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SPORTSFEST/PP 7-14

ENVIRONMENT/P15

THE SPECTRUM

FEBRUARY 6, 2008 NOPSSCEA Awards Lasallians

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One La Salle through Sports

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Earth Hour

THE SPECTRUM www.thespectrum.ph

VOL. 51 NO. 13 • February 6, 2008

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE, BACOLOD CITY

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Tuition Fee Increase Forum draws fewer Lasallians

Dr. Gloria Fuentes, Asst. VP for Academic Affairs

The Annual Tuition Fee Increase Forum held last Jan. 31 at the St. La Salle Coliseum failed to get the attention of Lasallian students gathering only around 20 participants out of the more than 8000 student population, according to USG President Amy Grace Gargar. “We were counting on the University Student Government

(USG) to do their part in informing the students about the tuition fee increase forum, aside from placing an announcement in the Daily Bulletin. But we don’t blame the USG,” Asst. VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Gloria Fuentes said. Fuentes added that “timing” might be the possible reason why the attendance in the forum was dismal and even considered the 4% increase to be too small to get students’

attention. “You know, the Sportsfest has just ended and everybody was still busy, or it could be that students were not worried about the 4%. Maybe if it is 20% then everybody would be in the Coliseum,” she said. The increase for the next school year is only 4%, of which 70% will go to teachers’ salaries. “We conducted the forum out of our concern. We are autonomous and

we are not required by law to conduct a dialogue since the increase is only 4%. We are only required to conduct tuition fee increase consultation if the increase is more than 10%,” Fuentes clarified. The next tuition fee increase forum is tentatively scheduled this week. As of press time, The Spectrum tried its best and failed to get the comment of USG President Gargar about the matter. The publication is following it up as the story progresses.

Photos by Alexander Cuyoca

The La Salle Yearbook

By Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso

FLOP. The Jan. 31 Tuition Fee Increase Forum held at the Coliseum did not attract audience. USG President Amy Grace Gargar said spectators were more or less 20, out of the more than 8000 student population.

Thieves victimize 4 students in 1 day Admin combats “abnormal” rise in the number of theft cases in the campus By Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso With Reports from Alexander Cuyoca & Epi Dajao

Thieves thrive. Four Lasallians lost four wallets and two cell phones inside the University last Jan. 29 in relation to what Asst. VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Gloria Fuentes described as “abnormal rise in the number of theft cases” in the campus this semester. The four victims who lost a total of 22,000-peso worth of valuables were identified as first year Nursing students and were suspecting three 2nd year students from another college as the ones responsible. The victims narrated that it was 4:30 pm when they left their bags on the tennis table of the College Covered Court, for they would be rehearsing for their P.E. dance practicum. Few minutes later, one of the

victims went back on the said area to check her valuable and it was then when she found out that her cellphone was not on her bag anymore. She informed her classmates about it and three of them eventually discovered that their valuables were also stolen. They remembered that the persons who came closer to their bags were the three CBA students. The case is now being investigated by the Discipline Office.

Major Institutional Concern

What happened last Jan. 22 was among the many reported cases of theft for this semester alone. “In the recent weeks, almost every other day we receive reports about loss of valuable possessions of the students,” Assistant Discipline Officer Hillry Vocales said. The Discipline Office also revealed that during the Sportsfest

Week alone, there were four reported cases of cellphone losses. Because of the situation, the Administration is taking the matter seriously. “The Administration has considered this problem as a major institutional concern already. We’re very alarmed. It is something that is no longer random cases. There must be something going on. We’ve been talking about this for a month already,” Fuentes said. Among the other victims of theft were Nursing Governor John Mikkel Balodio and some USG Officers who used to leave their belongings in their offices.

Actions The Administrator stressed that there were already plans to combat the “abnormal” rise in the number of reported theft cases this semester.

Fuentes said some of the initial plans include setting up a storage area for all the valuables of students with padlocks in the Covered Court where majority of reported cases happened, installing security cameras in sensitive areas, and deploying security men wearing plain clothes in strategic areas. The University is also cooperating with Police Authorities and Barangay Villamonte officials to solve the problem. The Office for Student Affairs emphasized the importance of these cases to be in police blotter so that they will stand in courts.

January 31 Tuition Fee Increase Dialogue

Organized Crime The Administration, Discipline Office and Office for Student Affairs are all considering a perspective that this could be an organized activity. THIEVES/2

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

NEWS

THE SPECTRUM

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FEBRUARY 6, 2008

3 females top NOPSSCEA awards Quiachon By Randell T. Aranza & Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Three women from the University were cited as outstanding student, tertiary teacher and non-teaching personnel in the Negros Occiden-

Japitana

Calamba

tal Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) Awarding Ceremony at St. Scholasticas Academy Gym last Jan. 25. Nea Cecille Quiachon, Stephanie Calamba and Rowena Japi-

tanan were recognized as Most Outstanding Student, Most Outstanding Tertiary Teacher and Most Outstanding Non Teaching Personnel, respectively. Quiachon

Quiachon, a senior BS Biology student and currently the Pre-Med Society President, led her list with outstanding academic records and an active involvement both in curricular and extra-curricular activities. “During the interview, I was the only one not wearing executive attire and worse, I was late,” Quiachon disclosed. But that did not become a hindrance for her, she said that: In fact, the interview was a bit heartwarming for me because one of the judges said that I was worth waiting for. Quiachon was also the Most Outstanding Student of NOPSCCEA secondary level back in high school at the USLS-Integrated School. “Excellence is not about accumulating medals, awards

or achievements. It’s just about doing your best in everything even though no one is looking,” stressed Quiachon. Japitana Japitana humbled herself as she said that she is very grateful to NOPSSCEA for giving the recognition to her as the outstanding non-teaching personnel. “It is not everyday that we are placed in the limelight for our everyday role is to be the silent force behind the desk,” said Japitana. Japitana said she was terrified when she delivered her speech during the awarding ceremony because she had to deliver it in front of educators whom she have paid respect. “This recognition inspires me

to work harder for excellence so that I will be worthy of the honor,” Japitana said. Japitana owed her achievement most to her family as she stated that she grew up with six siblings and parents working hard to support the needs of the family. “I am very thankful that our dear Lord chose to put me in a big family with little means because this has taught me the values of frugality, which is very important especially nowadays that we are amidst rising prices of everything,” Japitana said. With all her heart, Japitana offered her profound gratitude to the people who supported her and made the person she is today, a proud Lasallian and a NOPSSCEA awardee.

By Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao & John Alexander M. Cuyoca

A five-point agenda on education, governance, environment, Lasallian youth formation and youth involvement were presented by the Lasallian Youth Commission (LYC) to 122 USLS students during the Lasallian Youth Agenda (LAYA) Caravan last Jan. 29 at the University Auditorium. The presentation called for the strengthening of quality education geared towards nation-building and accessibility of Lasallian education, encouraging of the youth in governance and politics, initiation of sustainable programs for the environment, empowerment of Lasallian leadership and mobi-

lization of youth in addressing societal issues. The five-point agenda were formulated by the Lasallian leaders who participated in the National Symposium of Young Lasallians (NSYL) last Oct. 21-27 at Tagaytay City with the theme “One in Mission: Possible”. LYC Chairman Keane Palatino said that the students from University of St. La Salle are just a few of the Lasallian students nationwide but the greater challenge is on embodying the Lasallian five-point agenda. “Youth can make a substantial change in the society for they have the same mission such as responding to the needs of their fellows,” Palatino said.

With Palatino were other LYC Coordinators Dindin San Diego, Executive Director, Vanessa Abella, National LYC Coordinator and Jelo Honrado. “As Lasallians, you are the people who are in the best position to create a difference and make history,” said Brother Arianwen Androu Dagmar Tapang Lopez, FSC during that caravan. LYC also challenged the Lasallians to mobilize the student council, student organizations, student publication and volunteer groups to work as one unit for societyoriented projects. LYC divulged that the “Bahay Pag-asa Project” of USLS had been replicated by the other Lasallian schools in Luzon.

Photo by Krazelle Escarilla

LYC presents 5-point agenda

ONE LA SALLE. Volunteers from the Lasallian Youth Commission in Manila recently went to Bacolod to promote Lasallian leadership ideals in connection with the One La Salla Movement.

Spectrum editors join UNYAP By Neslie Faith V. Sianson

(From L-R) Asst. Layout Editor Timothy Escopete, Asst. Magazine Editor Neslie Sianson, Literary Editor Jamie Bentinganan, and Managing Editor Arjay Solitario during the MDG Summit.

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Thieves victimize 4 students in 1 day

“We are considering a perspective that this could be an organized activity since there seems to be a pattern,” Dean of Student Affairs Roger Marapo said. Marapo also said that “radical actions” are being planned by the University authorities to combat the “worsening” theft cases adding that the current situation is serving as an eyeopener for La Salle. “One of the plans is to

conduct an entrapment operation but without violating student rights,” the Dean revealed. The Discipline Office on the other hand said that they will be very careful in investigating the matter since the rights of those victims and the suspects must both be protected. “We are very careful since it is very difficult to accuse students. The rights of both parties must be protected,” Vocales said. The Administrators are

calling for students’ cooperation regarding this matter. “Students must be extra careful with their belongings. They must not flaunt their valuables and must really be vigilant themselves,” Dean Marapo stressed. While AVP Fuentes believes that La Salle is still “generally safe,” the USLS Security Office refused to comment on the matter as of press time.

Four editors of The Spectrum represented the City of Bacolod during the 2008 National Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Summit for Young Filipino Leaders held at Silliman University, Dumaguete City last Jan. 10 – 13. The Summit was participated by more than one hundred delegates nationwide including editors Arjay Solitario, Timothy Escopete, Neslie Faith Sianson and Jamie Bentinganan. With the theme, B.I.L.I.B Young Leaders: Stand Up, Move, Lead, the four-day congress aimed to expose the young leaders as well as the youth to various activities related to the topic on MDG’S or Millennium Development Goals, which would provide knowledge on what these goals are for, create an attitude of making changes in the community, and enrich the skills of leaders to become models of the youth and transformed

servant-leaders of the country. BILIB an acronym for Believe, Innovate, Lead, Inspire, and Build called for the youth (1) to believe in the knowledge of a vision and believing in one’s dream, (2) to innovate which implies that the youth of today can create or find a solution to every encounter, (3) to lead which is leading oneself towards that vision, and would take initial steps, (4) to inspire for the young leaders to enthuse, energize and influence other young potential youth towards the achievement of the goals and vision and (5) to build by raising a patriotic community for nation building and sustainable development. The summit also cited an 8-point MDGs to be achieved in seven years time which are to (1) eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, (2) achieve universal primary education, (3) promote gender equality and empower women, (4) reduce child mortality, (5) improve maternal health, (6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria

and other diseases, (7) ensure environmental sustainability and (8) develop a global partnership for development. “Failure maybe of a possibility but it could only be a reality when people who are knowledgeable about the problem do not do anything at all,” said Bertch Ian Ranis, the National Executive Vice President of the UNYAP. Ranis also shared that the role of youth in nation building is through combining their small efforts to create sustainable development. Among the speakers were Sen. Panfilo Lacson, President of Fun Works Inc. Dr. Francis Kong, marked environmental Sillimanian youth activist Razcel Jan Luiz Salvarita, Individual Consultant on Public Sector Accounting Prof.Leonor Magtolis Briones, Radio Host of Radyo Eskwela Lea Janice Remata Sicat, and Senior Programme Officer of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines Alex Jr. Punzalan, among others.

Science Playfest slated Feb. 19 By Randell T. Aranza

The Natural Sciences Department and the Pre-Med Society are all set for this year’s Science Playfest on Feb. 19 at the Gallaga Theatre. The annual activity will showcase the ability of students to incorporate scientific concepts

learned inside the classroom in a theatrical play. The contending classes will be given a chance to explore all possibilities and widen their range of creativity since the play will not be limited to any theme. Big changes will also be expected in the playfest because the department decided to revise

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

the criteria for judging. “We want to put an end to the common notion of students about science as boring and for them to realize that learning the subject is fun,” Pre-Med Society president Nea Cecille Quiachon said. For almost 30 years on track, the science playfest is already considered a University tradition.

NEWS

THE SPECTRUM

FEBRUARY 6, 2008

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Dean’s poem entry garners int’l praise By Arthur Jason Javellana

Atty. Raymond Pandan, Dean of the College of Law, recently gained honorable mention for his poem entry entitled “An Explanation” at the 2007 Meritage Press Holiday Poetry contest. Pandan’s poem was based on a previous work by William Yeats, entitled The Wild Swans at Coole. The poem is composed of three stanzas with three lines, as it reads: “He counted fifty-nine swans At Coole Park, and convinced

Himself each was half of a pair. I don’t believe Yeats erred When he claimed they flew Lover by lover. No doubt, He likewise found the odd male Skimming the surface of the pond, Wooing its own mad reflection.” The poem according to Pandan is an explanation that there are actually 59 swans in the pond which William Yeats first believed that there were 60. The swans were paired up as

lovers yet one was gazing into the water and only saw himself. Pandan a law school dean for ten years has been writing poetry since his younger days. He has won the Palanca Awards for poetry and his first book of poetry was short-listed for the 2005 National Book Awards The dean claimed though he may be involved in legal studies, writing has been something he took part in. According to Pandan, he had taken a sabbatical from writing literary due to his work in the field of law so this holiday season he will

allow himself to reconnect with his passion for writing poetry. According to contest judge Eric Gamalinda, a renowned New York-based novelist and poet, at Philstar.com said that “’An Explanation’ is a quiet, elegant little poem that feels like an iceberg: beautiful, mysterious, larger than it seems.” According to contest judge, renowned New York-based novelist and poet, Eric Gamalinda, "An Explanation" is a "quiet, elegant little poem that feels like an iceberg: beautiful, mysterious, larger than it seems."

Monde Nissin hires student

STEP UP. Kei Bryan Dusaban (center) was hired by Monde Nissin Corporation after passing the Step Up Challenge. By Epi Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao

Qualifying to the two-day nationwide training of Monde

Institute for Negros Dev’t sponsors Forum on Marketing Strategy The University of St. La Salle – Institute for Negros Development sponsored a forum on Strategic Marketing last January 18 at the Santuario de La Salle. Mr. Josiah Go, a much-soughtafter Guru on Strategic Marketing talked about the “Blue Ocean Strategy” while his spouse Ms. Carolina Go discussed emerging trends in Service Innovation Strategy. Josiah Go has already conducted over 450 in-house and public seminars to diverse clientele. An author of 10 bestselling marketing books, he won the AGORA Award for excellence in Markett\ ing Education in 1994. (Source: www.usls.edu.ph)

Canadian Agency, USLS signs MOA for partnership The University of St. La Salle (USLS) was designated as the partner Academic Institution of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through its PRIVATE ENTERPRISE ACCELERATED RESOURCE LINKAGES (PEARL 2) Project which aims to provide support to small and

Nissin Step-up 2007, a Lasallian was offered a job before his college graduation. Management Accounting and

medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region through trainings for trustees of organizations, executive directors for non – government organizations, professional associations, business support groups, and investment promotion centers. CIDA Country Director Mr. Ed Sutherland and USLS President Br. Ray Suplido, signed a MOA last January 18 at the Santuario de la Salle. The Ceremonies for the MOA Signing included a video presentation of the “Value Chain Analysis of Industries” and the turnover of various knowledge products and training modules to the University. Interested parties may call the USLS Graduate School at Tel. No. 433-1278 or 432-1189 local 120. (Source: www.usls.edu.ph)

American Student Volunteers visit La Salle Two staff and six students of Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois visited the University of St. La Salle last January 3 – 12. The volunteers were led by team leader Ms. Natalie Bayci, representing the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois. Also with the group was their chaplain Rev. Greg Skowron, Associate Pastor at St. Mary

Applied Economics student Kei Bryan Dusaban was among the top 20 qualifiers of the Step-up two-day training held last Dec.

19-20 at Mandaluyong City. The training gave the participants an exposure to the company’s scheme which will be necessary if they will be chosen to work for the company. The 20 participants underwent leadership trainings, skills development, job training, physical and mental training and exposure to the social concerns. The screening of the top 20 nationwide qualifiers included various testing, personal interviews and step-up as the culmination. Dusaban said that the training taught him to be independent and likewise learn to work with other people. ”I also developed my awareness in the current Philippine social status,” Dusaban said. Dusaban divulged that his numerous co-curricular activities became his edge among the other participants and likewise being holistic. “One should love what he or she does because when one loves what he or she does it will be a greater fulfillment,” Dusaban added.

TNEWS FAST

West Chicago. The volunteers from Lewis University included -- Nursing Program Head Dr. Nan Yancey, Assistant Campus Minister Sabrina Ortman, and students Richard Brown, Raquel Caban, Isabel Garcia, Michelle Hoffman, Colleen MacGrude, and Daina Norusis. The group’s activities included participation in the a Gawad Kalinga build project from the funds donated through Lewis University President Br. James Gaffney FSC. From Jan. 9 and 10, their activities at University of St. La Salle included a Campus Tour and Visit to Museum, meetings with CELAM and Balayan, a visit to Bahay Pag-asa, dinner fellowship with the Brother President, and a visit to the Community Health Nursing program at Pontevedra. A meeting between Nursing Dean Dr. Nan Yancey and USLS College of Nursing administrators was also held last Jan.9. (Source: www.usls.edu.ph)

USLS gets 98% Passing Rate for Elem. Ed. Teachers Licensure Exam Graduates of the Bachelor of Elementary Education under the College of Education passed the August 2007 Licensure

Examinations For Teachers with a passing rate of 98% compared to the national passing percentage of 27.55 %, while the 2007 graduates in Bachelor in Secondary Education had a passing rate of 79 % in comparison to the national passing percentage of 29.12%. The successful passers of the August 2007 LET from Class 2007 were honored through Testimonial Rites held last January 31, 2008 at the Santuario de La Salle. (Source: www.usls.edu.ph)

MassComm paper continues to bag COPRE Awards The Mass Communications Department official departmental publication The Lead continued to bag major awards in the November 2007 College Press Conference and Awards sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency. COPRE revised its rule to give The Lead a Graciano Lopez Jaena Award for winning Best Magazine twice in a row since normally it is given to publications that win the Best Magazine, Best Newspaper or Best Departmental Paper thrice in a row. Aside from those major titles, The Lead also won Best Departmental Paper, Best

PANDAN

2 Lasallians get national scouting award at PICC By Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid and Randell Aranza

Two Lasallians were awarded as Chief Girl Scout Medalist during the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme held Jan. 27 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Mass Communications freshman Lianne Fernandez and Nursing student Lara Hepper were the only Lasallian representatives from Bacolod who were able to receive the National Award. “I am proud not because of the award or distinction I received. But I am proud because I had been an instrument in improving the lives of the kids I helped,” said Fernandez. The recognition was participated by all schools in the Philippines but only a few who

Magazine Layout, Best in Sports Page, Best in Feature Page, Best Editorial Page and Best News Page. Giving the MassComm Department more citations were individual writers Ann Margaret Echarri (3rd English Editorial Writing and Ms. COPRE 2007), The Spectrum Newspaper Editor Aries Cariño (1st in Copy reading Filipino and 3rd in News Writing English), and The Spectrum News Writer Alexander Cuyoca (3rd Editorial Cartooning). (Source: www.usls.edu.ph)

PIA’s inconsistent rules draw negative reaction from USLS official student paper Meanwhile, The Spectrum was not qualified to join in the regional tilt since they do not attend conferences sponsored by the said government agency. “Ever since, the competition’s inconsistencies with its rules which can favor select participating publications have caused the past Spectrum participants to doubt and be skeptical about event’s credibility,” the top editors of The Spectrum said. The top editors added that they themselves are organizing even bigger events like a national campus journalism conference

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

were able to perform a one-year community services on their respective fields were given the award. “I felt very much honored because among all the awardees, I was one of the only two representatives from La Salle-Bacolod,” Hepper said. National President of Girl Scout Theresa Chua and International Head Girl Scout Mary McPhyll were impressed by Fernandez and Hepper’s Health Care Project on children during their High School years at the USLS-IS. “It was very fulfilling because I knew that all my hard works really paid off, having helped a lot of people. Being a Lasallian means being a servant leader,” said Hepper.

and its failure to attend in a government-sponsored event was not a loss for the whole University. “We will not join any COPRE and PIA-sponsored event again in the future. We felt that this is a dream come true for the past editors who were dismayed by the results of the past awarding and competitions. We’re on for the next level. Even bigger Universities like the University of San Agustin in Iloilo don’t join COPRE maybe for the same reason,” Managing Editor Arjay Solitario said. The Spectrum, the 51 yearold official student publication of the University releases monthly newspapers, magazine issues, among others and its editors said that as a media organization, The Spectrum has already made a mark in campus journalism as it enters its 6th decade of existence. “We don’t do our newspapers and magazines for awards. We don’t organize national conferences for recognitions. We do those tasks to serve our purpose as watchdogs of students and as instruments of press freedom in the campus level. In our 51 years of existence, we’ve been recognized even by national organizations and our awards don’t define us anyway,” The Spectrum Editor-in-Chief and The Lead’s former Opinion Editor Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso said.

OPINION THE SPECTRUM

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FEBRUARY 6, 2008

editorial

Sportsfest. Theft. Apathy. So did Sportsfest 2008 give some favors to Lasallians who badly want/need a long break from academics? For those who came and cheered for their colleges during the entire week, they definitely had so much fun. The University Student Government was so prepared for the first big event in the University for 2008. It wasn’t a big hype before the week started but as the games kicked off, everything seemed to run smoothly. Now that’s what you call sense of responsibility. USG made the students trust to them more. In a month, another USG Election will be held. Students will again have the chance to vote for their fellows whom they want to handle events like the Sportsfest and those whom they want to play vital roles in pushing for their concerns. Everyone should understand that USG’s role is far from merely being an event organizer. For years, the turnouts of voters in the elections have been really low with at least 60% of voters usually missing. It is also USG’s responsibility to prove to the students their relevance because it is only when students fully understand their Government’s functions and importance that they will spend time to line up and vote. *** Two months before the school year ends, two major issues came out. One is the rising theft cases inside the University and second was Lasallians absence during the Tuition Fee Increase Forum held at the Coliseum last Jan. 31. The rising number of theft cases inside the University campus is now a major concern for Lasallians and the administrators. Parents may soon start to ask about how safe their sons and daughters (and their belongings) are inside La Salle. It is very alarming for four students to be victimized in just one day losing a total of P22,000 worth of valuables. This is a complex problem that the University Administration has to face squarely if only to ensure the safety and security of their students. While some are thinking about the solutions to this alleged organized crime, every Lasallian should do their part by taking care of their belongings and becoming more vigilant. The second more alarming issue is students’ apathy to the tuition fee increase forum. Theft cases can be solved through initiatives but indifference will take centuries to dissolve. However, students, who are most of the time more vulnerable to abuses and neglect, are not solely to be blamed why there was a low turn-out of spectators during the forum. It is not the 4% that students view as too little for an increase, but the Administration’s willingness to really bring the issue to all students concerned. If there was an 8,000 spectators, issues about the poor services of some of the offices in the University will be brought up, among other concerns relevant to student fees. The real question is how the Administration announced/promoted the forum. The Spectrum wasn’t even informed. And while they might insist that they posted the announcement in the daily bulletin, it is not enough to inform all students, and parents for that matter, who will shoulder these annual increases. Dear Lasallians, a small space in a long-sized newsprint bond paper is not enough to reach everyone. The poor PA system did not work if they did use it. They said they are alarmed, but actions speak louder than words. Were they really alarmed by the poor attendance? If they did their very best to campaign for student participation in the tuition dialogue, then the better question is: What kind of administrators and teachers do we have here in this University if they are just breeding more than 8,000 indifferent, apathetic souls? 20-40 spectators in that forum will never represent the more than 8,000 others who may have more pressing concerns. If Lasallians can talk about these issues, then apathy isn’t really a problem. Then what? Or Who?

Will you think twice? Tensei Ninjutsu. Healing and Sharing. You think it happens in cartoons and anime shows like Naruto only? Think again. Watching cartoons in television or the net isn’t just for entertainment only, but serves as a reminder for a daily living. In the anime series Naruto, ChiyoBaasama used her bare hands to transfer her chakra to Gaara’s dead body, only to revive him even to the expense of her own life. Thru her tensei ninjutsu (life transfer ninja technique), she was able to share her LIFE as a blessing noting that she is an old woman and Gaara is a male teenager. It is one commendable act of unselfishness and generosity. That episode in Naruto’s is comparable to the acts of the healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez where he also uses his hand to heal the sick and the broken hearted. He said that “It’s not me, I don’t know anything about how it happens. Up till now I don’t know how people get healed, but I know it’s God.” The wonders of impossibility and its supernatural power are creating a change for the better. It is because these concerned individuals know that they are an instrument of hope. I just wish that one day all Lasallians, including myself, will be just like Chiyo-Baasama and Fr. Suarez, healing and sharing their blessings innately without asking anything in return. ***

www.thespectrum.ph

51 NO. 13 FEBRUARY 6, 2008 THEVOL. SPECTRUM

F O U N D EManuel D 1 9 5 6Jeffrey O. Sistoso Editor-in-Chief w w Managing w . t h e s pEditor e c t r Arjay u m . p D. h Solitario Newspaper Editor Aries D. Cariño VOL. 51 NO. 2Editor julyAllen 4, 2007 Asst. Newspaper Gabriel M. Iñigo Magazine Editor Janela Joy R. Libo-on Editor-in-Chief Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso Asst. Magazine Editor Neslie Faith V. Sianson Associate Editor Faith R. Dulla Literary Editor Jamie F. Bentinganan Managing Editor Arjay D. Solitario Layout & Graphics Editor Rigil Kent B. Ariola Newspaper Editor Aries D. Cariño Asst. Layout Editor Timothy A. Escopete Asst. Newspaper Editor Katherin L. Dela Cruz Magazine Writers Editor Janela Joy R. Libo-onMagazine Writers Newspaper Asst.Jason Magazine Editor Neslie Faith V. Sianson Arthur I. Javellana Andrea Y. Derecho

Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid John Alexander M. Cuyoca Newspaper Writers EpiAlexander Ma. Kassandra A. Dajao John Cuyoca Randell M. T. Aranza Allen Gabriel Iñigo

Marcelina Yandall Celine Chua Magazine Writer Jamie F. Bentinganan Photojournalists Andrea Derecho Arthur Jason I. Javellana HectorYandall Gregory A. Benedicto Marcelina Mariel Antonette Juarez Krazelle M. Escarrilla Layout Artists Kathreen Tubid Paolo Trio Photojournalist Jumpee P. Tipon Mark Romulo C. TumbagahanHector Gregory A. BeneLayout Artists dictoEditorial Assistants Adonis Canlobo Joseph B. Arguelles Illustrators KrazelleRegi M. Escarrilla Timothy A. Escopete Mervin G. Vera PatrickTipon U. Ellaga Jumpee Charmae Labao Jobelle G. Vallega Illustrators Editorial Patrick U. Ellaga Moderator LayoutAssistant & Graphics Editor Rigil Kent B. Ariola Jobelle G. Vallega Ms. Hannah Papasin-Mariveles

The Spectrum is the Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is Moderator located at the USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can Ms. Hannah Papasin-Mariveles be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, spectrum_usls@ yahoo.com. All rights reserved. of TheStudent SpectrumPublication may be reproduced any form without The Spectrum is No thepart Official of the in University of St. the written consent of Salle. the publication. All contributions become TheUSLS Spectrum property and theFloor, Editor-in-Chief reserves the La Its editorial office is located at the Coliseum Ground La right to edit all articles for publication.

Member: National Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists.

Aries D. Cariño Moneymicrography. If you are one of the people who all the while thought that the strengthening of peso versus dollar is quite an aide to boost the economy, you’re wrong. I call this scenario as “moneymicrography” or the depreciation of household income. As of Feb.3, Sunday, the peso is up to P40.50 to a $1 compared to February 2007’s average of P48. For us who are dependent to overseas parents, the chunky peso development is not a call for a celebration. It is a beckon to be thriftier and wiser in beating daily expenses. Why? For every dollar they send, as the immediate family member, I lose about P7.50, which was formerly utilized in my household expenses such as food, water, electricity, school tuition, health care, transportation and communication. But if I take the weakest peso rate three years ago which was about P56, I lost as much as P15.50 for every dollar, decreasing our household income to 27% now. Because of this reality slap, I have thought a three-way-step to stay on-budget. First, turn to healthy food diet including fruits and vegetables (these are cheaper compared

“I just wish that one day all Lasallians, including myself, will be just like Chiyo-Baasama and Fr. Suarez, healing and sharing their blessings innately without asking anything in return.” to meat products) and buy products labelled as Product of the Philippines instead of imported ones. Second, don’t overspend on petty things such as cellphone load for unimportant communications and taxi rides for not-so-rush transportation (so rather travel early to arrive early). Third, be water and electricity wise which means use pail and bucket than shower, use electric fan than air conditioner, always turn-off the lights when not in use and double check for faucet leaks. I challenged myself and tried the threeway-step for 30 days. To my surprise, some are now part of my daily routine. If we become stronger, clever and better more than yesterday, the undesirable scenarios turn out to be a positive duel. For feedback: [email protected]

Entry and Exit

THE SPECTRUM FOUNDED 1956

Bubble Gum

Paper Walls Allen Gabriel M. Iñigo I usually get in trouble at school every time my late-list piles up as each day starts. I’m staying at a boarding house which is not quite far from the University and its pretty ironic that I get tardy often times. I’ve calculated the time for me to get to school from my boarding house and it’s not supposed to take more than 6 minutes if you think about the distance between the two. I usually start to walk to school 15 minutes before the bell would ring but somehow calculations weren’t good enough and I would end up rushing down the halls just to get to my class in a nip of time. What took me so long was that I had to pass by the first gate instead of the three other gates that I just passed by. It’s not that I don’t want to use the other gates but somehow it wasn’t possible for me to actually get into any of it. Huge part of the Lasallian population is from out of town and prefer to stay in dormitories and boarding houses. A lot of these students stay in either the boarding houses at the side or behind the University. It’s troubling that we have to pass by the first or the second gate if the

“I think it would be more convenient if they would let college students, especially the one boarding near the school, to also use gate 6 like the IS kids.” ones near us are the IS gate and Gate 6. It also pisses me off when sometimes you can’t even get to access the second gate since the IS students also have a reserve time for them to use it leaving us with only one choice – Gate 1. I know for a fact that the IS gate is definitely for the IS students and it would be pretty crowded if we pass by their gate but I don’t see any reason why we’re not allowed to pass by Gate 6 just like IS students are allowed. The gate 6 is usually open for the vehicles that needs to get in but whenever I get to pass by it every morning, I get to see some high school students using it. I tried to get inside once using the said gate but as expected, I wasn’t allowed to enter at all. It’s pretty disappointing and it doesn’t just end there. Entry of these gates isn’t the only

problem I’m posting, exit through these gates apply as well. I got scolded once when I tried to use gate 6 as my way of out of school one evening. I was just hurrying home since it was 7:15 pm and through that gate is my fastest way home. I’ve talked to a large number of students who I know boards near the IS and 6th gate and told them about the concerns I’ve been talking about. Definitely, if allowed to pass through those gates, transportation from our dormitories to school would be a lot easier. That’s what we concluded. Knowing about how the IS gate works; we are now then left with one option which is the gate 6. I think it would be more convenient if they would let college students, especially the one boarding near the school, to also use gate 6 like the IS kids. It seems a bit unfair that the students from the Integrated school has a reserved time on when to pass by the second gate and still manages to pass by gate 6 in the morning while us, the college students, aren’t even allowed to use the gate 6 as our way of entry or exit. If we’ll not be allowed to use the said gate then it would be better if none between the IS and college students should use it. On the first place, this gate is supposed to be only for transportation vehicles, not our shoes transporting us inside.

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

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OPINION THE SPECTRUM

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“St. John Baptiste de La Salle, pay for us...” Call for excellence “Aren’t universities charging exorbitant tuition fees in effect criminal syndicates? With all the money they are raking in, how come the Philippines has been the slowest growing economy in Asia per capita in the last 30 years?” -Tony Lopez, The Manila Times Let me borrow the title of this column from a fellow campus journalist at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. I was walking along the Coliseum Lobby when I saw a seemingly small gathering inside the Coliseum, too small, all spectators could even fit in one classroom. The Discipline Officer passed by and he informed me that it was actually a Tuition Fee Increase Forum. I was surprised since as a frontrunner in promoting dialogue in this campus, The Spectrum should have been there from the start and should have been informed days before about this very important Lasallian gathering. Was it a secret meeting? I did not want to entertain any conspiracy theory. Together with my fellow editors, we got inside the 8,000-seater coliseum and witnessed only the Q&A portion. Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gloria Fuentes noticed me (and maybe my stare expressing disgust and disappointment about the only 20+ or so spectators) and called my name asking if I had questions. Take note, I did not lift a hand signifying that I wanted to ask. I immediately grabbed the microphone anyway and asked about the efforts they made to ensure attendance in the forum, or in promoting the event to the Lasallian community. Forgive me but I just couldn’t take their answers. The only noteworthy information was when she said that they included the schedule of the Tuition Fee

Laser Point Manuel Jeffrey O. Sistoso Increase Forum in the Daily Bulletin. For those who don’t know what it is, the Daily Bulletin is a long-sized newsprint bond paper being posted in some bulletin boards inside the campus containing information like candidates for dropping, list of absent teachers, schedules of recollections, among others. The font size of the texts is more or less 12. My dear fellow Lasallians, a small space in that long-sized bond paper would never be enough to capture the attention of almost 9000 students and their parents who would be affected by the 4%. The Public Address System did not work if they actually utilized it. It was not the 4% being too small for an increase. It was their sincerity to actually bring the matter to the attention of the students. I don’t believe students are apathetic about tuition fees. Granting that the Administration did their very best to actually encourage Lasallians to attend in that very significant forum and the attendance was still dismal, then they should worry about the level of apathy their students have reached. Sample Questions If there were more students who attended the January 31 forum, a lot of relevant questions could have been asked. The Library fee is too big for the quality of library that we have. The computers can be described as “de-uling” due to really slow internet connection.

“...they should worry about the level of apathy their students have reached.” Some members of the library staff weren’t even trained about the values of good customer service. The number of theft cases is on the rise, like tuition fees. Suggestions on the improvement of security facilities inside the campus could have been raised. 70% of the tuition increase will go to the teachers’ salaries. Students might ask about the presence of some teachers who are not world class, who don’t know how to speak English well and whose method of instruction is too old school for collegelevel learning. Are we going to expect fewer teachers of these kinds next school year? Those are just a few. The more than 8000 souls may have more than 8000 different concerns intertwined. I couldn’t understand the University’s rigid annual increases when they couldn’t even compensate the amounts we’re paying, and when they couldn’t even improve on the way they treat this Annual Tuition Fee Increase Forum. Let’s not wait for Lasallians to pray and say, St. John Baptise de La Salle, pay for us. They will hold the same forum again. Let’s all be there and raise our concerns. Our great founder who wished to educate the poorest of the poor did not want us to be indifferent. For feedback: [email protected]

You will not believe it Social Light Neslie Faith V. Sianson Education is a progressive discovery of our ignorance. - Will Durant (1885-1981) U.S. author and historian. One of the most essential elements in my life is education. I was fed with educational references and part of summer workshops since grade school. Now in college, I felt the transition in my attitude towards studying. I don’t do chock-ablock files of reviewers and notes anymore. I’m asking myself why I don’t have the fervor enthusiasm to attend my classes and prioritize my studies anymore. Is it because of the teachers, curriculum, learning process or the environment? Dwindling Art of Pedagogy Teaching is such a noble job. Unfortunately, there is a corruption existing in the educational sector. Even the antediluvian days of the Spanish regime, corruption is already prevalent. Bureaucracy is a quintessential scenario in the lives of the people. The Spanish friars were the corrupt officials who promoted frailocarcy, the instability of colonial administration, selfish friars who only satisfy their personal interest, craving for power, wealth and fame; they denied the rights of the Filipinos.

“I am looking forward that the government will righteously utilize the allocated funds for education so that we can push for a relevant and critical quality of Education geared towards nation-building.” Since the time of the Spaniards, the maladminstration of justice already existed. Padre Damaso, the notoriousegotistic Franciscan priest conceding favors only to elite Filipinos like the deceiving and assuming “Kastilain” and influential wanna-be Doña Victorina de Espadaña (the historic malady of bureaucracy). Prof’sVeracity To obtain a good education and develop his/her potential is a right of every child. The existing corruption in the educational sector especially in the public schools simply enervates the morale of the teachers instead of bolstering them in order to provide quality education to students. How can students learn when there are no teachers interested to apply in public schools or universities when their salaries are generally ruled by fairly civil service

codes that make it legally and politically difficult to change salaries of teachers, administrative personnel as well as the non-teaching personnel? Piggy Bank The government has allotted a budget for the education sector but due to the morally corrupt government officials who suppose to be defending and providing us with public welfare. There is a highly reduced number in the teachers, number of classes and number of schools. Several teachers complain about the injustice in the delayed, low, and deteriorating pay, lack of political support from the government, a flop in the retirement or post-employment benefits, allowances, and in-kind benefits. It is a budding crisis in the management of the education crisis. Act-Play Since we are stakeholders and sharers of this entity, then, if we want to fight for quality life, let’s disregard being pathetic rather to exhibit willingness and the desire to stand up as proactive catalysts for change. Now that we are equipped with the right knowledge, we are accountable in reducing the hopeless feeling that several citizens manifest today. I am looking forward that the government will righteously utilize the allocated funds for education so that we can push for a relevant and critical quality of Education geared towards nationbuilding. For feedback: [email protected]

We will have to bear with defective OHPs - AVRC The Spectrum: In Que Ber column of Sugar, you took notice of the defective facilties in the classrooms particularly the OHPs. For the last 10 years we have not acquired new OHP units as this device is getting obsolete. We will have to bear with them until they are no longer functional...sort of until supply lasts. The good news is we are slowly working for the multimedia projector to be assigned in the classrooms. I hope this will answer your call for any action and from whom. - College AVRC

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The speech was delivered by Nea Cecille V. Quiachon during the awarding ceremony of NOPSSCEA awardees at the St. Scholasticas Academy Gym, Jan. 25.] Rev. Fr. Noly A. Que, NOPSSCEA President, NOPSSCEA task force chairpersons, fellow honorees, distinguished guests, teachers, parents, students, friends, a pleasant afternoon to all. It is a great privilege to give this response speech for and in behalf of my fellow outstanding students for the tertiary level, Nichole and Angelica. I know that they are as thrilled and grateful as I am to be given this recognition. It’s nice to be back here in front of you and be given this opportunity to share my thoughts once again like I did back in high school. Needless to say, College life is very different. You get exposed to a bigger crowd with crashing personalities. Academic and extra-curricular demands attack from all corners. But among that flood of faces, there will always be a few who will lead, excel, and motivate. Students and faculty who stand out, who, without effort and without expecting any reward in return, are outstanding in the things they do. They are those who have the inner drive: a burning passion to make things better, to initiate positive social change, to make a difference. For the most part, I don’t know if my fellow honorees will agree with me, but what we do in school is simply what is expected of any student… because the call for excellence resounds in any school’s mission statement. The problem is that only a few respond to that call. When you come to think of it, it’s really simple. As Lord Chesterfield (an English writer and statesman) puts it: “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” In other words, all of us can be outstanding in our own way. It depends on our role, our niche, in the society. Wherever you’re good at, just do your best, love what you do and excellence will simply follow. Charles Churchill once said: “The danger chiefly lies in acting well, No crime's so great as daring to excel.” Being called outstanding or “most outstanding” puts a person on a pedestal. It is branding him or her as “exceptional” and “excellent”. It is very heartwarming yet humbling at the same time. Heartwarming because all our efforts in and out of school are being acknowledged and humbling because we know that one contest or one search is not enough to give due recognition to all the outstanding college students out there who are showing excellence in various fields: be it in sports, academics, charity work, etc. We gladly share this recognition with them. As I look into the eyes of my fellow honorees I can see so much idealism. This idealism sometimes gets a favorable response from others but oftentimes is opposed by indifference and apathy: two of the biggest problems that the youth are facing right now. It is my personal desire that we may be able to maintain that idealism. This recognition is not simply a title but a challenge to continue being outstanding: … even when no one is looking … even after we graduate and leave the comforts of our 4-walled classrooms to face the real “dog-eat-dog” world. A world where, usually, all that idealism, taught in school, is lost or compromised. Being outstanding does not always reciprocate to an easy life or a bed of roses. All of us here, I’m sure, have our own “Maalaalo Mo Kaya” stories to tell. We may project a very strong image but behind that are struggles, failures, and excruciating life experiences that have contributed to what we have become now and without which we wouldn’t have been outstanding after all. As the song goes: “deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child”. And who does that child run to at the end of the day? To answer that, allow me now to thank the people who have brought us this far, our inspirations to whom we share this honor: ♫ To our respective alma maters, teachers, mentors: Thank you for sharing to us your wisdom, patience, understanding, and love through the years… ♫ To our dear parents and families for bringing us into this world, for all the sacrifices you’ve made for us, and for providing the home where we get our first education and eventually build our character. Let me share the lyrics of a song that captures what perhaps all of us want to say in tribute to you: “It takes a lot to know what is love… It’s not the big things, but the little things that can mean enough… a lot of prayers to get me through… a n d there is never a day that passes by I don’t think of you… you were always there for me… pushing me and guiding me always to succeed… you showed me, when I was young just how to grow… You showed me, everything that I should know. You showed me, just how to walk without your hands… coz mom and dad, you always were the “perfect fan”…” (Backstreet Boys) ♫ To those who add the color in our lives, and who, personally, I consider as one of God’s greatest gifts to me. I may not have the happiest and easiest life but these people stuck up with me through my ups and downs. They are always there to support, love, back me up, scold me when I do wrong, and accept me for who I am, outstanding or not: to all my friends!!!! Guys, I offer this feat to you too. I could’ve never made it this far without you. ♫ And to the ultimate source of strength and excellence: THE LORD ALMIGHTY who makes all things possible and who deserves all the glory for Man’s achievements. Thank you NOPSSCEA for this recognition. Metaphorically, this is like a pebble dropped in a lake of still water. May this create ripples of inspiration to other students so that they may finally break away from indifference and apathy and join in the crusade to actually initiate transformation that our society badly needs. Being outstanding does not always mean hoarding awards and medals. For me, it is more of actually touching lives. Touching lives, striving for excellence without stepping on others is true success. Let me end with a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson: How do you measure success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a redeemed social condition, or a job well done; To know even one other life has breathed, because you lived… This is to have succeeded. To God be the glory! Thank you very much and may all of you have a blessed day ahead. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

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Bacolod has become a very important city during the recent national controversies involving ABS-CBN, AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines and GMA Network about the alleged manipulation of TV Ratings. The Spectrum randomly asked Lasallians in Bacolod about their reactions and here are the responses. “It’s really about money at the expense of the televiewers and the general public. Somebody there is telling a lie and somebody is telling the truth, but nobody will accept it. It is very wrong to manipulate ratings result. Everybody wants to be number one because it means more advertisements. And more advertisements mean more money.” - Ernest Marvin Latiza, Chair, Mass Communication Department “It’s true that GMA is a cheater. GMA had a negotiation with our neighbors where in they promised to give them monthly groceries and money allowances.” - Mika Ella Pahilanga, AB1-A “It’s not about who cheated. It’s about the truth. AGB Nielsen is the one who is liable because they are not vigilant enough to secure their clients’ protection.” - Paolo Ramirez, CO1 “I don’t really care about the issue. It is a battle of giant networks and I at the bottom am not affected so far.” - Jarred Martin Clarianes, ABPO3-A “I think GMA is just paranoid about the “rating thing”. Being competitive is part of the business. It is already wrong when you start bribing and making indecent stories against the other party.” - Anna Palparan, BSN2-N “ABS-CBN tells what is really going on. So I think GMA must admit their mistakes. Like what happened in our barangay, some people were given groceries and money by the GMA Network just to watch their shows.” - Allen Khen Estrella, BE1-C “I think whatever the issue is; both networks should stop their statements on TV. They should settle the issue off cam because what add more to it are the statements of both parties aired on TV.” - Larmie Jondanero, BSCS1-A “I perfectly believe that this controversy between two giant stations here in our country is very alarming because TV ratings play an important role in terms of advertisers’ choice. I think the fault should go to GMA because it’s very obvious that they are paying people just to watch their shows.” - Peter Glenn Rapiz, AB1-D “I think that what GMA did was not fair to the other station and it was right for ABS-CBN to file a case against them. Being part of the media creates a big influence to other people and should serve as good example.” - Andrea Mae Briones, BN2-D

“The truth shall prevail. I think the public has the right to know what the truth behind this issue is. It’s unfair for ABS-CBN to be prohibited by GMA in telling the truth on TV.” - Joerivic Castaño, BN1L “Both networks have their own proof in terms of their allegations. I’ll just pray for it and hoping sooner or later everything will be fixed and clarified.” - Ronald Alonzo, CO2 “For me it doesn’t matter which station tells the truth. Both networks said before that service comes first, that they only want to entertain and serve the people. So it’s useless to argue about the TV ratings.” - Aprilyn Dolorosa, BN1- L “In my opinion, the Filipinos don’t care about the war between the two stations. All they want is entertainment.” - Prub Chahal, CO1- E “I’m just watching their shows and I am not against both stations. All I want for them to do is to provide good, quality and effective TV programs.” - Carmela Nava, BSPS1- A “All I can say is that we deserve to know the truth about this controversy. We have the right to know the real and exact results of the survey.” - Kara Angelie Dawn Occeña, BABA1- C “I don’t really care what is happening between the two networks. All I really want is to be entertained. Only the court could decide on this matter. Transparency is all we needed.” - Chivas Larroder, MD3

“GMA Network is guilty. The evidence presented by ABS-CBN was strong enough to prove that they manipulated the results of the TV ratings here in Bacolod and other cities in Visayas.” - Luisa Cairo, BSBI3

“If the ratings affect the reputation of the networks, I do not care about that issue. It’s just pure entertainment that confuses us.” - Victoria Contreras, CO1-E

New Bacolod Silay Airport of International Standard The New Bacolod-Silay Airport brings a promise of a brighter and more progressive Negros.

Photos taken from www.jekkipascual.blogspot.com Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

FEBRUARY 6, 2008

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Tramontina: Contact on stage at Gallaga Theater By Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

A back-to-back direction for the first time of two women, Tanya Lopez and Jade Snow Dionzon, USLS’ artist in residence were being exposed as Produksyon Tramontina had its two contemporary plays entitled Contact held in Gallaga Theater. Produksyon Tramontina Founder and President Mariano “Manny” Tramontina organized these two plays named Weblab and Love 4 ½, mainly to reflect to the audience the things that is happening now and that

relationship can go on even just using technology. According to Lopez, Weblab’s director, Contact is intended to everyone specifically the high school and college students and the young professionals who are very much aware and unaware of our present situations. Weblab which is the first to be on stage, is about cyber chatting and how relationships can happen in the net while love 4 1/2 is about different perspective of individuals on love, sex and relationships. “The basic similarity of the two plays is on communication, such as

the play was named ‘Contact’ and this show is a mixture of different influences of theater plays,” said Montelibano. This two short plays is an involvement of Produksiyon Tramontina, USLS Alumni Office, the USLS Office of the Artist in Residence, Production Support Group, Masskara Ensemble, Negros Museum and MassComm Society, in cooperation with the actors from USLS Masskara Theatre Ensemble Alumni, Mass Comm. students and alumni and Negros Summer Workshop graduates.

Tramontina, which is an association of theater artists, film makers, visual artists, actors, is basically the making of artworks in different form without asking profit from it and this 2008 play has been their fourth of consistent producing short plays in La Salle. Contact which is furthermore all about love and relationships and different individuals' perspectives and experiences on both, can be watched in Php50 every 6:45pm of January 24 - 26, 31 and February 1, 2 and 7 – 9 at the Gallaga Theater.

Pierre Patricio’s Works on Display By Arthur Jason Javellana

Travelogue is a Museo exhibit launched by artist Pierre Patricio throughout the month of February. The display is a series of paintings depicting the travels of Patricio. Subjects include Mindscape, Tuscan Horse, Venice Wall, Miagao church and much more designed in Modeling Paste and Acrylic. It takes more than a week to

finish a painting according to Patricio. A brief background of the artist depicts his learning in the arts. Patricio had been into the arts at a very young age. He had graduated with a degree in BS Marine Transportation in the Iloilo City. His past works involve figurative art but later evolved into Abstract impressionism. In 1988, Patricio travelled to Greece where his first exhibit was opened.

While in Greece, the artist took up figurative drawing at the American Hellenic Union Greek media has praised his works as it depicts the story of the human spirit and the beauty of life as the centerpiece of his works. In 1998 Patricio and his family moved to Germany where the artist was influenced by the people and the culture. While there Patricio stayed for seven years and worked with UNICEF. Patricio is also a member of

United Buddy Bears a project undertaken by other artists worldwide , Patricio utilized a bear shaped glass figure to display an art style representing the Philippines and its culture. The project according to Buddy Bearsis intended to promote peace friendship and tolerance In the country, Patricio’s works are displayed at the Art Circle Gallery in Shang Ri La Pasig and in the Francesca gallery festival mall in Filinvest Alabang.

IN FOOTBALL

By Allen Gabriel M. Iñigo and Randell T. Aranza

Sweet taste of victory filled the air as the College of Business and Accountancy retained their crown in the women’s division while the College of Engineering swept the field as they go for the gold in the men’s division in the football tournament of this year’s Sportsfest last Jan. 21-25 at the USLS Football Field. CBA football athletes continued to taste the flavor of victory after winning the women’s cup, 2-1, against BSN; while in the men’s division, ENG’G rejoiced after defeating BSN, 4-2, in a close fight win in football championship match. Shining bright, the CBA booters shoved dust against the blazing Nursing, 2-1, in their intense battle for the women’s championship game. Held scoreless over the first 20 minutes of play, CBA’s Paula Alonso quickly showed the crowd that the ball in the net knows no gender, after acquiring the first goal in the 22nd minute of the women’s game. Reviewing previous games, the mighty yellow had a 4-0 tally making it as an evidence for their superiority and it was a fact that that the CBA already beat the BSN during their first encounter in Game 3 of the tournament. During halftime, team BSN seriously talked about fortifying

their strategy while team CBA took the break as a time to relax and to laugh at the bloopers made by their teammates. Just as the game seemed destined to roll for CBA, team BSN finally made a goal, seven minutes before stoppage time of the second half; registering a score of 1-1, extending the time. “It’s not a matter of being the winner of the game. For me, the friendship and the unity built in the team are far more important aspects than anything else,” BSN goalie Shaula Delgado said. A minute before the tiebreaker match comes to an end, CBA grabbed an obvious goal-scoring opportunity which retained their championship crown in women’s football. “With this win, CBA will undoubtedly be the overall champion,” CBA Faculty and President Ernesto Suplido confidently said. Meanwhile, the orange warrior engineers made it sure for its colors to stand out as they fashionedout a come-from-behind victory against the red phoenix nurses, 4-2, in the men’s tourney. The clash between the men of ENG’G and BSN in the first half of the championship match was relatively calm, even after BSN scored in the 25th minute. The intensity picked up in the second half and broke the silence of the crowd in the 13th minute, where the College of Engineering

finally locked a target for the goal, tying the score to 1-1. Negros Occidental Football Association referee Emilio Guto called for an injury time during the 20th minute of the second half when Teejay Oñasa of ENG’G sat at one corner of the field, experiencing pain on his right leg after giving out one of his power kicks. The orange warrior said that it was nothing to worry about and that it is an expected scenario in every football game. A whistle was blown to end the second half, extending the time for a tiebreaking match. The crowd was left hanging on their seats as the two great teams play a game of deflections and steals all throughout the fiveminute extension. Another tiebreaker was called and as time runs out for these athletes, pursuing attacks and defenses from both parties were relentlessly forced. However, the score still remained at 1-1 even after the extensions, paving the way for a shootout match. Finally, ENG’G defeated BSN with a registered score of 4-2. “I’m glad that our hard work paid off, especially after our long practice since October. We thank God for giving us the championship throne this year,” ENG’G Coach Francis Xavier Parcon said.

Photo by Paolo Trio

CBA keeps crown in women’s ENG’G heaps title in men’s

WINNERS. The Engineering Society won the second spot in the Smart Buddy Bigshot Academy receiving P20,000 at SM City last Feb. 1.

CAS, BSN rule dancesports By Kathreen Joyce I. Tubid

Hips twisting, necks bending and bodies gliding to the rhythm were being witnessed as the green and red-blooded performers once again impressed the crowd during the Dancesports Competition held Jan. 25 at the Coliseum. Carmelo Serrano, Jr. and partner Agette Asan of the College of Arts and Sciences made their last flips a fabulous one as they stood out before the other contenders and hit the championship in the Modern Standard Category. “Our preparations for two months were all worth it. We really focused and enjoyed the dance, and as to our body, we have the bonding, so we didn’t consider it as just a plain dance,”

said Asan. Asan wearing a pale green long gown and Serrano in a black suit glided through the dance floor magnificently in their solo rendition of the dance Samba. “The performance was not only for the competition itself but also for entertainment,” Serrano said. Meanwhile, a grand finale for the Sportsfest 2008 was also concluded by the Red Phoenix’ eye-bulging and mouth-dropping moves as their dancers Ryan Rodney Gonzaga and Camille Serafin held their title as champions in the Latin-American Category. “I’ve been depressed for how many days just because of this contest. It was my first time to do dancesports for I’m really into hiphop and modern dances.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be sent to:

The Spectrum Office, Coliseum Ground Floor, USLS; or emailed to: [email protected], with the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity. Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

So everything was really new to me and I really had a difficulty adjusting,” said Serafin. Despite a bad start by falling in one of their stunts in the group performance, the pair recovered and made some stunning twists of moves in their solo rendition by dancing to the beat of Samba. “It was a pressure on me because this would be my last term in college, I’ll be graduating already. At the same time much are expected on me because I’ve been representing BSN since I was First year,” said Gonzaga. According to the BSN pair, they really were pressured because they only had two weeks to practice and since Serafin was a first timer, they needed to start from the very basics.

ENVIRONMENT THE SPECTRUM

FEBRUARY 6, 2008

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Earth Hour campaign reaches RP Sydney, Chicago, Tel Aviv, Manila, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Brisbane and Toronto all turning off their lights for an hour in the name of fighting global warming.

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ECO OBOX Owlet turns 3 months old By Aries D. Cariño

“Turning the lights off for Earth Hour is a great first step, but if you really want to see a difference, then make Earth Hour part of your everyday life.” Earth Hour 2008 intensifies this year is it becomes global. Overview It started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on climate change? The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. On 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off, and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning a symbolic event into a global movement. Originating in Sydney in 2007, the Earth Hour campaign has now gained global attention. As a result, on March 29, 2008 at 8pm, millions of people in some

of the world’s major capital cities will unite and switch off for Earth Hour. How Lasallians Can Participate at Home and in School Simple things like turning off appliances while not in use and switching your light globes to energy efficient bulbs, will all help us reach our goal of reducing our annual emissions by 5%. Even something as simple as turning out lights when you’re not in a room and switching to cleaner sources of electricity like “green power”, make a big difference. As well as the very simple things you can do in offices and schools, like printing double-sided and using recycled paper, there are many other ways to help the your community reduce its carbon footprint. • Get off standby. Speak to your office manager or school administrator about turning off any equipment that is not being used, including computer screens, photocopiers and printers. • Turn off lights at the end of the working day. Before you leave your place of work or classrooms remember to turn off any lights and computers. Remember to unplug your mobile phone or laptop charger when it’s not in use. • Find out what’s happening in your school and workplace. Ask about your school’s emission

AYLC gets three Lasallians

Rodrigo Casiano, Accounting3, Francis Parcon, Engineering4 and Desiree Go, Nursing3 were recently chosen as among the 70 Ayala Young Leaders of 2008.

These Lasallians will attend the 10th congress of Ayala’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative for the youth to be held in Tagaytay this February.

World Bank launches Int’l Essay Competition The World Bank, the Cities Alliance and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs invite youth aged 18-25 from all countries of the world to participate in the International Essay Competition 2008. WANTED: Your Practical Ideas Shaping the City of Your Dreams USD 5,000 will be given to the Grand Prize Winner, while runner-up prizes will be given USD1,000. Authors of the best essays (finalists) will be invited to participate in the Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE) in Cape Town, South Africa. The jury reserves the right to modify the allocation depending on the number of winning essays. For more information visit http://www.essaycompetition.org/

reduction policies and find out what’s already happening. Look for ways to reduce energy use and encourage improvements. If administrators know their students are keen to make their schools environmentally friendly, they’ll be even more inclined to take action. At home, you don’t have to live in total darkness every day to make a difference. Just follow these five quick and easy tips. • Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and reduce emissions. Lighting accounts for around 5% of household greenhouse gas emissions, and compact fluros use 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Although the bulbs cost more up-front, you will actually save money through the energy saved and extended life of the bulb. • Turn appliances off while not in use. Unplug any appliances like mobile phone chargers, TVs, microwaves, MP3 players, which are not being used and are on standby. In Australia, appliances on standby consume up to 10% of your electricity bill. • Turn off anything that doesn’t need to be on. A good rule is to turn off anything not being used. When you leave a room or leave the house, turn off your lights or appliances like the TV or computer.

• Switch to green power. This is one of the best ways you can make a difference. Contact your electricity provider today and switch to green power, a cleaner, more renewable form of energy that does not contribute to global warming. If all Australians switched to green power today, Australia’s total greenhouse pollution would be cut by 30% in one year. That’s the equivalent of more than 40 million cars! • Use less hot water. This is not only a good water saving tip, it saves electricity too. Spend one minute less in the shower. Help make Earth Hour 2008 even bigger Beyond turning off your lights for one hour at 8pm on 29 March 2008, there are lots of things you can do to make Earth Hour 2008 an even greater success. Here are just a few to get you started. • Create your own Earth Hour – learn how to organize Earth Hour in your town or local community. • Advertise. If you’ve registered as a business, don’t be afraid to advertise your support for Earth Hour. It’s great for business and the environment! Source: www.earthhour.org

The third successfully laid Philippine eagle owl (Bubo philippensis) in the Philippines recently turned three months old last Jan. 28 at the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc Biodiversity Conservation Center (NFEFI-BCC). The new owlet was hatched last Oct. 28, 2007 after 35 days of incubation. The 2007 owlet is the third offspring of owl couples Mahinhin and Hinahon, the only Bubo philippensis breeding pair worldwide. The parent birds are in Bacolod City as part of a breeding loan program of Avilon Montalban Zoological Park, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Wildlife Rescue Center, Fauna and Flora International and the World Owl Trust. NFEFI-BCC curator Dr. DJ Darwin Bandoy said that the owlet is still nameless up to this moment and its gender is yet to be identified. Owlet 2007 siblings’ Bubo (2005) and Milenyo (2006) have an unidentified gender also. Bandoy said that endoscopic surgery and feather sexing are the only two ways to determine owl’s gender. The curator added that they will send feather samples for feather sexing soon to the World Owl Trust in United Kingdom, a center which determines owl genders in the world, because endoscopic surgery is quite dangerous to operate. Owlet 2007 had its first fledging cited last Dec. 24, 2007 wherein it was seen using its wings to fly out of the nest said Bandoy. The three-month-old owlet still stays at its parents’ cage though it weighs and stands just like them. Bandoy said that they are only waiting for Hinahon’s (father owl) signal to shoo away the owlet before they will transfer it to another cage. "We are happy to have the owlet. The mother laid an egg in August but the egg did not survive for it was eaten in September. The couple copulated again and successfully laid the second egg which was hatched as the new owlet,” said Bandoy.

La Salle Yearbook 2009 now open for applicants The La Salle Yearbook is now accepting applicants for School Year 2008-2009. The following are the positions to apply for: Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, Managing Editor, Finance Editor, Assistant Finance Editor, Computer Graphics Editor, Photo and Video Editor, CAS College Editor, CBA College Editor, Education College Editor, Engineering College Editor, Nursing College Editor, and Lay-out Artists. Interested applicants should submit the following requirements in a legal sized envelope: An application letter addressed to The Editorial Board, resumé with 2X2 picture, recommendation letter from Dean/ Department Chairperson, and evaluation form (grades). Additional requirements for the position of Computer Graphics Editor, Photo and Video Editor and Lay-out Artists include portfolio containing your output (photos, designs, etc.). Deadline of submission is on February 29. Exams and Interview Schedule will be announces after the said date.

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

THE SPECTRUM

FEBRUARY 6, 2008

CBA wins Championship again Students say, Sportsfest 2008 funfilled By Allen Gabriel M. Iñigo

It was a long week, days of struggle, but facing forward with victory locked into your hands – it’s just the best thing. Brave and courageous, the never-say-die College of Business and Accountancy have yet shined a lot more brighter than ever as they got crowned as overall champion in this year’s Sportfest held last Jan. 21-25. The CBA was followed by the College of Nursing as they ranked first runner up, the College of Engineering who seated at the second runner up phase, College of Arts and Science staying in the third runner up place, and the College of Education in the fourth runner up seat. The CBA was determined to win this year’s crown and a proof of that was seen early when they shined 1/4 of the coliseum with bright yellow through their attires and balloons during the opening ceremony. It was a tough start for the mighty yellow after faltering down and has dropped down into the last place in the opening cheering competition but it wasn’t enough to make the CBA throw in the white towel. The crowns It wasn’t an easy path for the CBA but despite hardships and trials on the road to success, they kept on hurdling up that allowed them to stash up 18 championship titles on which 8 of it were titles that they have successfully defended.

The yellow team have defended their previous titles in Athletics (women’s), Beach Volleyball (men’s), Billiards (men’s), Chess (women’s), Football (women’s), Othello (both men and women’s), and Tug-of-war (women’s). Athletics It was quite a success for the CBA since they managed to maintain their stand in the women’s category by snatching a total of 9 gold while on the men’s category, the orange warrior Engineering also managed to keep their championship title with 12 gold grasp in their hands. Badminton Badminton which was ruled by the Nursing department on last year’s sportsfest was left on half term for this year since they only got to defend the title on the women’s category and the CBA stealing the title from them on the men’s division. Basketball In the men’s division, it was a tragic for the Eng’g Warriors as they watched in horror as the Nursing department snatch the crown from them while on the women’s category BSN also failed to defend their title giving off the championship crown to the mighty yellow CBA. The championship game for the men’s division was left between the CBA and EDUC, 54-43, and in the women’s division between the BSN and CAS, 74-60, both played in the last day of the sportsfest.

Beach Volleyball It was another point for the CBA as they again stroke a point in another event when they defended their title in the men’s category while in the women’s category; the College of Education took the lead. Billiards Jumping the venue to Lopues East, it was quite a showdown down the table as another volcano was left to erupt, throwing off the other players and leaving the ball to the CBA in both the men and women’s category. Bowling Lopues East was definitely a place to hit a landslide as the orange Eng’g warriors placed their best foot forward and grab the crown in both men and women’s division. Chess The game of wits in the men’s which was ruled by the yellow team CBA last year was snitch snatch by the Eng’g department who have calculated their way out with the trophy in their hand. Meanwhile, on the women’s event, the CBA remained as the king of this game and have kept its opponents from checking any trophies on their list. Football It was definitely a game to watch when defending champion lost its touch as it dropped down its chance to again grab the crown to the Eng’g and Nursing who both fought well for the title but

ended with the orange color in the lead, 4-2. On the women’s side, it was a walk in the park for the CBA to retain their crown since they already had a 4-0 tally before the championship and the fact that the team against them on the championship match was someone whom they already beat in the previous game. Lawn Tennis Swift spins and turns smash down the other teams after the CBA played their way out of the tournament in both men and women, grasping both the title in their hands. In the men’s division it was in intense battle in the championship match between the yellow CBA and the orange warriors ENG’G, 6-4; 6-1, ending the match to 2-0. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, a great battle between the CBA and the red phoenix Nursing occurred, 6-3; 3-6, leading the game to a tie breaker that ended with a 10-6 points. Othello The College of Business and Accountancy seems to have place to their liking the games of wits as again they’ve occupied both seats in men and women’s Othello like what they did in the chess matches. Swimming Another spot came splashed down to the mighty yellow CBA after they stole the title from ENG’G warriors on the men’s

division while the competitions of the aquabelles were topped by the red phoenix Nursing. Table Tennis The once so ruled by the College of Nursing event was trashed by the College of Engineering and the College of Business Accountancy. The ENG’G worked its way on top to sweep the crown in the men’s division while the brave CBA swiftly took the ball away alongside with the championship title in the women’s division. Tug-of-War Tug-of-War was a game definitely left out by the other colleges and took it for granted by not participating well enough that have caused several default wins but the CBA looked at it as an opportunity to add up some more points on its final standing as they took the crown on the women’s event while Nursing pulled strong enough to get the one in the men’s division. Volleyball The crown for the spikers was battled over an intense battle and ended up with a collision between the Orange Warriors and the defending champion blazing hot phoenix on which the ENG’G team managed to spike out the opposing team, 25-23; 19-25; 26-24; 15-25; 15-9, to snatch the championship title in the men’s division. Meanwhile on the women’s event, the CBA have yet found

Official Student Publication of the University of St. La Salle * USLS Coliseum Ground Floor, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 * Volume 51 Number 13

another point-adder as they clashed against the BSN, 25-19; 25-19; 25-19, making this year’s title holder. Wall Handball Lasallian’s special game was ruled by the ENG’G department in the men’s division and has defended their title on which they have worked hard to achieve. On the women’s spotting, the CBA placed a great fight and never placed a break on their success after stealing the title from last year’s champion, the ENG’G. It was CBA’s very supportive students that boost the morale of their athletes giving them an edge against other players. CBA cheerers and spectators has faith on their players and they were there in most of the events with their drums on their side and their loud cheers and shouts to put the CBA’s game to the next level on which gave way to their title in the Bleacher Cheering. The last day of the Sportsfest was also a big bang after each college showed off their skills and talents on the Dance Sports on which the BSN topped the Latin and the CAS on the Modern Standard. Cheerdance competition was a real blast as they College of Engineering plunged down the floor with their pretty sweet moves pulling all the attention from all the spectators of different colleges.

Photos by Krazelle Escarilla, Paolo Trio and Gringo Benedicto

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SPORTS SPECIAL