45 YEARS OF RELENTLESS CAMPUS JOURNALISM.
The LaSallian VOL. XLVI NO. 5 • THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY • 13 OCTOBER 2005
'Let Religious Freedom ring' ROYCE ROBERT ZUÑIGA
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f demonstrators are fighting for their right to freedom of expression in the national arena, non-Catholic Lasallians inside DLSU are also fighting for another kind of right—their right to religious freedom. Concerned student leaders are spearheading the campaign for the inclusion of the right to religious freedom to the Students’ Charter. Mark Edward Nanquil, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Academic Policy Research Engagement and Lobbying (APREL), which is under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for Academics of the Student Council (SC), together with non-Catholic students are initiating the campaign. According to Nanquil, “For this year, we all know that the Student Handbook will be re vised and it’s actually a good timing for the Student Charter to be revised as well. That’s why we also thought of lobbying for the right to religious freedom to be included in the Students’ Charter.” Recognizing FAITH The proposed bill seeks to recognize and accredit non-Catholic organizations inside the school so that they will be given the same rights, such as the l egitimate right to use the facilities of the University during their activities, which are afforded to Catholic organizations within DLSU. They would not need to mask their activities in order to be approved anymore. Moreover, the proposed act aims to stop the passage of University policies that might reduce the religious freedom of its students and might bar other religions and non-Catholic religious practices inside the campus. Meanwhile, the DLSU administration, as stated in the draft, shall encourage academic discussions of religion and other related subjects inside the university too. In relation to this, the university administration, with the assistance of the SC, should support different sectors inside the University in promoting religious freedom and the religious interests of Lasallians. Nanquil asserts that it will be good for DLSU to include the right to religious freedom in the Students’ Charter, because it is one of the key factors in helping the university achieve a world-class status. “I believe that DLSU is, in fact, on its way to being a world- class university and therefore, one small step to accomplish that goal is to recognize that a world class university should be open to international students, who are not necessarily Catholics. I believe that religious freedom is one of the crucial elements of a university, wherein students, regardless of race and religion, could be accepted freely and could be an integral part of the system,” the EVP of APREL said. LET RELIGIOUS, SEE PAGE 2
PHOTO BY DAN NABLE
Facelift. Workers continue to refurbish the Rizal Stadium for the upcoming Sea Games 2005.
Br. Roly resigns from Con-Com FRANCESCA STA. ANA
Br. Rolando Dizon FSC resigned from his position as viceStill, Dizon’s move at that time was surrounded by controchairman of the Consultative Commission (Con-Com) last versy, and questions of whether politics and conflicts within the Oct. 5, a few days after being elected. His resignation was commission had anything to do with his stepping down. discussed in a meeting of the District Council and Community Currently, the Brother is director-at-large of the Catholic Directors of the De La Salle Brothers which was called by Br. Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP). Edmundo Fernandez, FSC. “Health reasons” seem to be what is behind Br. Roly’s resignation. The Con-Com dilemma The Con-Com, a body that would tackle the issue of charter change, is headed by former UniHistory repeating itself? versity of the Philippines President Jose Abueva. Br. Roly, who was DLSU-System They are tasked to review the 1987 Constitution, President from 1998 to 2003, was also at conduct public consultations, propose approprithe helm of the Commission on Higher ate amendments, and make recommendations. Education (CHED) a year ago. While However, it would still be up to the Congress Br. Roly was the chairman of CHED, he to approve the changes. launched a more affordable and wideThe Con-Com is composed of entrepreranging student loan program for college neurs, members of the academe, constitutional juniors, seniors and graduating students. experts, incumbent and former local officials and CHED was praised for making an effort even journalists. Formed by President Gloria to increasing the accessibility of tertiary Macapagal-Arroyo, the commission should aceducation to Filipinos. There was also an complish its task by Dec. 15. increase in the number of Filipino seafarers While some might agree with the establishdue to the improved standard of educament of the charter consultative body, DLSU tion for Marine Engineering and Marine System President Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that in spite of Transportation courses. However, Dizon’s term as chairman was also cut short the Constitution’s imperfections, constitutional amendment when he resigned on September 25 of last year. His term, “will be more of a distraction rather than a help.” He closed which was supposed to end until July 20, 2006, was made by saying that modifying the Constitution “will not guarantee that things will be better.” abrupt, also because of supposed health concerns.
Admin clarifies legal employment issues ROYCE ROBERT ZUÑIGA
The DLSU- Employees Association working. and the employees are not satisfied (DLSU-EA) continues its legal battles It follows a step-by-step process with it, they may appeal their case to with the DLSU-Administration. It has in the resolution of conflicts between the Committee Level. Four members, aired its side on the issue; now, the Ad- the Administration and the employ- two from the administration and the ministration shared its sentiments. ees. There are two steps in resolving union, and two alternates for each of a dispute that is being handled by the the parties, comprise the Grievance grievance machinery. Normally, cases Committee. The Grievance Machinery DLSU-EA President Baylon Bañez, According to Human Resource are being referred to the HRD level, Development (HRD) Director, Atty. which is composed of an official rep- meantime, claimed that the AdminisEnrico Lusica, the grievance machin- resentative from the employees’ union tration is "authorizing themselves to ery, which comes from the Collec- and the HRD Director. However, when appoint the representative of the emtive Bargaining Agreement (CBA), is the HRD Director renders its decision ployee to the Discipline Board. ADMINISTRATION, SEE PAGE 2
Former faculty criticizes student activists CRISCEL LAMSIN
"Shut up and go back to your books!" These were the blunt words, published in an article on Inq7.net, with which former College of Engineering professor Eric Gutierrez castigated the recent spate of Lasallian student protest actions. These statements were prompted at the height of the Gloriagate political drama, and the deafening calls for the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) to make the supreme sacrifice, which DLSU has been initiating. Words of disappointment? “I am dismayed by what you students are doing these days. You students rally for causes that are self-dooming. You You students help destabilize and embarrass this country that you think you love so much,” Gutierrez said. He further stressed that students should instead focus on their studies, this being the very reason why they are in school. He accentuated that the students’ involvement in the said efforts to oust PGMA is defeating their very own principles, noting that their drastic political participation will make them the next generation of the same kind of people they cursed on the street –traditional politicians, or as he said, maybe even worse. “On top of all this, you seem to think you know everything under the sun, that’s why you students involve yourselves in matters you should stay away from – politics,” he further added. The defense of the students Ayleen Ortiz, a professor of the Filipino Department, believes that “no one has the right to obstruct t he students or anyone on that matter, to exercis e their constitutional rights.” Student Council (SC) Secretary and active youth leader Kate Lim sees Gutierrez’ pronouncements as a solid attack on her part, remarking that it somehow depicted an apparent definition of who she is. Nevertheless, she believes that there is no way that such statement can hinder the youth from pursuing a fight which they have already begun. As proof of the conviction of the student leaders, Lim further reiterated that the SC has already made a stand even before the Lasallian Brothers came up with Restoring Faith in Democracy, Democracy, in which the Brothers asked PGMA to make the “supreme sacrifice.” Although Gutierrez’ statement is a clear condemnation on their part, she still wants to look at it on a brighter note. “Still, it is good that someone is criticizing you, quite obviously he is coming from a different perspective,” Lim closed. Both Lim and Ortiz share the same view that learning does not begin and end in the four corners of a classroom. It certainly goes beyond that because genuine learning is realizing that each student has a responsibility to the society where he/she belongs.
U NIVERSIT Y
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The LaSallian
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The LaSallian
13 October 2005
DLSU, Globe ink P4 million deal; contract not a lockout
In Review
Lockout on sponsorships JOYCE ANNE ALFONSO
From a strictly profit-based perspective, lockouts can be considered as very good avenues o f school commercialism. A lockout is an agreement between two parties that basically gives the sponsoring organization the exclusive right to sell and promote their goods to the sponsored organization. Usually, these companies sponsor university programs and activities in order to associate their brands with these events. These are means for companies to gain entry to a school. There is sense in this venture since in DLSU's case, it is an institution composed of students coming from relatively well-to-do social classes, and as such, it is a strategic market for selling the merchandise of these companies. DLSU continues to have lockouts with several companies. Even if DLSU enters into lockouts with these companies, there is still no formal policy that governs these agreements. This is disadvantageous for the university because lockouts are deemed to be market distortions and as such, it violates the basic free market principles on competition. Also, when market forces are ignored, there is a possibility of abuse within a lockout agreement. There is a danger that the supplier will take advantage of imposing unreasonable terms for a campus. Hence the school needs to be consulted first if it wants to be part of the lockout agreement or not. In the case of Globe, though not a lockout, the school was consulted so that the terms of the agreement would not go against school policies. However, according to Ildemac Bautista, head of Finance Investment under the Office of the President, some ground rules are already sketched out. These are pending for the approval of System President Br. Armin Luistro FSC, in order to address these problems. These ground rules try to see if the university can impose market discipline in entering into agreements with companies. Forexample,beforegoingthrough anexclusivecontractwith a company, DLSU will take proposals from rival companies. In this way, DLSU will be able to compare the various agreements offered by the different companies and it could choose the best possible deal.
JOYCE ANNE ALFONSO
PHOTO BY TIANEL ESPIRITU
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n response to the demand for scholarships and sponsorships for year. The telecom giant will then select the activities it wants to student athletes, Globe Telecom and De La Salle University sponsor. (DLSU) signed a contract last Sept. 23 for a University Athlet A certain project is proposed to be explored as another means ics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) team endorsement. The of gaining more funds without taxing the students. This project agreement, duly signed by DLSU System President Br. Armin comes in the form of having a DLSU Menu in the Add-On Services Luistro FSC and Globe President was a four million peso, one of Globe. This service might help DLSU students who are Globe year deal. users to avail of services such as checking of schedules, online anThe contract makes Globe the official sponsor of all the UAAP nouncements, and access to the Office of the University Registrar teams of DLSU for next school year. for transcripts without the use of the DLSU Help Desk. However, Executive Vice President Dr. Quebengco stressed On the other hand, the Student Council has just recently that DLSU’s contract with Globe is not a lockout. What both launched its text hotline (2955) for subscribers of all networks. parties agreed to is “the right to first refusal,” which means that Br. Bobby said that this project may take a long time to procif any telecom company sponsorship is needed by an organization ess and set up because of safety parameters like the security of the ADMINISTRATION, FROM PAGE 1 within DLSU, the first one to be asked is Globe. If by chance that University’s data and programs, and the possible added cost of the Globe refuses or disapproves the request that is the only time the service for students. In response to the DLSU- and vice versa, the AdministraEA President's claim, Lusica tion has frequently tried to organizations can approach other telecom companies. Br. Bobby Casingal FSC, director of the Office of Sports DeStudentsnot consulted? said that he cannot comment reach out and communicate to velopment (OSD), said that the deal is a response to the problems The contract was signed, but it raised the eyebrows of some on this issue because it is still the union. officers of the Student Council (SC). The SC claimed that they under litigation to be resolved “The Administration has it has been experiencing. Every year, the OSD spends a significant in the case entitled, DLSU-EA, consistently been within easy amount of money for athletic scholarships, coaches’ salaries, rentals, were not consulted regarding the deal. Simoun Ferrer, VP-AcPeralta et al . vs. DLSU et al., reach, open to communication, and the like. All of these spending boil down to one ef fect: a budget tivities, expressed that they talked to OSD about the issue. Before which is now pending in the Ar- and responsive to the require- deficit for the department. The OSD needed to devise a fundraising contract signing, they requested to look at the provisions of the scheme without taxing the school and the students. The sponsorship agreement. bitration Branch of the National ments of circumstances. Aside The OSD answered that before the contract will be signed, Labor Relations Commission. from the Labor- Management is seen to be the solution to the OSD’s dilemma. the draft will be shown to the SC in case some revisions will be “The number of “griev- Relations Council, and the made. The contract signing nonetheless commenced without the ance” as contemplated by the GrievanceMachinery,asvenues The General Deal The proposal was initially offered by Globe, which was revised knowledge of the SC. However, Ferrer admits that although the CBA to be processed through that exist for communication, the Grievance Machinery as the University is always open to conform to the relevant campus policies of the university. Dr. SC doesn’t know if the contract explicitly disallows them to see provided in the CBA, in a to address any concern,” Lusica Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice President (EVP), attested the provisions, the fact of the matter is that the "OSD bypassed that the agreement can present the opportunity of giving more representation the SC might have done for the students." school year, may be approxishared. scholarship slots for student athletes and providing them with better Br. Bobby clarified that no one was allowed to see the contract mately placed anywhere from As of now, there are 29 legal before it was signed. It was not merely a secrecy issue, but rather a zero to five grievances a school cases filed by the DLSU-EA equipment and supplies. The contract states that whenever DLSU plays in any game, measure against rival telecom companies. year,” Atty. Lusica revealed. against the Administration that Dr. Quebengco stated that there is no need to consult the SC are still unresolved. Accord- the teams will carry the Globe logo on their uniforms. Aside from about the deal as it is already mentioned to the students. "This is ing to Bañez, the Department this, Globe will have the opportunity of putting up a stall at the “Within easy reach” not being kept from anyone and any student could have reacted The HRD Director dis- of Labor and Employment bookstore of the Don Enrique Razon Sports Complex. In terms of sponsoring student activities such as job fairs or to it or given us comments directly. No policy is violated by this closed that despite the numer- (DOLE) rated DLSU with the ous cases the DLSU-EA has most number of employment projects presented by the Office of Student Activities (OSAc), the agreement,students are not adversely affected by it; in fact, our deal asserts that Globe will have the liberty of asking for a li sting, athletes have everything to gain from it.so what is there to consult filed against the Administration cases in Metro Manila. where student organizations can present their plans for the whole about?" Dr. Quebengco reasoned. they can go to Christian schools and then they could do that.” In response to Simeon, Nanquil said that the problem is not about the recruitment of members of non-Catholic organizations because they need it for their operations like solicitations and documentations, but the problem lies in the view of the DLSU administration as regards the conversion of faith. “We believe that conversion of faith is not a bad thing. For us, it is only a process of enlightening a student of which god he or she should believe in, or which type of lifestyle he or she wants to choose. We believe that Lasallians are mature and therefore, when they decide to convert or change, it is by their own free will that they decide to convert to another faith,” Nanquil asserted. EVP Dr. Carmleita Quebengco, for her part, has nothing against the draft as long as it conforms to the relevant provisionsofthe Philippineconstitution and it does not violate the University’s policy that is prohibiting proselytizing on campus.
LET RELIGIOUS , FROM PAGE 1
Onproselytizing Andy Simeon, Coordinator of Community Building and Christian Education (CBCE), which is a component of the La Sallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), and one of the resource persons that attended the SC meeting about religious freedom, believes that there is nothing wrong with starting discussions about religious freedom. However, he has some reservations with regard to the issue on proselytizing. Section 13.3.2.7 of the Student Handbook defines, “proselytizing as an attempt to convert another to one’s faith by attacking or denigrating other person’s practices and beliefs, or by offering special inducements. The CBCE Coordinator opined, “They (non-Catholic religious organizations) can do that (recruitment of members)—but not inside the school. The school is not asking them not to practice their religion. Actually, the school is telling them to practice their religion. But they cannot do that freely inside the school because it contradicts the nature of the school. If they would like to attend in a school, wherein the school can be so open, so accommodating—I’m sorry, it’s not La Salle. They could look for another school, they can go to the non-Catholic schools [or]
In the Name of Religion Currently, BnE 2005 Legislative Assembly(L.A.)Representative,Christopher Ngo is at the helm o f a signature campaign, which tries to garner support for the proposed act from non-Catholic
and Catholic students alike inside the university. According to Ngo, “the signature campaign has been going on for a week already and it has been going well. We decided to extend the signature campaign for another week so that we can advocate the issue to even more students and gain their support. Aside from gaining their support, we also want this signature campaign to be a way for the students to know and to be aware of what religious freedom really is.” In line with this, Nanquil and those who are pushing for the inclusion of the right to religious freedom in the Students’ Charter will still continue to educate the student body, and will hold talks with different groups in the Lasallian community, in order to gain support for the proposed act. For his part, CBCE Coordinator Simeon believes that, “ the draft is still open for dialogues in order to make it more acceptable to everybody. There’s nothing wrong with opening that up and there’s nothing wrong with pushing for that as a policy and I really encourage that—to open up this kind of talk so that we can have this kind of understanding because if nobody will start this, I don’t know how long we’ll still be in the dark.”
Tokyo Tech to supplement DLSU's educational drive
The pie graph reveals that though DLSU is a Roman Catholic institution, there is a significant number of non-Catholic students who belong to other denominations such as Protestantism, Islam and Hinduism. According to the article, "Drawing the Line of Faith" published in Paradigms, the DLSU student population is composed of 72.46 percent Catholics, 22.15 percent other religions, and 5.39 percent Protestant and Born Again Christians. The statistics, provided by Executive Vice President Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, were as of 2004. DLSU had been very open to other religions and strongly encouraged religious freedom. According to La Salle:1911-1986 , “De LaSalle College in the 1970s went ecumenical as well as international in its outlook.” The book stressed that DLSU took care of the needs of Protestant students as it invited the Protestant-based Campus Crusade for Christ to hold its activities in DLSU. It was during that time that BIGKIS, a religious organization of Protestant origin, was introduced.
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Japanesebayanihan This facility is the outcome of decades of cooperation between the Tokyo Institute of Technology and DLSU. As early as 1985 , the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science already made an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for academic exchange and researchcooperation.OnMay20,1992 Tokyo Tech and DLSU signed an Agreement for Cooperation detailing the activities to be undertaken by the two institutions.
FELICE CARIASO
Lasallians place third in FINEX
Christian acheivers for God and country - this is what DLSU envisions its students to become. However, some students seem to have stretched this vision a little further, landing on the shores of the United States and Hollywood. Pam Tan, who took up BS Philosophy in DLSU-Manila in 1999, proves that she’s not just an average Fil-Am. Tan discontinued her study in DLSU and moved to New York University. After completing h er degree PHOTO TAKEN FROM in Philosophy in New York, she went on to pursue an PAMTAN.COM acting career in Hollywood. She is currently involved in major acting projects, which is why she is closely linked to today’s top Hollywood celebrities. But aside from affiliating with the stars, she is working on a film about the late Pope John Paul II together with a close friend and filmmaker, Robert Evans. She is the executive producer of the said film entitled The Power of Faith. She recently visited the country, from July 19 to Sept. 9, in order to promote The Power of Faith. She was a guest in different television shows, all interested in how she made it big in Hollywood. Tan confessed that it was not easy for her to get to her present status and many people didn’t believe that she can make it, but she pushed through anyway, disproving those nonbelievers. Tan was eager to make her mark in Hollywood, especially since she believed that Asians are under-represented there and it was time for Asians to step out into the limelight. Moreover, she wanted to share her success with the country, which gave her the best memories of her life. Despite Tan’s success in Hollywood, she never forgets to look back and thank her roots. Although her stay in the University was only for a short time, she remembers and cherishes every minute of it. In fact, before leaving the country, she wanted to get something across to the students via her website, pamtan.com: “My message to all of you: love and make wise use of every minute in our University. When those days are over, you will face tremendous pressure outside. And when you do, remember that we bear the name of our University and our personal honor. So don’t forget to always give your best shot.” In her short stay in DLSU, Tan was active in student organizations such as Englicom and Student Council.
MARK ANTHONY BARIT From a fifth place finish last year, De La Salle University DLSU failed to regain the championship it held last 2002 (DLSU) improved to third place in the recently concluded and 2003. inter-university finance competition sponsored by the Junior Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX). Training The competition was held last Sept. 27 at the University According to Dr. Junette Perez, chair of the Manageof Makati. DLSU ranked behind University of the Philip- ment of Financial Institutions Department, other teams pines (UP) and University of Sto. Tomas (UST), which had longer and more rigorous training in preparation for retained their first and second place finishes last year. UP the competition. scored a total of 740 points, UST 660 and DLSU 620 out Some even prepared for one to two years. UST fourth of a perfect score of 1000. year accounting stalwart and representative Finance students from different schools all over the Smith Lim likewise said that their team rushed preparacountry joined the competition. A selected few passed the tions for some topic coverages of the contest, particularly the elimination round, where DLSU ranked fifth. finance portion. Lim shared that the UST team had serious In the final round, DLSU gave other schools a scare training for approximately one month. as it slowly climbed up the rankings. UP and UST proved Digressing, it may be noted that the Mathematics’ to be tough opponents, as DLSU failed to catch up with Trainers Guild, Philippines, an organization that trains them. DLSU finished third, followed by Ateneo De Manila mathematically talented children for international math University and DLSU-Dasmariñas at fourth and fifth places, competitions, trains students as early as elementary all the respectively. The contest covered topics like Accounting, way until second year high school. Finance, Ethics, and Economics. During this period, several persons are chosen to comDLSU was represented by Andrew Pua (BSA), Wain- pete in the elementary and high school competitions. right Gregory Yu (BSA), Mark Gloriani (AE-MFI), Chloe Addressing limited preparation time, the University’s Chizu Go (AE-BSA), and Thai Dang Hoang (MFI). They long term plan is to identify potential team members in as were chosen among a pool of students who were referred early as their sophomore year, and train them for competiby different departments of the College of Business and tion during their junior and senior years. Economics (CBE). Dr. Perez and the rest of the faculty were satisfied about The team conducted its training under the guidance of this year’s results. She attested to the intelligence and man Antonio Zamora. ners that the team displayed during the competition. She The team also underwent training from different CBE also expressed her hopes of bringing the championship back departments. Executive Vice-President Dr. Carmelita Queto DLSU in the competitions to come. bengco provided financial support to the delegates. The DLSU team bagged a trophy and cash prize DLSU has competed in all seven FINEX-held comamounting to twenty thousand pesos, which the team petitions. This year marks the second straight year that members equally shared among themselves.
DLSU undergrad graces Hollywood
DONELLE GAN AND PAUL GARILAO Over the past few months, issues on merging several parts The LaSallian tried to get the evaluation of job auditof the Student Personnel Services (SPS) have emerged. ing to Dr. Carmelita Pabiton. However, the dean cannot Last Oct. 6, Dr. Carmelita Pabiton, dean of Student yet reveal the facts because of administration matters. Affairs, met the student leaders of Student Council, The publication also tried to get the side of other Student Publications Office (SPO), Cultural Arts Office SPS offices, but most of them don't want to comment (CAO), and Council for Student Organizations (CSO). on the issue. The dean asked the students to assess the strengths Many SPS staff members have shown apprehension and weaknesses of the SPS as an umbrella organization towards the audit. Fears of dissolved positions arise, agfor students. The dean also asked what possible offices gravated by the recent economic hardships, the source could be merged in SPS to further intensify their func- said. A freeze hiring order was even laid because of the tions and avoid overlap operations. The student leaders audit, the source also stated. replied through writing their concerns. On the other hand, the source speculated the pos According to a reliable source within Student Pub- sible merging of two offices: Student Development Office lication Office (SPS), the initial stages of this plan have (SDO) and Office of Student Activities (OSAc), as well materialized in the form of job auditing performed by as the SPO and CAO. The source cited a possible reason the Internal Audit Office. that SDO and OSAc would function efficiently if housed The interviewing process that started last May is in one office. already finished. The auditor phoned some SPS person As of press time, the Student Affairs Office is continunel and asked basic questions about their functions. ously evaluating the possible changes in SPS. Information about the whole process was communicated The merging of offices is also an issue being discussed to SPS staff. by colleges. These included the possible merging of MeThe source showed an email that was sent to him chanical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering about job auditing and “possible reorganization of the and Management, as well as Business Management and SPS office.” Marketing Department.
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RAYMUND CHRISTOPHER CUESICO Under the agreement, both schools ing in the various programs. pledged to undertake joint research and Interested parties may contact Engineer publications, exchange experts for lectures, Ronaldo Gallardo, the local manager, or meetings and sharing of information, ex- Professor Hiroo Niiyama, the director of change of invitations of researchers to conTokyo Tech Office Philippines. ferences, colloquia and symposia, exchange of information and lastly, the exchange of Recentdevelopments faculty members and students for study and Tokyo Tech has given its full support to research. the advancement of research efforts espe According to the Agreement on Es- cially in the field of Chemical Engineering tablishing the Tokyo Tech Office in DLSU for which DLSU has been nominated as the signed last May 30, the main goal of the host institution among ASEAN universities. office is to strengthen the academic and re- As part of this support, Tokyo Tech has searchnetworksthroughdistanceeducation. granted full funding to three new research The primary role of the Tokyo Tech Office projects proposed by DLSU. On top of this is to be the focal point of technological ex- financial help, tools and equipment were also change between Japan and the Philippines. sent from abroad in order to facilitate quality research and development. Two staff were also admitted under the Flaunting the hardware Located at the fifth floor of the Velasco Tokyo Tech UNESCO program to study building, the office houses the latest in in Japan. information and communication technology that allows easy contact with Japanese The role of the office counterparts. The office can provide details In a speech prepared by DOST Secretary on studying at Tokyo Tech, make possible Dr. Estrella Alabastro read by Engineering the steady exchange of information between Dean Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo during the inauthose who are conducting joint research and guration rites of the Tokyo Tech Office, “the study, facilitate academe and industry link- Tokyo Tech Office can provide the platform ages and maintain individual contact with to strengthen existing partnerships or create Filipino exchange students in Japan. new and mutually beneficial collaborative The office also can provide access to the projects”. most up-to-date journals of prominent JapaShe also lauded DLSU for taking initianese researchers. This assistance is extended tive in hosting the office and in keeping with Tokyotechnology. Japanese experts are expected to aid D LSU's PHOTO BYERIC SIY educationalcampaign. to other institutions interested in participat- one of the government’s top priorities.
apanese expertise is seen to reinforce DLSU’s academic strengths with the inauguration of a Tokyo Tech Office last Sept. 29. DLSU played host to the inauguration rites of the office at the North Wing of the Marilen Gaerlan Conservatory. Guests from the Philippine government, DLSU Administration, and the Japanese contingent graced the event. The event marks the renewal of longstanding ties between the Philippines and Japan in the fields of education and research. This office serves as the gateway for communication across these two nations as it bridges the gap through the use of teleconferencing via satellite connection to the Internet, the only one of its kind in the Philippines. For the first time, the remarkable technology was showcased as the event was aired simultaneously in Tokyo Tech through a live feed.
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’ve been wanting to write about poverty for a long time now, even though I’ve never felt qualified to do so. Yet if only for those stray cats, I will share my ponderings. They won’t make a difference to poverty’s rude immobility, which is like a boulder in the middle of a highway. Pretty words and philosophy n a pe ec wo d no won’t budge it a millimeter. So I’m one—human o beas — not going to say that this is about have o how to solve the problem. Rather, wou d eve it’s a selfish confession addressed to s nk n o h s k nd o those who have never known what’s w e chedness like to be poor, and consequently, have never known what to say or do in the face of it. I live in Pasay and usually drive to work in Manila. There’s no working day in which I don’t see, at the least: Individuals of ind eterminate age walking around covered in soot and grease because they haven’t taken a bath in months. Persons scrounging in the garbage for discarded half-eaten hamburgers.Topless,middle-agedwomenwith theirhairin disarray,mumbling to themselves. Or little children tapping on my car window, ropes of wilted sampaguitas in their hands, scrambling to the sidewalk when the light turns green. This last miserable tableau lingers in my mind as I shift the car into gear, thinking that I always see them in the same intersection in the same part of the city, near the squatters’ area along the train tracks. They wear soiled garments and streaks of dirt on their faces and nothing on their feet. Only the weather varies: Sometimes the sun is merciless or the rain is pouring. When I was their age, I was collecting Barbie dolls that m my m mother kept locked in a glass cabinet m m m D m m m m
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Dean consults student leaders on possible reorganization of SPS
O P I N I O N The LaSa
13 October 2005
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O P I N I O N The LaSa
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The LaSa
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EDITORIAL
Exercise your creative rights
Virtual Martial Law
45 and fighting. 45 years of relentless campus journalism. Avenue for change and more
The
LaSallian The bastion of issue-oriented critical thinking.
13 OCTOBER 2005 EDITOR
IN
CHIEF
M ANAGING EDITOR UNIVERSITY OFFICER
IN
CHARGE
MENAGERIE EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ART & GRAPHICS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR CIRCULATION M ANAGER OFFICE M ANAGER
Paul Darwynn Garilao Donelle Gan Luis Emmanuel De Vera Royce Robert Zuñiga
Juan Carlos Chavez Earlene Clarissa Ching Jan Michael Jaudian Eric Siy Alejandro Almendras IV Kristel Kaye Chua
UNIVERSITY Joyce Anne Alfonso, Angeline Arcenas, Felice Ann Cariaso, Aileen Kristel Cham, Ross Vergel Delantar, Kristel Gayle Guzman, Arvin Alcanar Jo, Michelline Kuon, Paulo Jose Mutuc, Fransesca Sta. Ana MENAGERIE Nancy Chua, Franz Francisco Chan, Rosanna Guintivano, Angeline Martha Manuel, Anne Lorraine Ng, Mariane Lourdes Perez, Anjeli Pessumal, Karess Rubrico, Dianne Margareth Tang, Nicole Tangco SPORTS
John de los Santos, Ivan Geoffrey Gayares, Jhoanna Kay Leal, Camille Bianca Pinto, Don Eric Sta. Rosa, Reuben Ezra Terrado, Candace Daphne Ting, Nikki Ann Mariel Tungol, Jewelynn Gay Zareno
PHOTO
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ART & GRAPHICS
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SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS
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STUDENT PUBLICATIONS COORDINATORSRosanna Luz Valerio, Joel DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS The LaSallian
Orellana
Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera
has its editorial office at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle
University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. 701, or through its e-mail address,
[email protected]. All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editorial Board.
It only takes a positive disposition and the willingness to change. -Michael Macabata, University Editor (SY 2002-2003) *** To the people who have joined rallies, I wish to understand one thing: the first thought that majority of these people think of when they get home, after a long and tiring day rallying on the streets. Although I had been to quite a few of these, my experience is not enough to teach me the answer. Let me put it in another setting I call setting X: During a spiritually engaging evangelistic meeting, the pastor has “rekindled” in you the passion for God, and you stand up and proclaim, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” Spirited, you get home and: A) your naughty sibling plays a nasty trick on you; B) your mother scolds you for being late; C) your friends invite you to watch an “exotic” movie; D) your father orders you to pray to Buddha. What comes into your mind? Whether or not the willingness and initiative to change on a personal level exists in a person is reflected in this seeming triviality. Much more this triviality is a moment of truth. In the first half of the story for both settings, the person is in a group, and with others the little energies of individual people snowball into one behemoth of an emotion. The people initiate, or at least attempt to initiate, changes as a group. The collective drive the group generates is often enough to overshadow personal doubts and weaknesses. But when one leaves the group, everything magically changes. The terms people within the group have used so naturally and matter-of-factly suddenly become taboo. I point the reader to case D of setting X, as this is the most evident scenario. Imagine saying “Holy Spirit” in front of your father. Try saying “I can’t pray to Buddha,” and you’d expect a lengthy sermon/debate. When one is alone, the real world presents constraints that groups are not limited by. People are normally discouraged and revert to their old selves. The same happens with people involved in rallies. If people maintain the same level of passion they had in rallies when they get home, then real change may not be farfetched. So a rally may not be that bad. - Donelle Gan
There is still an available recourse - to
initiate change on a storm Malacañan in order to air their personal level. grievances regarding the proposed budget cut in the education sector. mayor can approve or reject a petition On a Wednesday, drivers of PUVs to hold a rally three days before it is would create a noise barrage due to scheduled. But every rejection must be the incessant price increase of gasoline accompanied by a written explanation, and crude oil. On a Thursday, groups which may be appealed to the courts. representing the minorities make The prohibition to stage a protest their claim about the government’s can be traced on the State’s police indifference towards their plight. On a power. The apparent reason for the Friday, the OFWs would stage a ‘candle protest’ to lament the unfair treatment permit highlights the very nature of a given to Filipinos outside the country. public place. A public place is generally open to everyone. People who desire On a Saturday, labor unions would to use the area for a specific purpose at band together to demand a P3000 a given time would necessarily exclude across the board wage increase. It’s only during Sundays that the famous others from enjoying it. Therefore, the State, through the city or town mayor, bridge is given its supposed rest. has the right to enjoin or limit the use The plethora of available reasons of such space, if it deems that there to protest paints an honest picture is another area available or that the regarding the current state of the Philippines. On the one hand, it shows purpose would not prove beneficial. Which bring us to the more how democracy works—providing important factor: is protest the only people with an avenue for redress available recourse? Some would argue of their grievances. On the other hand, it questions the relevance of that it is. The failed impeachment complaint, for one, illustrates the democracy. current political tension. Court There is truth to the truism that proceedings, on the other hand, seem democracy works only for people who to take an eternity, as seen on the onare ready to accept the responsibilities going impeachment trial. Even the attached to a democratic country. The supposed truth commission is only as freedom of speech and expression, good as the resolution creating it. though given much importance in the But the rubber that we ought to Constitution, is not an absolute right. stretch has its limits. To constantly Contrary to what people assert, the government has the right to prohibit use mass demonstration in order to initiate change is just a knee-jerk the continuous or excessive display of such right. The inevitable question solution to a complicated problem. arises: What then is guaranteed in the What happens is a perpetual abuse of Constitution, if the government can such right, without considering the consequences. And the sad part is, suppress or prevent such rights? abusing such right is destroying that Generally, such right, when uttered or discussed within the confines of one’s which we hold dear. There is still an available recourse— home or in any other private place, is beyond the ambit of government to initiate change on a personal level. Rather than complaining about intervention. However, when a group the inefficiency of the government, attempts to convene in a public place start to create ripples of change. and exercises the freedom of speech or These might be small and seemingly that of expression, prior government insignificantattempts,but ifeverybody permit is necessary. The succeeding question focuses on the reason behind else would do his part, these ripples could generate a wave that could alter the need for a prior permit. Under the the entire system. Public Assembly Act, a city or town
MENAGERIE The LaSa
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Playing God and playing gods R
eality shows and SIM and MMORPG games are everywhere these days. Their immense popularity is attributed to how they “mirror” real life more accurately than other television productions. Like life, every once in a while an event happens that rocks our boats. In the case of television, it’s some mini game initiated by the host that throws the entire cast of reality TV stars into chaos, much to the delight of the audience. The outcome of these events and how these characters will appeal to the audience will determine their lifespan in that world. The audience is an observer at first, checking out which of the characters they can identify with: as an equal. Then it changes into what we can relate to as our relationship with our Creator, or at least that’s what we were taught to believe. Like the Apocalypse, judgment is passed upon the poor denizens of that little world through their observer’s text votes. An unpopular character is usually ejected, fired or voted off, either by their fellow contestants/competitors or by the audience. Then here come the simulation games, where one can either create a world, town or theme park, watch it grow and its virtual inhabitants interact with it. If you’re bored since you do have the power to do anything, you can also destroy things at your will. Should your creations disappoint or much less bore you, you can either throw in a flurry of disasters to entertain your bored self. Throw in a hurricane or an earthquake and see how the people cope up with it. It is entertainment at the core with a sadistic overtone. Make this person fight with so and so, kill this creature, or even just build an army to wipe out another one. All this can happen with just a few clicks of your
Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer. Now, tell me what they all have in common. Yes, they came, they saw, and they conquered. They dominated the paperbacks, the silver screens, the melodies, the circuits, the hardcourt, and the surfaces. And we all know that the list is just a diminutive So God, this is what it portion of a bigger list of gods. I believe that one who seeks feels like? excellence in accordance to his development, as well as the welfare of little finger. Now that’s power. So God, others is, in his own right, a god. And this is what it feels like? Benedict Spinoza said that “desire Reality TV and these SIM & MMORPG games are so popular now is the every essence of man.” We all because they are very entertaining. They desire to be better and that is a given fact. And gods defy the limits to excel are entertaining as well as empowering furthermore. for the audience. Now, do you think Adolf Hitler We can watch situations that can belongs to the list? Why not? He either be pleasant or horrible, all in the comfort of our own homes or wherever made Europe and as well as the rest you do these things. The success of of the world do nothing, but stand in horror as his Nazi army trampled these genres is simply proof of the human being’s subconscious desires over Europe. He amassed incredible power over to at least play as the omnipotent the decades he had reigned. And he being they temselves fear (or create, made us realize the way to attain total depending on how you look at it). - Ramon Del Prado, Art and conquest. Then goes the question: was he Graphics Editor (SY 2002-2003) a god or did he play god? I strongly *** disagree. He was definitely not a god; “I came, I saw, I conquered,” Julius not from my understanding of what Caesar resounded these words during a god is. his campaign against Pharnaces. Yes, I We must understand that it's either would have enjoyed saying that, too. And what luxury it would have been, if gods or beasts. The distinction is very I was able to sit down and have coffee clear. Corrupt, vile, and unreasonable men think they are playing gods. They with him. But I’m still being left to think if think stepping over the rights of the others and a mockery of the law is he really did play god. Now, I’ll try to their manifestation of there image as examine several individuals whom I a god. believe played or plays god. They are just an abomination of the Let me cite some names and tell me society. And I need not name names for if they ring a bell . Neil Gaiman, Mario Puzo, John Grisham, Pablo Neruda, you already know who they are. There Paolo Coelho, Steven Spielberg, is a big difference between playing god and playing beast. FrancisFordCoppola,MarlonBrando, Nowadays, who do you think is Al Pacino, Kurt Cobain, Tupac Shakur, playing god or playing beast? John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Michael -Jan Jaudian Schumacher, Michael Jordan, Pete
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’ve been wanting to write about poverty for a long time now, even though I’ve never felt qualified to do so. Yet if only for those stray cats, I will share my ponderings. They won’t make a difference to poverty’s rude immobility, which is like a boulder in the middle of a highway. Pretty words and philosophy In a perfect world, no won’t budge it a millimeter. So I’m one—human or beast— not going to say that this is about how to solve the problem. Rather, would ever have to it’s a selfish confession addressed to sink into this kind of those who have never known what’s wretchedness. like to be poor, and consequently, have never known what to say or do in the face of it. I live in Pasay and usually drive to work in Manila. There’s no working day in which I don’t see, at the least: Individuals of ind eterminate age walking around covered in soot and grease because they haven’t taken a bath in months. Persons scrounging in the garbage for discarded half-eaten hamburgers.Topless,middle-agedwomenwith theirhairin disarray,mumbling to themselves. Or little children tapping on my car window, ropes of wilted sampaguitas in their hands, scrambling to the sidewalk when the light turns green. This last miserable tableau lingers in my mind as I shift the car into gear, thinking that I always see them in the same intersection in the same part of the city, near the squatters’ area along the train tracks. They wear soiled garments and streaks of dirt on their faces and nothing on their feet. Only the weather varies: Sometimes the sun is merciless or the rain is pouring. When I was their age, I was collecting Barbie dolls that my mother kept locked in a glass cabinet so my playmates wouldn’t touch them. Driving away from these children, whom I dare not open my window to, I feel trapped myself. Trapped in a glass house looking out at the ruin of the world, suffocating in ineffectual guilt. I try to do something. Sometimes I give my fries to the children who loiter around the entrance of fast food restaurants. Occasionally I roll down the window to place a few coins on waiting palms. Back in college I had a whole course in community service, so that every term there are entire classes of privileged Lasallians who spend their Saturdays building h ouses for other people or visiting orphanages. Yet we ask ourselves sometimes if any of this makes a difference. I’m reminded of the cats in our compound, who started hanging around because my aunt kept feeding them scraps. The female gave birth to different batches of kittens, until they grew so numerous as to become a major nuisance—pissing all over the place, making an awful racket at night, hiding under the car so I have to shoo them away every time I have to drive off. We don’t treat them as pets, like our short fat mongrel whom we took to the animal hospital last year for a multi -thousand peso surgery. Generally we tolerate them, giving them the leftovers that aren’t healthy for the dog. Yet it’s amazing how they survive on our inadvertent, thoughtless charity, how their very lives depend on it. How they thrive and multiply on the excesses of people’s comfort, encroaching into the forbidden circle and becoming a problem in their numbers, until finally there’s talk of putting them all in a sack to heave into the river. What is it like to be an uninvited stray? In the end, it’s something I hope I would never have to find out, th at my children and my children’s children would never have to find out. In a perfect world, no one—human or beast— would ever have to sink into this kind of wretchedness. But even knowing what the world is, one takes in the strays, and hopes for the best. -Noelle Leslie Dela Cruz, Editor in Chief (SY 1999-2000) *** Have you ever encountered non-Catholic missionaries who travel everywhere to profess their faith? There are pastors who share their “Born Again”experiences;Mormonswhoeloquentlyspeakin nativetongue;andHare Krishnas who promote the modern day version of Hinduism with their monklike attire outfits. These types of believers are also considered as “uninvited strays” for they are seldom welcomed by our Catholic dominated society. Even in our own University, the non-Catholic students are often seen sharing their faith, as well as exhibiting their modes of worship. A primary barrier is the image of DLSU as a Roman Catholic institution, and that other religions are perceived as a great threat to the credibility of the the Catholic faith. When other religions are recognized, more and more students would open their minds to the dynamism of faith. Good news. The acknowledgement of religious freedom opens a more vibrant and lively participation of nonCatholics in the campus. Actually, religious freedom is accepted in the campus. However, non-Catholics are limited to incorporate their ideas and activities, simply because they find it difficult to get an accreditation. What then is the fear of Catholic zealots and most religion professors in the University? Accreditation of religious organizations will not undermine the Catholic faith. In fact, it will complement other organizations. Definitely, Christian orgs such as Victory for Christian Fellowship and Campus Crusade for Christ will no longer work underground and can freely conduct Bible studies and room-to-room evangelism. However, strings must not be attached on the explicit recognition of religious freedom. The string that I am referring to is no other than proselytizing, an act of converting someone through offering special inducements. But like any mall discounts, religions indeed offer gifts such as salvation, prosperity, and anything beyond physical benefits. As I mentioned in my previous column, proselytizing is a vague idea that could still undermine religious freedom. Of course, we will definitely prohibit riot to happen just because of controversial topics on religion. The freedom must not end up like the religious showbiz debacle between Ang Dating Daan and Iglesia ni Kristo . Honestly, the bad side of religious freedom is the personal attack of self-proclaimed prophets against their counterparts. In a perfect world, no variety of religion exists because everyone focuses their attention to God, who is encouraging us to have an inti mate relationship with Him. But this utopian society only happens during the second life. In Christian context, accepting Christ Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior is the only way to God’s Kingdom. After all, Christ was an uninvited stray on earth, who invited people and promised an eternal life for them. -Paul Darwynn Garilao
MENAGERIE The LaSa
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that gush in almost by the h our, four recentevicteeswithbeckoningshowbiz writer, who need to constantly come careers, and a theme song that’s fast up with fresh ideas in order to create approaching novelty oblivion. Go something that can catch people’s figure. attention. But, in all honesty, I think Pinoy Maybe not so good for the office Big Brother is still groundbreaking for employee, who has to succumb to what it’s worth despite its excessive rules, adhere to standard procedures, publicity. In one way or another, it has and comply with the boss’s demands, R u l e s a r e r u l e s , redefined the Filipino’s connotations but they’re there to of reality shows from scantily-clad or else lose the job. This is one of the reasons why I challenge us to do starlets performing circus acts to a miss being a student. When you’re things a little better bunch of nameless faces portraying a student, you’re encouraged to every time. reality-based scenarios, while having think out of the box, and when the to deal with their inner demons and ideas you come up with don’t work, the Hawthorne effect. The formula rather do. you can simply try again. It’s quite However, are rules not the exact worked, all right. And, granted that different when you’re out there trying reason why it’s so important to think, these scenarios are “real”, they can’t to make a living. Although you’re still be all that bad. Right? talk about and come up with fresh encouraged to think differently and ideas? Rules are rules, but they’re there Such is the premise of shows like you still can try again when your ideas Big Brother. When you incarcerate 12 to challenge us to do things a little don’t work, there are more important people who barely know each other better every time. things you need to consider, like in one house for 100 days, surely you They’re there to remind us to keeping your job because you can’t think outside the box, so we can keep don’t expect them to make like Batibot afford not to have one. Heck, you can’t characters and start singing to us the ourselves inspired, at least, and see our afford anything unless you have one. work through a fresh pair of eyes. This Filipino alphabet. Naturally, there will Thus you can’t venture too far outside way, we can be able to survive a full day be quarrels, backstabbing, and most the box. And as my best friend made definitely,attraction. of work, while keeping an eye out for me realize, finding that job that you what it is that drives us to excel. But, there are also positive want to be doing for the rest of your -Emmeline Iris Ong, Menagerie relationships formed. However, there life by trial and error is such a risk, arestillviewerswho arestillscandalized Editor (SY 2002-2003) unless your parents are still quite able by onscreen kisses, profanity, and *** to back you up financially, and they When Pinoy Big Brother was sexual innuendoes, as if they’re not (and you, sans the pride) don’t mind if issued a one-night suspension last Sept. part of actual life. they still do so years after they’re done Besides, isn’t that what the 25, I wasn’t surprised. A bit jaded, financing your education. “Parental Guidance” disclaimer is for? maybe, but not surprised. Often we hear about people in It means the program contains scenes I mean, when you have two the creative line of work complaining housemates sharing an intimate inappropriate and too complicated about their jobs, mostly because onscreen kiss in an earlier episode, for children and it’s the parents’ job creative people in general don’t to do the supervising. It’s that plain uber-concerned folks will start cackling, like putting good ideas to waste. and simple. cocky censors will be forced to take Unfortunately, they can forget about action, and disillusioned producers will And one more thing: Isn’t it funny doing exactly what they want, and just how the MTRCB seemed so outraged be forced to comply. This opens yet do the job according to the rules and another chapter in the ongoing saga of with Chx and Sam’s swimming pool specifications provided by the clients, kissing scene, and not with Jomari “Culture versus Censorship”. or whoever it is that puts money in Now, I am not really a Pinoy Big Yllana’s character in Kamapanerang their pockets. And those who have no Kuba throwing his own daughter off Brother fan. The hype is simply too choice but to follow mind-numbing much for me to ingest. a bell tower? routines just have to carry on as if they Well, that’s censorship for you. We have a 24-hour cable channel -Juan Carlos Chavez have nothing more exciting that they’d devotedentirelyto it, incessantupdates
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They do not call it Martial Law. But the Palace is already implementing measures that resemble the operations of Martial Law, a nightmare that intends not to fight national terrorism but to hide layers and layers of lies within the government. In the past weeks, numerous indications of Martial Law have been taking place. First in the list is Executive Order EO 464, an act that sets several rules such as determining the circumstances that will allow government officials to testify before the Senate and the House of Representatives. With the recent EO 464 now at the fray, it seems like the showground for the fiery battle of the executive and legislative departments has been built. Why would the President create a policy that would hinder its co-equal branch—the legislature— from properly performing its functions? The order is indeed an act of destabilization and not in aid of legislation. In fact, the order has sampled both Marine Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani and Lt. Col. Alexander, since they testified before the Senate Committee and refused to obey a direct order from their commander in chief. Even demonstrators have been restricted to march the streets, because of the government’s shift from “maximum tolerance” to “preemptive calibrated response”, which bans protesters to conduct unauthorized rallies. With all these basic manifestations of Martial Law already taking place, “desperate” is definitely a too soft term to describe the recent move of the embattled tenant of Malacanang. After all, the moves of GMA and her minions seem to indicate that their ears are already callous, if not full of earwax, to hear the resounding and persistent call from the silent majority for her and her cohorts to leave Malacanang. The Palace could continue its outrageous spree of coming out with detrimental policies and calibrate the responses through infringing both public officials and demonstrations from airing their grievances. ally, demonstration, protest (or For us, students, who have just learned Martial Law from R whatever it is called) is nothing historical books m new to me. The daily walk on my way to school, which is located near w Mendiola Bridge, serves as a testament A w A m to the notion that rallies are part of my m m w everyday existence. On a Monday, members of the m m M L w opposition would assert their unified w w stand against the administration. On w m a Tuesday, student activists would
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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MENAGERIE
MENAGERIE The LaSallian
The LaSallian
6
13 October 2005
13 October 2005
Old Man "M
anong pabili po ”. ”. A quick turn of the eye and you will find Mang Felipe sitting in his usual corner in front of Metrobank Taft and you may think of him as an ordinary vendor. A few moments later, you find him in the company of students and you may start to realize that Mang Felipe is no ordinary vendor. If you know him like those students do, then you know about his adventures. His lifetime of adventures in the ocean which took him to faraway lands like Brazil, Mexico and, even Russia. Felipe Sudario, once a seaman, shows us that there is a life after the sea and that no matter where life’s wind blows our sails, we will find a way to live through it.
The Lounge
from the FRANZ FRANCISCO CHAN AND NAZRIN CAMILLE CASTRO
Impossibility tyof thePossibility Sometimes, no matter how one tries his best to reach his dream, there are still hindrances that separate him from the world of heavenly bliss—the attainment of that dream. External factors like unemployment and poverty, brought about by economic instability, result in the veering of one’s goal. Instead of reaching for it, one shifts his direction towards something more feasible in the situation. In the end, his long term goal or his dream turned into a mere impossibility of what ought to be possible if he tried. But contrary to the physical barriers of economic conflicts, there is an internal factor that defeats the purpose of personal contemplation —inferiority from within. Sudario’s Mexican night-outs with comforting serCalm as the Sea Felipe Sudario was once a high school graduate from enades, movies shown in the plaza and clowns all around, Arellano. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t accepted in his became mere good memories because he never returned preferred course which was Criminology, because his final to the sea again. He was depressed when his daughter got grade was not sufficient to the requirements. In his mind, married at a young age. It was a self pitying circumstance he wouldn’t have imagined that he would someday set off for him when he was on the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, risking his life, unguarded from the possibility of fire on the to see the world. Soon after, Mang Felipe joined the health brigade of ship, or worst, drowning in the vast water world. And here, a political campaign, and somehow ended up in a job at his daughter never even finished her studies, his wife was Pasay City Hall. Uncontented with the low pay, Mang vending in South gate, and his brother in North gate. He Felipe resigned from the job and set the stepping stone for gave up his luxurious life of earning dollars and traveling in different places to stay with his family. his journey to the sea. Following the footsteps of his deceased brother, he applied for the job, even knowin g that the dangers such as the The Sails of Taft Avenue perils of the sea are there to warn him of what his life could It is said that when God closes the d oor, He opens a be facing. At age 19, he set out for his first voyage, and sailed window. When it seems that fate is so unfair that the means of from continent to continent and to a better life. of hopelessness starts to embitter him, faith seemed certain of justifying the end of misery. What had been done was done and there was no Paradise in Buoyancy turning back. Regrets have no room for As a seaman, Mang Felipe had the self isolation and self pity, for there are world in his point of view. From the landscape of Europe, the diverse tastes opportunities that one blindly knows would make him grow as a person—as of Asia, the proud continent of America, a great man for himself and as a good and the unique sights of Latin America, man for others. he had gone to them all. It was a sacrifice for Manong Life in the sea is not all about danger, mutiny, and endless days of seasickFelipe to settle a life far different from what he used to have as a seaman. He ness. In his journeys, Mang Felipe calls ventured into selling cigarettes and Latin America and Mexico, “Paradise”. candies to be able to support his famiEntertainment and beauty could be the ly’s needs. But conflicts arise when, at best words to explain what he felt and witnessed. The nightly serenades and times, his wife would get sick, heaps the beautiful scenery accompanied him of monthly bills start to pile up and he falls short of his capital. The things to and his fellow seaman while they were pay for and the things he needed to buy dining and drinking to the night. As seemed endless for him. But despite all the days went by and as the sea water brought his sails to different places, he n ever failed to thank that, he remained confident that his friends’ support, like God for all of the experiences he has received. His rosary some Lasallian students who would come and serve as a was his companion day in and night out, to the extent that blessing to him and his family, would be a great deal of help. a day without praying the rosary seemed incomplete. “‘ Yun Though he now lacks the extravagant financial support for his family, not like before, Manong Felipe has strong faith ang unang-una. Basta sa barko, (kapag) hindi ako nakapagin God that his family would be provided, not with so much rosaryo, ‘di kumpleto ang araw ko .” but with enough that he could cater to his obligations as a husband, a father of four daughters and a grandfather. Hardships of the Tidehunter On the other hand, life in the sea has its own dangers. As Mang Felipe says: “ Di ako marunong lumangoy pero ibig What Dreams May Come It is mind boggling how dreams can be reachable like sabihin malaki yung faith ko sa God, kaya parang buo ang loob ko anuman ang mangyari. Hindi ako nag-pa panic.” catching the wind in a sail, if one pursues the conquest of Not knowing how to swim was not reason enough for attaining it; but can be impossible, at the same time, like defeating all the giant waves with the fast and strong turns him to give up on his job. It was all his faith in God that brought him to live on and tell the people of his journeys of the propeller, if one makes a trade-off with what he and his adventures. Once, Mang Felipe had almost died in perceivesproper. The Filipino dream might be too fragile for most people: the vastness of the sea, but amazingly, his faith in God and his trust in him brought him to safety, and to his better earning big bucks in the city, having power and position, and feeding his family at the same time. But for Manong days as a person. Felipe, “I traveled the world [for] free.... kasama ko misis ko Discipline is also important in the job as a seaman. A .” He is more than little mistake can send one packing his bags without warning. at mga anak ko .” And “…healthy ako .” Despite being adrift on the ocean, travel and exploration was fulfilled of his Filipino dream. It is just a matter of one’s only secondary to the work these people had to go through. own choosing. Mang Felipe has been a vendor along Taft since 1981, “Kailangan, nag-apply ka du’n, trabaho lang, ‘yun ‘yung but for many, it is hard to imagine how being on top of the pinuntahan mo du’n. pangalawa na ‘yung pamamasyal .” In the end, Mang Felipe never returned to the sea again world can be so difficult, and going back to reality can be so relieving. Mang Felipe’s story shows us just how experience when he gave up the job, but it was worth more than a norand circumstance can solve the mysteries of our lives, and mal life in the city. Mang Felipe’s four years in the sea was more than enough to show him what the world was more how people come about to be able to tell about them. than any ordinary person can learn in a lifetime.
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Mang Felipe’s four years in the sea was more than enough to show him what the world was more than any ordinary person can learn in a lifetime.
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PHOTOSBY CHRISKISON
Rant n’ Rave
M O V I E
The Corpse Bride D: Tim Burton S: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
The tandem of Johnny Depp and Tim class transaction. New money fish tycoons, Burton scores yet another potential hit with the Van Dorts (voiced by Tracey Ulman The Corpse Bride . and Paul Whitehouse) want their drab, the early Halloween treat, The Corpse ThisfifthcollaborationbetweenJohnnyDepp introverted son, Victor (Johnny Depp), to and Tim Burton takes its audiences into the marry Victoria (Emily Watson), the endeardark side with the spooky conventional ing daughter of impoverished aristocrats, the gothic architecture that is always featured in Everglots (Albert Finney and Joanna Lum wide repertoire in Burton’s films. The eerie ley). The arrangement unexpectedly turns otherworldly style is evidently reminiscent romantic as the bashful couple surprisingly of Tim Burton’s earlier animated movie, falls in love at first sight. 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas , But, lo and behold, in a twisted scheme of but of course, The Corpse Bride is a different events, he suddenly finds himself stranded in movie on its own. the land of the dead married to a lifeless bride Animated using stop-motion claymation, named Emily (Helena Bonham Carter). Torn the emotions that the characters convey seem between two contradictory worlds and two to transcend animation, which makes the extraordinary women, Victor is confronted visual effects spectacular. with the staggering decision if he wants to The audience can easily get a feel for the "live" happily ever after with a bride from characters, not to mention the bo ne-rattling the afterlife or a bride with a pulse. musical numbers provided by musical whiz, Based from an old Russian folk tale, The Corpse Bride is churned into the Tim Burton Danny Elfman. The story begins with a crass cash-formachine and with the help of co-director
Michael Johnson and the tireless team of animators resulting to a new rendition to this classic. The voice talents perfectly fit their characters like a glove, with each role portrayed splendidly adding the needed spunk and attitude to these flat characters. It is also interesting to note that Victor seems eerily reminiscent of Ichabod Crane, another character portrayed by Johnny Depp from Burton's 1999 live action thriller, Sleepy Hollow (Though depiction is plausible). The Corpse Bride is a tenderly macabre and beguiling romantic tale of undying love that nothing in this world or the next can conquer. This film is a delightful mix of comedy, romance, mild horror and an affinity for goth that only Tim Burton can catapult to life. And with all the time and effort placed into making this movie, it almost certainly will not disappoint Burton fans. - Michelle Reyes
7
Crash course 101
The Truth About Selfdefense ELVIN NGO ARTWORK AND GRAPHICSBY LUISDE VERA
T
raditional martial arts such as judo, kung street and still getting beaten to a pulp. This fu, karate, and tae kwon do have a host of is sometimes due to their misconception that wonderful benefits for both children and their dojo fighting techniques will really work adults. Some of these include getting and in real self defense. Most martial artists have staying in shape, developing self discipline, never trained under pressure so when a real observing weight control, improving self fighting situation occurs they are shocked to confidenceandlearningsomevery important find they cannot access their multi-step, fine life skills. But most of these will not work on motor coordination techniques. the street. It’s because the effect of the adrenaline rush, as a result of fear, is either ignored or Modes of Behavior not even addressed during training. One It was once said that real victory is windoesn’t place one’s life on the line or think ning a battle without fighting. One will won“I’m going to die/seriously get hurt if I der how one will defend, much less survive, lose.” while training/sparring with partners. without fighting. Well, there really is a way Fear is simply absent. to win most street encounters without fighting at all. Emphasis on “most”. Sometimes there is no other way than to fight. The best In the Danger Zone Imagine waking up and seeing a man at self defense is either to avoid a confrontation the foot of your bed, already moving towards in the first place or know how to defuse a your side to attack you. What will you do? potentially dangerous situation before it Remember, you only have split seconds to becomes physical take action. Or else. There are three modes of behavior one That’s the same condition you’ll find can take on in terms of self defense. First, yourself in when you’re attacked on the there is the passive mode. Passive behavior is street: unaware, unprepared, and afraid. It a model of weakness. Picture someone with has severe effects on us both physically and their head down, shoulders lowered, no eye mentally, as it causes adrenaline rush. For contact, and feet close together. Not exactly one, we lose some or most of our cognitive a pillar of strength. Criminals call someone thinking and fine motor coordination. We like this, “free lunch.” also lose peripheral vision, which tends to The opposite of this is the aggressive make things appear larger than they really mode. Most overly aggressive people are are. We feel weak at the knees or develop working from a position of fear or inferiority body shakes. Breathing becomes short and as well, but over-compensate in order not rapid; studies have shown that if the heart show it. They fight fire with fire and many beat gets high enough we can become totally times cause situations to become physical (even literally) “frozen in fear”. when they need not be. It is easily seen by Just considering the loss of cognitive the chest puffed up, the jaw up and perhaps thinking and motor coordination is in itself tilted, finger pointing, loud boisterous big trouble, even for a martial artist. It’s behavior. By becoming overly aggressive because many of the techniques taught in they don’t allow the would-be attacker an many martial arts schools and self defense honorable way out. To save face the attacker programsrequireprecisetargetingorwristor would feel compelled to fight rather than joint manipulation. This probably isn’t going back down. to happen under a strong adrenaline rush. The best behavior to avoid in many if not Learning fighting techniques for the most physical confrontations and attacks is street can be a diverse issue. Most of us have the assertive mode of behavior. This behavheard of black belts fighting someone on the ior is crafted from a position of confidence.
T E L E V I S I O N
The Amazing Race 8: The Family Edition Wednesday,9pm AXN
Shoulders erect, head up, eye to eye contact, aware, alert and focused position; prepared but not engaging or insulting; ready but not pre-emptive; always willing to compromise and let the aggressor save face; confident enough to hold his ground without having to win the verbal war. As one become progressively more assertive in a self defense situation there is a good possibility that the aggressor will back off. This is especially true if one gives him an honorable exit. Another benefit is that it naturally brings up one’s adrenaline levels so if an attack ensues you are prepared both physically and mentally. Worst Case Scenarios But if fights cannot be avoided, how will you know if your technique is useful? Here is what to look for: If it requires any fine motor skills immediately toss it out. Fine motor coordination is one of the first things that one loses in a real situation when the adrenaline starts to flow. Be sure it works on pretty much everyone. There are many techniques that will not work on a very tall (or very muscular, stocky, short, etc.) opponent. You don’t want to have a set of techniques for different body types. It’s just too much to have to think during a real attack. Many wrist and joint manipulation techniques rely on the pain threshold of th e attacker. But people’s joint flexibilities and thresholds for pain vary greatly. Some of these techniques just don’t work on some people at all. Simplicity is an important part of self defense. Techniques need to be simple to work on the street. Too many practitioners of martial arts and self defense think because they can execute a technique quickly and easily under the controlled conditions of a dojo or seminar class that they have something that is viable and effective on the street.
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Fine motor coordination is one of the first things that one loses in a real situation when the adrenaline starts to flow.
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Reference: Street Self Defense 101 by Shihan Michael Pace
With a raise of Phil Koeghan’s eyebrow and a wave of his hand, they were off. 10, 000 miles to travel, 11 legs to complete, 10 more teams to compete with and $1 million at the end of the finish line. The Amazing Race 8: Family Edition kicks off in New York City, requiring the same physical, mental, and emotional strength from a new batch of adventure-seekers. However, perhaps because the producers realized the previous seven seasons had one model-actor team too many, they added a new format to the show. This season, the show takes 10 American teams of four, with participant's ages ranging from as young as eight and as old as 57. The teammates are required to only be blood relatives or relatives created by law, as opposed to the previous seasons where the participants could race with their roommates or friends. Instead of just one navigator and one driver in road trips, there is one navigator, one backseat driver, one actual driver and one perpetual whiner. There are more people to account for and more people to remember, as the viewer would constantly go “Wait, whose kid is this? Which family does this woman belong to again?” Also, teamwork is taken to a higher level. Two people working together under the pressure of the race is hard enough, getting four of them on the mat at the end of the leg calls for a modern-day miracle. Rumors have been flying that the route will only be limited to
North America to make the race more child-friendly (and perhaps less expensive), which means there will be more road trips and fewer airports. More locals pointing the directions to the nearest federal monument and fewer travel agents. More American history, less international culture. This could mean that the only miscommunication will come from having four people to move together, and not the extreme language barrier in Taiwan or Mongolia. Still, what makes it worth an hour of your Wednesday night is the sight of having that big a team traveling all at the same time. The action never runs out, whether the foursomes are boarding bigger SUVs, bickering for hours or completing Detours, Road Blocks and Yields. Pitting tiny children against older racers doesn’t seem like such a problem so far since there is always a situation where their varied sizes and strengths will be needed. Whether these kids will be able to withstand the stress of the race still remains unknown, but judging from the first few episodes, The Amazing Race: Family Edi- tion might not only promise to be twice as fun but also four times as noisy. You’ve been warned. - Ramona Torres
They played it cool. But the other team was just too good.
ways to get over defeat 1. Pamper yourself. 2. Shift your attention. 3. Hang-out with your friends. 4. Pig-out. 5. Try something new. 6. Be productive. 7. Join other contests/competition and win it! 8. Accept that sometimes, "Sh*t Happens". 9. Practice, train and study harder. 10. Just forget it and move on. 11. Keep in mind that "today's defeat is a training for tomorrow's victory". 12. Cast your sorrow upon the Almighty.
Text by Royce Robert Zuñiga, Donelle G an, and Luis De Vera Photos by Tianel Espiritu, Eric S iy, and Amanda Valenzuela Graphics by Luis De Vera
They played it cool. But the other team was just too good.
ways to get over defeat 1. Pamper yourself. 2. Shift your attention. 3. Hang-out with your friends. 4. Pig-out. 5. Try something new. 6. Be productive. 7. Join other contests/competition and win it! 8. Accept that sometimes, "Sh*t Happens". 9. Practice, train and study harder. 10. Just forget it and move on. 11. Keep in mind that "today's defeat is a training for tomorrow's victory". 12. Cast your sorrow upon the Almighty.
Text by Royce Robert Zuñiga, Donelle G an, and Luis De Vera Photos by Tianel Espiritu, Eric S iy, and Amanda Valenzuela Graphics by Luis De Vera
MENAGERIE The LaSallian
10
T
he program you’re watching pauses for a commercial break and onto your screen bounces Georgina Wilson, looking cool, calm, collected, and drop-dead gorgeous in that flamboyant red dress. You call on the universe to trip her as she sashays past you on the TV screen to at least make you feel less inferior. Her thousand-watt smile frustrates you, knowing that you will never end up as eye-catching as her. You’ll never be able to smile, wink, or sparkle on a TV screen, nor will you ever have an avalanche of product endorsers pounding at your door. Think these thoughts and you have become a certified victim of this generation’s biggest blunder. Who ever said a woman had to have long flawless legs and fair complexion to be beautiful? Or who ever said a man had to be tall and sculpted to be handsome? No wise man, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, this generation has been brainwashed to believe that beauty is an elusive aesthetic quality bestowed upon the chosen few who dominate today’s catwalks, billboards, and television commercials. Since media projects the idea that these people set the bar for what is considered “beautiful”, the masses have been left to think of themselves as inferior immortals, less worthy to stand beside these beauty icons. TwistedDefinition The American Heritage Dictionary defines beauty as the quality that gives pleasure to the mind and senses. However, in this day and time, the media seems to be the one determining this quality. Over time, media has distorted the image of real beauty so much, that today’s generation defines beauty based on the ads and images that fill television sets and crowd billboards along hi ghways. Beauty has become so commercialized that people have become too dependent of this medium. And as the level of contentment declines, what to wear, how to act, and how to enhance themselves is left on the pages of magazines just to be courageous enough to call themselves, beautiful. Teenagers and adults alone are not only media’s market target, when even children are exposed to this kind of publicity. Take Barbie as a prime example. Sure, she can be easily dismissed as a mere plaything. But read in between the lines. With her luscious locks, her perfect figure, and her permanent pearly-white smile, she can easily dictate to those youngsters the “proper” look. On the other hand, photos of models and actors reveal fair skin, slim and toned frames, not to mention the mestizo or mestiza parameters. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and today’s men and women should be proud of how they look, or at least be contented. A Filipina more than anything finds her natural tan skin, an exotic look to many, a hindrance to beauty. Why then?—when other continents consider this to die for and Americans pay hundreds of dollars to get this color. Beauty is relative. Beauty is absolute. But media has taken this to its advantage by plastering what they deem beautiful all over billboards and TV screens, not realizing that the judgment of real beauty is not on their hands.
Beauty and the Media Beast GABRIELLE MARIE ANTONIO, YASMIN NAJIB, AND CARMELA SIOCO
13 October 2005
of evidence of how the idea of beauty has become a misconception to many. Girls who feel that their worth can be measured simply by stepping on a weighing scale. The idea of beauty that media promotes brings about a lot of disastrous effects. Men and women are disillusioned to the point of developing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia is a psychological disease wherein a person refuses to eat to control his or her weight. 90 -95 percent of anorexics are females, but an increasing number of males are also becoming subject to this disorder. Bulimia is equally dangerous, because it in duces a person to consume large amounts of food and then force himself to vomit. Feelings of self-depression and low self-esteem are rampant in bulimics. Aside from malnutrition, dehydration, and ruptured stomach, the biggest danger to anorexics and bulimics is death itself. According to Doctor Walter Kaye of the University of Florida, anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any other psychiatric disorder. VanityFair Dressing up and carrying oneself is another effect of media’s displacement of beauty. Body-hugging material, skin-tight jeans, and skimpy skirts are every woman’s resolution; literally, you have to fit in those then. Men, on the other hand, concentrate on sculpting their bodies in order for women to actually notice and appreciate them aside from the good looking face. Media has also become hazardous to human psyche. The images one sees on magazines and billboards can dull their ideas on what passes as beautiful. It has always been like that, to begin with. People, in their struggle for acceptance and belongingness believe that they have to abide with what media dictates before they get noticed by their peers. The sense of self-worth declines, until society continues to remain closed with vanity, one’s individuality will come to its lost. People misconstrue what they see in these supposed expressions of reality because they do not realize that advertisements can only go as far as selling beauty products and not the real essence of beauty.
PHOTO AND GRAPHICSBY LUISDE VERA
Take it from the Greeks The standards, by which society measures, beauty have become all too superficial. Beauty has even been presented as a challenge, and in the demented search for physical perfection people will never be satisfied with how they look i f they cannot learn to go pass what media offers. This commercialization of beauty forces people to focus on their imperfections based on the established idea of beauty—that of which can be measured according to height, physique, weight, and skin color. Media has taught people to settle for nothing less than surface perfection and to consider natural oddities as disfigurations. It has spurred society on a never-ending quest for physical enhancement, completely disregarding the inferiority it might cause people topfeel onaccount oftheir less-than-perfect-but-nevertheless-human appearances. People should understand that they do not have to be carbon copies of models in order to be beautiful. They do not have tosuccumbto media’sthousand-pesotheoriesbeautification,instead, they should accept and love the gifts nature has given them. A sense of appreciation and contentment could make people more confident and above all, happy. Because being able to rise above face-lifts and beauty products would highlight a beauty more compelling than that of any over-exposed media god or goddess. To the Greeks, beauty has a virtue within and without, but this generation seems to have forgotten that physical beauty must always be complemented, if not overridden, by inner beauty. Then and only then can a person be truly and completely, not only in the eyes of others’ but to oneself, say “I’m ok, I’m beautiful”.
Vital Statistics Media is responsible for brainwashing people to believe in a conceptualized notion of beauty. Numerous ads and commercials imply that slim; hence, weight has become a cosmetic concern for men and women across the globe. Women, however, are more prone to obsessing about weight. According to www.pbs.org, 75 percent of women with normal weight think they are overweight, and 90 percent of women overestimate their body size. Moreover, 69 percent of girls said that their perceptions of beauty were strongly influenced by magazine ads and television commercials. These statistics are pieces
Press release
Hitachi Young Leaders Le aders Initiative Initiati ve
Influential leaders from across Asia convened at the 7th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) held forum on July 11 and 12, 2005, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With the objective of inspiring the next generation of leaders, they shared their perspectives on critical issues impacting the region today. Under the overall theme of Balancing People, Planet and Profit in Asia’s Future, specific sub-themes that discussed include: Asian Economic Integration - Challenges and Opportunities; The Changing Role of Education in a Dynamic Asia; and Translating Environmental Awareness into Action. Mr. Nobuaki Furuse, General Manager, Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch: said, “With a region as diverse as Asia,developingsolutionstoaddresscommon issuesrequires an in-depth understanding of Asia’s social, economic, environmental and political landscapes. We are indeed fortunate to have an impressive line-up of speakers who, in their vari-
ous professions, have contributed to alleviating these issues, and leading their countries, businesses and organisations to greater heights. We believe they will serve to inspire our young leaders to do the same in the future”. The guest-of-honour for the 7th HYLI was Yang Berhormat Dato’ Dr. Shafie Mohd Salleh, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia. He was joined by the second keynote speaker, Dr. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of State for National Development Planning and Chairperson of National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) from Indonesia. Mr. Victor O. Ramos, former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from the Philippines, will speak on an environment sub-theme. Together with eminent speakers from the business sector, government and non-governmental organizations, and academia, these leaders presented their insights and interact ed with twenty-four top students from Indonesia, Japan, the
Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. This year’s initiative, the 7th in the series, was held from July 11 to 15. Students participated in two morning forums, a series of closed-door workshop discussions, a press conference to share their recommendations arising from the workshops, and a community project. Representing the Philippines at the 7th HYLI are Philip Francisco Dy of Ateneo de Manila University; Mark Gregore Gloriani of De La Salle University; Pamela Manuel and Carl Nicholas Ng, both from the University of the Philippines. They were selected from among undergraduate and graduate students from four top local universities through a rigorous selection process, which included a university shortlist, submission of written essays and a panel in terview. The 24 students of the 7th HYLI joined the HYLI alumni, a strong network of potential future leaders of Asia formed by past HYLI student participants.
13 October 2005
LETTERS
The LaSallian
T O T H E E D I T O R
Déjà Vu
Deja vu
D
éjà vu derived from two French words, The united opposition, member-lawyers of the “already seen”. It also refers to an experiIntegrated Bar of the Philippines and civil society ence that causes you to remember some- groups strongly denounced EO 464 because it thing such as the déjà vu of the tabloid headlines prohibitstheLegislativeto check-and-balancethe showing images of mass protesters and student Executive and Judiciary branches of government. activists being water cannoned, clubbed, mauled, Under EO 464, the Executive undermines the illegally arrested and detained by the policemen power of the Legislative to hold hearings and and military. receive vital information useful for investigation News reporters and radio commentators de- in aid of legislation. nounced the acts of violence and the imposition EO 464 is illegal because under the revised of martial law in the pretext of national security. It administration code, any law or executive order reminded us of the late President Ferdinand Mar- must be published in o fficial national newspapers cos manipulating the national elections in 1986 to inform the general public before it takes effect to prove to the international community that he still enjoyed the popular support of the Filipinos. A dictator championing the cause of democracy yet, disregarded the check-and-balance of powers in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of the Philippine government. Recall how the dictator converted Batasang Pambansa into a rubber stamp. President Marcos controlled the military and ordered the arrest of his political detractors and enemies. He prolonged his stay in power for 20 years in cahoots with his cronies and the US government. Today, we are reliving the nightmares of martial law under the Arroyo regime. The butchering of the impeachment case against PGMA in the House of Representatives only proved that we couldn’t rely on traditional politicians to unravel the truth behind the Gloriagate and jueteng scandals. Elitism, loyalty to the party (numbers game) and political patronage (pork barrel) persist in the Congress and Senate. Indeed, nothing has changed in our Philippine political system. President Arroyo is determined to prolong in 15 days after publication. Senator Maceda is her stay in power using the policemen and right in his column that without publication, EO military to suppress the protest of the Filipino 464 becomes secret decrees of the late President masses against her government marred with graft Marcos under Presidential Decree No. 6. and corruption. The policy shift of the Arroyo Political analysts and columnists believe administration from “maximum tolerance” to that President Arroyo in cahoots with her allies “calibratedpreemptiveresponse”grosslyviolates is gradually retaliating at her political foes and human rights. Mass media exposed to us how detractors. Just imagine former President Cory human rights workers, social activists and peace Aquino and Senator Franklin Drilon accused advocates were physically harassed and violently of masterminding the alleged assassination plot dispersed by the policemen invoking the caliagainst PGMA. Brig. General Francisco Gudani brated preemptive response as their mantra to and Colonel Alexander who testified on massive justify their acts of violence. electoral fraud are now facing court martial. President Arroyo’s signing of Executive Those people who stand for truth and social Order 464 states that all government officials justice become targets of character assassination and employees must have her permission before and political harassment. appearing in any congressional inquiry. Many Aside from the crisis of Presidency, our na viewed EO 464 as unconstitutional and illegal. tion suffers from a crisis of sovereignty. The signs
"Today, we are reliving the nightmares of martial law under the Arroyo regime."
11
Subject:“martial law” in menagerie Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:48:04 +0800 From:“ongj(Ong,Jaime S)”
To:[email protected] are very clear. First, the IMF-WB and WTO are using loans as their leverage to push for greater privatization, deregulation and trade liberalization at the expense of the Filipino poor. Secondly, PGMA has forged allegiance with other nations under the ‘Coalition-of-the-Willing” to promote US policy on the “war on terror” in the pretext of BalikatanExercisesin thePhilippines.TheArroyo administration must realize that terrorist rhetoric and intensified militarization in Mindanao and in other parts of the country will not solve the escalating peace and order problem of our nation. It delays and jeopardizes the peace negotiation between the Philippine government with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). In the spirit of Bayanihan and Damayan, we’ve learned from our Philippine history that real crisis brings out the best in every Filipino like what had happened during the 1986 People Power uprising. God will not forsake and abandon the suffering of His people who are repenting from their sins. God will be sending again martyrs and prophets to heal our land. Recall the martyrdom of Senator Benigno Aquino on August 21, 1983 and many other unsung heroes who died in the pursuit of peace and social justice. Recall the important roles played by the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KoMPil) to arouse, organize and mobilize the Filipino masses. We fondly remember the prophetic role of Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in the 1986 People Power uprising that led to the downfall of a dictator. With former President Cory Aquino, Br. Armin Luistro FSC along with citizens who have genuine concern for this country, we shall overcome all these adversities. If we want peace, let us fight for the tru th and social justice under the Bukluran Para sa Katotohanan. Let us always remember that our Philippine history is full with inspiring stories of exemplary Filipinos who stood up and died for freedom, social justice and love of country. Real change must begin within us. Concretely, we can showcase the Gawad Kalinga program to our Filipino youth in teaching minds, touching hearts and building homes for a brighter future to help the needy.
By Gregorio L. Quitangon Center for Social Concern and Action
Dear Editor: I am bemused and appalled by “Martial Law: Triumph Amidst the Turmoil” by Michelle Lauren Reyes and Dianne Margareth Tang (Menagerie, Sept 2005). How can the authors say in the second paragraph that “Economic stagnation, political repression and insurgencies sprouted from the callous disregard for humanity” and then conclude that “The Philippine economy during Martial Law was catapulted to all time highs” and “With the thriving economy and crime-free environment, the Philippines under Martial Law seemed like an ideal place to live in”? This roseate view of the economy under Marcos makes no mention of crony capitalism and its baleful effects on the sugar, coconut, and other industries, the accumulation of foreign debt that now burdens current and future generations, the skewed priorities in the national budget, the rising levels of poverty. The writers may be too young to remember what happened in the first decades after Proclamation 1081. But you th is no excuse for ignorance, in a campus with a library that has an abundance of materials on the sordid and bloodstained record of martial law. Jaime S Ong Chairman, Marketing Department
Greetings in St. La Salle! Ifullyunderstandyour sentimentsregarding Martial Law. However, I wish to clarify th at the theme of last month’s issue, was “Searching for the Good in Mistakes”. The stories featured in that issue center on seemingly erroneous decisions, technological blunders, sudden career shifts, and in that article’s case, tumultuous historical events, that yielded positive resuts in one way or another. Therefore, the intention of that article was not to undermine nor entirely disregard what Martial Law represents in our country’s history, but rather, to tackle the subject matter from a more positive angle. Sincerely yours,
Juan Carlos Chavez Menagerie Editor
ARCHERS LOSE, FROM PAGE 16
LADY SPIKERS, FROM PAGE 16
overachieving team. We were the unwelcome guest and the gatecrashers in the finals. We surprised a lot of teams when we came through the backdoor (to the finals). Just being in the finals, parang nag-champion na rin kami,” Pumaren stated. “We only lost because we did not ex ecute in the last few seconds. We were just one shot away from winning this game,” Pumaren added, who lost the championship via sweep for the first time in his career. The Archers had a scintillating third period as a 17-3 run marked by turnover points gave them their biggest lead in the game at 11, 62-51. But the Tamaraws came back with six straight points, 62-57 at the end of the third.
all of these factors, Coach De Jesus still kept his faith on the drop of the Falcons, bringing the set to 8-6. Not to be outdone, Desiree Hernandez started the his team and was confident that they are in deed ready for defending champions’ rally. An ace by left-handed spiker and deserving of a championship. And his prediction eventually came true. After five Carissa Gotis and Illa Santos’ successful return shifted the momentum back to De La Salle’s side. Adamson responded years of coaching the DLSU Lady Spikers, Coach Ramil de Jesus was able to concoct the perfect recipe for three- with equal determination as they tied the score multiple times throughout the set. Unfor tunately, an outside spike peat title. by the Falcons gave the set point in favor of DLSU, 24-23. Hernandez’s spike secured the second set victory as the Game 1 The DLSU Lady Spikers proved that experience is Lady Spikers inched their way to a Game 1 triumph. The second set win boosted the spirit o f the green and indeed a crucial factor in winni ng a game, as they successfully defeated a younger Adamson squad, 3-0, in Game 1 white squad in the third set. Though the set started with a close fight of both teams, Adamson lost its focus after of the UAAP Volleyball Finals. failing to receive Santos’ drop, 13-7. From that point on, The Taft-based squad easily dominated the first set as the Lady Spikers never looked back as the combination the Adamson Lady Falcons committed several unforced of Hernandez and Carla Llaguno’s spikes, accompanied errors, thereby allowing the Lady Spikers to grab the first with Chie Saet’s aces, were just too powerful for the San set with a score of 25-14. At the start of the second set, both teams fought tooth Marcelino-based squad. On the other hand, the Lady and nail by answering each other’s points. However, Adam- Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm as they continued to commit several mistakes, ending the set at 25-7. son had the upperhand as the Lady Spikers failed to return
Game 1 Game 1 was a mirror image of Game 2 with the Green Archers trying but failing to sustain their lead in the dying seconds, no thanks to the all-around play of Santos, which ended with a 75-73 decision at the Araneta Coliseum last Sept. 29 in a game that was almost overshadowed by an altercation after the match. Santos amassed 29 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks but it was his end game heroics that gave the Tamaraws its first win of the finals.The lanky Santos drilled a three-pointer to tie the game with 48.6 ticks left to tie the game, 73-all. To cap of his brilliant performance, Santos gave th e game-clinching basket after tapping in a missed three-pointer by Isip, thereby giving the Morayta-based cagers the lead, 75-73, with 5.5 seconds remaining. DE LA SALLE CAGE, SEE PAGE 14 The Archers had one last chance but JV Casio missed his last second shot from of Sports Development (OSD), the University said that it Life after the Decision behind the arc, almost the same spot where he hit his title-winning shot last season, “regrets the incident” and adding that they “certainly will Even with his absence, Salgado declared that he will still to end the game. not condone any such act especially if it harms others.” The support the team in any way he can. “I’ll continue to give The game was not free from controversy though as Santos and DLSU assistant incident “does not reflect the values we (DLSU) stand for my services to the team and to th is institution even if I’m team manager Manny Salgado got involved in an exchange moments after the game. as an educational institution.” no longer on the bench. One act should not erase all the Television replays showed Salgado hitting Santos at the back of his head that irked “We apologize to Arwind Santos and the Far Eastern things I’ve done [for] the school’s sports program.” the Tamaraws. To prevent further untoward incidents, security came rushing in the Universitycommunity,to theother UAAPmember-schools Moving on is what Salgado will do after this issue that court to separate both squads as some fans pelted the court with debris. and to the general public,” the statement furthered. The rocked the community. “I’m really sorry to the community. De La Salle led in the waning minutes of the game as the wily Yeo slashed his statement also said that Salgado voluntarily left the team At the same time, I’ve already closed this chapter of my way to the goal and gave the go-ahead basket to the Archers, 72-70. At the 1:37 but Salgado clarified that he took a leave of absence. life. I’m ready to close this issue and end it.” mark, Araña halved his free throws, 73-70, the last time De La Salle would taste However, DLSU representative Danny Jose personally The near-chaotic events after Game 1 led to a “peacethe lead before Santos saved the Tams. thinks that the decision was unfair for Salgado. “It was too ful” Game 2 as the Board disallowed the players from trash Yeo was his usual self, scoring 26 points for the Green Archers. However, the harsh. He (Salgado) did not deserve such punishment. If talking during Game 2 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals, defending champions struggled to orchestrate their full-court pressure, which was this happened to a player, would they have imposed such and required the players to shake hands before the game scouted well by the Tamaraws. FEU also showed their might in height by blocking punishment?” Jose said. as a sign of sportsmanship. seven De La Salle shots. After a 12-0 run by the Archers, guard Eder Saldua hit two consecutive triples ARCHERS LOSE, FROM PAGE 16 Meanwhile, Geleen Handog landed in 4th place for the combined girls’ high school and college division. in a 13-0 blast by the Tamaraws as halftime ended with the Morayta-based squad The De La Salle teams won all 5 divisions they ended scoring the biggest victory in the five year history of the leading by one, 43-42. Samsung tournament. The momentum shifted to FEU at the start of the third juncture as they were The DLSU Golf Team shares its victory to the entire Lasallian community and credits its success to th e support poised to take the lead, 59-53. But in the ensuing plays, Yeo and Cabatu helped tie of team manager, Mr. Ferdie Atendido, the DLSAA, Pisanti, ICTSI, Campos, Lanuza & Co., and Island Wide for the game, 59-all, setting up a highly contested battle. sponsoring them in this year’s tournament.
MENAGERIE The LaSallian
10
T
he program you’re watching pauses for a commercial break and onto your screen bounces Georgina Wilson, looking cool, calm, collected, and drop-dead gorgeous in that flamboyant red dress. You call on the universe to trip her as she sashays past you on the TV screen to at least make you feel less inferior. Her thousand-watt smile frustrates you, knowing that you will never end up as eye-catching as her. You’ll never be able to smile, wink, or sparkle on a TV screen, nor will you ever have an avalanche of product endorsers pounding at your door. Think these thoughts and you have become a certified victim of this generation’s biggest blunder. Who ever said a woman had to have long flawless legs and fair complexion to be beautiful? Or who ever said a man had to be tall and sculpted to be handsome? No wise man, that’s for sure. Unfortunately, this generation has been brainwashed to believe that beauty is an elusive aesthetic quality bestowed upon the chosen few who dominate today’s catwalks, billboards, and television commercials. Since media projects the idea that these people set the bar for what is considered “beautiful”, the masses have been left to think of themselves as inferior immortals, less worthy to stand beside these beauty icons. TwistedDefinition The American Heritage Dictionary defines beauty as the quality that gives pleasure to the mind and senses. However, in this day and time, the media seems to be the one determining this quality. Over time, media has distorted the image of real beauty so much, that today’s generation defines beauty based on the ads and images that fill television sets and crowd billboards along hi ghways. Beauty has become so commercialized that people have become too dependent of this medium. And as the level of contentment declines, what to wear, how to act, and how to enhance themselves is left on the pages of magazines just to be courageous enough to call themselves, beautiful. Teenagers and adults alone are not only media’s market target, when even children are exposed to this kind of publicity. Take Barbie as a prime example. Sure, she can be easily dismissed as a mere plaything. But read in between the lines. With her luscious locks, her perfect figure, and her permanent pearly-white smile, she can easily dictate to those youngsters the “proper” look. On the other hand, photos of models and actors reveal fair skin, slim and toned frames, not to mention the mestizo or mestiza parameters. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and today’s men and women should be proud of how they look, or at least be contented. A Filipina more than anything finds her natural tan skin, an exotic look to many, a hindrance to beauty. Why then?—when other continents consider this to die for and Americans pay hundreds of dollars to get this color. Beauty is relative. Beauty is absolute. But media has taken this to its advantage by plastering what they deem beautiful all over billboards and TV screens, not realizing that the judgment of real beauty is not on their hands.
Beauty and the Media Beast GABRIELLE MARIE ANTONIO, YASMIN NAJIB, AND CARMELA SIOCO
13 October 2005
of evidence of how the idea of beauty has become a misconception to many. Girls who feel that their worth can be measured simply by stepping on a weighing scale. The idea of beauty that media promotes brings about a lot of disastrous effects. Men and women are disillusioned to the point of developing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia is a psychological disease wherein a person refuses to eat to control his or her weight. 90 -95 percent of anorexics are females, but an increasing number of males are also becoming subject to this disorder. Bulimia is equally dangerous, because it in duces a person to consume large amounts of food and then force himself to vomit. Feelings of self-depression and low self-esteem are rampant in bulimics. Aside from malnutrition, dehydration, and ruptured stomach, the biggest danger to anorexics and bulimics is death itself. According to Doctor Walter Kaye of the University of Florida, anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any other psychiatric disorder. VanityFair Dressing up and carrying oneself is another effect of media’s displacement of beauty. Body-hugging material, skin-tight jeans, and skimpy skirts are every woman’s resolution; literally, you have to fit in those then. Men, on the other hand, concentrate on sculpting their bodies in order for women to actually notice and appreciate them aside from the good looking face. Media has also become hazardous to human psyche. The images one sees on magazines and billboards can dull their ideas on what passes as beautiful. It has always been like that, to begin with. People, in their struggle for acceptance and belongingness believe that they have to abide with what media dictates before they get noticed by their peers. The sense of self-worth declines, until society continues to remain closed with vanity, one’s individuality will come to its lost. People misconstrue what they see in these supposed expressions of reality because they do not realize that advertisements can only go as far as selling beauty products and not the real essence of beauty.
PHOTO AND GRAPHICSBY LUISDE VERA
Take it from the Greeks The standards, by which society measures, beauty have become all too superficial. Beauty has even been presented as a challenge, and in the demented search for physical perfection people will never be satisfied with how they look i f they cannot learn to go pass what media offers. This commercialization of beauty forces people to focus on their imperfections based on the established idea of beauty—that of which can be measured according to height, physique, weight, and skin color. Media has taught people to settle for nothing less than surface perfection and to consider natural oddities as disfigurations. It has spurred society on a never-ending quest for physical enhancement, completely disregarding the inferiority it might cause people topfeel onaccount oftheir less-than-perfect-but-nevertheless-human appearances. People should understand that they do not have to be carbon copies of models in order to be beautiful. They do not have tosuccumbto media’sthousand-pesotheoriesbeautification,instead, they should accept and love the gifts nature has given them. A sense of appreciation and contentment could make people more confident and above all, happy. Because being able to rise above face-lifts and beauty products would highlight a beauty more compelling than that of any over-exposed media god or goddess. To the Greeks, beauty has a virtue within and without, but this generation seems to have forgotten that physical beauty must always be complemented, if not overridden, by inner beauty. Then and only then can a person be truly and completely, not only in the eyes of others’ but to oneself, say “I’m ok, I’m beautiful”.
Vital Statistics Media is responsible for brainwashing people to believe in a conceptualized notion of beauty. Numerous ads and commercials imply that slim; hence, weight has become a cosmetic concern for men and women across the globe. Women, however, are more prone to obsessing about weight. According to www.pbs.org, 75 percent of women with normal weight think they are overweight, and 90 percent of women overestimate their body size. Moreover, 69 percent of girls said that their perceptions of beauty were strongly influenced by magazine ads and television commercials. These statistics are pieces
Press release
Hitachi Young Leaders Le aders Initiative Initiati ve
Influential leaders from across Asia convened at the 7th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) held forum on July 11 and 12, 2005, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With the objective of inspiring the next generation of leaders, they shared their perspectives on critical issues impacting the region today. Under the overall theme of Balancing People, Planet and Profit in Asia’s Future, specific sub-themes that discussed include: Asian Economic Integration - Challenges and Opportunities; The Changing Role of Education in a Dynamic Asia; and Translating Environmental Awareness into Action. Mr. Nobuaki Furuse, General Manager, Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch: said, “With a region as diverse as Asia,developingsolutionstoaddresscommon issuesrequires an in-depth understanding of Asia’s social, economic, environmental and political landscapes. We are indeed fortunate to have an impressive line-up of speakers who, in their vari-
ous professions, have contributed to alleviating these issues, and leading their countries, businesses and organisations to greater heights. We believe they will serve to inspire our young leaders to do the same in the future”. The guest-of-honour for the 7th HYLI was Yang Berhormat Dato’ Dr. Shafie Mohd Salleh, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia. He was joined by the second keynote speaker, Dr. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of State for National Development Planning and Chairperson of National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) from Indonesia. Mr. Victor O. Ramos, former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from the Philippines, will speak on an environment sub-theme. Together with eminent speakers from the business sector, government and non-governmental organizations, and academia, these leaders presented their insights and interact ed with twenty-four top students from Indonesia, Japan, the
P O P T O W N
Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. This year’s initiative, the 7th in the series, was held from July 11 to 15. Students participated in two morning forums, a series of closed-door workshop discussions, a press conference to share their recommendations arising from the workshops, and a community project. Representing the Philippines at the 7th HYLI are Philip Francisco Dy of Ateneo de Manila University; Mark Gregore Gloriani of De La Salle University; Pamela Manuel and Carl Nicholas Ng, both from the University of the Philippines. They were selected from among undergraduate and graduate students from four top local universities through a rigorous selection process, which included a university shortlist, submission of written essays and a panel in terview. The 24 students of the 7th HYLI joined the HYLI alumni, a strong network of potential future leaders of Asia formed by past HYLI student participants.
13 October 2005
JIPNIY DRAYBERS
Abs Go
USAPANG BUTIKI
BC Uy
SHAYDER TIME
WORST CASE SCENARIO
LETTERS
The LaSallian
T O T H E E D I T O R
Déjà Vu
D
"Today, we are reliving the nightmares of martial law under the Arroyo regime."
Carvin Choa
Char Valdez
MAIS CON CARNE RETURNS
Jan Jaudian
ALTERNATE REALITY
Luis De Vera
11
Subject:“martial law” in menagerie Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:48:04 +0800 From:“ongj(Ong,Jaime S)” To:[email protected]
Deja vu
éjà vu derived from two French words, The united opposition, member-lawyers of the “already seen”. It also refers to an experiIntegrated Bar of the Philippines and civil society ence that causes you to remember some- groups strongly denounced EO 464 because it thing such as the déjà vu of the tabloid headlines prohibitstheLegislativeto check-and-balancethe showing images of mass protesters and student Executive and Judiciary branches of government. activists being water cannoned, clubbed, mauled, Under EO 464, the Executive undermines the illegally arrested and detained by the policemen power of the Legislative to hold hearings and and military. receive vital information useful for investigation News reporters and radio commentators de- in aid of legislation. nounced the acts of violence and the imposition EO 464 is illegal because under the revised of martial law in the pretext of national security. It administration code, any law or executive order reminded us of the late President Ferdinand Mar- must be published in o fficial national newspapers cos manipulating the national elections in 1986 to inform the general public before it takes effect to prove to the international community that he still enjoyed the popular support of the Filipinos. A dictator championing the cause of democracy yet, disregarded the check-and-balance of powers in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of the Philippine government. Recall how the dictator converted Batasang Pambansa into a rubber stamp. President Marcos controlled the military and ordered the arrest of his political detractors and enemies. He prolonged his stay in power for 20 years in cahoots with his cronies and the US government. Today, we are reliving the nightmares of martial law under the Arroyo regime. The butchering of the impeachment case against PGMA in the House of Representatives only proved that we couldn’t rely on traditional politicians to unravel the truth behind the Gloriagate and jueteng scandals. Elitism, loyalty to the party (numbers game) and political patronage (pork barrel) persist in the Congress and Senate. Indeed, nothing has changed in our Philippine political system. President Arroyo is determined to prolong in 15 days after publication. Senator Maceda is her stay in power using the policemen and right in his column that without publication, EO military to suppress the protest of the Filipino 464 becomes secret decrees of the late President masses against her government marred with graft Marcos under Presidential Decree No. 6. and corruption. The policy shift of the Arroyo Political analysts and columnists believe administration from “maximum tolerance” to that President Arroyo in cahoots with her allies “calibratedpreemptiveresponse”grosslyviolates is gradually retaliating at her political foes and human rights. Mass media exposed to us how detractors. Just imagine former President Cory human rights workers, social activists and peace Aquino and Senator Franklin Drilon accused advocates were physically harassed and violently of masterminding the alleged assassination plot dispersed by the policemen invoking the caliagainst PGMA. Brig. General Francisco Gudani brated preemptive response as their mantra to and Colonel Alexander who testified on massive justify their acts of violence. electoral fraud are now facing court martial. President Arroyo’s signing of Executive Those people who stand for truth and social Order 464 states that all government officials justice become targets of character assassination and employees must have her permission before and political harassment. appearing in any congressional inquiry. Many Aside from the crisis of Presidency, our na viewed EO 464 as unconstitutional and illegal. tion suffers from a crisis of sovereignty. The signs
are very clear. First, the IMF-WB and WTO are using loans as their leverage to push for greater privatization, deregulation and trade liberalization at the expense of the Filipino poor. Secondly, PGMA has forged allegiance with other nations under the ‘Coalition-of-the-Willing” to promote US policy on the “war on terror” in the pretext of BalikatanExercisesin thePhilippines.TheArroyo administration must realize that terrorist rhetoric and intensified militarization in Mindanao and in other parts of the country will not solve the escalating peace and order problem of our nation. It delays and jeopardizes the peace negotiation between the Philippine government with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). In the spirit of Bayanihan and Damayan, we’ve learned from our Philippine history that real crisis brings out the best in every Filipino like what had happened during the 1986 People Power uprising. God will not forsake and abandon the suffering of His people who are repenting from their sins. God will be sending again martyrs and prophets to heal our land. Recall the martyrdom of Senator Benigno Aquino on August 21, 1983 and many other unsung heroes who died in the pursuit of peace and social justice. Recall the important roles played by the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KoMPil) to arouse, organize and mobilize the Filipino masses. We fondly remember the prophetic role of Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in the 1986 People Power uprising that led to the downfall of a dictator. With former President Cory Aquino, Br. Armin Luistro FSC along with citizens who have genuine concern for this country, we shall overcome all these adversities. If we want peace, let us fight for the tru th and social justice under the Bukluran Para sa Katotohanan. Let us always remember that our Philippine history is full with inspiring stories of exemplary Filipinos who stood up and died for freedom, social justice and love of country. Real change must begin within us. Concretely, we can showcase the Gawad Kalinga program to our Filipino youth in teaching minds, touching hearts and building homes for a brighter future to help the needy.
By Gregorio L. Quitangon Center for Social Concern and Action
Dear Editor: I am bemused and appalled by “Martial Law: Triumph Amidst the Turmoil” by Michelle Lauren Reyes and Dianne Margareth Tang (Menagerie, Sept 2005). How can the authors say in the second paragraph that “Economic stagnation, political repression and insurgencies sprouted from the callous disregard for humanity” and then conclude that “The Philippine economy during Martial Law was catapulted to all time highs” and “With the thriving economy and crime-free environment, the Philippines under Martial Law seemed like an ideal place to live in”? This roseate view of the economy under Marcos makes no mention of crony capitalism and its baleful effects on the sugar, coconut, and other industries, the accumulation of foreign debt that now burdens current and future generations, the skewed priorities in the national budget, the rising levels of poverty. The writers may be too young to remember what happened in the first decades after Proclamation 1081. But you th is no excuse for ignorance, in a campus with a library that has an abundance of materials on the sordid and bloodstained record of martial law. Jaime S Ong Chairman, Marketing Department
Greetings in St. La Salle! Ifullyunderstandyour sentimentsregarding Martial Law. However, I wish to clarify th at the theme of last month’s issue, was “Searching for the Good in Mistakes”. The stories featured in that issue center on seemingly erroneous decisions, technological blunders, sudden career shifts, and in that article’s case, tumultuous historical events, that yielded positive resuts in one way or another. Therefore, the intention of that article was not to undermine nor entirely disregard what Martial Law represents in our country’s history, but rather, to tackle the subject matter from a more positive angle. Sincerely yours,
Juan Carlos Chavez Menagerie Editor
ARCHERS LOSE, FROM PAGE 16
LADY SPIKERS, FROM PAGE 16
overachieving team. We were the unwelcome guest and the gatecrashers in the finals. We surprised a lot of teams when we came through the backdoor (to the finals). Just being in the finals, parang nag-champion na rin kami,” Pumaren stated. “We only lost because we did not ex ecute in the last few seconds. We were just one shot away from winning this game,” Pumaren added, who lost the championship via sweep for the first time in his career. The Archers had a scintillating third period as a 17-3 run marked by turnover points gave them their biggest lead in the game at 11, 62-51. But the Tamaraws came back with six straight points, 62-57 at the end of the third.
all of these factors, Coach De Jesus still kept his faith on the drop of the Falcons, bringing the set to 8-6. Not to be outdone, Desiree Hernandez started the his team and was confident that they are in deed ready for defending champions’ rally. An ace by left-handed spiker and deserving of a championship. And his prediction eventually came true. After five Carissa Gotis and Illa Santos’ successful return shifted the momentum back to De La Salle’s side. Adamson responded years of coaching the DLSU Lady Spikers, Coach Ramil de Jesus was able to concoct the perfect recipe for three- with equal determination as they tied the score multiple times throughout the set. Unfor tunately, an outside spike peat title. by the Falcons gave the set point in favor of DLSU, 24-23. Hernandez’s spike secured the second set victory as the Game 1 The DLSU Lady Spikers proved that experience is Lady Spikers inched their way to a Game 1 triumph. The second set win boosted the spirit o f the green and indeed a crucial factor in winni ng a game, as they successfully defeated a younger Adamson squad, 3-0, in Game 1 white squad in the third set. Though the set started with a close fight of both teams, Adamson lost its focus after of the UAAP Volleyball Finals. failing to receive Santos’ drop, 13-7. From that point on, The Taft-based squad easily dominated the first set as the Lady Spikers never looked back as the combination the Adamson Lady Falcons committed several unforced of Hernandez and Carla Llaguno’s spikes, accompanied errors, thereby allowing the Lady Spikers to grab the first with Chie Saet’s aces, were just too powerful for the San set with a score of 25-14. At the start of the second set, both teams fought tooth Marcelino-based squad. On the other hand, the Lady and nail by answering each other’s points. However, Adam- Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm as they continued to commit several mistakes, ending the set at 25-7. son had the upperhand as the Lady Spikers failed to return
Game 1 Game 1 was a mirror image of Game 2 with the Green Archers trying but failing to sustain their lead in the dying seconds, no thanks to the all-around play of Santos, which ended with a 75-73 decision at the Araneta Coliseum last Sept. 29 in a game that was almost overshadowed by an altercation after the match. Santos amassed 29 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks but it was his end game heroics that gave the Tamaraws its first win of the finals.The lanky Santos drilled a three-pointer to tie the game with 48.6 ticks left to tie the game, 73-all. To cap of his brilliant performance, Santos gave th e game-clinching basket after tapping in a missed three-pointer by Isip, thereby giving the Morayta-based cagers the lead, 75-73, with 5.5 seconds remaining. DE LA SALLE CAGE, SEE PAGE 14 The Archers had one last chance but JV Casio missed his last second shot from of Sports Development (OSD), the University said that it Life after the Decision behind the arc, almost the same spot where he hit his title-winning shot last season, “regrets the incident” and adding that they “certainly will Even with his absence, Salgado declared that he will still to end the game. not condone any such act especially if it harms others.” The support the team in any way he can. “I’ll continue to give The game was not free from controversy though as Santos and DLSU assistant incident “does not reflect the values we (DLSU) stand for my services to the team and to th is institution even if I’m team manager Manny Salgado got involved in an exchange moments after the game. as an educational institution.” no longer on the bench. One act should not erase all the Television replays showed Salgado hitting Santos at the back of his head that irked “We apologize to Arwind Santos and the Far Eastern things I’ve done [for] the school’s sports program.” the Tamaraws. To prevent further untoward incidents, security came rushing in the Universitycommunity,to theother UAAPmember-schools Moving on is what Salgado will do after this issue that court to separate both squads as some fans pelted the court with debris. and to the general public,” the statement furthered. The rocked the community. “I’m really sorry to the community. De La Salle led in the waning minutes of the game as the wily Yeo slashed his statement also said that Salgado voluntarily left the team At the same time, I’ve already closed this chapter of my way to the goal and gave the go-ahead basket to the Archers, 72-70. At the 1:37 but Salgado clarified that he took a leave of absence. life. I’m ready to close this issue and end it.” mark, Araña halved his free throws, 73-70, the last time De La Salle would taste However, DLSU representative Danny Jose personally The near-chaotic events after Game 1 led to a “peacethe lead before Santos saved the Tams. thinks that the decision was unfair for Salgado. “It was too ful” Game 2 as the Board disallowed the players from trash Yeo was his usual self, scoring 26 points for the Green Archers. However, the harsh. He (Salgado) did not deserve such punishment. If talking during Game 2 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals, defending champions struggled to orchestrate their full-court pressure, which was this happened to a player, would they have imposed such and required the players to shake hands before the game scouted well by the Tamaraws. FEU also showed their might in height by blocking punishment?” Jose said. as a sign of sportsmanship. seven De La Salle shots. After a 12-0 run by the Archers, guard Eder Saldua hit two consecutive triples ARCHERS LOSE, FROM PAGE 16 Meanwhile, Geleen Handog landed in 4th place for the combined girls’ high school and college division. in a 13-0 blast by the Tamaraws as halftime ended with the Morayta-based squad The De La Salle teams won all 5 divisions they ended scoring the biggest victory in the five year history of the leading by one, 43-42. Samsung tournament. The momentum shifted to FEU at the start of the third juncture as they were The DLSU Golf Team shares its victory to the entire Lasallian community and credits its success to th e support poised to take the lead, 59-53. But in the ensuing plays, Yeo and Cabatu helped tie of team manager, Mr. Ferdie Atendido, the DLSAA, Pisanti, ICTSI, Campos, Lanuza & Co., and Island Wide for the game, 59-all, setting up a highly contested battle. sponsoring them in this year’s tournament.
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WORST CASE SCENARIO
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DLSU Paddlers struggle in UAAP wars CAMILLE PINTO AND JULIUS
Tankers: A notch down NIKKI ANN TUNGOL
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fter stumbling to fourth and third places respectively in this the team as they lost their top gunners, especially for the 400m Medley and Freestyle events. Before the season unveiled, Langit year’s UAAP swimming tournament, the Green and Lady individual medley event. Besides lacking players, the poor recruit- was expected to step up. True enough, Langit indeed showed big Tankers ended up in a disappointing predicament as the ment also contributed to their paltry finish since the other compet- improvement from her performance last year. two teams both placed a notch down compared to last season’s ing schools capitalized on their exceptional recruits. Alongside Langit is rookie Tessa Alcantara, who unexpectedly finish. Despite the tournament results, the Green Tankers still reshowed her best times. A former Most Outstanding Swimmer The Green Tankers’ final record of 80 points was simply lacking mained as proud. “We never gave up even though we were feeling awardee during her high school days, Alcantara captured the second as they trailed UP, UST, and Ateneo. The UP Fighting Maroons so down. We stayed tough,” said Tanker Jetro Asis. “We knew we place in the 50m Freestyle, and third place in the 200m Backstroke, bagged its third straight title after garnering a total of 304.5 points. lack players, so all of us in the team needed to step up and really 100m Breaststroke, and 50m Butterfly events. UST and Ateneo followed suit with 225 and 154.5 points, corfocus on team points,” JR Sia also added. For the relay events, the Green Tankers finished as runner-ups respondingly. On the distaff, the Lady Tankers had better luck as The Lady Tankers, on the other hand, ex perienced the same for the 400m Freestyle while landing the third spot for the 200m they scored 166.5 points behind defending champions UST’s 244 distress after falling far from their championship target. They suf- and 400m Medley, and 200m Freestyle. For the women’s division, and UP’s 200 points. fered from the loss of key players Michelle Nisce and Ace Sapinoso, the Lady Tankers ranked second in the 200m Freestyle and finished It was a blistering reality for the Green Tankers to settle at the who were consistently reliable in chipping in a good number of third in the 400m and 800m Freestyle, and 400m Medley. fourth spot as the team was actually eyeing for a second place finish team points. However, notable performances from sophomore With the Green and Lady Tankers still possessing a somehow prior to the competition. Their ho pes came crashing down after LC Langit and rookie Tessa Alcantara, carried the Lady Tankers lineup next year, expect the Taft-based swimmers to gradually two-time MVP Benjamin Uy and highest pointer Mickey Quilala into a better niche. improve and bring the glory back to De La Salle in the seasons weren’t allowed to play due to the UAAP residency rulings. LC Langit, a former UAAP MVP in UST High School, was to come. With reports from Rey Christian Sikat Since Uy and Quilala were really expected to contribute preconfident as she bagged the silver in the 800m and 200m Freecious points for De La Salle, the decision became detrimental to style while bronzes were in hand in both the 400m Individual
De La Salle cage official banned in UAAP
REUBEN TERRADO AND CARLOS REBULLIDA III Is admitting one’s own fault ever enough to justify one’s actions? Assistant team manager Manny Salgado has already admitted his mistake; however, a lot of people still continue to judge him.
What really happened? A near skirmish broke out when Salgado hit FEU stalwart Arwind Santos with a closed fist at the back of the head moments after the Green Archers lost to the Tamaraws in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals, an act that was seen on national television. Newspaper reports stated that Salgado was trying to pacify Joseph Yeo and Arwind Santos from trash talking. Santos then said slanderous remarks to Salgado which prompted the latter to hit Santos at the back of the head. “Still, my act was not justifiable. It was uncalled for and I apologized for it,” Salgado shared. The UAAP Board’s Decision The UAAP Board pulled an axe on unsportsmanlike behavior by banning Salgado for life from being present in all the events of the UAAP. In a decision after an emergency meeting last Sept. 30, the Board statement declared that “after due deliberations… the UAAP Board of Trustees decided to perpetually ban Mr. Manny Salgado from personally watching all UAAP sports competitions in all venues thereof.” The decision was based on the recommendation of the technical committee, which was approved unanimously by the Board. Salgado said that he will not appeal the lifetime ban sentenced to him. “I’ll leave it at that. I will face the consequences and I don’t need to react further,” Salgado said in a phone interview with The LaSallian. De La Salle’s Side In a separate statement signed by Br. Armin Luistro FSC, President of the De La Salle University (DLSU) System, Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice President of DLSU-Manila, and Br. Bobby Casingal FSC, Director of the Office DE LA SALLE, SEE PAGE 11
Green Archers: Archers: Season in review REUBEN EZRA TERRADO
Coming into this season, the Archers knew that second round. And even with a “board room” they will have a gargantuan task of reaching the decision to replay a won game against the Warrifinals after explosive scorer Mark Cardona and ors, the Archers got even b etter as they beat UP, bruiser Jerwin Gaco left the team, two of which Adamson, Ateneo, and UE in a return match, by were vital cogs in the past campaigns. The lack of an average margin of nearly 19 points. height was evident as some players were fo rced Thanks to the tournament format, the Archto play out of their usual positions. Basketball ers, ending the elimination in a three-way tie expertssomewhatwereskepticaboutthe chances for second with a 10-4 slate, found their way of this year’s bunch of Archers. marching into the Final Four with a twice-to After a big opening day win against Ateneo beat advantage because of a superior quotient de Manila, the Archers were upset by the UP to the Eagles and Warriors, tagged as the early Maroons and the UE Red Warriors in close favorites but both faltered in the end after having fashion and ending the first round with an un- good starts to their campaign. impressive 4-3 record. They went on to dominate the Eagles again, A loss to the Tamaraws in the second round 74-57, in the Final Four setting up a finals left observers and even some members of the rematch against the Tamaraws. “We’ve been De La Salle community wondering whether dreaming for this (reaching the finals). It’s good the Archers have what it takes to go back to to be back in the finals,” Pumaren noted in an the finals. earlier interview. But like last year, the Archers peaked at the Pumaren tagged themselves as the underright time, putting together a string of victories dogs to the Tamaraws, who took command in in the second round. Their game against FEU in the tournament with a 12-2 slate. Not surpristhe second round was their solitary defeat in the ingly, the Tamaraws of rookie coach Bert Flores
used their height advantage, veteran leadership, and the desire for redemption from last year’s failure to cop the men’s basketball crown against the Archers. Santos, this season’s MVP, even skipped playing in the PBA just to have a crack at the championship trophy. Now, he has it. The championship was FEU’s 18th UAAP men’s basketball crown, tying UE and UST for the most in league history. Overachieved, as Pumaren depicted it, is what the Green Archers were this season. And even if this will mark the end of the collegiate careers of the veterans Yeo, Cabatu, and JR Aquino, Pumaren feels optimistic next season as Tang and Casio will be spearheading the team while highly-touted big man Marko Batricevic, the comebacking PJ Walsham, and other recruits are expected to play doubly hard for the Archers. “We will be a bigger team next year. And with this experience, our young players tasted a bitter pill. It is going to be a good springboard for us next year, ” Pumaren concluded.
Woodpushers: Bridesmaids in Season 68 All good things have come to an end. After dominating the UAAP chess scene for six straight years, the De La Salle Green Woodpushers finally bid goodbye to glory as they only wounded up in second place, thereby missing the chance to rewrite collegiate chess history. With eventual champions UP leading by a half-point before the last round, the tension took its toll on the Woodpushers as they settled for a 2-2 draw against 3rd place finishers UST in the UE Briefing Room last September 24. Since the UP Maroons disposed the Ateneo Eagles with a 3-1 score, the Green Woodpushers had to win all its boards against the UST tigers for them to grab their seventh title. Unfortunately, the 2-2 draw proved to be too costly as it signaled the defeat of the Green Woodpushers, while spelling victory for the UP Maroons. UP garnered a total of 39 points to end the season on a high note while the Green Woodpushers followed suit with 37.5 points. The UST Tigers, last year’s runner-ups, fell to the third spot.
GEOFFREY GAYARES The Taft-based squad missed the chance of “The team really did great despite the fact tying the longest championship streak in UAAP that we lost [the championship] to UST, but our History, which was the 1971’ UE Mens Basket- matches were good enough as we played harder ball Teams’ feat of 7 straight championships. moving into the crucial rounds,” said Faith DiUnlike their male counterparts who fell to a makiling on her team’s overall performance. lower placing, the Lady Woodpushers managed The awarding ceremony was graced by Br. to improve to one spot from last year’s finish to Ceci Hojilla FSC together with DLSU chess claim second place. UST topped the women’s di- team managers George Barcelon and Gerry vision while the Green and White squad together Achacoso. with the UP Lady Maroons both finished with 30.5 points. Since the Lady Woodpushers were able to beat the Lady Maroons in their previous meetings, it was Coach Randy Segarra’s troops who ended up as the runner-ups. Jennifer Advincula took home the Board 4 Gold while fellow Negrense Eden Tumbos grabbed silver for Board 5. Rookie Angeli Dimakiling missed the ROY honor, but was awarded Board 3 Silver in consolation. Team Captain Faith Dimakiling finished with a bronze in board 1, ending her rich UAAP career together with PHOTO BY veterans Aileen Caños and Myrill Garcia. AMANDA VALENZUELA
PHOTO BYTIANEL ESPIRITU
Missed the ball. ball . Despite the paddlers focus on the game, they missed out on the UAAP Table Tennis titles this
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ast season, the Lady Paddlers made history as they bagged De La Salle’s first table tennis title via a rare complete sweep of the eliminations. However, this season is a different story. With former MVP Crisanta Abas out of the picture and the changes in the playing format, the Lady Paddlers failed to defend their crown as they ended the 68th UAAP season at third place. After ending the eliminations at the third spot, the Lady Paddlers battled second seeded Far Eastern University (FEU)LadyTamarawsinthe semifinals round at the UST gym last Oct.5. Unfortunately, the Morayta-based squad, who carried a twice-to-beat advantage, proved to be too overpowering as they swept the Lady Paddlers, 3-0. National Team members Arlene Borja and Ayra Malabayabas,togetherwith thetandem of Leah Calamiong and Vanessa Ng, tried to bring De La Salle back into the game but their efforts weren’t enough to beat the stronger FEU team. Both the Lady Paddlers and the FEU Lady Tams were tied at first place after the first round of eliminations. As the second round progressed last Oct.1, the Lady Paddlers suffered a big loss against the University of Sto. Tomas(UST) Lady Tigers. However, Coach Ramil Sta. Ana’s troops managed to pick up their games as they defeated the Ateneo Lady Eagles and Adamson Lady Falcons by the end of the day. Despite being down by two games, 0-2, the Lady Paddlers were still able
to control the tempo of the game as they won over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 3-2. Borja together with rookies Mabalayabas and Ng, prevailed in the remaining singles round with set scores of 3-1, 3-0, and 3-2, respectively. In addition, the Lady Paddlers trounced the Adamson Lady Falcons in three straight games, 3-0. The Taft-based squad continued their dominance as they crushed the UE Lady Warriors in three consecutive games, 3-0, last Oct. 2. Praine Ong and Borja swept their respective single matches on three straight sets while Lei Bonifacio and Calamiong only overcame their foes in the fifth set. Then again, lady luck was not on the Lady Paddlers’ side as the FEU Lady Tams shattered their hopes of gaining a twice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Paddlers were outmaneuvered in the second and fourth singles with both scores at 0-3. There was no luck either in the doubles game as they settled for a 2-3 score, thereby handing the FEU squad the victory. The UST Lady Tigers brought home the championship that was once stolen by DLSU while the FEU Lady Tamaraws finished as the runners-up. The Lady Paddlers didn’t go empty handed as freshman Ayra Mabalayabas bagged the Rookie of the Year honor. Green Paddlers settle for fifth place This is simply not De La Salle’s year in table tennis. Despite finishing third in the first round of eliminations, the Green
Paddlers weren’t able to sustain their momentum as they succumbed to a fifth place finish as the UAAP wars came to an end. A win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the second round gave the Green Paddlers a chance to grab a Final Four spot as the matches ended with set scores of 3-2, 1-3, 3-0, and 3-1. With momentum on their side, the Green Paddlers continued to show their true form as they pounced on the Adamson Lady Falcons, 3-1. The victory over the San Marcelino-based squad boosted the spirits of the Green Paddlers as they earlier suffered a 1-3 loss against the same team in the first round. Just when the Green Paddlers were starting to get their hopes high, reality came crashing down once again as they lost to the defending champions in threestraightmatches.Thelossmarked the end of the Green Paddlers’ bid for the crown. TurnaroundofEvents The reason for the Green and Lady Paddlers’ dismal finish may be accounted by the new table tennis format. According to head coach Ramil Sta. Ana, both teams would have better chances if the UAAP had sticked to its former playing arrangement. arrangement. “Nahirapan talaga kami sa Blind Entry system na hindi mo alam kung sino ang kakalabanin at isasalang at the same time.” He also added that, “Last minute nagfafall down ang mga players. That is beyond my coaching and explanations at nasa player na rin ang judgment.”
Green Tennisters start off strong in Milo Interschool Tournament CANDACE DAPHNE TING
The Green Tennisters opened the Milo Interschool Tournament last Oct. 8 and 9 at Mandaluyong Mental Hospital tennis court with compelling victories. The team was divided into two contending groups as they participate on the competition. The Team B of the Green Tennisters opened the tournament with a two to one win against the University of the Philippines. The squad took the first advantage as Jandrick de Castro scored an 8-6 victory ov*er BJ Sison in the first singles match. Miguel Pantua failed to defeat OJ Sison, 3-8, at the other singles match. Luckily, Edu Diaz and Lawrence Magaway already sealed the win for the team, beating the duo of Gerald Remio and Junjie Guadayo with scores at 8-5 in the doubles match. The next day, the squad had it easy as they won by default against San Sebastian whose players were not able to make it to the game.
On the other hand, the Team A of the Green Tennisters kicked off the competition with a win as well. They outclassed the squad from College of St. Benilde, winning two of their three matches last Oct. 9. In the first singles game, JR Moreno gave the green squad a head start as he handily defeated JV Cruz with the final score at 8-3. Th e tandem of Yannick Guba and Nico de Dios secured the team’s win, finishing their doubles match at 8-2 against the pair of Johan Guba and JV Cruz. Unfortunately, the team was not able to sweep their three games against CSB as Pereme Alina suffered a 5-8 no nbearing loss to PV Cruz, in the last singles game. Exciting matches await both DLSU squads, as they move on to the semifinals on Oct. 15. Team A will be facing PUP, the number one seeded team, while Team B will be competing against UST, the second seeded squad.
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hen I received a text message from Abbey last week about writing for the sports column, I immediately said yes even though I didn’t know the topic. Upon learning it, I then thought about all those hours I spent learning my course: Marketing Management. Remembering all the stuff I’ve read and studied about was not that easy as I thought it would be. Although you could say that I am still considered a bit fresh from college, graduating June of last year, I can vividly recall all those stuff regarding the four P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion). After watching the flick Fever Pitch which stars Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon last Monday, the idea suddenly popped in my head. You see, Basketball is still the cult-following of this nation with Boxing finishing a far second. Basketball has been inculcated in every Filipino as they are born. The popularity is so widespread that you don’t have to announce that in th e UAAP for example, De La Salle and Far Eastern will again meet in the finals this season. Much similarly to the movie, Fallon since 7, was brought by his uncle to his first Red Sox game, he didn’t miss a game. Only after 11 years when he met Barrymore and fell in love did he miss one. Passion and love for the game has enabled him to follow the team and the sport, much similar to us Filipinos I realized that you can’t force someone to watch th e other UAAP games since this would not be beneficial in the long run. What other sports enthusiasts could do to promote their craft is basically encourage family and friends (including their blockmates) to watch. They could then teach them the basics of the sport, the how-to practically, and ask them to bring some of their other friends to watch. In reference to the movie, Fallon’s uncle brought him to the game at a young age. He was given the Red Sox annual and other baseball merchandise which were other primary information materials. His uncle’s friends in the ball park also were able to help mold Fallon’s love for the sport as they were able to give him tidbits of knowledge regarding baseball and life. On the part of the UAAP schools, they could in return do some belowthe-line marketing to promote the other sports. One thing they could do is set-up banners or tarpaulins in strategic areas around the school with the game schedules and the other pertinent information regarding these sports. This would reinforce the first-hand information given by the athlete/enthusiast to their school mates. The school could also ask Studio 23, as a start, to cover games of the other sports and possibly include it on the airing contract with Basketball in the near future. What I’m proposing is not guaranteed to fill the rafters of the other sports on the spot. What it will do is constantly increase the number of those watching. Sounds cliché but great things do start from small beginnings. Ric Alvin Gayares (sports editor during SY 2003-2004) *** After the Lady Archers failed to make it to the Final Four for the first time in seven years, I had a conversation with one of the team’s defenders, Gay Mitra. She mentioned that nobody really watches their games except for some friends and family members. In addition, the De La Salle pep squad has only gone to their games several times. Compared to other teams, DLSU is really lacking in terms of supporters. During the conversation, the idea on how to promote other UAAP sports especially in DLSU besides basketball came to my mind. For me, this would be a good time for me to test if I really learned something in my marketing classes. Though the Philippines is a basketball-dominated country, there is still hope for the other sports to be noticed. Take volleyball for example. For several years, nobody really cared about volleyball but the moment the Shakey’s Vleague was launched, supporters started swarming around the court. Now, TV coverage is not just the solution because I know that there are not enough budgets for all the UAAP sports. However, there are still some strategies that can be used. One, I talked to one of my marketing professors, Mr. Leongson. He mentioned that one way to market the other UAAP sports would be displaying banners and announcements around the DLSU campus. This woul d inform the De La Salle community about the games and other stuff. Actually, some of the game schedules are posted outside the Office of the Sports Development in the 9th floor of the Enrique Razon Sports Complex but the OSD is too far away for the students. These students would not take the time and effo rt to just go to the OSD to just find out the latest news. Like what they say in marketing, don’t let the customers (students) come to you, come to them. Banners and tarpaulins (which may feature the profile or picture of the star player of a particular sport perhaps) would definitely catch the attention of the student body. Two, in other UAAP schools, they allow their schools to be used as venues for the games. UST holds the table tennis and tae kwondo competitions in their place. UP is also the venue for volleyball and judo matches. This gives them the supporters and homecourt advantage as well. Why can’t De La Salle use its facility like in women’s basketball or volleyball perhaps? Why not do what the NBA does, travel from one state to another? This time around, the athletes just travel around the schools. Honestly, I don’t think that we should be just limited to one venue. Three, I’ve noticed that in Adamson and UP, the P.E. professors somehow require their students to watch the games. I think this is a good way to teach the students about a particular sport. They are not just confined to the four walls of the classroom but they are able to witness the real game as well. I believe that this is being done in judo classes; hopefully, the other P.E. professors will follow. The students will not just l earn, but they are also able to support the DLSU teams as well. These athletes work hard for the DLSU community but they are not getting the support that they really deserve. They need people to boo st their spirits but sadly, we only recognize them once they win a championship. But is winning a title the basis for people to support a team? I hope not. Banners, venues, and school requirements-these are just icings on n the cake. But what’s beneath all this is the word support. I hope that there exists support for the other UAAP teams in each and everyone of you. It’s only the end of the first half. But for the second half, it’s just the beginning. Support the UAAP teams. Animo La Salle! Earlene Clarissa Ching
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DLSU Paddlers struggle in UAAP wars CAMILLE PINTO AND JULIUS
Tankers: A notch down NIKKI ANN TUNGOL
PHOTO BYTI ANELESPIRITU
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fter stumbling to fourth and third places respectively in this the team as they lost their top gunners, especially for the 400m Medley and Freestyle events. Before the season unveiled, Langit year’s UAAP swimming tournament, the Green and Lady individual medley event. Besides lacking players, the poor recruit- was expected to step up. True enough, Langit indeed showed big Tankers ended up in a disappointing predicament as the ment also contributed to their paltry finish since the other compet- improvement from her performance last year. two teams both placed a notch down compared to last season’s ing schools capitalized on their exceptional recruits. Alongside Langit is rookie Tessa Alcantara, who unexpectedly finish. Despite the tournament results, the Green Tankers still reshowed her best times. A former Most Outstanding Swimmer The Green Tankers’ final record of 80 points was simply lacking mained as proud. “We never gave up even though we were feeling awardee during her high school days, Alcantara captured the second as they trailed UP, UST, and Ateneo. The UP Fighting Maroons so down. We stayed tough,” said Tanker Jetro Asis. “We knew we place in the 50m Freestyle, and third place in the 200m Backstroke, bagged its third straight title after garnering a total of 304.5 points. lack players, so all of us in the team needed to step up and really 100m Breaststroke, and 50m Butterfly events. UST and Ateneo followed suit with 225 and 154.5 points, corfocus on team points,” JR Sia also added. For the relay events, the Green Tankers finished as runner-ups respondingly. On the distaff, the Lady Tankers had better luck as The Lady Tankers, on the other hand, ex perienced the same for the 400m Freestyle while landing the third spot for the 200m they scored 166.5 points behind defending champions UST’s 244 distress after falling far from their championship target. They suf- and 400m Medley, and 200m Freestyle. For the women’s division, and UP’s 200 points. fered from the loss of key players Michelle Nisce and Ace Sapinoso, the Lady Tankers ranked second in the 200m Freestyle and finished It was a blistering reality for the Green Tankers to settle at the who were consistently reliable in chipping in a good number of third in the 400m and 800m Freestyle, and 400m Medley. fourth spot as the team was actually eyeing for a second place finish team points. However, notable performances from sophomore With the Green and Lady Tankers still possessing a somehow prior to the competition. Their ho pes came crashing down after LC Langit and rookie Tessa Alcantara, carried the Lady Tankers lineup next year, expect the Taft-based swimmers to gradually two-time MVP Benjamin Uy and highest pointer Mickey Quilala into a better niche. improve and bring the glory back to De La Salle in the seasons weren’t allowed to play due to the UAAP residency rulings. LC Langit, a former UAAP MVP in UST High School, was to come. With reports from Rey Christian Sikat Since Uy and Quilala were really expected to contribute preconfident as she bagged the silver in the 800m and 200m Freecious points for De La Salle, the decision became detrimental to style while bronzes were in hand in both the 400m Individual
De La Salle cage official banned in UAAP
Green Archers: Archers: Season in review REUBEN EZRA TERRADO
REUBEN TERRADO AND CARLOS REBULLIDA III Is admitting one’s own fault ever enough to justify one’s actions? Assistant team manager Manny Salgado has already admitted his mistake; however, a lot of people still continue to judge him.
What really happened? A near skirmish broke out when Salgado hit FEU stalwart Arwind Santos with a closed fist at the back of the head moments after the Green Archers lost to the Tamaraws in Game 1 of the UAAP men’s basketball finals, an act that was seen on national television. Newspaper reports stated that Salgado was trying to pacify Joseph Yeo and Arwind Santos from trash talking. Santos then said slanderous remarks to Salgado which prompted the latter to hit Santos at the back of the head. “Still, my act was not justifiable. It was uncalled for and I apologized for it,” Salgado shared. The UAAP Board’s Decision The UAAP Board pulled an axe on unsportsmanlike behavior by banning Salgado for life from being present in all the events of the UAAP. In a decision after an emergency meeting last Sept. 30, the Board statement declared that “after due deliberations… the UAAP Board of Trustees decided to perpetually ban Mr. Manny Salgado from personally watching all UAAP sports competitions in all venues thereof.” The decision was based on the recommendation of the technical committee, which was approved unanimously by the Board. Salgado said that he will not appeal the lifetime ban sentenced to him. “I’ll leave it at that. I will face the consequences and I don’t need to react further,” Salgado said in a phone interview with The LaSallian. De La Salle’s Side In a separate statement signed by Br. Armin Luistro FSC, President of the De La Salle University (DLSU) System, Dr. Carmelita Quebengco, Executive Vice President of DLSU-Manila, and Br. Bobby Casingal FSC, Director of the Office DE LA SALLE, SEE PAGE 11
Coming into this season, the Archers knew that second round. And even with a “board room” they will have a gargantuan task of reaching the decision to replay a won game against the Warrifinals after explosive scorer Mark Cardona and ors, the Archers got even b etter as they beat UP, bruiser Jerwin Gaco left the team, two of which Adamson, Ateneo, and UE in a return match, by were vital cogs in the past campaigns. The lack of an average margin of nearly 19 points. height was evident as some players were fo rced Thanks to the tournament format, the Archto play out of their usual positions. Basketball ers, ending the elimination in a three-way tie expertssomewhatwereskepticaboutthe chances for second with a 10-4 slate, found their way of this year’s bunch of Archers. marching into the Final Four with a twice-to After a big opening day win against Ateneo beat advantage because of a superior quotient de Manila, the Archers were upset by the UP to the Eagles and Warriors, tagged as the early Maroons and the UE Red Warriors in close favorites but both faltered in the end after having fashion and ending the first round with an un- good starts to their campaign. impressive 4-3 record. They went on to dominate the Eagles again, A loss to the Tamaraws in the second round 74-57, in the Final Four setting up a finals left observers and even some members of the rematch against the Tamaraws. “We’ve been De La Salle community wondering whether dreaming for this (reaching the finals). It’s good the Archers have what it takes to go back to to be back in the finals,” Pumaren noted in an the finals. earlier interview. But like last year, the Archers peaked at the Pumaren tagged themselves as the underright time, putting together a string of victories dogs to the Tamaraws, who took command in in the second round. Their game against FEU in the tournament with a 12-2 slate. Not surpristhe second round was their solitary defeat in the ingly, the Tamaraws of rookie coach Bert Flores
used their height advantage, veteran leadership, and the desire for redemption from last year’s failure to cop the men’s basketball crown against the Archers. Santos, this season’s MVP, even skipped playing in the PBA just to have a crack at the championship trophy. Now, he has it. The championship was FEU’s 18th UAAP men’s basketball crown, tying UE and UST for the most in league history. Overachieved, as Pumaren depicted it, is what the Green Archers were this season. And even if this will mark the end of the collegiate careers of the veterans Yeo, Cabatu, and JR Aquino, Pumaren feels optimistic next season as Tang and Casio will be spearheading the team while highly-touted big man Marko Batricevic, the comebacking PJ Walsham, and other recruits are expected to play doubly hard for the Archers. “We will be a bigger team next year. And with this experience, our young players tasted a bitter pill. It is going to be a good springboard for us next year, ” Pumaren concluded.
Woodpushers: Bridesmaids in Season 68 All good things have come to an end. After dominating the UAAP chess scene for six straight years, the De La Salle Green Woodpushers finally bid goodbye to glory as they only wounded up in second place, thereby missing the chance to rewrite collegiate chess history. With eventual champions UP leading by a half-point before the last round, the tension took its toll on the Woodpushers as they settled for a 2-2 draw against 3rd place finishers UST in the UE Briefing Room last September 24. Since the UP Maroons disposed the Ateneo Eagles with a 3-1 score, the Green Woodpushers had to win all its boards against the UST tigers for them to grab their seventh title. Unfortunately, the 2-2 draw proved to be too costly as it signaled the defeat of the Green Woodpushers, while spelling victory for the UP Maroons. UP garnered a total of 39 points to end the season on a high note while the Green Woodpushers followed suit with 37.5 points. The UST Tigers, last year’s runner-ups, fell to the third spot.
GEOFFREY GAYARES The Taft-based squad missed the chance of “The team really did great despite the fact tying the longest championship streak in UAAP that we lost [the championship] to UST, but our History, which was the 1971’ UE Mens Basket- matches were good enough as we played harder ball Teams’ feat of 7 straight championships. moving into the crucial rounds,” said Faith DiUnlike their male counterparts who fell to a makiling on her team’s overall performance. lower placing, the Lady Woodpushers managed The awarding ceremony was graced by Br. to improve to one spot from last year’s finish to Ceci Hojilla FSC together with DLSU chess claim second place. UST topped the women’s di- team managers George Barcelon and Gerry vision while the Green and White squad together Achacoso. with the UP Lady Maroons both finished with 30.5 points. Since the Lady Woodpushers were able to beat the Lady Maroons in their previous meetings, it was Coach Randy Segarra’s troops who ended up as the runner-ups. Jennifer Advincula took home the Board 4 Gold while fellow Negrense Eden Tumbos grabbed silver for Board 5. Rookie Angeli Dimakiling missed the ROY honor, but was awarded Board 3 Silver in consolation. Team Captain Faith Dimakiling finished with a bronze in board 1, ending her rich UAAP career together with PHOTO BY veterans Aileen Caños and Myrill Garcia. AMANDA VALENZUELA
PHOTO BYTIANEL ESPIRITU
Missed the ball. ball . Despite the paddlers focus on the game, they missed out on the UAAP Table Tennis titles this
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ast season, the Lady Paddlers made history as they bagged De La Salle’s first table tennis title via a rare complete sweep of the eliminations. However, this season is a different story. With former MVP Crisanta Abas out of the picture and the changes in the playing format, the Lady Paddlers failed to defend their crown as they ended the 68th UAAP season at third place. After ending the eliminations at the third spot, the Lady Paddlers battled second seeded Far Eastern University (FEU)LadyTamarawsinthe semifinals round at the UST gym last Oct.5. Unfortunately, the Morayta-based squad, who carried a twice-to-beat advantage, proved to be too overpowering as they swept the Lady Paddlers, 3-0. National Team members Arlene Borja and Ayra Malabayabas,togetherwith thetandem of Leah Calamiong and Vanessa Ng, tried to bring De La Salle back into the game but their efforts weren’t enough to beat the stronger FEU team. Both the Lady Paddlers and the FEU Lady Tams were tied at first place after the first round of eliminations. As the second round progressed last Oct.1, the Lady Paddlers suffered a big loss against the University of Sto. Tomas(UST) Lady Tigers. However, Coach Ramil Sta. Ana’s troops managed to pick up their games as they defeated the Ateneo Lady Eagles and Adamson Lady Falcons by the end of the day. Despite being down by two games, 0-2, the Lady Paddlers were still able
to control the tempo of the game as they won over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 3-2. Borja together with rookies Mabalayabas and Ng, prevailed in the remaining singles round with set scores of 3-1, 3-0, and 3-2, respectively. In addition, the Lady Paddlers trounced the Adamson Lady Falcons in three straight games, 3-0. The Taft-based squad continued their dominance as they crushed the UE Lady Warriors in three consecutive games, 3-0, last Oct. 2. Praine Ong and Borja swept their respective single matches on three straight sets while Lei Bonifacio and Calamiong only overcame their foes in the fifth set. Then again, lady luck was not on the Lady Paddlers’ side as the FEU Lady Tams shattered their hopes of gaining a twice-to-beat advantage. The Lady Paddlers were outmaneuvered in the second and fourth singles with both scores at 0-3. There was no luck either in the doubles game as they settled for a 2-3 score, thereby handing the FEU squad the victory. The UST Lady Tigers brought home the championship that was once stolen by DLSU while the FEU Lady Tamaraws finished as the runners-up. The Lady Paddlers didn’t go empty handed as freshman Ayra Mabalayabas bagged the Rookie of the Year honor. Green Paddlers settle for fifth place This is simply not De La Salle’s year in table tennis. Despite finishing third in the first round of eliminations, the Green
Paddlers weren’t able to sustain their momentum as they succumbed to a fifth place finish as the UAAP wars came to an end. A win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the second round gave the Green Paddlers a chance to grab a Final Four spot as the matches ended with set scores of 3-2, 1-3, 3-0, and 3-1. With momentum on their side, the Green Paddlers continued to show their true form as they pounced on the Adamson Lady Falcons, 3-1. The victory over the San Marcelino-based squad boosted the spirits of the Green Paddlers as they earlier suffered a 1-3 loss against the same team in the first round. Just when the Green Paddlers were starting to get their hopes high, reality came crashing down once again as they lost to the defending champions in threestraightmatches.Thelossmarked the end of the Green Paddlers’ bid for the crown. TurnaroundofEvents The reason for the Green and Lady Paddlers’ dismal finish may be accounted by the new table tennis format. According to head coach Ramil Sta. Ana, both teams would have better chances if the UAAP had sticked to its former playing arrangement. arrangement. “Nahirapan talaga kami sa Blind Entry system na hindi mo alam kung sino ang kakalabanin at isasalang at the same time.” He also added that, “Last minute nagfafall down ang mga players. That is beyond my coaching and explanations at nasa player na rin ang judgment.”
Green Tennisters start off strong in Milo Interschool Tournament CANDACE DAPHNE TING
The Green Tennisters opened the Milo Interschool Tournament last Oct. 8 and 9 at Mandaluyong Mental Hospital tennis court with compelling victories. The team was divided into two contending groups as they participate on the competition. The Team B of the Green Tennisters opened the tournament with a two to one win against the University of the Philippines. The squad took the first advantage as Jandrick de Castro scored an 8-6 victory ov*er BJ Sison in the first singles match. Miguel Pantua failed to defeat OJ Sison, 3-8, at the other singles match. Luckily, Edu Diaz and Lawrence Magaway already sealed the win for the team, beating the duo of Gerald Remio and Junjie Guadayo with scores at 8-5 in the doubles match. The next day, the squad had it easy as they won by default against San Sebastian whose players were not able to make it to the game.
On the other hand, the Team A of the Green Tennisters kicked off the competition with a win as well. They outclassed the squad from College of St. Benilde, winning two of their three matches last Oct. 9. In the first singles game, JR Moreno gave the green squad a head start as he handily defeated JV Cruz with the final score at 8-3. Th e tandem of Yannick Guba and Nico de Dios secured the team’s win, finishing their doubles match at 8-2 against the pair of Johan Guba and JV Cruz. Unfortunately, the team was not able to sweep their three games against CSB as Pereme Alina suffered a 5-8 no nbearing loss to PV Cruz, in the last singles game. Exciting matches await both DLSU squads, as they move on to the semifinals on Oct. 15. Team A will be facing PUP, the number one seeded team, while Team B will be competing against UST, the second seeded squad.
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Passion
hen I received a text message from Abbey last week about writing for the sports column, I immediately said yes even though I didn’t know the topic. Upon learning it, I then thought about all those hours I spent learning my course: Marketing Management. Remembering all the stuff I’ve read and studied about was not that easy as I thought it would be. Although you could say that I am still considered a bit fresh from college, graduating June of last year, I can vividly recall all those stuff regarding the four P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion). After watching the flick Fever Pitch which stars Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon last Monday, the idea suddenly popped in my head. You see, Basketball is still the cult-following of this nation with Boxing finishing a far second. Basketball has been inculcated in every Filipino as they are born. The popularity is so widespread that you don’t have to announce that in th e UAAP for example, De La Salle and Far Eastern will again meet in the finals this season. Much similarly to the movie, Fallon since 7, was brought by his uncle to his first Red Sox game, he didn’t miss a game. Only after 11 years when he met Barrymore and fell in love did he miss one. Passion and love for the game has enabled him to follow the team and the sport, much similar to us Filipinos I realized that you can’t force someone to watch th e other UAAP games since this would not be beneficial in the long run. What other sports enthusiasts could do to promote their craft is basically encourage family and friends (including their blockmates) to watch. They could then teach them the basics of the sport, the how-to practically, and ask them to bring some of their other friends to watch. In reference to the movie, Fallon’s uncle brought him to the game at a young age. He was given the Red Sox annual and other baseball merchandise which were other primary information materials. His uncle’s friends in the ball park also were able to help mold Fallon’s love for the sport as they were able to give him tidbits of knowledge regarding baseball and life. On the part of the UAAP schools, they could in return do some belowthe-line marketing to promote the other sports. One thing they could do is set-up banners or tarpaulins in strategic areas around the school with the game schedules and the other pertinent information regarding these sports. This would reinforce the first-hand information given by the athlete/enthusiast to their school mates. The school could also ask Studio 23, as a start, to cover games of the other sports and possibly include it on the airing contract with Basketball in the near future. What I’m proposing is not guaranteed to fill the rafters of the other sports on the spot. What it will do is constantly increase the number of those watching. Sounds cliché but great things do start from small beginnings. Ric Alvin Gayares (sports editor during SY 2003-2004) *** After the Lady Archers failed to make it to the Final Four for the first time in seven years, I had a conversation with one of the team’s defenders, Gay Mitra. She mentioned that nobody really watches their games except for some friends and family members. In addition, the De La Salle pep squad has only gone to their games several times. Compared to other teams, DLSU is really lacking in terms of supporters. During the conversation, the idea on how to promote other UAAP sports especially in DLSU besides basketball came to my mind. For me, this would be a good time for me to test if I really learned something in my marketing classes. Though the Philippines is a basketball-dominated country, there is still hope for the other sports to be noticed. Take volleyball for example. For several years, nobody really cared about volleyball but the moment the Shakey’s Vleague was launched, supporters started swarming around the court. Now, TV coverage is not just the solution because I know that there are not enough budgets for all the UAAP sports. However, there are still some strategies that can be used. One, I talked to one of my marketing professors, Mr. Leongson. He mentioned that one way to market the other UAAP sports would be displaying banners and announcements around the DLSU campus. This woul d inform the De La Salle community about the games and other stuff. Actually, some of the game schedules are posted outside the Office of the Sports Development in the 9th floor of the Enrique Razon Sports Complex but the OSD is too far away for the students. These students would not take the time and effo rt to just go to the OSD to just find out the latest news. Like what they say in marketing, don’t let the customers (students) come to you, come to them. Banners and tarpaulins (which may feature the profile or picture of the star player of a particular sport perhaps) would definitely catch the attention of the student body. Two, in other UAAP schools, they allow their schools to be used as venues for the games. UST holds the table tennis and tae kwondo competitions in their place. UP is also the venue for volleyball and judo matches. This gives them the supporters and homecourt advantage as well. Why can’t De La Salle use its facility like in women’s basketball or volleyball perhaps? Why not do what the NBA does, travel from one state to another? This time around, the athletes just travel around the schools. Honestly, I don’t think that we should be just limited to one venue. Three, I’ve noticed that in Adamson and UP, the P.E. professors somehow require their students to watch the games. I think this is a good way to teach the students about a particular sport. They are not just confined to the four walls of the classroom but they are able to witness the real game as well. I believe that this is being done in judo classes; hopefully, the other P.E. professors will follow. The students will not just l earn, but they are also able to support the DLSU teams as well. These athletes work hard for the DLSU community but they are not getting the support that they really deserve. They need people to boo st their spirits but sadly, we only recognize them once they win a championship. But is winning a title the basis for people to support a team? I hope not. Banners, venues, and school requirements-these are just icings on n the cake. But what’s beneath all this is the word support. I hope that there exists support for the other UAAP teams in each and everyone of you. It’s only the end of the first half. But for the second half, it’s just the beginning. Support the UAAP teams. Animo La Salle! Earlene Clarissa Ching
S PORTS The LaSallian
VOL. XLVI NO. 5 • THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY • 13 OCTOBER 2005
Lady Spikers snag three-peat JHOANNA KAY LEAL AND NIKKI ANN MARIA TUNGOL
PHOTO BY ERIC SIY
Frustation. Despite pushing the FEU Tams to the edge, the Green Archers failed to pull through in their quest to becoming back-to-back back-to-back champions.
Archers lose crown to FEU Tamaraws amaraws REUBEN EZRA TERRADO
PHOTO BY JERRY ACHACOSO
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assion plus determination plus hard work equals victor y.
De La Salle set the tempo early in the first set by capitalizing on their opponents’
tigious championship. On the other side, the Lady Falcons were as eager to tie the
They dreamed to repeat. But in the end, they fell short to the feisty Tamaraws. Having a daunting task of becoming back-to-back champions, champions, the De La Salle Green Archers marched into the finals with the motivation of being crowned as kings of the hardcourt once again. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, their dream ended with a reality of failure as even the willpower of the Green Archers could not thwart a team blended with taller, heftier, more talented players whose battle cry all season long comes in just one word – payback – as the FEU Tamaraws swept their best-of-three championship series against De La Salle with a
S PORTS The LaSallian
VOL. XLVI NO. 5 • THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY • 13 OCTOBER 2005
Lady Spikers snag three-peat JHOANNA KAY LEAL AND NIKKI ANN MARIA TUNGOL
PHOTO BY ERIC SIY
Frustation. Despite pushing the FEU Tams to the edge, the Green Archers failed to pull through in their quest to becoming back-to-back back-to-back champions.
Archers lose crown to FEU Tamaraws amaraws REUBEN EZRA TERRADO
PHOTO BY JERRY ACHACOSO
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assion plus determination plus hard work equals victor y. For the third consecutive season, the De La Salle Lady Spikers continued their reign as queens of the volleyball court after they trounced the Adamson Lady Falcons in Game 2 of the UAAP volleyball finals via a four set win, 3-1, at the UPCHK Gym last Oct. 5. After sweeping the Lady Falcons in Game 1, the Lady Spikers maintained their firepower to defeat the Adamson team in four sets, 25-18, 19-25, 25-16 and 25-21. The Lady Falcons, who handed the defending champions their first loss during the first round of eliminations, displayed great defense all throughout the game. However, the green-and-white squad was just too much for them to handle. Adamson’s quartet of Kristine Dave, Rissa Laguilles, Jacqueline So, and Hannah Suarez were not able to get past the explosive trio of two-time MVP Desiree Hernandez, Illa Santos and UAAP best setter Chie Saet. Rookie Michelle Datuin and three-time Best Libero Shermaine Peñano complete the powerhouse cast of the Lady Spikers.
De La Salle set the tempo early in the first set by capitalizing on their opponents’ errors, bringing the set at 10-3. Then again, the Lady Falcons managed to tie the game at 10-all, after DLSU committed several unforced errors of their own. The Taft-based squad aimed to grab the first set as they pushed the scores to 24-18 while a fault from Lady Falcon Dave sealed t he first win in favor of the Lady Spikers. The second set belonged to the Lady Falcons as they consistently sustained their lead over Coach Ramil Sta. Ana’s troops. Several errors from DLSU’s Carla Llaguno and Carissa Gotis allowed the Lady Falcons to pull away with a victory in the second set at 19-25. With both teams tied one set win apiece, the third set became crucial as the winners will have a better chance of winning the set and the game. Led by Hernandez and Santos, the Lady Spikers found the right moment to avenge themselves as they gained the upperhand. A running spike from Datuin finally closed the third set at 25-16. It was a no-turning-back point for the Lady Spikers as there was only one set left to conclude the season and claim the pres-
tigious championship. On the other side, the Lady Falcons were as eager to tie the game and force a deciding fifth set. With hunger for their first volleyball title ever, the Lady Falcons quickly took the lead, 19-18, courtesy of Kristine Dave’s hot passes. Coach De Jeses modified the DLSU lineup to adjust to the situation, substituting the offensive-minded Santos with tall defender Erika Tiamson. Rookie Tiamson was enough to intimidate Dave as her good blocks answer ed the latter’s hard spikes. After banking on the Lady Falcons’ faults and service errors, the Taft-based squad caught up with the young Adamson team. On the later part of the set, Santos was brought back to the game and smashed a hard spike, securing the championship with a final set score 25-21. The green-and-white squad were faced with several problems upon entering this season’s tournament. They had to dwell on the departure of skippers and threetime MVP Maureen Penetrante and the inavailability of Clarissa Gotis for the first few matches. In addition, the Lady Spikers were also considered a young team as it possessed a rookie-laden lineup. Despite
They dreamed to repeat. But in the end, they fell short to the feisty Tamaraws. Having a daunting task of becoming back-to-back champions, champions, the De La Salle Green Archers marched into the finals with the motivation of being crowned as kings of the hardcourt once again. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, their dream ended with a reality of failure as even the willpower of the Green Archers could not thwart a team blended with taller, heftier, more talented players whose battle cry all season long comes in just one word – payback – as the FEU Tamaraws swept their best-of-three championship series against De La Salle with a pulsating 73-71 win in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series last Oct. 6 at the Araneta Coliseum. The Tamaraws struggled to win it all but the Archers were poised to extend the series as Joseph Yeo sliced the lane and scored a lay-up against the outstretch arms of Arwind Santos and Mark Isip to take command, 71-67, with 1:22 ticks remaining. But FEU refused to give up as they appeared to be the hungrier and better team in the end. Rookie Jonas Villanuva scored on an uncontested lay-up with 1:07 left. Then, the Tamaraws showed might on defense on the other end as the Archers could only come up with a jump shot by Cholo Villanueva which missed the mark. In the ensuing play, play, the veteran Isip, who finished with 12 points, scored the go-ahead basket on a timely pick-and-roll from (Jonas) Villanueva that drew a foul for a three-point play which he converted, 72-71, with 33.2 seconds remaining. The Taft-based cagers tried to take away the lead again but TY Tang missed a short jumper. FEU’s Villanueva corralled the loose ball and was fouled. With six seconds to go, Villanueva split his charities, giving the FEU team a two-point advantage, 73-71. The Archers’ last opportunity backfired as Jun-Jun Cabatu’s triple in the left corner missed completely. Ryan Araña led the game with 20 points including 11 rebounds, while Yeo and Cabatu tied with 13 markers for the Archers, who were limited to just six points in the final quarter. Santos led the Tamaraws with 14 points. Even with the loss, Coach Franz Pumaren said that this year’s finish is still an achievement to the team mainly composed of a young and small line-up. “Even with this loss, I should say I’m still proud of my
LADY SPIKERS, SEE PAGE 11
What's inside On page 14
Tankers: A notch down
On page 14
Woodpushers: Bridesmaids in Season 68
On page 15
DLSU Paddlers struggle in UAAP wars
ARCHERS LOSE, SEE PAGE 11
DLSU golfers sweep 5th Samsung tilt NIKKI ANN TUNGOL & IVAN GEOFFREY GAYARES
After settling as runners-up for four years, the Green and Lady Golfers three-day event. The Team A roster roster also included Jason Barcelon, finally got its taste of glory for both the boys’ and girls’ college divisions Marlo Capinianes, and Nico Nico Lanuza. Team B, consisting consisting of Jared in the 5th Samsung Interscholastic Samson, Borgy Torre, Jorge Paez, Golf Championships at the Valley and Marvin Pizarro followed suit page 14 Club- Executive GolfOn and Country at third place with a total of 252 Course in Antipolo last Sept.27-29. points. The Green Golfers-Team A disOn the distaff, the Lady Golfplayed their winning form as William ers topped the combined girls’ Hong and Charles Hong submitted college and high school division a combined 111 points while Oliver as they marched off with a total Gan carded 56 to end the second day of 172 points, only seven points of the event with 167 points. points. This away from 1st runner-up St. Paul was nine points higher as compared Pasig. The team was composed composed of to their scorecard during the openGeleen Handog, Kim Hong, Aina ing day. On the final day, day, the team Garcia, and Lilet de Villa. exploded with a score of 168 to emThe Golfers’ dominance also brace victory with an aggregate of 491 loomed in the individual awards points, 47 marks ahead of defending Breakthrough. Golfers are finally champions after years of runner up as Charles Hong, William Hong, PHOTO COURTESY OF DLSU GOLF TEAM and Oliver Gan seized the top finishes. champion Ateneo. Aside from fulfilling their promise three slots in the boys’ college dito give the golf championship to DLSU since a lot of them will be vision, respectively. Hong, a freshman from Sacred Heart School, Cebu graduating this term, they also broke the record of Samsung Inter- won the individual honors for the college division, scoring an aggregate scholastic since no other team has yet scored an under-par total in a of 158 points, thereby edging his brother William by 5 shots. DLSU GOLFERS, SEE PAGE 11
