Resolve the Mindanao conflict!
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Percival, a knight in shining armor
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ISSN 0115-9226
Eighty Years of Excellent Campus Journalism for the Common Good THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES
VOL. 56 NO. 2
Divinagracia sets off for Ford Scholarship By CARA UY
Divinagracia
eNLIVeNING the spirit of culture and the arts, Co-curricular Activities Coordinator eric Divinagracia has set off to Michigan, USA on August 23 after qualifying for a scholarship grant funded by the Ford Foundation International (FFI). he will be gone for three years to take up his masteral degree in Arts Management at the east Michigan University. Divinagracia was named fellow of the said grant in 2007. The recipients of the fellowship were given the option to enroll in any institution in the world provided that s/he must have excelled academically with above average grades during his/her college years, must come preferrably from the countryside, and must have never attended school abroad. Divinagracia served as the director of the University’s Center for Culture and the Arts for almost six years. his office handled the different performing arts organizations in the University, namely, the USA Troubadours, USA Choir, USA Little Theater, and Kawilihan-USA which gained prestige and honor in the local, national and international scenes. Divinagracia was the last Augustinian to have been proclaimed one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (in 1996). he graduated magna cum laude in AB Political Science in the same year. he was the editor-in-Chief of the USA Publications from 1994 to 1996 and president of the USA Student Council during his college years.
USA-ROTC units honor Augustinian community By DAISY DAwN MACAhILO
TO honor the Augustinian community, the 296 USA-ROTC (University of San Agustin-Reserved Officer Training Corps) units assembled at the University field and conducted ceremonial rites in behalf of the ROTC Advance Class of 1987, September 19. According to Cdt. Col. Carmelo Soriano Jr., Corps Commander, the said ceremonial rites (which are done annually) served as the cadets’ tribute to the new University President, Rev. Fr. Raul Marchan, OSA and other administrative personnel and the University’s Golden eagle Alumni. “We belong to this institution. hence, it is but rightful to honor the newly appointed president of the university,” Soriano said in an interview with The Augustinian. During the event, the Augustinian friars – Marchan, Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, Rev. Fr. Generous Gonesto, Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, Rev. Fr. Dante Juloc, and Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido – paraded with other guests in two military trucks lent by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) office. The entrance of the ruling class, the Trident Class 2009 (composed of Soriano, Cdt. Lt. Col. emee Jon ebron, Bn Adj and S1, Cdt. Lt. Col.
Donee Ann Ruinata, Bn ex-O and S3) marked the start of the ceremonies. This was followed by the reading of the National Defense Act accompanied by the USA Band. Then, Marchan gave an inspirational message to the ROTC units, emphasizing the academic and social promotion of the Augustinian virtues and values. Aside from the parade of the University’s administrators, BANG! USA-ROTC units execute basic combat there was a tactics. Inset: Fr. Marchan rides on a military truck presentation of with other University administrators. sponsors and an exhibition by the Small Tactics Units (STU) of their of the Red and Gold Sword Frasority basic army training skills such as the at the Iloilo Grand hotel. Moreover, Soriano told The Combat Tactics and the Immediate Augustinian that the said event was only Response Action. O n t h e e v e n i n g a f t e r t h e a commencement of the many activities ceremonial rites for the Augustinian of the USA-ROTC this academic year. community, the units and sponsors Forthcoming activities of the USAheld a ball and the induction of officers ROTC include demonstrations of the
By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO
framework for art, culture and heritage in an educational environment.” This was one of the statements s t r e s s e d b y D r. Amorita Rabuco to the audience during the 8th St. Augustine Professional Lecture held at the USA Conference Rabuco (2nd from left) receives from Rev. Frs. Room, on the Marchan, Gonesto and Lazo a certificate of Patron Saint’s Day appreciation after her professional lecture. celebration, August 28. Rabuco’s lecture, Building “QUITe seldom have art advocates, managers and directors come up with School-based Arts Management theories and studies geared towards the T h e o re t i c a l F r a m e w o r k : T h e formulation of a common theoretical Augustinian Experience, zoomed
in on establishing a school-based management theory she named spider web theory based on the University of San Agustin’s artistic and cultural attainments from 2002 to 2007, including the management processes and practices of the University’s five major art groups – music, theater, dance, visual arts and literary arts. The data and analysis of her lecture were based from documents, questionnaires and focused-group discussions. In her talk, Rabuco stated the relevance of pursuing more studies in identifying resourceful management theories in the arts, especially for an educational institution like the University of San Agustin which has increasingly gained wide recognition as a leading center and breeding
By DAISY DAwN MACAhILO
Linking at 6th Philippine IT Youth Congress The University sent three delegates to the 6 th Philippine Information Technology Youth Congress held at
different scenarios during patrolling and squad-combat operations, a paint-ball competition, camp-tour and familiarization firing, and the annual Regional Administrative Performance evaluation (otherwise known as Tactical Inspection).
Rabuco lectures on campus-based arts management
Augustinian IT studes link, gain recognition ThANKS to the digital-age for making our lives easier and grander. Information Technology (IT) has made the University of San Agustin a new hub for digital-learning and technological advancement in Western Visayas.
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, September 2 to 5. With approximately 7,000 delegates from across the country, both secondary and tertiary levels attended the event. The Augustinian delegates were Robe Jan Ivan Pagulong, Francis Fortunato Gonzales and Jerico Geo Brito, all junior Information Technology students. The three most noted speakers were Chuk Munn Lee, Senior Developer Consultant and
Technology evangelist for Technology Outreach of Sun System; Peter Karlsson, also from Micro Sun System, who talked about Open Solaris; and Mikaela Irene Fudolig, who made history three years ago after earning her Bachelor of Science degree major in Physics, suma cum laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, with a general weighed average of 1.099 at the age of 16. Political dignitaries who graced Continue to page 2
ICTS and CEA students and teachers rejoice after bagging major awards at the IT Week celebration held at the Gaisano City Activity Center.
ground of culture and the arts development in Western Visayas for the past five years. Rabuco also compared the role of an artist being “similar to that of an entrepreneur, manager, risk taker and idealist who deals effectively with change.” She further added: “The best learning institutions with the best students, teachers and scholars are often those that offer the best art programs.” Rabuco ended her speech by giving credit to the University Center for Research and Publications (UCRP): “The University of San Agustin has made a marked leap in research for the last 20 years. No matter how condensed it may be, our research outputs will surely thrive in the next years to come.”
NEWS
The Augustinian
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Editor: JEFFERSON MAGBANUA
Chang ranks 3rd in Med Tech licensure exam By Jenny Castro
USACPA inducts new set of officers By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO
Campus interaction does not only revolve among students, faculty and alumni. Augustinian parents also play an active role in university affairs. The University of San Agustin Catholic Parents Association (USACPA) has recently inducted its new set of officers for 2008 to 2010 held at the Emilion Modern Filipino Cuisine Restaurant-Roadhouse Complex, September 28. The 27 newly-elected officers were sworn in and welcomed by Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Sicio who also served as the event’s inducting officer. Malvie Melocoton was elected as the association’s new president, followed by Ma. Corazon Calle, Lucia Puljanan and Engr. Joseph Agustin Locsin as first, second, and third Vice-Presidents, respectively. Twenty-three other parent officers were likewise inducted into office.
The Pharmakeia resumes publication for A.Y. 2008-2009 By JENNY CASTRO
The official publication of the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT), The Pharmakeia, resumed its operation on September, after plans to revive its function this academic year. Under the leadership of its current Editor-in-Chief, Jenny Castro (Pharmacy 3), The Pharmakeia released a newsletter containing news updates on CPMT activities and accomplishments. The newsletter was released before the PAASCU accreditation of the Medical Technology deparment scheduled on September 15 to 16. The newsletter was edited by The Pharmakeia advisers, namely, Prof. Richie Bayuran, Prof. Remi Charlene Salvilla, Prof. Lerma Paris, and Prof. Cynia Mirasol.
Induction of recognized student orgs initiated
AUGUSTINIAN Peterson Chang ranked third in the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination given on September 6 to 7. A Safeguard Scholar from 2005 to 2008, Chang graduated as top student of the Medical Technology department last year. Chang’s team was consecutively declared champion in the Inter-college Biology Quiz Bowl from 2005 to 2007. They also garnered the first runner-up placement in the 2007 Regional Biology Quiz Bowl. Chang was among the 51 Augustinians who passed this year’s Medical Technologist Licensure Examination. Based on the official results released on September 10, the University obtained an overall passing rate of 84.44% against the national passing score of 65.99%, placing as the third top performing school nationwide. Out of the 59 Augustinians who took the said examination, only nine did not make
Fund-raising trouble? The Social Science (Soc Sci) Club gives you an idea on how to solve it. To help augment its funds, the USA-Social Science Club conducted “Can I hug you,” a one-day fund-raising drive on August 28. Spearheaded by Social Science Club President Jison Golez, club president, Soc Sci Club members roamed around the University’s premises carrying placards with the words “Can I hug you” and a tarpaulin banner of the club. Speakers from the club introduced the goals of the activity. After a short briefing, donations of any amount were welcomed. Hugs were given in exchange for the donations.
Pinuela lectures on ‘Augustine and Psychology’ By RONALD SORRILLA
A lecutre-forum entitled “Augustine and Psychology” was presented by Prof. Abraham Pinuela of the Humanities Department on St. Augustine’s feast day, August 28. In the said forum, the lecturer exposed the life of Saint Augustine as a significant figure in Psychology. He likewise explained the great masterpieces of the Doctor of the Church. ...Continued from page 1 the affair were Senate President Manuel Villar, Senator Francis Pangilinan, Representative Imee Marcos and Commisioner Angelo Timoteo Diaz De Rivera, Commission on Information Technology (CICT) who represented CITC Chair-Secretary Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua III. The organizers of the said event were the UP Information Technology
Training Center (UPITTC), UP System IT Foundation (UPSITF) Inc., Student Volunteer Corps (SVC), and Computing Society of IT Educators (PSITE). USA sends biggest delegation to 8th IT Regional Congress It has never been this big. Not until eighty-four Information Technology students participated in the
Chang
By Daisy Dawn Macahilo
“WHICH would you rather be – an idealist or a pragmatist?” This was the question Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II posed to Augustinian students and
With the theme “Augustinian Leadership: Living the Spirit of Faith, Commitment and Service”, the induction of all recognized student organizations in the University in a General Assembly was held at the USA Gym, August 2. The event was spearheaded by Pederito Aparece, OSA, who was the celebrant for the Eucharistic Mass and inducting officer, and Fely Caturas, coordinator for Student Organizations. An inspirational message on leadership was given by guest speaker Allen Españo. Christian Gregoire Tioco, USASC President 2007-08, gave his “Presidential Report and Words of Challenge” in his turnover of the presidency to John Paul Petrola, AB Philo 4. The event culminated with a candle lighting ceremony and an acquaintance party.
By DAISY DAWN MACAHILO
Pollentes, Engelbert Porras, Glenda Puerto, Gladys Ramirez, Maria Jhoanna Reantaso, Jacob Relano, Jr., Miles S. Romero, Cherry Mae Salaya, Sydmel Sanchez, Leofe Jane Sapio, Mildred Sedavia, Russel Joy Tanangonan, Joen Tayo, Grace Celda Tolete, Mary Bernadette Torrento, Giles Turija, and Michelle Tuvilleja.
Mar: ‘Idealist or pragmatist?’
By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO
Soc Sci Club pushes through “Can I hug you?”
it. On the national scale, 877 out of 1,329 graduates who took the examination passed. Aside from Chang, other new Augustinian medical technologists are: Chestern Agraviador, Eden Pearl Almeria, Precila Amplayo, Jan Carl Barbasan, Ma. Gerels Jheanne Bargo, Marc Anthony Belmonte, Jcemm Benjamin, John Den Billones, Niel Jade Borro, Rose Cabarles, Louvelle Carcero, John Castromayor, Ma. Mhyrra Catalan, Myrene Cayanan, Cherryl Dacillo, Marianne May Dagot, Jo Marlene Dayaon, Maria Katrina Irene De Juan, Julie Ann Factes, Glenneth Gallenero, Mary May Gamuyao,Rizah Gepes, Mary Grace Gonzales, Ana Marie Petronila Jamoyot, Grace Stephanie Leichsenring, Kathrina Theresa Libar, Liezl Magbanua, Niña Magno, Johanna Jill Manzano, Maria Isaiah Morin, Ronamy Orense, Karren Pastolero, Francislyn Cesar Plotea, Lian
Roxas
the audience who attended the “Youth: Move. Act. Reform.” convocation held on September 19, 2008 at the UPV (University of the Philippines) Auditorium at the UPV City Campus in Iloilo City. Attended by a number of college students and professors from the University of San Agustin, University of Iloilo, West Visayas State University, St. Paul’s University, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Central Philippine University, and University of the Philippines, the symposium featured the said senator who talked about contemporary issues in the Philippines today. Roxas likewise urged students to involve themselves in
these issues, particularly that on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Roxas stressed the importance of educating the people to counter corruption in the government. In connection with this, the WVSU Student Council presented a film strip on the state of Philippine bureaucracy after the open forum facilitated by the organizers. Roxas also served as the inducting officer in the oathtaking of officers and members of the Alliance of Students in Iloilo composed of student council heads of the aforementioned Universities. Other politicians who graced the event were Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Capiz Governor Vic Bermejo, Congressman Niel Tupas, Jr., and Iloilo City Councilor Lex Tupas.
First Year Pharmacy stude wins St. Augustine Scholarship Contest By MARIO IVAN GONZALES
Big things come in small packages. This statement was proven true as a College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT) freshman emerged victorious among other departments’ representatives at the St. Augustine Scholarship Contest held during the Patron Saint’s Day, August 28. After accumulating 16 points, Ma. Ye Lhen Grace Dumali, a petite B.S. Pharmacy I student bagged the first place while Stephen Paul Escario, B.S. Accountancy 4 (College of Business Administration and Accountancy) and Ronald Sorrilla, B.S. Education 3, Major in MAPEH (College of Education) bagged the second and third places, respectively. Both Escario and Sorilla went through the clincher round after they tied at 15 points.
Dumali was awarded a 100%, scholarship grant. Escario, the second placer, got a 75% scholarship grant. A 50% scholarship grant went to Sorilla as third placer. The remaining contestants who didn’t reach the top three were each accorded a 10% scholarship grant. The contestants, during the quiz bee, were asked questions related to the life and writings of St. Augustine. An annual event, the St. Augustine Scholarship Contest was organized by the Theology Department of the University.
8th IT Regional Congress held at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City, August 23. Almost 434 students and a total of 20 institutions offering IT programs in the region gathered for the one-day affair. It marked the record of having the highest number of delegates since the event was organized. The event was organized by the Philippine Society of Information Technology Students – Western
Visayas, wherein Robe Jan Ivan Pagulong and Francis Fortunato Gonzales, both Agustinian IT Juniors, are the current Vice President and Secretary, respectively.
SMALL BUT TERRIBLE. Dumali beams with pride after topping this year’s St. Augustine Scholarship Contest. Looking on are Sorrilla (L) and Escario (R).
Augustinians Shine at Iloilo IT Week Two Augustinians bagged the first place in the Information Technology Quest Challenge at the Third IT Week
held at Gaisano City Activity Center, Iloilo City, September 11. Japee Setrillo, BS Computer Science 4 and Edgar Zamora, BS Information Management 4, stood out against contestants from other Universities and colleges which participated, namely, St. Paul University, University of the Philippines, West Visayas State University, University of Iloilo, and Iloilo Doctors’ College.
NEWS
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Artians rule Patron Saint’s Day literary contests By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA
WITH five gold medals and one bronze, Artians dominated the different university-wide literary contests held during the Patron Saint’s Day celebration on August 28 to 29, thus paving way for the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) lead in the overall medal tally. The Artian champions during the Patron Saint’s Day literary contests were Donna Isabelle Fresnido, BS Psych 2 (Impromptu Speaking Contest); Jison Golez, BS FS 3 (Dagliang Pagbikas); Charles Rainer Baghari, BS IT 2 (English Declamation); John Jesner Perce Punsaran, AB MassCom 2 (Filipino Declamation); and Ninette Caldelero, AB Lit 4 (Poetry Writing Contest). Gian Bermudo placed third in the Search for Best Film Review in Filipino. Next to the College of Arts and Sciences in the medal tally was the College of Nursing (CN) with a 1-2-2 (gold-silver-bronze) record and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) with 1-1-3. The College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT) obtained four medals (a gold, two silvers and a bronze), the Basic Education Department
had three silvers, the College of Engineering and Architecture garnered one gold and a bronze, and the College of Education (COEd) finished with a silver and a bronze. The literary contests during the Patron Saint’s Day – impromptu speaking, declamation, oration (all in English and Filipino), binalaybay, St. Augustine Poetry Writing, and the Search for the Best Film Review in Filipino – were organized by different organizations in the University: the Department of Languages, the University English Club, Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Filipino (KAMAGFIL), USA Publications, USA Student Council, in cooperation with the Office of CoCurricular Activities, with its new coordinator, Rev. Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA.
Cruz earns doctorate with ‘high distinction’ HUMANITIES Chair Isidoro Cruz earned his doctorate degree in Literature with “high distinction” from the De La Salle UniversityManila on December 2007. Cruz’ dissertation, Damming the Nation: Region/Nation and the Global Order in Contemporary West Visayan Literature, was recognized as an Outstanding Dissertation by the De La Salle faculty. The said dissertation primarily focused on how Western Visayas and the Philippines were created in writings by three languages, namely, Hiligaynon, Filipino, and English from 1986 to 2003 on
Region/Nation and the Global Order which may be evidence of a particular imagining of the nation from a regional standpoint. Cruz , a well-respected writer has published numerous works, including Bodies of Water which received the grand prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2003. His book Cultural Fictions received the 2004 National Book Award from the Manila Critics Circle. Cruz was also honored as one of the University’s One Hundred Outstanding Augustinians of the Century in 2004.
USA Publications introduces new official and 80th anniversary logos By Paulo Moises Bayabos PERFORMANCE LEVEL. With facial expression and gestures matching his piece, Punsaran declaims at the USA Conference Room, August 29.
By Josh Von Iron Tondo and Allin Joy Emboltura
Sports Modern Standards) and the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) which ranked first in Creative Modern Dance. Second place for Vocal Solo (Classical) was garnered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and by the College of Pharmacy and Medical technology (CPMT) for Pop. For Vocal Duet, CAS likewise grabbed the same place with CBAA as third. Dance Sports Latin and Modern Standards had the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) and CBAA ranked third for both divisions, respectively. On the other hand, the Basic Education Department (BED) was
Resurreccion, Visto perform Conservatory of Music graduation recital rites By RONALD SORRILLA
C O N S E RVATO RY o f M u s i c graduates Argiel Ponsica Resurreccion and Bernie John Visto played the piano as part of the commencements of their Associate in Music (Major in Piano) course, on September 2 and August 5, respectively. The abovementioned graduates’ performances were made to complete their course requirements.
By JEREMIAH VIRGO
CN leads Patron Saint’s Day music, dance contests The College of Nursing (CN) grabbed most of the medals during this year’s Patron Saint’s Day Music and Dance contests, on August 28 held in the USA gymnasium. Nursing topped the Vocal Duet Pop, ranked second in Dance Sports (Latin and Modern Standards), the same place in Creative Modern Dance, and third in Vocal Solo Classical and Pop categories, leaving other departments on its tail with six medals dominating the said event. Other participating departments were the Conservatory of Music which topped Vocal Solo Classical and Pop, College of Education (first place, Dance Sports Latin), the College of Arts and Sciences (first place, Dance
The Augustinian
Editor: JEFFERSON MAGBANUA
Resurreccion’s recital venue was the Rev. Fr. Santiago Ezcurra, OSA Choir Room while Visto had a separate presentation at Punta Villa Resort in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Resurreccion and Visto both played piano compositions of wellrenowned international musicians such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, Buencamino, and Mendelssohn.
FORTISSIMO! Resurreccion finishes off his rendition of Beethoven on his recital ceremony.
third place for the 7-10 minute Creative Modern Dance. To sum-up the medal tally: CN, six medals; CBAA, four; CAS, three; and the Conservatory of Music, two. The College of Education, BED, CEA, and CPMT on the other hand, each garnered one medal. The Music and Dance contests, comprised of different divisions— Vocal Solo (Classical and Pop), Vocal Duet Pop, Dance Sports (Latin and Modern Standard), and Creative Modern Dance participated by the University’s respective colleges and came about through the joint efforts of the USA Student Council, the Office of Co-curricular Activities, and the PE Department.
The USA Publications recently stands for the introduced its new official logo and Augustinian its 80th anniversary logo to highlight s p i r i t i n its 80 years of first-rate campus journalism that is able journalism. The two logos were first seen to endure the in the July-August 2008 issue of test of time, The Augustinian. According to its leaping over conceptualizer, USA Pub Staff Artist and beyond and Photographer Wi l l i a m F u s i n , J r. , t h e U S A Publications’ official The USA Publications logo is symbolic of Official Logo the organization’s hurdles along the way. established Lastly, the pierced reputation in the heart at the center is an field of campus Augustinian emblem, journalism and an which signifies the embodiment of The USA Publications 80th upholding of truth the Augustinian Anniversary Logo and wisdom through values. The golden campus journalism. eagle represents the Meanwhile, the USA responsible and observant approach of the Publications’ writers, while the Publications’ 80th Anniversary Logo fountain pen forming the letter “P” is depicted in the image of an eagle stands for their passion for truthful, soaring upwards, symbolizing the said informative, and socially relevant organization’s continuing struggle for journalism. The quill forming “USA” excellence.
Augustinian talents go international By RONALD SORRILLA
Manila Vocal Ensemble (MVE), a world-class music group of the country, has been shining in the international scene as it performs in all corners of the world. And, surprisingly, it is composed of five Augustinian talents from the College of Education and Conservatory of Music. The five Augustinian international talents are the following: Majella Pacete, a Music teacher and a COEd faculty; Christie Anne Diaz, BSED English alumna of COEd; Rodabelle Araojo; Nazel Deloso; and Maria Hasmen Pioquinto. They were once members of the USA Troubadours and USA Choir. They also have been representing our University in various events and competitions that brought numerous recognitions and victories. When asked about how she managed to balance both her teaching and musical careers, Pacete replied: “There is really no problem with my schedule because MVE leaves the country for its yearly European tour only in summer and during that time, I don’t do classroom teaching. It’s only this
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Diaz, Decoso, Araojo, Pioquinto and Pacete
year that I filed for a longer leave of absence from the University because of a very important concert we had in Davos, Switzerland on August 1.” MVE has been advocated by Thomas Cabantac and this choir group has been through three world tours, as well as a yearly European concert tour since its conception on May 6, 1982 at the YMCA, Manila. MVE represented the Philippines in various international festivals in Austria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland,
Germany, England, Wales, and the United States. It has also performed for the Diplomatic Corps of the countries it visited. Countless international press reviews have been continuously received by the choir. MVE envisions to promote the Filipino culture through songs and dances and Filipino performing arts in world-renowned venues, to share God’s peace and love through music, and to provide voice and academic scholarships to the members in their chosen fields of study.
OPINION
The Augustinian
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
The ABC’s of sustainable growth
Heroes great and small In the midst of changing times, our concept of heroism also changes with the demands hoisted upon us. Heroism has long been thought of as many things: unsheathing a sword in defence of the motherland; marching with activist groups in rallies to oppose a tyrant’s regime; defying a fierce fire to rescue a child trapped inside a house. We have so many definitions of heroism, most of them involving extraordinary people doing extraordinary things in the face of extreme pressure. Typhoon Frank has sounded the call and Ilonggos have answered in ways befitting the circumstances. Most of us would remember Rodney Berdin, the young hero of Belison, Antique who faced the raging currents to save his mother and sister – but not before making sure that his brother had at least a tree stump to grasp. During the ordeal of clinging to a piece of driftwood for nearly two hours, Rodney did his best to assure his mother as the waters around them crashed and swirled malevolently. Now that the tide has ebbed, news of his unselfish deed reached Malacañang. Before long, the 13-year old Rodney found the spotlight on himself during the State of the Nation Address on July 28, a fitting tribute to a boy who simply did what he had to do without all the fuss. However, heroism is not merely limited to feats of bravery. It can also mean, to quote motivational speaker John Rohn, “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well”. It can strike anybody, and is not bound by age, gender, race, socio-economic status or whatnot. It is rising up to the challenge – life-threatening or not – regardless of one’s disabilities and facing circumstances with one’s chin up. During Typhoon Frank, the unseen faces uplifted, small voices raised in unison and grimy hands linked together as the storm raged and the water swept everything also made a difference. One cannot count the hands that doled out cans of sardines, or the feet that trudged in the mud to help clean houses submerged in the filth that the flood left in its wake. This, though quietly passing under the radar of publicized scrutiny, still embodies the burning spirit of heroism. In the disaster wrought by Typhoon Frank, Iloilo has never run out of heroes great and small, hailed and unsung. Whatever the type of heroism, it doesn’t matter at all. What’s important is that inner drive to forget one’s self and just help without expecting anything in return. We can all become heroes at our own right and there is no better time to start than now.
Editorial
THE
augustinian
Editor-in-Chief Pietros Val Patricio Managing Editor Cara Uy Associate Editors Paulo Moises Bayabos Jefferson Magbanua Jenny Castro Senior Writers Donna Isabelle Fresnido Allin Joy Emboltura Ronald Sorrilla Aljun Padisio Staff Writers Mario Ivan Gonzales Karlo Christopher Cristales Josh Von Iron Tondo Daisy Dawn Macahilo Staff Artist/Photographer William Fusin Jr. Circulation Officer Sheena Capindo Contributors Jeremiah Virgo Robe Jan Ivan Pagulong Moderator 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 Room 38, 3rd Floor, Gamboa 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.
One of the main reasons why the Philippines has been left behind by its neighbors and many other booming economies around the world is because of the lack of adequate infrastructure. The mere existence of basic infrastructure is very much needed for economic activities to be conducted efficiently in meeting the demands of our growing economy. Nobody can deny that. How can industries and services thrive in a place with insufficient supply of energy and water? How can goods be transported from one place to another without decent roads, bridges and highways? How can we seriously create a vital tourism industry with dilapidated airports and outdated seaports? Shouldn’t our political leaders know better? Apparently, our government officials have not been doing their homework properly enough in the past decades that they still have to be reminded about the basic principles of sustainable growth. A country’s path to economic glory and progress is often measured by the quality of its national infrastructure and welfare services. It is also often the basis of a country’s good character and social stability. Does it have enough school buildings to hone the young minds of the country’s next labor force? Does it provide vital services such as adequate road infrastructure to make travel faster and easier such as farmto-market roads in the provinces? Does it have enough accommodation to stimulate a profitable tourism sector with vital services such as hotel rooms and efficient hospitals? How well and
Prodigy
Jefferson Magbanua SEVERAL months ago, Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo authored a bill (House Bill 3719) in the House of Representatives calling for the use of the first language as the primary medium of instruction from preschool up to Grade 6. Gunigundo also advocated for the strong teaching of English and Filipino in the elementary grades, but only as separate subjects and not as media of instruction. House Bill 3719 is a brilliant politician’s response to the worsening state of education in the Philippines – worsening because oftentimes, what’s being taught in our classrooms is English and not actual concepts in science and mathematics. The Philippines trails behind other countries in international science and mathematics aptitude tests mainly because most Filipino students cannot comprehend scientific and mathematical concepts alien to them when these are initially presented in English. There’s no doubt that most of us Filipino students aren’t proficient in these two important subjects – a result of using English as the medium of instruction in our classrooms. To paint a somehow concrete picture of why using English as medium of instruction becomes a predicament to Filipinos’ academic performances in science and mathematics, here are statistical data showing the irony of Juan de la Cruz’s English: Although 95% of Filipinos
often are they maintained? Other people in more progressive countries look up to their own infrastructure as a social status of success and prosperity. Decent infrastructure developments have always stood as symbols of national pride attained through the collective efforts of a strongly determined people. This alone can already spur trade and attract investments, create jobs, reduce poverty and encourage economic growth at a massive scale since it reflects the political stability and economic efficiency of a place or region. This is very much evident in some of the country’s better off areas such as Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Central Luzon. But with the present state of our country as a whole, it’s really frustrating to see how most of our leaders have failed to recognize this. People should also know that infrastructure is an essential basis in improving a nation’s image for competitiveness in the global arena. Our Asian neighbors have realized long ago that by enhancing the quality of their roads, by building state-of-theart facilities such as modern airports and highly efficient train stations, world-class hospitals and sanitary public toilets, they will certainly attain more progress. Other countries were busy constructing colossal airports and massive highways outside their big cities in the past decades in order to speed up transportation and stimulate growth while we were engaged with too much political scandals and corruption. Now, we have been left behind by light years.
Mindscapes
Pietros Val Patricio Everyone can see the difference. Every political leader should know this very well; it’s simple common sense. Today, the Philippines doesn’t even have the slightest dream or political ambition of building a premier international airport of its own. It even had a hard time opening a small and simple airport terminal. Our government should heavily invest in more acceptable, if not world-class, facilities if it is serious in attracting tourists and investments. First impressions really last. If the leaking roofs and foul smell of the terrible NAIA 1 airport is the very first thing foreigners encounter when they land in our country, then I don’t even want to think of it at all! Our present infrastructure is very much stuck in the 19th and 20th centuries. Flooding in major cities reach up to knee and shoulder levels due to the lack of canals, dams and flood control technologies. In the space age, the frequent shortages in the supply of power and water we experience every other day only points out to the stubborn fact that our country is still stuck in the dark ages. This is the sad reality about our infrastructure dilemma.
Learning in the first language are deemed to understand English in some way, only an estimated 7% of college graduates can properly read, write, or speak in the King’s imperial language. This only complements the fact that roughly four million Filipinos are illiterate. These data are distressing but they speak of the truth. Many college students still don’t know their basic sentence construction and grammar rules, while in examinations, teachers sometimes have to translate scientific and mathematical problems using the native dialect for the benefit of the examinees. Even teachers themselves aren’t exempted in this problem. Probably because of the poor English language training they received during their college days, or merely because of incompetence, most educators in our country cannot teach in English fluently, or worse, misinterpret facts and the like from textbooks printed in English. Why we’re not proficient in the aforementioned colonial language is anchored on certain reasons. For one, we don’t speak English at home. Isn’t it that we grew up speaking Hiligaynon, or Kinaray-a? Maybe we just thought that once one knows how to speak in English, he’s smart. When you meet your teachers [or students] in malls or just simply outside the classrooms of San Agustin, isn’t it that you talk to each other in your native dialect? It’s so awkward and fake to talk to somebody in English when you’re out to prove to those listening that you know how to speak in this “universal language”. What I mean is this: we Filipinos, except for some 10% or less, don’t use English in our daily conversations at home, in the market and when we’re outside the classrooms. I admire Gunigundo’s intent to revamp our educational system by
promoting the students’ first language – be it Kinaray-a or Hiligaynon among others - as the language to be used by teachers in instructing pre-schoolers and graders. There are at least two positive things I could think of once this bill is approved by Malacañang – first, teachers who aren’t proficient in English may no longer be troubled to speak in the native dialect when they could no longer find an English word to elaborate a particular concept and, second, students could learn faster when their teachers speak in a language they understand. Of course, these effects, will, at large, alleviate our country’s education crisis – a crisis which can be solved only through respecting a child’s right to be literate and educated in a language he can speak fluently and understand easily, his first language. When a child receives an education in a language that he or she doesn’t understand, this violates the child’s right to be literate and educated. Articles 28 and 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provide that all children have the right to education and to learn and use the language of their families. And, after all, our Con stitution says we should use Filipino (which includes all native Filipino dialects) as the medium of instruction in schools. I am not in the school of disintegrating English from our curricula. I just believe that it is an inefficient medium of instruction as far as Filipino students’ learning in technical subjects (such as science and mathematics) is concerned. Having a mother tongue-based education will, for sure, conceive real learning for each Filipino student. This will transform us from being lowskilled individuals into high-skilled achievers and professionals.
OPINION
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Manifest Content
Paulo Moises Bayabos “Bayad Manong oh. Jaro Plaza lang, estudyante.” “Dominggo subong Toto, wala klase.” “Teh ngaa, kun wala gali klase, hindi na ko ya estudyante?” This is my hero, answering sarcastically yet cleverly to the jeepney driver one gloomy weekend afternoon. I didn’t know him, but yes, he is now officially my hero. Why? He recognized the concept of jeepney fare discounts. You see, I have this thing for “concepts” about anything I observe. Days before I found my hero, I was in the same situation as he was in: I was in a jeepney and even though I told the driver that I was a student, he refused to give me a discount because it was a Sunday. Right there and then, I strongly believed that the concept was wrong. Students, like me, are given discounts by virtue of the fact that we don’t have jobs yet – we don’t earn the money that’s in our pockets. And riding a jeepney on a Sunday does not change this fact. I salute my hero for being able to fight for his concepts and speaking out his curious mind. Now, everything is all about concepts. The “concept” of reuniting. Lately, my roommate suffered a “blastfrom-the-past syndrome”. He saw his high school sweetheart on Friendster and suddenly concluded that he was, again, insanely in-love with her. The
Eye-Opener
Jenny Castro “Don’t just cross the line…burn it!” I just overheard this line from a friend. I don’t know where she got this very inspiring line. But it gave me an idea on what to write for my column. A few weeks ago we had our midterm examination. I contemplated on the connection of the line with my studies. One semester is now over. Final examination is just an inch away. This is the last chance given to us to show what we got in academics. This semester is a race, a race for us to reach the finish line. It’s not how you run the race but it’s how you finish it. You just have to give effort. Alongside all the hardship is enjoyment. Achievement can be felt only when one gave his best to reach the end. One should not be satisfied with just joining the race and finishing until the end. The race should be played with effort and passion. It’s like having to burn the road and mark it with ashes. I had some regrets during the midterm examinations. Taking exams without studying or reading the notes is like suicide. Talking about cramming, I sometimes read my
Concepts cynic that I am, I started mocking him that he’s not in-love with the girl; rather, he is in-love with the “concept” of rekindling their unconcluded love affair. It’s a nasty form of delusion, really, to be surely convinced that what you feel is real. This might have been brought by our worship for romantic tales, conquering hero adventures, and stories that heighten our most desired fantasies and happy endings. Don’t we just love movies where the girl and boy reunite at the end? They say that if people reunite after a long time of absence from each other, there is actually an underlying “destiny” factor. This is reminiscent of the recent reunion concert of the country’s most celebrated and influential band, the Eraserheads. The four musical prodigies were paid Php 2 million each (rumored) just to do a two-set, one-night gig. However, instead of savoring this once-in-alifetime moment, some people chose to condemn the band for accepting the multi-million offer. For them, this act destroyed the very “concept” of a true reunion concert. The fans didn’t seem to mind, though. It’s because different people have different concepts. *** And this “concept” of strikes. For a long time, I’ve been puzzled by strikes that I almost engaged myself into having this as the topic of our group thesis. Here in our city, we experience transport strikes now and then. Why do drivers do such acts? By doing so, they lose a day’s income, aggravate commuters, and leave their grievances still apparently unaddressed. Still, they do it. In front of our university campus, we can still see some residue of the union strike which exploded years ago. Again, I ask: Why?
If we do a research about strikes in our country, would the data really lead us to conclude that conducting a strike is one of the effective means of resolving conflicts? I doubt it. A strike conveys two messages: that they will aggravate people as long as their demands are not met, and second, that meeting halfway is not possible, otherwise why do a strike? Are these messages reasonable? Is it fair to drag other people into your own issues? Is it fair to say that meeting halfway is not a good option? Maybe, maybe not. The strike phenomenon will might as well remain to be part of our culture. *** People behave according to, one, what they believe is true, and two, what they think is true because others believe it to be also true. Concepts are sometimes misleading, dictating and blinding us from objectivity. Everyday, countless people get rich, get laid in bed, get married, or get the worst of life because of wrong concepts. So what does this tell us? Whether you have your own concepts or you let other people’s concepts shape you, we can’t escape the reality that concepts are amongst us. At times, we have to stand up for our concepts of things around us, just like what my hero did; on the other hand, we also have to consider the concepts of others. I realized that I ought to be ashamed of myself for messing with my roommate’s heart. I shouldn’t have judged his feelings based on my own concepts. Shame on me! It’s just a concept-obsession episode of mine, really. So pardon my irrational indulgence and forgive me for using the word concepts 21 times in this column.
Study smart, not hard notes only an hour or two before the exam. And I think it’s not healthy. My brain could only retain the last words I’ve read. Upon receiving the questionnaire, boom! Blackout. The night before the exam, reading my notes was like someone singing a lullaby, and taking me to a peaceful sleep. Sometimes, when I have free time, laziness attacks me. It’s me against myself. Basically, there are two kinds of memories: short-term and longterm memory. It is important to put information you want to store into your long-term memory, not just short-term memory. Cramming will only misplace all what you have read in short-term memory; and it will fade easily. Being good to yourself Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted, or in a hurry. When the brain is relaxed, it is like a sponge and it naturally absorbs data without effort. If you are emotionally stressed, your brain literally repels data. Forcing yourself to sit and study when your mind is focused on other things is a total waste of time. Be physically fit and give rest to your body. Give energy to your body by eating the right kind of food. Glucose is a brain enhancer. My teacher in Anatomy and Physiology once told us that if your brain is not at its high potential, eat some candy. Guilt-Free Days of Rest The reason for resting is to refresh oneself. However, if you feel guilty, like “I really should be studying”, then your precious rest
period has been used to create more stress. The brain will not absorb new data if it is stressed. On days off from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying. Our brain is like a glassful of milk, if you try to pour another glass full of milk, it will overflow from the glass. Go to the mall if you have time and enjoy. You must get rid of stress because it can distract you. It is a great idea that you laugh with your friends while having a group study. Speed up your review If there’s no time for reading all the chapters, so skim them! Quickly go over the text, spending more time on the intro paragraph that presents the main ideas. While skimming, make a list of key details that you can study from later without the aid of big textbooks. If you don’t have enough time, highlight those important words so that they would be easy for you to spot when you skim. Be sure to grasp the ideas before you go on to the next
The Augustinian
Prexy Speaks University of San Agustin Iloilo City United Augustinian Students (UNITAS)
VOX POPULI VOX DEI “All free governments, whatever their name, are in reality governments of public opinion, and it is on the quality of this public opinion that their prosperity depends” - James Russell Lowell No matter how few the members of an organization are, leaders should listen to their members. For the voice of the people is the voice of God”.
Prexy’s desk
Noel Sinco
Listen to your People No government can rule by force alone: it needs legitimacy to survive. Leaders must convince the members to accept their policies. For in the end, these are carried out by the people. By knowing the pulse of the people, ill policies change, impractical activities alter, and social acceptability is enhanced. Most of all, the participation of members are increased for they feel that they have the power to improve the organization. Get Close to Them Leaders should always make members feel important. Let them participate in the vital decision-making process. Highly consider their comments-not as an insult to you but as a constructive criticism for the common good of the group. Be a man of others – worthy to be remembered and talked about by future generations. Consider what America’s founder father, Benjamin Franklin had once said: “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing.” That’s what I call a true leader!
Noel Sinco United Augustinian Students (UNITAS) President A.Y. 2008-2009
chapter. Go over your past quizzes and homework. Some teachers often get questions from the previous quizzes. But there are also teachers who repeat the questions over and over again; he’ll probably ask it in a different way. Brain Fade It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rate and forget things. This does not mean you are stupid! Instead of getting mad about this fact, you should expect it and deal with it accordingly. See your brain as depositing layers of knowledge. As you place more information on top, the lower levels become older and less available to your immediate recall. The trick here is simply to review. Since we can anticipate the eventual fading of our memory, creating a review aspect to our study session will solve the problem. Once every two or three study sessions, simply review older materials that you still need to remember. Often, a
quick overview is sufficient. “Brain fade” is completely normal—unless you are gifted with photographic memory, which is extremely rare. Mnemonics: A memory technique To remember a long list, create a crazy sentence or code names out of the first letters of each word. It’s best when the code names are familiar and you can easily relate to them. Or make a song or tune of your favorite song out of the sentences. I really think it’s effective because even our teachers would advise us to do it. Even if there is only ten minutes left for a review, do it. I hate those times when I imagine myself cramming, reading as fast as I could because our teacher might come in and give our exam. Time management and discipline pay off. Reading all your notes will definitely give you confidence in answering the exam. Preparing and conditioning yourself will surely help you. I say, we must study smart, not hard.
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FEATURE
The AugusTiniAn
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Editor: JENNY CASTRO
Resolve the Mindanao Conflict! MAKE PEACE, NOT WAR By PIETROS VAL PATRICIO
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein I happen to have relatives in Mindanao whom I’ve never met or heard of my entire life. Many of them have migrated to the so called “land of promise” many generations before I was even born, at a time when vast migrations from the Visayas and Luzon poured into the island in the 1970’s. Others were military soldiers and law enforcers who died during the civil war that took place in the predominantly Muslim provinces at around the same period. Just like the bulk of many Filipino Christians who have never set foot on Mindanao, I hardly know anything about this conflict-driven island that we frequently watch, hear or read about in the news headlines. I’ve always wondered what life was like for a Filipino Muslim in the south. My sparked curiosity about the life and culture of this mystic, ravaged island has always awakened so much intrigue in me. But above all, I have long dreamed of seeing the vitality of Muslim Mindanao as a society and a cultural gem of the country, not just as a “critical area” of war and aggression. The Islamic Delegation earlier this year, a group of Muslim youth leaders and nongovernment organization members came over to the University of San Agustin to discuss and share their views on possible peace solutions to put an end to all the problems they’ve been facing in Mindanao. The group visit was part of their educational tour all over the country to enlighten the young minds of today’s generation, to work for the cause of peace in their war-torn homeland, known as the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). I was invited by Prof. Ramonita Pico, coordinator of the university’s Martin de Rada human Rights Bureau. She made the event possible together with the University Center for Research and Publications (UCRP) Director,
Jigger Latoza. The seminar was attended by the members and faculty of the Political Science Club, the Little Theater, the Publications, the Foreign Service program, concerned journalists as well as students coming from other tertiary institutions in Iloilo City. This move was also one major step on calling for an end to the war and violence that has been going on for almost forty years now and has already claimed the lives of more than 120,000 people. During the group seminar, I actually sat down and talked together with Filipino Muslims on the ongoing conflicts in Mindanao for the first time in my life, something I’ve never imagined before. All of a sudden, I felt like being a peace negotiator despite my meager knowledge of the conflict’s roots and origin. I always had this silly dream of working for the United Nations when I was young. Together with fellow Augustinians and other Muslim youth leaders wearing caps and veils, I introduced myself as a student journalist interested on reporting, not about war and violence, but rather about the severe problems faced by people in Mindanao. For the first time, I’ve met Muslims who were involved in restoring peace and order, conducting orderly government practices and building a peaceful, democratic society. I told them that I could probably help restore harmony through my journalistic efforts and they were all very happy about it. No Justice, No Peace A Muslim NGO leader from Samal told us that the issue on land and ancestral domain dates way back to the Spanish colonial period when our first foreign invaders began seizing their lands away from them. During this period, our Muslim brothers in Mindanao have already experienced fierce discrimination from our colonizers because of their religion. This attitude of the Spaniards adheres to the historic invasions of Moorish the scuffed canvas sneakers. Pierced ears plugged with headphones complement the equally pierced lips that open and close in time to the lyrics of “Ohio is For Lovers” by hawthorne heights: “I know
The dark sideways bangs hide an eye perfectly ringed with an even darker mascara while the thin, almost anemic, slouching body serves as the frame for the black shirt loudly proclaiming the word “Silverstein” in stark white print. The obsession with black continues down to the studded belt and tightfitting jeans, and even further down to
you do/ you kill me well/ you like it too/ And I can tell/ you never stop until/ My final breath is gone”. And so you have the quintessential
tribes in Spain many centuries ago. No form of development took place in the Muslim regions during the Spanish era. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish friars and tax collectors began questioning the legality of ownership over lands in Mindanao. Since they had no documents to show, their lands were taken away from them by force and sold to Spanish mestizos and illustrado land owners who migrated from Luzon and the Visayas. Christian settlements soon flourished everywhere and as a result, Muslim communities were pushed towards the outskirts of their former domains. A female youth leader from a Muslim community in North Cotabato stressed that through the massive influx of plantation workers from the Visayas, Chinese merchants, as well as settlers from Luzon during the 50’s to 70’s, the Bangsamoro people became a minority in their own homeland. More opportunities and privileges were given to migrant workers, thus displacing many Muslims and causing widespread poverty and unemployment. Despite the peaceful coexistence of Christian and Muslim inhabitants, one cannot avoid the violent uprisings of radical separatist movements emerging from Islamic idealists calling for justice and the establishment of a separate Bangsamoro state. According to the delegates, it is true that many injustices in Mindanao still remain unresolved even up to this day. In terms of development, many isolated Muslim communities are yet to feel government services. There are many far-flung places in Mindanao without roads, electricity, water supply, telecommunication, public markets, barangay halls and school buildings or healthcare services whatsoever. None of these vital components of development are visible in many Muslim-populated areas of the country today, excluding these areas from any form of civilization. One cannot blame the
rebels for asserting their rights. They have been largely neglected in history. Our Muslim brothers are among the gravest victims of land grabbing and human rights violations. Mindanao at a Glance Otherwise known in history as the Gran Molucas, Mindanao has rich mineral deposits such as gold, copper, lumber, palm oil as well as vast fertile lands that could potentially make it the most affluent region in the country. Mindanao is home to some of the country’s most scenic natural wonders such as the Agusan Marshes, the lofty Mt. Apo, the majestic lake of Lanao, the lotus-filled Sebu Lake, the tropical island of Samal, the turtle island sanctuaries of Tawi-Tawi and the great Allah Valley Watershed. The colossal Maria Christina Falls alone can potentially produce 400,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity if fully developed. The whole island could theoretically become an economic and industrial gateway to our progressive neighboring countries. It is sad to know that this potential has never been fully maximized by our government.
these islands a thousand years ago. It just so happened that our forebears were Christianized by Spaniards and theirs were Islamized by Arabs a few centuries ago. For many centuries, our heroes and leaders have strived to unite our country yet here we are today struggling to divide it into fiefdoms. This is a clear indication that the country is not yet ready to adopt the federal system. Federalism might be understood in many ways but its basic principle is creating unity in diversity, not separation. In many ways, I pity my generation for having to be involved in a century-old conflict in which we had nothing to do with in the first place. I believe that peace could be fostered by mutual respect and understanding of each other’s cultural and religious differences as well as the promotion of cultural exchange and intellectual interaction. (For further inquiry, comments and suggestions, please e-mail the author at pietrospatricio@yahoo.com)
The Challenge of Today’s Generation At the time I promised the Muslim delegates that I would write an article about their visit. I find it very timely to have this article published now that the ongoing conflict on the cancellation of the alleged Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has caused bloody raids, especially in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and North Cotabato, directly affecting 500,000 civilians. Who gave them the permission to establish a federal Bangsamoro state in the south? Why are these rebels talking about ancestral domain? Their ancestors are our ancestors as well. We all descended from the same wave of Malays who settled in
Ambot Sa Emo By DONNA ISABELLE FRESNIDO
emo in a quick glance. In such a short time, the word “emo” has permeated the youth’s consciousness, bringing to mind heartbroken poetry, slashed wrists and all the moping melodrama as can be experienced by teenagers. The term is certainly ambiguous, with people looking emo, listening to emo music and talking all emo yet denying that they are. however, as ambiguous as emo is nowadays, its origins were more certain. emo started out in the 1980’s as a part of the Washington D.C. independent punk scene and was called “emotional-hardcore’ or “emocore” for short. emo music is characterized by its emotional component, dealing with sadness, love and angst in the lyrics. By the end of the 1990’s the word “emo” had seeped
through mainstream circles due to the emerging World Wide Web and the consequent popularity of emo bands that have shifted from independent music labels to commercialized ones like Universal Records and Warner Music Group. The brooding, deep outpourings appealed to teenagers and so they have caught on to the emo lifestyle, professing depression and melancholia in their MySpace or Friendster accounts, choosing black as their dominant wardrobe color, wearing sweaters to hide the slash marks on their wrists and generally being followed around with pouring rainclouds. Teens have taken emo to the extreme, such as the ritual self-mutilation through slashing or worse, suicide. This has prompted the popular media to stereotype emos as
angsty, emotional, introverted and painfully shy. For example, typing the words ‘how to be emo’ on www. youtube.com would yield a lot of links, almost all of them satirical in nature. Other criticisms have been directed at it, expressing that the emo culture of today has become a sell-out to the major corporations and is only a watered-down version of its predecessor. Still, though it may be a passing fad or not, a breeding ground for genuine poets or posers, one cannot deny the impact of emo culture on today’s youth. It has reflected, if only for an indefinite period of time, the temperament and psyche of a generation. Now, if we could only lessen the mascara to make the tears fall faster…
FEATURE
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Editor: JENNY CASTRO
Reminiscing Tarangban:
The AugusTiniAn
7
Indigenous Chants from the Cave of a Thousand Memories By DONNA ISABELLE FRESNIDO and PIETROS VAL PATRICIO
Along tunnels rest mounds of bones in loose garments, gold threads unraveled in places; Close to where hearts or wombs might have been, dry spills of blood. [T]his is Tarangban! Enchanted cave of a thousand diwata (fairies), The thousand binukot (well-kept maidens) slain by Nagmalitong Yawa!
The USA Little Theater (USALT) has marked another bold milestone in the University’s performing arts scene as it staged Tarangban, a legendary epic based on the chanted folklores of the Panay Bukidnon tribe in the highlands of Central Panay, at the USA Gymnasium on August 20 and 21 as a prelude to this year’s Patron Saint’s Day Celebration. The event was carried out through the joint collaboration with the USA Troubadours/Choir and the university’s Center for Culture of the Arts. Tarangban is a forbidden cave set in an enchanted island in the ancient Suludnon epic Hinilawod, which is also considered by historians to be one of the world’s longest surviving chanted epics to date. Its complete and original form would usually take three days to perform (including breaks of food and sleep). The oral tradition has been kept alive through the generational passage and strong preservation of the tribe’s ethnic customs and rituals. The play itself is a dance drama evolving from the fusion of the original storyline of the sugidanon (tale/epic) chanted by Gema Glemer and her mother Lola “Gamak” Ayuman, both tribal
[Excerpts from “Tarangban”]
members of the Panay Bukidnon of Brgy. Daan Sur, Tapaz, Capiz. In the play, the oral epic was arranged and performed by Mrs. Glemer’s daughter, Manilyn Glemer, who is currently enrolled as a scholar of the University of San Agustin and an active member of the university’s theater group. Also infused is Dr. Isidoro Cruz’ famous poem of the same title that won at the annual Don Carlos Palanca Memrorial Awards for Literature several years ago. It was later adapted into script by edward Divinagracia, the play’s artistic director. The musical compositions of Gerardo Muyela and Beny Castillon were likewise featured. The storyline, chanted by Manilyn Glemer and narrated by Kristoffer Rhys Grabato, tells the story of Buyong Humadapnon’s (Pillar of the World, master counselor) heroic journey in search of the famed binukot (well-kept maiden) and babaylan (shamanist) Nagmalitong yawa (Wilnie Tajaon). In his long voyage, he is accompanied by his brother Dumalapdap (Bryan Yap) and his spirit friend Taghoy (Peter Paul Deocos) who also guides them throughout their journey. Despite the
warnings of their father Mamang Buralakaw (Gregy Daniel Aracena) of the dangers of the outside world, the two brothers ignore their father’s cautions and embark on the perilous endeavor. Beyond the sight of land, they stumble upon the enchanted cave of Tarangban where they encounter mythical beasts and creatures such as the giant stone monster Magbato Dalingaw (Christopher Tan), the half-man and half-fish mer-creature Magbalanak (John Jesner Punsaran) and finally, the muddy muwa ogre Mamang Panglambohan (Joseph de Leon), which they all defeated. Humadapnon (errol Jave Villalobos) eventually gets cast under the spell of the thousand diwata through the enchantment of their voices and falls under the control of the evil sorceresssisters Sinangkating Bulawan (Dyezl Moya) and Lubay Hanginon (Quezzy Claire Pedregosa). After long period of detention at the Tarangban cave, he succumbs to the magical seduction of the two sisters and gets emotionally entangled in the wicked charms of Lubay Hanginon until he becomes her lover. Coming to the rescue, his parents Mamang Buralakaw and Anggoy Ginbitinan (edrelita Sebio) blast the fortified cave walls of the Tarangban with lightning. Nagmalitong yawa, disguised as a man in the person of Datu Sumasakay, enters the scene by slaughtering the thousand binukot followers and eventually, Humadapnon’s dark mistress. Still under the black magic of Sinangkating Bulawan, the hypnotized Humadapnon challenges
Datu Sumasakay into an epic battle of swords and spears which takes them nearly seven years to finish. The stunned Datu gets killed seven times in the process, although frequently revived by the healing powers of his sister Labing Anyag (eunice Caro). The tale ends with the wicked spell being lifted from Humadapnon and he happily comes together with Nagmalitong yawa after shedding off her masculine disguise. The most significant part of the ending scene was the male’s recognition of the long hair which symbolized his respect a n d admiration of the female’s womanhood. T h e execution of lights rendered proportionally with lukewarm tones of red and yellow followed by the puffing of artificial smoke which appeared as mists have certainly added a strong and in depth mythological appeal to the play. It even improved remarkably during the second day of performance. The attractive costumes composed of finely woven embroidery, bracelet wares metal earrings and necklaces were accompanied by golden shields, wooden spears, traditional swords and silk fabrics. The overall artistic execution and production of the play
was well-conceptualized. The music rendered by the spectacular chorus of the USA Troubadours was accented by native gongs, flutes and bamboo ornaments through the collaboration with the Conservatory of Music. Its echoing sound inside the vast gym gave the viewers the actual impression of being inside a cave. The play was a glamorous tribute to the rich oral traditions of the Suludnon myths. All shows were rounded up by standing ovations from the audience. Overall, it was a great
performance that was not much different from an actual motion picture. The directors, cast and organizers behind the production of Tarangban certainly deserve a wide round of applause. Their future endeavors in the university’s performing arts sector is surely another movie in the making to watch out for. (Photos by Rhodora Solis)
Percival, a knight in shining armor By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA
TWeNTY seven year-old Percival Agsam remembers the worst night of his life 11 years ago: with a raging fever, face flushed and pinched, he bent over a tub of laundry and forced his weary hands to scrub. Yet, it seemed the task was endless. he knew that he could be studying then and sipping a cup of hot coffee amidst the thunder and harsh rain. Still, he didn’t like the thought of losing his weekly allowance of P120 derived from efforts in washing the clothes of his classmate Jennifer. And so he stayed to plough through the remaining piles of laundry. When he was 18, Percival lost
REACH OUT. Agsam (3rd from left) participates in their company’s outreach program in Roxas City.
his father. And, although his mother Corazon tried to cook dishes to be sold to passers-by outside their small house in Calaparan, Arevalo, her income wasn’t enough to send all of her three sons – Galahad, Percival and elcid – to school. With clenched fists and a voice steady with determination, Percival vowed in front of his father’s tomb: “I will help my brothers finish their studies. I will stand as the father of the family and help mama.” Galahad, the eldest among them, and elcid, the youngest, already have kids but haven’t completed their college
education. Yet Percival was persistent and dreamt big. “I wanted to finish college so that I could work and let my brothers finish their schooling, too.” Then it was March 1997 when he was admitted as a working student in the University, assigned to the Registrar’s Office. With his hectic duty at the Registrar’s Office, he had to put aside his lessons most of the time, especially when he was elected president of USAGIASA (University of San Agustin Grant-in-Aid Scholars Association) during his third year. When he was USAGIASA president in 1999 to 2000, the said organization was recognized as one of the top five best performing school organizations in the University. That was how Percival’s life revolved when he was in college. At present, he enjoys travelling to towns outside Iloilo City and Guimaras, being the Area Sales Coordinator of Iloilo-Guimaras Special Product Division of M Lhuillier (Ilongga branch, the main branch). The sudden shifts “are brought by my patience, my value of work, and my value of family.” “had I not put importance in my mother and brothers, I may have not attained the way of life that I have now.” Just how widespread the phenomenon is of students looking
for scholarships and other decent means to continue their college education is unclear. But in the University, there is a growing evidence of an emerging underclass of poor yet smart and determined students who are marginally sent to school and are at their wits’ end over who will take care of their families in the future. Scholarships like that of grant-in-aid scholars in the University are reporting rising membership rates. “They want to pursue their career ambitions and to sustain their families, but they just don’t have the means,” says Percival. “Most of these students are really poor like me, going to school with minimal, if not, without allowance. In my case, I went to school with only five pesos in my pocket.” Those who were then accepted as working students were unable to fully watch over their families, because they, during their duty hours, can be seen rushing up and down the floors of school buildings to deliver memos and the like while keeping their grades afloat. Luckily, in USAGIASA, working
Eleven years ago: Agsam with fellow working students
students under Ms. Fely Caturas are advised on how to manage their time between school work and family life. Still, these students have to struggle – to stretch their patience to study and to work, to finish college despite poverty. The roles that working students have to juggle are not easy. Sometimes, it takes months or even years for them to adjust to or cope with their tasks, both in school and at home. Although Percival can now laugh at comedy movies flashing on his newly-bought television, he is still unsure when he can finally make his two brothers finish their studies. he says he is determined to work harder, to accomplish the vow he made to his dead father. Percival may not stand as tall as the real Percival in King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, nor does he have to swing his sword and raise his shield, but he has been a knight in shining armor for his family - a giver, a hero.
8
SPORTS/NEWS
The AugusTiniAn
Star Player of the Month: One-on-One with Skyld Corillo By DAISY DAwN MACAhILO
AT the age of 7, when most kids are still having fun, Skyld Corillo was already brought by his father to the plaza to play basketball. The son of Larry Corillo, a basketball fanatic, the younger Corillo, taking BS Tourism and towering 6’1” immersed himself as one of the university’s pride in men’s basketball team today, and nonetheless—another icon for every
Augustinian girl’s heart. But you’ll be surprised of his revelations: his undying passion for basketball, his ideal girl-next-door and the feeling of conquering the world when in love.
Conqueror of the world “The moment when I am in love, I feel that I have conquered the world. I am fully satisfied doing things for my girlfriend”.
Basketball perspective “For me, basketball is a game of reaction. As you execute the motion, you can feel and experience how one reacts or even how yourself will react. That is the reason why I am most attracted to the game. It makes an individual complete in terms of discipline and character”.
Considered as a learning opportunity “Defeat is just a normal event in a basketball player’s life. To manage such, I consider it as a learning opportunity for me to work hard and learn from the mistake that I have made”.
Playing basketball and Tourism “The passion of playing basketball is somehow doing your share teaching others the character of a disciplined individual. It is through the game of basketball that one can associate and interact. This is the reason why basketball is somehow like the course “Tourism” where you can associate with other individuals or a group of persons”. Inspiration “My inspiration in playing the game of course is my first mentor, my father. I was brought up by my father to play the game. That is why, every time I have a game and my parents have the chance to watch, surely they will not miss watching my game even if our home is 100 km away from the venue”.
Favorite team and player “My favorite team in the NBA is Boston Celtics but my favorite player is no other than Dennis Rodman”. Pieces of advice for young basketball aspirants “To all young aspiring basketball enthusiasts out there, there are only three things I would like to share with you: First, never engage in vices: smoking, drinking liquor, taking drugs and other related vices. Second, never fail to practice daily and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Third, never fail to go on studying your lessons, never cut classes, and study hard!”
On his ideal girl “My ideal girl is someone who is loving, caring, thoughtful and understanding”. Girlfriend thing “Yes! I do have a girlfriend”.
Castro bags Miss Intramurals 2008 title By JEFFERSON MAGBANUA
FIFTeeN-YeAR old Josefa Maria Castro, Miss high School, took home the Miss Intramurals 2008 title during the said event’s finale at the USA Gymnasium on August 29, besting eight other young ladies from the other departments in the University. Standing at 5’2”, Castro also won four special awards – Miss Face Value, Miss Pepsi Cola, Best in Production Number and Best in Interview. During the question-and-answer segment of the pageant, she was asked to describe the relationship between a healthy mind and a healthy body. Incidentally, the question that Castro picked had the same idea with her introductory speech and she quickly replied, “A healthy mind is a wonderful gift but [it] would be of no use if the body is physically insubstantial. One must maintain a balance between the two because as Augustinians I believe we should be healthy and well-rounded individuals.” Castro was coached by her teacher, Cynthia Acosta, while she also received helpful tips from other high school teachers. When asked whether she would pursue participating in
AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Editor: PAULO MOISES BAYABOS
other pageants in or outside the University, Castro quipped, “I will focus on my studies so joining other pageants would not be in my priorities.” Castro is the grand daughter of former USA Publications editor-in-Chief and Teachers College Dean Josefa Contreras-Castro. She is currently the editor-in-Chief of the Junior Augustinian. Ranking first runner-up to Castro was Miss Nursing Fritzel hinojales; second runner-up was Miss elementary Kelly Binder; third runner-up was Miss Arts and Sciences Sarah Yu; and fourth runner-up was Miss Pharmacy and Medical Technology everclyde esteban. hinojales was also awarded the Best in Playsuit. The Miss Intramurals 2008 pageant was organized by the Physical education Department, headed by its chairperson, Prof. eva Zaldivar in cooperation with the Office of the Cocurricular Activities.
Shuttler’s Perspective The two closest depictions of me: a writer and a player. Although this column is predominantly about the second picture – being a player associated and enthusiastic with sports, it is also about my writing – sports writing. And since I have this infatuation with Badminton, it’s all about this stuff. Badminton and Gusting In the University, sports is emphasized to develop students’ enthusiasm towards the academe. Sports has brought fame and prestige to the University of San Agustin which has long dominated local, provincial, regional, and national championships. Last year, I was one of the lucky shuttlers to have represented the University in the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Meet. That was my first time to play badminton in a college level competition. I was quite dumbfounded because of the poor training, preparation, and support for the badminton team. exerting too much effort and shedding sweat just to give pride to the University is the main goal of every Augustinian athlete. But I wondered why the badminton team was not given much attention and consideration. Tubes of shuttlecock were limited. We were the ones who paid to “regut” our rackets. We purchased our own energy drinks. Some of us were injured because the floors were slippery. As of this writing, the Pelota Court is yet to be renovated when other sports facilities are newlyfurnished. In the University, badminton shuttlers have shown their passion and commitment to bring home the bacon. however, it’s sad to note that throughout the badminton team’s existence in the University, not a single Augustinian has ever won a gold medal in the actual competitions. I do believe that if badminton will be prioritized, there’s a strong possibility that an Augustinian could snatch the top rank in this discipline. Badminton’s History Badminton premiered as a fullmedal Olympic sport at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain and was again featured at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Sadly, in
predisposed
Daisy DaWn MacaHilo spite of its four-year existence as a contest in the Olympics, not a single Filipino has ever won gold medal in badminton. Badminton and I Badminton has shaped me totally since I have engaged in it since my elementary years up to the present. The sport became a part of my lifestyle and a passion as well. But I’ll simply share with you my own knowledge about this sport based on my own experiences. It is a sport, a physical recreation or activity of the body which engages body movements. It basically involves critical thinking and intense actions. 1. Keep smashing. It is the primary attacking stroke in badminton. It depends where the shuttle is, either above or downward. Remember, it falls fast. Better speed up before it touches the ground. 2. Make sure of your service. Options and choices. Yes! It’s either you lead or get out of the way. The service in badminton is so precious. You may choose a low or high serve. Just make sure you don’t let your opponent score. 3. Drop shot account. It’s hitting the shuttlecock softly closer to the net on the opponent’s side. “Kawat” is the common language used. It changes the speed or the direction of the stoke. If the opponent tries to anticipate the stroke, he may move into the wrong direction and may be unable to change his body momentum in reaching the shuttlecock. 4. Style of deception-mind works. You may not give your best shots through powerful strokes alone. A soft stroke can suffice. Misleading your opponent gives you an edge. “Kis-a pawais-wais lang man na, indi padaku-dako [Sometimes it is not about size but rather, being wise]”. This is badminton! The sport I play with passion. The one where I found myself. This is the shuttler’s perspective.
Tilipinuan launches ‘Serbisyo Agustino’ for Typhoon Frank victims By KARLO ChRISTOPhER CRISTALES
Castro
The USA Tilipunan Community Service Center, in cooperation with the USA Campus Ministry, the USA Guidance Office and the different colleges of the University launched “Serbisyo Agustino” in Alimodian, Iloilo on July 25 in response to the aftermath of Typhoon Frank as part of its post-flood activities. “Serbisyo Agustino” is a 3phase program which aims to Relieve, Rehabilitate and Rebuild the community, particularly the Tilipunan community in Alimodian—Ginomoy, Pianda-an Sur and Dalid—which were affected by the said calamity. Clothing goods were given not as dole-outs, but rather fashioned in an ukay-ukay style, so as to address gender-per-gender and need-perneed concerns. All collected funds were raised for buying Pulmo-Aid
inhalators, seven of which are now available for their use. The concept of not having doleouts is mainly in line with the concept of “teaching how to fish instead of giving fish.” Furthermore, the program aims to effect fundamental change of character and ingrain Augustinian values among the Tilipunan community through the three-part method: to inform, to form, and to transform. Further funding has been gathered from “Piso sa Puso” program, a move to solicit a peso (or more) from all 10,650 students and faculty members of the University. Tilipunan stalls were regularly set up in the University every Wednesday, starting the Wednesday after the onslaught of Typhoon Frank until August 28.