the
Augustinian
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
Features FolD
usa puB pHoto • rotsen c. agreda and mIcHaeL e r B. tuares
ThE ‘VERITAS’ PROJECT
Instilling the value of truthfulness through the “Gusting Honesty Store” BY PAULENE A. BUENAFE
Pick. small candies, chips, canned goods, basic essentials to his right and to his left, a variety of kakanin, and even a cup of water. He started picking what interests him. Jot. He got the pen and one by one, wrote everything he chose. Drop. He reached for his pocket. With a 20 – peso bill and two five – peso coins, he immediately dropped the money inside the box and then went straight to class. It took three steps in three minutes. Yet, he gained a lesson of a lifetime.
more convenient. “As a student, importante guid nga maging honest kita sa aton ginabakal, kung pila ang total amount amo man na dapat ang exact amount nga ginabayad ta. This will not only benefit the school but also us students as well,” said Boniba.
LEAPS OF FAITh To instill the virtue of honesty, the University launched the “Gusting Honesty Store” on August 28, 2019, in line with the celebration of St. Augustine’s Feast Day (SAFD) formerly known as Patron Saint’s Day. With the collaborative efforts of the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Non-Core and Business Alliance Office (NCABO) and the Business and Finance Office, the mission that was once just an idea came to life. “We know that the motto of the University is Virtus et Scientia, we are always looking for ways how to develop the virtue in the students. We are not only concerned with the development of knowledge and skills [but] above all, we want to produce graduates that are of virtue,” expressed Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, University president. The said concept was inspired by the Honesty Coffee Shop located in Ivana, Batanes. Pioneered by married couple Jose
SCARCITY IN hONESTY Not all honesty stores were able to thrive. Unlike the Honesty Coffee Shop in Batanes that is still operating up to this date, the ‘honesty store’ launched by the Manila Police District (MPD) reached dead end and was forced to close after its six months of operations due to financial losses attributing to dishonest buyers. “We have decided to close the store because it is not picking up. On the contrary, we are losing money and it is not a good idea to continue when nothing is happening positively,” MPD Finest Brotherhood Cooperative general manager Ester Tan said in her interview with PhilStar. Meanwhile, Grabato shared in the interview that the Gusting Honesty store incurred some losses on the first day, stating that there was a gap between the inventory and the amount received. On a good note, the honesty store was able to recover. “Luckily, it has been two months and we have more than our capital right now. We have
and Elena Gabilo, the unmanned coffee shop launched in 1995, soon established its fame for the concept and became a tourist spot on its own. In the University, the store came through to focus on Veritas (Truth) as one of its core values, starting with a 5000 – peso capital funded by NCABO. Metah Joy Tentia, HRMO Office assistant, stated that the primary goal of the project is to inculcate honesty and integrity to the University personnel, faculty and students. Catherine Grabato, NCABO director, added that the project aims to provide convenience for the students and faculty. “We [also] wanted to provide the Augustinians a store which is very convenient where they just choose whatever they want to buy. They just have to jot it down and drop the exact payment inside the designated box,” stated Grabato. Jean Boniba, a fifth year Architecture student, shared that she often stops by at the Gusting Honesty Store because it was
profit already and at the same time, we are still around. I could say that we are on the right track,” emphasized Grabato. Further, Comendador shared that he noticed one of the lacking virtues among Filipinos is honesty, as the feedback that often received from the people. “As an institution, we form students with young minds and hearts. That’s why I encouraged some units to go into this Honesty Store so that students will voluntarily exercise honesty on their own,” he said. Amidst the risks, HRMO Organization Specialist Charmaine Salas expressed that installing a CCTV camera will defeat the purpose of honesty. “It actually evolved not just about honesty but about giving back. We received a donation of bread from Tibiao Bakery that said ‘Share this to everyone with love’. It became a venue for us
taking things one day at a time. From providing the Augustinian community with goods and basic necessities, to inculcating the value of integrity. For now, the University is trying to enhance the over-all look of the store, also overcoming the challenges of managing it every day. Tentia and Grabato both hope that soon there will be closed shelves and cabinets to secure the products at night so that there will be no need to remove the goods in the afternoon. “The process with Gusting is not easy because in the morning, we have to place our merchandise and then in the afternoon, we [remove] our merchandise and count the inventory. We are very lucky that we have people from HRMO, NCABO and Business and Finance who are very hardworking,” Grabato added. In addition, Salas shared
in the classroom that the life skill opportunity for them gets missed out,” she said. “We are planting the seeds of values in the students. We know the internal struggles of the country. From cheating, corruption and lack of integrity all of these boil down to honesty. If students would be honest even if nobody is watching, I think it will contribute a lot to the transformation of the entire country,” emphasized Comendador, anchoring on the internal transformation of the community. “One strong indication that a person is of integrity is being honest with your day-to-day dealings. If your core is strong, you will be unshaken no matter what. That’s why we want our students to be ready for that,” Grabato concluded. Pick. Jot. Drop. Three steps to a virtue of a lifetime.
u sa pu B pHoto • steven jo Hn n. sumBIn g
“one sTrong indicaTion ThaT a person is of inTegriTy is being honesT wiTh your day-To-day dealings. if your core is sTrong, you will be unshaken no maTTer whaT. ThaT’s why we wanT our sTudenTs and To be ready for ThaT.” as a community to exemplify the values of the University,” said Salas, emphasizing the other value of the University, Caritas (Charity). A TIMELESS PROJECT Since its establishment, the Gusting Honesty Store is
FeatUre • pag e B3 Revival Through the Virtual World As we start planting trees, we are also letting the future generations enjoy a green legacy.
that they are planning to put up Gusting Junior in the Basic Education Department in Sambag Campus, an idea welcomed by the faculty. The administration sees it as an opportunity to enhance the life skills of the students. “We are so focused in theories and concepts
Now in the age of technological advancements and materialism, temptations are lurking around. Establishing a strong core with the constant exercise of truthfulness will benefit generations. This two-month old store, regardless of its future results, will be a timeless project.
FeatUre • pag e B 5
SPectacLe • page B7
Discovering the captain’s Hot Pots
The classic Bittersweet
Kap Ising serves the kind of Ilonggo cooking that offers something for every level of palate sophistication
Experience the woody-centric fourth installment as it introduces new characters in a magical adventure.
B2 Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
Forum DISASTER:AWARENESS OR HEEDLESSNESS?
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. b y j o a nna wayn e S . hor n e ja an d xe n a hyaci nth G. esti ñoso
The Philippines is a disaster-prone country. It is open to all kinds of natural and man-made calamities that could greatly affect the lives of Filipinos and the economy of the country as a whole. In order to mitigate the risks and effects of these disasters, the government has been implementing different ways to help equip our country with disaster resilience and preparedness by following the established National Disaster Risk Management Plan (NDRMP). and millions of families are suffering. Several lives could have been spared if it were not for the delayed arrival of the rescue teams during their search and rescue operations. Unsuccessful evacuations, lack of equipment and manpower, late announcements and emergency response, lack of education about disaster preparedness, and resilience are the main roots of the growing number of casualties of every disaster we face.
This puts us to question, “With the recent mishaps happening in our country, do you think Philippines is resilient and ready enough to withstand the possible incoming disasters in the future?” We asked various members of the Augustinian community to share their insights and opinions on this discussion. Hear out the different takes of our fellow Augustinians about the issue as they let their voices and opinions be heard.
“Yes, the Philippines is ready for disasters, I think our country is well prepared first because we have different programs from the government that supports and prepares the people for disasters like earthquake, storms, or any form of calamity. We also have this yearly preparedness program like earthquake drills, fire drills—all these activities actually will somehow prepare our people for any event that will probably come to our country.”
Rev. Fr. Wilson Capellan, OSA, Vice President for Augustinian Formation and Mission
“Readiness and resilience—those are two different things, because sometimes resilience is considered as a positive trait, for me it’s not. Because if you are resilient then it means that you are, well, you are just waiting for the next calamity to come in then bahala na no? Unlike being ready for it which means you are preparing for it, so for me those, readiness and resilience are two different things. So, is the Philippines resilient? Yes, no? But of course like I said, there is something…negative about that. Is the Philippines ready? We cannot generalize. Some areas are ready, some are not. So, It’s hard to say.”
Dr. James Pedregosa, Academic Supervisor for Graduate School
Atty. Jose Mari Benjamin F.U. Tirol, Dean, College of Law
No, the country is not completely ready for future calamities. There are certain areas nga may equipment for certain disasters and there are areas man na wala. Also, It’s the lack of knowledge of the citizens that keeps them unequipped or unprepared for calamity. Most of the people doesn’t even have the knowledge on what to do kung ara na ang ini nga mga bagay.
“I think yes because the Filipinos can be prepared about the disaster if our government is implementing the rules and regulations properly. Especially [with] the drainage system and about sa ano bala, ang part na sang tsunami bala. So kung gintake seriously man ni sang mga tawo, like tagaan sang signal, gapati man sila. Ready ang Philippines sa amo nga disaster.”
Frances Izzabele Octaviano, Senator, College of Technology
Gywyn Dyll Salido, Mr. College of Technology 2019
“No, we’re not ready. The fact that the government has not prepared a plan, a definite plan for us to be aware, for us to be ready during the disaster, and besides Filipinos are not that good citizens. What I mean is that they’re not responsible no matter what would the things that the government would tell them to do especially during trainings, they are actually doing it practically.”
“In my opinion. The Philippines is not resilient enough because what we are doing right now is just-when a disaster comes, we bounce back; it’s like we go one step forward but we go two steps back. I think for me we’re not ready enough for these calamities to happen but I know that the government is doing their work to make a resilient-enough Philippines for the future.”
Edmar Labrador, Librarian, Graduate School
Paul Arnel Bautista, BS Foreign Service II
“I think that Philippines is resilient enough for the main reason that we’ve been through a lot in terms of calamities and natural disasters. We are still fighting. But I don’t think we are ready for it for we are not equipped with materials needed to fight the natural disasters.”
“I think no because ang resources sa Philippines kag ang iya services are not enough for the country to be resilient enough for future calamities. I think that the way the Philippine government is going about right now; I think Philippines is doomed to face large-scale disasters kung may ara gid man in the future.”
Ulpiano James Dalisay, Governor, College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education
Michael Panes, Humanities and Social Sciences Student
ILLustr at ion: ger emy t. gall enero
However, with the recent calamities our country has experienced such as typhoons, earthquakes, fires, flash floods, and the like, affected communities are taking too much time to recover from all the damages and loss. They are indeed resilient in mind but are victimized even more by the aftermath of the disasters along the recovery process. In addition to this, thousands of lives were taken
“So there are three things. My point is: the resilience of the Filipinos is always there, because we as Christians always believe that something good will happen after every storm. The negative side is people do not really do something with regard to their present state because they very hopeful and sometimes hopeful is negative. And third one is some people capitalize on the misfortunes of others, and if we summarize well, our people are not hopeless people but I think people have to do something with regard to their present life.”
Source: HHI.harvard. edu
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
B3
campus life
Kaing Gawa “Walang sino man ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang.” NI x e na h yacin th g. e stiÑoso
ay ang kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig tuwing tag-tuyot. Sa mga sitwasyong ito, masasabing sila’y lubos na naapektuhan ng pagbago-bago ng panahon. Para sa isang mag-aaral ng BS Marketing ng Unibersidad ng San Agustin na si Annica Amuan, ang aming paglilibot at pagmamasid sa Isian ay nagpapatunay ng realidad ng kahirapan kasabay ng pagkamulat sa hubad na katotohanang may mga kababayanan tayong nasa sitwasyong hindi natin lubos akalain. Bilang isang Agustino at kapwa Filipino ay mayroon kaming magagawa para makapaghandog ng tulong. “Bilang isang Agustinong mag-aaral, natutunan namin ang kahalagahan ng pagiging matulungin sa mga nangangailagan ng aming boses at tulong…. Dapat tayong magsalita para sa mga hindi nakakasalita at tumulong kahit ano pa mang pamamaraan na kaya natin,” pahayag niya. Itong klase ng pamumuhay at kapaligiran na bumungad sa amin ay ang nagsilbing inspirasyon sa isang proyekto na naglalayong maiangat ang estado
ng pamumuhay ng mga tagaIsian- ang product fair. ISULONG ANG TULONG Pumunta ako sa Isian dala ang aking maambisyong imahinasyon at ideya para sa produktong aming itatahangal. Ngunit, ang bawat hawak ko sa kawayan na isinasaisip ang realidad ng kanilang pamumuhay ay ang unti-unti kong pagbitaw sa ilusyon ng paggawa ng produkto na para sa sarili lamang. Sa bawat hakbang ko sa matatarik na daan ng kanilang paghihirap ay ang aking pagsulong patungo sa pagsasapuso sa paggawa ng produktong makatutulong sa kanila.
Revival Through the Virtual World
The secret to a better tomorrow is as easier than it sounds By jose migu e l e . gari n
It was like yesterday when I was standing in the dead heat of the noon, the wind tousling my hair, a cup in hand ready to catch some unsuspecting dragonfly settling on the blade of grass. It was a brief moment remembering my past childhood wondering if something like that could happen to one of my grandchildren once more. Instead, I grew up, watching my younger brother with a tablet in hand and his whole childhood spent loitering in the same house, the same compound, barely having contact with the world beyond our gate, even beyond our garden. TREES FOR TODAY, A FUTURE FOR TOMORROW Our world is not the same as before. Fortunately for the human race, the onslaught of environmental degradation that brings to our ecosystem to its knees is accompanied by the rise of countless climate change awareness and movements. #TeamTrees is one those movements made global with numerous Youtubers ranging from entertainment, gaming, beauty, science, and education genres banding together to achieve the quota of planting 20 million trees across 7
continents. This was a noble act done solely for the sake of our planet which started from a simple Reddit post and then spurred the hearts of many especially MrBeast, whom you might know as someone who has splurged much of his money in other entertainment ventures. YouTubers with millions of subscribers have uploaded at the same exact time to coincide and spur movement across the social media platforms they influence. Arbor Day Foundation, an organization that has since given a clear
emphasis on the role of trees in our environment and ecosystem have created #TeamTrees. For a dollar or approximately PhP 51, one can donate to TeamTrees.org, in which somewhere on the other side of the globe, a native sapling from the same locale will be planted among the acres of land of which the Arbor Day has bought. In just five days, the YouTube community as well as some music artists like Alan Walker, have contributed to planting a whopping total of 7,000,000 trees. With all these in mind,
Lumisan ako ng Isian ng umagang iyon, na dala ang tuwa at kahulugan na kung bakit kahit ilang gabi ang gawin naming araw ay dapat makabuhuluan ang aming maitanghal sa product fair. PARA SA ISIAN Itinanghal sa isang ‘product fair’ noong Oktubre 11 sa Aguirre Hall ang mga produktong gawa ng mga estudyante ng BS Marketing. Bawat isang produkto ay masusing siniyasat ng mga piling guro sa Unibersidad na nagsimula sa paglalahad ng mga estudyante ng kanilang ginawang product plan. Ilan sa mga produktong itinanghal dito ay ang mga produktong gawa sa kawayan,
the world is yet to be saved. These numbers are still too miniscule although it is a step to the right direction. Our planet is still suffering from the industrialization of the human society. We’ve grown used to caring less of the environment and caring more of what tomorrow has to offer us never imagining that the air we breathe now is but borrowed. In the recent years alone, climate change has all but increased its grip on the planet’s neck. With heat waves ranging from 45°C to 53°C in the Middle East and Southern Europe, the Amazon Forest burning away and gradually turning into a savanna, Southeast Asia suffering from numerous monsoons and flooding, hurricanes devastating millions across the Carribean, and so much more, nature has just begun its revenge upon us. Perhaps the days of which we experience the wonders of nature will simply be memories if we continue our damaging behavior. No child in the generations ahead of us will ever feel the joy of their feet stepping on the earthly grounds. Instead, pelted by the harsh roughness of concrete books, videos, and parables will
kung saan masagana ang Isian, tulad ng adobo at atsarang labong, ‘bamboo flakes’, bamboo speakers at bamboo clock. Sa isang panayam sa Academic Supervisor ng programang Business Administration ng Unibersidad, ipinahayag niya ang pinakamahalagang aral na nais niyang ibahagi sa mga estudyante. “Ang aral na nais naming maibahagi sa aming mag-aaral ay higit sa kung ano ang kanilang matututunan sa loob ng apat na sulok ng silid aralan. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga bagay na may maitutulong sa pag-unlad ng ating komunidad,” ani May Osano. Natapos ang product
fair na may ilang produktong nairekomenda sa Produkto Lokal at ang iba ay nakatakdang ipakita at ituro sa komuniad ng Isian, Tigbauan sa tulong ng Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO). “Dito ko natutunan ang pagiging malikhain… uwuwi akong may dalang mahahalagang natutunan, hinasa rin nito ang aking kakayahan bilang isang marketer,” ani pa Amuan. Ayon kay San Agustin, “pagbibigayan ang ugat ng kabutihan.” Tunay ngang busilak na kalooban ang tulay patungo sa kaunlaran ng pamumuhay sa bawat pamayanan. Ito’y isang salamin ng isang tunay na Agustino para sa tao.
be their guide in experiencing a world that has once been forsaken.
A future fit for every human who’s going to live after we pass on is our greatest goal as a species. Already, we’re seeing scientists making a breakthrough like plastic eating bacteria that could solve our micro-plastics problem. Technological advancements from today may be small, but like dominos toppling over one another, it shall create a movement that will shake the entire humanity to help bring about a cleaner and greener environment. earth to its core with the sheer change it will bring soon enough. Simply doing our part as a seven billion strong community, can definitely create a lasting footprint that our offspring will cherish and recreate once more for the betterment of everyone and of the Earth. Life is as precious as the air we breathe, perhaps it’s time that we, too, shall relive the days of our lives to the best of our ability without compromising what the future generations may need and want for themselves. I wish to experience my later days in a world of green like the one I had in my childhood, full of hopes and dreams, eager to watch life pass on from one generation to another.
ONE PLANET, ONE LIFE All hope is not lost. However, if everyone join hands and create an impact as socially responsible individual centered on the wellness of our environment and of the life that was given to us as well as its preservation, we will have a world conducive for living not only for the people of today, but for the future generations. The impact of planting the 20 million trees by 2020 has lasting effects that might be able to reverse the damages created. According to The Infographics Show, a popular YouTube channel that participates in the movement, 20 million trees may increase biodiversity within the ecosystem by creating houses for endangered species that have been greatly affected by global warming. These trees may then contribute to creating a cleaner and greener world than now by trapping dust and debris from the air caused by pollution, providing fresh air as well as shade, and even lowering the temperature of surrounding areas by a significant amount.
Source: Onetreeplanted organization
I LLustratio n: paul ene A . Bue na fe
Pagharap sa Hirap Hindi gaanong maganda ang panahon noong kami ay bumisita kaya mas mahirap ang aming paglalakad papunta sa mga sitio. Madudulas at matatarik ang daan. Mabuti na lang at masagana sa kawayan ang Isian at may nahahawakan kami para hindi madulas sa paglalakad. Ngunit kung ikukumpara sa aming kasama na taga-Isian, tila ba’y isang sementadong daan ang kanyang nilalakaran. Sa ganoong klase ng sitwasyon, hindi ko maisip kung paano nila nagagawang dalhin ang kanilang gawang kaing sa sakayan ng dyip para makapagbenta. Maliban sa napakadulas na daanan, isa pa sa kanilang mga kalbaryo ay ang pagtawid sa rumaragasang ilog na kanilang pinagkukunan ng tubig at ang nakabiting tulay ng marurupok na kahoy. Ayon sa lokal na aming nakapanayam, sa panahon ng tag-init ay pahirapan ang pagkuha ng tubig mula sa ilog kaya madalang kung tumubo ang kanilang mga pananim. Mula sa mga daan nilang nasisira tuwing tag-ulan at may bagyo, isa rin sa kanilang nagiging problema
L ARAWAN NI • lea may m. sacmar
Napakalinis at malamig ang simoy ng hangin, nalalayo sa mausok na siyudad. Setyembre noong kami ay bumisita at mayabong ang mga pananim nilang palay. Kahit saan man ako lumingon, ang mga luntiang pananim na natatanaw ng aking mga mata ay nagbibigay ng buhay at saya. Aking nasaksihan sa mahigit 200 na hektarya ng lupain ng Isian ang payak at mapayapang pamumuhay ng 458 na mga mamamayan.
B4 Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
CAMPUS LIFE On The Streets A glance at the food park craze in the city The acoustic sound of a guitar playing in the background can be heard along with the hum of conversation at every table. Friends and families alike can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and sit down to eat food with the people that they love. This is the sight that greets every person who comes across the line of food hubs at Iloilo Business Park, more commonly known as Festive Walk, every Thursday to Sunday. They can be seen lined across the length of the street, filled with a variety of food to choose from, bringing life to the once empty streets. This is Festive Nights, at the Festive Walk Parade.
USA PUB PH OTO • danie l jef f t elic
El Bigote: A Fil-Mex Cantina Located at the farthest part of the lineup, is a cantina built on the fusion of Filipino and Mexican cuisine. Built in 2016, El Bigote started in the food park in Molo, and gradually branched out to one of the food stalls in Festive Walk. Its owner, Marco Arungayan, is one of the people behind the original concept of Food stalls along the walkway of Iloilo Business Park. “At first, Festive walk resembled a ghost down, the tenants were complaining that they weren’t well compensated, especially with their monthly fee of Php150,000,” shared Arungayan, “So the Accounting department of the Administration thought that there should be activities to draw in a crowd.” Together with his two partners, they looked for potential tenants, sampled their food, and came up with a simple 12-stall setup. One of which is the El Bigote Cantina. Combining Filipino and Mexican styles of cooking, El Bigote serves an assortment of food in its menu that was created by Arungayan, who was inspired by his travels to Manila. “After I graduated from college, I had no culinary background. I was a nursing graduate who loves to travel, and at the same time, food and experimenting with food,” Arungayan said, “I was going around Manila, and I saw several concepts that made me think, ‘Why not bring it here in Iloilo?’” He was after the concept of Mexican food, but knowing Ilonggos and their dislike of spicy food, he gave it a fusion of Filipino cuisine. With the flavour
being familiar to the Filipinos, especially the Ilonggos, and their liking of sweet foods. Their best seller was their Ranchero Burger, which is a 1/3 pound beef patty, situated between a black, sesame seed bun, with salsa, pico de gallo, nacho cheese, cheddar, tomatoes, and lettuce. Taking the first bite, you get a little bit of everything. The patty itself was very good; juicy, yet not too moist; tender but not too mushy. The cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes all have distinct flavors, but it was the salsa that left you wanting more; for it gives the client a hint of freshness that the beef patty lacks. Despite the amount of flavor that was packed in the filling, the bun itself was a little soggy. Overall, the flavors were something you cannot get enough of. Aside from the Ranchero burger, the stall also offers servings of ribs, nachos and several other types of burgers, such as Queso Lava Burger and the Chipotle Burger all starting at 120 pesos. It is an affordable eat that everyone can enjoy. Dakoba Sausages Dakoba Sausages isn’t your average sausage stand. Established in 2018, it was initially just a red and black tin food stall in Festive Walk Parade, that served the alltime favorite Hungarian sausages overloaded with various toppings. Among the arrays of authentic and vibrant food kiosks that provide an eclectic dining in Iloilo City’s most celebratory and vibrant hang out spot, Festive Nights, Dakoba Sausage raises intrigue with what makes their sausages
by emy rose g. gallego and everild dominique a. camique
so special. In fact, when one thinks of sausages, lines blur. Whether it is Hungarian, American, or Japanese sausage, the only thing that is consistent is the flavored ground meat that can be eaten both with or without the casing. However, if we look at it from the cultural perspective they all differ in terms of the quantity of spices, method of preparation, and manner it is eaten. We, Filipinos, are fond of our local sausage, the longganisa, as a breakfast staple. In Dakoba, what you see is what you get. Their sausages truly lived up to its name. “Dakoba” is a Hiligaynon term for big or above average in size. “We named it dakoba so it can attract people as they called it DAKO BA! When they say Dako ba its dako ba talaga!” Genevieve Nares, the owner shares with The Augustinian. Dakoba Sausage does not only offer sausages alone. Dakoba brings out different menu items particularly sandwiches, sausages in a platter with fries as a side dish, as well as sausage with rice. Their bestseller, the Big One, a Hungarian sausage
served on bread topped with crispy onions is frankly scrumptious. The sausage is juicy, succulent, and well-seasoned. The smooth texture of the meat goes well with the skin that retains a crisp bite. The bread was crispy as well. Of its entire component, aside from the sausage, the overloading crispy onion toppings are a favorite. Generally, the sandwich has a perfectly balanced taste with mustard, red sauce and mayonnaise as its dressing. After taking several bites, there is just a hint of spiciness which vanishes after a minute, making the sandwich more mouth-watering. As for the prices, Dakoba Sausage is budget-friendly with a menu that starts at Php100. Their food is perfect for people of all ages that try to mingle with the different souls and live music that make sure that the nights spent in Festive Walk are never dull. Dakoba sausage makes your trip to Festive walk belly fulfilling. Shabu-Shabu Express and Taiwan Street Food Originating from Japan, Shabu-shabu is a popular
hot pot dish, consisting of a steaming hot broth, with the add-ons of thinly sliced meat and bite-sized vegetables. One of the stalls at the Festive Nights gave it a twist replacing the meat with different kinds of Taiwanese street food, such as squid fish ball and taro ball. ShabuShabu Express lets you choose from the different assortment of add-ons to a soup, with a choice of vermicelli noodles, and a broth that is simply amazing. “The concept was that you usually can’t see affordable shabu-shabu,” shared Hennia Llyne Villanueva, the owner of express, “In Shabu-shabu Manila and Cebu, it is a usual food there, but in iloilo there’s no restaurant that serves Shabushabu at an affordable price.” The first branch of ShabuShabu Express was in GT Republique , Pavia. After two months, Hennia put up a stall in Megaworld. Her stall offers a customized vermicelli noodle soup of her own recipe, while the noodles were bought from the local markets. The add-ons were provided by her supplier in Taiwan. With the option of spicy or not spicy, the Soup itself is something that you want to come back for. The first sip of the
broth, the flavour hits you like a truck. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of softness. The add-ons themselves were a treat. it wasn’t too fishy or heavy, it was the perfect match to the flavor of the soup. The best part of it all, was that you can have seconds, for the broth is unlimited. Aside from the freedom to choose the add-ons, you can choose your condiments and your greens, thus, customizing the bowl to your liking. They also have other offers, namely the Taiwan style Xxl fried chicken, and the Youtiao, or fried dough stit, and brown sugar milk tea. Depending on your choices, the Unlimited Soup/Broth alone only costs 50 pesos. Shabu-Shabu Express is the perfect companion on a rainy day, or a day when you just want something to warm yourself up. With the rise of food parks here in Iloilo, Ilonggo’s craving for new and exciting foods were not limited to the offerings of the local carinderia, nor do they have to shell out for luxurious dinners at starred restaurants. It is no wonder that Ilonggos has a strong love affair with food. As they indulge in a gastronomical journey at the Festive Nights ,they will always have something to bring home- a belly full of food and the moments shared with friends and loved ones.
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
B5
features
valediction
Discovering the Captain’s Hot Pots “A profusion of staple kitchen flavors and fragrances prepared through generations.”
USA PUB PHOTO • steven john n. sumbing and Rotsen c. agreda
by chito cezar p. batoon jr.
Pancit Molo minus the Pancit Aside from centuriesold churches, ancestral houses preserved to retain its glory, and colorful festivals, the City of Love is also best known for
its classic food and delicacies. A visit to Iloilo would not be complete without eating these, which has become synonymous to the city itself. If you were to follow your palette and the popular indelible mark of Ilonggo cuisine, the answer could be the “pancit molo.” Much has been said about the La Paz Batchoy and its fusions with other cuisine, but you haven’t had real and authentic pancit molo until you’ve tried it in Kap Ising’s, in South San Jose, Molo. This steaming bowl is a home-made cuisine which started in the 1920 and is now
on its third generation after the recipe was handed over to Kap Ising. Named after the old Chinese district of the city, Molo, this dumpling soup is always present at many culinary occasions. As an adaptation of the Chinese wonton soup, pancit molo is composed of ground pork wrapped in molo wrapper, tender, shredded strips of chicken meat and shrimp topped with minced onion, a generous amount of toasted garlic, and pepper used to adjust the flavor in accordance to one’s taste. The reason to the oxymoron of why pancit is not even an ingredient
broad terms – safety, speed and convenience? Who would not want a convenient ride form one location to another? Who would not want a safer way to hail a ride? With a serious problem at hand, businesses and mobile technology companies are attempting to lessen the inconvenience in our transport system. Prearranged transport booking services could be a handy dandy option to be able to get away with the chaotic transport and everyday commute in the city. In this age of technological advancement, fast ride-hailing transport service, food delivery for your midnight cravings, and street side package pickup is just a click away. Grab was a brainchild of Anthony Tan during his studies at Harvard in 2012. From simple questions to address daily transport hurdles, it evolved into an incredibly ambitious and optimistic innovation – a mobile booking platform. Presently, Grab is one of the fastest growing and e-commerce Tech Company in the South East Asia Region valued at US$ 10 billion. According Boston Consulting Group, an average Filipino spends 66 minutes in a day being stuck in traffic excluding the average 24 minutes a day they spend looking for parking. This costs them approximately 100, 000 pesos
lost income opportunities in a year. It was in 2016, Grab, The World Bank, and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), launched the OPenTraffic initiative which addresses traffic congestions and road safety challenges. To work with the government agencies all across the region is a better way to explicate and to enlighten people the necessities for mobility brought by the technology. Using data and probable solutions to transport challenges sure may cost much, but if commuters are stuck somewhere with not a lot of jeepneys or cab around, it is easier to book from a smartphone with just a few taps. With Grab’s voluminous driver GPS data being developed into source tools for analyzing traffic, data records, identifying road incident black spots, and improving emergency response timing to facilitate transactions of commuters and drivers all built in a single mobile application is one of the solutions. While one side of the coin shines in convenience and speed, the other is quite threatening. Uber’s exit in the public transport industry in the Philippines and Grab slowly gaining a looming ride-hailing monopoly status in most of SouthEast Asia including the Philippines, somehow poses a
threat to Filipino drivers and commuters. To the commuters, this would leave them fewer ride choices and higher fares. The strong competition brought by Grab, might sooner or later, compel Filipino drivers to leave their jobs and start working for Grab and simultaneously result to a lousier and fewer transport choices and services. Nevertheless, these two sides of the coin will find their balance with effective government regulations and commuter choices.
You could be sitting down to the easy-to-make and hearty bowl of authentic pancit molo. There is always this deeply comforting feeling about soup. When you start filling your bowl with the warm aroma of the simmering chicken broth and vibrant shrimp soup, and sinking your aluminum spoon into the cozy bowl of homemade wonton. It is like the soup knows how to soothe you in the most filling and warmest way – from your cold, pale faced skin into the core of your soul. Gastronomic Venture Pardon the pun, but have you ever had pancit molo without the pancit? Have you ever wondered why it is called pancit molo even though there is no pancit in the delicacy? This Ilonggo delicacy is an example of an oxymoron. The prevailing culinary and food preferences of the people
in a province is an essential component that can explain the evolution of towns in Iloilo since food is always associated with culture, synonymous to the locale, and associated with the historical development. With a multitude of gastronomic recipes, master home-cooks, and the mastery of culinary arts, Ilonggo food and cuisines
Ride Down Tech Street “Because in the cyber commerce, you come first.” BY XENA HYacINTH g. e stiÑoso
She took every effort to feel confident that day. She curled her hair, put on her favorite lipstick shade, and wore her black matte heels that made every street feel like her runway. However, her walk felt more like a death march than a runway. Under the heat of the sun in the bustling city, running to catch a jammed-packed jeepney like a Formula 1 race car to make it on time is nevertheless a tussle. Who among us, in this modern and fast paced lifetime, did not feel guilty for sleeping with our ‘long-overdue to do list’ undone? Who among us, that if we leave our homes any later, can clock in on time
superhighway” creates a virtual world where people in all walks of life engage. The internet is vast and the opportunities are infinite. However big, everything only having to be a click awayfrom getting a concert ticket of
There are everyday things, such as hailing a cab, buying food, paying bills or shopping, which can make or break your day; and all these are brought closer to us by e-commerce. for that important meeting? The demands of this modern world strain us to accomplish everything all at once; from few hours to few clicks, and from morning errands to midnight dealings. The possibilities with the internet are endless and fast. This “information
your favorite band to booking a last-minute trip to the island destination of your choice or to the mundane chores of ordering food to hailing a cab makes this virtual world seem small. VIRTUAL MADE REAL Who would not want a service which stands for a three
are remarkably an illustration of the rich synthesis of Ilonggo culture.
EVERYDAY, EVERYTHING There are everyday things, such as hailing a cab, buying food, paying bills or shopping, which can make or break your day; and all these are brought closer to us by e-commerce. With the mobile application installed, commuters need not to queue on long taxi lanes or fight over a space for transport. You can be comfortably sitting at the comforts of your home or office scrolling through the application to hail ride for your destination. The next thing you know, your booked Grabcar is already waiting for you. What they offer does not stop on the convenience it brings. More importantly, it has opened doors of opportunities for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to efficiently market and start business operations online. With this said, online
to the soup boils down to the ingredient of the molo wrapper. The wrapper made of flour alongside with eggs is similar to the ones being used in making pancit. Dumplings with sautéed garlic, onion, pork, chicken stock, shrimp and the fusion of pantry staples – these components make up the authentic pancit molo. With the touch of these ingredients, it becomes a hearty bowl ready to go in just minutes of serving. Simmered with the traditional mix of secret ingredients, this medley of flavor is a perfect way to experience Iloilo. Kap Ising’s offers a burst of rustic flavor, demystifying the process of cooking their own traditional recipe of pancit molo with the broth of simmering stock pot served in a big “kaldero.” Fortified with the flavors of their home-made empanada, fresh and lumpiang shanghai, their own famous cuisine earned its glowing title by sticking to the basics of home cooking. These humble elements form the body of this one of a kind cuisine. Making the flavor special and a tasty change of pace. Hot Pots and Hot Shots With its name coined from Chinese district, this rich and savory soup, this seemingly yet satisfying soup is simmered long and low in order to develop depth to the rich and savory flavor. Kap Ising’s pancit molo is surely a profusion of staple kitchen flavours and fragrances prepared through generations, making it as one of the Iloilo’s most coveted cuisines. This one takes pride as one of the best-sellers among the Ilonggo food staples. A mild tamer twist to Ilonggo authentic soup, Kap Ising’s pancit molo, a hot shot in making best-sellers, infuses typical ingredients that pop, both authentic and compelling. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually, the distinctive smell reminds you of the classics, while the invigorating homemade broth screams.
services and commerce is expected to account for fifty percent of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2020. This compelled the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to require online businesses to formalize and strengthen their business operations. By doing so, the protection of rights will be inclusive to both online and physical consumers. Laws and mandates can be strengthened for the inclusive protection of rights of both online and physical consumers. In accordance to DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, to consider the revision of the Consumer Act so as to include online transactions because the current law does not distinguish between online stores and physical stores. Furthermore, the willingness of the government to push for assistance for these types of ventures could be a kick – start for new innovations in this type of business. This has broken down the boundaries of traditional business operations. Its efficiency has allowed businesses, both big and small, to put themselves on the virtual map and create sustainable competition. The possibilities of these virtual market and online services can be anything and everything. And I guess, until the next possibility appears in our screens, we scroll through.
USA PUB PH OTO • st eve n john n. sumbi ng a nd Rotsen c. agreda
B6 Augustinian the
safd 2019
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
B7
spectacle Narratives of Eros by Pauline marie c. arada
Vague assumptions. Crushed dreams. Absurd existences. There are vast amount of reasons why people consider love as somehow, unlawful. Were you unloved, or are you unlovable?
file photo • langleav.com
file photo • andrewmcmeels.com
Winter of Summers, by Michael Faudet Rating: 3.9/5.0 “Love is a story created by you but written by another’s pen.” “I always thought you meant the world to me. I was wrong. You mean much more
Crowning of a Decade of Glory Taylor Swift’s unending “Lover” stories in perfect harmony By xena hyacinth g. estinoso
Almost two years since her album “reputation”, the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her seventh-studio album “Lover” on August 23, 2019 under Republic Records. With 18 tracks, this is Swift’s longest album to date as none of her previous ones contained more than 16 songs. It has the dominant vibe of that modern eighties pop rock with dreamy and nostalgic guitar undertones that will take you back to the 2010 curly and blonde Taylor. As if a phoenix rises from the ashes, Lover opens with the track “I Forgot That You Existed” which in its beguiling tempo shrugs off the hate and rocks thrown as the lyrics goes: “But then something happened one magical night, I forgot that you existed and I thought that it would kill me, but it didn’t,” Her 4th track “The Man” with its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm tackles of woman’s suffering on sexism and double standards. “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I could get quicker if I was a man,” Swift sings her most feminist statement to date over gloomy synths and loud harmonies.
With only a methodical drum, a voice, and a synth which does not build up on highs, “The Archer” is the ballad for the restless and exhausted soul prepared for selfsabotage. Its lyrics hits right through; like the metaphorical version of soliloquies in front of the mirror: “I’ve been the archer. I’ve been the prey, screaming “Who could leave me darling? But who could stay?” Over the past years, Swift’s relationships have had always been hot on the public; however, in her dazzling and dreamily romantic song “Lover”, Swift claims “We can leave the Christmas lights up ‘til January. This is our place, we make rules.” Seemingly declaring
how she now keeps her love affair with boyfriend Joe Alwyn away from the public eye. More of these enthralling and enchanting tracks in the album cannot be undermined. Beguiling and catchy are the Cruel Summer, I Think He Knows, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince, Paper Rings, Cornelia Street, Death By A Thousand Cuts, London Boy, Soon You’ll Better, False God, You Need to Calm Down, Afterglow, ME!, It’s Nice To Have A Friend, and Daylight. Whether it is early morn and you can barely be up of bed or it is at that afternoon sunset under pink skies and the world is close to rest and all that happens
than that. Even the universe doesn’t come close.” Michael Faudet flaunts his love for explicit images and sophisticated words through his book, Winters of Summers, that was published last November 20. Faudet’s fourth poetry book serves as an instrument to progress his writings even more, and focuses more on the natural state of the society right now. His anthology delves into the readers’ minds about the gradual changes of love and how loss becomes an inevitable acceptance. He cultivates a major impression to thousands of readers about the value of dignity and social-awareness. He also includes the analogous writing of summer, and how can one person change a mere season into a cold, unnerving, winter. His previous masterpieces also explore the joy of falling deeply in love with the abyss of reality, but transits it with fate disguised as hope. “How can I forget the warmth of your body, the love that burned brightly within our hearts? You were my winter of summers.” Through his whimsical and boldly erotic pieces of conveying his blunt feelings, he portrays the darkness layered in an impactful kind of way to remind the readers about the fragments of life, and asserted about one fact that the people should bear in mind—chaos cannot derive chaos, itself. in between your day, Lover offers 18 tracks that can tug your heart strings. As compared to her previous album, where she stripped out of her “America’s sweetheart” persona to a rather queen rogue image, Lover is a brusque denunciation that the sweet Taylor has other things to talk about other than the boys who broke her heart. After a dark and grungy era of “reputation”, Swift is back in bright and sweet pastel hues in an album which is freeing, dazzling, and romantic. She has not lost her charm in coolly and effortlessly breaking and mending hearts through her songs, and “Lover” is the testament to that.
THE CLASSIC BITTERSWEET “You have to find what’s good and true and beautiful in your life as it is now.” by CHITO CEZAR p. BATOON jr .
file photo • pixar.com
Love Looks Pretty On You BY LANG LEAV rating: 3.8/5.0 “All this time, I thought I was writing for the lovers, when I’ve been writing for the writers.” Lang Leav is back to enlighten one’s soul through the power of her pen and ink. Her latest poetry book, “Love Looks Pretty on You” is a breathtakingly beautiful collection of contemporary prose and poetry that was released
last January 29, conveying its powerful perceptions involving love, blindness, complexity, and above all, self-empowerment. Her masterpiece serves as a mute hope of the readers who are broken and gripped with unrequited love. Although her written poems talk about heartbreak and hatred, she also released few of her poetry collection that highlights reciprocated love and passion. This book transition apprises the readers’ minds about the “love after heartbreak”. She eradicates the toxicity of love and voices out the empowerment of women. Despite the fact that she received common criticisms about her work, she grappled those criticisms and made it an inspiration to the youth, more specifically to the young female writers. Furthermore, she proved that her work was aesthetically written and explored important lessons that needs to be grasped, like healing from an abusive relationship and finding one’s voice in a world full of voiceless people. She’s not just a mere poet who gives reminder to fellow writers who often forget the
beauty of writing, rather she is the reminder, herself. With those bleeding lines and bitter-sweet twists of love to implore Lang Leav’s poetry as shifted from a heartbroken lass to a hopeless romantic person, uncertainties to certain ones, and animosity to love. This is a hidden portal to the readers who are constantly finding their way back home to find themselves— the love for oneself.
Toy story 4 begins with a flashback of events, encompassing a series of frames which shows a rainy night nine years earlier. During those times reminiscing Woody and a crop of Andy’s toys working to save RC from being swept away by the gushing wind and storm. Spectacularly animated and poignant, this Woody-centric fourth installment and film introduces memorable and new friends. Bringing back old loved ones embarking on new adventure. Although some other characters such as Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cussack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), and Mr and Mrs. Potato head, and the rest of the friends still have to play a part in the story, this play is firmly focused on Woody’s. As Woody grapples with transitioning from a favorite toy to one who is occasionally left in the closet, here enters in the play, Forky, who is having an existential crisis about whether he is a trash or toy, Woody then became the self-proclaimed protector of Forky. However, series and turns of events changed the plot until the hoariest of narrative and story-telling devices – the “family road trip.” It brought Woody into old acquaintances and friends that this last installment really finds its spark of life to some of the characters and viewers. One of which is Bo Peep, which is a character in the previous Toy Story installment who became an absence after being given to another owner, foreshadowing the fate of most of the toys is back. Reimagined and reinvented herself as a renegade, striking out with a shabby band of toys. With her return it is somehow a ‘mojo’ for Toy Story, discovering the mysteries of its existence in this installment.
This fourth installment shows the importance of friendship, acceptance, and a purpose – driven kind of life. file photo • taylorswift.com
sembreak
NI leunamme c. pabion
LATE ENROLLEE
NI JUNE IVAN S. GUMBAN
Along with the rebirth of Bo Peep, Toy Story 4 also introduces a ribbon of new characters, most notably those motor biker Duke Caboom and Gabby Gabby with her army of ventriloquist dummies, all come together inside the creepy and rustic confines of the Second Chance Antiques Store. Whereas the previous movies, for all the playful fantasies and fictional settings, were ultimately about every human, about separation, anxiety, and this latest installment focuses on the abstract issue of what it means to be alive, purpose-driven life and the taking control of your own destiny. The movie does a good wrapping up the journey of Woody, the caretaker of the toy family people have come to love since 1995. In addition, the dominant theme of toys becoming family and rescuing one another is presented in the sequel. With joy and deep regard to friends and family, the animated film made a mark to the hearts of those who have watched the franchise with its classic bittersweet and tear-drenched resolution. A significant representation of a storytelling classic. As the story unfolds, we’re treated to all the features and the plot we’ve come to expect, including the specific mix of emotions from the blissful reunion to the bitter sweet ending of the film. It shows that a memory engraved in one’s mind had not been trashed with the portrayal of most the swath of characters. This fourth installment shows the importance of friendship, acceptance, and a purpose – driven kind of life. With the visuals which are astonishing and the animation as trademarked by Pixar; precision, heartstrings are tugged, dark clouds hovering, all are close enough, standing as a reminder of how much we love light even if things come to an end. The franchise taught people the power of play, and the installment of Toy Story is a powerful and an epitome of a capstone on the legacy.
B8 Augustinian the
Volume LXV • Number 1 October 31, 2019
panorama
overgrowth by m i gue l c a r l o s j. ll a m a d o a n d c h i t o c e z a r p. ba t o o n jr .
Everything could not be absolutely quantified. Yet, one thing is certain, a person can see when there is development. It is worth telling untold stories of splendor in ruins of the modern age, ruins where one would think they couldn’t find beauty. It’s easy to ignore that old abandoned house covered in weeds during your morning commute and pass it off as scenery that maybe isn’t worth your attention. Take a closer look, you’ll see that looking from a different perspective, the charm of nature has no boundaries. From weeds to towering trees, it all casts a shadow over the decrepit remains. There is always beauty in the broken and the abandoned. Where man no longer treads, nature sees fit to take remnants as her canvas.
USA PUB PHOTOs • Miguel carlos j. llamado and rotsen C. agreda