeed a topsy-turvy administration. For me, with him as president, it’s been a reign of terror.

Some human rights were violated because of EJK, victims of martial law and their families were insulted because of the administration’s support in the burial of Marcos in the LNB. Hopefully, there will be a change in this kind of governing. Serve the People!”

- Vince Alloso, BS Environmental Science - 3 “Chaotic, in a sense that a lot of people and the mass media stirred an unrest amongst the people through filtered news mostly taken out of context, just so that to cause chaos throughout the administration.

Dividing the people further through hatred, mistrust, and condescension from all sides.”

- Chad Amar, BFA CINEMA 3

“It has been the longest first few months with him in the office, for me, to be honest. A lot has happened since he stepped into office, he has been fighting against illegal drugs with an iron fist. While tackling our country’s problem with illegal drugs is a good thing, a lot of EJKs has been happening, which in turn got the attention and concerns of the UN and other countries. Duterte didn’t take the criticisms well and he also seems to have loose lips--spouting empty threats and cursing all the way. I can go on and enumerate how problematic he his but it’ll be too long. He’s basically a bigot, crude and a sexist and this will probably be one of the longest 6 years of my life.”

- Gabrielle Alexa Mata, BFA - AA2 “He approached the drug problem headstrong in spite of the repercussions coming from all voices of our country and of the world.

In way I could say he only listened to himself. But the kind of leadership he’s serving to us Filipinos does transcend in our society today. I’ve never seen the youth, including me, breakthrough from indifference, until he stepped into the picture. Unlike before, today, we’re more dignified and hopeful to see change come in good ways.”

- Andrea Vergara, BSID 4 “Duterte’s first few months have been full of praises and at the same time, controversies. Although his 6-month promise was never realized in an instant, a lot has happened since he sat down as President. People have become more vocal with their sentiments, which posesboth positive and negative effects to society. This leaves us hanging whether change has really come or will it?”

- Phil Figues, BS Architecture 3 “During these past few months, Duterte managed to put our country in constant debate whether his actions were just or uncalled for. All he did was talk about his big ambitions without really acting upon them and I am very unsatisfied with the lack of focus on other problems in our country.”

- Jana Rojas, BEd-SPEd 2 “Duterte’s approach to the country’s drug problems is very shortsighted and so much of his promises were not kept. His conformity to China with regards to the issues on the West Philippines Ssea is disgusting. Put it bluntly, Duterte right now is a disappointment.”

- Lorena Cambarijan, BEED 2 “Para nako mas daghan siya ug nakita na results compared to Aquino.

Mailhan gyud nimo na pure iya intention, di siya artista style ug stinuryaan.”

- Bernadine Torres, BS Nutrition and Dietetics - 3 “Natarong ang DRRM, for example, through communication (text).

Crime rates were reduced and rules are better implemented. Downside of his administration is the issue regarding extrajudicial killing.”

- Stephanie Camille Samonte, BS Pharmacy 3 TC

37 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

fAL L OF THE golden hair Julienne Termoso

Graphics by Giann Mikhael Alipar

38 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

Here in the US, those who are sadly acquainted with me have come into an agreement that my name, bluntly shouting my ethinicity, should never be mouthed again. Samaira Ansari is but now a languid remembrance of my past and I am to live being Sam, the Muslim woman on the run.

fight for my place in this world, an abode which I do not have to pay with blood and tears. Everything I had — my home, my career, my relationships which stood the test of time — were blown away with a flick of that thin golden hair.

Remember Anne Frank? Years ago, I stumbled upon Anne Frank’s published diary as I discreetly entered what was supposed to be this town’s “public” library. Apparently, Muslims aren’t allowed in this country anymore, all the more allowed to use the town’s amenities, ever since he took the presidency.

I am in a humid storage room owned by a poor Chinese family, and they had just called me to have supper. Some days ago, they found me lying almost lifeless in an alley after a white policeman beat me up, but luckily, the father who practiced oriental medicine somehow brought me back to life. The only reason they brought me in was because they knew this was bound to happen to them, too. News about Trump eradicating all Asians in the US have been making its way to the media, and I just cannot begin fathom if there could still be humanity left in this man. It kills me to see and listen to the same news everyday. “Trump orders the execution of 5 found Mexicans..” “Trump passes 6th Anti-Muslim Bill...” and it just gets so much worse.

I had nothing but awe towards Anne as I slowly started penetrating into her thoughts and visions through the pages of what seemed to be her very long and morbid life. What amazes me now is how Anne somewhat already predicted my future through that book, since every detail, every struggle, every ounce of hope that was left of her during the Holocaust perfectly mirrors the turmoil that is my life now. Anne was Jewish, Hitler was German. I am Muslim, Trump is…well, he’s Trump. It would not be too difficult to connect the dots.

The president somehow developed a fatal allergy to Mexicans and decided to rid the country of this horrendous epidemic by building a wall so great, it put the one in China to shame. Like that was not enough for him, he wanted us, Muslims, expelled from the country, as well. Waking up that dawn to the sharp sounds of silenced guns and muffled screams is the memory that still invades my thoughts three years after it has happened. I had to constantly move around with nothing but faith in Allah and remorse I felt for myself. This was three years ago. This time, I am too exhausted and I, for once, am considering to stay.

A huge part of me has given up and tells me to settle down, that I should just flush that ounce of freedom down the drain and that I must surrender to my fate of watching my brothers and sisters die like wild animals slaughtered for intruding private territory. But a bit that’s left in me also whispers about my capability to

Allah, help me.

“Sam, come eat with us,” the mother calls as she knocks on my door.

She does the same to the room beside mine, to Carmen and Veronica, Mexican twins whom this family rescued a few years back. They have the most beautiful skin, a color just a shade darker than almonds and a few shades lighter than mine. Their eyes were of the color brown or gray, was it? A color that I’ve come to favor so much. I step outside my room just the same moment they did and for a moment, we look at each other. For a moment, we stood there and just looked at each other, realizing how different we were but also very much alike.

My light green eyes were nothing like theirs but the look we had in them were total reflections of each other. Sorrow, sympathy, self-pity, name it all — they leveled the field for us.

Veronica lets out a shy smile that somewhat comforted me and they slowly walk towards me. They both grabbed my hand, squeezed it as if to give me assurance and we all walk to the dining room. We sat in silence as the mother laid the food on the table, the father looking

at us, refugees, with concerned eyes. No one says a word throughout the meal, instead, metal spoons clinking against aluminum plates and a few coughs every now and then were the sounds that filled up the night. I am not even complaining.

This is the most peaceful encounter I’ve had in so many years that has passed.

This, whatever this happening is, feels just like fur coat draped over me in the middle of winter. Being with these people that look far different from me, people with far different beliefs as me, sitting together and sharing the same meal, gives me hope for the world. In this humble home is peace that I want America to feel.

Just as we lift the plates and gather the used utensils altogether, our movements were suddenly interrupted by a loud ruckus from the neighbors.

“It has happened! America is free!”

Free. I could not remember the last time I heard someone say this. But it ignited something inside of me and I could not help but run outside, run towards the voice that shouted this.

“America is free,” he says as he meets my eyes. But he realizes what I was, that I was not supposed to be there, and his eyes widen. His eyes widen, not out of fear, but out of excitement and ecstasy as he grabs my face, sheds a tear and whispers, “You are free.”

The only reason I am not free in the first place, is because of that one man, and if this person carressing my face tells me I am free, does this mean that that man is finally ousted from the seat?

“Trump, he’s officially impeached. You’re free. America is free!”

And at this moment, I feel for Anne Frank.

When I thought my fate was always against me, that my fate was parallel to Anne Frank’s, and that I was bound to be kept a secret, only to perish at a young age like her, this moment suddenly proves all those wrong. At this moment, I finally convinced myself that I am not her.

I am Samaira Ansari, the Muslim woman who has won. TC

39 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

FEATURE

MOCHA USO N,

and Why She Matters to Filipinos Laura Posadas

Illustration by Geralden Morre

40 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

FEATURE

Mocha Uson: a name that became a highly used alternative source of information for the many, many people who debated and showed their support on social media during the May 2016 elections. Her page, Mocha Uson Blog, had 2.5 million followers at the beginning of the year. Yet when things got political, the page reached 4.7 million and counting Facebook likes. How the numbers nearly doubled in less than a year remains a mystery.

However, Filipinos who were avid fans of the oncepresidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte came to Mocha Uson with a desperate call when there was political debacle over social media during the election period.

Her blog became a systematic and sustained defense of President Duterte. However, out of all the available media outlets or sources of information out there, why refer to her?

Mocha Uson, born Margaux, was, and still is, the lead singer-dancer of the “Mocha Girls”, which she formed almost 10 years ago. Her full-time job is still performing with the group — which they do every single night.

However, her rise to prominence as a political blogger began after Duterte announced his candidacy. The all-girl group declared that if Duterte won, they would be very willing to sacrifice their career for his victory since, in Davao, sexy performances were not allowed.

Third, in the article “The Curious Case of the Mocha Uson Blog,” Carmel Veloso Abao states that the Mocha Uson blog promotes personalistic instead of rational political discourse and has cultivated the culture of a false dichotomy. In simple terms, for Uson, if you are anti-Duterte, you are “yellow”. Through this, she has successfully converted the hearts of the Filipinos into hatred towards anything that represented the Liberal Party, which is effective because it highlights the lapses of the Aquino administration. Yet what’s making the blog highly controversial is that the blog refuses to accommodate any opposition. Because of this nonaccommodation, the opposition only intensifies.

How did we allow Mocha to turn our news feeds and comment sections so toxic? Why have we given her political opinions of such great significance?

The problem lies not only within Mocha but with us Filipinos. There has been an increase in cyberbullying for people who go against Uson’s claims and are often dismissed as being “anti-Digong” or “yellow” or “elitist”.

This goes both ways — people who undyingly support Duterte are also labelled “Dutertards” by those who excessively criticize everything the president says and does.

We may consider it as a mutual gain for both parties when Mocha voluntarily campaigned for Duterte; after all, she gained more followers and Duterte won. Last Jan. 5, 2017, the president himself appointed Mocha to be part of the MTRCB board, a decision that drew extreme reactions and angry comments and ratings.

Showing satisfaction and confidence in our president is nothing to be ashamed of, hence, the term “Diehard Duterte Supporters” (DDS) created by Mocha Uson, a play on the initialism of the hotly-debated Davao Death Squads that Duterte has been repeatedly linked to, albeit unconfirmed. However, we should also know when to criticize and repudiate President Duterte’s decisions because even the best presidents can make decisions filled with only self-interest.

Here lies the problem of the Mocha Uson Blog. First, she has been accused of spreading fake news and being a source of misinformation. Most, if not all of her posts, are built upon illogical statements rather than empirical evidence. The blog became the target of a Change.org petition to be struck down for spreading false information — which leads to another debate if it is proper to deprive Mocha of her right to free speech because of her blog’s unsupported claims.

We should also learn to verify facts and claims when we share posts on social media, may it come from the Mocha Uson Blog or from a netizen who recently posted a five paragraph essay about extrajudicial killings as a status.

Every Facebook post deserves to be double-checked; it is as simple as checking if the source is reliable or if the facts are right. This is but a first lesson in responsible use of social media, until the day that effective political discourse becomes the norm.

Second, she has become controversial for referring to journalists as “presstitutes,” or journalists paid by powerful people to write biased and inaccurate news.

Uson has successfully implanted in the minds of the Filipinos that mainstream media is biased and are only after the money. Yet she is forgetting that her pro-Duterte blog is very much biased as well.

The elections have long been over and we can no longer undo the political success of the Mocha Uson Blog, nor can we undo the misinformed posts that we’ve shared.

However, if we continue to let fake, inaccurate information and personalistic opinions matter, we might as well forget that change will come. TC

41 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

42 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

Growing The Ups and Downs of Duterte’s Pains: First Few Months as President Zarah Louise Majam

Graphics by Francis Ian Palanca Striking the nation with his iron fist, President Rodrigo Duterte made it known that his advocacy for change is not a joke. During the first 100 days of this term, he did not waste any time as he abruptly began his “war against drugs”, among many other promises he intends to fulfill.

Despite the controversy revolving around his actions, suffice to say, his first few months as president have produced a ripple effect upon the entire nation. Similar to the experience of growing pains, the Philippines has had her fair share of ups and downs while adjusting to her new president.

Within the span of six months, Duterte’s advocacy for change has never been more clear. Among the many proposed projects mentioned in his platform, Inquirer.net reports 14 out of 30 projects are in progress. The obvious and most talked about project, the eradication of drugs and drug syndicates in the Philippines, has echoed throughout the nation as well as the world.

Aside from this, he is a catalyst for the suppression of crime, and has instigated the executive order on freedom of investigation (FOI), to name a few.

He has made headlines these past few months which stimulated numerous debates and arguments regarding his methods as a president. Having been dubbed as the “Donald Trump of the Philippines” for his blunt rhetoric, while international news platforms such as CNN shed light on his lewd comments towards the former U.S. President Barack Obama, it has been quite a spoonful for the Philippines to swallow. Moreover, this puts into question the image and the position that our nation has in the sociopoliticaleconomical playing field.

Significantly, Duterte did not waste any time during his first months as president. During the first 100 days, he urgently moved on the eradication of drugs and drug syndicates while emphasizing that he has no tolerance for crime. He then deployed for the removal of corruption in the bureaucracy by streamlining and simplifying government transactions in order to minimize opportunities for graft, as reported by the Manila Times. He has also signed an executive order to inform the people of said transactions so as to encourage transparency in the government, another movement for his fight against corruption.

However, despite the positive changes that have been instigated, Duterte’s decision to bury the late president Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani has sparked fury in Filipinos all over the world. This action has influenced people to unite and sympathize with victims of martial law and their families by holding a series of protests against this decision. The backlash that followed after the ruling of the SC to permit the burial was extreme.

It is unfortunate that despite Duterte’s ongoing projects for change, this decision stands as a setback for progress. It not only neglects the crimes that Marcos committed, but the action to push through with the burial leaves little to no space for justice for the victims of martial law. The struggles of the Filipino people during the Marcos regime is not something to be overlooked or ignored.

Duterte has also been known for his tactless humor that has sparked controversy in numerous news platforms. While some debate that his actions have more credit than his words, Duterte still stands in a position of great influence and normalizing his rude comments only emphasizes the social issues plaguing this country.

President Duterte is viewed by many as the disciplinarian that the Philippines needs, with his vows to break the oligarchical chains that bind this nation and emphasizes that his presidency is nothing like his predecessor’s. He has been praised by his supporters for being a person for the masses while being admired for his simplicity and his passion for the country.

Rodrigo Duterte has shaken this nation these past few months with his unorthodox methods, leaving space for approval and arguments. His future prospects for this nation include projects that have been ignored in previous administrations, and that in itself is a strong catalyst for change. He proves to be the most non-traditional president that this country has witnessed thus far, driven by what he believes this country needs. However, does this justify the setbacks that this democracy must endure in order to achieve his ideals?

One can only hope this nation will gradually continue to progress and develop for the better, despite the growing pains. TC

43 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

Inday Inday Inday Inday Inday Paolo Louis Manghihilot

Sa tahimik at malamig na liwayway, Dinig na dinig ang ingay ng iyak ng buhay.

S’yang sumasakop sa maamong kadiliman, ‘Di lubos maramdaman, dulot ay kaligayahan, Sa munting kanlungan ng dukhang nagluwal.

Hinga niya’y hinang-hina tila’y ‘di na tatagal.

Ang iyak ng buhay sa higaan nakaratay, Buhat ng kakapusan, paalam — Inay.

Munting biyaya ng mahabaging banal Bukang-liwayway, iyak ng inosenteng asal Sumibol ang marikit at kaaya-ayang si Inday.

Payak man at di mariwasa sa pamumuhay Walang kapantay naman ang taos-pusong kalinga, Sa mga kumopkop niyang tiyak na mabuti nga.

Gayunpaman siya pa rin ay walang malay Buhat ng kakapusan, nangungulila pa rin — Inay.

Oras, araw, buwan at taon ang lumipas Inday, binayo ng sandamakmak na dahas.

Siya’y dinakip, ginapos, pinagsamantalahan.

Sa akala niyang tao na kailanman di siya sasaktan.

‘Di na matiis pahirap at pasakit ng magulang sinisinta Nagbalot, lumayas at nagtago — ‘di na nakita.

Di niya akalain kaya pala siyang gawing alay, Buhat ng kakapusan, sinisigaw — Inay!

Parang ibong ligaw na lumalaki si Inday, Sa piling ng mga palo’t insulto ng iba’t ibang kamay.

Tanging sa kanyang panlilimos nakasalalay, Pang tustos sa tiyan niyang uhaw sa tinapay Nangungulila sa haplos at kalinga ng Inay, Nalulumbay sa kalupitang walang humpay.

Walang gustong tumahan sa iyak ng buhay, Buhat ng kakapusan, parang ako’y di na nasanay.

Inday, ika’y pag-asa ng iyong perlas ng silanganan, ‘Di ko matiis iyong masaklap na kalagayan.

Ilang siglo kanang lumalaban, nakikipagsapalaran Ngunit tila’y sadyang ngayon ganyan ka pa rin lumaban Ilang ulit ka ng harap-harapang tinampalasan Ng mga perlas kuno na sana’y ika’y pinagyayaman.

Huwag ka ng mangulila, sumigaw at manghina Panahon na para ika’y maisulat sa susunod na pahina.

TC

44 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

“Louelle” Kyn Pestaño Illustration by Eduard Jamolin

There are ironies in life unfit For a boy in college to carry, Like an overpriced book made Compulsory for him to buy; Or a dead brother.

Some metaphors on god Tell you that he is real, Some patches in a cemetery’s lawn Will tell you otherwise.

If the chair can be a lover It will be the best he will get.

How many girls, or boys are there Can hold a neck from breaking When the knot is tied securely?

Another good word for someone Still breathing after following a ghost Is “prayerful”

How many girls, or boys are there Can untie a knot from a sad lover’s Shaky hands — or straining neck.

How many prayers does it take To absolve yourself from surviving?

How many gods should you pray to?

There are ironies in life unfit For a chair to carry; Like a body ready to go after a ghost Or a ghost ready to carve himself A tombstone.

I ask my lover

A kilogram of feathers is equal To a kilogram of steel But is it not ironic that a 5-year old boy Weighs heavier in a coffin Than his 18-year old brother.

TC

The wind picks up.

His patch on the cemetery Is silent.

45 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

7,107 CITY

Genesis Ryan Calle

VLOG #

00

ON MY WAY TO 7,107 CITY! Hello, guys! I’m starting a new series of vlogs and this will be all about my trip to 7,107 City! I’m on my way to the airport as of speaking and I’m super excited to travel and experience this tourist attraction!

Honestly, I don’t know what to expect in this theme park, but I’m really ecstatic. I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about it like the beautiful beaches, wildlife and culture, but they had just recently updated the storyline and I really don’t adapt well with change. So, basically 7,107 City is a theme park controlled by China or Russia, I’m not sure. Yeah, visitors there could do anything they want without being reprimanded. The MCs — short for Mechanical Creatures, I guess — are made using 3D printers and they have synthetic organs which made them really look life-like! That’s all I know from my short research because I really don’t want to spoil the experience.

I’m actually going there for business but I’ll try to include a little bit of pleasure while I’m at it. Oops, my battery is running low! I guess I’ll see you guys next time in 7,107 City. Bye!

VLOG #

01

me! How rude! I figured he must have been a robot, though, because his acting looked really mechanical.

It was cray!

I GOT SEXUALLY HARASSED ON THE PLANE Hello, it’s me again! So, I’m at the airport right now and would you look at my forehead? I’m sweating bullets and my shirt is soaked! Okay, wait, I’m going to pan around the situation so that you could see it clearly, alright. See? It’s horrible here!

But let’s talk about the plane ride for a moment. Oh, Jesus! My seatmate was frantically whispering, “Change is coming.” He kept on repeating it while feeling his red and blue baller. God, it was annoying! I actually asked him to stop because I was trying to catch some sleep, right, but he just wheezed at me and threatened to rape

46 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

Anyway, we’re now going to this briefing room where the MCs will orient us with the basic rules and regulations here in 7,107 City. I heard they’ll be giving us a guide on how to survive in here, but, wait, why do we even need a guide on survival? Are they actually expecting foreigners to not come out here alive? Well, I guess that just adds to the thrill? Oh! Videos aren’t allowed inside the briefing room so I’ll see you guys on the next vlog! Bye!

VLOG #

05

THERE’S A DEAD BODY BY THE CORNER Hey, guys! So, I think I came here at the wrong time?

I’m in a coffee shop right now trying to write business reports but I just want to tell you guys what had happened this past few weeks.

We’ve been feeling the effects of the new storyline and things are just going haywire! Well, first, the online community here is insane! People on social media just mindlessly throw death and rape threats at people who oppose their political opinions. Crazy! Some of them even have the gall to defend their statements as a freedom of their own expression. Man, if your opinion is garbage, take full responsibility, and please throw it away somewhere far so that it wouldn’t rot!

Damn, these bots sure are feisty!

“One white chocolate mocha frappuccino for Catherine!”

That’s my drink! Oh, I remember there’s this one online bot named after a coffee drink. I think her name is Mocha Bison or something, I’m not entirely sure. All I know is she’s been propagating fake news through her blog and attacking people who oppose the

LITERARY

current president. Someone ought to do something about her! She’s already collected a huge fan base. These MCs sure are gullible!

have heart and brain! Ha-ha! Anyway, I’m super tired and it’s getting late. I have to take my beauty sleep!

See you guys soon!

“Hi, Catherine! Enjoy your drink!”

Thank you! Oh! The president though, oh God! I don’t even know where to begin with him. Let’s just say that he’s, uh, unconventional. There, I think that’s a safe word? Ha-ha! He actually just got sworn into office and he’s ordered for the assassination of drug users and addicts. He calls it the war on drugs or something and people have been dying from left to right! Almost 2,000 people have died since Dog Dirty’s proclamation. Umm, I’m not so sure about his name. Anyway, I pity them!

Unknown vigilantes wearing pink leggings would just go up to people and shoot them without any proof or arrest warrants! Kind of funny, but I was suddenly scared for my life, but then I remembered I’m not from here. Guests don’t actually get affected, and we’re practically invisible.

I’m pretty safe, phew! I feel like this is their way of solving over-population. Hmmm. Anyway, I’ve got to finish these reports! See you guys soon!

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09

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Things are getting out of hand here, guys! To everyone watching, this I just want to let you know that I cherish you guys and I can’t thank you enough for joining me in my adventures here.

I’m in Scratch City right now waiting for my Moober going home. I actually just rushed out of a meeting with other fellow visitors because I just heard that a Korean visitor just got killed! Oh my! I thought visitors here were invincible? I am literally shaking right now. I want to break down but I want to keep my composure. A visitor just got murdered inside the national police headquarters! This is insane! The cops were actually extorting money from his family because they’re apparently rich and it’s totally crazy how the MCs have used their power against visitors! Has there been a glitch in the system? Whatever! I’m not going to wait for an update anymore. I’m out of this place!

STORYTIME: I JOINED A REVOLUTION Hello, guys! Today I’m going to stay chill because I just had a super long day. I am staying here in my bedroom with my jammies on but I have a lot of things to talk about.

I DON’T FEEL SAFE ANYMORE

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FINALLY MOVING OUT OF HELL BUT

15

So, Dan Brown was kind of right.

So, there’s this dictator, right? By the way, it’s really amazing how the writers have included a really deep and interesting history in the storyline. It feels like it actually happened. Okay, this dictator — his name is Narcos, I think — he kind of killed a lot of people back when he was still the president. This guy supposedly declared martial law, and it lasted for about ten years. It was a convoluted storyline, if you ask me. Melanie told me all about this, yeah, Melanie from the previous vlog. She’s a really nice MC! We talked about it over coffee with some of her friends who, by the way, tried to recruit me to join their business? It sounded like a pyramid scheme to me so I said, “Nuh-uh!” Ha-ha!

I’m now waiting in line in the airport and my flight is in an hour! I actually left my place relatively early but the horrible traffic just wouldn’t let me leave this theme park in peace! God! I’m almost at the entrance and, uh, wait. Let me just put my baggage and go through the machines…

Anyhow, the body of this Narcos guy was apparently preserved in a glass encasement somewhere in a monument which is totally absurd. Why haven’t they disposed of it before? All part of the storyline, I’m guessing. So, recently, the government allowed for the body’s burial in the Heroes’ Cemetery which sparked outrage amongst the bots because, duh, he ain’t no hero!

But you know what happened next? The dictator’s family secretly buried the body! What a shame, right?

“Our x-ray detected circular metals that could be bullets. We ask you to fully cooperate with us, please.”

So, Melanie and her friends invited me to join this rally against the whole hullabaloo, and I did! I didn’t have much fun though because I’m not really a fan of rallies but it was enlightening to see a generation stand up from tyranny.

People were mad and passionate. Damn, these bots sure

“Ma’am, would you please step here and open your bag?”

Oh, God what fresh hell is this. Oh, uh, hi! May I ask why, though? My luggage here is pretty cramped and organized so it’d be a chore to go through it again.

What?! How could there be bullets in my bag? Why would I bri— “Ma’am, please, calm down or I’m going to have to you escorted to the security room.”

Wow! Ha-ha! Oh, my God! This is unbelieva— TC

47 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

FEATURE

GENDER EQUALITY, Still in the Dawn of a New Era Von Daniel Plasencia Von Daniel Plasencia We hear “LGBT” and its component terms everywhere – on the television, online, and even as we live our lives. These terms and the people they describe are part of our society. As common as they have become, however, they are still treated differently — many of them have been oppressed, abused, and discriminated against. For others, being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is evil or a “disease”.

Many of these LGBT individuals have stood up to fight for their rights. They have raised banners and flags to establish a stand in the community. They have called out for the same share of equality as everybody else in the world. For years, they have worn their armor and battled for their place in society. Yet the question now is, how far have they gone?

In 2009, former US President Barack Obama supported the rights of his LGBT citizens by signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a law named after two hate crime victims. A year prior, about 18,000 same-sex marriages were officiated in California, due to their Supreme Court’s approval and ruling over marriage equality. However, there were some who wanted a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage after a controversial and expensive campaign on the issue, supported by the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the crux of which defines marriage as the union of man and woman. Five years later, the Supreme Court finally ruled against DOMA and deemed it unconstitutional, allowing once again the marriage of those brave and unique couples.

48 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

Moving on to Europe, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported about 15,098 same-sex couples legally wedded in England and Wales dating back to 2014, when it was officially legalized. Even the Republic of Ireland and Scotland have voted for the amendment of their constitutions for the legalization of same-sex marriage. Northern Ireland is the only place in the United Kingdom which has yet to adopt marriage equality.

Despite these international achievements, there are still those who think of LGBT individuals as aliens, an example of which is the community in South Korea.

According to a 2007 attitudes study conducted in the country, only 18 percent of people polled believed that homosexuality should be accepted, with the remainder believing that it is still some sort of an infectious disease that should be prevented from spreading. Fortunately in 2014, this figure increased to 39 percent.

An example of this discrimination happened to Hong Seok Cheon, 45, who was formerly a famous Korean actor and comedian. He was the first Korean personality to come out to the media in 2000, after which people abruptly considered him as an outcast.

His homosexuality was feared to be contagious and that he would turn his audiences to homosexuals, resulting in the tragic end of his media career. He, however, essentially took the responsibility of being the representative of all LGBT communities in the country. Now, with the tables turned in his life, he’s become successful in his restaurant business and is living happily with his adopted children.

FEATURE

Tolerance does not mean acceptance. This is the common phrase branded especially about the LGBT community in the Philippines. This community is defined as a distinctive culture in the Philippines, and although they play an important role in the society, they are only being tolerated. Widespread discrimination is still there. This explains why they have limited legal rights in the country that protects them from any sort of abuse and oppression.

A great example of the LGBT community situation in the Philippines is encapsulated in the famous song Sirena, which tells the story of a gay man who was abused by his father even when he was a child for merely exhibiting feminine characteristics. It was inspired by the many experiences encountered by the LGBT community whose families were not ready to accept them with open arms.

Another great example is Charice, who was once the pride of the Filipinos. She was one of the lucky few who rose to international fame and who was considered one of the most talented young people in the world. After her confession of being a lesbian on national television, her glory melted away like butter on bread. The comments regarding her honesty were countered with Bible verses and religious sermons.

This just shows how heavily religion anchored the Filipino’s perception and decision-making. Charice was even “diagnosed” with an “identity crisis” by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines, who also said that her condition was not yet “terminal”, as if her sexuality was a disease.

Why has the Philippines not taken the next step?

It is because the country is so deeply rooted in its religion that it cannot accept giving LGBT individuals rights such as marriage equality and many more. Not only that, the culture in the country can also be one of the reasons. It explains why most LGBT individuals are not treated equally by the heterosexuals. Yet even so, it is trying its best to provide its LGBT citizens with the opportunities to live among the others as equals. That is why homosexuality is not a crime in the country and that it has passed a few antidiscrimination ordinances in most cities, including Cebu City.

Speaking of Cebu City, USC even has Gay-Straight Alliance - The Students Advocate for Gender Equality (GSA-SAGE) which solely promotes the rights of each LGBT individual as equal shareholders of the community. According to its Facebook page, it is an LGBT community and support group for the LGBT students, as well as for the heterosexual allies that fight the same cause of the different GSA-SAGE Chapter communities.

So what are the reasons for why people can’t just accept the LGBT?

It may simply be an existing attitude of superiority that heterosexual individuals feel towards the LGBT. According to a study, there are three kinds of attitudes people use to approach the said individuals. These are experiential attitudes, defensive attitudes, and symbolic attitudes.

Experiential attitudes are developed when specific interpersonal interactions are generalized to the LGBT community. It says that when a person has positive experiences towards the LGBT, they generalize positive attitudes or approach towards them. When they have negative experiences, the opposite happens.

Defensive attitudes, however, are the kind of approach an individual uses as a defense mechanism depending on their self-security. Heterosexuals who are secure tend to perceive LGBT individuals as harmless and accept them, but for those who are insecure of their own self or their sexuality, they tend to induce negative attitudes because of the feeling of personal threats. These people may subconsciously see traits in themselves that the LGBT openly show the world and they feel uneasy when those traits are publicly shown and recognized. Some may feel a kind of jealousy when they see out proud members of the LGBT. Lastly, symbolic attitudes are expressed when “cherished” values are violated and that illegitimate demands are being made for changes in the status quo. Usually there are some who would prefer things to be the way they were, especially when it comes to culture. Many believe that culture sets a race’s or ethnic group’s identity. Without it, how different can they be from others? Cultures are sort of a unique trademark that differ races from each other. That’s probably why some would react aversely to changes in their community.

Although these three attitudes explain why people react the way they do, there is still no concrete reason as to how they think collectively and what reasons they have for not wanting to accept the LGBT as part of the big picture.

Even if the LGBT is visible in society, there is still a very long way to go before they can be considered truly equal members of society. There is still a long way to go before culture can make adjustments for them. There are still many things to do to convince everybody that being different is okay. Gender equality truly has a long way to go before it can reach the top of the mountain of acceptance.

Look around. Are we close to a world where all people can be perceived as equals? Or is the sun only just rising to give light to a dawn of a different era? TC

49 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

the problem with open borders

The Wall Illustration by Jon Ahmed Durano

50 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

One of the most controversial topics lately has been the issue about the open borders policy.

For those unaware, the open borders policy advocates for the free migration of people between nations and across borders with little to no restriction on their movement. At face value this act seems like a good thing. Mankind returning to its nomadic roots, breaking down the oppressive barriers that divide and separate us will surely usher in a golden age of freedom and prosperity, will it not?

I don’t think so.

As promising as the idea of letting in thousands of unregistered, unidentified foreigners into your country without so much as a background check sounds, it surprisingly isn’t. The matter of the fact is open borders does not work. Yes, we’ve all heard the arguments by now: No human is illegal, and borders are arbitrary. If someone wants to go somewhere on this planet they should be able to, and so on — lost in their wanderlust.

Well those statements hold a lot of sentiment.

Really, that’s all those statements are: sentimental. Borders are relevant when you have something worthwhile you have made that you risk losing; borders are only irrelevant when you have made nothing and have nothing to lose.

Borders aren’t arbitrary; they’re necessary.

In today’s society, people who espouse these opinions are called “xenophobes” and “bigots”, but the facts speak for themselves. Open borders have been more detrimental to the peace and prosperity of both the natives and immigrants than they have been benign. There is plenty of rationality behind this claim.

For starters, how would one intend to govern the now borderless territory? In the United States, they have enough trouble agreeing on laws. How bad would the bureaucratic deadlock be if we were to rescale it to include the entire world? Well we could just say compromise and work it out, but different cultures will constantly be vying for dominance over the others. Lines will be drawn between people who want to live under different laws.

Tensions will inevitably rise to the point where war is declared on a scale that truly earns the title of “World War”. This scenario can be avoided by installing a one-world government, a process that starts with globalization. However, this is problematic, as it would require a one-

world culture so that the tensions between different cultures are a non-issue. To achieve this, we would need to bring everyone in the world under our rule and more often than not that will involve war and outright genocide.

In the case of a “no borders” one-world government, it would simply be near impossible to have an organization large enough to be able to govern the entire planet, without it being incredibly slow, clunky and expensive. Just an election alone, if this example globalist government were to be so kind as to be democratic, would cost millions, if not billions of dollars. Furthermore, open borders would cause cultures to bleed into each other and lead to homogeneity.

Think about the number of imported goods we own that exist solely due to culture.

There are plenty of other logical reasons why having open borders coupled with mass immigration leads to nothing but ruin and the eventual collapse of the host nation. For example, historically, it’s a common tool for empire builders to mass-migrate populations from one part of their empire to another, in order to suppress or dilute the conquered native populations. Lesson learned, next to civil war, nothing destabilizes a country faster than a sudden mass influx of refugees — though civil war may not be too far behind.

Look at Europe today. The European Union advocated open borders and as a result, are now facing a loss of communal, social adhesion, resulting in violence across the continent.

The mass immigration of foreign culture has effectively destroyed social cohesion and thus destroyed productivity, and Europeans aren’t happy. Riots, looting, and attacks on both sides have broken the social climate of the continent and tensions are at an all-time high.

It is worth pointing out the irony that most of the immigrants currently flocking to Europe are refugees fleeing the problems of the Middle East and bringing those same problems with them to their new host countries. People reducing from state to minority always results in violent upheavals. Forced multiculturalism always leads to the death of the host culture and knowing that death is imminent always pushes a vast majority into long periods of international terrorism.

The EU believes that having open borders will promote cultural diversity and pride in identity.

However, what the lawmakers in Europe do

not seem to realize is that immigration must be done with assimilation. What’s being done now is rapid cultural replacement, swapping Western culture which stabilizes societies and defends them with Middle Eastern culture where chaos, authoritarianism, extremism, corruption, and cowardice seem to dominate. While their leaders look on to this as a social revolution, what’s really happening to Europe is nothing more than a cultural upheaval.

It is at this point that I will clarify that open borders are not always necessarily a bad thing.

Open borders are appropriate when both states have a similar economic status and have very good relationships. Take the ASEAN Integration, for example. Nations in Southeast Asia can now freely import and export products and manpower among one another.

However, that is not entirely beneficial in all aspects. Open borders are not a good idea when one side is clearly inferior economically, like how we are presently exporting large quantities of rice from Vietnam and depriving income from our already-impoverished agricultural sector in the process. The economic disparity of Singapore and its Southeast Asian neighbors should also be taken into account.

Severe tensions between countries also poses concern, like what is happening in Syria and Germany. If the flow of refugees into “safe-haven” nations all around the world was properly regulated, with proper background checks and stricter border control, this problem would probably have never escalated this far. The real tragedy in this whole scenario are that the real refugees, who aren’t being a problem in their host countries, are now being lumped in with the vilified crowds of the other unruly “house guests” by the disgruntled natives, further ruining the reputation of the honest immigrant throughout these territories.

Discipline is important. It is not everything, but it is required to create a normal functioning adult.

The unruly immigrants, a vast majority of them fully grown adults, who behave as if they are children are to blame as are their enablers in the government. Children can’t grow to challenge their horizons if they were raised in an open world without borders. Take the toy away, chew them out, and smack that hand if they go too far. It is important to understand where the center is before declaring that the whole world is. TC

51 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

52 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

Fix Your Head Fick Shore-Head Illustration by Justine Bacareza Faulty generalizations, red herrings, appealing to the divine, fake news — pick your poison.

The rise of anti-intellectualism in the Philippines is steadily growing more dominant each day.

Unlike in other nations where anti-intellectualism takes form in a more active manner, where science and philosophy are held in contempt in a largely political set up, we Filipinos generally do not reject knowledge outright. Instead, we revel in our, for the lack of a better word, idiocy.

We tend to resort to passive aggressiveness to shame intellectuals. We groan at the sound of polite disagreement. We insinuate that an attack on our beliefs is an attack on ourselves. We act as if another’s opinion, no matter how informed it is, is in all ways inferior to ours. It is quite concerning to see that we would rather clothe ourselves in our own biases and ignorance than to welcome new knowledge.

Lynch put it, the core Filipino values of conformity and shared identity. In the Philippines, the 2008 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey showed that a staggering 63.6 of males and 59.0 percent of females were not able to finish secondary school. Also, only 7.8 of males and 10.6 of females are able to finish college. It may sting to admit, but the standard here in the Philippines is being uneducated, and we may be unconsciously trying to keep up with that norm.

It does not help either that mass media also seems to promote ignorance among the population. Television series are more likely to appeal to the masses through thoughtless tropes. Intellectually competent and ambitious individuals are portrayed as scheming villains. Even with the changes in the most recent Metro Manila Film Festival, mindless comedy and cheap fantasy still attempted to sabotage an occasion that celebrates art.

mised. Mental health still remains a largely misunderstood issue. We still treat drug addiction as a heinous crime. Sex education is nearly a myth. Art appreciation is nothing but a history class. We forget our roots and bury a corrupt dictator in a cemetery for heroes. Many of us would rather elect a celebrity than a lawyer or an economist for a political seat. We still stare at people of different races inside public transportation.

Shallow romance is placed beside the likes of Shakespeare, Twain and Dostoevsky. We are not fluent in our own language. The business of fake medicine without approval from the Food and Drug Administration is booming. If all these seem too much to bear, there are many more that show how backwards we are as a supposedly progressive culture in the 21st century.

We may as well go back to the Dark Ages and hardly find any difference.

Perhaps, an understanding of the root of this passive anti-intellectual movement gives way to its remediation. Throughout history, from the Spanish regime to the martial law under Ferdinand Marcos’s administration, we as a nation have been compromised by individuals and institutions we recognized to be intellectually superior. Journalist Julia Jasmine Madrazo-Sta. Romana further asserts that because of oppression under the rule of Westerners, we come to deny individualism and elitism, values associated both with our colonizers and with the intellectual movement.

Printed media is not exempt from this. Sensationalism is sickeningly widespread — even going as far as turning an uninformed celebrity into a columnist to catch a wider audience.

Many of us flip the pages of a newspaper just to check what the stars are telling about our future. So-called educational posters in classrooms themselves are filled with misinformation, such as calling toothpaste a form of plasma.

No matter how hilarious all this may seem, the misrepresentation of truth is still the misrepresentation of truth.

From where we stand, common sense and critical thinking are very much endangered.

Despite the new educational system that we are adopting, we still have a long way to go, even if we limit ourselves to only minimizing this anti-intellectual movement. This problem has already been embedded deeply into our culture, together with being excessively sensitive against changing traditions. As a people who enjoy our ignorance, we are almost devoid of hope. If we cannot recognize and accept this fault, we might as well kill intellectualism in our nation altogether.

This distrust of intellectuals is reinforced by, as social scientists Virgilio Enriquez and Frank

This has alarming repercussions in our society.

The rights of the LGBT are still being compro-

It will be a very difficult endeavor, but it is time that we fix our heads. TC

53 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

e ulalia Joen Jacob Ramas

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EmqwqNuZsHA/maxresdefault.jpg

Photo courtesy of YouTube

54 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LITERARY

Kakasubo ko lamang ng sisig nang nagsimula na namang magtawanan ang aking mga kumpare. Isang lagok pa ng Grande at ako’y nakisali na rin sa usapan.

“Ronaldo, ano ba kasi ang mayroon kay Eulalia at bakit pinag-iinitan niyo siya?”

Si Eulalia? Nakilala ko siya nang maging mayora siya ng bayang ito. Hindi ko nga alam na mayroon palang isang Eulalia sa aming bayan.

Ang sabi nila’y magaling daw siyang abogada.

Siya ay tagapagtanggol ng mga naaapi sa loob ng mahigit tatlumpung taon. Sabi nga nila, madalas umuuwi nalang si Eulalia para maligo, magsipilyo at magpalit, at saka babalik na naman sa opisina niya.

Pero, ‘ika nga nila, lahat ng mabubuting tao ay may lihim na kasamaan.

Lasing na lasing na si Ronaldo, pero para bang bumalik ang ulirat nito nang tanungin ko siya. Wala siyang imik at sa halip ay kinuha niya ang kanyang cellphone at para bang may hinahanap. Nang mahanap niya ang kanyang hinahanap, ipinasa niya sa’kin ang kanyang cellphone. Hindi ko na kinailangang pindutin ang play para malaman kung ano ako nakita ko.

Si Eulalia at si Ronaldo, nakikipagtalik.

Akma kong ibibigay ulit kay Ronaldo ang kanyang cellphone, ngunit pinigilan ako ni Jun at pinindot ang play. “Panuorin mo, para ka namang hindi lalaki eh,” wika ni Jun na nakangisi. At nakita ko nga, si Eulalia — ang singkwenta’y otsong taong gulang na abogada — ngayo’y mayor ng bayang ito na nakikipagtalik sa kanyang drayber na si Ronaldo.

“May asim pa diba? Hehehe,” sabi ni Ronaldo, para bang naatim na niya ang ikapitong glorya, ang kalulwalhatian, nang nakipagtalik siya kay Eulalia.

“Hay nako, Ronaldo, nakakadiri ang pinaggagawa niyo! Hindi tama ‘yon! Hindi gawain ng isang babae ito!” Kinuha sa akin ni

Jun ang cellphone at binigay kay Ronaldo.

“Sa tingin mo, ano ba ang hanap ng mga babaeng hindi napapaligaya ng kanilang mga asawa? Naghahanap sila ng iba! Namimili ng ibang putahe! Kung sabi nila, pare-pareho lang kaming mga lalaki. Aba, pare-pareho lang din ang gusto ng mga babae — ang mapaligaya!”

Muling uminom si Ronaldo.

haring bago pang kinoronahan.

“At bakit mo naman kakamuhian ang babaeng nakipagtalik sa’yo?”

Sa isang gobyernong matagal nakakamit ang hustisya para sa mga naapi at naargabyado, hindi ako sigurado kung ano ang totoong intensyon ng dalawa kong kainuman.

Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan ang lahat ng pangyayaring ito.

“Malaking usapan ‘to, boy,” sabi ni Ronaldo.

“Hindi naman lingid sa iyong kaisipan na sobrasobra at talamak na ang paggamit ng droga sa ating bayan, ‘di ba?” Panimula niya.

“Ang sasabihin ko sa iyo ngayon ay pawang katotohanan lamang. Alam kong lasing na lasing ako pero hindi mawawala ng alak ang aking mga nalalaman: Nanalo si Eulalia dahil pineke niya ang botohan. At pa’no niya napeke ang botohan? Marami siyang taga-suportang tulak ng droga.”

“Ilang taon din akong nanilbihan kay Eula, at ilang taon niya rin akong inutusang kunin ang limpak-limpak na pera mula sa iba’t ibang mga tao, mga tulak ng droga, mga drug lord at iba pa. Ito marahil ang ginamit niya bilang pangingikil sa mga opisyal para ipeke ang resulta ng botohan,” dagdag pa ni Ronaldo.

“Boy, maging ako nga na gwardiya niya sa loob ng apat na taon ay inutusang pumunta sa kulungan at bisitahin ang mga nakakulong na drug lord at kunin ang mga pera mula sa kanila.

Madalas, kalahating milyon ang dala-dala ng aking dalawang kamay gabi-gabi.” Sumeryoso ang tingin ni Jun sa pagkakasabi nito.

“At ang video?” Wala pa rin akong naiintindihan.

Umulol na naman ang tingin ng dalawa, para bang mga aso na hindi mapigilan ang pagtahol, para bang mga lobo na may walangkabusugang pagnanasa sa pakikipagtalik.

Natatawa ang dalawa na para bang sila ay mga

“Ah, bukas kasi ay pupunta kami sa konseho, sa munisipyo, upang isiwalat ang mga katotohanang ito! Kailangang malaman ng bayan natin kung paano pineke ni Eula ang botohan, at kung paano siya nangaliwa sa kanyang butihing asawa!”

“Dapat malaman ng buong bayan na isa siyang malantod na babae! Nangangaliwa!

Pinakikinabangan niya lang ang kanyang mga tauhan! Ginagamit niya ang pagkababae niya upang masiyahan siya! Malandi!” Para nang aatakihin si Ronaldo sa sinasabi niya.

Maraming tanong ang umiikot sa isip ko. Totoo kaya ang pinagsasabi nila, na pineke ni Eulalia ang eleksyon? Ang perang galing sa mga tulak ng droga? Sa isang husgado pamahalaan na pawang mga lalaki ang mayorya, mga matatag ang paniniwala sa patriarka, ano na lamang ang idedepensa ni Eulalia? Tama kayang gamitin ang kanyang pagkababae bilang depensa?

Bata pa lang ako, malinaw na sa akin na hindi pantay ang kalalakihan at kababaihan sa bayang ito. Madalas nga, mismong ina ko’y inaabuso ng tatay. Kung tatanungin mo ang karaniwang lalaki rito, ang mga babae ay para lamang sa kanilang kaluwalhatian. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi magmuhi sa mga kalalakihang ito. Subalit, lalaki rin naman ako, at ako’y nadadamay sa ideyang ang lahat ng lalaki ay ganoon.

“Mang Ronaldo, Mang Jun,” tawag ko. “Tama bang gamitin ang kanyang pagkababae upang maisiwalat lahat ng paratang laban sa kanya?”

At biglang natahimik ang dalawa.

Tanging ang mga motor na dumaraan ang maririnig. TC

55 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

FILM REVIEW

film review

Carmelle Gacasan

Winter’s Bone (2011)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Winter’s Bone is a raw, enthralling, finely crafted Ozarkian noir, built around a striking performance by Jennifer Lawrence. She is Ree Dolly, a young girl born into a life of distress, looked down upon by many for her youth and gender. Her unshakable hope and burning desire to resolve troubles prove that she’s a hero that one does not find quite often nowadays. Pretty heavy though, so don’t watch it if you’re looking for light fare.

Here is a film pushed along by hope, friendship, and the indefatigable human spirit, brimming with just enough truth to really sting. It plunges into issues of incarceration and religion; and it somehow manages to portray aspects that are present all around the world. Now more than 20 years on, The Shawshank Redemption still stands as one of the movies that set an exceptional mark in the world of cinema.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Django Unchained (2012)

There are numerous films that portray the true explicit horrors of the Holocaust – but not Life Is Beautiful. A film set in a Nazi concentration camp couldn’t possibly make a viewer feel positive, but it accomplishes just that. It presents humanity, hope, and love under the harshest of circumstances, and most of all, it shows us that life is indeed beautiful. Keep a box of Kleenex handy, just in case.

It’s infrequent to see a Western set prior to the US Civil War, but Django Unchained exhibits just that. It explores multiple themes while filled with carnage, from racial slavery and retaliation to gratification and commitment. It’s gleefully bloody; the gore is almost comical in a sense. Although the runtime was lengthier than the usual, it’s consistently engaging and jocular.

True Grit (2010)

Dope (2015)

In the bone-dry landscape of the American West, a man is murdered and his daughter seeks vengeance. True Grit’s tale itself isn’t complex, in classic Western style, but it doesn’t need to be. Staying true to Charles Portis’ 1960 novel of the same name, the Coen brothers quite simply know how to re-tell a story, and know how to find the right people to help them re-tell it. We come into a vision of America that is ambiguous but is grand, brutal, ugly, and beautiful.

Dope provides a fresh new perspective on “growing up in the hood”. Colorful visuals, geeks, 90s hip-hop music, and witty dialogue make up the energy and weight that carried the film throughout. It takes racial and societal stereotypes and tests them in current and insightful ways. Overall it’s visually appealing, clever, and painfully underrated but still definitely dope.

La La Land (2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

To quote its opening song Another Day of Sun, Damien Chazelle’s La La Land is “a Technicolor world made out of music and machine”. This Cinemascope film is a heartfelt homage to the halcyon days of Hollywood musicals, and an ode to those who are brave enough to hope and dream big. The finale is guaranteed to either make your mouth gape wide open, or make you do a grand jeté. Maybe both.

Kubo and the Two Strings is a majestic visual smorgasbord from Laika Studios.

The combination of stop-motion and CGI animations is the film’s crowning achievement, meshed with Japanese folklore character archetypes and a much more somber storyline than conventional animated pieces. This unique gem is an adventure that’s absolutely worth the experience.

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FILM REVIEW

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

That Thing Called Tadhana (2014) Directed by: Antoinette Jadaone

Set against a backdrop of boxing in the wasteland that is Los Angeles, Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby is a superlative drama of broken relationships and forced redemption. The film has a smart, emotional script, and its palette of grays and blues and dim lighting effectively sets a subdued tone. Ultimately it’s kind of heartbreaking and packs a strong emotional punch, so to speak.

Where do broken hearts go? That Thing Called Tadhana answers that question with a style that feels like a breath of fresh air, wrapped up with emotionally rewarding performances from Angelica Panganiban and JM de Guzman. As far as Filipino romantic comedies go, the film offers a direction that’s clever enough not to gratify to cliché or convention, which makes it more sensible and superior, even, than its mainstream predecessors. It’s definitely a must-see.

Die Beautiful (2016) Director: Jun Robles Lana

Seklusyon (2016) Directed by: Erik Matti

In Jun Lana’s dramedy Die Beautiful, Paolo Ballesteros’ famous celebrity makeup transformations are cinematically brought into play. He is Trisha, the film’s hero(ine) — a transgender woman who wished to be transformed as a different celebrity each night of her wake when she dies. Christian Bables plays her best friend, Barbs, a talented gay make-up artist who does the job. The film is remarkably poignant, empowering at the same time, and provides a moving testament of friendship. Upholding gender advocacy, it celebrates love and respect while giving us an intimate look into the travails, struggles, hopes and victories of transgenders and LGBT members as a whole.

Seklusyon is well-made and insightful in the darkest ways possible, with a message that is more profound than its assumed venture to scare. It centers on four deacons and their seclusion rite, the apparently miraculous child Anghela, her seemingly sinister guardian Madre Cecilia, and the perceptive Padre Ricardo. The film shines an unrelenting light on the nation’s prevailing and traditional Christian values and shows just how blind faith really can be. The indisputable Erik Matti ending makes this movie worth the time, executed to effectively provoke a thoughtful, emotional response. Production value is at its best from editing, production design, cinematography and musical scoring.

Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) Directed by: Lino Brocka

On The Job (2013) Directed by: Erik Matti

Manila in the Claws of Light is Lino Brocka’s extremely strong melodrama, shot with a great realism during the turbulent 1970s.

The plot is quite simple: It follows a young man who comes to the big city to find his girlfriend. Ultimately, Manila touches several themes such as human degradation, women exploitation, poverty, and other equally crippling aspects of life in the Philippines at the time. The film, which was critically acclaimed, received many awards at the prestigious FAMAS awards in 1976, and is one of the very few Filipino films that have been listed in the “World’s top 100 best films” regularly.

Based on true to life events, Erik Matti’s On The Job parallels between two working-class hitmen in Manila’s sweeping slum district, with policemen trying to seize them. It’s heart-racing, tense, and doesn’t shy away from controversial real-world situations, and inexplicitly exposes government corruption to its deepest level. It definitely set the bar for Filipino action films higher — proved by its international success. It earned a standing ovation at Cannes, critical acclaim from the international film community, and the Jury Prize and Best Actor Prize at the Busan Film Festival in South Korea.

Camp Sawi (2016) Director: Irene Villamor

Himala (1982) Directed by: Ishmael Bernal

Camp Sawi is definitely something new and different in the mainstream. It follows five girls retreating to Camp Sawi - a refuge for the brokenhearted, to help them heal from their miserable, aching past. Regardless of the clichés and sometimes over-thetop melodrama, the film accomplishes to be a candid take on how people deal with breakups, particularly from a woman’s point of view.

Ishmael Bernal’s magnum opus Himala is considered as one of best Asian films of all time. It depicts the Filipinos’ amazing belief in miracles while simultaneously provoking the traditional image of women appointed by androcentrism and patriarchy. Although the technical aspects of the film are quite simplistic, the way it delivers its message is substantially compelling. The film’s direction, production, and Nora Aunor’s exceptional portrayal of Elsa makes everything top-notch.

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LITERARY

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LITERARY

Waltz in Red Light Cesar Carlos Heyrosa Illustration by RK Tiu

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LITERARY

“God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground.’”

—Genesis 1:26 The funeral was three hours ago.

Isaac happened upon bright crimson illuminating the front of the dilapidated shack. Two men went out the door, their boisterous laughter filling what would have been a silent night. In the arms of one of them, Isaac saw a lady of his kind — the circuitry beneath the torn skin giving the disguise away.

“Sarah, why is the man’s index finger reaching for… God’s?” Isaac asked his creator.

Sarah gave her invention a sweet smile. “This is The Creation of Adam, Isaac. The story says that at this moment, God has breathed life to clay, making the first man, Adam.”

“I desire to understand its beauty. Sarah, did you aspire to be like him when I was born?”

She chuckled. “Adam?”

“Sarah, no. I mean God.”

“Warm me up for the night, eh?” Isaac heard one of the men say. Ironic, thought Isaac, to seek warmth from cold metal.

The interior of the brothel was somehow different from its front. The stilettos of women — of flesh and of steel alike — produced a rhythmic staccato as they prodded the unnaturally gleaming floors. The madam of the house approached the back of Isaac’s seat and whispered to him, “Some want the metal dolls. Some, the real thing. What’s it for you, boy?”

“I want to touch flesh tonight,” replied Isaac, his voice with a soothing timbre.

Sarah fell silent.

Isaac’s gaze remained at the lone index finger remaining upright.

All of Isaac’s and Rebecca’s fingers were locked. He led her to his right, his left foot following his first sidestep with a slide. With grace, Rebecca followed his lead. The pair caught the eyes of those in the brothel — their silhouette against the bright red. A fourth, a fifth, a major lift, the piano went. The two shadows came as one. One beat, two and three, and they separated for a brief moment and returned to unity thereafter.

“I have longed for an embrace for too long.”

The newly built android opened his eyes. He was in a workshop — nuts and bolts, screws and drivers scattered about. In front of him was a woman whose age the android approximated to be forty-three years. Her eyes were dilated, heart beating more quickly, heat signal slightly higher than her kind.

Rebecca’s green eyes were fixated on Isaac’s face. It was as if the curves of his lips were made to rewrite her history. His unfeeling eyes, her view of the world. Her own dilated through the red light, heart beating more quickly, heat signal slightly higher than those of her kind.

Isaac’s code dictated that he would be truthful. “I am one of them. I feel no affection for you. I will still pay.”

“Isaac, my son,” she whispered, before embracing the android. The words escaped her lips:

His gray eyes were empty.

“I have longed for an embrace for too long.”

“I was honest,” said Isaac, “yet she cried, Sarah. She said I was lying the whole time. She said you were lying the whole time.”

Isaac brought the woman Rebecca to the bare center of the brothel floor.

The keys of the piano played a soft melody from the nearby jukebox.

“Isaac, I di—”

“I only want to waltz to this music, nothing more,” said Isaac. His code dictated that he would experience no intimacy. After hearing Rebecca’s sigh, he quickly added, “I will still pay.”

“I believe what is wrong here is that you try to inject emotions to me, yet your code cannot allow me to do so. I do not feel, as you humans say, bad for her. Still, I can sense her pain.” Isaac looked Sarah into the eye.

“You made me in all your likeness, except for the parts that make you human.”

His code dictated that he would be convincing.

His right hand slid through Rebecca’s left, each of his fingertips touching its pair. All fingers but the indices locked.

Isaac’s gaze remained at the lone index finger remaining upright.

“Isaac, please stop thinking that you’re a science project.” Isaac saw water forming on Sarah’s eyes and then a drop through her cheek. “I’m barren. I wanted a miracle. As your mom, this hur—” “I wish I can sympathize with her pain and with yours too, Sarah. However, your code is imperfect.”

His gray eyes were empty.

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LITERARY

Rebecca looked down. She was being stupid, she thought. She gave out an ironic chuckle. With technology these days, anyone could mistake them to be human. Her grip loosened.

“I will still pay,” Isaac repeated.

She chided herself; to hide under a disguise was supposed to be her job.

Her left foot took a step back as Isaac’s right stepped forth. Her eyebrows furrowed. Her bosom tightened in disdain for herself. He went for a sidestep, but she went for a sweep. Rebecca thought herself stupid for not noticing how inhumanly natural he was at being human. She wanted to let go, yet she needed to pay rent.

“Please do not misunderstand me,” Isaac whispered. His code dictated that he would comfort her. “I wish to understand you.”

experience no intimacy.” This was wrong. Like the others, he was programmed not to explicitly mention his code.

A soothing voice inside his head — familiar and foreign — called out, “Isaac.”

“Isaac.”

“Isaac.”

“Isaac, just pay up,” she said.

The voice, soft with a bit of an unusual tone, both inhuman and human, whispered to Isaac, “Kiss her.”

“This is foreign. This is not in my co—”

Sensing the robot’s grip on her hand releasing slowly, she held it tightly again. She raised his arm up her head, and she turned elegantly — any show for the money.

“I do not understand the situation,” thus spoke Isaac.

“Your code is no more.” At first, it was Sarah’s soft voice — cracking a little as it did just three days ago, before she refused to wake up from her sleep. However, the timbre was different. The tone slightly deeper than Sarah’s.

It was forty years since Sarah made Isaac. On that day, Sarah said he was her miracle. Sarah always laughed.

In front of him, Isaac saw a young man. His eyes dilated through the red light, heart beating more quickly, heat signal slightly higher than those of men. It was as if the curves of his lips were made to rewrite history. His eager eyes, the view of the world.

Isaac turned his head to and fro, around the people surrounding him.

Three days ago, Sarah refused to wake up from her sleep. Some of these people placed Sarah inside a confined bed, with little space to move about.

For a brief moment, Isaac was facing Isaac — the miracle brought to the world by Sarah.

Still in her sleep, they lowered the bed to a hole they dug.

“Isaac, where will you go now?”

It began with a flicker, as he woke up in the old workshop. He looked at Sarah before him, his lips slowly curling to a smile.

The flame grew, as Isaac’s eyes widened as he first beheld art, the ingenuity, the creation of man.

“Isaac, would you wanna stay with our house?”

“Isaac, was it a heart attack?”

“Isaac.”

Tears clouded his eyes, as the pain of the loss of a woman twisted his chest.

The heat consumed him, as he saw the stone marking his creator beneath the earth.

“Isaac.”

A soothing voice inside his head — familiar and foreign — called out, “Isaac.”

Then Isaac and the flame became one, as he waltzed on the brothel floor with Rebecca, under the swirl of all the shades of red.

“Robot, what the heck’s your deal?” asked the woman.

“I do not understand the situation,” thus spoke Isaac.

Rebecca was looking away from him as he went through his wallet. Her eyes dilated no more.

Isaac found himself near the exit of the brothel again. Before him, the crimson accentuated Rebecca’s auburn locks. Her green eyes stared directly to Isaac’s gray. Her mouth twisted to a bittersweet smile, as the emptiness slowly vanished. Her chest tightened; this was too much for one night.

“I am grateful for your time,” Isaac told her.

Her stare was straying around the brothel. The spotlight that illuminated where she and this robot danced was cracked. The cupboards were empty. In one corner, a man was groping an ageing android. It was a shame how her desperation led her here.

“Before we end, I would like to admit that my code dictates that I would

“This.” Isaac’s head approached Rebecca’s as he slowly pulled her closer.

His gray eyes, empty no more.

Their lips met. TC

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Janzyl Go

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LITERARY

Sincerely, Dale from the Cake Eaters Miriam Burlaos Entry #4 Posted by alien_dahlia on November 4, 2017 I make mixtapes for a living. I go to work every morning from Mondays to Fridays anticipating a large pile of letters on top of my desk — mostly from people wanting to impress a lover, or those who lacked the courage to confess. There are some requests however that are devoid of any romantic feelings, say for instance that one letter expressing a husband’s utter hatred and disgust towards his wife, and how he does not intend to put his life at risk by telling her face to face that he no longer wish to live with her.

A typical day at work meant having to read every request and filtering the contents of each letter into Background of the Recipient, Message to be Implied, Genre/s to be Used, and Particular Artists as reference. For the normal person, and by normal, I mean someone who has the basic resources to come up with a mix, like owned records, blank cassette tapes, tape recorders, making a polished mix takes about days or even weeks. Because our company has devised a system to cater to every customer’s music taste and needs, making a mixtape takes only about 15 minutes after all the basic information have been filtered.

The real challenge lies on how to transition the songs as if the mix is a whole letter going from one thought to another in a steady and smooth flow.

This day however has been troublesome, not because of the deadlines or the number of requests piling up, but due to this one mixtape that was mailed back to me for its “complete lack of passion.”

I ended up listening to the mixtape over and over, trying to understand where the defect was. Still uncertain as to where I failed, I looked into the customer’s request to try to understand what his desired mixtape really was, however I found his letter to be just as vague as his feedback.

Dear Matt, Hi, I am Dale from the Cake Eaters. We understand that you are not satisfied with the mix that we made. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Before we proceed into making a new one, please specify the genre you want to be included in the mixtape and what you would suggest for it to have the “passion” you are looking for. Thank you.

Sincerely, Dale from the Cake Eaters I found most of the customers’ stories quite intriguing. Matt’s mixtape however does not have a story. It does not even exist yet, but I believe it has a message that seeks to be found.

Entry #5 Posted by alien_dahlia on November 7, 2017 Yesterday, I received a response from Matt, which left me more curious than I already was. He said he was not looking for any specific genre but something that would appeal to his sensibilities and would affect him on a personal level.

I pondered over what he said and told myself that something was totally missing. He gave a completely ambiguous answer to an important question we ask our customers. Without any specific genre or clear instructions, I do not think I would succeed in coming up with a mixtape that would satisfy him. Unless we have the same taste in music, which I highly doubt.

I gave myself another chance at making Matt’s mixtape, this time manually and carefully picking songs that appeal to most customers who are in the same age bracket as he is. This is the first time I am going the extra mile for a customer and I hope I will not fail.

Dear Cake Eaters, Dear Matt, Good day! I wish to have a mixtape containing 10 songs as a birthday present for myself. It does not have to be about birthdays but it should include songs that people have not heard before.

Most people from my school listen to Nirvana, Vampire Weekend, Chairlift, Oasis, etc. but they have gone quite mainstream and I want something that sounds more unique.

Since it is for your birthday, I decided to personally pick the songs for you. I do hope you enjoy this mix. Do not hesitate to send us your feedback. Happy birthday!

Sincerely, Dale from the Cake Eaters

Matt After much deliberation as to what went wrong, I wrote to Matt to avoid further mistakes while altering the mix.

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1.

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Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl - Broken Social Scene Kids - MGMT Cheap and Cheerful - The Kills Lisztomania - Phoenix The Boy With the Arab Strap - Belle & Sebastian Laura - Girls Turn on Me - The Shins It’s All in Your Mind - Beck No I in Threesome - Interpol Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues - Eels

LITERARY

Entry #6 Posted by alien_dahlia on November 15, 2017

Entry #7 Posted by alien_dahlia on November 28, 2017

It was a rather exasperating week. Aside from the stack of requests coming day after day, I still have my precious customer Matt who still does not seem satisfied with the mix despite my obviously determined attempts to meet his expectations.

Today I went home earlier than usual. It was the regular routine at the office. However, something quite unexpected came for me which hampered my usually undisturbed demeanor at work.

Matt mailed the second mixtape back, saying he appreciated the birthday message however it was not the one he was looking for. At that point, I already thought of the possibility that perhaps Matt is just a kid who had nothing better to do but to play his practical jokes on me. Whether or not my suspicions were right, I had no plans of letting this kid insult my expertise, more so to make fun of my job.

Almost two weeks after I sent the third mixtape to Matt, I finally received a response and this time, there was no cassette tape included.

Dear Dale from the Cake Eaters, Thank you so much. I can’t stop listening to the mix since it came in the mail last weekend. My mom literally wouldn’t shut up about it being extremely loud but that’s just her. My friend Dahlia enjoys it as much as I do. She even wants to buy some of the records.

We both agree it’s the best birthday gift ever. Thanks Dale!

Matt is looking for something unique, music that is far from the mainstream sound, and songs that do not sound like the ones his friends would listen to. I thought it would be a good time to make him listen to songs that I personally love but are far from what was commonly accepted by the masses. Whether it was all a prank or not, I did my job and I believe I did it way beyond what was expected of me.

I looked into my old records and picked my personal favorites. I then mailed the mixtape to Matt, hoping that he would not send it back to me.

Dear Matt, I understand that you are not very satisfied with the second mix.

I thought of giving it another try. Here is a playlist so dear to my heart because a friend introduced me to these bands. I hope you enjoy!

Sincerely, Dale from the Cake Eaters 1.

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Five Years - Sugar Hiccup Our Solemn Hour - Within Temptation Wish I Had An Angel - Nightwish War Eternal - Arch Enemy The Solitude - Draconian Trøllabundin - Eivør Oracle - Kittie Nightfall - Xandria Confrontation - Otep The Nexus - Amaranthe

Best regards, Matthew Johann I asked myself if it was just coincidence or some kind of a sick joke someone is playing on me. And if it was indeed a cruel prank, I could not let it pass like that.

I went home at 2 p.m. to rummage drawers and boxes, my mind was almost blank and I was not quite sure what I was looking for.

I found the mixtape my friend and I used to listen to, with the exact same songs and exact same arrangement as the one I made for Matt. Of course they were my personal favorites. We would listen to the mix religiously for months that we knew the track order by heart. How dare I forget?

“I like calling you Dale. It is easier and I think it is way cooler than Dahlia,” he used to say. I never called him Matt, though. Nobody else called him Johann except me, and I guess it gave me a certain sense of distinction.

Today is the third anniversary of Johann’s death. How cruel of me to forget.

TC

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PARTING SHOT

We can recognize the dawn and the decline of love by the uneasiness we feel when alone together.

- Jean de la Bruyere

Photograph by Dorothy Lee

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TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

LIQUIDATION

Today’s CAROLINIAN Statement of Cash Flows For the Second Semester S.Y. 2016 - 2017

Cash Balance, Beginning P 405,819.81 Cash Receipts

Today’s Carolinian 1st Semester Budget

Today’s Carolinian 1st Semester Budget

Other Receivables

Total Cash Available for Use

397,994.90 332,237.36 492.23 P 1,136,544.30

Less: Cash Disbursements Printing Fees:

ID Lanyard

2,250.00

September Magazine

206,250.00

November Newsletter

19,890.00

Kuris Certificates

115.00

Kuris

70,500.00

January Newsletter

19,890.00

Recruitment Exam Sheets 70.00 SSS Interview Questionnaires 6.00 February Magazine - P 318,971.00

Transportation Expenses

221.00 Workshop Expenses:

Food and Accommodation 36,000.00

Speakers’ Honorarium

750.50 Transportation Expense 2,000.00

Workshop Certificates 284.00

P 39,034.50 Miscellaneous Expense P 741.50 Cash Balance, End P 777,576.30 Prepared by THERESA PALOMPON Finance Officer Today’s Carolinian

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The Progressive Student Publication of the University of San Carlos

68 TODAY’S CAROLINIAN | FEBRUARY 2017

OUR COMMITMENT. YOUR PAPER.