The Augustinian, November 2009

page 6

Flesh, Blood and Heart

page 7

Phantom of the University

issn 0115-9226

Excellent Campus Journalism for the Common Good the Official student newspaper of the UNIVERSITY OF san agustin iloilo city, philippines

VOL. 55 NO. 3

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

ILOPRISAA `09 takes off amidst snags

By Josh Von Iron Tondo

DESPITE the postponement of its scheduled opening on November 17, 2009, this year’s Iloilo Private School’s Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) began in November 18, with the University of San Agustin (USA) as the host school. With the theme “Youth Empowerment through Education, Culture and Sports,” the weeklong event focused on three major categories–sports, academics and culture.

John Paul Petrola, USA’s cocurricular coordinator, divulged that the postponement stemmed from the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed by Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus (CHJ) because the institution was disqualified by the PRISAA Board from the sports event due to late submission of documents.

CHJ filed the TRO in the belief, as was evident in their petition, that their disqualification was a violation of their rights as the ILOPRISAA Board failed to comply with the requirements of the ILOPRISAA’s bylaws in the judgment of its grounds for disqualifying the said school.

This violation, however, was denied by Demosthenes Toledo, USA’s Assistant Sports Coordinator and ILOPRISAA’s General Sports Manager, saying that CHJ failed to submit the necessary documents on time and to appear on the essential dates of submission.

“Wala sila (CHJ) ka-submit sang

entry form. Being the sports manager gin check ko ni.... In the first meeting that was held on September 4, tanan nga schools nagkadto except Hijas (CHJ). September 10 was the first initial important date for the schools to submit their line-up.... ang natabo sa Hijas, September 9, since wala sila sang entry I went to their school but I was instructed to go back because their principal was busy.... September 10, nagsubmit na ang tanan nga schools sang ila nga mga line-up. When I went over it, nakita ko nga wala ang Hijas so I called them up.... nagkadto sila diri sa akon with incomplete line-up,” held Toledo.

He further said that Hijas was given the necessary forms and the schedules when they rushed their line-up on September 14 but were still unable to comply with the necessary documents until October 9. By that time, the screening committee would no longer accept the documents because the screening was done on September 24.

To l e d o a d d e d , “ H o w c a n ILOPRISAA issue a letter of disqualification since they (CHJ) have not submitted documents as bases of disqualification?”

However, the TRO filed by CHJ, issuing “seventeen (17) days enjoining the respondents and their agents to DESIST and REFRAIN from implementing the non-existent disqualification order against Colegio De las Hijas de Jesus, Inc. (CHJ) and

HANDS UP. A freshman student raises her arms to conclude the field demonstration on November 27. Conceptualized by the PE Department, the field demonstration was part of the ILOPRISAA 2009 closing ceremonies.

to ALLOW the athletes of Colegio De las Hijas de Jesus, Incorporated (CHJ) to PARTICIPATE in the Athletic Meet....” led the PRISAA Board to allow CHJ to participate in the PRISAA meet and resulting the pursuance of this year’s PRISAA on November 18.

When the events finally started, they went on without major problems.

Petrola volunteered that “all literarycultural events in the elementary, high school and college levels were held in the USA, the first time in PRISAA that

3 Augustinians named PAMET scholars

By RONALD SORRILLA and ALJUN PADISIO

AFTER a two-month screening process, three Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Sciences (B MLS) sophomores took three of the 15 slots for the 2009 Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) scholarships.

Iris Isobelle Sumaculub, Jel Ann Suclan and Allin Joy Emboltura qualified as national PAMET scholars after going through a series of panel interviews and an Intelligence (IQ) test.

The 15 new PAMET scholars

will be enjoying a 100% scholarship (including tuition and miscellaneous fees) from the sponsoring organizations. In addition, they will be receiving book allowances until they graduate.

The aspirants were endorsed by the University’s College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, basing on their academic performance and exemplified leadership. This selection procedure made them qualify for final screening of top 25 applicants.

A f ter th e tes ts , th e th r ee

ALL SMILES. The Augustinian PAMET scholars pose with their parents during the awarding ceremony at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on October 29. Joining them is CPMT Dean Victoria Sustento (fourth from left).

Augustinian applicants were notified by mail that they reached the final 15.

Sumaculub, Suclan, and Emboltura attended the orientation and awarding cer em o n i es f o r t h ei r PA M ET scholarships at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on October 29, 2009.

A total of 156 applicants tried out for this year’s PAMET scholarships.

Procter and Gamble Philippines and the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health, Inc. (PASMETH) has been granting scholarships to intelligent and deserving students for the past 20 years.

The recipients of the said scholarship, however, need to follow these regulations: maintain a grade of at least 80% in all subjects; take the required number of units or subjects prescribed by the school curriculum; must not accept another scholarship; must not abandon or relinquish the study grant or take a leave of absence without permission; and must not violate school policies, rules, ad regulations.

The primary aim of PAMET scholarship program is to support and promote medical technology as a profession, give back to society the purpose of the course, and uplift public health as a measure of healthy lifestyle.

they were held only in one school.”

Some sports events that the University could not accommodate for lack of facilities, such as swimming, were held in the Iloilo Sports Complex.

On the other hand, to control the number of audience, the internal ILOPRISAA committee devised a ticket system providing each school with thirty (30) tickets for seat reservation and admittance in events held in the University auditorium.

“These tickets were free. The ticket system was to minimize the people

coming in and coming out from the venue because we have thirty-three (33) schools and we have to adjust to the venue, (the auditorium) which can accommodate only a thousand plus….

It was given to the school heads ahead of time during the drawing of lots,” said Petrola.

The schools which participated in various events were the University of San Agustin (USA), University of Iloilo-Phinma (UI-Phinma), Central Philippine University (CPU), Iloilo Continue to page 3

Losabia tops 2009 LET

By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA

FOR the first time, an Augustinian topped the 2009 Licensure Examination for Teachers or LET (Elementary).

With a general average of 89.60%, Jaylord Losabia, a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Elementray Education major in General Curriculum from the University of San Agustin, ranked first in this year’s LET given on October 4, 2009.

In an interview with The Augustinian, Losabia said he didn’t see it coming, saying, “I was surprised with the results but I am happy about it.”

A St. Augustine Scholarship recipient and an academic scholar during his college years, Losabia said he was focused on his academic studies. “I was an ordinary student then. My teachers asked me to join different organizations but I refused. I told them I was already overwhelmed by extra-curricular activities when I was in high school,” he said.

Losabia was a graduate of the Iloilo City National High School in 2005 and he finished his elementary education at the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School.

According to him, he has reviewed for the 2009 LET with the support of Dr. Nenita Quiñon, the

Losabia

former College of Education dean.

“In cooperation with her counterpart in the University of Iloilo, Ma’am Quiñon organized review classes for us in July to September 2009,” Losabia said, adding, “I also attended a four-day review class at the St. Louis Review Center.”

Losabia revealed that their examination consisted of three parts – General Education (20%), Professional Education (40%), and more specialized General Education (40%) items.

This year’s LET was originally slated September 27 but was postponed to October 4 due to the devastation of Typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

2

NEWS

The Augustinian

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

CEA adds new professionals

By RAY ADRIAN MACALALAG

USASC revives “Augustinian spirit”

By Emmanuel Barcelona

THE University of San Agustin Student Council (USASC) is in the process of implementing projects that will foster the “Augustinian spirit” and inculcate a sense of unity among Augustinian students.

In an interview with The Augustinian on September 19, Noreen Mae Orquinaza, USASC president, said her administration wanted to make students proud to be Augustinians.

“The University of San Agustin can produce students that other schools can produce,” she said, adding, “But there’s a plus – we have the best performing arts groups in Iloilo so that’s our edge above other schools.”

The projects that the USASC have in store for the studentry are the following: “Tatak Agustino” T-shirt which was launched during the general orientation program last July; Cinergy, the screening of movies for the Augustinian public; community outreach in various communities in the province; encouraging Augustinian first-time voters to participate in the 2010 national elections; the December Christmas Party which will feature Amazing Race: Gusting’s Challenge Season 3; the ASAP or the All Star Augustinian Party, a chance for Augustinians to showcase their talents; and TGIF fashion show, alternative classes and salo-salo that will be part of next year’s University week celebration.

ENGINEER Reynaldo Asuncion of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) announced the addition of new professionals in his college who passed the licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

In the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination given on October 2009, the USA examinees

obtained an overall rating of 86%.

Batch 2009 obtained a 100% passing rate.

Among those who passed the examination were: Raymundo Amon, Jr., Ronald Asuncion, Joseph De la Goza, Herbert Ecube, Guiller Fernandez and Jesus VirgilioVillavicencio.

Moreover, the following passed the Interior Designer Licensure

USA bags 2 silvers at Vis-Min Rizal conference

By DONNA ISABELLE FRESNIDO

CoE studes attend 2009 Students’ Congress

By RONALD SORRILLA

A gathering of education students of Iloilo was held on October 19, 2009 at the Iloilo National High School Covered Gym. It was organized by the West Visayas State University College of Education in cooperation with the Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE) Region VI-Western Visayas.

PAFTE President Editha Sillorequez announced the theme of the said affair which was: “DepEd Thrusts and Programs and the Pre-Service Education”. The event was participated by students from the University of San Agustin, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University and the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.

Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Jesli Lapus gave the keynote speech. He emphasized the DepEd thrusts and programs that have contributed in the development of quality education in the country today.

He also highlighted the congress’ aim of giving importance to the crucial role of education students towards improving the quality of Philippine education.

In a series of plenary talks, pressing issues were discussed. Dr. Beth Torno (Executive Director II, Teacher Education Council) tackled the “Operationalization of Experimental Learning Courses for Field Study and Practice Teaching. She pointed out the importance of Field Study courses as a foundation for future teachers in simulating their future professions as teachers. Dr. Paraluman Giron (Director, DepEd Region IV) discussed the topic “Mother Tongue as a Bridge to Multilingual Education.” The talk pinpointed on the advantage of language in facilitating the cognitive learning of the students. An open forum followed each talk.

In the second issue of The Augustinian August 16 to September 30, 2009, Peter Paul Deocos is the alderman of the USA Little Theater, not the elder man. It should be noted

Annoucement

as well that Ray Defante -Gibraltar was both the scriptwriter and director of Wanted: Border.

In the same issue of The Augustinian, we referred to West Visayas State University as Western Visayas State University.

Our apologies. story) must be written in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Akeanon or Kinaray-a.

• M a n u s c r i p t s m u s t be typewritten, doublespaced, on short bond paper.

Soft copies must also be submitted together with the manuscript.

• Submit your contributions on or before March 12, 2010 to the USA Publications Office. You can also e-mail your works at donne_2590@yahoo.com.ph.

• Contributions must include a short bio-data (which includes your name, course, and literary achievements if any).

• Anonymous works will not be entertained.

Irong-Irong4 This December, the fourth volume of Irong-Irong shall be released.

Copies will be available at the USA Bookstore. The launching of the said book is slated December 19, 2009.

We are also calling out to student writers who want to try their knack for poetry and short story writing.

Write NOW and be PUBLISHED! HOW? • Literary works (poetry and short

Examination given on October 2009: Lori Emilie Aguilar, Russel Arceno, Jinnelyn Edang and Angela Patricia Te. In Electronics and Communications Engineering Examination given on October 2009, the following are USA passers: Louie John Balbontin, Rejon Dequilla, Jo Xi Masculino and Gabriel Ricjohn Pe-Benito.

RIZAL IS HIS PRESIDENT. Sophomore Patrick Ladrido is awarded the silver medal for the extemporaneous speaking contest of the Joint Visayas and Mindanao Youth Leadership Conference, with the theme “Rizal is My President.”

THE two delegates who composed the USA delegation to the second Joint Visayas and Mindanao Youth Leadership Conference, bagging two silvers in the extemporaneous speaking and poster making contests.

Marrz Halley Capanang grabbed first runner-up in the onthe-spot poster making contest while Patrick Daniel Ladrido finished second to fellow Augustinian Mhelcar Anierdes from Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod in the extemporaneous speaking contest.

Held at Punta Villa Resort on October 25 to 28, 2009, this year’s

conference revolved around the theme “My Future, My Responsibility: Rizal is My President.”

Sponsored by the Knights of the Order of Rizal, the VisayasMindanao Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (VMRYLI) aims to develop responsible and effective leadership and to enrich historical and cultured heritage among the youth.

Notable activities during the four-day conference include life introspection groupings, an “Amazing Race” – themed task to promote and sell the book entitled “Rizal is My President,” and a children’s party complete with musical chairs, a polvoron-eating contest, sipa, and patintero.

The USA Kabataan Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ) will be sending another batch of delegates to the 47th National Rizal Youth Leadership Conference on December 13 to 17 at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City.

USA ROTC wins speech title

By RONALD SORRILLA and JOSEFA MARIA CASTRO

ON its fourth year of domination, the USA Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) through CDT CPL Reed Mae Magbanua bested other schools in the recently concluded 10th Annual Regional ROTC Speech Competition held on October 16, 2009 at the University of Iloilo Auditorium.

All speeches mirrored this year’s theme: “ROTC: Preparing the Youth to Become Better Citizens and Future Leaders.”

Magbanua of the College of Administration and Accountancy (BS Accounting Technology II) attributed her success to the inspiration given by significant people in her life.

“My father was my number one

inspiration and also Mr. Elmer Jun Tolosa and my ‘buddies’ in ROTC,” claimed Magbanua. She further shared her belief that, “In a contest, the only obligation of the contestant is just to deliver and perform what he/she had practiced and after it, he/she should not expect anything in return. Being a winner is just a consolation to what you have done.” Mr. Tolosa was her trainer and alumnus of the USA ROTC and the Red and Gold Frasority. He was the corps commander of the unit in 2004-2005. Magbanua was also the provincial champion and first runnerup in ROTC regional competition in 2008.

When The Augustinian asked her

about her preparation for the contest, she claimed, “Practice for just two days and one night, then after it, I had fun. I didn’t have the so-called ‘preparation,’ because I wasn’t used to it and I didn’t take it seriously. I just wanted to enjoy the contest!”

The USA ROTC unit has consistently held domination in the speech competitions given by ROTC for four years. Cdt. Robin Delfin, 4CL was a champion in the provincial and regional levels and got 3rd place in the national level in 2007. As mentioned, Magbanua was the champion in the provincial level in 2008. Cdt. Josie Lou Salvador, 4CL was the champion in the provincial and first runner-up in the regional levels in 2006.

Fine Arts and ID studes hold exhibit

By Aljun Padisio and Mia Rose Emboltura

IN order to promote cooperation, glorious and colorful past. Most The organizers plan to showcase interaction and unity among students, especially, these students aimed to different works every year to let the the second year Fine Arts and third make their course “visible” despite students feel how it is to be a creator year Interior Design (ID) students being few in number. and try out different media in art. held the second Art History Exhibit on October 15 to 17, 2009 at the Alumni Hall Ground Floor.

The art exhibit was entitled “Pagtiringbanay,” a Kinaray-a word which means to join together.

This was agreed title since the two courses literally joined together in creating art works for the said exhibit.

“Pagtiringbanay” was made to promote consciousness on the contribution of art in the development of civilization ART FROM AN ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE. Oscar Nava talks about art during the second and appreciate the world’s Art History Exhibit held on October 15 to 17, 2009.

NEWS

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Admin walkway now finished

By Emmanuel Barcelona

LOOKING BACK. In this photo taken last August 2009, workers are seen completing the renovation process of the USA Administration Building. The said building’s walkway area is now finished.

STUDENTS will no longer queue in long lines when paying tuition fees during term examinations with the construction of the overhung at the backside of the Administration Building as part of the phase one of its renovation.

Phase one is expected to be done this October with the completion of transfer of the Accounting Office at the backside of the Administration

Building after the problem with the cabling of computers is settled.

“The main purpose of the overhung and the transfer of the Accounting Office is to facilitate the easy access of students when transacting business such as paying tuition fees during term examinations,” Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA, director of General Services, said on an interview with

The Augustinian.

The administration’s renovation is only part of the master plan conceptualized during the time of Fr. President Manuel Vergara, OSA. Phase two of the renovation plans which are to be started this November, includes the construction of a wider hallway in the middle of the building and a mezzanine in the second floor accessible via a spiral staircase to stock the records of the Registrar’s Office.

Construction and transfer of the offices of the Purchasing, General Services, Budget, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and Treasurer will be included in the third phase of the renovation in January.

In order to cut off the expenses for the mobilization of workers and equipments, the contractor for the renovation of the Urdaneta Hall was commissioned by the General Services.

The allotted budget for the Administration Building’s renovation is 8.5 million pesos which will be done on three phases; with phase one having the highest allotment because of the inclusion of the brick tiling of the corridor and the promenade.

USAGIASA emerges 10 ICSAA fellowship day overall champion th

By SHEENA CAPINDO

JBLFMU-Arevalo – The University of San Agustin Grant-In-Aid Scholars Association (USAGIASA), the University-wide organization of working students, was declared the overall champion in the 10th Iloilo City Student Assistants Association (ICSAA) Fellowship Day held on October 29 and 30, 2009.

With the theme “ICSAA: We are One...One in Thought...One in Deed...

Together for Change,” the fellowship day was attended by delegates from different colleges and universities in Iloilo City. Contests were held in the JBLFMU-Arevalo Covered Gymnasium and JBL Hall.

Among the winners were Ria Glofi Bragas, Jessica Java, Janine Alexis Codoy, Genaro Dalanon II, Jordan Paul

Lunesa and Roger Soberano, 1st placeT-Shirt Modeling; Ar-Jun Carumba, 1 st place- Logo-Making Contest; Virgil Bajala, 1st place- Dance Sports; Genaro Dalanon II-model, Arjun Carumba and Dennis Pedrosa- artists, 1 st place- Body Painting Contest; Sheena Capindo, 1st place- Essay Writing Contest; Julienne Ledesma, 1st place- Tall Tales; Edison Alamon, Ariel Cordero, Jerro Deypalubos, Robert Ledesma, and Adrian Jairus Rosario, 1st place- Group Impersonation; Mark Louie Cantre, 1st place- Vocal Solo; Jessie James Salomon, 1st place- Lip Synchronization; USAGIASA Verse Choir Troupe, 2nd place- Verse Choir; Jeinard and Krizza Villanueva, 3rd place- Vocal Duet; Anita Cameros, Dyrel Ann Poñate and Mary Joy

Silguera, 3 rd place- Spelling Bee Contest.

The highlight of the fellowship day was the search for Mr. and Ms. ICSAA 2009. Jeinard Lerona brought home the following awards: Mr. Tourism, Best in Production Number, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Playsuit, Best in Formal Wear, Mr. Photogenic and Mr. ICSAA 1st runner up. Carmille Leuterio won Ms. Tourism, Best in Production Number, Best in Casual Wear, Best in Playsuit, Best in Formal Wear, and Best in Interview and crowned as Ms. ICSAA 2009. When the event was over, USAGIASA bagged the over-all grand champion award over seven participating schools in the 10th ICSAA fellowship day.

Tourism seniors win in quiz bee

By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA

THREE BS Tourism students from the University of San Agustin won second place in the City Tourism and Development Office’s Tourism Quiz Bowl held at the SM City Activity Center on September 27, 2009.

Milky Enderes, Zairyl Len Pacheco, and Christopher Tan, all senior students, emerged second in a pool of 10 competing groups from various school in Iloilo City.

They were awarded a plaque and a certificate of recognition.

While schools like St. ThereseMTC College, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), St. Paul University-Iloilo, ABE Computer School, and West Visayas State University had two groups each for the quiz bowl, the team of Enderes, Pacheco, and Tan was the only team the University sent in the collegiate level.

This was the second time that the University’s entrants won first runner-up in the said contest. In 2008, Augustinian representatives also won

second place.

According to Enderes, West Vi s a y a s S t a t e University and their team tied up after the quiz bee’s difficult round. When they went on with the clincher, they were outdone by their opponents.

“Despite ranking second only, we’re still very thankful to our coaches and those who, in one way or another TRIUMPHANT TRIO. Tan, Enderes, and Pacheco flash their plaque and certificate of recognition after winning helped us in our second place in the Tourism Quiz Bowl held at the SM preparations,” City Activity Center on September 27, 2009.

Enderes said.

St. Paul University-Iloilo ranked quiz bee was “Working Together: third while JBLFMU was declared Weaving Tourism into the Fabric of Development of Tourism Month fourth.

The theme for this year’s Tourism Celebration.”

The Augustinian

3

Sorrilla qualifies for 12th AYLC preliminary screenings

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

MUSIC, Art, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) Circle President and USA Publications senior writer Ronald Sorrilla is currently eyed to carve out a name for the University as he recently qualified for the semi-final screenings of the 12th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress held at the Ayala Triangle Tower One in Makati City, November 17.

With the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders,” the Ayala Group has pursued the annual youth leadership program since 1998 gathering together 70 of the most promising student leaders from all over the country in an extensive leadership workshop of lectures and discussions by renowned public servants and leaders in the country as well as an outdoor challenge geared towards nation building.

Applicants to the said program have to follow a rigorous screening process upon selection considering their impact on student leadership, achievements and awards, peer and mentor evaluation, and academic

standing. Also included in the selection process is a series of panel interviews by senior executives of the Ayala Group of Companies.

Each school was allowed to nominate a maximum of ten students.

More than 600 applicants from around the country have applied for the program this year with 27 hailing from Western Visayas. The final results for the 70 official participants are to be announced this December.

“The edge that helped me qualify among the top 150 semi-finalists is my active community involvement throughout the region, accompanying my academic performance in school,” Sorrilla said in an interview with The Augustinian earlier this month.

Sorrilla is the University’s bright hope for the said program after a four year absence in the said youth congress since Russell Joe Castillo, a graduate of AB English and former associate editor of the USA Publications, was admitted to the same grant in 2004.

USA Performing Arts Groups partake in 2009 Lihok Bisaya

By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO

IN support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the University’s Performing Arts groups recently participated in a cultural anti-poverty event called “Lihok Bisaya” together with other citybased performing arts counterparts at the SM City Iloilo Activity Center, October 16 to 18, 2009.

Joining the global call against poverty, the event was realized through the initiation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts with the belief that poverty alleviation, social transformation and economic sustainability could be achieved through the power of art and culture.

The Visayas-wide event included a total of 16 sites across the region, including 12 provinces, six cities,

and 16 municipalities that joined the campaign with the pledge to put an end to poverty in the world by projecting the region’s cultural diversity.

For the Iloilo City segment, the activities were supported by the city government which took the lead showcasing the different city-based cultural groups: USA Choir, USA Troubadours, CPU Engineering Chorale, Irong-Irong Dance Company, USA Kawilihan Dance Troupe, the University of Iloilo, NC Gonzales School of Ballet, USA Little Theater and the Anne Divinagracia School of Performing Arts.

A “Stand Up Against Poverty Exhibit” by the Visual Artists of Iloilo was also held at the said venue.

...Continued from page 1 Doctors’College (IDC), John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), St. Paul University-Iloilo (SPUI), AMA Computer University, Western Institute of Technology (WIT), St. Therese-MTC Colleges, Colegio de San Jose, Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, De Paul College, STI College-Iloilo, St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, ACSI Computer College, Great Saviour College, Interface Computer College, Alpha Crest Christian Academy, Angelicum School Iloilo, Ateneo de Iloilo-Sta. Maria Catholic School, Brilliant Mind International School, Children’s Integrated School of Alta Tierra, Inc., Doanne Baptist Academy, Doanne Christian Academy Foundation, Filipino-American School Town, Holy Rosary Academy, Iloilo American Memorial School, Iloilo Central Commercial High School, Iloilo Sacred Heart School, Inc., Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Kaunlaran Learning Center Foundation, PAREFWestbridge School, Inc., Pauline Grade School, RS-Child Development Center, San Jose Catholic School, Solomon Integrated School of Iloilo, South Coast International School, St. Joseph School (Iloilo), Inc., Sta.

Clarita International School, Inc., Sta. Isabel Learning Center, Sun Yat Sen high School, and The Great International School.

Over-all, USA’s hosting of this year’s ILOPRISAA was “very successful,” according to Petrola.

“There was no big problem or trouble that we have encountered, and I believe that the participating schools were satisfied with how the University of San Agustin hosted the event….

One thing that made us very successful is that we really followed the rules… we were very firm on that. Whatever was stated on the guidelines were the ones that were implemented. Even if some schools were disqualified (St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary and Holy Rosary Academy-Molo)…. Just follow the rules and guidelines of the ILOPRISAA and everything will run smoothly.”

Atty. Lorna Gellada of JBLFMU echoed the same sentiments when she accepted the hosting of the ILOPRISAA for the next school year in the closing ceremonies at the USA Parade Grounds on November 27, 2009. According to her, “All’s well that ends well. Whatever problems we have encountered, had made us stronger and closer.”

4

OPINION

The Augustinian Prodigy “The problem here is that our leaders care more for useless infrastructure developments...”

Jefferson Magbanua FAMILY ties in the Philippines are strong. They are so strong that they extend up to the political realm, with father/mother and son/daughter exchanging posts every election.

Evidently, this is the case in Pampanga wherein presidential son Mikey Arroyo will vacate his congressional seat for the political ambitions of his mother, President Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

For the record, since I was born, it has only been in GMA’s term that hundreds of journalists were killed.

It was during her presidency that the “Hello Garci,” fertilizer scam and NBN-ZTE scandal came and went as if they were not issues of corruption. I can also remember that it was only in 2001 that a president was not impeached, didn’t formally resign, and obviously not dead or permanently ill, but was succeeded by a woman so ambitious of power.

Yes, Ms. Arroyo is dedicated to serve, not the public, but her personal interests. She wants to cling to power, seeing the possibility that if she wins a congressional seat, she can push through Charter Change and become prime minister. I wonder why they aren’t tired of the “public service” motto. I have been hearing complains from student leaders, saying that it’s so hard for them to juggle several stints and still serve the studentry. There

Vis a Vis “Minsang naitanong ko sa aking kaibigan, ano ba ang buhay ng isang anak na OFW ang isang ina?”

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Beauty and the Beasts is a huge demarcation line between school politics and national politics but they are one in importance – to serve the interest of the people. This draws us to the firm assumption that most politicians today, like GMA, use politics just to earn money, forgetting the essence of what they usually call “public service.”

If Plato were alive today, he would surely hit the heads of GMA and most politicians because they are not lovers of wisdom, not guardians of the truth, the good, and the beautiful.

Instead, they are beasts who are hungry for power and positions which they feel are the easiest means to be better off in a society such as ours. If this political state remains the same, the Philippines will never experience justice. Not unless a philosopher (who uses knowledge for the common good) heads the country, we cannot totally call the Philippines beautiful. * * * After the establishment of the useless Infante fly-over, the national government, in cooperation with the city government, is finalizing plans to erect another fly-over in front of the University’s main gate. There has been a deafening silence on the part of the University. I wonder why.

Is it because the school earns from this project as well? Is it because of sole ignorance? Or is it because we feel that we cannot contest a national project?

Whatever the reason is, the University must always have a stand on issues like this. However, it must be understood that I am not speaking

in behalf of the University. I am only a concerned student who wishes to be heard by those above.

Primarily, the proposed fly-over that is to be built in front of our 105 year-old University is not necessary.

There is no traffic in its supposed location. It will just cause aesthetic degradation of our University. If UP Visayas’ oblation statue was covered by the Infante fly-over, the proposed fly-over will cover the beauty of Saint Augustine’s statue, degrading its historical and aesthetic significance.

Why not erect this fly-over in areas like Jaro and Iloilo City Proper where there is heavy traffic?

Secondly, what benefit will this fly-over bring to us? Hindering the entrance and exit of cars and people?

I suppose if the project would reach its final phases, the University would have to devise a new plan for cars’ entrance and exit. Instead of leaving us with nothing much to do, the project would require new physical adjustments in the University.

And, thirdly, I am in opposition to this project because it is a clear waste of money from the people’s threshold. Why not spend the amount for the Iloilo Flood Control Project instead? GMA promised that to us and now that her term is about to end, where is it?

The problem here is that our leaders care more for useless infrastructure developments in an overcrowded Iloilo City than floods which drowned hundreds of Ilonggos to death last year. Do they even know what should be prioritized? When will they [and we] learn?

OFW: Ganito ba dapat?

naglilingkod sa ibang bansa. Ngunit para sa mga Pilipinong manggagawa at kasambahay lamang, ito ay naging sukatan ng kanilang pagsasakripisyo hindi lamang sa kanilang pamilya Diam Queenie Permocillo kundi para na rin sa bayan.

Sa aking pag-aaral sa Karamihan sa atin kung hindi Unibersidad ng San Agustin, marami man lahat ay nangangarap na matawid akong mga kaibigan at kamagang Dagat Pasipiko at mayapak ang aral na OFW ang kanilang ama o paa sa ibang bansa na sa pag-aakala ina. Hindi seaman o nurse kundi natin ay makakaahon sa atin sa mga “Domestic Helpers.” Dugo at pawis ang kanilang itinaya upang kahirapan.

“Abroad” ika nga. Akala ng iba makatungtong lamang sa kolehiyo basta nasa abroad ka, mayaman ka na. ang kanilang mga anak. Ang bawat Ngunit kaya nga sila nakipagsapalaran sentimo na kanilang ipinapadala para ay dahil salat sila sa pera. Mapalad sa tuition fees ay katumbas ng ilang yaong mga kapwa natin Pilipino na taon nilang pagkawala bitbit ang nakapagtapos nang matagumpay sa sari-saring karanasan.

Minsang naitanong ko sa aking kanilang pag-aaral. Ang utak at ang napiling propesyon ang kanilang kaibigan, ano ba ang buhay ng isang naging puhunan. Matayog ang anak na OFW ang isang ina? “Noong pag-asang sila ay magtagumpay at una, masaya..abroad eh, pero ano ba mas mapaunlad pa ang kanilang ang halaga ng pera kung hindi naman pamumuhay. Subalit paano ang ating kumpleto ang pamilya?” Tumagos sa mga kababayang tanging tatag ng dibdib ko ang kanyang kasagutan. loob at determinasyon lamang ang Napagtanto kong gaano man kahalaga puhunang sumalta sa ibang bayan na ang pamilya ay naisusugal din pala walang kasiguraduhan sa kanilang ito lalo na kung ang kumakalam daratnang kapalaran? Isa itong na sikmura at kinabukasan na ang mabigat na desisyon na ang tanging kalaban. Hindi matitiis ng magulang dahilan ay kahirapan ng pamumuhay na magdildil ng asin ang kanilang mga anak at mamatay sa gutom na at ang pagtulong sa pamilya.

Ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga magkakasama.

Isa itong sugal na hindi materyal kapamilya ay isa sa mga kaugaliang P i n o y n a n a n a n a t i l i n g b u h a y na bagay ang itataya mo,sa halip ay magpahanggang ngayon. Kung ang iyong sariling buhay sa alon ng kaya’t maraming mga tahanan ang kapahamakan.Hindi na bago sa atin walang tumatayong padre de pamilya ang mga nagsusulputang balita sa o ilaw ng tahanang inaasahan ng mga telebisyon, radio at mga pahayagan. kabataan. Naroroon sa ibang lupalop Mga kuwento ng nakalulunos na ng mapa, nagtatrabaho bilang mga karanasan ng ilan sa mga OFW ang sumasalubong sa atin sa kanilang OFW. “Overseas Filipino Workers,” pag-uwi. Mayroon mga inabuso, katagang Ingles na magandang hinalay, hindi nasahuran o kaya’y pakinggan para sa mga propesyonal wala pang isang buwan ay napauwi na Pinoy nurses,engineer at doktor na na dahil sa pekeng recruitment

agencies. Wala na ngang kinita ay baon pa sila sa utang. Ang ilan ay binenta ang lupang sakahan at kalabaw sa pag-asang ang aspaltong daan sa ibang nasyon ang magaahon sa kanilang kahirapan. At ang bago, ikinakasangkapan na rin sila ng ilang mga pulitiko sa nalalapit na halalan. Ito ang realidad. Ito ang katotohanan.

Hindi natin sila masisisi, hindi sila naging tanga sa kanilang napiling desisyon. Kung ating iisipin, hindi naman nila iyon ginustong mangyari. Kung sakaling hindi ganito kalala ang kahirapan at kung may oportunidad lamang dito sa Pilipinas ay nakatitiyak akong hindi sila magpapaalila sa ibang lahi. Mas gugustuhin nilang hindi mawalay sa kanilang pamilya at paglingkuran ang ating sariling bansa.

Sa laki ng naiambag ng mga OFW sa ating ekonomiya, dapat lang na suklian natin sila ng sapat na tulong at benepisyo para sa kanilang proteksyon at karapatan.

Una, marapat lamang na pagigtingin pa ang kampanya laban sa mga illegal na employment agencies. Pangalawa, magpatupad ng mga batas na naglalayong maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng OFW’s at karampatang parusa sa mga nagsasamantala. At ang panghuli, sana’y maglaan ng sapat na pondo ang pamahalaan para sa kanilang mga insentibo. Sana naman ay huwag maging bingi ang mga nakaupo sa mga hinaing ng ating itinuturing na mga “Bagong Bayani.” Bayani sila ng kanilang pamilya, ng kanilang pinaglingkuran at ng ating bayan. Sa kabila ng kanilang mga pinagdadaanan ay huwag sana nating ipadama sa kanila na sila ay isang talunan.

The Massacre that Shook Maguindanao IN a land that is familiar to violence by foreign aggressors and local tyrants, the recent massacre of at least 57 people in Ampatuan municipality, Maguindanao Province, Philippines still managed to shock and outrages the Filipino people as well as the rest of the world.

A convoy of journalists, lawyers and women relatives of Esmael Mangudadatu, a local politician contesting the governorship of Maguindanao Province, was en route to file registration papers for the May 2010 elections on the morning of November 23, 2009 when they were abducted and executed by over 100 gunmen. Twenty-four of the victims were women, some of whose bodies were later found mutilated. At least 28 journalists were also killed in the attack which the Reporters without Borders described as the worst loss of life in the history of journalism.

The perpetrators were allegedly led by Andal Ampatuan Jr., the Mayor of a nearby town and son of the incumbent Governor of Maguindanao, who was being groomed to take over his father’s position.

He was assisted by senior police officials, local police and paramilitary forces that function as a private army of the Ampatuan clan. A backhoe registered to the provincial government was even on hand to bury the victims in pre-dug common graves.

Clearly the Ampatuans consider themselves untouchable because of their loyal ties to the incumbent President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who has deliberately created a climate of impunity for human rights violators and mass murderers in the Philippines. Since her ascent to power in 2001, over 800 extra-judicial killings have been committed in the country, including 51 incidents of massacres victimizing a total of 255 persons. Not one has been punished for these vilest of crimes.

In the case of the Ampatuan massacre, it took four days before the principal suspect was taken into custody and only after intense public outcry for justice. The Arroyo government’s initial response was to declare a state of emergency in the province which would be enforced, of course, by the local state apparatus controlled by the Ampatuans.

The Ampatuan clan is a prime example of feudal-fascist warlords who are coddled and nurtured by the national ruling clique in order to secure their hold over local populations and resources. The Ampatuans are among the most loyal vassals of the Arroyo ruling clique and responsible for orchestrating the electoral fraud in the region through which Arroyo has kept herself in power.

Given the intimate ties of the Ampatuans and other fascist criminals with the US-Arroyo regime, there is no reason to expect that any factfinding body or investigation initiated by the corrupt, oppressive and brutal government will be credible or will bring justice to the victims of massacres and other human rights violations in the Philippines.

Editorial

THE

augustinian Editors-in-Chief

Managing Editor Associate Editors Senior Writers

Staff Writers

Photographer Staff Artist Circulation Officer Moderator

Pietros Val Patricio Jefferson Magbanua Donna Isabelle Fresnido Aljun Padisio Ray Adrian Macalalag Mia Rose Emboltura Emmanuel Barcelona Mario Ivan Gonzales Allin Joy Emboltura Ronald Sorrilla Josefa Maria Castro Diam Queenie Permocillo Josh Von Iron Tondo Mary Leslie Eregia Noel De Leon Nicole Fernan Caminian Sheena Capindo Erwin Sustento

The Augustinian is the official student newspaper of the University of San Agustin.

It is published six times a year by the USA Publications with editorial office at the 2nd Floor, Alumni Hall, University of San Agustin, Gen. Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City.

Comments, suggestions, and contributions may be sent to the Editorial Board through the email address pubpipol@usa.edu.ph.

OPINION

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Mindscapes “Schools are intended for intellectual growth and not diploma mill mediocrity!”

Pietros Val Patricio Students’ rights are also human rights – or so, many advocates and lobbyists of the pending ‘Magna Carta for Students’ bill would like to believe. After all, it is a clear reality in the typical educational setting of this country that students often get derailed from expressing themselves freely and developing their full potentials due to many constraints: uncontrolled tuition costs, discriminatory policies towards premarital pregnancies and gender issues, the lack of academic freedom, campus corruption and red tape, limited speech freedom, no student representation, censorship of student publications, harassment and undue process and so on and so forth.

You name it.

What the Philippines badly needs at this point of time is a highly

Modus “...Christmas season is coming. Continued shortage of fuel will also arise to higher prices on other items including gifts.”

Ray Adrian Macalalag “Don’t panic. Relax lang. Kayangkaya natin ‘to.” Department of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes exclaimed.

Eight to thirteen days have been counted as it goes near. Reyes has announced on November 9 that the supply of petrol is diminishing and will be short in a week or two.

According to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her Executive Order 839, a price freeze in petroleum was put into effect. However it was put up before such information on petrol’s supply was noted. With E. O. 839 according to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Marketers’ Association, there will be a possibility of LPG’s shortage as well if the E. O. will remain until December.

If the shortage in petrol will resume and supply will be delayed, of course there’s a possibility that the Philippines will be a golden archipelago – not as gold as its riches but as gold as desert sand.

To begin with, associations of jeepney owners have been complaining about the price hike of the big oil companies. We cannot just complain about the price, okay?

It’s just a simple economics thing actually. As Reyes has stated, supply is going down and might eventually be gone. As supply goes down and demand is up, obviously the price will go up.

We might be losing hope as the archipelago gets glistened by its

Magna Carta for Students’ Welfare specialized national policy that could at least address these issues and help mitigate the worsening gaps in our country’s education system. As students’ rights have been frequently violated time over and again the past, the proposed bill is a document of vital importance that will eventually ensure the political and civil liberties of Filipino students. With their democratic rights guaranteed, students in this country could then fully serve as a potent and more convincing force in nation building with the aid of legal protection. As a free country, I believe democratic spaces in academic institutions need to be further widened in order for us to fully step out of our colonial mindsets.

This has also been the longest running advocacy student movements around the country have been crying for since time immemorial.

Through this, we also realize that educational centers are not just mere ‘diploma factories’ and labor force production plants but also national centers for political ideas

and cultural creativity which ideally develop critical thinkers and talents, that is, for all intents and purposes, vital in social development and nation building. Schools are intended for intellectual growth and not diploma mill mediocrity! Students get expelled, verbally assaulted or even physically threatened for asserting their rights. School papers get shut down or censored; scholars lose their privileges for exercising their freedom of speech; administrations often side on their own faculty rather than the students. Whose purpose does our educational system serve anyway?

These examples indeed present a very disturbing image of our social and educational immaturity as a nation.

Please don’t get me wrong but this bill is not set against teachers or school administrators and neither can it be utilized against students by any means. The bill actually recognizes the role of all stakeholders in the education system. They are just simple rights that are crucial and fundamental to all.

Golden Archipelago golden sands of famine. Petroleum is of the essence at any business especially food-related ones.

Minimized stock of fuel will result to delayed deliveries in food items.

Some foods perish in a short period of time and so, because of the delay, food will be wasted. Food wasted is wasted money. Our economic status will be lower. Mababa na nga, bababa pa?

In addition, Christmas season is coming. Continued shortage of fuel will also arise to higher prices on other items including gifts. Well, alternatives might be of the essence.

If before we can afford ham, we might give kisses from our dried lips as gifts.

Going back, imported supply is getting expensive. “You cannot force private corporations to sell at a loss indefinitely... don’t panic. Relax lang. kayang-kaya ‘to.” Reyes defended the big oil companies like Pilipinas Shell, Petron, and Caltex as jeepney owners debated with him siding with the big companies.

Consumer and Oil PriceWatch Chairman Raul Concepcion called out to Reyes, “So when you create that scenario, you’re creating panic. And then people will then go to the streets and demonstrate. Do you want that to happen now? Mr. Secretary, please wake up!” So what if we demonstrate?

At least the democracy in our country will be practiced.

Are both of them (Concepcion and Reyes) playing dumb? In Reyes’ case, is he thinking along the line that he should move as fast as he could and not just say that we can handle this situation. It’s not soccer where you can find substitutes to play for

your sprained playmaker. It would have been better if he just announced his remedy to the situation, not just say that we can handle it.

Concepcion on the other hand might be too secretive to keep such an alarming secret. When should we know this alarming situation – when we only have a few more drops left on our engine? Is this some kind of joke you’re putting us to?

To give some fairness at this scenario, at least Concepcion doesn’t want us to worry. And more importantly Reyes just wants to do what could be right? He informs us that early so that we will not have seizures. Aw, how sweet...

Then again, in a logical way, Reyes is just concerned with the business sector and our economy. With a loss, businesses will be bankrupt.

Without businesses, workforce will be laid off. Without jobs, they will be forced to do extraordinary (you know what I mean) things to sustain their grumbling stomachs.

The E. O. 839 resulted to the shortage of the supply of petroleum.

In one way, it is not for us to suffer.

The government just wants the people to have ease in spending despite the economic crisis. It may be negative in the sense of the business sectors but E. O. 839 is highly beneficial to us consumers.

Luzon might just have been in chaos right now because of the three devastating typhoons that struck her. Slowly, we might then recover with this silent catastrophe.

Positively thinking, we hope by Christmas time Philippines may be a golden archipelago of recovery not desertion.

The Augustinian

Make it Count!

REST in peace. In loving memory of. A family remembrance. These were some of the epitaphs that I saw again and again as I trudged through the cemetery with my family on November 1. Making my way through the mazes of tombs with a pack of candles at hand, I couldn’t help but notice that the cemetery was already jam-packed with people amidst the scorching heat of the mid-day sun, even if the commemoration of souls was not to be celebrated until the next day, November 2.

As we all gathered to pray the Holy Rosary for the intercession of the souls of our dearly departed, I chanced a look at the neighboring tomb and saw the inscription, “In memory of a loving father and a good friend. Rest in Peace.” I smiled and wondered if the man worked many miracles while he still walked on earth, seeing that his tomb was half-covered with flowers and a multitude of candles lined up front. As I looked around the cemetery, a moment of solemnity enveloped me all-over and I suddenly wondered, “How does one measure the greatness of a person at death? Is it because of fame, of an urgent desire to be of service to the people, or simply because of love?”

During the first few months of 2009, the world was shocked to hear of the death of the King of Pop and world-class performer, Michael Jackson. His untimely departure caused millions of fans throughout the world to flock both his house and the funeral home to pay their last tributes to the “moon-walker.”

All of a sudden, Michael Jackson was the apple of the eye of every newspaper, magazine, and television show. His recorded albums hit music stands and CD racks once again and sold millions. Headlines featured the latest bits on his death, from its cause up to the date and place of the funeral. I may not be a huge MJ fan but I could clearly see the impact his existence brought to the world. His songs have not only inspired throngs of people, but also caused chills and shivers on Halloween. His dance moves especially his famous “moon-walk”, have made today’s generation put on their dancing shoes and jam as if the night will never end. His sense of fashion had every designer down on their knees. What else could Michael Jackson not do?

If the world mourned for an international superstar, how much more for the loss of a great leader?

A few months after the demise of Michael Jackson, former President Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco-Aquino closed her eyes for the very last time on the first of August, after battling colon cancer for almost a year.

Known to be the “Icon of Philippine Democracy,” President Cory made history when she took her oath as the first woman President of the Philippine Republic on 1986, three years after the murder of her husband, Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. Seeing the brutality brought by the Martial Law upon the declaration of then President Ferdinand Marcos, President Cory gained courage and rose from a simple and quiet housewife to a vocal and impetuous leader, and started fighting to regain the democracy which was long stolen from the Filipinos. Risky as it might be, President Cory stood for

5

Pulchritudinous “I am no Corazon Aquino and definitely no Michael Jackson, but like them, I would want to leave a legacy to people.”

Mary Leslie Eregia what she believed was right and just for the Philippine nation. She acted like any mother ought to whenever her children are in grave danger and in this case, the Filipinos are her children in mortal peril and she should act at once in order to save their lives. Although I wasn’t born during the EDSA Revolution or during President Cory’s term, I felt attached to her as a granddaughter to her grandmother should be.

Seeing the revolutionary clips on television, or watching Ninoy’s gunning at the airport made me feel extremely sad. President Cory must have gone through so much pain and confusion, knowing that upon her husband’s death, she would be the one to take his place as the sole defender of the Philippine community against the tyranny of the Marcoses. She would act as the shepherd of the flock of sheep who had lost their way home, and guide them towards their destination.

I marvel at the strength possessed by President Cory. She managed to lead a country without ever having an inkling or liking towards politics. She sacrificed a simple lifestyle for a chaotic world full of never-ending dilemmas. She lost a husband but still continued fighting for the freedom that her countrymen thirst for. Upon her death, I see many Filipinos bursting into tears and grieving for a woman considered as a “legend” in the world. Shades of yellow can be seen throughout the streets and most have sported a yellow shirt and flashed the ‘L-sign” for Laban, which was the former president’s insignia.

Corazon Aquino has brought peace and a fighting desire for freedom to the people when she still lived.

May it not wane now that she has rested in peace.

The deaths of these two important figures in history had hit in me a realization that people are remembered mostly for the good deeds they have done on Earth.

Upon their death, they are either grieved at, or merely forgotten.

People who have lived their lives to the fullest leave behind a legacy that is forever imprinted in the hearts of those they have helped or inspired. W may be human but if we live our life with utmost care and hope in the Lord, we may find ourselves reaching out and touching other people’s lives, even without our knowing.

Life is too precious and short to be wasted. We are all aware of that. We are also aware that time is running fast and the clock is ticking wildly before our very eyes. So why not make a difference?

It is worth noting that death will consume each and every one of us at a certain period of time. It is like an unexpected visitor that comes knocking on our doors, and we are left with no choice but to let it in. I am no Corazon Aquino and definitely no Michael Jackson, but like them, I would want to leave a legacy to people. I would want to inspire others while I live. I would very much want to make a difference while I still walk the soft grounds of Earth. Would you do the same?

6

FEATURE

The Augustinian

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Flesh, Blood and Heart

By Donna Isabelle Fresnido and Josh Von Iron Tondo

Imagine the full moon striking a young woman with crazed eyes and fresh blood dripping from her mouth onto the front of her dress.

On all fours she whistles past fields of cogon grass, never stopping until she reaches the home she knows best. Heeding the knock, you open the door and in she comes – your daughter, the aswang.

Taken from the Hiligaynon term of “yanggaw,” or the infection and consequent conversion of a normal person into an aswang, indie director Richard Somes combines old-fashioned scare tactics, and a riveting family drama to give us one hell of a horror movie a notch above all the colorless Shake, Rattle and Roll clones that clutter the movie scene year in and out.

When Amor (Aleera Montalla) comes back to her far-flung hometown of Cordova in Negros Occidental, little did she know that she’s bringing with her more than just the usual tinge of sickness.

As her blackouts worsen and she wakes up next to farm animals mangled in her growing need for

blood and raw meat, Amor’s father Nyor (Ronnie Lazaro) insists that it’s nothing to worry about. After medicine man Lazaro (Erik Matti) proclaims Amor’s case hopeless, the whole family hesitantly allows Nyor to chain her – only to release the chains when her snarls and anguished howls prove to be too much to bear, heedless of the consequences that would follow...

Looking at the presence of an aswang and the silent, foggy town of Cordova, one might be inclined to think that this is a horror film. Yes, a horror film this is, with Somes’ masterful storytelling and effective use of lighting to create that slowlyencroaching dread and squirming unease. Being an indie film, it does not have the luxury of a big budget but there was no lack of artistic elbowroom. A rarity among horror flicks in its spare use of cosmetics to transform Amor into a crazed monster, Somes simply opts to use blood, lengthy shadows, and the ominous mists to add fear. As mentioned earlier, the lighting was effective from terse family conferences where the light

Guardians of the Gate

By Donna Isabelle Fresnido and Josh Von Iron Tondo

The Jaro Liko Tagbak jeep skids to a halt at Mabini Street, and you hurtle out of the vehicle: class starts in a minute. Yes, one minute, and you have a block to conquer before reaching the classroom. Dashing like a mad runner in the Olympics, you speed by yellow bells as fast as your little legs could carry you. The gate looms ahead. The finish line is near, so near.

“To, ID mo.”

You frantically rummage through your bag – 30 seconds left. The clock above the guard’s desk ticks away like a time bomb. Hoping for a flash of red and gold – your ID strap – you find none. A metal stick bars you from the finish line. You hop on one foot, tears unconsciously welling for you will be dropped, dropped, dropped with one more absence. The guard shakes his head and the bomb explodes.

You wanted to try the side gate but knowing that the classroom doors will be closed to latecomers, you shuffle away, looking back only to silently affix on your memory the face of that guard.

However, as much as students paint the guards as the adversary of their supposed freedom, the other side has been silent – until now.

“Kis-a kami gani ginabuyayaw man lang. Pero okay lang, part man na sang amon nga trabaho eh,” says roving guard Randy Cabalfin. A bulky, swarthy man of 37, he crosses his arms and creases his forehead as we interview him on his shift at eight in the evening.

Having roamed the pathways of

San Agustin for six years, the softspoken Nong Randy is no stranger to the different reactions he gets when he reminds students to follow the rules.

The worst reaction he has received were the threats issued by disgruntled students. “Ang pinakadalom nga hana ang ‘Mag-gwa ka lang, bantayan ka namon’. Pero wa-ay pa man.” He was quick to point out that he views the threat as an empty bluff.

“Syempre estudyante ka. Gubon mo puturo mo?” shrugs Nong Randy.

However, fellow guard Manerto Estampador, Jr. has a more optimistic view towards students’ reactions. He amiably insists that the responses of the reprimanded are favorable as long as the manner used in talking to them is polite. “Basta ang paghambal mo sa ila intsakto lang. Syempre daw pareho man na sa aton nga pag-agi mo sa gate hambalon ka tapos daw akig na ang hambal sa imo. Mangakig ka man mo, indi bala?” he smiles.

He reasoned that most of the violators are students new to the University, such as freshmen and transferees, thus being unaware yet of school policies. Another case in point are the teachers who also violate rules, such as no ID’s. “Pero may iban guid kun kaisa nga daw salakayon ya guid ka eh.” he says while scratching his head. But once they have already been warned and they would still keep on doing it, the guards would inform the respective deans. “Gapangayo man sila pasensya.”

But then, college students that

of kingki (or kerosene lamp) flickers on the care-worn face of Nyor to the first complaints of Amor about the “evil noises” in her room, the shadow hiding her head and foreshadowing (pun not intended) the grief that shall befall her family.

A common complaint among viewers was that the lighting was too dark for the figures onscreen to be distinguished. Yes, perhaps, but we find that the same low-key quality was responsible for the natural feel of the events as they happened in the cloak of darkness. The dark, after all, can choose which to reveal and which to hide.

Another weapon in Somes’ artistic arsenal was the controlled, ominous pacing. Starting rather innocently, we are given the initial stages of Amor’s sickness, with the fever and the aching limbs being so commonplace that we are tempted to dismiss it as, well, normal. But normal this isn’t, as the events slowly start to pile up – events that get succeedingly alarming from Amor’s bouts of immense strength

and sudden weakness to the time when she gravely informs her sister-in-law Erma (Monet Gaston) that the latter is expecting a baby because mapanimahuan niya (she can smell it).

However, faults also find their way into Yanggaw. To the Hiligaynon ear, the actors’ accents (save for Joel Torre, a Bacolodnon) sound so awkward and contrived. Considering that most of them are Tagalog, it still went beyond the “margin of error”, so to speak.

But for all its aesthetic value, Somes should be applauded more for his accurate portrayal of the psyche of the Filipino family. How far are we willing to go to protect the ones we love? Can we simply turn a blind eye to the destruction wrought by our own kin? Amor’s family is faced with dilemmas that leave them at the edge of their morality. Watching the drama unfold in slow motion, the family inevitably makes hard choices to keep itself intact. The family is the one infusing into Amor her flesh, her blood, her heart – her very

existence, so to speak – but when her animalistic instincts are slowly taking over what is left of her sanity, family ties will be questioned.

This is what elevates Yanggaw above horror flicks of its kind: it has gone beyond the scares to reach the manifest content of the Filipino tendency to cover up dirty family secrets. Amor’s family is very well in this position, reaching the inevitable climax when all their sacrifices seem for naught. Noyr, above all, encapsulates the blindness people adopt when faced with the proof of their loved one’s sins.

This blindness does not stop at the passivity and reluctance to help the loved one stop his/her ways; this extends to actually harming others to help one’s family member escape justice.

Filipino values like devotion to family are explored, but the message Yanggaw wishes to send is that these values in themselves are good, but once taken to extremes, they can be devastating.

they are, excuses and tactics will always abound. Nong Manny and Nong Randy would cite examples of students who’d befriend them and bring up that “friendship” in times of “need.” “Mahambal na siya, ‘Migo ko to gwardya’. Ti amon sina iya, close siya sa amon pero i-impose man gihapon ang school policy.”

For those who are thinking that borrowing another student’s ID or registration form (RF) is the ticket to entering the campus, you’re wrong.

The guards have their own system of ferreting out the wrong bearers of ID’s and RF’s. They would request the student to reproduce his/her signature and the guards shall compare it with that on the RF. As for the ID, it’s already obvious.

Of course, not all students who forgot their ID are immediately barred entrance. The guards have their own discretion in regards to whom they will allow inside. Nong Manny explains that as long as the students approach the guards in the proper way, a phone call will be made to the dean to verify the student’s identity.

Also, concessions will be made if they already know the student and he/she doesn’t seem to be the type to recklessly violate rules. “Syempre, budlay man na sa iya nga bahin mo.

Karon kun maka-absent siya sa iya nga klase ti basulon ka pa.”

Speaking of school ID’s, Nong Randy recalls with a laugh the sight that greeted him back when Fray Victor Gonzaga was still the Vice President for Academic Affairs: “Karton-karton guid ya, indi lang tinumpok.” The ID’s confiscated by the guards will be forwarded to the Office of the Prefect of Students.

Nong Randy stresses that they are merely implementing the rules; the sanctions meted shall come from the higher ups.

Despite the sheer number of confiscated ID’s, it seems that students have not learned their lesson. The guards still cite the “no wearing of ID’s” as the one of the most common problem they have with students, apart from the wearing of slippers, school skirts high above the knee, and entering the school premises intoxicated. “Kis-a may mga hubog nga nagasulod, kis-a may ara nagasakay sa taxi. Kis-a makita mo diri sa sulod naga-dulingduling ti amo na ginapagwa na lang namon. Wa-ay man sila gapangakig kay nakabalo man na sila sang school policy, ara na sa student manual.”

As for rumbles in places near the school, say, Aurora Subdivision, the guards see to it that they don’t neglect the welfare of the students, even when it didn’t happen inside the campus.

Nong Randy shakes his head, “Dala pa na sa responsibilidad syempre.

Basta estudyante na, indi na namon pagpabay-an. Ang estudyante nga gaginamo bisan layo pa na kadtuan namon na.”

Due to the nature of the job that sometimes requires them to reprimand students, Nong Manny and Nong Randy admit that they’re not oblivious to the ire that they earned.

Still, they shrug it off as part of the job. Nang Randy shares, “Buyayawon lang kami ah, okay lang basta ang amon trabaho lang ta. Indi lang ta magbayolente.”

FEATURE

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

The Augustinian

7

Do you believe in ghost stories?

By Emmanuel Barcelona and Josefa Maria Castro

A physics teacher, who prefers to be called Ma’am Jeanne, is one of the many people who have experienced bizarre things in the tallest building of our University, Mendel Hall.

Roughly two years ago, Ma’am Jeanne was giving a quiz at Physics Lab A at around 1 PM in the afternoon when she and her students were distracted by an eerie and lamenting cry. They tried ignoring it at first, but the cry grew nearer and louder. She asked her students to check the other laboratories because she assumed that it might be a student under pain. To their surprise, there were no classes going on in the other rooms.. Ma’am Jeanne and her students suddenly felt a cold gust of wind that entered their room; she felt goosebumps all around her and couldn’t concentrate on their quiz anymore.

Luckily, she had a student, who claimed to have a “third eye”. When her student “opened” her third eye, she almost fell off her chair in shock. She saw the ghost of her former schoolmate in high school who died a few years ago because of sickness. She described what the ghost looked like and where she was standing. Ma’am Jeanne felt a cold chill run down her spine when she remembered that the ghost was her former student and that she was standing right beside her. That same afternoon, Ma’am Jeanne called a priest who was having his theology class in the next floor. The priest came down and went inside Physics Lab A alone. When he got out, he told Ma’am Jeanne and her students that it was possible that the ghost of her former student was in fact there,

looking after her teacher and hoping that she could’ve continued her life as a student.

This is not the only odd experience Ma’am Jeanne has encountered in Mendel Hall. There are a few instances where she would be alone in the Physics Laboratory Office, when suddenly, the fans would go on and off by themselves, which has made Ma’am Jeanne very cautious and aware of what might be around her, so that she would not disturb any of the spirits near her.

Are ghosts real? There are many accounts pertaining to ghost and other paranormal beings, ranging from spectacular apparitions and horrible encounters. Some of which are wanted while others are out of unforeseen circumstances. Some are authentic while others are hoaxes made by attention-seekers.

There are people who claim they are capable of seeing ghosts and even converse with these entities. They use these spiritual beings sometimes to control others or try to explain certain events just like an unsolvable case. These people who claim to have dominion and access in the spirits of the other realm are called psychics.

A psychic is a person who professes an ability to perceive information hidden from the normal sense through extrasensory perception, or is said by others to have such abilities. It can also denote ability of the mind to influence the world physically and to the telekinetic powers professed by those such as Uri Geller. Dating back to ancient times psychics had long been part of our history and many still exist up to now. In ancient

times people have different names for psychic abilities: divination, fortune telling, and astrology, but now they are collectively termed as extrasensory perception. Long ago, people who possess these abilities are called prophets and seers; now, they are known as clairvoyants and psychics.

Critics, however, attribute psychic powers to intentional trickery or selfdelusion In 1988 the U.S. National Academy of Sciences gave a report on the subject that concluded there is “no scientific justification from research conducted over a period of 130 years for the existence of parapsychological phenomena.” In a 1990 survey of members of that organization, 4% of respondents agreed that extrasensory perception had been scientifically demonstrated, or that it happened sometimes. Asked about research in

Phantoms of the University

By Ray Adrian Macalalag and Mary Leslie Eregia

expected his playmates to find him: a cement mixer. A second after he crouched behind the mixer, it toppled over, crushing the child to death.

The pupil’s soul might still be playing hide and seek in the other side of our dimension. Wherever he is, we hope he won’t come back to play with the living...

The clanking of the steel gates signals the end of classes for the day. As you walk hurriedly across the deserted classrooms of Blanco Hall, the darkness seems to play with you: did you just see the lighted end of a kapre’s cigarette, or was it just a trick of the light? Was it really the moaning wind that you heard, or something far more sinister? The hairs on the back of your neck stand on end and a cold trickle of sweat falls down your back. However, you dismiss your fear as something ridiculous, for ghosts and kapres and tiyanaks are not included in your world of logic. You walk on but you can’t help but peer over your shoulder, certain that someone – or something – is following you.

Such is the stuff of urban legends, stories about ghosts, deaths and whatnot that passed through so many revisions and retellings. Follow The Augustinian as we take you on a tour of some buildings with dark pasts.

Hide and Seek Before the Commerciantés inhabited their lair, Aguirre Hall was once the site of the Santo Niño Building, the home of the elementary pupils. However, the childish laughter and play were stilled for a while by the death of one pupil.

During the construction of the Santo Niño Building, children were allowed to play near the site. During a game of hide and seek, one clever pupil hid behind something he’s never

Lady in White: Secured!

Standing serenely beside Aguirre Hall and the Football Field is Gamboa Hall. Long before, the building was the home of the High School Department.

Now, the building is occupied by nurses-in-training donning their white duty uniforms. During late nights, a lady in white may also be seen wandering the hallways but she’s no nursing student, just your regular lost soul looking for some random people to spook out.

One calm evening on the third floor, a janitor was cleaning AH-36.

The day is coming to a close and he was just finishing the last of his tasks when he felt something heavy enter the room. Aware of the stories behind Aguirre Hall, he kept his eyes firmly on the floor lest he see something that shouldn’t be seen. Minutes passed and his eyes were still fixed on the floor.

Then, a long white skirt came into his view. Horrified, he raised his head only to find thin air.

Out of the corner of his eye, a lady in white was floating in the air, up into the ceiling. The frightened janitor then scampered downstairs, leaving his broomstick. The sweeping

the field, 22% would discourage it, 63% would allow but not encourage it, and 10% would encourage it.

These psychics use certain apparatus to contact and summon the spirits of the dead. They use the Ouija board, the spirit of the glass and other instruments in practicing their craft. The Catholic faith on the other hand condemns the practice of psychic abilities unless proven otherwise that the origin of such abilities is God. The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of life after death, that when a person dies his soul will separate from the body and will continue to live. The soul, which is the spiritual and living principle in man, is destined to eternity and to communion with God. After death the soul has three states or places to continue its existence. When you had

lived a saintly life here on earth you will go directly in Heaven but if you had been extremely and chronically evil you will end up in Hell or Gehenna. Other souls who are none of the above reside in Purgatory where they will be purified and expiated for their sins, awaiting communion with the Almighty.

In purgatory the souls are sometimes allowed by God’s Grace to interact and manifest with the living here on earth. That’s why there are instances of ghost sightings.

Professor of Theology and Catechetical Coordinator of the University, Reynold Navarro said that the presence of ghosts has only one meaning for us and that is to pray for them to attain eternal rest. The important thing to remember is that when a soul a manifests itself to the living it is basically a cry for help.

can wait until morning – with lots of safe daylight.

that whoever inside needed help.

As abrupt as it came, the screams stopped. He looked down again and the bloody legs were gone. Like the janitor in Gamboa Hall, the student came back for what he left only when daylight flooded the ominous building.

Who said only students experienced the so-called foreboding effect of ghosts? There was one incident when a certain teacher stayed late one evening. Deeply concentrating on her work, she soon lost track of time until sounds that seem to echo within the room snapped her out of her work.

Ignoring it, the hairs on the back of her head suddenly stood up when the echoes got more definitive: they now sounded like a woman’s cries and moans that seem to have come from nowhere. Already terrified, the teacher kept ignoring the feeling of trepidation that enveloped her until marbles started falling from the ceiling. There was no hole or tear from above. Panic-stricken, the teacher did the only thing that seemed logical to her: she ran out from the room, never even daring to look back, afraid that she would see something she would never have dreamt of seeing.

Shadows fall. The corridors are gloomy, echoing the cries of a woman and the rattling of chains from within the rooms. What mysteries the Mendel Hall really possess!

Lost souls. Cries of agony.

Figures that appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. Are they for real? Who knows? It’s nice to listen to urban legends once in a while but to actually be in them is another thing.

Crying for Help The next building, Mendel Hall, displays specimens inside jars, stuffed animals with glassy eyes and even a skeleton. Such macabre items do suit the tales that Mendel Hall hides.

During one particularly windy night, a student rushed back to Mendel Hall. He was nervous because he left his physics notebook in a third floor classroom, but even more so when he recalled the tales told of the building: botched abortions, disembodied moans, and all other tales of the souls of dead students coming back to their haunts when they were alive.

He rushed up the stairs of Mendel, trying every light switch along the way. He hoped at least one would turn the light on, but he had no luck. It was just him and the darkness. Upon reaching the third floor, he looked for his teacher or maybe a roving night guard with bearing the keys so he can retrieve his notebook. Instead, he saw a lady. “A teacher?” he wondered. He followed her until the teacher entered the boys’ comfort room.

Puzzled as to why a female teacher would enter a boys’ comfort room, the student followed suit.

He forgot that he was in Mendel Hall, one of the buildings inside the campus with the most paranormal activities. His intense curiosity egging him on, he entered with much caution. Slowly, he passed the cubicles one by one until he reached the last. Peering down, he saw a lady’s smooth legs – smooth and bloody! Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed inside the comfort room. The boy tried opening the door, certain

SPORTS/OPINION 8T A The Bitter and the Sweet in USA Basketball: Looking Back he

OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2009

ugustinian

By DONNA ISABELLE FRESNIDO

IT was a Cinderella story all throughout, but the only souvenir the USA Golden Eagles got from the 2009 ILOPRISAA was the pumpkin, not the glass slipper.

In a collegiate basketball series dripping drama, the Golden Eagles managed to reach the PRISAA men’s basket ball finals, a first in more than ten years, before bowing to the University of Iloilo Wildcats after a heartbreaking finals thrashing.

Still, Eagles coach Rodolfo Betito, Jr. believes that the Eagles’ PRISAA finals appearance was, for all its disappointments, something that could set the pace for Augustinian basketball in the years to come.

Even before the eliminations, the Golden Eagles were beset with difficulties. There was only one veteran, the fourth-year Skyld Corillo (the team’s leading scorer and cocaption), to add experience to the team; all the rest were thirds-years and below. Players Corillo and Abubakar Dadjilul were unable to join practices due to “personal concerns”, prompting Betito to absorb additions to the team, such as Nick Alojipan, Marcelo Bernaldez, Demetrio Casumpang, and Troy Panes. The greater problem, then, is how to fit the new cogs into the team machinery and how to refigure Corillo and Dadjilul into the momentum (they only practiced with the team four days before the first game).

Whatever handicaps they had, the ball still got rolling in the Eagle’s first game, against the Iloilo Doctors’ College, which ended in a 80-77 thriller win for the Eagles thanks to shooting guard Jared Siao’s threepointer from half-court with 3.2 seconds remaining. Breezing through Western Institute of Technology in the second game with a 12-point lead, the Eagle’s faced their toughest adversary yet: the consistent ILOPRISAA and ICSAA finalist UI Wildcats.

The third and last elimination game proved to be another cliffhanger.

Trailing by seven points with two minutes left, the Eagles launched a rally to whittle the UI lead down to two in the dying seconds of the game when Golden Eagle Wilzen Sombrea, in what Betito called a “come-frombehind” victory, threw a three-pointer

to close the game at 85-84. The clean elimination record secured for USA a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals.

“We expected to reach the finals but it was still unbelievable,” remarked Betito. Unbelievable indeed, for the Eagles had just ended a finals drought of more than ten years. It was also the Eagles’ first victory over the Wildcats after two years.

Since Betito became coach, USA had improved its ranking in the collegiate basketball scene in Iloilo from number six to consistently land in the top four, having finals appearances and championships. “All I was concerned with was improving the University’s standing and regaining the respect of other teams and the reputation of our University in the field of basketball,” said Betito.

However, they fell short of reaching that elusive title. They squandered the twice-to-beat advantage with 11-point and 13-point losses to UI in the first and second game, respectively. Poor shooting and sloppy passing that ended in turnovers were the Eagles’ problems as they struggled throughout the finals. “We were overwhelmed. The administration and the students were expecting us to win and we had the homecourt advantage as well. But you can’t gain experience overnight. I give it to UI for having such composure,” admitted Betito.

But one thing is for sure: without any finals experience to back them up, the Eagles, certainly a Cinderella team, played with their hearts. Siao, one of the leading scorers for the Eagles, carried with him a hamstring injury incurred during the third elimination game, which accounted for the noticeable dip in scoring for USA in the finals.

“We gave it our best shot. I formed and helped the team despite difficulties. That is enough,” said Betito. “Win or lose, what’s important is the name on the front of the uniform, not the back.”

Betito added, “These endeavors had the total support and cooperation of our sports director, Fr. Generous Gonesto and our University president, Fr. Raul Marchan.”

Interestingly, the Golden Eagles’

Augustinians, react!

On the new bricked pathways and overhangs Compiled by SHEENA CAPINDO

Well, it is nice to see that the lobbies are clean. The bricked pathways help in minimizing the free flowing of dusts. However, it is quite tough to walk along the pathways, especially for girls who are wearing high-heel shoes.

- Figueroa, Alphie BSA 4 Grant-In-Aid-Scholar Association Now, we can see with our bare eyes the development of San Agustin, not just in academics but also in terms of its facilities. It’s a good thing that we know where our money goes. Also, we could somehow be proud of our school because we have these new developments. Hopefully, the next thing to be fixed are the comfort rooms.

- Castro, Jenny BS Pharm 4 Apothecarian Council

The (small scale) restructuring of the University manifests its strong desire to regain the prestige that it had before. At least, now, the studentry would have a know-how as to where their money goes.

- Macahilo, Daisy Dawn AB Pol Sci 4 Arts and Sciences Student Parliament The newly-constructed overhangs and bricked pathways are good indications that the University is improving in terms of physical aspects. The overhangs

Standing (left to right): Fr. Gonesto, Coach Betito, Gerardino, Jumilla, Villorente, Ballentes, Aquino, Casumpang, Griño, Tajanan (captain), Albay, Mr. Mamon (team statistician), and Pe. SITTING (LEFT TO RIGHT): Zafe (co-captain), Garrido, Villanueva, Hermonio, and Comoda

Fast break. U-19 captain Chino Tajanan answers questions thrown by The Augustinian. Tajanan led the team to a 21-point victory over the University of the Visayas in the SBP Under-19 Tournament.

PENSIVE. Rez Villanueva sizes up the man-to-man defense on the court during a practice session on December 5, 2009.

The U-19 team is preparing for the national leg of the SBP Under-19 Tournament slated on December 14 to 21.

uniforms do not include the players’ surnames at the back, testament to Betito’s creed. Apart from those mentioned, the rest of the USA Golden Eagles who played in the PRISAA were: Christian Agodo, Jade Babaw, Chino Tajanan, Gian Carlo Jumilla, James Ty, and Raynelle Villorente.

A week after the PRISAA heartbreak, selected Augustinian college and high school students sought redemption by flying over to Cebu for the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Under-19 (Regional Area 4, composed of Regions 6,7, and 8).

Touring unfamiliar terrain,

the Eagles clashed against Visayan powerhouse teams like University San Jose - Recoletos (USJR) and the University of the Visayas (UV). The USJR game was particularly “bloody and violent”. The Eagles suffered bloody noses, shorts pulled down, and fouls so flagrant one would have thought they were intentional. Facing UV, the Eagles fought a close fight, ending the first three quarters with a three-point gap at the most, but by the end of the fourth quarter, the Eagles dominated with a 21-point lead to secure the regional championship.

Former USAHS Eagles Jumilla, Vince Zafe, and Charles Aquino were

reunited and for Betito, “they got to accomplish what they failed in high school.” Tajanan, one of the major scorers and team captain for the U-19, added, “Mas mabilis na kami, mas prepared (We were faster, more prepared).”

The other Augustinian players in the U-19 are: Raynelle Villorente, Russell Dorovan Pe, Bryan Griño, Rez Villanueva, Demetrio Casumpang, Ryan Albay, Clenton Gerardino, Fredson Hermonio, Jake Garrido, Rio Ballentes, and Aaron Comoda. The USA U-19 team are slated to play in the finals this December 14-21.

Not bad for a Cinderella team.

are good since students will be able to move from one building to another without getting wet due to the rain or suffering from the heat of the sun. These projects and other improvements are actually some ways to compete with other universities in the city. Keep up the good work, administration!

- Ngo, Alvin BSBA MKTG-4 Junior Institute of Business Administrators and Accountants

feeling when transferring from one building to another. These new improvements show that what we are paying for are given back to us students. Hopefully, other improvements will be constructed as soon as possible for us to see more positive results.

- Iroma, John Rey BSEd 4 Educator’s Council

especially the new park at the back of the administration building and the ones near the cafeteria lobby.

These parks became more pleasing to the eyes and more comfortable for the students to stay in. Overall, improvements were very good but I am hoping that improvements such as these will be continued not just to pass the next PAASCU accreditation but also to make the University soar to greater heights.

- Aranda, Bibiano John BSN-2A Nursing Student Council

These would give the students as well as the teachers a comfortable

I think the University of San Agustin is now taking the right steps in improving the school for everyone’s convenience. I like the new changes,