VOLUME XCI / NO. 3 December 14, 2019 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS Manila, Philippines
'Christmas is joy,religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.' - Pope Francis -
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OPINION The Varsitarian
DECEMBER 14, 2019
Contra Coro
Bugsô
EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P.
JOSELLE CZARINA S. DELA CRUZ
Evangelizing Indios
Do you understand your faith? WHY DO people practice tradition for the sake of showing others about their dedication to sustain it, without fully understanding its essence? In a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, Church traditions were preserved by most of the Catholic population of the Filipinos. Also, the future of the Philippine Church is somehow in good hands because of the efforts of the younger generation. One of the Catholic traditions practiced yearly by Filipinos is the “Simbang Gabi” or the nine-day novena of Masses for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. On the evening of December 15 or dawn of December 16, Churches are filled with parishioners. Most Filipinos also believe that if they complete the nine days of going to Mass before Christmas, their wishes will be granted. It is also a way of gratitude to Almighty God for giving His son to mankind. But do Filipinos practice “Simbang Gabi” to anticipate the coming of their redeemer or just for their wishes to be answered? In his homily on the start of the nine-day novena Mass, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emphasized the essence of practicing this tradition. “[I]yon po ang diwa ng Simbang Gabi: pananampalataya. Nananalig tayo at naniniwala na mayroong darating na Jesus, ang Diyos na magliligtas,” Tagle said. Tagle even hit materialism among Filipinos. “[S]i Hesus ba ang pinananabikan ng iba? Mukhang hindi naman e. Ang pinananabikan, bonus. ‘Pag may bonus, Pasko, kahit walang Hesus,” Tagle said. Churchgoers should also be reminded that the tradition of Simbang Gabi symbolizes the nine months of Mary carrying Jesus in her womb. So, it is not just Jesus that should be remembered during this tradition but also Mary. There is nothing wrong with posting on social media how you completed the Simbang Gabi Masses. There is nothing wrong with wishing for things once you complete the nine-day novena Masses. But there is something wrong if you are practicing this tradition without fully understanding the essence of it. There is something wrong if you post your Simbang Gabi photos on social media if you just wanted to showcase your faith to your friends online. There is something wrong if you will be hating this tradition when your wish is not granted. Everyone must remember that God will not give what you do not deserve at a certain moment. Everything happens for a reason and every blessing has a corresponding meaning in life. Simbang Gabi shows how the Catholic faith in the country is being preserved. It also symbolizes that rich Church tradition among Filipinos. Aside from giving gifts and spreading goodness during Christmas season, it should not be forgotten that this celebration is a way of giving thanks for all the blessings given to mankind. Traditions need to be practiced in order to be sustained but they should be practiced properly.
EDITORIAL
Modern-day Herods Behind the story of the nativity, we remember the night when similar political figures have also sought in the past to destroy and silence the Nativity scene from its very conception and failed.
THE BELEN gives us an idealized image of the first Christmas that happened two millennia ago. We see a solemn portrayal of the Nativity scene in churches, schools, workplaces, even on rooftops and public squares. But this subtle image is seen by some as an intrusion in the secular sphere. In other countries where Christianity is a minority, the nativity scene is dismantled, censored and even prohibited. For the largely increasing secular culture worldwide, the expression of faith should be maintained at a minimal, or if possible, should be locked up. Any form of religious expression outside the church is seen as an encroachment to public domain. In places like Europe and the United States, many groups have challenged the displaying of the nativity scene in public domains, questioning the legitimacy of using public space to promote religious views. While governments should indeed maintain religious neutrality in public spaces, it must also uphold the inseparable cultural traditions that has become an essential part of its identity. Pope Francis made this clear when he recently urged families to display the nativity scene “in the workplace, schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares.” “Wherever it is, and whatever form it takes, the Christmas crèche speaks to us of the love of God, the God who became a child in order to make us know how close He is to every man, woman and child, regardless of their condition,” the Pope wrote in his apostolic letter Admirabile Signum, (Enchanting Image). In fact, contrary to what secular activists suggest, it is quite impossible to disassociate one’s religious (or irreligious) views in the public discourse. One can only camouflage it by employing neutral languages, but the principles from which motivations and policies are derived
largely springs from one’s personal belief. As it is true in the West and in our own shores, it cannot be denied that Christianity played a huge role in the development of our cultural identity. From our cities to our street festivals, we are immersed with names of saints and celebrations that reminisce religious significance. However, this harmless custom of displaying a belen is likewise threatened by an even subtler kind of oppression. It is an opposition that seeks to silence the Christian message while guising itself to be a “free thinking” society. Christianity is not unfamiliar to opposition and oppression, even in the time of its founder’s birth. There is a certain irking and often unsettling message in the image of the belen and of the Gospel itself that has made the Christian so attractive to bullies. Behind the story of the nativity, we remember the night when similar political figures have also sought in the past to destroy and silence the Nativity scene from its very conception and failed. These modern-day “Herods” seek to eradicate the Christ in Christmas by removing the religious elements while profiting from its capitalist craze. Today, Christian oppression is not only expressed in the blood of the martyrs, but also of the ordinary Christian who strives to live out his faith amidst dissent and discrimination. But to remove “the reason for the season” as the cliché goes, would reduce Christmas into a mere holiday fad. It would make a culture which has largely relied on its religious significance in order to make sense of its joys and sorrows devoid of memory. To remove the nativity scene in public places will not only impede the freedom of religious speech, but will lead to a society stultified; a society of “Happy Holidays” where the happy and the holly are no where to be found.
FOUNDED JANUARY 16, 1928
EUGENE DOMINIC V. ABOY, O.P. KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES
Editor in Chief Associate Editor
JOHN EZEKIEL J. HIRRO News and Online Editor FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA Sports Editor JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN Features and Circle Editor JOSELLE CZARINA S. DE LA CRUZ Filipino and Witness Editor MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA Chief Photographer JURY P. SALAYA Art Director
FELIPE F. SALVOSA II Assistant Publications Adviser
JOSELITO B. ZULUETA Publications Adviser
NEWS Ahmed Khan H. Cayongcat, Charm Ryanne C. Magpali Camille Abiel H. Torres SPORTS Malic U. Cotongan, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. SPECIAL REPORTS Klyra V. Orbien FEATURES Ma. Jasmine Trisha L. Nepomuceno, Neil Joshua N. Servallos LITERARY Leigh Anne E. Dispo WITNESS Ma. Alena O. Castillo, Mariel Celine L. Serquiña SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Jade Veronique V. Yap CIRCLE Nolene Beatrice H. Crucillo, Neil Paolo S. Gonzales ART Mariane Jane A. Cadiz, Alisa Joy T. del Mundo, Gwyneth Fiona N. Luga, Catherine Paulene A. Umali PHOTOGRAPHY Nadine Anne M. Deang, Jean Gilbert T. Go, Renzelle Shayne V. Picar, Bianca Jolene S. Redondo, Camille Abiel H. Torres, Marvin John F. Uy, Arianne Maye D.G. Viri EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jessica C. Asprer
ALMOST 500 years after the Spaniards planted the seeds of Christianity in our shores, the tree has matured and we are finally reaping its fruits. The evangelized has become the evangelizer. Last Dec. 8, 62-year-old Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a top Vatican post making him the second Asian to receive the position. Two months ago, Pope Francis appointed a Thomasian Filipino, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, as the papal envoy to Spain, returning the favor from where the Philippines received the faith and the University. When I went to Rome in July, I was greeted with Filipino friends who were either studying or living colorful lives at the Vatican. During that time, I also learned that two of the Church’s religious orders, namely the Order of Preachers and the Clerics Regular Minor, are both headed by Filipinos. During Gaudete Sunday, the Pope celebrated the Simbang Gabi together with roughly 7,500 Filipinos, urging them to be “smugglers of the faith.” Italy itself has some 167,000 Filipinos according to its labor ministry. This historic event at St. Peter’s is a sign that the Filipinos’ infectious joy and resilience has much to offer to the Church, which is gradually losing its foothold in many parts of the West. Today, we see many Filipinos serving as missionaries abroad in order to keep the faith alive in places where Christianity have become a struggling minority. The presence of Filipino Church leaders in Rome is a sign that the Church has finally noticed the great potential of the East. However, to say that Asia is the future of the Church would be to deny her of her universal character. It remains true that “the ‘future’ of the Church is in any place where the Gospel needs to be heard, either because it is ignored in religiously indifferent societies or because the Gospel has not yet been adequately preached.” As the fifth largest Christian nation in the world and the largest in Asia, Filipino Catholics serve as scattered seeds of the Gospel all over the world. Though these promising developments are sources for celebration, there is still much work to do for the Church in the Philippines. For one, the prevailing corruption, the ruthless killings and the shameful culture of indifference is a glaring sign of failure in the Church’s evangelization. The faith still remains compartmentalized and detached from the everyday lives of Filipinos. God is only for Sundays, and has become less and less so. In addition to this, the government’s lack of support is tragic but unsurprising. A tree that matured but has not deepened its roots is in danger of being swept even in the lightest storm. Where do Filipinos stand amidst all these realities within the Church? At present, we have two saints who are neither clergy and are both martyrs. This is probably a sign that if the Church in the Philippines will continue to thrive, it is not solely up to the priests and religious. Christianity will continue to draw its life from the common person from the bottom up, just as it now begins to learn from the Indio. It will come from the lay person who willingly continues to render the unbloody martyrdom in his or her daily sacrifice of building up the Church.
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LIMELIGHT The Varsitarian
DECEMBER, 14 2019
ART DIRECTOR: JURY P. SALAYA
OPINION
The Varsitarian
Panopticon
“Our country treats photographers as hobbyists who should be satisfied with free food.”
MARY JAZMIN D. TABUENA IS THE shabby treatment of photographers becoming an industry practice? I find it worrisome as a photographer that compensation is unjust as we tell stories through images. Sometimes, telling these real stories are more important to the young dreamers, journalists and photojournalists, that pay. Photography has become a highly competitive field, especially with the advent of social media and advanced technology. Almost everybody has access to expensive phones and can take pictures that beat professional photographers. Others may have access to expensive phones and cameras, but not everyone can compose photographs well – that’s where professionals come in. One of my early mistakes as a photographer was agreeing to shoot for a director and a singer. They flashed a contract that stated we would offer our work for free, disguised as “internship with free food.” It was the worst kind of exploitation -- cheap labor coming from a fellow creative professional in the same industry, clearly taking advan-
tage of new artists. It is a seductive mistake that we must avoid. Former senator Bam Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 351 or the Freelancers Protection Act and stated in his explanatory note: “In the event that an employer refuses to pay a freelancer for services rendered, the aggrieved party can file a complaint to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and can expect the agency to investigate and, should the complaint be considered valid, a penalty of up to P250,000 shall be imposed on the non-compliant employer.” “With more and more freelancers in the country, we are confronted with an urgent need to protect this new sector and empower them with ease of doing business,” he said. Free meals and exposure will not build a house or provide necessities, or medicines when photographers get hospitalized, knowing how overworked most of us are. Our industry treats photographers and artists lightly. For decades, schools and society at large taught art as a hobby.
Artists were made to feel that their field was at a lower level and not at par with Math and Science courses. Our country is still far from understanding the creatives’ needs and still treats artists, including photographers, as hobbyists. We are still not seeing the bigger picture that photographs may not save lives like doctors do, but can give them meaning and allow us to think deeper than usual to solve societal problems. The client should only expect a certain level of quality if a photographer is forced to work for very little compensation or none at all. We are not being paid because the job is easy; we are paid for the years we spent to make our work look easy. Great clients who politely ask for our rates even come back as they see the value of the work we do. Demanding pay is a right and photographers must stop doing it for free or settling for a lower price. Photographers and creatives in general must ensure that contracts cover work. Photographers page 13
‘Kamusmosan’ Espiritu ng Kapaskuhan Malamig na simoy ng hangin sa mga lansangang nararamtan ng mga palamuti’t nagsasayawang mga ilaw alinsunod sa ihip ng hangin. Mga parol ay nakabitin sa bawat kabahayan. Ang kampana'y bumabatingaw na sa kapilya’y nanghahalina. Nariyan din ang aroma ng kakaning puto bumbong at batirol na sadyang malalanghap sa bawat mong pagbangon. Tunay nga na tayo’y nasa panahon na ng Kapaskuhan. Ngunit bukod sa ganitong mga tagpo, itinuturing din na ang pasko ay para sa mga musmos. Ano’ng kadahilanan ang maaari nating maibigay upang ating maunawaan kung bakit ang Pasko ay para sa kabataan? Tuwing ako’y tutunghay sa aking magiisang taong gulang na pamangkin, may kung ano’ng kapayapaan akong nararamdaman sa aking kalooban na hindi ko lubos malaman kung ano’ng pinagmumulan. Sa bawat ngiti ay matatalos mo ang busilak na kagalakan. Ang
halakhak ay salamin ng walang bahid-dungis na kasiyahan. Payak at tunay na puspos ng kataimtiman ang puso, tila mula sa anghel na handog sa kalupaan. Kapagdaka naman kung ito ay may nararamdamang pighati, na kahit sariling ina ay hindi matukoy, sapagkat bata pa ay di pa kayang magtago ng kapighatian gayon di’y hindi naman maituro kung saan ang kasakitan. Kakalungin ito ng ina at patuloy na ipadarama na ito’y may kasama sa gitna ng pagdurusa. Marahil ito na nga ang dahilan kung bakit ang Pasko ay para sa kabataan dahil ang mga bata’y tinuturuan tayong magkaroon ng pusong payak at busilak; magkaroon ng kasiyahang puyos ng katotohanan at kadalisayan; at maging inosente sa makasalanang mundo at maging mga anghel na tagapagdala ng kapayapaan sa bawat tao gaya ng batang Hesus na siyang sanhi ng Pasko.
Tayo rin ay hinihikayat na tularan ang isang mapag-arugang Ina. Hindi man niya matalos ang iniindang sakit ng iniirog na bunso ay ipinararamdam nito na sa kabila ng paghihirap ng minamahal na sanggol, siya’y nariyan at tutunghay sa sinisinta ng puso kagaya ni Maria. Sinuong ng Mahal na Ina ang walang-katiyakan mailigtas lamang ang batang Hesus sa tiyak na kapahamakan. JOENNER PAOLO ENRIQUEZ, O.P.
Tanong: Ano Ang Nangyari Sa Pasko? Christmas jingle mo ang busina ng trapiko. Kunwari, Christmas lights: sumisikot-sikot. Ang kindat ng pula sa EDSA, pumupulupot.
Naalala mo pa ba noong bata ka, na kapag araw ni Hesus, buong pusong ikaw ay sumasalubong.
Sandamakmak, uuwi para sa Simbang Gabi: para makasakay, nag-uunahan nagbubugbugan.
Mas malakas pa sa kanta ni Jose Mari Chan ang purong halakhak sa Diyos, tapat na pasasalamat.
Barado ang ilong sa maitim na usok, buga ng mga kotseng umaarangkada.
Parang alaala na lamang, gawa-gawa. Hindi mo na mapagtanto, nalilimot. Bakit ang Pasko naging ganito?
Nagmadaling bumili sa mala-sardinas na mall Ng pang-regalo. Nagdasal na sana sapat na ito.
Pilit na inaalala, ngunit hindi makasagot: ano ang nangyari sa iyo at sa taong nasa paligid mo?
Sa mukha ng tao sa daan walang nakangiti, walang bumabati.
SOFIA BERNICE NAVARRO
DECEMBER 14, 2019
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Christmas amid rubble and deluge TWENTY-THREE days before Christmas, Dec. 4, 2019, typhoon "Tisoy" ravaged the province of Albay causing damage to its infrastructure, agriculture and vital livelihood. The onslaught left nine dead and P811 million in agricultural damage. Estimated cost of destroyed classrooms was P600 million, while the cost of damaged classrooms was P272 million according to DepEd Bicol. More than 500,000 people were also evacuated from their homes due to threat of storm surges, flood and landslides. The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region and Calbayog City in Samar were placed under state of calamity. Ten days before Christmas, Dec. 15, 2019, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Southern Mindanao after a series of previous quakes. The Dec. 15 earthquake damaged at least 315 structures, which include 42 schools that sustained major damage. Seven hospitals saw thousands of patients forcibly evacuated to makeshift tents, municipal halls, police stations, government infrastructures and residential houses of 1,951 families with 9,755 individuals. The Southern Trade Shopping Center in Davao del Sur province and Canlas Commercial building collapsed with a number of people trapped inside. The death toll from the quake was placed at seven persons with numerous injured. All data gathered as of Dec. 17, 2019 were retrieved from updated press releases of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). It is very ironic to say the least that while most are busy preparing or others are just expecting good things for Christmas Day, two unfortunate natural calamities battered our fellow Filipinos in the provinces of Southern Luzon and Southern Mindanao. The thrill of the festivities of Christmas turned into a state of gloom and bewilderment for those directly affected by the tragedies. The closeness of the typhoon in the Bicol area and the earthquake in the Davao province to Christmas Day has added more compassion and lots of sentimental feelings for the victims and affected people. With monetary problems faced on a day-to-day basis along other problems, havoc brought by natural calamities not only confounded the situation but present a perplexed, demoralizing and depressing view life. “Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!” Easy to say from the outside look-
Where It Matters Most KATRINA ISABEL C. GONZALES
ing in. But come to think of it, we, Filipinos are known to be buoyant in times of crisis. Even His Holiness, the well-loved Pope Francis, during his papal visit last Jan. 1519, 2015 hailed the resiliency of the millions of Filipinos affected by typhoon Yolanda which devastated Tacloban, Leyte and left at least 10,000 dead and $2.98 million in estimated damage. The Vicar of Christ said, “I admire the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of natural disaster.” It is a matter of faith. The birth of Jesus Christ, which we commemorate every Christmas Day, ushers much hope that carries us through trials and challenges of our lives. Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle in his Misa de Gallo homily said that there remains faith and belief that Jesus Christ, the Savior will come. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial; for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Also, in times of disasters, we learn to help and share in whatever way we can. Cash and donations in kind help a long way for those in dire straits. This is when and where our “bayanihan spirit” comes into being. With the pouring of help, the affected people will feel that they not alone in their predicaments. Let us give our share, big or small, bills or coins, used or new clothing and other things that the victims sorely need, all these will boost their morale and will strengthen their spirit to fight and move on. Even political differences are put aside in trying times such as these events. Vice-president Leni Robredo deferred the release of her drug report so government agencies will concentrate on the urgent matter of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the provinces hit by the two calamities. Christmas p. 13 from page 11 She even led in the call for assistance from the private sector for immediate distribution to Davao, the home province of President Duterte. Other sectors, like the religious organizations, media... Christmas Page 13
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COMICS The Varsitarian
EDITOR: JURY P. SALAYA
DECEMBER, 14 2019
TRES THREENA UMALI
FRIENDS WITH BENNYFITS JAN ESGUERRA
TOMAS U. SANTOS PIA LOZADA
Mission month (from page 6)
‘Baptized and sent’ According to Pope Francis, mission stems from baptism because a baptized individual is sent into the mission. “Today too, the Church needs men and women who, by virtue of their baptism, respond generously to the call to leave behind home, family, country, language and local Church, and to be sent forth to the nations, to a world not yet transformed by the sacraments of Jesus Christ and his holy Church,” Pope Francis said. With the theme “Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World,” the initiative aims
to heighten awareness of the missio ad gentes (mission to the nations) and taking up again with renewed fervor the missionary transformation of the Church’s life and pastoral activity. The Pope also used his message to commend the pontifical mission societies for raising awareness and support for the Church’s missionary work. The four dimensions, listed by Pope Francis, to live the preparation and implementation of EMM includes “A personal encounter with Jesus Christ”, “Testimony”, “Missionary formation”, and “Missionary charity.” Ma. Alena O. Castillo
Dialogues (from page 6) Raymond Naguit, chairman of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition and an alumnus of UST College of Medicine, said differences among communities should not be a hindrance to achieving sustainable development. “[T]here can’t be development unless we settle these kinds of differences. I think there really has to be spaces talaga na mag-usap-usap kung ano [ang] mga concerns nila [and] what reservations they have, ” Naguit said in an interview with the Varsitarian. Networks among religious denominations Gasun Han, a South Korean co-moderator of RfP APIYN, emphasized the value of creating relationships, coming from her experience in dialogue with North Koreans. “Unification is about co-existence
and learning to live together. This is why relationship is a key factor in building peace,” she said. Mastura said there was a need for the annual peace camps and continuous dialogue among nations and religions. “We have to meet one-on-one with different faith communities, so that when we get to know each other, we will learn to love each other, because you don’t love someone you don’t know,” Mastura told the Varsitarian. The theme of the peace camp is “Fostering Shared Well-Being: Empowering Asia-Pacific Towards Common Actions.” It was organized by the APIYN executive committee in coordination with the UST Office for Students Affairs and UST student leaders. Eighty international and local delegates including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus, joined the camp. N.A.D. Sabate
Runners-up
(from page 15) The team made a promising start, thrashing UP in their first encounter and losing to Ateneo by only a point. But the young team lost its focus, ending the elimination round with a 4-3 record, and raising doubts whether they could make the semis. Some of it had to do with news that at least two UAAP schools poaching Abando in the middle of the season. Ayo admitted it distracted the team. The Tigers still finished with an 8-6 record and had to go through three straight elimination games to secure the right to face Ateneo.
UST mayhem Ayo’s coaching style has been described as “mayhem,” one anchored on scrappy play and suffocating defense. With UST, this also meant torrid three-point shooting with the likes of Abando, Nonoy, Cansino, Renzo Subido, Brent Paraiso and Sherwin Concepcion in the lineup. The team’s reliance on the three also had its critics, but Ayo would often respond: “That’s our game.” The Tigers made the most triples in a game this season with 16 against the UP Fighting Maroons in the second round. They shot 30.32 percent from deep in the eliminations on 35.57 attempts per game. And their shooting propelled them to their first finals appearance in four years. After sinking the triple that eliminated the Fighting Maroons and sent the Tigers to the finals, Subido declared what had been obvious all season: UST will live and die by the three. The two-game series against the defending champs, however, was a
different story. Ateneo limited UST to just the 25.41 percent from deep, a huge downgrade from their average. Ateneo’s defense also forced UST to commit 14.5 turnovers during the two-game sweep. But one lesson was clear to Ayo. “Kung ano yung mga kulang natin ngayon, yun ang susubukan nating punuan next season in terms of yung mga kulang ng mga players, yung mga lapses natin dito [sa Finals]… Kaya nga sabi ko hopefully matuto sila,” he said. “I’m proud of the players, I’m proud of the team, yun nga lang kinapos. But I’m still proud of them.” Same fate Their women’s basketball counterparts, the Growling Tigresses, suffered the same fate as they fell to juggernaut NU Lady Bulldogs in two straight games. The Lady Bulldogs have now won 96 straight games in four seasons and tied Far Eastern University with the most titles in UAAP women’s basketball history. NU started off hot with a 25-8 opening canto and never looked back. “The first quarter was really hard,” MVP Grace Irebu of UST told the Varsitarian, “Some of my teammates are still not focused and didn’t execute the plays, and NU took advantage.” The Lady Bulldogs outscored the Tigresses from the perimeter, 29-10. NU starters chalked up 53 markers, just one point shy of the entire UST team’s 54-point total. Playing without former MVP Jack Aminam, Monique Carmen and Kaye Pingol propelled NU with 15 points apiece. Rhena Itesi tallied 12 points with eight rebounds. Reynalyn Ferrer scattered 16 points while Irebu tallied a double-double with 11 markers and 10 boards.
Marcos SA PANAHON kung kailan naghari ang tiraniya at opresyon, ilang mga Tomasinong manunulat ang walang takot na nagpahayag ng katotohanan laban sa diktadura ng rehimeng Marcos. Malaki ang ginampanan ng mga Tomasino gaya nina Nick Joaquin, Recah Trinidad, Eugenia Duran-Apostol, at Jose Diokno sa pagpapahayag sa mga katiwalian at sa pagbagsak ng diktadura. Tinalakay sa librong “Press Freedom Under Siege: Reportage that Challenged the Marcos Dictatorship” na ang mga suliraning kinaharap ng ating bansa noong panahon ng Martial Law. Ayon kay Ma. Ceres Doyo, patnugot ng libro, mahalagang mabasa ito ng kasalukuyang henerasyon nang matuklasan nila ang ipinaglaban ng mga mamamahayag gamit ang salita noong panahon ng diktadura. “This book is for the present and future generations, for them to appreciate the power of the written word and the importance of keeping watch in the night with their lamps trimmed while the battle rages between darkness and light,” wika ni Doyo sa pambungad na mensahe sa libro. Binigyang-diin ng yumaong alagad ng sining na si Nick Joaquin sa kaniyang talumpating parte ng librong ito na “Writers in a Climate of Fear,” na nanaig pa rin ang takot sa mga manunulat noong panahon ng Martial Law. “But if it’s the press that creates the cultural climate today, and that climate is one of fear, then even the creative writer, however independent he may think himself to be, is actually also suffering from Periodismo... Pah 14 (mula pahina 3) that make the newspa-
per writer so nervous,” wika niya. Kinumpara naman ni Jose Diokno ang karahasang dinaranas ng mga mamamahayag noong panahon ng diktadurang Marcos sa mga dinanas ni Dr. Jose Rizal noong panahon ng mga Kastila sa “The Jose Rizal Lecture.” “We are not blind, mindless chess pieces moved about by higher powers,
EDITOR: FAITH YUEN WEI N. RAGASA •
SPORTS 15
The Varsitarian
DECEMBER 14, 2019
UST athletes don PH colors in SEA Games
Tiger Sand Jaron Requinton challenged opponents in the beach volleyball tournaments. UST alumni Sisi Rondina, EJ Obiena, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Ann Antolihao, Aira Teodosio, Eloiza Luzon, Daryl Mercado, Al Llamas, Sarah Dequinan, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rhea Dimaculangan, among others, also represented the country. “UAAP is about fighting for the pride of UST while playing in the SEA Games is about the pride of the country as well," two-time UAAP beach volleyball champion Requinton told the Varsitarian in an online interview. This year, the number of Thomasian athletes increased. Only seven representatives were sent to the 29th SEA Games in Malaysia in 2017. The opening ceremony was on held Nov. 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. MALIC U. COTONGAN
PHOTO BY ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN
More dangerous Tigers seen after tough UAAP finals loss COACH Aldin Ayo was a no-show when the Growling Tigers were awarded the runner-up trophy on Wednesday. The moment clearly belonged to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, whose perfect 16-0 season culminated in a third straight UAAP championship. Ayo, who owns titles as coach both in the NCAA and the UAAP, was not one to settle for less. But that his rookie-laden team had gone this far, losing only to mighty Ateneo, showed its mettle — and how much tougher it can still be for years to come. “Malaking bagay tong nakarating kami sa
Former UST Tiger Spiker Mark Alfafara waves the Philippine flag after the country’s men’s volleyball team won the silver medal at the Sea Games volleyball competition.
finals, at least na-experience ng mga players natin, especially the rookies ‘yong finals atmosphere,” Ayo told reporters after Ateneo’s title-clinching 86-79 win over UST. Distraction On paper, the Tigers were not supposed to even reach the Final Four. Last season’s top scorer Marvin Lee opted to forego his final year. New team captain CJ Cansino was fresh from an ACL injury. But Ayo knew he could squeeze something special out of his rookies, a total of nine, led by the dynamic duo of Mark Nonoy and Runners-up PAGE 14 Rhenz Abando.
Tiger Sands clinch title in all-UST international beach volleyball final MALIC U. COTONGAN
THE UST Tiger Sands claimed the championship of the Rebisco Beach Volleyball Open Tournament at the Mall of Asia Sands by the Bay Sunday. Tiger Sands’ “Dynamo Duo” of Rancel Varga and Efraem Dimaculangan triumphed over second UST pair Jaron Requinton and KR Guzman with a 21-12, 21-18 victory to secure the first and second place, respectively. The UST Varga-Dimaculangan tandem swept the elimination rounds after defeating opponents from Thailand and Hong Kong. The Varga-Dimaculangan duo extended their winning streak after beating USA and Hong Kong in their quarterfinals matches and Thailand in the semifinals.
UST head coach Aldin Ayo draws up a play for the Tigers
PBA D-League Foundation Cup 2019 champion Joshua Fontanilla has agreed to join the UST Growling Tigers next season, head coach Aldin Ayo confirmed to the Varsitarian Monday. Ayo said Fontanilla, who will take up his masters degree in UST, will play for three UAAP seasons starting next Season 83. Fontanilla made a name for
Jean Gilbert T. Go
UST players push world ranking to 40th in int’l korfball tourney UST KORFBALL players represented the Philippines and improved to 40th in the country's ranking after they outlasted Nador to place 11th in the 19th International Sealteq Korfball Tournament at Stadskanaal Netherlands on November 8 to 10. The national korfball squad, composed of former and current UST athletes, competed as the only asian country in the tourney. The roster included Kent Albert Bagnol, Igy Rebusquillo, Chelsea Ajose, Brigette Ann Soriano, Jason Jim San Juan, Jerome Camia, Chad Ebreo, Pau Nicolas, Kirby Matthew Ong, Pauline Gabayan, Aging Rubio, and Robinson Laxa.
UST pair Requinton and Guzmam settled for a silver finish while remaining Philippine team representatives Edmar Bonono and Jude Garcia clinched the third place podium. In women’s play, the “SiPons” duo of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons won the gold medal. Philippine team players Dzi Gervacio and Dij Rodriguez settled for silver while the Hong Kong tandem completed the podium with bronze medals. UST Lady Spikers tandem Merry Jauculan and Genessa Eslapor also joined the tourney and reached the quarterfinals. The tournament ran from Nov. 15 to 17.
PBA D-League champ set to join Tigers next season
Rebusquillo was named “The Man of the Match.” “Ngayon, tina-try natin na i-spread ‘yong ganitong sport dito sa Philippines para maging aware ‘yong mga Filipinos about the game,” Philippine Korfball Team training coach Madel Banebane told the Varsitarian. The Philippine Korfball Federation was established in 2007 and became the 61st member of the International Korfball Federation in 2014. Korfball is played by two teams with four female players and four male players in each team. J.R.M. MONTON with reports from MALIC U. COTONGAN
(Photo grabbed from Rodrigo Sambuang Jr.)
SEVERAL Thomasian athletes qualified to represent the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines from Nov. 25 to Dec. 11. Lady Booter Shela Mae Cadag competed in the women’s football category. Golden Sox Ron Christian Dela Cruz qualified for the baseball team’s lineup. Tiger Jins Darius Venerable, Aidaine Laxa, Jocel Ninobla, Laila Delo and Realis Tabiano competed in the Taekwondo and Poomsae events. Trackster Hokkett Delos Santos made it to the pole vault category. Tiger Shark Juan Carlos Abad raced for gold in the triathlon event. Tiger Spiker Joshua Umandal and Golden Tigress Eya Laure will vied for indoor volleyball medals. Tiger Judokas Dither Tablan, Renzo Caseñas, Chino Sy and Sydney Sy sparred with other delegates in judo events.
himself after his stint in the NAASCU league, where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds for St. Clare. The 5-foot-11 combo guard also went 37.8 percent from deep, making him a good fit to UST’s “live and die by the three” system. Fontanilla will join UST’s backcourt rotation with Mark Nonoy, Brent Paraiso, and Albert Bordeos.
(Photo grabbed from Claudia Faustino's Facebook profile)
Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was
bigger than our whole world. - C. S. Lewis