Digital and Green Generation
Editorial
Shine Bright like a Ruby
2013 is the 85th Year of the Oldest Catholic Paper in Asia outside Manila
Why being ‘The First University in Western Visayas’ is just the beginning
USA Troubadours: What’s New on their 40th Year
USA Pub Photo / Ray Adrian C. Macalalag
Augustinian the
R E S P O N S I V E
Volume LVIII Number 3
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D E V E L O P M E N T A L
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R E S E A R C H - B A S E D
The Official Student Newspaper of the UniveRsity of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines
U-Week 2013 Newsletter
‘shout your glory across the sky’
USA turns 60 as a University, big time celebration held by RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG
“A Commemoration of the Past, A Celebration of the Present, A Commitment to the Future.” This theme wrapped up the 60th Anniversary of the University of San Agustin (USA) as the First University in Western Visayas. “The year-long celebration’s theme will also be branded with the tagline, ‘Shout your glory across the sky’. This is the last sentence in our University Hymn.” Rev. Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, the ad-hoc committee chair for the celebration, shared. Various events kicked off since its opening last March 1, 2013. Some of these activities were the unveiling of the miniature of the Garden of Firsts to be put up in the University, and a round-table discussion on the history of the University entitled, ‘Memoirs of San Ag’. For the students of the University, an advocacydriven pageant entitled, ‘The Augustinian Project: The Search for Mr. and Ms. USA 2013’, was organized by the USA Student Council. Events which are routinely done during the University Week celebration were also held such as the USA’s Best Dance Crew, The Augustinian X-Factor, Pagbanaag sa San Ag, among others. The Department of Physical Education headed by its chair Eva Zaldivar also showcased a field demonstration where male students performed an arnis-inspired presentation; while, the female students performed a Muslim dance. More female students taking up Physical Education subject did a light show during the closing ceremony of the University Week. Meanwhile, the University recently hosted the 2nd International University Theater Association (IUTA) Conference last February 2013, and the Regional K-12 training for educators in the fields of Values Education and Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) last May 2013. More events are still up for the whole Augustinian community as the Ad Hoc Committee shared that the 60th Anniversary of USA will be a ‘year-long’ celebration.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Being the Scribes of History The USA Publications is the oldest Catholic publication in Asia outside Metro Manila. This year 2013, it will celebrate its 85 years of existence. 85 is an understatement though. Being the official student press corps of the University of San Agustin, it holds high a position as history recorders of the First University in Western Visayas. It has survived, along with San Agustin, the treacherous World War II and even the Martial Law declared by the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, whom the University gave an honoris causa doctoral degree long before. This issue of The Augustinian is a new addition to our brand, and we have only one reason for that – the celebration of the University’s 60th anniversary of its elevation to university status by the Philippine Government. Did you ever wonder why we did not include anything about the University Week on the previous issue? We want it to be immortalized into something far better than what book paper can provide. We want you to appreciate the celebration the way we appreciated the completion of this issue. We feel much honored to be part of the staff that produced such innovative publications, in print and in digital, for the students of this prestigious Catholic University. In as much as we could produce this special 60th anniversary issue, we are truly, madly, deeply proud. Thank you to all our families, friends, mentors, and classmates who are always there to boost our self-esteem and confidence in our craft. We would like to thank the administration who helped us in many ways: Rev. Fr. Donato Ellezar, OSA and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, who undoubtedly supported us all the way in all our activities; Rev. Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who gave us the opportunity to be trained by The Varsitarian’s Joselito Zulueta; Rev. Fr. Roy Aspera, OSA and the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, for releasing our budget promptly when we needed it; Rev. Fr. Ian Ragodon, OSA and the General Services Office for approving our overnight stays just to finish our publications; and of course, to the University President, Rev. Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA for his support to each of the publications we release and for providing us the freedom in doing our task as campus journalists. The USA Publications is indeed a publication of the students, for the students, and by the students. We are partly the molders of the University’s amazing history as we record it through time.
Colors Everywhere
Field Demonstration puts the field in different hues, literally Photos by Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam
Editorial Board & Staff Academic year 2012-2013
Ray Adrian C. Macalalag Josefa Maria A. Castro Editors-in-Chief Jerson E. Elmido Managing Editor Jesanny I. Yap Stephanie Kay L. Urquiola Genessa A. Buenafe Associate Editor Febrielyn S. Tumines literary Editor Ric Martin L. Libo-on Wall Newspaper Editor Anne Catherine D. Malazarte Art Director Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam Photography Editor Ayah Danica V. Granada Wilhelm C. Lizada Joel S. Sastrillo Senior Writers Joyce Gem M. Ca単ete Jeremiah John P. Vardeleon Marylex G. Sumatra Christine Joy A. Saber Staff Writers Daniel P. Abutas Photojournalist Seulgi J. Han Magazine Apprentice Writer Edrylle G. Cofreros Rochelle Louise D. Doromal Newspaper Apprentice Writers Gladys T. Confesor Moderator The Augustinian is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin. It is published by the USA Publications. Comments, suggestions, and contributions may be submitted to the staff. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission and approval of the USA Publications and the authors. Colophon This magazine was designed using Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe InDesign CS 5, and Adobe Illustrator CS5. Characters were set in Cambria, Akzidenz-Grotesk, and Optima.
Augustinian the
News
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines
Volume LVIII Number 3 • USA@60 Special
CBCP exec graces 60th Anniversary Mass by RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG
HIS EXCELLENCY Archbishop Jose Palma, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, led the Eucharistic Celebration to open the year-long 60th anniversary of the University of San Agustin as a university. The steering committee of the University invited Palma to be the main celebrant and the homilist of the holy mass held at the USA Gymnasium, March 1. USA’s Ad Hoc Committee for the 60th Anniversary Celebration chair, Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, shared his pride and gratitude for Archbishop Palma’s visit which he said “inspired the USA Community to continue their work of evangelization in the [Western Visayas] region”. “His visit strengthened the faith of the USA community.” Rentoria, also the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University, said. Meanwhile, other important visitors in the University’s celebration were Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, former CBCP President and Very Rev. Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu. After the mass, Palma visited various offices in the University and joined the blessing of the new Office of the University Registrar and Records Section at Urdaneta Hall, the oldest intact pre-war structure in the University.
AT HOME IN SAN AGUSTIN. The CBCP President, Archbishop Jose Palma, greets other guests after the Eucharistic Celebration held on March 1 to commemmorate the 60th Anniversary of the University of San Agustin as the First University in Western Visayas. (USA Pub Photo / Daniel P. Abutas)
3rd GEMFest staged; PSHS wins top spots By Joel S. Sastrillo
Philippine Science High School (PSHS) – Western Visayas Campus proved supremacy among other schools in the region as they clinched top spots in the 3rd Regional Golden Eagle Math Fest held at the University of San Agustin last February 13. After landing second and third placers last year, PhilSci claimed top three spots in the 11th Regional High School Mathematics Quiz Bee: Arvin John Tejereso got first place while Lisa Grace De Guia and Ivan Fenis were 2nd and 3rd placers. Felnor Suarez of PSHS-WV Campus bagged gold, Wilfred Boron of Oton National
High School and Marnie Joy Cerbo of Iloilo National High School- Special Science Class grabbed silver and bronze on the 3rd Regional On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest that required the contestants to incorporate recycled materials on their artwork. The two year old Regional Bridge Building Competition using popsicle sticks and yarn as materials were triumphed by Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School composed of Fedelene Joy Cawagas and Benmark Terucha besting PSHS’s Michael Uy and Marmelon Popes, and last year’s champion school Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School composed of Shennah Ong and Jason Acebuque who landed only first and second 2
runners up. Other schools that participated the event were: Alimodian National High School, Anilao National High School, Calinog National High School, Capiz State University- Borias Campus, Pavia National High School,Sacred Heart Academy, Inc., Sagay National High School, St. Louise de Marillac School of Miag-ao,Tangalan National High School and Tubungan National High School. The USA Mathematics and Physics Society (USAMPS) spearheaded by Marie Franze Decena, together with the Department of Mathematics and Physics Chaired by Prof. Rhodora A. Cartagena, hosted the 3rd Regional Golden Eagle Math Fest.
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CAS defends debate championship title SBK talks on student By wilhelm c. lizada
Pitting logic, wit and articulation, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) retained their St. Augustine’s interdepartmental debate cup after overcoming the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT), at the USA Auditorium, March 4. The debate square-off revolved around the topic, “Resolved: That Philippines withdraw its claim of Spratlys” with the CPMT in the affirmative side and the CAS in the opposing side. The CAS debating team reached the championships after thrashing the College of Engineering and Architecture and the Basic Education Department in the elimination rounds of the debate competition. The members of the CAS debating team were speakers: Josefa Maria Castro, Valerie Kaye Binayas, Junine Wednesday Java; researchers: John Anderson Gedoque, Kesha Pesina and Chanika Anja Fullon; and coaches: Atty. Anfred Panes and Ms. Gian Bermudo.
CEA remains No.1 in TGIF 2013
The marvels and the perils of the Amazon rainforest were summoned by the beauty, talent and fashion of the College of Engineering and Architecture as the College was declared the over-all champion of TGIF 2013: Glamazon at the USA Gymnasium, February 27. Trailing the Teknos were 1st runnerup College of Business Administration and Accountancy and 2nd runner-up College of Nursing. This year’s fashion competition focused on the theme “Glamazon”, a portmanteau
of glamor and fashion with four contest categories namely: arthropods, lofty, tamed and predators. Best designer awards were also given to students who conceptualized and crafted the costumes of the models. The best designer award for the categories arthropods and lofty were bagged by the College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology respectively; while, categories tamed and predators were bested by the College of Engineering and Architecture.
Red Cross holds blood donation program By rochelle Louise d. doromal
“Dugong Agustino Alay Ko” was this year’s theme of Red Cross blood donation campaign. True to its commitment for the common good, the University of San Agustin Alumni Association and the USA College Red Cross Youth hold a blood donation on February 23 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the University of San Agustin Student Center. The activity was well attended and
By Joel S. Sastrillo
Maka-Diyos, Makakalikasan, Makabayan, at Makatao – These words served as the guiding tenets of the Samahan ng Bagong Kabataan (SBK). SBK took part in one of the Alternative Classes during the University Week Celebration last February 27 at the USA Conference Room. The talk was entitled “Bwas Damlag – A lecture Series” which focuses on the topics: Building a Better You, Conquering Student Life, Being a Well- Balanced Individual and Responsible Citizenship. The University of San Agustin was chosen to be SBK’s first stop in its lecture series among Universities, Colleges, and High Schools in the region as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. SBK was led by its National Youth Chair Sedfrey L. Cabaluna and is committed to mold and develop principled and credible leaders who are sensitive to the aspirations of the Filipino people. The said alternative class was a joint force of SBK and Sigma Chi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority as the partner organization in the University.
THE CUP STAYS WITH CAS. Debaters Castro, Binayas, and Java pose with St. Augustine’s Cup. (USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam)
By Ric martin l. libo-on
life at USA Alt. Class
participated by the alumni, fraternities and students. The said event was not just blood Olympics, but a venue for all Augustinians to renew their commitment towards service for the community and love for others. As a nationwide movement, Red Cross, with the help of the USA Alumni, USA College Red Cross Youth and students, hoped to gather packs of blood to be able to help the people and, ultimately, saved lives. The blood collected will be distributed to all Red Cross Chapters in the Philippines. 3
CAS tops Universitywide quiz bowl By Joel S. Sastrillo
Beating eighteen contestants from different colleges and reigning solo in her position after three rounds, Olivette Elmedorial from the College of Arts and Sciences clinched the top place in the annual Sigma Chi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority Quiz Bowl held at USA Conference Room on February 26 during the University Week Celebration. Following her after five clincher questions were Anne Lizzette Celendro from the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology and Twinkie Capalihan from the College of Education. Gracing the event with her presence, Ma. Goretti Hervas Martirez-Hermano, this year’s inspirational speaker, shared to the audience information on the Reproductive Health and Pro Life. Martirez-Hermano was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Summa Cum Laude, Class 1969 at the University of San Agustin, a member of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, and the current US Pro Life Coordinator of Couples for Christ. The quiz bowl sponsored by the Sigma Chi Fraternity and Mu Sigma Phi Sorority is an annual event ‘desiring for Academic Excellence’.
AugustiniAn the
BED topples other colleges in dance off
by eDRYLLe G. CofReRoS
AlTHOUGH very young, the USA Dance Arts from the Basic Education Department bopped off the other competing groups in the 2013 USA’s Best dance Crew held at the Covered Court of the University of San Agustin, February 23. Seven groups from the different departments showcased their talents and did a display of their dancing prowess for the Filipino/Pinoy-inspired theme. Meanwhile, the V-Tac from the College of Nursing placed 1st runner up and the 2D Max from the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology Department grabbed the 2nd runner up and was awarded as The Most liked Crew.
UsA’s BEsT DANCE CrEw. The USA Dance Arts of the Basic Education Department shout out their victory as they receive their trophy. (usA Pub Photos / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam)
rEBolUsyoN. The V-Tac from the College of Nursing places second.
2D MAX. The College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology crew places third.
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news feature
TROUBADOURS CELEBRATES 4 DECADES OF MUSIC-MAKING Shine bright like a ruby By Ayah Danica V. Granada
USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam
Some people make history with their words; others do it through melody, but this group has been doing them both and has reached four decades of making beautiful music. On February 20, 2013, as part of the University of San Agustin’s 60th anniversary celebration, the Troubadours, under the Conservatory of Music, held a concert at the University auditorium in commemoration of its Ruby Anniversary. “As alumnus, I’m both grateful and proud of the members, then and now, for continuing
what our forebearers have started 40 years ago,” Argiel Resurreccion, current associate conductor, stated. Themed “Forte @ 40”, the song selections chosen by Arne Lubasan, conductor, and Argiel Resurreccion included those of the Renaissance period, classical, Filipino folk and secular classics, modern OPM hits and Disney originals. “I never doubted the Troubadours’ ability to reach the 40th year mark. I believe and hope that current and future members will continue the legacy and expand their musicality and be the pride of the University as well as the ambassadors of music of Western Visayas,”
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added Mr. Resurreccion. Organized by Salvacion Jardenil in 1972, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Santiago Ezcurra, O.S.A., the Troubadours was originally made up of 16 members and sang mostly Renaissance and classical music a capella. The group has emerged victorious from various concert tours, festivals, and competitions including the National Music Competition for Young Adults (NAMCYA), events held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Busan Cultural Center in South Korea, and recently bagged third runnerup at the 2011 MBC Paskong Himig Pinoy National Choral Competition.
Augustinian the
Opinion
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines
Volume LVIII Number 3 • USA@60 Special
Photo Courtesy of USA Archives and Museum
Editorial
more than just the first university in western visayas The University of San Agustin had humble beginnings, but the countless blessings it had were more than what was expected – the blessings were also blessings to the formation of our society.
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Augustinian the
USA Pub Photo / Ray Adrian C. Macalalag
It has already been 109 years since this Catholic educational institution was founded. This year marks its 60th year as a University. The University of San Agustin has been rocking the ages, and it has helped mold the country at large and the city at small. In its humble beginnings, Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo opened its doors on July 15, 1904 as an exclusive school for boys who were dominantly boarders called internos. The Augustinian Mirror, founded by Jose Mijares and Jose Sanchez, was formally established in August 1928 when its first issue came out. Most of San Agustin’s history were recorded on its pages. Ultimately, Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo was one of the Catholic institutions in the country to have its campus publication exhibited during the Exposition of the Catholic Press in the Holy See (Vatican City). Despite those turbulent years, San Agustin survived; producing brilliant minds that helped in forming the civilization of Iloilo City. In 1939, Urdaneta Hall rose near the main building. It was not a tough luck though – the Second World War broke out a year later. In 1940, San Agustin stopped its operations. The main building was turned into piles of rubble as the bombs of the Japanese planes blasted parts of the city. The Augustinians’ hope was almost destroyed but thanks to their faith, the Catholic institution pulled itself up from the ruins. After the Second World War, the Augustinian friars thought deeply and realized the need of rebuilders of society. Thus, they opened the architecture and civil engineering programs. The school was then back on track. Over those years, San Agustin was able to produce graduates excelling in their fields. A number were able to top the licensure examinations organized by the Professional Regulation Commission. On March 1, 1953, the Philippine government bestowed upon San Agustin the ‘University Status’ making it the First University in Western Visayas. The University of San Agustin continued to be the choice of students for Catholic education. No less than the former Secretary of Justice of the country, Raul Gonzalez Sr., was able to study in the University and became the editor-in-chief of the USA Publications. Primo Esleyer, a veteran in the field of journalism, also came from the University and developed his craft in the USA Publications. Wilfredo Segovia, a former USA Student Council president and
USA Pub Photo / Ray Adrian C. Macalalag
Some started big. Some started small. Everything in this world came out from an idea. Some ideas die, but the Augustinian idea lives on.
a former USA Publications editor-in-chief, managed to become the first president of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines who did not come from Luzon. San Agustin became a lead institution in the country for its excellence in various fields, not just in journalism. Evalyn Ursua, now a lawyer, took her secondary and undergraduate degrees in the University. She was able to compete with other law students and even became the class valedictorian of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She also represented the country in 7
international debate competitions. More Augustinian minds have been developed in the University not just them. Perhaps, this article would already be as lengthy as those five-inch books if all the marvels molded in the University of San Agustin are mentioned. The University is more than just the First University in Western Visayas. It has helped in building the society. The University is part of what Iloilo City and the Philippines have become and what it will become in the future.
AUG Mr. CBAA Kent Jave Ganancial
Ms. CBAA Blessy Joy Salaya
Mr. AND Ms. hs Edsel Francis Lima and Nadeen Jen Orquinaza portray their advocacy on educating the youth in their talent presentation.
wElCoME To CANDylAND. The candidates of The Augustinian Project: The Search for themed production number. The USA Student Council organized the advocacy-driven pageant
Mr. CEA Maxnell Sentina
Mr. CAs Earl Aaron Reyes
Ms. CEA Xenia Sentina
Ms. CAs Suzette Salvador
Mr. AND Ms. CPMT Ric Martin Libo-on and Justine Rose Silayro dance in their talent presentation. Their advocacy was focused on health and wellness.
ThE GUsTINIAN ProJECT
The Search for Mr. and Ms. USA revived Photos by The PhoToJouRNALISM TeAM
ThE TITlEholDErs. Orquinaza and Libo-on, Ms. and Mr. USA respectively, pose with their awards after the pageant.
r Mr. and Ms. USA illuminate the USA Gymnasium with the bright colors of their candyt with the USA Publications as one of the major sponsors.
1sT rUNNErs UP. Silayro of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology and Lima of the High School receive their sashes and trophies.
Mr. AND Ms. CoE Arnel Ace Mendoza and Cindy Abian
Mr. AND Ms. CN Francis James Magallanes and Venice Encajonado
2ND rUNNErs UP. The Sentina siblings or the brother-sister tandem of the College of Engineering and Architecture place third in the pageant.
Augustinian the
Features
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines
Volume LVIII Number 3 • USA@60 Special
Reimagining Romeo and Juliet with a Filipino twist Ateneo de Manila University’s theatrical masterpiece showcased during the 2nd International University Theater Association Conference by febrielyn s. tumines
USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam
Just as the ingenuity of William Shakespeare, the tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, lives on through a lot of movie and play adaptations. Upon hearing a Filipino theater group staging this famous Western classic in a non-musical production- no way!
In participation to the 2nd International University Theater Association (IUTA), Tanghalang Ateneo and Ateneo Fine Arts Program stages Sintang Dalisay, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, under the direction of Dr. Ricardo Abad. The story does not happen in the city of Verona; instead, it is set in an imaginary Muslim suburban called Sempurna. A longstanding feud exists between two prominent families: the Mustafas (Montague counterpart) and Kalimuddins (Capulet counterpart). Despite the broiling war between their respective clans, Rashiddin (Romeo) and Jamila (Juliet) fall in love with each other, and because their love was young and impulsive, both decided to get married in secret. What should have been happy marriage ends in a forced separation when Rashiddin was exiled in Dapitan as a punishment for killing Jamila’s cousin, Taupan 10
(Tybalt) after the latter also killed Rashiddin’s friend. Left with no time and space to see his Rashiddin plus his father’s order of immediate marriage to a Sultan (Paris), Jamila attempts to suicide but had a change of plan when Imam (Friar Laurence) recommends her a sleeping potion to make her appear dead for forty-two hours, so she can escape and be with her Rashiddin again. A letter detailing the plan should have informed Rashiddin if it was not lost along the way. Clueless, Rashiddin poisons himself and dies lying beside his beloved who wakes up in misery after knowing her lover’s fate. Believing her only reason to live had left past her, Jamila stabs herself with a dagger and dies. Upon the unfortunate death of their children, the two warring families reconciled. But wait, there’s more! “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo,” ends Shakespeare’s version. Filipinos,
Augustinian the
USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam
however, do not like unhappy endings. The couple meets in heaven and they live happily ever after. Audiences cannot stop comparing the play with that of the original – the lines and scene cut or added which is expected because, in the first place, it is an adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s legendary tragedies. There are plot revisions, but they are minimal – not enough to destroy the original. Since Sintang Dalisay is a Muslim adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which is originally a Roman Christian play, the names of the characters and places, setting, costumes, dance movements, etc. are adjusted to appear Muslim and very Filipino at the same time. Giving it a Muslim milieu and adaptation are only appropriate to render the marriage of the couple at a very young age, authentic. Utilizing Igal, the traditional dance of the indigenous Sama-Bajau people of Mindanao, the movement and dance motif gives Sintang Dalisay the identity. Igal dance patterns mimic
movements of nature like the flow of sea waves or the sway of palm leaves. The exaggerated hand, shoulder and head movements throughout the play are best explained by the director as “decidedly stylized”, and though these movements are executed repeatedly before or after the characters’ conversations and actions. Some of the male characters especially the Sultan, however, look womanish because of the accuracy and grace of Igal movements. If it is humor that they want to characterize; then, it can be excused, but if they want to stick on the general tone of the original text where sexual distinction between masculinity and femininity is given emphasis; then, the characters failed. The love scene in the traditional handwoven banig is dreamy and romantic; it is a perfect rendition of a “young love” in a manner that it didn’t appear obscene. Although it is impliedly expressed in the original text, making it a highlight in the play overshadowed the death scene, the one which should have
been pivotal. The slow Igal movements with the accompaniment of the soothing tribal ensemble beats during the love-making ritual of Jamila and Rashiddin contrast their hasty and impulsive love. The irony of it is performance wise. Indigenous musical instruments like native flutes, gongs and kulintang along side tribal costumes used reflected Filipino culture. The musical score is very enchanting, and the play will be nothing but unadorned role-playing without this orchestra. One-liners from the two warring families add humor to the story, but the punchlines like about RH Bill as an attempt to incorporate social relevance goes offbeat. It was unfit just as how suitable they used interactive method to involve the audience. Upon seeing a Filipino theatre group staging this famous Western classics in a nonmusical production- Yes way! Who would ever think a legendary Shakespeare classic would look that good on Filipino stage.
USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam
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Augustinian the
special feature
the 85 years of journalistic excellence
How the USA Publications became a group of excellent campus journalists for the common good.
SURVIVING THE TIDES OF TIME. Portion of the cover of one of the first isues of The Augustinian Mirror (Image courtesy of USA Archives and Museum)
The University of San Agustin Publications (USA Publications, informally known as USA Pub) is the official student press corps of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Philippines. Originally, a high school publication of Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo (former name of USA), was founded in 1928 with its first recorded publication released in August 1928. It is the oldest Catholic campus publication in Asia outside Manila. The press corps publishes The Augustinian Mirror (magazine), The Augustinian (newspaper), Irong-irong (literary journal), Dingding ni Gusting (community wall newspaper), and other special issues. Early Years The USA Publications started out as the official school organ of the old Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo (now University of San Agustin). The need for a school publication was felt as early as 1927. The idea to have a publication came from high school students, Jose Mijares and Jose Sanchez. These students presented their plan to the school rector that time, Fr. Vidal Yraeta, OSA who immediately approved it. Jose Mijares was appointed as the first editor-in-chief with Jose Sanchez and Eduardo Campos as associate editors. Fr. Mariano Sapi単a, OSA was its first moderator and adviser. The staff members were able to release the
first issue of The Augustinian Mirror in August 1928. It came out in an 8-page tabloid form with its masthead using Old English Text font face. Early International Exposition Despite of an early age of establishment, the USA Publications had fast upgrades and was not only circulated in the school, rather, it reached the national and international scenes. The fast upgrades were characterized by great improvement in terms of equipment and library building. Jose Sanchez, associate editor that time, gained distinction as the best national short story writer in a national contest. In April 1936, 12
The Augustinian Mirror was exhibited in the exposition of Catholic press in Vatican. Post World War II The USA Publications had to stop its operation during the Second World War. The Colegio was also closed for the same. However, in the second half of the 1940s, the resumption of the operations of the Colegio and the press corps were characterized by the evolution of The Augustinian Mirror from a tabloid form into a magazine. The first woman editor in the person of Josefa Contreras led the staff from 1946 to 1948. It was on March 1, 1953 when Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo was granted University status by the Philippine Government making it the First University in Western Visayas. In 1954, during the Golden Jubilee of the University, Primo Esleyer became the editor-in-chief. Under his leadership, he was able to come up with a 110-page magazine which contained most of the events during the said anniversary. On September 15, 1954, the first issue of The Augustinian was released during the rectorship of Rev. Fr. Isaac Insunza, OSA. The Augustinian was a monthly newspaper that was conceived to enable students to have more prompt appraisal of the happenings in the University.
Augustinian the
digital and green generation
editorial
shine Bright like a ruBy
2013 is the 85th Year of the Oldest Catholic Paper in Asia outside Manila
Why being ‘The First University in Western Visayas’ is just the beginning
USA Troubadours: What’s New on their 40th Year
USA Pub Photo / Ray Adrian C. Macalalag
AugustiniAn the
R E S P O N S I V E
Volume LVIII Number 3
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D E V E L O P M E N T A L
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R E S E A R C H - B A S E D
The Official STudenT newSpaper Of The univeSiTy Of San aguSTin • Iloilo City, Philippines
U-Week 2013 Newsletter
‘shout your glory across the sky’
USA turns 60 as a University, big time celebration held by RAY ADRIAN C. MACALALAG
The University of San Agustin is now holding its title being the First University in the region for 60 years. According to Rev. Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, ad-hoc committee chair for the celebration, the entire event was anchored on the theme ‘USA at 60: A Commemoration of the Past, A Celebration of the Present, A Commitment to the Future’. “The year-long celebrations theme will also be branded with the tagline, ‘Shout your glory across the sky’. This is the last sentence in our University Hymn.” Rentoria shared. Various events kicked off since its opening activity last March 1, 2013 such as the unveiling of the miniature of the Garden of Firsts to be put up in the University; a round-table discussion on the history of the University entitled, ‘Memoirs of San Ag.’ For the students of the University, an advocacydriven pageant entitled, ‘The Augustinian Project: The Search for Mr. and Ms. USA 2013’, was organized by the USA Student Council Events which are routinely done during the University Week celebration were also held such as the USA’s Best Dance Crew, The Augustinian X-Factor, Pagbanaag sa San Ag, among others. The Department of Physical Education headed by Chairman Eva Zaldivar also showcased a field demonstration where male students performed an arnis-inspired presentation while the female students performed a Muslim dance. More female students taking up physical education subjects did a light show during the closing ceremony of the University Week. Meanwhile, the University recently hosted the 2nd International University Theater Association (IUTA) Conference last February 2013; and the Regional K-12 training for educators in the fields of Values Education and Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) last May 2013. More events are still up for the whole Augustinian community as the Ad Hoc Committee shared that the 60th Anniversary celebration will be a ‘year-long’ celebration.
In 1956, The Augustinian Mirror was awarded as Best College Magazine, Second Best Newspaper, Best Editorial Page, Best Sports Page, Second Best Literary Page. It was then adjudged as one of the three best edited school magazines in the National Collegiate Press Contest. The same title was awarded to the USA Publications in 1958. In 1962, the USA Publications and other departmental publications of the University of San Agustin hosted the delegates coming from 22 campus publications in Western Visayas in celebrating the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalism. Fr. Rafael Lopez was the moderator. In 1966, The Augustinian Mirror editorin-chief Wilfredo Segovia was elected national president of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) alongside with Daniel Florida Jr. of The Quezonian (official publication of the Manuel L. Quezon University). Segovia was one of the only two past national presidents of the CEGP who came from outside Luzon.
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines was a national organization of campus journalists founded in 1931 by The Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas, The National of the National University, The Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines and The GUIDON of the Ateneo de Manila University. The Marcos Era No issue of the publications came out in 1972-1973 during the first year of Martial Law declared by the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. The youngest editor of the USA Publications, Ma. Leah Rosana Ravena at the age of 16, led the staff in 1973-1974. From 1976 to 1991, Anita Bellosillo served as moderator of the USA Publications. In 1976, the first Regional College Press (COPRE) Conference and Awards was organized by the Ministry of Public Information VI (now the Philippine Information Agency Regional Office 6 or simply, PIA-6). It was first facilitated by the
BUILDING QUALITY LINKAGES. Confesor (left), Castro and Macalalag gives the plaque of appreciation to Joselito Zulueta, editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and adviser of The Varsitarian, the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas. The USA Publications staff undergo various trainings every year to maintain its standing as one of the best campus papers in the country. (USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam) 13
USA Publications and The Central Echo, the official school publication of Central Philippine University. Various colleges and universities from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental participated the event. Today, it is now solely organized by PIA-6 and is sponsored by Smart Communications, Inc. and the Canadian Urban Institute. Since the beginning of COPRE, The Augustinian Mirror won Best College Development Communication Magazine; thus, earning them the first Gawad Graciano Lopez Jaena Award for winning the said distinction for five consecutive years (1976-1981). The staff members were awarded a presidential trophy. The Augustinian Mirror also won the Antonio Tagamolila Award for its intelligent discussion of socio-political issues during the National Collegiate Press Conference organized by CEGP. The Augustinian, on the other hand, won Best Tourism-oriented Paper in Western Visayas from 1980 to 1982. It was awarded by the Department of Tourism. In 1983, Raul Anlocoton and Jobert Yap received the Golden Presidential Awards for being part of the Outstanding Campus Writers in the Philippines. In 1984 and 1987, The Augustinian Mirror again won best magazine in COPRE. The USA Publications editors monopolized the championship awards in the National Rizal Essay Writing Contest for seven consecutive years. Moreover, the “Most Outstanding Graduate” award of the University of San Agustin was also monopolized by its editors from 1977 to 1990. The Nineties In June 1991, when Bellosillo was appointed by the University of San Agustin to be the chairperson of the English Department, Flaviano Manalo took over the moderatorship. Under his stewardship, The Augustinian Mirror won its second Gawad Graciano Lopez Jaena for winning Best College Magazine from 1987 to 1992. In 1993, the PIA granted The Augustinian Mirror the privilege of not to compete in the yearly competition for five years. The Augustinian emerged as Best Newspaper in Western Visayas in the November 1995 COPRE Conference and Awards held at Bacolod City,
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Negros Occidental. After the expiry of the five-year exemption in 1998, Cynette Lovelyn Mirasol, editor, led The Augustinian Mirror to victory of winning again the Best College Magazine title in COPRE held at Roxas City, Capiz.
the Regional College Press (COPRE) Conference. However, the staff decided to hold its last San Ag Campus Press Awards in 2010 and moved their participation in COPRE that year. The editors that time were Jefferson Magbanua and Pietros Val Patricio. During Academic Year 2010-2011, Jefferson Magbanua and Donna Isabelle Fresnido were the editors-in-chief. Gladys Confesor, on the other hand, took the challenge of being the moderator of the USA Publications. That year was the comeback to press competitions. Developments were further done in the publications through the efforts of their managing editor, Ray Adrian Macalalag, who introduced the USA Publications to online visibility. The USA Publications joined the 2010 COPRE and the 1st Smart Communications Campus Blogsite Contest. A community wall newspaper was also launched under the supervision of Jerson Elmido, and it won second best wall newspaper; The Augustinian Mirror place fifth Best College
USA Publications had further developments such as online edition of the publications they produced. They were able to join two competitions: the Spectrum Fellowship National Campus Press Awards organized by The Spectrum of the University of St. La Salle and the COPRE which is co-organized by PIAThe New Millennium 6 and Smart Communications, Inc. The Augustinian Mirror and The The Augustinian placed fifth in Best Augustinian remained on top from 2000 up to Newspaper in COPRE while the entire USA its last reception of the third Gawad Graciano Publications placed second in the 2nd Smart Lopez Jaena Award in 2004 which again gave Communications Campus Blogsite Contest. them the privilege of not joining the Regional Dingding ni Gusting placed first Best Wall College Press Conference for five years. By this Newspaper. Meanwhile, The Augustinian time, the USA Publications already had five of Mirror participated in the Spectrum Fellowship the said title, three for The Augustinian Mirror National Campus Press Awards and reaped and two for The Augustinian. Best Magazine, Best Magazine Layout, and In 2002, Diosdadita Arungayan took Best Magazine Cover Design. Macalalag over the moderatorship. And on 2004, Carlos and Genessa Buenafe, associate editor, were Palanca Memorial Awardee for Literature John named among the Ten Outstanding Campus Iremil Teodoro became moderator. Journalists in the national awards. As an indication that the University of San In Academic Year 2012-2013, the USA Agustin was leading the way in publication Publications was led by Macalalag and Josefa efforts, the USA Maria Castro. The USA Publications organized Publications gathered the 1st Gusting Campus major developments Journalism Seminar on in online visibility October 19–20, 2004 by launching its USA at the campus. It was Publications News, a attended by more than 50 web newscast which is student journalists coming said to be the first ever to from various educational be done in Visayas if not institutions in Western the entire country. The Visayas. The seminar web newscast was also continued for three years. part of their advocacy The San Ag Campus Press to use lesser quantity of Awards was also launched paper. This advocacy the following year. It was a was further strengthened regional press competition by decreasing the size of for publications in high their newspaper and using schools, colleges and less-space-consuming universities all over fonts. This academic year Western Visayas, both was truly blessed after public and private. the USA Publications The Augustinian won both Best College Mirror from 2004Magazine and Best 2008 transformed into PREMIER ORGANIZATION OF THE UNIVERSITY. The USA Publications staff shows their College Newspaper in the a tourism-oriented medals awards during the recognition program. (USA Pub Photo / Thongenn Lanz B. Patiam) 9th Spectrum Fellowship magazine which has National Campus Press featured the various provinces in the country magazine; and the USA Publications placed Awards. Castro was awarded Best Opinion such as Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Mindoro, and fifth in the blogsite contest. Article and Macalalag remained in the Ten Palawan. In 2009, it was supposed to feature the For Academic Year 2011-2012, the Outstanding Campus Journalists. In COPRE, Ilocos Region; however, with budget constraints, editors-in-chief were both replaced after the USA Publications landed first in the 3rd the staff decided not to push through with the Magbanua and Fresnido graduated. From Smart Communications Campus Blogsite plan. During the later part of this period, Erwin 2006-2011, the editors came from the College Contest; Dingding ni Gusting won its two-peat Sustento took over the moderatorship after of Arts and Sciences but this academic year for Best Wall Newspaper; The Augustinian Teodoro. came in with editors coming from other landed as second Best College Newspaper; Irong-irong, the official student literary colleges. Mary Leslie Eregia, from the College The Augustinian Mirror landed third Best journal of the University, was then added to the of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, topped College Magazine; and Irong-irong won third compilation of publications in 2005 with Arlene the qualifying examination and became Best College Literary Folio. Moscaya as the first editor. the editor of the Mirror; while, Ray Adrian Today, the USA Publications remains as Macalalag from the College of Engineering one of the leading campus publications in the Digital Era and Architecture took the second highest spot Philippines having a multifunctional website Academic Year 2009-2010 was the in the exam which earned him the title editor and several titles from both local and national supposed comeback of the USA Publications to of The Augustinian. During this period, the agencies and institutions. 14
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Panorama
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Agustin • Iloilo City, Philippines
Volume LVIII Number 3 • USA@60 Special
pagbanaag sa san ag Redefining the University’s rich history through dance photos by thongenn lanz b. patiam and daniel p. abutas
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Photos by thongenn lanz b. patiam
Models and designers in ‘GLAMAZON’ invasion
Tgif 2013
USA at 60: A Commemoration of the Past, A Celebration of the Present, A Commitment to the Future