Regina Newsletter Volume 3 No 2 Oct Nov 2009

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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UA Community forks over support to Ondoy-Pepeng victims

REACHING OUT. Assumptionists are busy packing relief goods to be donated to typhoon victims. (Photos by Weslee Dizon) nd

UACoN emerges 2 Runner Up in Regional Quiz Bee Billy Jash Danganan, Camille Lousie Sunglao and Katrina Lauren Guevarra bagged the 2 nd runner up award in the Regional Science Quiz bee held at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) on September 25. The quiz bee winners all hail from the College of Nursing and served as the University’s representatives on the said competition. The students were accompanied by their teacher coaches from the School of Arts and Sciences namely Ms Justine Gonzales, Ms Menchu Luzano and Joel Soto. The contest was held as a part of the Annual Chemistry Seminar conducted by the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers (PACT). “The Exponent of Development and Progress through Research and Invention,” served as the adopted theme for for the said

UACoN…p.5

GUIDED with the spirit of love and giving, the Assumption Community through the UA Outreach Ministry (OM) and the Central Student Council (CSC) gave assistance to the victims of the previous typhoons that hit the country. The recipients of the first relief operation were the landslide victims in San Juan Baño, Arayat, Pampanga on September 29, 2009. The affected families of the raging typhoons in Pasig, Candaba also benefitted in the next relief operation done the following day. The team, together with the Recognized Student Organizations (RSO’s), brought 350 plastic bags containing basic provisions such as food, clothing and

medicines. OM advanced with its relief efforts as it turned over more donations in cash and in kind to the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) and to San Jose Matulid, UA’s adopted community on October 2. Additional relief goods were also turned over to Central Luzon TV (CLTV) 36 on October 6, 2009. The Bishop extends metaphysical relief University President, Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D. officiated a mass in San Juan Baño on October 10, where he advocated hope and elevated the morale of the people in the said barangay. Ms. Jennifer Villanueva, UA social worker, said that the Bishop urged the people

to stand up with hope in the midst of the crisis. Avalanche of goods As donations continued to cascade, OM, together with the Archdiocesan Association of Parochial Schools (AAPS), went on with the relief operations reaching as far as Zambales and hand over their donations in Botolan on October 19. Rev. Fr. Aristotle Maniago, OM Director said, “It is our duty to help those people in need and we’re very happy that there are these people who are really helping in one way or another.” “No amount is really too big nor too small. What is important is, you helped,” he ended. By Weslee Dizon

UA-ARO signs MOA with CSFP Socio-Economic Panorama In an unprecedented and historic occasion, UA President Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D. together with Ms. Diana B. Pangilinan, Academic Research Office (ARO) Director, and City Mayor of San Fernando, Oscar S. Rodriguez, UA and the City Government of San Fernando (CGSF) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the SocioEconomic Panorama of the city held at the City Hall Atrium on October 19. The project, under the

UA-ARO…p.7

MOMENTOUS ALLIANCE. UA-CSFP partnership promises a long-term impact to the community. (seated from left to right) Engr. Ferdinand A. Limbitco, Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., Dr. Ruth Balajadia-Ducut; (behind) City Councilors and ARO staff) (Photo by Mr. Reymon Mann)

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Engineering stude receives UACSC Leadership Award Joelle Icban, a fourth year Civil Engineering student, received UA Central Student Council’s (CSC) first Student Leadership Award conferred during the 5th Annual Religare Leadership Seminar Workshop held at the Domus Mariae International Center on September 25-27. In an interview with Regina, Joelle said that she didn’t expect to receive the award for she’s only a year old in student leadership. Before Ms. Icban was elected as president of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) UA Chapter, she was the secretary of the same organization which was her first break in student leadership. “Kapag pala naging leader ka na, doon mo maiintindihan lahat (It is when you become a leader that you will fully understand things),” she said. “May nakita sila sa paraan ng paghawak ko sa trabaho (They saw something in the way I handle my work),”she said when asked about what might have been the basis of the UACSC for choosing her. “Noon wala pa akong masyadong alam as a leader, pero ngayon tanggap ko na (I lack enough knowledge as a student leader before, but now I already accepted it),” she compares her ordinary student life before and her life now as one of the chosen few who lead the youth. Joelle, a daughter of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), expects to execute several projects this coming second semester before she graduates. “So far, pinapatibay naming ang samahan sa loob ng School of Technological Studies (STS)…ang STS Choir ay isang patunay nito (We are strengthening the bond inside the STS…the STS choir is a proof for this),” she said with hope for a better relationship in

SERVANT LEADER. Guided by Catholic service, Joelle Icban’s award on outstanding leadership proves her competencies to responsibly serve her fellow Assumptionists. their department. Her planned activities in PICE for the coming semester include Himig Inhinyero (a band competition), November: Technology Month, a Dota in-school league, community services, tutorials, and other departmental projects. According to Ms. Icban, PICE regularly conducts meetings with other organizations including Class Officers in order to establish a strong relationship among them and towards better delivery of services to their constituent students. “Madali silang i-approach (They are easy to approach),” she said pertaining to all student officers in the University.

CONSERVING MOTHER NATURE. St. Thomas Aquinas Courtyard plan will harm no tree. (Photo by Adon Henrik Dizon)

Joelle, also the President of the STS Mother Council, clarified the matter regarding RSO fee collections saying that the difficulty in payment arises because “akala nila (the students) binubulsa ang RSO…akala nila madali lang (they thought that the fees are illegally kept…they though that it is that easy).” It must be noted that all standing organizations in the school are permitted to collect reasonable amount as payment for membership. Meanwhile, UACSC President Dick Ducut commended Ms. Icban and said, “She was awarded as outstanding student leader because of her outstanding leadership abilities.” “As president of STS Mother Council, she manages well all the organizations in STS,” said the CSC president. He continued, “she’s always present during our meetings and never complains,” and stressed, “she’s very active”. Joelle, a seven year-old Assumptionist, said, “UA is better now than before”. She said she is encouraged by the way her fellow students “support, treat and help” her,” and she values listening as an important quality of a leader. “Sana patuloy na maging pasensiyoso sa akin ang mga estudyante at kapwa officers at ibigay ang best hanggang ending ng term (I am hoping that the students and my coofficers will continue to understand me until our term ends)”, the student leadership awardee concluded. The recipient of the said award was chosen among all student-leader attendees of the Religare and all elected Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) officers in the University. ---By N.S.Ocampo

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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VPAA renames CoEd to CoPTEd

Man of Education. Dean Divino Aguas, MARE; shepherds CoPTeD faculty to fulfill the goal of producing world class professional teachers. The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) renamed the College of Education (CoED) to College of Professional Teachers Education (CoPTEd) by virtue of VPAA Memo No. 24 Series of 2009 dated Oct. 14. The VPAA, Rev. Fr. Winifredo S. Santos, approved the recommendation of the Dean of Education, Mr. Rodel Divino S. Aguas, MARE; to rename the College for the following reasons as stated in the latter’s recommendation letter: 1) to be consistent with the Republic of the Philippines vision and direction towards the professionalization of teacher education at par with world class standards, 2) to be

consistent with the University of the Assumption’s vision of academic excellence by providing a teacher education that is focused in producing world class professional teachers, and 4) to attract more young people to choose the teaching profession as a financially competitive career here and abroad. Mr. Aguas said, “We want to align our college with the mission vision of our university as well as the national development goals of our region.” “The focus is on the quality education, and to have quality education, we must have quality teachers. And since we are an Archdiocesan University, we should be an example to other universities and colleges

especially catholic colleges,” he continued. Mr. Aguas emphasized the idea of renaming the college as “a collective effort of the faculty, the UA Executive Committee (ExeCom) and the students as well.” Records show that for the past five years, UA has not hurdled with high passing rate and only 50% of its graduates pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). “I was thinking because education is very expensive, why are we training students who cannot become teachers? Why are we training the community service teachers who cannot teach because they cannot pass the licensure examination?” Mr. Aguas commented. He said that the CoPTEd “wants them (the students) to pass the examination so they become licensed professional teachers.” The College also introduced a new curriculum which, according to Dean Aguas, is a “better curriculum which is more focused on training students to become better teachers”. “I will not allow my child to go to surgery with a doctor who in college ‘ay pasang awa,” he continued by comparing the teaching profession with medicine asking,

BSAcc 1B, Architecture 1A, BSAcc 1C studes top Math Quiz Bee By Sean Aurelio C. Garcia III

ANDREW Reyes of BS Accountancy 1B, Karen Joy Amada of Architecture 1A and Pauline Naranjo of BSAcc 1C, topped Math Society (MathSoc) sponsored Statistics Quiz Bee held on September 19 at the Multi-purpose Hall. The three math wizards defeated thirteen

first year students from different departments as the MathSoc looked for potential math geniuses. The three-round quiz bee aims to discover budding math geniuses and hone their skills until they become ready for the Interschool Statistics Quiz Bee which will be held in Angeles

University Foundation (AUF) on November 09. Karen Pineda, MathSoc President said, “We are on the look out for new representatives for an upcoming quiz bee that will be held in AUF.” The winners will be trained by Mr. Dong Galivo in preparation for the coming higher level quiz bee.

By Nielsen Salazar Ocampo “why would parents entrust their children to a teacher who cannot even teach with competence?” He also regarded academic excellence as “not only a decoration”. “As a cheat free University,” according to him, “if we are not giving our students excellent education, then we are cheating them…and if they graduate without the competencies that they need to become quality teachers, then they are cheating the next generation.” It must be remembered that in 1993, UA had 100% passing rate, pushing Mr. Aguas to convince faculty members that if they want to succeed in the plan, they must “aim high for the glory of our University.” More than 200 students are presently enrolled in CoPTEd where freshmen undergo qualifying examination and before they advance to the next level, they need to take another comprehensive examination which, according to Mr. Aguas “will only be producing the best students for the best schools.” Administrative Changes in the department The Physical Education (PE) Department was transferred to the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). This move has been worked out since PE is a Service Department similar to that of the departments in SAS. However, PE majors remain under the new CoPTEd. Under the presently offered basic Education programs, Bachelor in Secondary Education and Bachelor in Elementary Educaction, the latter now includes new majors in

Special Education (SPED) and Religious Education. “Because it’s in demand here and abroad and they are earning a lot,” answered Mr. Aguas when asked about the new program on SPED. He furthered that “even elementary pupils need quality religion teachers”. The Cinence Scholarship Program funds students (taking up Religious or Values Education) from parishes in Pampanga as recommended by respective Parish Priests. New Methodologies “We are now experimenting on various methodologies and facilities, because we realized that our methodologies are also the methodologies of the past years,” said Dean Aguas pertaining to the plan of the CoPTEd to build the Music Lab and the SPED Lab and rehabilitate the Teaching Lab. He added that the usual teacher-student discussion will be reformatted. “Under the new methodologies we will be more focused on the learners because the method we usually use focuses on the teachers, the e-classrooms are very helpful but we have the table of the teacher at the center of the room with the students facing the teacher…we want the students to face each other so that our education system will be interactive,”he explained. “We want our students to talk not just to listen”, he also stressed. The CoPTEd is aiming for further achievements and seeks to attain outstanding status together with all other schools and colleges in the University.

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UA improves website

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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By Aron Nunag

THE University Task Force on Website Development (TFWD) launched UA’s latest website design, www.ua.edu.ph/main ,on October 1. The website was created to spread news about the University in the quickest span of time. In line with this, the Information Technology Center (ITC) seeks contributions from students and faculty members of UA. They can submit articles about various events in their respective departments.

The design of the new UA website was also developed aside from its contents. Its header has the silhouette picture of the UA façade, the UA logogram and name, with its blue motif. “We are now looking forward for the new website, with its updated and dynamic appearance and features, this will improve our marketing . It will also provide information to its existing and prospective clients,” said Mrs. Edwina P. Dizon, Officer-In-Charge of the ITC.

www.ua.edu.ph

BEED 3 conducts Environmental Symposium By Weslee Dizon

IN partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ecology course, the Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) 3 rd year students conducted an environmental symposium with the theme ‘Protecting and preserving the Environment: Think Globally, Act Locally’ at the Audio-Visual Center on October 1. The event, participated by science classes from different departments, started with

an opening message from Mr. Dexter Balajadia, Academic Chair of Professional Teacher Education followed by inspirational messages from Ms. Justina Gonzales, Physical and Biological Sciences Chair, and Dr. Arnel Sicat, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “I commend the BEED 3 for putting up this kind of event not just because it is very timely but also this enlightens us

with what is really happening with our environment,” said Mr. Sicat. “SIGNOS”, a documentary about the signs of environmental degradation was viewed by the participants Mr. Brian Jogno, a representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), spoke about the things that “we have done to the environment which

brought calamities. He discussed the present condition of the environment and traced its origin. He also emphasized measures on how we can save the environment.” “It is not really hard. We can start by our small steps. We have created this (environmental destruction), so we are also the ones to do something about it,” said the environmentalist with a tone of encouragement.

Mr. Jenifer Basilio, a science professor and the organizer of the event also commented, “I think these are already the signs. What is happening now is a wakeup call for us to do something. It hurts me when we are not even acting to save our environment.” “What else do we need? More calamities? More tragedies?” he posed with a challenge. The symposium left the participants the verdict to choose – to act or not.

Café Maria opens to serve UA community By Mark Joshua Lansangan

A TASTE OF CAFÉ MARIA. Grade schoolers are enjoying the pleasure of the newly-opened café’s simply irresistible menu.

HOTEL and Restaurant Management (HRM) Department supervises the Café Maria which opened on September 18 following the initiatives set by the College of International Tourism and Hotel Management (CITHM) led by its Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Marvin Lingad. Mrs. Socorro Korionoff, manager of Domus Mariae International Center and the Café Maria clarified that the ceremonies held on the date mentioned was only a “soft launching” activity whereas, the Grand Opening will be held during the UA foundation day in January 2010.

Mr. Lingad and Mrs.Korionoff together with Mr. Ronnel David and Mr. Glenn Lacsa, both graduates of the University’s HRM program, created the menu being served in the café. “Everything about coffee is Mr. Lingad’s idea,” said Mrs. Korionoff. The University hired Mr. Alex Castro, also a UA graduate, as cook. Mrs. Korionoff said that the Café Maria serves affordable food as many of their costumers are from the Grade School Department. Café Maria, named by Mr. Lingad, is an establishment dedicated to patronizing and honoring the school Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

News

5 BSOM, BS Psych studes crowned as Mr. and Ms. PE ‘09 Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009

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By Weslee Dizon

MICHAEL Fernando and Sarah Jane Soliman bested 15 other contenders vying for the coveted title ‘Mr. and Ms Physical Education (PE) 2009’ during the pageant’s coronation night held vis-a-vis with the PE Day at the Bishop Emilio Cinense Gym on October 12. Michael, a 17 year-old Operations Management freshman, said, “When my name was announced as a winner, I felt that after all the efforts I exerted, they all turned

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out fruitful and I’m feeling very good and great about it.” “I just want everybody to be happy and that’s just what I did, I gave them entertainment by adding a little comedy in my dance number,” said Michael who gets himself physically healthy and fit by eating nutritious and spending a break at the gym. On the other hand, Ms. PE ’09, Sarah, also a freshie from the Psychology department, said, “I was really kind of hesitant at first. I do not actually know if I really

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WINNERS OF MR. AND MS. PE ‘09 will act as models of goodwill and healthy lifestyle. (From left) Roiniel Gigante Justine Dave Bayani, Jessel Malonzo, Michael Fernando, Sarah Jane Soliman, Marianne Cunanan, Cassandra Franco and Cherry Ann Mendoza (Photo by Weslee Dizon) have the guts to join the pageant, but with the support of my classmates and family, I was able to make it.” The 17 year-old Sarah, who did not expect to win the contest also, kiddingly said, “I am just

5-flat and I was really intimidated at first. But I just did my best to win”. Other candidates who were crowned were Jessel Malonzo and Marianne Cunanan,Mr. and Ms. Sound Body (1 st runner

up); Justine Dave Bayani and Cassandra Franco as Mr. and Ms. Sound Mind (2 nd runner up); and Roiniel Gigante and Cherry Ann Mendoza as Mr. and Ms. Sound Spirit (3rd runner up) .

UA launches wireless InfoBoard By Aron Nunag

A NIGHT OF GLAMOUR. Ms. JPIA winners flash their crowns after the coronation night.

Accountancy freshie wins Miss JPIA 2009 By Jade Layug

JARENNE Melchi Ong of the BS Accountancy 1C was crowned as this year’s Miss Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) 2009: Ambassadress of Good Will on October 10 at the M s g r. S e r r a n o Auditorium. The pageant, organized by the Department of Accountancy, aims to search for the d e p a r t m e n t ’ s representative to the Miss UA 2009: Model of Excellence to be held in January 2010.

Jarenne standed out among 14 other ladies who possess incomparable beauty with outstanding intellect and talent. Meanwhile, Gretchen Razon and Hazel Ochoa ranked 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Special set of awards were also given; Best in Sports Wear- Cherissa Sapnu, Voter’s Choice Award- Abigael Malang, Best in Casual Wear and Best in Long Gown- Hazel Ochoa, Miss Congeniality- Michelle Bungay and Miss Photogenic- Tracy Sicat.

THE University of the Assumption formally introduced the InfoBoard, a web-based solution that offers various SMS facilities with different functions and capabilities designed to suit the needs of the UA community, through the new UA website link launched on October 1. According to Mrs. Edwina P. Dizon, OfficerIn-Charge of the Information Technology Center (ITC), the said high-technology project was already launched last school year but due to some circumstances, its availability to the public was not readily introduced. “Fortunately, the InfoBoard is now available. With the service of this hi-tech initiative, UA employees, students

and parents will now be able to receive the important and latest announcements or information from UA authorized Content Providers upon subscription,” said Mrs. Dizon. The InfoBoard has special features that serve as advantages to its subscribers including quick and easy activation and a personalized access code: 717082. It does not require a special hardware or software but rather it only needs a computer with internet access. It also allows the completely independent clients to successfully activate keywords and/or services through their own access. Moreover, it offers different types of services like text cast, mobile office, feedback, mobile

exchange, quick poll and wireless group. Registration in InfoBoard service is free, while subscription will cost only P1, meaning a registered subscriber will be charged P1 for every text broadcast sent by the University. The ITC accommodates interested personnel and student subscribers.

UACoN…from p.1 undertaking.

The annual seminar aims to improve the teaching methods of chemistry teachers and professors. It alsogives updates on the developing world of Nano Technology, investigative projects as well as indoor and outdoor researches.--By Samboy Musngi

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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1st Student Convention held at UA 137 Student Leaders participate in 5th Annual Religare By Rionel Lazatin

Communication, Accountability, Empowerment, Service and Responsibility. She also focused her speech on the qualities that a true servant leader should have. “Our journey as a servant leader must lead us to a legacy,” Dr. Ducut stressed.

CELEBRATING A NIGHT OF LEADERSHIP. UA student leaders jumping with bliss in the solidarity night. (Photo by Patrick Joseph Mercado) ONE Hundred Thirty Seven student leaders from the University and other colleges participated in the 1 st Student Congress incorporated in the 5 th Annual Religare Team-building and Leadership SeminarWorkshop held at the Domus Mariae International Center on September 25-27. Officers of various Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) in the University, together with the delegates from Mary the Queen College and St. Nicholas College, attended this year’s Religare dubbed “Student Leadership: Lifting up to Heaven the Aspirations toward Fruition.” The Student Convention, organized through the efforts and initiative of the University of the Assumption Central Student Council (UACSC) in coordination with the Office of the Director for Student Affairs (ODSA), is an annual activity which aims to develop a team spirit that will enhance the bond and establish camaraderie between the UACSC, RSOs and other Colleges, to intensify the leadership capabilities of the student leaders and to lighten to the commitment of the student leaders to student service in particular and to their respective college in general. A P645.00 registration fee was charged to every participant inclusive of three-day accommodation at the Domus Mariae International Center. According to the Religare Committee chaired by Joseph D.

Pineda, UACSC Business Manager, the allotted budget for Religare was 303,000 pesos, with only 25% of it shouldered by UACSC. However, the other 25% was obtained from the payments of the RSOs and outside delegations while the remaining 50% came from the ODSA. Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students catered the meals for the duration of the event. Opening Program The three-day activity started with a parade of the Religare delegates within the University grounds. The participants assembled at the UA Chapel for the opening program and a high mass graced by Rev. Fr. Aristotle Maniago, Outreach/ Campus Ministry Director, to welcome participants to the student congress. “By bringing timely and significant issues in this annual Leaders’ Summit, may we all commit ourselves to Ethical Leadership and Good Governance in the campus level,” Mr. Owen G. Dizon, DSA said in his speech. Mr. Dizon added, “May all these tedious and sacrifices-laden activities on leadership and service send strong signal to the larger society about the values and real concerns of today’s student leaders.” Dr. Ruth Balajadia-Ducut, Graduate School Dean (the first resource speaker) centered her talk on the six key concepts on leadership:Humility,

Seminar on Student-Leaders’ Awareness on Political and Environmental Issues The two-part seminar on Political and Environmental Issues Awareness was held in the afternoon of the convention’s 1st day at the UA Auditorium. Dr. Giovanni Tapang, Associate Professor from the National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, concentrated on the topic ‘Present Economic Crisis and the Rapid Alteration on the Earth’s Climate.’ He also discussed the various environmental hazards that may lead to environmental destruction including deforestation, mining, pollution and water availability and the effect of the Green House gases. On the 2nd part of the seminar, Ms. Aurora Broaquil, Chairperson of Pambansang Demokrasya Central Luzon Chapter, focused her talk on the Present PoliticoEconomic Situation and Challenges to the People’s Movement. Making Sense with Leading After a dinner at the Hotel Conference Room, the participants attended a forum on “Making Sense with Leading” at the UA Emilio Cinense Gymnasium. The UA Christian Rock Band (UACRB) performed Christianinspired songs throughout a meaningful discussion about leadership. According to Mr. Dizon, “Leading dares us to move to the direction we want to take”. He added, “In leading you must be sensitive, not numb.” Meanwhile, a delegate from St. Nicholas College said, “Through leading, I was able to boost my self-confidence and establish a sense of integrity within myself compared to a passive student years ago”. Seminar on Deepening Spiritual Commitment as Servant Leaders UA Vice-President for Finance

(VPF) Rev. Fr. Deogracias Kerr Galang served as the speaker on the 3 rd talk about ‘Deepening Spiritual Commitment as Servant Leaders held at the UA Auditorium.’ Fr. Deo discussed the four core concepts to Heroic Leadership; Establishing Direction, Aligning People, Motivating and Inspiring People, and Producing Change. “We cannot manage, what we cannot measure,” he said. He also mentioned the four pillars of leadership; Selfknowledge by discovering your strengths and weaknesses, Ingenuity by adopting the changes that the world offers, Love by recognizing other people’s potentials regardless of their status, and Heroic Ambitions by dreaming greater than what is achieved. Discovering yourself, Following directions and Team work After the session with Fr. Deo, Mrs. Cristina Sanchez, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) Faculty member, facilitated the first part of the Team Building activity together with the 4 th year Psychology Students held at the Hotel Conference Room. Mrs. Sanchez administered various psychological and mind challenges to the delegates, to clearly discover their well-being as a person and to emphasize the significance of abiding directions and the importance of teamwork and communication in accomplishing a task. Awards The awards are the following: Student Leader Awardee: Joelle Icaban (Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers), Special Recognition; UACRB, Mr. Religare; Aries Pocholo Sanchez (League of Tourism Students of the Philippines), Ms. Religare; Joy Sunglao (English Society), Best Dressed Group: CIHTM, Darling of the Night; Rebekkah Abgail Biyo (LTSP), Best in Performance; Junior Philippines Institute of Accountants, Ms. Congeniality; Kimberly Yu (Institute of Financial and Management Accountants), Mr. Congeniality; Student from Mary the Queen College, Most Clean Room; SAS and Best Banner; 1stIngat ng Asuncion, 2nd-JPIA, 3rdBusiness Administration College Council.

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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UA-ARO…from p.1 supervision of the ARO with Ms. Pangilinan at the helm, aims (1) to develop a demographic and socio-economic profile of the CSFP by covering all 35 barangays and to identify the legitimate least privileged residents, (2) to identify the basic needs of the residents in each barangay and allow the CGSF to determine where to pool its resources and deliver the needed services of each barangay and (3) to assess citizens’ perception with regard to the efficiency of the Local Government Unit (LGU) in extending its services among Fernandinos. As an initial step towards the realization of this project, Ms. Pangilinan formed a core group composed of ARO coordinators; Mr. Joel Soto, Ms. Essel De Jesus, Ms. Gloria Vergara, outgoing Research Coordinator for College of Nursing (CoN), Ms. Grace Sadac and Mr. Jerome Paule, incoming Statistics Assistant.

Meanwhile, joining the core group are Mr. Romario Polintan, National Service Training Program Coordinator, Ms. Lorna Basmayor, Discipline Coordinator, Ms. Aurora Valencia, CoN Faculty, Dr. Benigno Legamia Jr., and Mr. Lydia Alviz, both Graduate School Faculty and Dr. Ruth Balajadia, Dean of the Graduate School. The census will delve on the ten key parameters/ variables including household/ family structure and background, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, peace and order, employment, income/ livelihood, education, social inclusion, resettlement, and shelter and properties. The information that will be obtained from the study will be used to execute the Poverty Reduction Plan of the city to fulfill its agenda to be a Center for Human Excellence by 2030. Prior to the research

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study, CGSF based the present economic status of the city from the data gathered by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in 2007 Census of Population, along with the 2005 Census Oplan Pagtatala initiated by Local Government Units. Responding to its call as a Catholic Archdiocesan University, UA champions community service and makes it an integral part of the life of all its members. UA has linedup community extension projects and activities, including the extension of its research services through its research arm, the ARO for community development. ARO as part of its five-year agenda is geared towards building the Catholic image of UA by offering research service to LGUs and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that will make an impact on community development in terms of uplifting the people’s economic condition, moral and social transformation; and other noble endeavors.

NOT MINDING WHAT LIES DOWN THERE. Children diving into the floods enjoying the waters brought about by the typhoons. (Photo by Adon Henrik Dizon)

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UA-NSTP, CoN, HRM, Theology, Accountancy studes to conduct citywide survey UA-National Service Training Program (UANSTP), UA-Nursing, UA-Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), 2nd year UA-Theology and 3rd and 4 th year UAAccountancy Students will make up the 2000people census enumerators in the doorto-door survey in 35 barangays with 50,000 estimated total number. Meanwhile, UA teachers will act as supervisors to assist interviewers if problem arises. The city will finance the expenditure for the entire project amounting to two million pesos which will cover training, transportation and communication expenses, allowances and insurance of census enumerators and other related operating costs. Moreover, to further guarantee the quality of data collection, each complete questionnaire will be subjected to a comprehensive field

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editing and follow-up interview if the information gathered is incomplete and/or inconsistent. According to UAARO, nine months is needed for the completion of the research study from planning to encoding of data. “The census proper is expected to start on November 14”, Ms. Pangilinan said. Ms. Violy S. Santos, Assistant to the VicePresident for Academic Affairs, Dr. RuthBalajadia-Ducut, Dean of the UA Graduate School, also a UA-ARO Staff, City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Ferdinand A. Limbitco, City ViceMayor Edwin Santos, City Councilors and other Administrators witnessed the ceremonial signing of the MOA. The University believes that through similar partnerships with local government there will be long-term and insightful impacts on the community and its people.

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Editorial ○

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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True Leaders in Action AS the 2nd semester of this school year unfolds, we welcome new hope. True enough, we have encountered numerous challenges. We were tested as we faced the raging typhoons and by all means, we survived. We can say that, looking at the bright side of what was withered and wasted, we have become tougher and sturdier. Optimistically, it is indeed great news that the manifestations of a true Assumptionist materialized just when it was needed most. With the initiative of the UA Central Student Council (UACSC) president Dick Ducut, UA students were given the chance to reach out to those who are unfortunate enough to be distraught by the sequential occurrence of heavy downpours. Religare, a leadership seminar for UA’s Recognized Student Organizations (UARSO) prepared by the UACSC, was on its 5th year in bringing out the best in every student leader. Each of them was able to share, learn and hone more of his leadership skill. Incidentally, the second night of Religare ’09, September 26, was also when the typhoon Ondoy started to ravage the province, and calls from their families bombarded the participants, informing them that Arayat was

already experiencing a m u d s l i d e . Assumptionists started to panic but were stranded, helpless and left with nothing to do but to pray that everything would be alright. This was the first instance, in the running years of Religare that they invited participants from other schools, and it was unlikely to experience a calamity at the same time. Student leaders from St. Mary the Queen College and St. Nicholas College took part in the seminar, and they, too, learned the true essence of leadership. Amidst the typhoon, it was the ideal time to start playing the role of a responsible leader. Thru text messages, a relief operation was made possible even with the suspension of classes. Unity was achieved, and with the initiative of the student leaders, in cooperation with the UA Outreach Ministry, those who were extremely affected by the typhoon were given new hope. And as all these happen, is it not the perfect time for the 2010 political aspirants to show their concern and their fervor to serve the people? Their sudden appearance in greatly affected areas alone is not questionable. We all know it is part of the strategy in making us

believe that they truly are fit to the position that they are vying for. But do their names, and sometimes even their photos, really have to appear in every plastic bag of relief good that we receive? Unlike the uncertainty of those politicians’ motive in helping, we can see the genuine and unconditional eagerness of the elected council

officers of our school, and of course, the efforts of the UACSC, in providing relief to those who needed it. Once again, we, Assumptionists, have witnessed our alma mater ’s vision and mission in actual implementation. We have proven that our leaders are sensitive to the needs of others and that they take part in

events that change life’s unlikely ambiance without needing anything in return. True leaders won’t go for the fame and money. True leaders do not need to be recognized whenever they are carrying out their task. A true leader cares without ifs and buts and ensures that the trust given to them by the people must never be ruined.

REGINA EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF S.Y. 2009 - 2010 Editor-in-Chief: LUZ NATHASHA KORIONOFF • Associate Editor: NIELSEN OCAMPO • Managing Editor: PAUL KYRBY BALINGIT • Photo Editor: ADON HENRIK DIZON • Art Editor: LORELIE BAMBA • Sports Editor: JEROME CASTRO • Asst. Art Editor: AL-ZEN PAULINE HILARIO • Circulation Manager: RIONEL LAZATIN • Asst. Circulation Manager: MARK JOSHUA LANSANGAN • Staff: ALDEN CANLAS, SEAN AURELIO GARCIA, APRILLE FLORES, MICHAEL ANGELO CALUPE, SAMBOY MUSNGI • Artist: JOSEPH PATRICK ANTHONY MERCADO, JAN PHILIPPE CORTES & MAY ANN ASIS • Correspondents: SARAH JADE LAYUG, JOHN LEONARD BATONGBAKAL, MARC LEGUTAN, WESLEE DIZON, KEITH ANDREW PRADO, ARON NUNAG, DEOGENES ANGELES & RUDOLPH MUSNGI • Contributors for this issue: MR. REYMON MANN & DICK DUCUT MR. DANILO T. MAGLAQUI Consultant

MRS. MELANIE VILORIA – BRIONES Moderator

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Facing the Wrath of Nature “To everything there is a reason, and a time for every purpose under Heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die…a time to weep and a time to laugh.” -Eccles. 3:1-2-4

Ondoy + Pepeng + Ramil = DEVASTATION! We are mourning over the death of hundreds of our countrymen who were unwary of how destructive these typhoons would be. Perhaps they were so used to being flooded that they got stuck to the thought that they can make it through the rain. We cannot blame them, can we? It has been several years ago since a catastrophe brought about by heavy rains took place. Usually, we would wait for three days or less before the water in the streets subsides and

then we move on in a snap of a finger. This time it is different. It is neither like getting your newly tiled floor wet nor having to place your furniture a foot higher in order to save you from buying a new one. We have witnessed through our televisions how a worried mother calls the attention of whoever has seen her daughter, how families stayed on top of their roofs for hours waiting for rescuers, and how children wail, cold and wet, with their parents having no idea where to bring them for shelter because their

houses were among the thousands which got submerged or totally ruined. If we would ponder, we are to realize that we are the guilty party. We might have forgotten the days we threw our candy wrapper outside our car window, or the time we saw our neighbor and she was just about to throw a plastic full of empty tin cans and other junks, but then you ignored her and so there went the rubbish, floating and flowing down the stream. Now, Mother Nature is getting back at

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LUMOS By Luz Nathasha D. Korionoff II

us. There were probably a lot more instances wherein, unknowingly, we could have prevented the episode of floods or mudslides but chose to be irresponsible. Typhoons and landslides may be natural occurring phenomena but they worsen because of our insensitivity. In reality, at this point, finding out who is at fault is useless. We are Filipinos, and as people from elsewhere say, indeed, we bounce back swiftly. We may have lost all our possessions, or our loved ones may have left us earlier than expected but there is a purpose for

everything. Our resilience measures our faith in God. Now, the spirit of solidarity is once more flaring. We have been brought together by the calamities and true enough, each one is willing to lend a hand to those who are in need. The purpose may still be vague for those who have had the firsthand experience of the tragedy, but as we move to the next chapter of life, we will become enlightened. We continue to struggle for existence and we are more than ready to face what is yet to come.

Framed Thoughts By Adon Henrik Dizon

PERWISYO, SAKRIPISYO, NEGOSYO... ang lahar na kumitil ng maraming buhay, nagbigay ng bagong buhay at mayamang hanap-buhay.

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UPPER STORY By Nielsen Salazar Ocampo

“I’m proud of my dirty hands… rough and knobby and calloused… I didn’t get them that way by playing bridge or drinking afternoon tea from dainty cups, or playing the welladvertised Good Samaritan at charity balls…I got them that way by working with them, and I’m proud of the work and the dirt.” I am contemplating on the many things the youth is facing today. The previous quote from the Dirty Hands by John P. Delaney S.J. struck my thoughts on how the youth will grow into successful people in the future, considering the

real meaning of the word success – more than just monetary satisfaction, fulfillment inside and out. I adore those young people who use their natural wit and ability to accomplish their studies the youth who put the power of dreaming into evident execution of work. Our University is one of the most generous schools in Pampanga when it comes to privileges and scholarship grants. Well, our school must have a big heart, primarily because it is a Church owned institution and its operation is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

and literally, emerged the heroes that Filipinos were born to become in the first place. Well, I’ve never been so proud that politicians had the extremely early initiative to help in the aiding and recovery of our fellow countrymen. I’m so proud that it’s in their hearts to help without expecting anything in return. I’m so proud to see relief goods, with the politicians’ trademark logos which were not really necessary to be there, be handed out to those who are in dire need. Wait; let me read that

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The Working Youth I am a proud Assumptionist because I belong to a second home where the members of my family are all hard working and geared with abilities enough to enter the realities of life outside the walls of the University. With 145 Student Assistants working for their tuition, I cannot help but thank the Lord for giving my fellow students the courage to work to graduate a degree. These young people prove that the “will” will push one into a way of great opportunities. I am also engaged in working while studying. Every time I enter the Office of the Provincial Board of Pampanga, I experience the

The significance of a straight line “Set a straight line and walk on it, too.” We have all felt the wrath of typhoons, Ondoy and Pepeng and without a doubt; many people have lost their livelihood, dreams, even lives and worse, hope. Along with the waters, washed away in a blink of an eye are what people have been struggling to gain all their lives. This has been such a heartbreaking occurrence for every citizen of the country. But behind these dark days, figuratively

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last sentence again. Just like what my mindset kept on reminding me; politics is a very dirty game- and no opportunity will be left unutilized by the players, not even the relief operations. It was just mind boggling to see an orange sticker with a check mark on top foodfilled “styros.” Does eating that mean paying it back with a vote in 2010? Now, almost all of them have announced their intention for the coming year, despite the fact that the helping needed hasn’t been fulfilled yet. Score one

unfortunate fate of other people who are asking for financial assistance among others. They are asking for immediate aid, but they also must find ways to personally produce such aids. The working youth exhibits that need to exert individual effort for survival. The working student population in our University shall inspire those who are well supported by their parents or families and move them also to sweat for their individual growth. I suggest that the University must offer more benefits and considerations for the student assistants and give more recognition to them. This working part

of the studentry includes not only those who work in the offices of the campus but also those who work part time in fast foods and other similar jobs. I salute the officers and members of the UA Student Assistants Organization and all the youth who are working hard to finish their degrees. Christ is also a worker himself and He is inviting all to fight for His standard. I imagine that someday the Earth will bow down and kiss all the “dirty hands” of the working world. The hardship today that the youth should face will fertilize the future harvests of humanity.

ESTRANIAS By Paul Kyrby Balingit

point for Chiz Escudero for having not called a press conference and announce his endeavor while the people can’t even get out of their houses yet. That, my friends, is a straight line. His aim was to help and there was no other intention besides that, none. Well, that’s what shows. Still, I just couldn’t help but voicing out the fact that an excellent preparation for the past disasters would have been much better than

the recovery they’re striving for right now. For that, a bullet for the present administration, that if not for its corruption, would have provided better contraptions in detecting incoming calamities. Despite everything I’ve just said, I still encourage everyone to help even in the smallest ways they can, now and in the future. Sharing a smile is a good and inexpensive way to start.

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OBRA By Lorelie Bamba

September 26, 2009. A date not many Filipinos would ever forget. Typhoon Ondoy was recorded as the worst tropical depression that hit the Philippines. Hundreds of lives were taken and thousands of homes destroyed, a warning that none of us can escape the wrath of nature. How are Filipinos moving on after this calamity? Have the floods taken away their hope? The bright side of

calamities is that they often bring out the best in people. Amidst all the chaos, we still have hope. People rescuing total strangers to safety, notwithstanding the dangers they put themselves into. There was an outpouring of generosity and compassion from other countries, materializing in the form of prayers, goods and relief efforts shows that we are not alone in this fight. Bayanihan lives on after Ondoy and Pepeng. Despair is not weak,

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Disaster and Emergency preparedness is important. You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means

having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least days or weeks. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles. The following are the 3 basic supplies you need to prepare when an expected calamity will occur: a. Water

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The Breath of New Hope it is strong. It fights against our hope and our determination. It fights even against our heart’s conviction light. Despair is drowning us, our life boat and our joy divine. We should not learn to love despair. If we do that, never will we be able to repair the painful damage to our poor life. Each sacred hope is a blessing gift from God, hope keeps us from despair. We are still alive, vibrant with life. The black cloud will disappear; The morning sun will appear once again.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness The Philippines, a tropical country, is a natural niche for occurrence of natural calamities; floods, typhoons, monsoon rains, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. With regards to typhoons however, the Philippines is more of a tourist spot in a portion of the Pacific Ocean. Before typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” wreaked havoc in the Philippines, many other similar weather disturbances had already occurred in the stunning islands of the Philippines. Miserably, when these weather disturbances occurred in no time, people were caught in the trap of death. Also, properties were destroyed.

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You should store at least one gallon of clean potable water. To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it. b. Food Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand c. Basic Disaster Supplies Kit The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit: · Portable, batterypowered radio or television and extra batteries. · Flashlight and extra batteries. · First aid kit and manual.

Ondoy left us with havoc and much destruction, But what amazes me is the fact that our collective spirit triumphs at the end of

the day. It is not just the fact that we are trying to get back on our feet; it is the fact that we are helping each other stand again.

HEALTH LINES By Alden Canlas

· Sanitation and hygiene items (toiletries) · Matches and waterproof container. · Rope · Garbage bags (will serve as floating devices) · Whistle · Extra clothing · Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener. · Photocopies of credit and identification cards. · Important/Legal Documents · Cash and coins. · Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries. · Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers. · Other items to meet your unique family needs. Just as important as putting

your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Being prepared whenever calamities occur will give you a 100% chance of survival rate. Enough knowledge about what is happening is also essential so that you can formulate your action plans. With this, fatalities will decrease. Another, what is important is we could still recover amidst the crises. In the near future, the worst calamities may still happen in the Philippines considering the continuing climate change. But there remains humanity working for its selfish desires just to destroy our habitat… Sources:www.ndcc.gov.ph www.fema.govareyouready

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Features

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009

Mga Aswang na Buhay ○

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by John Leonard Batongbakal

Mga buhay na aswang? Meron nga ba no’n? Pamilyar na tayo sa mga aswang na tipikal nating nababasa at napapanood lalo na tuwing sasapit ang ika-1 ng Nobyembre. Sila ay ang mga Manananggal, Nuno, Dwende, Kapre, White Lady, Tikbalang, Bampira, Taong Lobo, Tiyanak at iba pang mga nilalang na sabi ng iba, ay nanggaling sa “kabilang mundo”. Pero bago pa mapasarap ang kwentuhan natin tungkol sa mga aswang na buhay, siguro mas maganda kung magpapatugtog kayo ng Thriller ni Michael Jackson habang binabasa ninyo ito. Aswang na buhay – Ano nga ba sila? Sino sila? May mga aswang bang nabubuhay dito sa mundo natin? Oo! Meron! Sila ay ang mga HYBRID na aswang. Mga pawang nagkatawang-tao lamang pero ang ispirito nila ay may pagka-lamang-lupa. Sila ay nakikisalamuha sa mga normal na tao at hindi mo mahahalata na may kakaiba na pala silang kapangyarihan. Marahil dulot ito ng makabagong panahon gaya ng teknolohiya, aba nag a-upgrade na din ang mga aswang! Malay mo, katabi mo na sya ngayon. Magumpisa muna tayo sa mga aswang na buhay na madalas nating napapanood sa telebisyon lalo na ngayong nalalapit na ang eleksyon. Marahil napapansin ninyo na pawang maaamo ang mga personalidad na inilalantad nila, hindi ba? May nag pepedicab, may tumatakbo, may nagiging ugat, may squatter nung bata, may naglilinis ng kulungan ng baboy, at meron ding mabilis magsalita na para bang may sinasabi kahit wala. Madami sila, hindi ba? Maiihalintulad nga natin sila sa mga tipikal na aswang gaya ng mga nabanggit ko. Kaya nilang hatiin ang katawan nila gaya ng Manananggal at iniiwan ang mga baho ng kanilang pagkatao habang sila ay lumilipad. Mukha din silang Kapre na para bang ang tingin nila sa sarili nila ay mga higante, nakakaangat kumpara sa mga ordinaryong tao. May halo din silang Bampira, sumisipsip ng kayaman – hindi sila magtitira kahit isang patak ng dugo. May pagka-White Lady din sila, yung tipong nakikita mo, tatakutin ka, tapos bigla nalang maglalaho. Nakakatuwa, hindi ba? At dahil hybrid sila, tawagin na lang natin silang Pulitiko (30% Mananangal, 20% Kapre, 25% Bampira, 15% White Lady, at 10% Tao). Dumako naman tayo sa mga personalidad na marahil ay nakakasalamuha nating mga estudyante. Sila ang mga nilalang na may mahihinang kapangyarihan. Pero huwag mo silang maliitin, uunti-untiin ka nila hangang sa iwan ka nilang tuyong-tuyo. Mas madami ang bilang nila kumpara sa mga Pulitiko kaya matakot ka! Iisa-isahin natin sila. Kasalukuyan kang nanahimik habang sinasagot ang quiz ninyo nang may narinig kang sumisitsit sa likod at sa magkabilang gilid mo habang may nararamdaman ka ding sumisipa sa iyong upuan. Tila may nag paparamdam sa iyo at pag tingin mo sa kanila, nanlilisik ang kanilang mga mata na para bang may gustong ipahiwatig. Para silang mga taonglobo na gutom na gutom sa mga sagot mo. Ibinaling mo ang iyong sarili sa harapan at bigla kang nagulat, may sinasapian ata ng masamang espirito at parang umiikot pa ang kanyang ulo! Nakakatuwa pero totoo, talamak na rin ang mga hybrid na aswang sa klase mo! Baka nga, isa ka na dun eh. At dahil hybrid sila, tatawagin natin silang Classmates! Kamag-anak nila sila Classmates, sila ang mga kabataang tamad. Exams na; dun pa lang nag rereview, due date ng project; wala pang nabubuo, may homework, sa klase ginagawa, due date ng article, 2 weeks bago naipasa! Tamad kung maituturing ang mga nilalang na ito. Pinipinsala nila ang tiwala ng mga tao sa paligid at unti-unti nilang sinasayang ang kanilang oras sa mga walang saysay na bagay. Madaming kumplikasyon ang pagiging tamad pero hindi nila ito inaalintana. Kaagapay ng mga Tamad ay ang mga Sinungaling. Sa murang edad sinungaling na sila. Dadalhin nila ito sa kanilang pag tanda hanggang sa maging isang normal na bagay na lang ang pagsisinungaling. Sirang-sira na ang kredibilidad, sira na din ang

pagkatao. Kumbaga sa mga aswang, sila ang mga mapanlinlang ng kapwa. May mga aswang din na pa-sosyal. Yung tipong wala naman ibang ginawa kung hindi mag-ayos ng sarili nila; make-up dito, blush-on doon, lipstick dito, pluck ng kilay doon. Nasa classroom na, ginawa pang parlor ang maliit na kinauupuan. Pero tanungin mo sila tungkol sa mga social issues gaya ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, pagbagsak ng piso, pangungurakot ng mga pulitiko, wala silang alam. Malamang, ang alam lang nila ay kung gaano kadaming beses gumiling si Hayden Kho sa kantang Careless Whisper! Kumbaga, nabubuhay lamang sila sa sarili nilang mundo. Walang pakialam, walang pakinabang pag dating sa usapang makabuluhan. Harmless naman sila sa mga tao, ang tanging pinipinsala lamang nila ay ang kanilang mga sarili. Tawagin na lang natin silang Malan-jing Kabataan. Boypren: Friends lang kame! Gelpren: May friends bang nag hahalikan! Parang eksena sa isang telenovela, hindi ba? Sigawan dito, sigawan doon, pero sa mga susunod na linggo pa, buntis na si babae, tinakasan na ni lalake. Sila ang mga kabataang walang disiplina pagdating sa “pag-ibig.” Ang alam lang nila ay puro pasarap sa buhay pero pagdating sa pananagutan at responsibilidad, hindi mo na sila makikita. Ayun, kawawa ang magiging anak nila, lalaking hindi tiyak ang hinaharap. Dahil yan sa maling persepsyon nila sa salitang “pag-ibig.” Multo sila kung maituturing at ang tanging sinasaktan nila ay ang kanilang mga sarili at mga pamilya. Kawawang mga magulang, magiging magulang ulit sila. At dahil may pagka-aswang ang dating nila, tawagin na lang natin silang Mag-kasintahan. May mas matindi pang aswang na buhay sa mga Mag-kasintahan. Sila ang mga kabataang babae na sumasailalim sa tinatawag na abortion. Isang masaklap na reyalidad ito sa ating lipunan. Kumbaga sa problema, isa na siguro ito sa mga solusyon na karumaldumal. Bumukaka, nabuntis, nagpaabort. Tila wala na silang konsensya at nanghamak pa ng isang inosenteng buhay. Nasapian sila ni kupido, at nang nabuntis, sinapian naman sila ni Hudas. Heaven. Hindi ‘yan ang heaven na inaakala nyo, heaven ‘yan ng mga kabataang bangag sa ibinagbabawal na gamot. Hango sa kanta ni yumaong Francis M, sila ay mga praning na laging gising. Bibigyan ng allowance ng mga magulang at siya naman itong ipambibili ng droga; droga na nakakapinsala sa buhay, droga na walang maidudulot kundi kasamaan. Naaapektuhan nito ang kanilang pag-iisip hanggang mapabayaan na ang pag-aaral. Hithit at buga, turok at lunok... yan ang kadalasang ginagawa nila. Kawawang mga nilalang, nalunod na sa masamang bisyo. Tama, pinsan ng mga aswang ang mga mapagsamantalang Pulitiko, mga Classmates na mahilig mangopya, mga Tamad, Sinungaling, mga Pa-Sosyal, Magkasintahan, Nag papa-Abort, at mga kabataang Adik sa ipinag babawal na gamot. Sila ang mga taong nakalimot sa Diyos. Kapag nasa kapangyarihan, nangungurakot sila at hindi na nila alintana na may Diyos habang ginagawa nila to. Ang mga Tamad, Sinungaling, Magkasintahang walang kontrol sa pag-ibig ay tuluyan nang nakalimot na sa mga aral ng Panginoon. Ang mga nagpapa-abort at mga adik sa bawal na gamot ay tahasan ng tinalikuran ang Siya. At oras na nakalimot ka na may isang Diyos, unti-unti kang magiging aswang, aswang na nabuhuhay. Nakakatakot, hindi ba? Tila ang dami nila at kung mapapaisip ka ng mabuti, parang lahat ng tao sa paligid mo ay may angking kaaswangan. Ngunit gaya ng mga naisaad ko, lahat tayo ay may angkin ding kabutihan. Yun sana ang ating pairalin upang hindi lumabas ang pagka- aswang na ugali natin. Sa panahon ngayon, kailangang manaig ang kabutihan laban sa kasamaan. Ngunit paano natin sila magagapi? Ang sagot ko, mag umpisa muna tayo sa ating sarili dahil hindi natin alam, kagaya na din pala natin sila.

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Features ○

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13 ○

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Freedom on Your Sleeve By Sarah Jade Layug and Aprille Flores

The world is governed more by appearance than realities so that it is fully as necessary to seem to know something as to know it. - Daniel Webster It has always been a matter for uniformed students to long for some clothing diversity, either for show or for comfort ability. We students seem to always know firsthand what it would probably feel like if UA decided to discard our uniforms and opt for anythinggoes-as-long-as-prefect-approves. Since the start of every semester is marked with the confiscation of hundreds of IDs, the inevitable visits to the Prefect’s office and the hopeful “sa bandang gitna ng semester luluwag din yan…”, it appears as if the uniform is the root of the annoyance of both the school and its students. We always say that the school would not even let us “beautify” the campus by donning our fashionista selves. Maybe it is just the influence of TV and ads that we always seem to equate fun with non-conformance, individuality and self-expression. But do we ever equate fashion as the only means to a present greater institutional democracy? Must the will of every student be heard and given realization? Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal. - Aristotle Why is a uniform implemented in the first place? According to the school authorities it is for unity, order, discipline, pride and decency. The school has decided to consider the economic stance of its students. Not everyone belongs to the higher and middle social class who may be able to afford the instant gratification of wearing what’s in and what’s new. School would not only be a catwalk for the fab but also a lion pit for the drab. There would be the clear distinction between the jologs and the conios, the baduys and the astigs, the emos and the kikays, and so on and so forth. By constantly longing for individuality we might have paid the price of forgetting the essence of unity which is to break down barriers, surpass the triviality of distinction and rekindle familial parity. Instead of spending your waking hours rehashing all the formulas for your algebra test, you would have to go through your whole wardrobe for a different look for today that would pass as socially-acceptable, guard-friendly and dress code-worthy; and would by no means give you inferiority complex. Woozy yet? The lightweight, breathable and affordable fabric of our uniform will help. Fashion is a social agreement. The result of a consensus of a large group of people. -Stella Blum Then there is the envy among departments with their corresponding uniforms and pins which supposedly gives them the identity to stand out from all other Assumptionists. Even lanyards have become a big deal among students now since a new rule has been implemented to wear only the prescribed ID laces and lanyards, and there have been talks of having a different ID lace color for every department. While it is nice to wear your majors loud and proud, practicality will still play a big factor. Are we prepared? Is it requisite for our chosen fields to wear such uniforms as early as now? To student nurses, student educators and student hospitality providers it may be practically applicable since it puts them on the mindset of being such and commands them the rightful respect. But for the engineers, architects and interior designers, would it be all right if they wore hard hats, overalls, steel-toe boots or long sleeve and ties when still in school? For those computer enthusiasts, should we require them all to wear sando and shorts because they’d be

working from the convenience of their homes or make them all wear glasses with anti-glare and radiation layers? For the accountants and business majors, should they all be walking around school in power suits, brief cases and Bluetooth earpieces? Should our media practitioners wear their best costumes and masks, or walk around with clipboards, video cameras and clappers? The idea may be nice since the aim is to give students the professional look and feel but since some fields are very broad to be “specified” by some uniform it may limit these students to monotonously think of heading towards the same profession instead of branching out and discovering other options which could utilize and expand their expertise. Going for departmental distinction may be a major change. Instead of overdoing it, maybe a variety of colored ID lanyards would do the job. Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it’s an open mind. -Gail Rubin Bereny The youth has been commercialized too much as expressing their psyche through fashion. It may be true but the youth must always remember that great minds should never be harnessed by the clothes one wear. Fashion is not the only form of self-expression there is out there for the young and fun-loving. Physical appearances may deceive you for so long but the true self will reveal eventually if not earlier. Freedom starts from assuming accountability for your actions and choices including self-expression which should follow the perimeters of right conduct. The presence of freedom does not entitle us to go about and do whatever you have thought of the moment you want it. Remember, democracy is not a vote on what is good and convenient. It is not giving into will of the majority. Rather, it is narrowing down to what is best, good and right for the people with the least drawbacks. To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common this is my symphony. -William Ellery Channing

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Tummy Fill

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Features ○

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By Aprille L. Flores and Mark Joshua Lansangan I remember stepping out of the university and have Starbucks, Pancake House, Mocha Blends, Cinnabon, Mini stop, Hot Shot Burgers and a lot others greet me with wide expensive arms. Yes, that was the scene everyday for the first five months into college. Then there was the school canteen and the “caf” where everyone can emerge smelling like tocino but yummy cookies and that pasta await you. There was also Cantina which was a heaven for the whole block to invade at the third floor of the neighboring building. Just take a five to fifteen minute walk and you are at SM Megamall, Shangrila Mall, Robinson’s Galleria or ride a cab to Metrowalk if you’re loaded. Then if you have three-four hours of uninterrupted lunch time you might as well go to SM Ayala, Greenbelt or Gateway to eat extra large burgers. Better yet, invade Ateneo when they have open houses and free lunch. But that was Manila, and we are right smack middle of Unisite. So for my first hunt of food, the college canteen provided what I would consider as treading on safe waters. Any transferee who considered him/herself as the misfit loner would probably agree that the unpopulated school canteen is a secure enough feeding ground; since in reality, you really are afraid of what is out there despite that tough exterior. School canteens vary with each school. Some schools have their canteens run or monitored closely by the school authorities. This is to monitor whether the students and the employees are provided with an assortment of nutritional choices. Usually, with this kind of arrangement, the victuals are pricey and students prefer to bring packed lunch or buy from outside the school. In our case, the college canteen is run by an independent concessionaire that has undergone standard checks from the school administrators. But being picky students that we are, we usually ignore the canteen because food choices are the same from the day one till the semestral break, providing us with the same old pancit and fried chicken taste. Another instance come mid-morning to afternoon, the food is served in all its stone cold glory. A college student’s subsequent option is the carinderia, otherwise known as turo-turo or diyan lang sa tabi-tabi. The usual upside, mura at swak sa bulsa! The downside, sell your own health in the name of tipid. I was once told about friend’s cousin’s experience (whew!) that he once ate at a carinderia and thought that the sauce tasted quite funky. He shook t h e

bottle and…man, did

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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he like what he saw! Congratulations sir, one lucky roach is bathing in your sauce! Then I heard another friend’s friend’s experience. She, too, found a roach riding on a free meal at her plate! Did it tickle her tastebuds? I guessing the taste of vomit did. And what did Ms. Tindera say? “Sige next time…” Say what? Sige next time sa uulitin may freebie na naman? Is that what she meant? No sorry’s? Next I heard a personal friend avoiding one of our favorite carinderia. All because she saw the owners every night, shoving the leftover food in big plastic bags (I’m hoping it wasn’t garbage bags, though) and serving them again the next day, and the next day, and the next day. And last, my friends and I were eating when suddenly I saw a really itsy bitsy cutie dead fly on my meatballs. We all stopped eating and the owner noticed. She went over to know what went wrong and saw my very cozy side dish. I mean I’m okay with sharing and all but, with something so small yet so gruesome? Heck no! And what consolation did I get? The owner gave me another free plate of (drum rolls, please) meatballs. Yes, it was from the same dish, the very dish from which I ordered the very serene-looking fly and she just got me another serving. But hey, I’m not saying all carinderias are this way! In fact we should give some of the carinderias credit for maintaining their services critterfree, healthy, and mouth-watering with our student budgets in mind. Most of these carinderias provide the home-cooked goodness we all crave for despite being enticed with all the junk food that reach for proximity to our wallets. It may provide comfort for our doting moms and lolas that there exists masustansyang pagkain beyond the parameters of our homes. Let’s just hope that while you’re eating that yummy sizzling sisig a rat won’t pass by, look you in the eye and introduce himself and his equally macho posse. But really there are self-inspections guidelines we can consider ourselves instead of wailing our lungs out to the DOH secretary. Are good personal hygiene practices maintained? Are separate chopping boards used for vegetables, poultry, red meat and fish and washed after use? Are all food supplies inspected immediately upon delivery, and are they stored appropriately within standard practices? Are all areas, utensils and cutleries clean and tidy? Is there access to adequate and potable water? Are refrigerators kept clean and food properly contained? For our sosyal selves, there are the fast food kiosks out there that provide snacks, meals and dessert in presentation we expect. We are even a ride away from the malls and from some fast food joints. These fast foods may or may not be within the reach of our budget but we can relieve ourselves into believing that we are eating clean and healthy food. Not a lot of students are aware those fast foods do not always offer healthy choices. In most western countries, fast food is one of the cradles of teenage obesity. As for sanitation, yes we may be safe as far as regulations go and slip-ups come in slim chances. Students can still make healthy choices by watching what they are ordering. Some food may have healthy and lean sounding names to attract the health-conscious but entails otherwise. Don’t even let yummy-sounding names such as “crispy”, “creamy” and “rich” fool you, it may hide the fat and grease-laden truth behind these scrumptious monikers. It would be smart if we ate fast food in moderation, especially when cheap and genuinely healthy restaurants have yet to emerge near us. Virtually, there is no bad food, but excess is. It would be immensely dense for someone to consume fats, oil and salt like you’re out to solve famine in Africa. As the bell rings, you may find yourself mentally deciding on whether you’ll order those fries and shake or go for the more filling seafood and rice. You bypass the thought of salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus and whatever goes on and creeps out from behind closed doors and rely on the eatery’s reputation instead. You check your wallet and think that you’d still have money to save for a movie date with your girlfriend. Go on, step out of the room and enjoy your favorite subject, break time. But when it all boils down to it, you really have to weigh up health, money and food into equal considerations.

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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ComDev ○

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15 ○

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Oplan Habitat: Gearing towards order in the City By John Galang Batongbakal, Rudolph Musngi, and Deogenes Angeles A clean and orderly city with compliant citizens --- a vision realized through Oplan Habitat. Oplan Habitat was the city government’s answer to the clamor for changes in the city’s e n v i r o n m e n t . Implemented on February 2, 2009, Oplan Habitat, under the Magsilbi Tamu Program of the city government aims to promote order, cleanliness, safety and beautification in the city. “Before Oplan Habitat was implemented, the public market and parts of the poblacion area was in chaos in terms of traffic and order,” said Atty. Ramsey Ocampo, the Director of the program and also the City Legal Officer. “The street vendors are illegally doing business on public sidewalks, leaving the pedestrians with no choice but to use the streets just to get to their destination. There were problems and complaints on the traffic especially within the area of poblacion, he furthered.” Order was implemented on key strategic locations in the city. In the poblacion area, where the new public market is located, Oplan Habitat is responsible for the designation of loading and unloading zones.

Through the said program, pedestrian lanes were installed on every side walk to guide people and prevent them from jaywalking. The program is also responsible for the removal of illegal vendors doing business on public sidewalks. “As far as legality, they (sidewalk vendors) shouldn’t be doing business on the sidewalk in the first place, that is publicly owned and everyone has a right to use the walkway thrived by the illegal vendors. There are designated places within our area where they can do business such as the public market and other private-owned commercial buildings. We want to implement order in the city, and order is one of the four purposes of the program,” Atty. Ocampo said. Beautification is also included as one of the Oplan’s priorities. This is achieved through its other set of priority, which is cleanliness. With this, the city government is exerting its effort to clean the entire city. It initiated the effort by painting the walls that were vandalized by people. The city also hired foot soldiers to maintain the cleanliness on the streets. These men are the “task

COPING WITH NEW TRAFFIC RULES. Oplan Habitat provides Fernandinos a hassle-free roadway thru thorough implementation of pedestrian policy. (Photo by John Batongbakal)

force habitat” group. “The men in green shirts are there to implement the four objectives of Oplan Habitat,” says Atty. Ocampo; clearing the misconception that the people in green shirts we see on the streets are not only there to pick up/ clean litter but also to implement the four objectives of the program. Safety is also one of the objectives of Oplan Habitat. The city government is strictly implementing tidiness among its citizens. The law enforcement and local officials are working hand in hand to eliminate, if not minimize crime rate by being visible to the public. Task Force Habitat is seen in key areas of the city such as; in barangay Del Pilar, in the new public market, in the University of the Assumption, Pampanga High School, Makabali Hospital, Jose B. Lingad

Hospital, in the intersection area (Mac Arthur highway), and St. Jude intersection up to Sindalan. Mayor Oscar Rodrigez adopted the concept from former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York City in the early 90’s. Giuliani wanted a program that will lessen the fast growing crime rate in the city of New York. Giuliani consulted two social scientists and then came up with the Broken Window Theory. This theory states that if a window in a building is broken and remains broken for some time, the other windows in that building will eventually share the same faith. Atty. Ocampo compared the theory to our city. “If we see someone littering, let’s say a smoker who threw his cigarette butt on the street and we ignore it; other people walking by won’t get the message that an action as small as flicking that

cigarette butt on public areas can lead to bigger problems in our society and community,” Atty. Ocampo further stated. “This is our Habitat. This is where we live and make a living, so we need to take care of it,” he added. The program is not only stressing awareness, it also calls for cooperation between the city government and its citizens. “We need to let everyone know that we care for our habitat. In that way, people won’t fall into their lousy mannerism. The ignorance of the city government reflects the outlook of the City of San Fernando. That’s why we (Office of the Mayor) are exerting our effort in the campaign of Oplan Habitat. We want to reflect the city’s intention to clean and improve the quality of life within the habitat of the city of San Fernando,” the lawyer ended.

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Kapampangans adore patroness in a coronation rite By Rionel Lazatin RAIN OR SHINEThousands of Marian devotees gathered at the Holy Rosary Parish Grounds, Angeles City on September 8, 2009, to take part in the 53 rd year Reenact-ment of the Canonical Coronation of Virgen Delos Remedios, Pampanga’s revered patroness. Pampanga Clergy and other Religious sects all over the province including the University of the Assumption graced this year’s celebration guided with theme “Maria: Indu ning Balayan a Mipastulan at Makipamastul.” Representatives from the Outreach Ministry, UA Central Student Council (CSC) and Recognized Student Organizations (RSO’s) witnessed the ceremonies. Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto, acclaimed the

bishop said in his homily. He concluded his talk with a short prayer for the betterment of the system of governance in Pampanga, for economic stability, quality education and unity among the members of the community. Bishop Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., University President, co-celebrated the High mass. The said event is celebrated annually in honor of both Virgen Delos Remedios and Sto. Cristo Del Perdon. Based on the records of the church, the CoroAMIDST THE WRATH OF STORM. Thousands of Marian devotees came to (Photo from the www.santamonicaparish.org) witness the coronation of the Virgin. sacrifices of the devotees and their desire to attend the event. The Archbishop centered his speech on the significance of strengthening the

people’s relationship with the creator and the Church. He also stressed that the people must possess the core values of knowledge, love and giving by involving

Subdivisions to adopt urban farming By Samboy Musngi The fast changing world of internet technology is leading people to spend more time in front of their computers to do various online activities that are patterned after their daily life undertakings. Even the fundamental work of farming is now put into the electronic world. Who could have imagined that people around the world would enjoy farming together in a famous social networking site which makes them busy and “cyberly” responsible? This cyber farming activity must bring back the reality that farming itself is so basic and is a

great job for the survival of man. This scenario must not be taken for granted and the Fernandinos are lucky as basic farming is revived and is still being practiced. Yes, good news for the people of the City of San Fernando; more and more of its citizens are getting conscious on the matter. Many groups are expressing their intention to make farming in the city a priority action of every Fernandino. The concern is now on the attention of homeowners and residents of some subdivisions in the city. With the guidance of

the Federation of Homeowners Association (FEDHOA) in the City of San Fernando, an urban greening project is expected to be implemented in the city. F E D H O A Administrator, Mr. Lito Ocampo, said that the campaign program aims to provide affordable agricultural goods like fruits and vegetables to Fernandinos. It will also aid in the livelihood status of the financially unstable residents for it will serve as a source of income. Urban Farming will turn “useless” vacant lots to a more lively and

themselves with the church’s mission-vision. “Ing Dios malapit ya, mikatawan tau at tatagkilan naka tamu (God is close, made human and touches us),” the Archproductive food source by utilizing locally available natural resources and reorienting the people about the basics and benefits of backyard farming. “It is not a project; it’s an advocacy that will bring change in the city….authentic change”, Ocampo said. The plan of farming in the city is inspired by the Green Revolution of former President Ferdinand Marcos. According to Ocampo, the project will start in the vicinity of Villa Borosa, in Dolores, where he lives. The project will eventually be implemented in other subdivisions in coordination with the City and Provincial

nation Ceremony in devotion to Virgen Delos Remedios started in 1956 with the initiative of Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero, Pampanga’s First Bishop, to end the revolution of the workers and peasants against the landowners and wealthy hacienderos in

the province. Governments and some private sectors as sponsors. Simple and basic, backyard farming is one of the old practices in history especially common in provinces. This practice nurtured Filipino ancestors and provided them crops as a major source of food. Similar programs must be very well supported by the people that will benefit themselves especially in time of global recession and threats of climate change. The battle against hunger and poverty starts at home, in the backyards of the people. The success of the project will still depend on the support the people will render to it.

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Apu Ceto: Pastoral Plan, a sign of united vitality A Look at the Third Integrated Pastoral Plan of San Fernando By Nielsen Salazar Ocampo The relationship of God to His people is strengthened through the church, no matter how a particular group is called. The people themselves shall establish and sustain this strong bond with God in various ways the human life could do. As for the Roman Catholic Church, specifically in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, common planning is very essential – this attitude is made visible by the Archdiocese’s tri-annum Pastoral Plan. On October 24, Church leaders gathered at the UA Monsignor Serrano Auditorium for the Official Closing of the Second Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly (APA – II) and the Launching of the Implementation of the Third Archdiocesan Integrated Pastoral Plan (AIPP –III) of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. San Fernando Archbishop Paciano “Apu Ceto” Aniceto, D.D. together with Auxiliary Bishops Pablo David, D.D. and Roberto Mallari, D.D., UA president, led the gathering of pastoral officials from all parishes in Pampanga to formally convey and eventually execute the AIPP – III. “This is a very significant Pastoral event in our Archdiocese because it is a sign of the vitality, unity and the collective purpose of the people of God here to continue renewing themselves through the pastoral plan,” said Apu Ceto in an interview with the Regina. The Archbishop said that the Plan will be a “guide for our evangelization work… meaning to say, the different aspects of our faith will be guided here.” The AIPP – III, which will be implemented in all parishes in Pampanga, decrees specific concrete resolutions to 13 Catholic Commissions, Ministries and Councils of the Archdiocese of San Fernando including Archdiocesan Council of the Laity (ACL), Commission on the Clergy (COC), Archdiocesan Commission on

SHEPHERDS OF THE CHURCH. UA board of trustees; Bishop Pablo David, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and Bishop Roberto Mallari praying for the success of the pastoral plan. (Photo by Joshua Lansangan) the Catechesis (ACC), Association of Archdiocesan Schools of Pampanga (AASP) wherein UA is a member, Archdiocesan Commission on Youth Ministry (ACYM), Archdiocesan Commission on Family and Life (ACFL), Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Pampanga (CCRP), Cursillo Movement, Archdiocesan Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ACBA), Archdiocesan Media Apostolate Network Unlimited (AMANU), Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission (ALC), and the Archdiocesan Ministry on Service (AMS). The Roman Catholic faithful shall be expected to be an active member of at least one of the aforementioned God-inspired organizations. Apu Ceto added that the said Plan is designed to “renew politics and responsible citizenship and good governance.” “It will direct all the various

aspects of our church’s life in Pampanga,” the long term Kapampangan Archbishop continued. He stressed, “All the Catholics in Pampanga will have to follow this”. The revered man rang a gong three times before the Catholic congregation as a symbolic action of the opening and promulgation of the AIPP – III. “Ministerium Tuum Imple” This is the guiding principle of AIPP – III which in Kapampangan “Mipastulan, Makipamastul,” meaning “Follow, Lead.” Rev. Fr. Francis “Kiko” Dizon, Director of Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) and one of the lead advocates of AIPP – III, said in vernacular, “Ken yang pastoral direction na ning Archdiocese of San Fernando at nung makananu lang lingapan deng balayan ning Diyos keti Kapampangan (This is for the pastoral direction of the Archdiocese of San Fernando

and how will the Church of God in Pampanga be taken care of).” According to him, contained in the Plan are the priorities of the parishes. Fr. Kiko, an alumnus of UA BS Commerce major in Accounting in 1986, emphasized the main concerns of the AIPP – III which are to empower the laity, preserve human life and the environment, reach out to the poorest of the poor, develop good governance and formulate Christian leadership and Catholic education. Because of the diversity of situation in time, AIPP – III will be re-evaluated in 2013 to create another pastoral plan which will be the fourth to be adopted in the province. The priest added, “The author is the community,” pertaining to the 138-page Plan which includes action plans of the church. Level of planning will now be entrusted on the parish level to fully “solidify the will of God in our place in out time.”

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Ndi E2 Luv S2ry

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By Jerome Castro Sawa na ako sa love story ng Final Fantasy. Oo at ako ang pinakamalaking fan ng sobrang astig na RPG na yun, pero ayoko na sa love story nila. Puro na lang hindi nagkakatuluyan ang mga bida. Walang happily ever after kumbaga. Sawa narin ako sa mga fairy tale. Sa lahat naman kasi ng lalaki, bakit si Prince Charming na lang ang sumasagip sa mga babaeng may stress? (damsels in distress ba…oha oha…) gwapo ba naman si Charming? Masyado siyang babaero. Meron na siyang Snow White, tinuhog na pati si Cinderella, tapos pati si Sleeping Beauty ninakawan pa ng halik? Tama ba naman yon! Marahil nagtataka ka kung bakit ako nagrereklamo sa ’yo at hindi sa munisipyo di ba? Sige, baba mo pa mata mo. Baba… Konti pa… Konting baba pa… Antagal mo naman dumating. Kanina pa’ko naghihintay sa ’yo ah. Ayan ang madalas mong marinig sa girlfriend mong saksakan nang arte, o sa boyfriend mong sobrang demanding. Ganito ba ang normal na pagkakasunod-sunod ng sked mo kapag Sabado? 6am – gud morning baby! I luv u po. Sna mgnda gcng mo kz txt2 tau 2day db? Yw m b kta tau SM? Movie tau l8r. slip pako.mmwwahhhuggss=D 9am- baby paala2 qoh lng miting tym ntn ah? 1pm sa French Baker. Luv u. hugs nd kizzes =D (Nang on your way ka na dahil na-late ka sa kakaayos mo nang buhok mong emo at kakaligo ng pabango mong nabili sa Avon lady.) 1pm- baby san kn? On my way n. Traffic d2 smen. Gngwa ata 2lay d2. Nweiz, hntay mko ah. Bili m n tckts ntn. Aqoh n bhla sa iba. 1:30pm- Nza fudcourt aqoh baby. Pnta k d2. Pamilyar ba sa’yo? Malamang kasi yan naman madalas na kwentong pag-ibig ng karamihan. Sasabihin niyang papunta na siya, pero ang totoo naman, pumipili pa siya ng damit na isusuot. Mabuti sana kung girlfriend mo yun. Normal lang sa babae ang matagal magdamit. Eh, paano kung ikaw yung babae tapos yan ang sasabihin sa iyo? Kaasar malamang. 4th month niyo pa lang pero ganyanan na. Kung bakit pa kasi naimbento ang pagdidate. Eh bakit kasi hindi na lang “mahal kita, mahal mo’ko, tayo na.” Kung sino mang umimbento ng panliligaw ay dapat ipasok sa lata ng tuna. Gustonggusto niyang nahihirapan. Magagalit sa akin ang kalipunan ng kababaihan ng kabayanan sa mga sinasabi ko pihado. “Papageffort niyo naman ang boys para sigurado.” Yun ang linya nila. Patanong nga po ako isa mga ginagalang kong lahi ng tao. Hindi po ba mas

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madali na hayaan yung tao na maging kaibigan mo, tapos tingnan mo kung mamahalin mo, kaysa sa magpaligaw ka pa tapos hindi mo rin naman sasagutin o kaya papaasahin mo siya sa wala? Mahirap ang ganon. Konsiyensya mo pa kung ma-depress yung tao. Sabihin mo nga sa’kin. Kailan ka ba huling sinabihan ng I Love You sa publiko ng syota mong pogi/maganda? *tingin sa katabi* Hindi yung pabulong ha. Yung talagang I LLLLLLOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE YYYYOOOOOU [ipasok ang pangalan dito] !!! Kung hindi pa katagalan, congratulations! First prize ka sa Mahal ko, pinagmamalaki ko contest ng mundo. Kung medyo matagal na rin, ayos lang. Malay mo busy sa thesis, sa case study o sa feasibility study (kunwari =D). Pero kung hindi ka pa nasabihan ‘non, aba, aba, Celso. Oh sige kontrahin mo ako. Alam ko sasabihin mo na “nakakahiya eh,” “eskandaloso masyado” o “ika namung piglawen da”. Kung tutuusin, hindi mo dapat inirereklamo ang pagsigaw sa mga tao na mahal mo si *bbeeeeppp* kasi nga totoo naman di ba? Eh, ano ngayon kung pagtinginan ka nila kung napasaya mo naman yung one and only mo (one and only nga lang ba?) Ayaw mo nang magbasa? Pakiramdam mo wala namang kwentang artikulo itong binabasa mo. Kinokondena lang naman ng asar na manunulat nito ang pagibig. Tingin mo hindi marunong magmahal itong kamoteng kahoy na ito. Bwahaha…mali! Nagkakamali ka kung tingin mo pag-ibig LANG ang tutuligsain ko. Pati mga single na yan tirahin! *napaisip* Madami akong kakilalang nag-iisa. Mareklamo sila sa buhay sa katotohanan lang. Madalas na nagiging problema nila si Mr./Ms. Right. Hindi ko mawari kung bakit ayaw nila si Mr./Ms. Left at kung bakit sila hanap nang hanap dun sa isa. Tinataguan kayo eh, ano ba? Kung tutuusin, hindi naman yun dapat hanapin nang ganyan kataimtim, hindi ba? Nasabi ko nga kay Ms. L (hint: Lumos ang kolum niya…=D) nung isang araw na “kahit naghahanap ka ng pag-ibig, sana naman ay wag mong maiwala ang sarili mo sa proseso ng iyong pagtingin.” Sabi nga dun sa isang chat TV show na napanood ko nung highschool, “if you’re single, mingle!” Ganon kasimple ang buhay kung hindi ka masyadong malayo tumingala, (matataba niyan hindi kayang tumingala..=D) Sulyap ka lang sa katabi mo, tingnan mo kung ano ang mga bagay na magaganda sa kanya tapos kausapin mo. Kapag naglaon, makakalimutan mo rin na hindi mo pa nakita yung tama para sa’yo, pero hinahanap mo na siya nang hindi mo namamalayan. At sa huling 34 na mga pangungusap ko pagkatapos nito ay magiiwan na lamang ako ng konting paalala, isang dakot ng babala, kakarampot na aruga at gabutil na sermon: “Bakit mo pa ba binabasa ito ha? Hala, humanap ka ng kausap mo. Ito piso!”

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Masaya ka Ba ‘pag umuulan? By Mark Joshua Lansangan “YEHHEEEEYYYYYY, wala na namang pasok!” Sigaw ng nakararami sa tuwing walang pasok. Tatlo lang naman ang pwedeng maging dahilan kung bakit nawawalan ng pasok; national holiday, may activity sa school, at kung may bagyo. Lalo na pag Ber months, sunod-sunod ang mga bagyo. Ito ang mga araw na kadalasan walang pasok, kaya lang, marami din minsan ang nasasalanta. Oo, aminin na natin na pag may bagyo, masaya tayong hindi naapektuhan. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na magmukmok ka sa bahay at maging malungkot tuwing may bagyo. Pero naisip mo ba na habang masaya ka, may mga taong nahihirapan, umiiyak at humihingi ng tulong? Ang tatlong araw na iyon na puro ulan, habang tayo ay nasa bahay at nagpapahinga ay may mga tao na nasa taas ng bubong, may naghahakot ng gamit (pinipilit iligtas at isinop ang mga di pa nalubog at naanod sa baha), may mga walang matulugan o kung meron man ay di ganun ka-komportable dahil nagsisiksikan kasama ang iba bang mga nasalanta ng bagyo? Hindi naman sa wala tayong magagawa, meron din kung iisipin...tulad ng magdasal, di ba? Napakalakas na puwersa ang pagdarasal. Manalig, kumilos, tumulong, at magdasal. Kung titingnan mo sa isang banda, blessing din na maituturing ng ilan ang pagkakaroon ng bagyo; ang mga bata na, halimbawa na puro lakwatsa ay nasa bahay lang kasama ang pamilya, tama, pinapatibay ng ulan ang samahan ng isang pamilya, sama-samang kumakain at nagkukwentuhan lalo na pag malakas ang ulan. Sa kahalintulad na sitwasyon ko nga naranasan ang pakikipagkuwentuhan sa lolo ko, bonding ika nga , nagenjoy ako sa pakikinig sa mga karanasan ng lolo ko nung bata pa. Hay, napakasayang isipin ang mga gabing iyon na isang kandila lang ang nagbibigay liwanang sa amin habang nagkukwentuhan sa terrace. Sabi nga ni Benjie Paras nung mag-guest siya sa programang SIS sa Channel 7, kung saan ang topic ay tungkol sa mga anak nila na binata, nang tinanong siya ng host na Gellie de Belen kung kelan niya nakakasama ang mga anak niya, sabi niya, “Tuwing umuulan kasi nasa loob lahat sila ng bahay.” Sabi nga always look at the “Bright Side.”

A Million Times byy me a million times, You passed b ou swif And as yyou byy, swiftt b I see myself falling more and more. w wh I don scufffle; heartt scuf myy hear whyy m know don’’t kno ou. or yyou. eel af w, I ffeel I jus afffection ffor know justt kno ay of light. o a rra ay int he rra n tthe You tur into turn My hearts pound when you beam, For your beauty shines as bright as stars Amidst my imperfections, you stood by me. Without me knowing, you fell for me. esence became m Your pr dayy, myy da presence Just merely staring at you, it’s complete. t, eas eep me abr ays k You alw east, abreas keep alwa Always, when we begin to touch; Relieving me from all my pain. e no o m is lik har ee Your sw her.. otther like harm eett cchar swee For it keeps me infatuated. I may have loved a million times, But with you, I’ll confer a million ever for er.. ore By Sean Aurelio Garcia

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Never Destiny By Jerome Castro

Affection, calm submission; A latter day’s work for the dark atheist. Yet his eyes fall short from notice. And he ends up on the hands of bliss, Where even the iron curtain cannot dismiss. What intertwines the threads of compassion? A blast of hail chains the heart, It envelopes what has been warm, And chills in doomed suspension. But still, the heat of love and predilection Liberates numb emotions of hurt, And transforms that which was harmed. Razed hopes, fazed daydreams, Lucid luster from a far milieu, The sweetness of a face, It is engraved on my realms, A love unfinished with you? It has no disgrace. Misinterpretations made us bleak Years four-fold, each other’s name we knew. And yet ego depleted the love story. Now, our path share histories we seek, Roads of greatness that intersect anew, This romance will ablaze in fury. This was never destiny, I hope that it is true, As I might never love you like I do. Instances don’t allow, society will judge As what sets butterflies in the skies, I nudge. And you? Just a heart pure and divine, Unlike mine so corrupted and maligned.

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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COLUMN

TRIFECTA By Jerome Castro

Kudos sports fans! It’s another issue of Trifecta and I can’t wait to whine hardball on anything and everything about sports. I might as well say that Mother Nature doesn’t agree with us as much these days, considering the fact that a ton of rescheduling has been done to the different campus tourneys and events because of the flash floods and sudden suspension of classes. Adding insult to injury, the academic finals is driving everyone nuts! Student first, athlete second. There’s so much action in store for everyone. Classics Cup, Uni – A games update, a sneak peek in the regional Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) games and more hardcore opinions on national and international sports events. Let’s play! Balls can’t lie! Varsity ball has been especially active this past month, with the Classics Cup and Uni – A games rummaging the different athletic affairs of the school. The “Classics”, to all non – sports fans, is an invitational team tourney among schools. Participating schools include Holy Angel University, Bulacan State University, Tarlac State University and many more. Most of which concentrate on the team sports. It is safe to say that this is a practice tournament for the invited participants, since the PRISAA Regionals is on its way. It is classifiable as one of those we call test tournaments, where we put our athletes against different schools to give them the feel of the actual games since it can be assumed that the players are still a bit rusty. It is also noticeable that the games weren’t (as far as I know) too sold (or maybe publicized…or schedulefriendly) for the students to watch. It’s easy to find holes within the reason of zero audience games, like for instance is the aforementioned fact that typhoons ravaged the land, impeding school days. It canceled games day after day until

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Sports Column ○

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public attention shifted from the games to just rebuilding the school and coughing up grades. (I’m guilty of such an action of letting games go by because I’m scratching my head in Calculus.) Another sidetracked competition was the University of the Assumption College Games (Uni - A). It’s a good thing to know that game dates are days, up to weeks apart from each other. Still, the momentum of the games would have been great since many teams were on a winning streak. CITHM didn’t disappoint its rearing fans as they have winning streaks on the team sports in both the men’s and women’s division. BSBA Risk Takers and Nursing are cutting each other’s throats for the second spot, virtually going toe to toe on most matches. Arkids, on the other hand, has become a contender in men’s volleyball for this year. I simply admire their “Cinderella” story of being one of the more fragile teams in the past seasons to a somehow strong fighting force this year. I can compare such a story to that of UE this year. For the sake of non – UAAP fans here, University of the East has become a strong team in the UAAP with their men’s basketball team racking up a tight second spot in the Finals after thrashing the Far Eastern University Tamaraws who were favorites to win the season and going head to head against Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles. The same story can be repeated with the Arkids, but there would be a LOT on their plates. And that’s all for the campus sports I guess. *Thinks* Oh yeah I almost forgot PRISAA. I’m sorry, it almost didn’t ring a bell inside my head=D. As I’ve said a few paragraphs ago, most if not all of these minor sporting events in the school is proponent events for the athletes who will participate in this league. If memory serves me correctly, games in the PRISAA are athletics, badminton, basketball, baseball, chess, football, karatedo, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and volleyball, wherein the school has at least 5 target events. Fearless forecast? Well, it’s really hard to tell given the conditions where: (a) I have no idea how the other schools play, (b) how good is the conditioning of our athletes and (c) how favorable are the environmental

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conditions for the players, as this will affect their game if it’s either too hot or too cold. But if we disregard conditions A and C, I can assume that we have a very BIG chance in PRISAA. Our racket and paddle sports have very good chemistries, notwithstanding the fact that they are prodigies in their categories individually. Our volleyball teams are all set and have been training almost everyday while the basketball team this year is simply STRONG. Disappointing, and yet intriguing It’s hard to get a feel of situations in the Philippine sports scene, especially now that we are occupied with the two worst typhoons in the history. It’s a good thing that athletes from inter – collegiate leagues, professional leagues and even national teams have helped in the relief efforts. I appreciate such gesture really, but this is a sports column and I’ll need to be objective enough. First on the agenda would be…*browses on my list* Manny Pacquaio! (surprise, surprise). Manny has been all over the TV, but not because he’s fighting or training hard. He’s all over the TV because of his commercials! A shampoo brand, beer, gin and a pain reliever are a few of the things he endorses, besides the fact that he has a sitcom in Kapuso. This is a disappointing fact because he is starting to take training for granted just to go dilly dally and throw his corny jokes at a 2% audience share. He even neglected going to the US for more intensive training. Pacquiao is honestly going over his head, and that saddens me. At times, I wish that Pacquiao gets knocked out cold in the ring for him to have a rude awakening. His actions just leave a bad taste in the mouth for those fans that supported him all the way. He plans to dive into politics, and I note the fact that his allies are there, not to support him, but use him for machinery. Another tangy concern that makes me blubber is the FIFA World Cup 2010. I was sincerely looking for the Philippines in the Asian qualifiers, patiently crossing my fingers that they fared well as I saw the Younghusband brothers all over the TV. I almost grew herbs on my eyeballs and TRIFECTA... p.22

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Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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UA hosts Classics Cup, nabs racket division By Jerome Castro As a test of mettle, skill and inter – school camaraderie, the University of the Assumption has become the thriving host for this year’s Classics Cup that opened last September 23 at the Emilio Cinense Gym where invited schools vied for the top spot to boost their team’s morale while keeping the brotherhood in check. The invitational cup became a battle arena for top schools from inside and outside of Pampanga who sent out their players to fight for honor, like University of the Assumption (UA), Holy Angel University (HAU), Bulacan State University (BSU), Guagua National Colleges (GNC), Tarlac State University (TSU) and Columban College (CC). Amongst the schools clashing for the championship medal, UA ripped ranks on different sports categories including the men’s and women’s table tennis, men and women’s badminton, women’s volleyball and men’s basketball. UA was especially lucky on the racket breaks in this tournament, getting the most medal count in its racket sports.

The school men’s badminton Team A slithered with the first place against Columban College, with Stanley Macaspac leading the pack of hungry hitters together with Michael Shapcotte, Crisdelle Manugue and Kyle Gault. Team C, composed of Martin Borromeo, Enerto Ramos and Raffy Garcia, roosted at the 2nd runner up spot while Julius David, Irving Gallano and Ronald Allan Mandap clinched the 3rd runner up. Bulacan State University ran away with the gold in the women’s side of badminton, with Holy Angel University closely fighting at 1 st runner up. The Lady Pelicans lagged behind with Eryl Arenas, Bernadine Booc and Alelie Pelagio of Team A smashing the 2nd runner up and Fatima Janine Saplala, Jaja Maury Lacsina and Genilyn Vital at the 3 rd runner up respectively. Both the Pelicans’ women’s volleyball and men’s basketball team suffered heartbreaking losses, where they landed 2 nd and 3 rd spots respectively. The Lady Pelicans’ spikers endured 3 sets to

Errata: An article in the Regina First Issue (Magazine) regarding the Robotics lab is to be corrected. It [Robotics Lab] is intended only for students enrolled under the computer engineering program. Also, an article in the Regina Second Issue (Broadsheet) quoted Fr. Greg Canlas composed the contest piece, which is Maria Minuli King Banua. The actual lyricist is Msgr. Ricardo Jesus T. Serrano, SLD; with the musical arrangement courtesy of Mr. Rey P. Quizon.

1 defeat from Holy Angel University after lagging a triple tie with Bulacan State University that was resolved through the tournament’s point quotient rule. Blue Pelicans also tolerated a second downfall in the form of the men’s basketball, where UA was denied their ticket to the finals after a double overtime stint against Bulacan State University. It was then in the finals where rival teams BSU and Tarlac State battled out over a well fought game that spilled over the regulation period, where BSU prevailed. On the other hand, UA burnt tables as the table tennis squad A won 1 st places on both gender categories and squad B notched 2nd runner up on both categories. Bren David and Carmina Joy Sengson commanded the games. HAU became an in between team as they snared the 2 nd place on both the men’s and women’s side. “It was a great experience!” said women’s table tennis squad A member Marycle Merlan, who was excited of the developments. “It was one of those friendly practice tourneys, and it’s nice to have this before the majors.” The Blue Pelicans are set to qualify in the Private Schools Athletic Association Games in Olongapo this November.

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TRIFECTA...from p.21 found no 3 stars and a sun. Maybe I missed the games. Maybe it wasn’t broadcasted. I checked the net and almost smashed the monitor. Philippines didn’t participate! My oh, my. They used youth soccer development as an excuse. *rubs my head* I think maybe, just maybe, it’s high time to learn more international sports other than basketball and boxing. We are too engrossed in these two sports that we basically neglect other major sporting events. We have the talent, and I believe we will excel in games like soccer because this doesn’t require too much height, or too much weight. There are just some sports we are capable of but we don’t engage in just because we got ourselves too colonized. A New World of Sports It is settled: it’s Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016. Brazil soundly beat USA (Chicago), Spain (Madrid) and Japan (Tokyo), and it was intriguing to see why. Brazil had eight (8) perspective bids on why their country should be chosen, revolving around world class facilities and monster crowds. They won rounds 2 and 3 of the bidding process with their promise of “transforming the entire city (Rio) to a big sports theatre”. It is going to be a spectacle, and something to look forward to when I’m 26 years old, probably at home for the weekend watching over the kids. Another nice news in the sports world is the qualifications for FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which was qualified by different sporting giants in the Euros (Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Serbia) and Asia (Australia, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea. Philippines not included.). USA finally overcame the drought and qualified this year, beating the likes of Honduras so far in the North American region. This calls to my brain as I wish I was chanting songs in a soccer pub somewhere, watching ‘Pinas getting a goal. Finally, the NBA is back to business! Gone was the off-season where headache trades happened and endless torment of waiting afflicted us basketball fans. We’ll see the mettle of these players and how much value for team money they got. I can’t stop thinking how LeBron will do now with his crew; if he’ll stop whining and complaining and if he’ll ever grow up to maturity. We’ll also see the new Lakers squad and how they will play with Ron Artest by their side. If all of the sports event nowadays would go well and the weather favors us, we might really see a show – either in campus, national or even in international games.

Volume VIII No. 2 October - November 2009 ○

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Courtt Off the Cour

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By: Aprille Flores and Samboy Musngi Words edited By Jerome Castro

Ateneo de Manila University has Chris Tiu, Cassy Tioseco and Rabbah Al – Hussaini. Far Eastern University had Rachelle Anne Daquis, Mikaela Morada and Arwind Santos. These people were the famed athletes of UAAP, and still they are powerhouses in their own sports as the games aren’t finished just yet. Unlike these schools, we aren’t UAAP. We are not too famous; we are not that luxurious of a school or even have televised games. Still, we have this talented pool of players who are ready to square with any opponent out there. Are you not curious how these people, sportsmen and women, juggle their lives as athletes, students and normal individuals? Do they still have their lives? What are they thinking when playing? Let’s give them some credit, shall we? Name: Marycle G. Merlan Sport: Table Tennis Position: Senior Player Style of Play: Offense & Defense Status: In a Relationship (sorry guys!) Hi Marycle! Let’s get this interview rolling, ok? What are the five things you are addicted to right at this moment? (Thinks) Facebook’s Pet Society, Friendster, hanging out with my friends, music and just playing table tennis non-stop! So you really love table tennis huh? I also play PetSoc when I’m sick or something. If there’s a sport that you’re extremely bad at, it’s? Because? Volleyball! (laughs). Nahihirapan ako kasi maliit ako, plus the fact na hindi ko kayang ibalik ang bola sa kabilang side ng court. I’m sure you can learn that. What inspired you to be an athlete? Simply speaking, I want to lose weight so I tried out to be an athlete. I’m a bit on the chunky side and I envy those slim girls all around me. (smiles) That’s funny! You try to lose weight and I try to gain some myself. What do you do if you lose a game? I always thank the Lord first for giving me the opportunity to play at all. At least I gave my best shot and I believe there’s still a next time. Like what the quote says, “Sportiness is next to godliness.” =D If you’re not practicing, what do you do? I’m usually with my boyfriend! (laughs) You will also find me

studying for a test, working my butt off at McDonalds “love ko’to” and sometimes I go home to Olongapo. Name: Bren L. David Sport: Table Tennis Position: Captain Style of Play: Technical Status: Single Hey Bren, it’s been a long time eh? What are you up to nowadays? Table Tennis, of course. I also spend my time texting my friends, listening to music, chatting online and reading poems. Reading poems? I think I’m going to have my nose bleed. Who is your inspiration in being an athlete? I got inspired by my Dad. In his high school and collegiate years, he was a varsity player. I believe he played basketball…yes basketball! Daddies do best. Does being the underdog/contender/favorite make a difference? Why? Yes, the pressure, especially. It creeps to you because many expect you to win. Pressure! I also get that on deadlines. Do you get the support you deserve? If it’s from the PE Department and from my friends, yes of course! If it’s from the school, (thinks) I don’t think so. Really? Anyway, do you have mannerisms when playing? I have this fancy to always rotate my racket before I serve. Name: Laurence G. Gabatino Sport: Volleyball Position: Center Blocker Style of Play: Offense & Hard Defense Status: Single Hi Laurence. We never met before. What do your team mates call you? My teammates call me Buksi, or sometimes Boks. Malakas kasi akong kumain! Hahaha Me too! I eat whatever I can. Do you have a battle cry or a motto? Don’t lose hope in every trial because God is always there [for us]. Trials and more trials. They never end do they… What are your hobbies? I love playing ball games, especially volleyball and basketball with my brother and dad. I also hang out with my family and friends if I have spare time, search the internet for some new stuff and eat, eat and eat some more! You really love eating. Yes! What

MISSING BALL. Marycle Merlan makes life harder for DLSU counterpart Catalan. (Photo courtesy of the Sports Office) do you do to balance your studies, sports activities and your personal life? Just enjoy your activities but focus, and do it step by step because you can’t do so many things at the same time. Words of wisdom from Laurence. What are the advantages of being an athlete? Advantages? You meet an army of friends, expose yourself to new things and it will even make you physically fit. Name: Ronald Allan Mandap Sport: Badminton Position: Shifting to Singles/ Doubles when needed Style of Play: Offense & Defense Status: It’s complicated In a Relationship Hi Ronald! I heard you and Marycle are very very good “friends”. Ugh, nevermind what I just said. Why did you join the varsity? Kasi alam ko na dito ako nababagay!(enthusiastic smile) firstly, it’s a big thing for me because I get some help in my finances. I also want to share my skills in my field, for the betterment of the school. Such enthusiasm! I’m really bad at badminton, so I suppose you can kick my butt there. What sport can I beat you at? I’m really bad at chess! Sadly, I never got the hang of learning the moves and strategies involved in it. Even the pieces! Pawn, queen, horse, bishop, rook…hilo! Yes! Good thing I’m good at chess. What inspired you to pursue your dream of being an athlete? I wanted to be famous! (laughs hard) Seriously, I wanted to be famous like the badminton superstars out there like Lyn Dan of China.

I also wanted to be famous. Bad thing I ain’t that good looking. What are your pre – game rituals? Before every practice or before every game, I stretch, stretch and stretch some more. I also do some warm – ups to prevent myself from getting cramps or any worse injuries. So stretching is the key? What are your in – game mannerisms? I do! I always stare at my racket when I do errors on court. Blaming my racket I guess. Name: Marc Albert Tiglao Sport: Basketball Position: Forward / Center Style of Play: Offense & Defense Status: Single You seem reserved Marc. Man of few words in my dictionary. What advantages do you get from being an athlete of your size? I’m having more experiences with different people from different walks of life. I also get to socialize besides having a physically fit body. Fitness. That’s the word! What do the guys in the basketball team call you? Oh that? They call me the Boss simply because I’m one of the veterans in the hard court. Boss. Sounds cool. Do you like a hard game or a blowout? I rather have challenges more than a blowout. I want to sweat it out in the hard court. Good loser or sore loser? I really get affected when I lose, especially if it’s an emotional game. But I just move on. Do you have problems that make your studies and games work? I usually don’t have energy left for my study. I accidentally sleep over my school work, but it’s ok.

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SPORTS EDITORIAL ○

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Volume VIII VIIINo. No. 22 Volume October-November 2009 October - November 2009 ○

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1st Cheerleading Regional Qualifiers Moves In; TSU wins By: Samboy Musngi and Jerome Castro

As the Ball Stops Bouncing IT has been a noticeable fact that in the past months, lesser and lesser students go to university sports events. The audience share has become so little, to the point that only a handful of sports fans watch during their spare time. This dismal and totally disappointing turn – out is a mixture of variables which may be considered miniscule, but when factored together can blow altogether into a home court dry spell. Academic schedule becomes a major obstacle for students. Classes have become a gleaming factor against campus athletic meets since an audience from the university is a student first before being a fan. This is the reason why several tourneys hosted by the sports office have suffered from little or no support from students. The bulk of school activities, sked conflicts and disinterest dampen the chances of the players, varsity and all, to have morale boost whenever. Solutions in the form of weekend games and the Monday gameday have been made, but why are we still not hearing cheers, chants and hell yeah’s? The answer lies on the truth that most students just stopped caring. Yes, a few of us are there in the big opening dates in foundation days and school holidays, but almost everyone wouldn’t want to go out of their way to watch the table tennis team sweep opponents. Watching a Saturday afternoon game of women’s volleyball becomes too much of a distraction because they opt to sleep in the comfort of their beds, play some farming simulator in Facebook or just drink with friends. The value of sports appreciation has sunk down to merely becoming eager beavers of tournaments – watch the opening, watch the finals. Are the students of these days really that idle, that they will only watch games for the sake of seeing their infatuations and crushes, but not because they love the sport so much? Can’t we support the players who give their sweat, tears and pain, just to bring pride and honor to the university? Can’t we deviate a little from our cyber gaming time to empower the varsity in their quest for the school’s pride and honor? These athletes spend sweat and blood through every stride, through every jump, through each sidestep that they take just to train for a tourney; much less they train for us to witness their mettle in their chosen categories. Varsity training time is a round the clock, whole year around planning and strategizing, untrue to popular belief. This feat should not be wasted via students’ lethargic wish-wash. Athletes are at an equivalent trade with the school. While they give their 100% at practice and at the games, the school helps them with scholarship grants. What do we trade for their effort? We are the ones who pay the school but, should it really end there? Can’t we exert a little more effort to cheer our sportsmen and women? We should realize that as the ball stops bouncing, as the crowd stops roaring, their fighting soul – our honor, might go to a permanent game over.

Leap Higher, Dance Harder, Cheer Louder, You’ve got Spirit University of the Assumption - This was the slogan of the cheerleaders for the year 09- 10 as cheers, jumps and stunts literally filled the air in the 1st Central Luzon National Collegiate Championships Regional Qualifiers that stunned the waiting crowd of the Cinense Gym last October 25 ,2009. Top schools primed up their routines, devising difficult feats and spectacles for a chance to join the National Finals in March 2010. with their various aerial raids and death defying exploits, while Araullo University’s (AU) floor routines steer cleared the second spot for them. Angeles University Foundation (AUF) simply cropped up the judges with their charms and difficult routines, settling themselves at the third position. The University of the Assumption (UA) was a place short of joining the winners’ podium at 4th, as their lack of preparation and time constraints reflected on their routines. Their high school counterparts equally woke up sleeping veins, with TSUHS tagging the gold, Tarlac National High School at the runner up spot and UAHS inching for the final

place. The contest rocketed with the standard opening rites, which was followed by a pledge of camaraderie by all participants and a ceremonial drawing of lots amongst squad captains. Participants danced and flopped the house with their extreme routines, all culminations of their long training and dedication. “They [participants] actually rocked!” exclaimed Mr. Toni Legaspi, UA HS PEP head coach and trainer when asked of his thoughts on the historic first that was made possible through the coordination of UA sports office chief Ms. May Flores. “They give their best. The hard work and all their sacrifices had been paid off. They [UA team] have the true Blue Pelicans spirit.” The National Cheerleading Championship, now on its 3rd year, is the first and only cheerleading organization in the Philippines that holds and oversees official competitions in American style cheerleading. National Finals will be held in the National Capital Region with participants from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the NCR.