THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2020-2021 CHRISTMAS ISSUE

VOLUME XCII / NO. 3 · DECEMBER 25, 2020 · THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS · Manila, Philippines ON SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook/varsitarian

twitter@varsitarianust

youtube/TheVarsitarianUST

instagram varsitarian.ust

BREAKING NEWS & REAL-TIME UPDATES at www.varsitarian.net

“No pand em ic c an t u r n o f f th e light o f C h ri s t ma s” -POPE FR ANCIS

2

NEWS

The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

ACTING EDITOR: LAURD MENHARD B. SALEN

The Benavides statue and the UST Main Building glisten with Christmas lights (PHOTO BY MELVIN DAVE JORDAN)

Charity stars in virtual Paskuhan Funds raised will go to a typhoon-hit community in Albay

UST MOUNTED a virtual Paskuhan concert on Dec. 18 with a production that featured previous years’ performances alongside a fund drive for typhoon victims.

This year’s Paskuhan, broadcast through the UST Tiger TV Facebook page, was strictly virtual because of the pandemic.

Musical acts featured were Magnus Haven (2019),

Brisom (2017), Miles Experience (2016), The Ransom Collective (2018), Lola Amour, Yeng Constantino (2016), Callalily (2017), Spongecola (2018) and Ben&Ben (2019).

A short video of pyromusical shows from previous years was also shown.

Student Organizations Coordinating Council Interim President Rome Voltaire Gomez said the original plan was to have a “virtual” concert.

“We changed the plans when we saw the need of Thomasians joining together in helping our fellow Filipinos. Instead of a simple virtual show, we opted to have a concert for a cause,” Gomez told the Varsitarian.

CSC Executive Secretary Krizia Bricio said the money raised by the fund drive would be handed to a typhoon-hit partner community of UST Legazpi in Albay.  JOANNE CHRISTINE RAMOS with reports SILA KIMBERLY G. HIPOLITO, CHARLIZE GABRIEL L. LINANTUD, NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE

Letran’s quadricentennial fundraiser raises P500,000 for typhoon victims COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran in Manila commemorated its 400th anniversary with a relief drive dubbed “Tulong Letranista,” which has raised more than P500,000 for the victims of recent typhoons as of Dec. 23.

Instead of doing the usual merry-making, Letran’s core committee decided to mount “Tulong Letranista” to help families affected by typhoons, Letran Alumni and Public Relations Department Director Jhennie Caldito-Villar told the Varsitarian.

“With the help of our alumni, students, parents and the (Dominican Family Commission for Justice, Peace and Care for Creation), we were able to raise more than P500,000 and enough goods for distribution,” she said.

“Our community extension department has a series of relief drive efforts in Bicol and Isabela. For the past three weeks, they were coming back and forth to Isabela to distribute relief goods,” she added.

Earlier this year, Letran opened its quadricentennial celebrations with a procession of the image of Our Lady of La Naval around Intramuros.

On Feb. 28, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 908, which declared 2020 as the “Year for the Celebration of the Quadricentennial Anniversary of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran.”

Quadricentennial retreat

Master of the Order of Preachers Fr. Gerard Timoner III, O.P. urged Letranites to offer their assistance to the needy and marginalized, and emulate the example shown by the founder of Colegio de San Juan de

Letran Rector Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. (left) and administrators (above) pack goods for typhoon victims

Letran 400 years ago.

Timoner narrated Letran’s foundation story, in which Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero opened his home to orphans.

“In 1620, Don Guerrero would teach them the Christian doctrine and molded them to be good Christians. This work of mercy received royal approval in 1623,” Timoner said in Letran’s quadricentennial retreat held virtually on Dec. 15.

Echoing the word of Pope Francis, Timoner said

Filipinos should be full of mercy when dealing with the needy: “Mercy is key to understanding. Upang maunawaan natin nang lubusan ang isang tao, kailangan mauna ang awa. Una ang awa [bago] unawa,” he said.

Timoner also emphasized that Christian hope should not be proportional to the pleasurability of one’s living conditions.

“Hope is not optimism because it is born out of a careful assessment of future prospects vis-àvis our own capabilities and resources. Hope is not about a reversal of a miserable present into a miraculous future,” he said.

“Hope is entrenched in the eyes of faith. Despite the pandemic, the numerous calamities, and other disastrous events — despite our sins and our difficulties,” he said.

Timoner is an alumnus and former chairman of the board of trustees of Letran.

Letran Rector and President Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez, O.P. called on Letranites to

serve God with gladness by giving help to those who need it.

“This grand retreat of Letran points us to God, our first cause and last cause. Truly, God is our alpha and omega. Our beginning and our end, our origin and our destiny,” Marquez said.

The Letran rector urged Letranites to “ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to dwell in us so that we may be able to draw living water for our weary souls, to dare us to dream dreams, and see visions, to direct us to deeds of godliness and goodness towards others especially the poor and the needy.”

Letran’s four-part quadricentennial celebration kicked off in 2016.

The final phase of celebrations held this year had the theme “Como el Sol es tu Gloria Sin Fin” (Like the Sun Your Glory is Without End).

Founded in 1620, Colegio de San Juan de Letran has three campuses outside Manila: Bataan, Laguna and Pangasinan. 

NEWS

The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

3

‘Game changer’: New UST anti-flood system completed next year THE UNIVERSITY’S stormwater drainage system is set to be completed by early 2021, UST Facilities Management Office (FMO) Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. told the Varsitarian.

Austria announced on Dec. 1 that the four-meter-deep water drainage system was 75 percent completed.

The FMO director said the new flood drainage system would be a “game-changer” for UST, saying he was “hopeful” it would make the flood-prone España campus floodfree.

“We are hoping for a flood-free campus… This project intends to pump out and drain internal flood waters of UST,” Austria said.

“Ang ginagawa ng UST is to prevent the flood water [from staying] in UST. [‘Yung situation na] España is already dry and UST is still flooded, ‘yun ang iniiwasan natin,” he added.

The drainage system was designed to function as a water tank to temporarily detain stormwater, which will be released to the

Workers and administrators pose for a photo in the University’s new stormwater drainage system. PHOTO FROM FR. DEXTER AUSTRIA, O.P.

Thomasians mount fundraisers for Christmas, typhoon victims

BY NUEL ANGELO D. SABATE, KIMBERLY HIPOLITO AND CHARLIZE GABRIELE L. LINANTUD

AS CHRISTMAS neared, Thomasians led relief efforts to help those affected by recent typhoons and the pandemic.

The UST Thomasian Alumni Leaders Association (TALA) spearheaded a gift-giving caravan “to foster the spirit of giving and servant-leadership especially during this difficult Covid-19 period.”

TALA Public Relations Officer Jeffrey Tayarao said beneficiaries of the association’s charity drive were jeepney and tricycle drivers plying the routes near UST. Chito Maniago of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, the TALA auditor, said: “We felt this was the perfect opportunity to reach out to these groups which in one way or another has helped the UST community.”

TALA’s gift-giving caravan started on Dec. 15 and culminated on Dec. 24, coinciding with the Simbang Gabi.

Communication sophomore Kimberly Ann Emerenciana formed “The Kabalikat Initiative” with her friends to help individuals who lost their jobs to the pandemic and were affected by the typhoons.

The project raised nearly P80,000 for those who have been retrenched and P70,000 for those devastated by the recent typhoons in Marikina, Rizal, Camarines Sur and Norte, Bulacan, Pampanga and Batangas.

Emerenciana’s group also launched the “Happiness on Wheels” project, which aims to hand food packs and gifts to street-dwellers.

“Para naman kahit papano ma-feel pa rin nila ‘yong Christmas spirit,” Emerenciana said.

As of Dec. 21, the group has raised almost P11,000, which will be used to provide 300 food packs for the homeless and toys for street children.

Another Thomasian-led initiative, “Pulong sa Pagsulong,” was formed by third-year economics student Mikaella Bugwa and her friends.

The group started collecting donations for typhoon victims on Dec.1. Proceeds will be used to buy food and hygiene kits.

“We were able to establish a youth-led initiative that may not just help calamity victims but also influence other young citizens of the country to take the initiative,” Bugwa said.

As of Dec. 16, the campaign has gathered P10,000.

The drive will run until Dec. 28.

The Faculty of Pharmacy’s glee club and dance troupe also mounted a virtual fundraising concert for typhoon victims on Dec. 17 and 18.

The proceeds of the concert were given to the residents of Barangay Lambakin, Marilao, Bulacan and 150 scholars of the faculty. 

main sewer of España Boulevard.

The new stormwater drainage system can hold water that can fill up four and a half Olympic-size pools.

“If you’re going to count the volume [of stormwater that the improved drainage could hold], it’s four and a half Olympic-size swimming pools. So that kind of big volume would be accommodated in this drainage improvement system,” FMO Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Olympic-size pools measure 50 meters long, 25 meters wide and a minimum of two meters deep. It can hold at least 2.5 million liters of water.

Based on Austria’s estimate, UST’s new flood drainage system could hold 11.25 million liters of water.

Austria said the University might still experience flooding but only if areas surrounding the campus were submerged as well.

The drainage construction did not meet the 15-month timeframe because unexpected problems like typhoons and the pandemic arose during construction, Austria said.

The project began in November 2018.

“We are in a pandemic [and] every time there is a typhoon or rain, we don’t have a choice but to pack up kasi napupuno ng water ‘yong drainage and we cannot do any construction sa ilalim not just because there is water but also for safety purposes,” Austria explained.

Austria said financial and engineering problems also surfaced during the construction period.  JAMILAH B. ANGCO

UST frontliners lead Christmas tree lighting THE UNIVERSITY officially welcomed the Paskuhan season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony led by UST Hospital officials and frontliners on Dec. 16.

The theme of the three-day Paskuhan celebrations is “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.”

Facilities and Maintenance Office (FMO) Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. said this year’s festivities were simply about Jesus Christ’s incarnation, or becoming man.

Austria said the decorations installed were recycled from previous years.

“The pandemic made us grateful for what we have, to

TRADITION LIVES ON. The UST Christmas tree is lit up after a lighting ceremony led by medical workers on Dec. 16. PHOTO BY MELVIN DAVE JORDAN

be thankful. So that will be shown in our decorations,” he told the Varsitarian.

“It's not about buying new decorations or contemporary designs, just the necessary,” he said.

FMO Asst. Director Albert Surla said it was “back to basics,” citing the first Paskuhan in 1991 when the only decoration was the Christmas Tree.

“It [was] very simple but not shying away from the celebration,” Surla said.

The FMO administrators discourage the public from visiting the campus due to the risk of crowding.  CHRISTINE JOYCE PARAS

4

WITNESS The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

EDITOR: MARIEL CELINE L. SERQUIÑA

‘Christmas can never be canceled’ “In spite of inconveniences, Christmas can never be canceled nor taken away from us, not even by this cruel Covid-19 disease… with hope, we can live in peace, in faith and in love”

BY JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

UST Vice Rector Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P. delivers the homily during UST’s Paskuhan Mass on Dec. 17. PHOTO GRABBED FROM THE EVENT LIVESTREAM

NOT EVEN a pandemic can take away Christmas.

During the Paskuhan Mass on Dec. 17, UST Vice Rector Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P. said Christmas celebrations continue amid the coronavirus outbreak because of the hope brought to the world by Christ’s birth.

“In spite of inconveniences, Christmas can never be canceled nor taken away from us, not even this cruel Covid-19 disease… with hope, we can live in peace, in faith and in love,” Tiongco said.

“Nothing can ever cancel or wipe out the hope and excitement

Former secgen named Master of Order’s socius FORMER UST secretary general Fr. Florentino Bolo Jr., O.P. has been appointed socius or assistant for apostolic life of Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P., Master of the Order of Preachers.

Timoner made the appointment on Nov. 22.

The socius of the master on apostolic life is tasked to oversee the apostolic dimension of the Dominicans’ life around the world.

Bolo finished medical technology in 1995, sacred theology in 2003 and a licentiate in canon law at UST. He was ordained priest in 2005.

He finished his doctorate studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Bolo was born in Lipa City, Batangas and professed in the Dominican Order in 1998.

He also taught at the Faculty of Canon Law while serving as director of the Institute of Religion in the University.

Bolo served as vice rector of the UST Central Seminary and director of the Institute of Religion before his six-year appointment as the general promoter of Priestly Fraternities of the Order of Preachers in 2016.  MA.

Christian believers experience every year as they commemorate and celebrate the earthly arrival of Jesus,” he added.

The vice rector urged Christians to anticipate Christ’s birth “with the same hope and energy” despite this year’s festivities being celebrated in smaller groups. “[It] should be as joyful as ever and full of hope and expectation, bringing us the true peace that can only come from the Christ Child, our Prince of Peace,” Tiongco said.

Tiongco also prayed for strength for Filipino families amid the pandemic.

“As we anticipate his (Christ’s) coming, we pray that he restores,

renews and strengthens the family today, [which has been] overwhelmed by so many challenges and complexities, especially during this pandemic,” Tiongco said.

The Paskuhan Mass was streamed live on Facebook.

Other Paskuhan activities were also held virtually due to pandemic restrictions.

A “Concert for a Cause” was broadcast on Dec. 18, which featured a “mini-documentary” that highlightedperformances and fireworks from previous Paskuhan celebrations.

“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel” was the theme of this year’s Paskuhan festivities. 

MASTER OF ORDER:

Health workers our ‘flicker of hope’ HEALTH workers are the flicker of hope amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Master of the Order of Preachers Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P. said in his Christmas message.

He said medical frontliners make people feel that “all will be well even in the face of adversity,” a manifestation of God’s gift this Christmas.

Timoner said the presence of Jesus could be found in these people.

“For us Christians, darkness ends when we see in our brothers and sisters, in everyone, especially the poor, the very presence of Jesus himself. This is the true celebration of Christmas -to proclaim our faith in the Emmanuel, the God-who-is-with-us,the Godwho-is-in-each-and-everyone of us,” he added.

He urged the faithful to remain grateful to God even amid the pandemic.

“Christmas, whether in a time of pandemic or prosperity, is a celebration of the inscrutable nearness of God—a thanksgiving who gives Himself as a gift...We take hope and consolation in commemorating the birth of Emmanuel or God,” Timoner said.

Because physical touch and proximity are a no-no because of the vi-

Timoner

ALENA O. CASTILLO

Nat’l Youth Day celebration deferred to 2022 THE NATIONAL Youth Day (NYD) celebration slated for May 2021 has been moved to 2022 as the Covid-19 situation in the country remains unresolved. “[T]he physical gathering of NYD will happen not in May 2021 but in 2022,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Youth Executive Secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said in an interview with CBCP News.

“The gathering will now take place in a still undetermined month in 2022… We pray that things will improve and that 2022 will be a better year for our young people to come together,” he added.

The Archdiocese of Caceres in Naga City will still host the National Youth Day in 2022.

The NYD is part of the Church’s nine-year preparation for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, originally scheduled for 2021.

It is hosted by a different diocese every two or three years, with local celebrations happening in the interceding years.

In 2019, the Archdiocese of Cebu hosted the NYD, which was attended by more than 20,000 pilgrims from across the country.

CBCP announced a year-long celebration of the 500th year arrival of Christianity in the Philippines from April 2021 to 2022.  SOPHIA T. SADANG

Participants of the National Youth Day 2019 held in Cebu take a group photo.

FILE PHOTO

“In spite of inconveniences, Christmas can never be canceled nor taken away from us, not even by this cruel Covid-19 disease… with hope, we can live in peace, in faith and in love” rus, physical distancing has become “a sincere sign of nearness and genuine concern” for others, he noted.

“I am glad that in these trying times, we have heard and seen the manifold preaching and works of charity of our brothers and sisters, touching the hearts of so many.

Christmas joy is a gift which awaits us when we preach the One we have heard, seen and touched,” he said.  SOPHIA T. SADANG

WITNESS

The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

5

Filipinos’ faith flourish amid pandemic

BY MA. ALENA O. CASTILLO AND SOPHIA T. SADANG

UST PARISH Priest Paul Talavera said Filipinos’ faith has become more “fervent” amid the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns, as shown by Mass attendance, whether online or in-person.

In areas under general community quarantine, churches are only allowed to fill up to 30 percent of the seating or venue capacity, from 10 percent earlier in the year.

Talavera said the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church often reached the maximum allowed capacity of about 270 to 300 people, especially during the Simbang Gabi Masses.

“Even if we did not expect a lot of people [because of the restrictions], the 30 percent seating capacity is full and there are even people outside,” he said.

“People are asking and requesting for the Mass to be livestreamed [because] it brings the Church closer to every home. In a sense, it reaches out more virtually,” he added.

According to Talavera, worship amid pandemic was “really something new.” “But then, the significance of Simbang Gabi still remains even

though there are a limited number of people,” he said.

Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David described the flock of devotees during Simbang Gabi as a “gift of hope,” proof that the Filipino faith remained unhampered by the pandemic.

“It’s timely especially for the present crisis we’re going through due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” David said in his homily at the San Bartolome Parish in Malabon on Dec. 16.

Metro Manila mayors on Dec. 1 adjusted the region’s curfew hours to 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. to allow churchgoers to attend Simbang Gabi.

Minors and those aged above 65 were however prohibited from attending Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi

At Manila Cathedral, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said some churchgoers had yet to “learn the curve” as some failed to comply with protocols such as social distancing.

Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of Manila, earlier advised parishes in the archdiocese to celebrate more Masses to give the faithful more opportunities to go to church.

“We are still learning how to control the people, but in general, the people are following instructions... there are many places where the coordination with civil authorities is well done,” Pabillo said during the first Misa de Gallo.

The Philippine National Police reported that Simbang Gabi masses across the country were generally “peaceful and orderly.”

The nine-day Simbang Gabi is normally scheduled between 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

On Christmas Eve, the Vigil Mass of Christmas may be celebrated beginning 6 p.m.

The age-old tradition of Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo, which means “Mass of the Rooster,” traces its roots in the 17th century when Spanish friar instructed farmers to hear Mass before heading to the fields early in the morning. Filipinos’ faith flourish PAGE 12

A devotee prays outside the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. PHOTO BY ARIANNE MAYE D.G. VIRI

Ex-UST law prof receives Pope’s highest honor A FORMER UST Civil Law professor has received the Holy See’s highest recognition for the laity for his service to the church.

Oscar Herrera, Jr., a Sandiganbayan associate justice and Artlets alumnus, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, which translates to “For the Church and Pope,” at the Holy Trinity Parish in Quezon City last Dec. 8.

“I was overjoyed, of course, and at the same time, felt unworthy. It was probably because of my humanity. I am human as anybody else,” Herrera said during the conferment ceremony.

In an address of petition to Pope Francis, former Novaliches bishop Antonio Tobias praised Herrera, whom he said was one of the “evan-

Herrera gelizers in their respective fields of endeavors and a generous benefactor in building a landmark shrine for the youth in honor of Christ The King.”

Herrera has been organizing

outreach programs with the Good Shepherd Vicariate Youth Ministry since the pandemic began.

“We had a donation drive and repacked food for distribution to those who lost their jobs,” Herrera told the Varsitarian.

The conferment was made during the Eucharistic celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary led by Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa. To Gaa, the conferment of the award mirrored the “yes” of Mary to serving God. UST’s influence As a law professor, Herrera said it was part of his principles to embody UST’s mission and vision.

“I incorporate the vision and mission of UST when I teach law students in order for them to develop knowledge imbued with Christian virtues,” Herrera said.

Herrera now teaches practice court and trial technique, law and values, and civil and remedial law at San Beda University in Manila.

Herrera obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from the Faculty of Arts and Letters in 1975 and finished his law studies in 1979.

He was editor of the UST Law Review in 1978 and has been president of the UST Law Alumni Association since 2006.

Herrera is also the chairman of the Good Shepherd Vicariate Pastoral Parish Council at Holy Trinity Parish in Novaliches, Quezon City. 

Filipino Dominicans mark 49th anniversary THE FILIPINO Dominican province marked its 49th anniversary with a Mass coinciding with the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8.

Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, Jr., O.P., prior provincial and UST vice chancellor, presided over the Mass, while Fr. Jessie Yap, O.P. was the preacher.

In his homily, Yap urged Catholics to do away with selfish pursuits and instead emulate the Blessed Mother’s courage and obedience.

He said people cannot avail themselves of the gift of freedom through

acts of disobedience. “[A]kala nila ang pagiging malaya is in the act of disobeying God [but] we can never gamble with our blessed life that God is offering to us. Bawal isugal ito at bawal paglaruan sapagkat gusto lang natin magawa ang gusto natin,” Yap said in his homily at Santo Domingo Church.

Yap also urged the faithful to brave through life’s uncertainties with confidence in God. He said those who intend to be obedient should be like Mary, not

Adam and Eve. “‘Wag natin gagayahin si Adam and Eve. They placed their confidence more on the words of the serpent rather than the words of God. Gayahin natin ang Mahal na Ina: she placed her confidence more on the words of God rather than the words that people will say about her.”

On Dec. 8, 1971, the Philippines was established as the 41st province of the Order of Preachers, with Fr. Rogelio Alarcon, O.P. as the first prior provincial.  M. A. O. CASTILLO

‘Be like Joseph’ THE NEW apostolic nuncio to the Philippines called on the faithful to be like St. Joseph and accept their roles in God’s plan during his first public Mass in the Philippines at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Manila on Dec. 18.

“Each of us has a role to play in God’s plan… God’s mysterious plans can work through us. We need to have courage and trust,” Archbishop Charles John Brown said during the third day of nine-day Misa de Gallo.

Brown urged Catholics to emulate the obedience of St. Joseph in accepting the responsibility of raising the infant Jesus.

“We have to be like Joseph who listens and obeys God. [W]hen we do that, God plans works through us,” the country’s 18th papal envoy said.

Pope Francis has declared Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated every Dec. 19.

Pope Francis appointed Brown, a native of New York and former envoy to Ireland and Albania, as his representative to the Philippines on Sept. 28. He arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 29.

He was welcomed virtually by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 17.

Duterte said he looked forward to working with Brown on advocacies on the protection of migrants and climate action. Nuncio PAGE 12

6

OPINION The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

As we anxiously await the coming of a vaccine that will provide much-needed relief from our present Covid cares, may we constantly reach out for the healing balm of the Lord’s tender mercies and abiding love.

540 JOSELLE CZARINA S. DELA CRUZ

Bursting the UAAP bubble

Thunder Up JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO

Christmas in the year that wasn’t THIS HAS been a most unusual year.

The Christmas season, for all the glad tidings of comfort and joy it always brings, came like an old visitor aching for attention. It even hurt listening to Jose Mari Chan last September, when his carols officially heralded the country’s Yuletide months.

We reckon our time through events that lead to Christmas, and sadly this year, our usual calendar markers had to be deleted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What a killjoy, what a scrooge!

We had to skip the traditional “Welcome Walk,” and we never got to enjoy our face-to-face classes and the food Dapitan had to offer. A UAAP season and a half were cancelled. Paskuhan was supposed to be our firstterm stress ball after a mentally taxing academic battle. But we had to content ourselves with a virtual edition.

In addition to a freshly released first-term recap issue this December, we had to squeeze in this Christmas edition, to remind ourselves somehow we’re journalists and send out – albeit digitally – a season’s greeting card to the Thomasian community. It’s no secret that we, too, long for the UST campus and the Varsi office, and the sweet stench of stacked newspapers and aging computerware.

Having to deal with all the disruptions and our topsy-turvy lives, it’s easy to just let this year and this Christmas go by, and assign a footnote that can remind us how sad and difficult things have been.

But, because it’s shorn of the usual parties, gift-buying and all other Yuletide extravagances, Christmas has forced us to remember and focus on the simplicity of its roots and its message. We must have wandered too far away with our imagined devotions and our misplaced faith! We celebrate, after all, the humble birth, the transcendent life and the glorious mission of Him who “hath not where to lay his head.”

Above anybody and anything else, this is for and about Him. This most unusual Christmas time, let’s find ways to connect more profoundly with the true spirit of Christmas, as we tread through our socially-distanced and virtually-simulated existence that’s sore for meaning and uplifting. Let’s follow the lockdown restrictions not only to stay safe, but to delight as well in the opportunity to reconnect with God and with others.

And, as we anxiously await the coming of a vaccine that will provide much-needed relief from our present Covid cares, may we constantly reach out for the healing balm of the Lord’s tender mercies and abiding love.

Merry Christmas, everyone! 

EDITORIAL

‘Tria Haec’ and Christmas In a year characterized by deaths and more deaths, a more contemplative Christmas will be an occasion not for further mourning but for a return to basics.

AT THE start of 2020, there was a hope that everything would be fine if not finer.

Being a double date that comes only every 101 years, 2020 seemed like the perfect year to set goals and dream big. But that has not been the case; it has in fact turned out to be quite enervating.

It has been a year of disaster after disaster.

Because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, everyday routines and lives have been put on lockdown; graduation rites were put on hold; concerts and gatherings have been banned; education has shifted online; many have gone jobless. And worst of all, many have lost their lives due to the pandemic.

With outlook for the Philippines obtaining the vaccines to check the pandemic not exactly bright, there seems no end in sight to our tribulation. The pessimism has spilled over to Christmas, traditionally the most celebratory season in the Philippines.

But as Vice Rector Fr. Isaias Tiongco, O.P. said during this year’s Paskuhan Mass, not even a pandemic could take away Christmas: “In spite of inconveniences, Christmas can never be canceled nor taken away from us, not even by this cruel Covid-19 disease… with hope, we can live in peace, in faith and in love.”

So instead of moping around, we should take joy in the fact that we have made it to Christmas safe and sound. Now is a good opportunity to rediscover the essence of Christmas. shorn of the crass materialism of previous seasons, Christmas this year will be a much simpler—and more meaningful—affair. In a year characterized by deaths and more deaths, a more contemplative Christmas will be an occasion not for further mourning but for a return to basics.

Indeed, what does Christ’s nativity mean for us who suffer the wages of death? its deeper meaning is symbolized by the gift of one of the magi: myrrh, an ancient embalming oil that prefigured the resurrection of the infant of Bethlehem.

Indeed the native son shows the triumph of the resurrection. As John Donne wrote: “One short sleep past, we wake eternally / And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.”

As the new people of the book, as the people of both the nativity and the resurrection, we are also the people of “Tria Haec,” the three theological virtues embodied by the famous statue of Francesco Monti atop the UST Main Building.

Faith is defined by St. Thomas Aquinas as the habit of the mind whereby eternal life is begun in us, making the will assent to what is not visible or apparent. St. Thomas says that faith “is made more certain by believing God Himself Who speaks,” that is, Jesus Christ. The importance of the Nativity is underscored because it shows the Incarnation, God becoming man. As St. Augustine says, “In order that man might journey more trustfully toward the truth, the Truth itself, the Son of God, having assumed human nature, established and founded faith.”

The Nativity too embodies Hope. As St. Augustine says, “Nothing was so necessary for raising our hope as to show us how deeply God loved us. And what could afford us a stronger proof of this than that the Son of God should become a partner with us of human nature?”

And the Nativity and the Incarnation too are what motivate us to love. Since Christ became a weak and helpless infant to show God’s love of humankind, we are bound to love in return. As Augustine said, “If we have been slow to love, at least let us hasten to love in return.”

All three have been in plentiful evidence during this most difficult year of the pandemic, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. And they should even be more plentiful in this so-called Season of Joy. As Father Vice Rector said, “Christmas should be as joyful as ever and full of hope and expectation, bringing us the true peace that can only come from the Christ Child, our Prince of Peace.”

FOUNDED FOUNDED JANUARY JANUARY 16, 16, 1928 1928

JOHN EZEKIEL EUGENE DOMINIC J. HIRRO V. ABOY, O.P.

KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES

Editor in Chief Chief Associate Editor

LAURD NEIL JOSHUA MENHARD N. SERVALLOS B. SALEN Acting OnlineNews Coordinator Editor AHMEDYUEN FAITH KHAN WEI H. N. CAYONGCAT RAGASA Sports NewsEditor Coordinator KLYRA V.KHAN AHMED ORBIEN H. CAYONGCAT Acting SpecialSpecial ReportsReports Editor Editor FAITH YUEN JISELLE ANNE WEI C.N. CASUCIAN RAGASA Sports Features Editor Editor JISELLECELINE MARIEL ANNE C.L.CASUCIAN SERQUIÑAFeatures Witness and Editor Circle Editor JOSELLE CZARINA JOENNER PAULO L.S.ENRIQUEZ, DE LA CRUZ O.P. Filipino Patnugot andsa Witness FilipinoEditor MARY JAZMIN MIGUEL LOUIS D. M.TABUENA GALANG Science Chief Photographer and Technology Editor JURYJASMINE MA. P. SALAYA TRISHA Art Director L. NEPOMUCENO Circle Editor JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA Art Director

FELIPE FELIPE F. F. SALVOSA SALVOSA II II Assistant CHRISTIAN Publications V. Adviser CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA ESGUERRA Assistant Publications Assistant Publications Advisers Advisers

JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications JOSELITO B.Adviser ZULUETA Publications Adviser

NEWS Charm JamilahRyanne Mae B. C. Angco, Magpali, Charm Laurd Ryanne Menhard C. Magpali, B. Salen,Jacqueline Camille Abiel B. Martinez, H. Torres Christine Joyce A. Paras, Joanne Christine P. Ramos SPORTS Anna Malic Clarissa U. Cotongan, M. Barlam, Rommel Nina Bong Angela R. Fuertes MikaelaJr.,Cruz, Rommel Bong Jasmin R. Fuertes Roselle Jr., James M. Monton Paul R. Gomez, Mark Ernest V. Villeza SPECIAL REPORTS Kimberly Joenner Paulo G. Hipolito, L. Enriquez, Charlize O.P., Gabriel Camille L. Linantud, M. Marcelo, Nuel Angelo D. Sabate FEATURES Ma. Dyanne JasmineMirasol Trisha L.P.Nepomuceno Reyes, Jade Veronique V. Yap LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo, Sofia Bernice F. Navarro FILIPINO Caitlin WITNESS Ma. Alena Dayne O. A. Castillo, Contreras, Ma. Alena Bea Angeline O. Castillo, P. Domingo Sophia T. Sadang WITNESSBea FILIPINO Ma.Angeline Alena O. P. Castillo, Domingo, Joenner Samantha PauloNichole L. Enriquez, G. Magbuhat O.P., SCIENCE Mariel ANDCeline TECHNOLOGY L. Serquiña Caitlin Dayne A. Contreras, SCIENCE Katherine AND TECHNOLOGY Anne L. Escarilla Miguel Louis M. Galang, CIRCLEJade Nolene Veronique BeatriceV.H.Yap Crucillo, Allaine Nicole C. Cruz, CIRCLELarissa NoleneMae Beatrice C. Tan H. Crucillo, Neil Paolo S. Gonzales ART Karl Joshua L. Aron, Athea Mariane Monique Jane A.Z.Cadiz, Gala,Alisa Gwyneth Joy T.Fiona del Mundo, N. Luga, Jan Kristopher Christine Angelie T. Esguerra, P. Orines, Gwyneth CatherineFiona Paulene N. Luga, A. Umali, Catherine Rae IsobelPaulene N. Tyapon A. Umali, Rae Isobel N. Tyapon, Sophia R. Lozada PHOTOGRAPHY Francia Nadine Anne Denise M.M. Deang, Arizabal, Jean Renzelle GilbertShayne T. Go, Renzelle V. Picar, Shayne V. Camille Abiel Picar, H. Torres, Bianca Marvin Jolene John S. Redondo, F. Uy, Arianne CamilleMaye AbielD.G. H. Viri EDITORIAL Torres, ASSISTANT Marvin John Jessica F. Uy, C. Asprer Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer

THE UAAP made a painful yet correct decision to cancel Season 83. It may be difficult to see a school year finish without a new season unfolding but it is better to walk limping off one leg and still survive than barrel straight to a bubble full of catastrophic consequences ahead.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us where to draw the line between pushing the limits and making sacrifices for the greater good.

The extension of the enhanced community quarantine lockdown protocols in April led to the UAAP’s decision to cut its 82nd season short.

Would the new season be similarly affected?

Hopes rose in October when UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag said a “bubble” format season with basketball and volleyball as centerpieces might yet be mounted to save the season. But this was reversed shortly.

On Dec.11, UAAP officially canceled Season 83. Officials said they had to consider the health and safety not only of the student-athletes, but also those involved in the operations of the games.

An attempt to create a UAAP bubble would only lead to more issues than solutions. Besides lurking dangers in health brought upon by the pandemic, major issues will also boil down in four aspects: budget, priorities, academics and parental consent.

If this format did pull through, the league and its member schools would be forced to set and allocate a budget for training facilities, isolated dormitories, and athletes’ basic necessities.

The cancellation of Season 83 was painful but necessary.

It would be problematic for the various schools to cope with expenses to mount the season. Many of them have gone on austerity mode. For example, UST is rationalizing its sports scholarship program and cutting down the number of athletic scholars after 2020.

A bubble will also make UAAP appear to be prioritizing athletics over education. Already collegiate sports has been perceived to be overly commercialized, losing sight of its original mission to promote sports as part of holistic academic formation.

Considering the adjustments that are being made to refine the virtual mode of education, student-athletes are encountering the same difficulties suffered by ordinary students. how then could they study and compete at the same time? wouldn’t the bubble further compromise their academics?

A bubble will subject the athletes, coaches and other personnel to a reality tv-like setting. This may add further anxiety and stress on people who already have to live apart from their families for several months while competing and undertaking their academics. obviously a bubble will take its psychological toll on athletes and other people, and the consequences of this may not be manageable.

Overall, budget problems and other imponderables may be too much to handle.

The cancellation of Season 83 was painful but necessary. 

OPINION

The Varsitarian

Covid-19 vaccine may be the best Christmas gift SEVENTEEN days before Christmas, all is calm, and all is bright already for 90-year-old Margaret Keenan—the first patient in the world to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

The United Kingdom was the first country to authorize a Covid-19 vaccine for mass immunization after approving the Pfizer vaccine for public use.

Keenan received the first shot of the German-American vaccine on the morning of Dec. 8, injected by Filipino nurse May Parsons.

This hopeful piece of news came just in time for the holiday season. As the rest of the world, especially the Philippines, looks on in awe at this watershed moment in contemporary history, one must wonder: Is the Covid-19 vaccine the best Christmas gift this year?

In a year bookended by volcanic eruptions and calamitous typhoons, with a pandemic to boot in between, the Philippines has had enough. There is only so much resilience Filipinos can muster up before that shiny resilience dulls into gray resignation—not the ideal spirit to welcome the yuletide. That is why any sliver of hope available should be enough to alleviate those shoulders burdened by uncertainty.

Now, where are we?

On Nov. 27, the country secured 2.6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by United Kingdom-based drug firm AstraZeneca via a tripartite agreement with the private sector.

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Dec. 3 said that it expects Covid-19 vaccines to be available

by March 2021 after President Duterte approved the emergency use of Covid-19 vaccines to speed up the process of vaccine authorization, allowing vaccines to be approved for use in the Philippines within 21 days instead of six months.

But the Philippines has yet to get its hands on a single vaccine dose from Pfizer, which has already been approved for mass use by the FDAs of various countries.

Apparently, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III “dropped the ball” on a deal with Pfizer, which could have granted the country

Free the Sails MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

Is the Covid-19 vaccine the best Christmas gift this year, then?

Perhaps. We will have to find out hopefully in the next few months.

It may arrive late, but we are waiting.

10 million doses of the vaccine come January 2021.

Despite government incompetence yet again, we continue to hope. We can hang again the parol that has accumulated dust after months in hibernation, set up the reliable Christmas tree and its string of lights that flicker in tune with the carols that fill the living room, and celebrate with hope for a return to normalcy.

But we must not mistake hope for complacency. Even with the promise of a vaccine on the way, the coronavirus is still out there stalking the streets. The country is still under quarantine.

And everyone is still not encouraged to gather in masses even to celebrate Christmas. A positive Covid-19 test is, after all, the worst gift to receive this year.

So, is the Covid-19 vaccine the best Christmas gift this year, then? Perhaps. We will have to find out hopefully in the next few months. It may arrive late, but we are waiting. 

ART BY CATHERINE PAULENE A. UMALI

DECEMBER 25, 2020

7

The Christmas parol: Filipinos’ light at the end of the tunnel IS THERE light at the end of the tunnel?

Due to the pandemic, several festivities and holidays have not been enjoyed the same way as before. Worse, some have even been canceled and not celebrated at all.

Thank God we still have Christmas. And what’s a Philippine Christmas without Christmas lanterns?

The origin of star lanterns, locally known as parol, is believed to date back to the Spanish colonial period, when Christianity was introduced in the Philippines.

Parol came from the Spanish word farol which means “lantern.”

It is customarily made out of bamboo and Japanese paper—wherein its original forms were either rectangular or oblong and were made in a white paper.

Being a Christian symbol, Parol was traditionally part of the panunuluyan, a dramatization of Joseph and Mary’s journey to search for a suitable lodging to give birth to Jesus. It also refers to lamps carried on processions as referenced

by Jose Rizal in his novel, Noli Me Tangere.

The parol formed a significant part of Pampanga’s culture. Don Mariano Henson, dubbed as the father of Kapampangan studies, traces the history of the parol back to the 1830s as part of the Lubenas in Bacolor, Pampanga. Lubenas is a traditional nine-day Kapampangan prayer procession that uses lanterns along the way.

San Fernando City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan, in her column in Sunstar Pampanga published in November 2014, also chronicled the origins of the parol from various annals and familial accounts. She noted that

Kapampangan artisan Francisco Estanislao constructed the first-ever five-pointed star parol out of bamboo, Japanese paper and candles in 1908.

Lanterns then evolved and became more vibrant when electricity was widely accessible during the 1940s.

Additionally, there are native Kapampangan terms for the borrowed word parol, namely: sulugi, sumbu sulu and paritan.

In Philippine tradition, the display of bright, mesmerizing, and well-crafted parol starts as early as September and lasts until the Feast of the Three Kings (12 days after Christmas day). Parol represents Bethlehem’s star that led the Three Wise Men to the manger of Jesus.

It signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Parol is also being used by churchgoers to light up their paths when going to churches for simbang gabi.

Behind every impressive geometric pattern, vibrant lights and remarkable detail is a skilled parol maker. More than being a symbol of our Christmas tradition, the lantern similarly exhibits the brilliance and resourcefulness of Filipinos.

A parol is more than just a composition of recyclable materials and bulbs. It embodies our rich culture and tradition that will forever make the Filipino Christmas unique.

España Diliman JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

It is more than just a lantern illuminating the streets during the yuletide season—it is also a beacon of hope, like the Star of Bethlehem, reminding us that amid the darkness, there is a light that will guide you on your way. 

Pope’s Christmas Eve homily TOGETHER with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she give birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by, there were shepherds who lived in the fields, and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them. They were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today, in the town of David, a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord, and here is a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly with the angel, there was a great throng of the heavenly host praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to men who enjoy his favor.”

The proclamation of the Gospel announcing the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Gospel procession now brings the Book of the Gospel to our Holy Father, who will venerate the book and bless us.

We adore you, oh, Lord, word incarnate, son of the eternal Father.

The deacon now bringing the Book of the Gospels to where the statue of the child Jesus is, where the Book of the Gospels will now be enthroned. The same throne being used that was used during the Second Vatican Council. We now prepare ourselves to hear our Holy Father’s homily for this Christmas mass. Tonight, the great prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. To us a son is given. We often hear it said that the greatest joy in life is the birth of child. It is something extraordinary, and it changes everything. It brings an excitement that makes us think nothing of weariness, discomfort, and sleepless nights, for it fills us with indescribable and incomparable happiness.

That is what Christmas is. The birth of Jesus is the newness that enables us to be reborn each year, and to find in him the strength needed to face every trial. Yes, because his birth is for us, for me, for you, for everyone. He is born for me. He is born for us. For, is a word that appears again and again on this holy night. “For us a child is born,” Isaiah professed. For us is born this day a savior, and we repeat it in a psalm. “Jesus gave himself for us,” Saint Paul tells us.

And in the Gospel, the angel proclaims, “For to you is born this day. A savior. For me, for us.”

Yet, what do these words, for us, really mean?

They mean that the son of God, the one who is Holy by

nature, came to make us, God’s children, holy by grace.

Yes. God came into the world as a child to make us children of God, what a magnificent gift, certainly. This day, God amazes us and says to each of us, “You are amazing.”

Dear sister, dear brother never be discouraged. Are you tempted to feel you were a mistake? God tells you, “No, you are triumph.” Do you have the feeling of failure or inadequacy? The fear that you will never emerge from the dark tunnel of trial? God says to you, “Have courage, I’m with you.” He does this not in words, but by making himself a child like you and for you.

This way, he reminds you that the starting point of all rebirth is the recognition that we are children of God. This is the point of departure of whatever Reaper.

This is the undying heart of our hope. The incandescent core that gives warmth and meaning to our life.

Underlying our strengths and weaknesses, stronger than all our past hurts and failures or our fears and concerns about the future, there is this great truth, we are beloved sons and daughters. God’s love for us does not, and never will depend upon us. It’s completely free love.

This night, you will not find an explanation anywhere else, it’s only grace. It’s all grace. The gift is freely given without the merit of anyone of us, pure grace.

Tonight, Saint Paul tells us, “The grace of God has appeared. Nothing is more precious than this. To us a son is given. The father did not give us something, he gave us his only begotten son, who is all his joy.” Yet, if we look at our ingratitude towards God and our injustice towards so many of our brothers and sisters, a doubt can arise. Was the Lord right in giving us so much? Is he right still to trust us? Does he not overestimate?

Of course, he overestimates us, and he does this because he is madly in love with us. He cannot help but love us, that’s the way he is. He’s so different from ourselves. God always loves us with a greater love than we have for ourselves.

This is his secret for entering our heart. God knows that we become better only by accepting his unfailing love. It’s an unchanging love that changes us. One the love of Jesus can transform our life, heal our deepest hurts. He sets us free from the vicious circles of disappointment, anger, and constant complaining.

To us a son is given, in the lowly manger of a darkened stable, the son of God is truly present. But this raises yet another question, why was he born at night, without decent accommodation, in poverty and rejection, when he deserved to be born as the greatest of Kings in the finest of palaces? Why did it happen like this? Pope PAGE 13

8

FILIPINO The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

PATNUGOT: JOENNER PAULO L. ENRIQUEZ, O.P.

Tomasino, pamumunuan ang KWF

Casanova HINIRANG ang Tomasinong propesor na si Arthur Casanova bilang bagong tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) noong ika- 5 ng Disyembre.

Papalitan ni Casanova si Virgilio Almario, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Literatura, sa puwestong ito.

Si Casanova ay naging bahagi ng Departamento ng Filipino ng Unibersidad at kasalukuyang fulltime komisyoner para sa wikang Tagalog ng KWF. Isa siyang manunulat, linguist at direktor sa teatro.

Nagtapos si Casanova ng batsilyer sa pang-sekundaryang edukasyon medyor sa Filipino sa Mindanao State University (MSU) noong 1982.

Nakuha naman niya ang kaniyang masterado sa education with specialization in Filipino linguistics sa Philippine Normal University (PNU) taong 1992 at ang kaniyang doktorado sa linguistics and literature noong 1999.

Nakapaglathala si Casanova ng higit 40 aklat at naging direktor ng higit 50 dula.

Bukod pa rito, samu’t sari ang kanyang naging parangal.

Kinilala si Casanova bilang Metrobank Outstanding Teacher noong 1990, PNU Gawad Sulo Eminent Alumni noong 2017 at Sarimanok Awardee ng MSU taong 2011.

Itinatag ang KWF noong ika14 ng Agosto taong 1991. Ito ay may tungkuling paunlarin at pangalagaan ang wikang Filipino at lahat ng linggwaheng mayroon ang Filipinas.  SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

‘Pandemya,’ hinirang na salita ng taon Tinalo nito ang iba pang mga salitang may kaugnayan sa pandemya tulad ng ‘social distancing,’ ‘contact tracing’ at ‘ayuda’

NI BEA ANGELINE P. DOMINGO AT SAMANTHA NICHOLE G. MAGBUHAT

NANGIBABAW sa edisyong pandemya ng talakayang Sawikaan: Salita ng Taon ang salitang “pandemya.”

Ang salita ay inilahok ni Zarina Santos, katuwang na propesor sa Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas sa UP Diliman.

“Masasabing gusto ng mga Pilipino na maging maalam tungkol sa sakit na ito. Pinakamarami ang nagsearch ng “ano ang pandemya” at “pandemya-kahulugan,” wika ni Santos sa kanyang presentasyon noong ika-14 ng Disyembre.

Aniya, nararapat na “pandemya” ang hiranging salita ng taon sapagkat nakapalibot dito ang mga bagong salitang nakilala ng

mga Pilipino ngayong taon, na ang ilan ay kalahok din sa patimpalak.

Pinangaralang salita ng taon ang “pandemya” noong ika-19 ng Disyembre sa isang Facebook live ng Sawikaan.

Iginawad naman ang ikalawang pwesto sa salitang “social distancing.” Sinundan ito ng salitang “contact tracing,” ang proseso ng pagkilala sa mga taong nakasalamuha ng taong may sakit na Covid-19.

Ang Sawikaan ay isang “masinsinang talakayan para piliin ang pinakanatatanging salitang namayani sa diskurso ng sambayanang Filipino sa nakalipas na taon.”

Ang “Sawikaan: Salita ng Taon” ay pinangungunahan ng Filipinas Institute of Translation, katuwang ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino at UP Diliman Information Office.

“Tokhang,” “fotobam,” “selfie,”

“wangwang” at “jejemon” ang ilan sa mga nakaraang salita ng taon.

Programa Tinalakay ni Yol Jamendang, isang propesor sa Ateneo de Manila University, ang salitang “social distancing.”

Ayon sa kanya, binago ng “social distancing” ang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino ngayong taon at nagbigay-daan sa pagkauso ng online shopping, pagti-Tiktok, pagiging mga “plantito” at “plantita,” at iba pa.

Panukala naman nina Romeo Peña, propesor sa Kagawaran ng Filipinolohiya ng Polytechnic University of the Philippines, at Gerard Concepcion ang salitang “contact tracing.”

Ani Peña, naging parte agad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino ang salitang

“contact tracing” mula noong pagpasok ng pandemya sa bansa.

May mga Tomasino rin na lumahok sa Sawikaan 2020.

Kasama sa sampung nominadong salita ang “blended learning” ni Asst. Prof. Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes, tagapangulo ng Departamento ng Filipino.

Sa kanyang presentasyon, ipinaglaban ni Reyes ang salitang “blended learning” sapagkat kinakatawan nito ang epekto ng pandemya sa edukasyon.

“Ito ang pinakamalaking pagbabagong nasaksihan sa kabuoang pag-iral ng sistemang pang-edukasyon na ipinatupad sa pinakamabilis na panahon. Saklaw ng salita ang lahat ng limitasyon, inobasyon, maging ang emosyon ng proseso ng pagtuturo at pagkatuto sa panahon ng Covid-19 na may imp-

likasyong mananatili kahit bumalik pa sa kani-kanilang buhay,” wika niya.

Iprinesenta naman nina Asst.

Prof. Wennielyn F. Fajilan at Angelica Flores-Morales, kapwa miyembro ng Departamento ng Filipino ng Unibersidad, ang kanilang saliksik-papel ukol sa salitang “virus.”

Ani Fajilan, hindi lamang sa kontekstong sakit at medikal magagamit ang salitang “virus.”

“May strain pa ‘yung virus sa context ng politics natin ngayon,” wika ni Fajilan.

Dinepensahan naman ni Louie Jon Sanchez ng Ateneo de Manila, alumnus ng Unibersidad, ang salitang “2020.”

Kalahok din ang mga salitang “ayuda,” “quarantine,” “testing” at “webinar.” 

FEATURES

The Varsitarian

EDITOR: JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN

DECEMBER 25, 2020

Public affairs head Giovanna Fontanilla, 62 “Even during the most challenging of PR crises, she never lost her cool... she was the ever smiling, welcoming face of UST for nearly three decades.”

TRIBUTES poured in for the late Giovanna Fontanilla, UST’s longtime public affairs chief and one of the most well-loved figures on campus who died of a heart attack last Dec. 6. She was 62.

For much of her 41 years in UST, Fontanilla served as the “face” of the University, an ambassadress of Thomasian culture and education, while also steering the school through some of its “most challenging PR crises.”Varsitarian publications adviser Joselito Zulueta recalled how Fontanilla “bore the pressures of handling the public affairs of the Pontifical University—more than four centuries old and admittedly not a controversy-free institution—with grace and optimism.”

“Even during the most challenging of PR crises, she never lost her cool,” he said. “For many people in the media like me, she was the ever smiling, welcoming face of UST for nearly three decades. We will miss her terribly.”Felipe Salvosa II, head of UST’s journalism program, described Fontanilla as a “steady hand and a stabilizing force,” citing “her professionalism,

Fontanilla addresses the media during Pope Francis’ visit to the University in 2015. FILE PHOTO

dedication and loyalty.”

“I love her enthusiasm and zest for life,” said Faye Abugan, assistant director of UST’s Communications Bureau, who also described Fontanilla as a “visionary” for initiating the establishment of the Educational Technology Center, the school’s main multimedia resource arm.

Her one-time boss, former UST secretary general Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., said he and Fontanilla started major campus events like the annual Christmas Gala, and established UST Tiger Radio.

Fontanilla’s service to UST spanned 41 years, including as executive assistant to Father Abaño when he was secretary general from 2000 to 2006.

In 1990, Fontanilla became director of the Public and Alumni Affairs Office (PAAO), a position that made her the University’s public face and organizer of special events.

She was named director of public affairs in 2006 after the alumni relations office was separated from PAAO. In 2001, Fontanilla was given the Dangal ng UST Award for outstanding associate professor, an acknowledgment of her service and contributions as a Thomasian educator.  JADE VERONIQUE V. YAP

Thomasians join relief efforts for ‘Ulysses’ victims AS THE country reels from the havoc brought by Typhoon “Ulysses,” several Thomasians led relief efforts to help those affected by massive flooding.

Accountancy junior Patricia Claire Cruz’s youth-led donation drive in Montalban provided over 500 relief packs that consisted of old clothes, face masks, face shields, toiletries, canned goods, medicine, ready-to-eat food, hygiene kits, bottled water and blankets.

“When the national government is failing to provide a sound disaster management plan or any concrete plan to address the needs of those affected, we can only rely on our own initiatives,” Cruz told the Varsitarian.

“Kung hindi tayo kikilos ngayon, sino pa ang tutulong sa kanila?” Cruz added.

Cruz’s group has raised P107,268.65 as of Nov. 15.

A group of high school friends, including industrial design junior Levi Edrozo and architecture junior Alyssa Gaffud, led the donation drive for their hometown of Santiago, Isabela.

They have distributed 400 packs of relief goods as well as P141,060.91 in financial assistance as of Nov. 16.

Journalism students Gwyneth Luga and Mark Villeza launched an online donation drive through their online shop “Art Closet Manila.”

They were able to raise almost P10,000 in addition to the relief packs they have sent to affected families in Cagayan.

“Being a student doesn’t mean you’re limited to your surroundings.

This is the time when we can do something about what’s happening to every one of us,” they said in a statement to the Varsitarian.

Arts and Letters students Mica Geneza, Kasandra Melad, Red Leongson and Kristina Santos started a fund-raising drive “Tulong sa Cagayan” to help affected families in the area.

“We felt the need to do something to help the people,” they told the Varsitarian.

Architecture student Zion Licup joined relief efforts initiated by iUplift Philippines, a student-led fundraising

initiative. iUplift Philippines served meals to over 1,200 evacuees and distributed 130 relief packs in Marikina City.

Licup said participation in relief efforts was the “perfect opportunity to make a difference,” and urged Thomasians to help in their own ways.

“It’s one way of pooling resources of those who can, to help those who may need it the most [..] kahit gaano man kalaki o kaliit ang ating ambag makakatulong at makakatulong iyon sa ating mga kababayan.

We should always remember that every ambag matters,” Licup told the Varsitarian.

The UST Central Student Council’s donation campaign has collected P79,066 as of Nov. 15. The UST-Simbahayan Community Development office is also spearheading relief efforts for typhoon victims in Bicol and other affected areas.

Students from the College of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Senior High School and Faculty of Medicine and Surgery have also initiated their own relief drives. 

Photo from Zion Licup

New UST doc fulfills 5-year-old self’s dream ONE of UST’s newest physicians made his 5-year-old self quite proud by passing the recent licensure exams, fulfilling a childhood ambition he made clear in an old black-andwhite photo.

The image, posted alongside Lester Mico Danganan’s grad pic, made the rounds of social media in an inspiring testament to his hard work.

Printed there 22 years ago was his dream of becoming a doctor. “[The person] most worth impressing is your five-year-old self.

We did it, fam,” Danganan, now 27, wrote on Facebook.

“It would be a long, arduous journey. The lows are lows, but 22 YEARS IN THE MAKING. Mico Danganan fulfills his childhood ambition after passing the physician licensure exams PHOTO FROM DANGANAN’S TWITTER

the highs are unforgettable and life-changing. Most days it would be hard to see the end but always remember why you started and you’ll make it through.”

Danganan was among the 436 new Thomasian doctors. Four UST graduates also made it in the Top 10.

Henrick Ryan Fong, who placed third with an 88.33-percent score, said the country’s healthcare system—often described as deplorable especially in rural areas—was one reason he pursued medicine. “[Now,] being a licensed physician, we got lives on our hands and we should be competent enough to take care of those lives,” he told the Varsitarian.

UST was the fifth top-performing school in the latest licensure with a 95.61-percent passing rate. A total of 436 out of 456 of its examinees made it.  M.D.M.P. REYES and J.V.V. YAP

9

10

SCITECH The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

EDITOR: MIGUEL LOUIS M. GALANG

‘Like Yakult’:

UST researcher eyes yeast to deliver oral Covid-19 vaccine

BY CAITLIN DAYNE A. CONTRERAS AND KATHERINE ANNE L. ESCARILLA

A UNIVERSITY research fellow has a “crazy idea” to quickly distribute coronavirus vaccines — turn it into a yeast drink.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a molecular biologist and visiting professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, proposed his yeast vaccine delivery system during the 12th Carmen G. Kanapi Lecture held virtually last Dec. 4.

“The goal here is that if we are able to develop this oral vaccine, then we would make something like Yakult. You will just take the yeast and you would drink the yeast every day,” he said.

Yakult is the popular Japanese “probiotic” milk drink.

The oral vaccine should be able to induce immune system response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, by targeting its proteins, he said.

Austriaco

Austriaco said oral delivery would be a new way of administering vaccines. Vaccine production will also be faster, he said.

The UST researcher said he hoped to set up an experimentation facility in the University after finishing his yeast project in the United States.

“This is just a crazy idea but it’s worth trying. Otherwise we will wait for one or two years here in the country to vaccinate our entire population,” he said.

Oral vaccines will also reduce the use of syringes and refrigeration, as well as contact with nurses and doctors, since the yeast drink could be distributed more easily throughout the country.

The Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any Covid-19 vaccine.

The Philippines targets to hold clinical trials of vaccines from China and Russia as early as the first quarter of 2021, government vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Dec. 2. 

UST researchers cited for contributions to research, education TWO RESEARCHERS from the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) were recognized for their contributions to research and education during the 47th Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Convention on Dec. 4.

Prof. Grecebio Alejandro, also the director of the Office for Graduate Research, received the research award for his contributions to the field of botany.

He pioneered the development of a DNA barcoding database of medicinal plants and led a team that discovered novel endemic plant species in the Philippines.

Prof. Mafel Ysrael received the education award for her contributions to biochemistry education.

Ysrael’s work advanced the study of natural products’ chemistry and their medicinal properties.

In 2011, Ysrael was awarded the service award by the society alongside the late biochemistry professor Peter Torres.

This year’s convention was themed “Responding to Health and Environmental Issues Through Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.”

The conference tackled the need for an immediate and effective response to the pandemic.  K.A.L. ESCARILLA

Alejandro Ysrael

UST researcher comes up with DNA sensor for fast detection of cancer, genetic diseases A THOMASIAN researcher pitched a sensing method that could be used to rapidly detect and diagnose genetic diseases such as cancer in this year’s Panayam Pang-agham held on Nov. 27.

Lorico Lapitan Jr., an engineer teaching in the UST Department of Engineering, discussed how multivalent magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can help in the rapid detection of cancer.

In his study titled “Combining Magnetic Nanoparticle and Poly-enzyme Nanobead Amplification for Ultrasensitive Detection and Discrimination of DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms,” Lapitan explained how combining magnetic nanoparticles, biomolecule and small molecules and bioconjugation chemistry can create MNPs. Lapitan said MNPs could be used to destroy cancer cells through hyper-

thermia or exposure to increased heat or for drug delivery to tumors.

“Maaaring gamitin ang mga multivalent magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) upang sirain ang mga selula ng kanser sa pamamagitan ng hyperthermia o gamitin ang mga magnetikong nanoparticle para kargahan at ihatid ang mga gamot sa mga tumor,” Lapitan, a researcher from the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, said.

MNPs can also be used to create sensors for early disease detection and imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging.

Through early disease diagnosis, diseases such as cancer could be treated early, Lapitan said.

“Ang maagang pagsusuri o deteksiyon ay napakahalaga upang makita agad ang simula ng sakit. Mahalaga ito upang mapigilan ang lalong pagkalat ng mga sakit at mapabuti ang kalidad

ng buhay ng tao,” he explained.

Asst. Prof. Nikki Dagamac also presented his study on slime molds and their distribution and evolution in the ecosystem through the years.

“Isa sa mga maituturing na ‘di pangkaraniwang organismo ang slime molds, ito ay may isang komplikadong siklo ng buhay — isang hayop at amag,” he said.

These organisms can also learn and adapt to different environments, like human beings.

Dagamac said the country has rich biodiversity but lacked biodiversity studies.

“Ito po yung nais kong ipagpatuloy na gawin sa mga susunod na taon dahil ako ay lubos na naniniwala na ang ating bansa ay [hitik sa] likas na yaman na siyang maituturing nating malaking handog sa buong mundo,” he added.

Panayam Pang-agham is a yearly event of the University’s Department

Lapitan of Filipino and the College of Science.

Its purpose is to promote the use of the Filipino language in technical discourse.  C.D.A. CONTRERAS

UST research team bags top prize for study on natural products for Covid-19 treatment RESEARCHERS from the University won first place for a study proposing computer-aided screening of natural products to detect their effectiveness in fighting SARSCoV-2 proteins.

The research team, led by Prof. Allan Patrick Macabeo of the Department of Chemistry, won best poster presentation in the bioinformatics and computational biology category of the 47th Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PSBMB) annual convention on Dec. 4 for their paper, “Concerted virtual screening of myxobacterial natural products reveal dual inhibitors of SARSCoV-2 spike proteins.”

The team conducted computer-aided drug screening on natural products and evaluated their potential in targeting proteins found in SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, said Joe Anthony Manzano, a medical biology student and member of the team, in an interview with the Varsitarian.

Results of the study showed that natural products or compounds produced by living organisms found in myxobacteria (slime bacteria) were potential drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2.

Joining Macabeo and Manzano were Rey Arturo Fernandez, Mark Tristan Quimque, Kin Israel Notarte, Delfin Yñigo Pilapil IV, John Jeric San Jose, Omar Villalobos and Von Novi De Leon.

Manzano also bagged first place in the PSBMB Young Scientists’ Forum for his paper, “Antimicrobial activity and COX-2 modulatory effects of tetrahydro bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Phaeanthus ophthalmicus: Validation of ethnomedicinal use from in vitro and in silico perspectives.”

The paper is about bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as sore eyes.

It addresses the problem of antibiotic resistance through research on various natural products.

Medical biology juniors Von Novi De Leon and Delfin Yñigo Pilapil IV were named runners-up.  M.D.M.P REYES

The Varsitarian DECEMBER 25, 2020

11

ART BY ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA, GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA, RAE ISOBEL N. TYAPON

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

LIMELIGHT

12

COMICS The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

ART DIRECTOR: JAN KRISTOPHER T. ESGUERRA

2 METERS APART ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

MY MOST PRIZED POSSESSION RAE ISOBEL N. TYAPON

PAHINGA CATHERINE PAULENE A. UMALI

Filipinos’ faith flourish FROM PAGE 5 Simbang Gabi was introduced to teach people the meaning of Christmas and how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Catholics also believe that attending the nine-day novena masses would fulfill their prayers and intentions.

Since Masses were held at dawn, the star-shaped parol illumi-

Jaron Requinton wails durng a men’s volleyball match. PHOTO BY ARIANNE MAYE D.G. VIRI

nated the streets. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to manger where Christ was born.

The Philippines has one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world, starting from the nine-day Misa de Gallo, which is held from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24, and ending on the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6. 

Devotees gather to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8 PHOTO BY ARIANNE MAYE D.G. VIRI

Nuncio

FROM PAGE 5 “For the Philippines,

these issues are a matter of uplifting human dignity and securing the lives of the most disadvantaged… The Holy See’s call for all countries to “protect the dignity of human life”, including of migrants’ regardless of status is much appreciated,” Duterte said.

Brown said he looked forward to “strengthening and deepening the high level of cooperation… through mutual commitment to the common good and to the promotion of the spiritual and moral values.”  MA. DYANNE MIRASOL P. REYES

Archbishop Charles John Brown presents his credentials in Malacañang. ACE MORANDANTE/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Season 83 canceled From Page 15

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag earlier floated the possibility of opening the new season in a “bubble” setup in April next year.

The league’s board also said it would study “the implications of the cancellation for the guidance of the member-schools and student-athletes.”

UAAP intends to hold Season 84

by 2021, Saguisag said in a press conference on Dec. 17. The league usually opens in September.

The director admitted that no specific date for next season’s target opening has been set as discussions have yet to take place.

On eligibility concerns, Saguisag said that the league’s issues “will be tackled at a proper time.”

UAAP was forced to prematurely cancel its 82nd season in April due to the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, leaving several events unfinished.

UST was crowned general champions of the truncated season.

De La Salle University will remain the host school for Season 84. MARK ERNEST V. VILLEZA

COMICS

The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

13

VIDEO CALL CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

CHRISTMAS NINJAS GWYNETH FIONA N. LUGA

NOCHE BUENA: ONE SEAT APART KARL JOSHUA L. ARON

Pope’s Christmas Eve homily

UsapangUste

Ang unang ‘Makibata’ sa Unibersidad Apatnapu’t limang taon na ang nakaraan simula noong inilunsad ng Student Organization Coordinating Council (SOCC) ang tradisyong Makibata, kung saan tumatayong nag-aampong magulang ang mga Tomasino sa mga kabataan mula sa mahihirap na komunidad bago magpasko.

Ang unang Makibata ay inilunsad Santisimo Rosario Parish Council sa pakikipagtulungan nang katatayo pa lamang na SOCC noong 1975. Sa unang taon nito, nagbigay ligaya at aliw ang mga Tomasino na tumayong mga magulang sa 300 na kabataan.

Pinangunahan ito nina Ditas Decena at Bong Dizon, kapwa kalihim ng SOCC, na tumayong tagapag-ugnay at kawaning tagapag-ugnay ng unang Makibata.

Ayon kay Lourdes Bautista na noo’y coordinator for student cultural affairs ng Unibersidad, ang Makibata ay una sa uri nito.

Ginanap ang pagtitipon sa loob ng seminary gymnasium na kung saan nagkaroon ng sayawan, kantahan, laro, at kainan.

Noong araw din na iyon, bukod sa selebrasiyon sa loob ng kampus ay inilibot din ang mga kabataan sa Liwasang Rizal at Manila Zoo. Sa isyu ng Varsitarian noong 1975, nakasaad na higit 600 na Tomasino ang kasama ng 300 batang galing sa mahirap na pamilya mula sa Santisimo Rosario Parish.

Tomasino siya Iba talaga ang ipinapamalas ng mga Tomasinong may kahusayan hindi lamang sa larangan ng Arkitektura ngunit pati na rin sa pagtulong sa kapwa at lipunan gaya ni Carmelo Casas.

Nagtapos ng kursong BS Architecture si Casas sa Unibersidad noong taong 1976 at nakamit ang ikapitong pwesto sa architecture licensure examinations noong 1978.

Si Casas ang nagtatag ng Casas+Architects at itinalagang pangulo ng kumpanyang noong 2008.

Noong 2013, itinatag naman ni Casas ang CTC Foundation, Inc. na naglalayong suportahan ang mga kabataang nag-aaral ng arkitektura.

Pinangunahan ni Casas ang pagbubuo at pagtatayo ng Quadricentennial Pavillion ng Unibersidad.

Ginawaran siya ng Oustanding Professional Awards noong 2015, ang pinakamataas na parangal na ibinibigay ng Professional Regulatory Commission, at Gold Medal Merit award ng Philippine Institute of Architects National Board noong 2018.

Noong 2016, ginawad kay Casas ang The Outstanding Thomasian Alumnus Awards para sa kategoryang architecture.

Pope FROM PAGE 7

To make us understand the immensity of his love in our human condition, even to touching the depths of our poverty, our misery with his concrete love.

The son of God was born an outcast in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God. He came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love, and to discover something important as he did in Bethlehem, so too with us, God loves to work wonders through our poverty.

He placed the entirety of our salvation in a manger of a stable. He is not afraid of our poverty, so let us allow his mercy to transform it completely. This is what it means to say that a born a son is born for us. And yet we hear that word for in another place too. The angel proclaims to the shepherds, “This will be a sign for you, a baby lying in a manger.”

That sign, the child in a manger, is also a sign for us to guide us through life. In Bethlehem, a name that means house of bread, God lives in a manger, as if to remind us that, in order to live, we’ll need him like the bread we eat.

We need to be filled with his free, unfailing, and concrete love. How often, instead, in our hunger for entertainment, success, and worldly pleasures, we nourish life with food that does not satisfy and leaves us empty within. The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, complained that “while the ox and the donkey know their master’s crib, we, his people, do not know him, the source of our life.”

It’s true, in our endless desire for possessions, we run after many numbers of mangers filled with passing things, and forget the manger of Bethlehem. That manger, poor in everything, yet rich in

Pope Franci smiles and waves at the crowd during his 2015 UST vist.

FILE PHOTO

love, teaches that true nourishment in life comes from letting ourselves be loved by God and loving others in turn. Jesus gives us the example, he is the word of God. He becomes an infant. He does not say a word but offers life. We, on the other hand, are full of words, but often have so little to say. We’re illiterate about doing good. To us a son is given.

Parents of little children know how much love and patience they require. We have to feed them, look after them, bathe them, and care for their vulnerability and their needs, but they’re often difficult to understand. A child makes us feel loved, but can also teach us how to love, God was born a child in order to encourage us to care for others.

His quiet tears make us realize the uselessness of our many impatient outbursts, and we have many of those. His discerning love reminds us that the time we have is not to be spent in feeling sorry for ourselves, but in comforting the tears of the others who are suffering.

God came among us in poverty and need to tell us that in serving the poor, we will show our love for him. From this night onward, as a poet wrote, “God’s residence is next mine. His furniture is love.”

That’s a citation from Emily Dickinson.

To us, a son is given, that’s you Jesus.

You are the child who makes me a child.

You are the child who makes me a child.

You’ve love me as I am, yeah, I know this, not as I imagine myself to be. In embracing you, the child of the manger, I once more embrace my life. In welcoming you, the bread of life, I too desire to give my life. You who save me, teach me to serve.

You who do not leave me alone, help me to comfort your brothers and sisters, for from this night forward, all are my brothers and sisters.

We too now take a moment to gaze on this image that has been placed before us to help us understand the mystery we are celebrating. The mystery we have heard proclaimed in the gospel just now, and on which we have reflected with the words of our Holy Father. Words it’s that help us understand the great gift we’ve been given, each one of us, the gift of a son born for us. This son who makes us all children of the Father, so as our Holy Father finished in his homily, we might recognize everyone. Children of the Father, my brother, my sister, we pray that we become bearers of this mystery, and we now profess our faith.

14

SPORTS The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

Mental health training part of Tigers’ offseason ‘new normal’

Manansala

Luib

Ayo assistants back as interim UST coaches EX-HEAD coach Aldin Ayo’s coaching staff members are back as interim coaches of the UST Growling Tigers and the Tiger Cubs.

Jinino Manansala, the juniors’ former head coach, will assume a temporary position for the seniors’ team, while McJour Luib will handle the Cubs, a source told the Varsitarian.

Manansala and Luib were the only coaching staff members who resigned with Ayo last September.

UST TEAMS have begun incorporating mental health conditioning with training sessions shifting online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UST Tracksters and UST Poomsae Jins are recipients of programs drawn up by their respective coaching staffs to cope with the new normal.

“Mental health is easily addressed through regular communication. We always have our prayer meetings wherein everyone responds regularly. We still see to it na hindi mawala ‘yong eagerness nila to compete,” Tracksters head coach Manny Calipes told the Varsitarian.

The five-time UAAP champion coach said keeping his players company as much as possible allows the team to be more cohesive even off the court.

“We have healthy interaction kaya mental health is properly addressed. In fact, we had two players that had very personal problems but they felt the presence of our team kahit malayo sila,” he said.

The UST Tracksters have not appeared in competitions since Season 81.

The team was frustrated with the cancellation of Sea-

son 83, but remained “well-prepared,” said Calipes.

“Although [the players] are raring to go back to Manila, we see to it hindi mawala yung eagerness nila to compete,” he said.

“May monthly test at time trials kami on their own.

Athletics is in their blood kaya kahit cancelled yung Season 83, tuloy pa rin ang ensayo,” he added.

The UST Poomsae Jins have competed in a number of online tournaments amid the pandemic, with members of the team bagging medals for UST and the Philippines.

Poomsae head coach Rani Ann Ortega explained that aside from training and monitoring the players’ physical state, the coaching staff also administers workshops to monitor the athletes’ mental health, aside from those they receive as members of the national team.

Ortega said online tournaments kept athletes motivated.

“These wins and losses make them motivated and eager to fight. They make do of what they have without giving in to excuses, ‘yon ang kailangan.”  ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

Before the Sorsgon “bubble” issue, Manansala was named as the Tiger Cubs head coach last August replacing Bonnie Garcia.

Both tacticians were part of last year’s coaching staff that steered the Tigers to a second-place finish.

UST recently endorsed Ayo’s appeal against the indefinite ban imposed by the UAAP board, describing the punishment as “too harsh.”  ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

Teletigers miss LoL tourney semis anew

BY JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ

THE UST Teletigers failed to secure a semifinal spot in the International Esports Festival (IEF) 2020 League of Legends tournament following a 0-2 loss against South Korea’s Chunnam Techno University in their quarterfinals match on Nov. 28 to 29.

After settling for fourth place in IEF 2019, the Teletigers qualified for this year’s playoffs with a 3-1 record, following wins against Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Their sole loss came against South Korea’s Yonsei University in the group stage.

“The enemy team was better at punishing every single mistake we made. One wrong move and the opposite team capitalized on our mistakes,” top laner Daniel Mendoza told the Varsitarian in an online interview. “They were very good at finding our choke points and it really ended up bad for our side.”

The roster was composed of Mendoza (top lane), Maykel Gonzales (jungle), Paolo San Pedro (midlane), Jan Edward Hortizuela (support) and Marc John Pe Benito (bottom lane).

The Teletigers will vie for another spot in next year’s IEF in what could be the current

roster’s final year of playing together, Mendoza said.

Teletigers’ Hearthstone representative Enrico Lim also failed to clinch a semifinals berth after a failed comeback bid against Japan’s tnraAy. Lim won two matches after being down 0-2 but failed to pull off the reverse sweep also against tnraAy. He qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 record, with wins against China’s WDGLuckyCat, Malaysia’s DDoANi and South Korea’s Kaus and the single loss coming at the hands of United States’ MoleStar in the group stage.

The Teletigers had the most number of national championships and international experience entering IAF, Teletigers Esports Club head Theo Ignacio said.

Ignacio was hoping the team would be accredited as an official UST organization before next year’s IAF. “[O]ur goal right now is to be UST’s community that displays the values of a healthy Thomasian gamer. Someone who battles the cruel stereotype brought upon us Esports athletes or casual gamers by action. We could be gamers and great students too,” he said.

UST Lady Fencers celebrate after a game FILE PHOTO

Ex-Ayo assistant tapped as Perpetual juniors’ team head coach Assistant coach Joph Cleopas pounds his chest during the UST hymn after a tune-up match against UST alumni team.

Photo by Renzelle Shayne V. Picar

GROWLING Tigers assistant coach Joph Cleopas has been named head coach of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Junior Altas in the NCAA. “It has been my passion to help young players kasi they really listen and alam ko ang feeling ng mga bata how hungry they are for learning,” said Cleopas, who will remain with the UST coaching staff.

Cleopas previously worked under champion coaches Aldin Ayo, Jamike Jarin, and Boyet Fernandez.

He was also an assistant coach

for the U-18 Batang Gilas national team in 2016.

He was recently named as the strength and conditioning coach for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 professional teams.

Cleopas was also part of the Tigers’ coaching staff that steered UST to a runner-up finish in UAAP Season 82.  JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ with reports from ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR.

EDITOR: FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA

SPORTS

The Varsitarian

DECEMBER 25, 2020

15

SEASON 83 CANCELED UAAP cites health, safety of student-athletes as pandemic rages The UAAP board announced on Dec. 11 it was pulling the plug on Season 83 as Covid-19 cases in the country continued to rise.

Canceling the season will allow member schools “to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year, as well as their athletic programs for next season,” the board said in a statement.

“After a series of discussions, the

UAAP Board of Trustees came to this difficult decision, putting major consideration on the health and safety of the student-athletes and those involved in the operations of our competitions,” it said.

Season 83 cancelled PAGE 12

Golden Tigress open hitter and reigning women’s volleyball rookie of the year Eya Laure is among the crop of Thomasian athletes who have yet to play a game since the cancellation of UAAP Season 82.

FILE PHOTO

The last UAAP game was played back in March 8, when the UST Golden Tigresses overcame the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws. Events affected by the cancellation of Season 82 are volleyball, football, athletics, baseball and softball. Season 83’s cancellation means no UAAP games until September 2020.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...

And he will ba called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

—ISAIAH 9:6