Uplb Perspective 0809 - 6th Ish

VOLUME 35

ISSUE 6

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LOS BAÑOS

January 16, 2009

NEWS FEATURE

“Nasaan na si Isko?” Estel Lenwij Estropia While surfing the net for her research in SocSci 1, Madel*, BS Math and Science Teaching ‘08, stumbled upon a video in YouTube titled “Defend the Office of the Student Regent” which at first she thought was just a plain skit. Then she remembered a previous conversation with a close friend about the Office of the Student Regent (OSR). She got curious, noticing how her dear companion seemed so affected by the issues currently affecting the OSR. So instead of leaving the website for another one related to crops endemic in her hometown, her curiosity held her back. And, as if to make her decision right, the video slowly unfolded into something that is not so ordinary, it turned out. “Isko?” the lady in the video seemed looking for somebody. She sounded expectant of a response, yet nobody answered. You can see the disappointment in her face, as Isko is not around. What could have happened to him? He could not be missing. He should not be missing. “Walang estudyante? Hindi tayo pwedeng magsimula niyan!” the lady shouted angrily, her facial expression no longer giving justice to her blue-tinted attire.

LAYOUT SALVATORRE DE VINCE OLANO | PHOTO KARL SUMINISTRADO

The next thing Madel knew, she had just seen a promotional video for the Defend the OSR campaign. This video was presented by UP Diliman’s College of Fine Arts and is just one of the many forms of information dissemination drives initiated by the OSR, together with the Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) and were fully supported by nine of the UPLB student councils. Referendum under scrutiny The Codified Rules for Student Regent Selection (CRSRS) contains regulations on the process of selecting the lone representative of students in the Board of Regents, the Student Regent. As stated in Section 12, paragraph (g) of the UP Charter of 2008: “One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen by the students from their ranks in accordance with the rules and qualifications approved in a referendum by the students.” In accordance with this, the CRSRS needs to be ratified in the process of a referendum set on Jan. 26-31. A total of 50 percent + 1 votes of the total population of the UP System have to be attained. Also, the votes in favor of the referendum must reach 50 percent + 1 of the voter turnout. That is assuming that the required 50 percent + 1 votes, or around 27,000 votes, of the voter turnout has been achieved, majority of this must be in favor of the referendum for it to be ratified. “’Yung pagpasok natin sa sentenaryo ng UP, ito ‘yung taon na kailangan nating gampanan ‘yung historical role ng mga naunang lider-estudyante. Dahil sa sentenaryo natin ngayon, binabawi ang mga demokratikong karapatan na pinuhunan ng mga dating lider-estudyante,” said Mark Vincent Baracao, University Student Council (USC) councilor.

KEYSTONES Of Representation. With only a few days before the conduct of the CRSRS Referendum, stones forming the words “DEFEND OSR!” on the Oblation Grounds remind UP students of their important role in securing student representation in the Board of Regents.

Challenge to the silent The referendum’s nature is certainly already familiar to UPLB students, for just last September, they have participated in ratifying the 1984 Student Council Constitution. This became a big news since students broke election records by registering a voter turnout of 70.54 percent, one of the highest in recent history. Much like what happened in the plebiscite, the success of the referendum would have a better chance if students take part in their responsibility in securing their democratic rights. Oplan Save Isko In UPLB, the USC and the College Student Councils (CSCs) scheduled

“Nasaan...? ON PAGE 4

NEWS

CULTURE

FEATURES

OPINION

page 3

page 8

page 6-7

page 12

SR: Iskolars ng Bayan must unite

Reimagining Twilight

Tilamsik ng Putik

Next to triumph

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NEWS

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

SUCs suffer from further budget cut

But UP enjoys first increase in years Nikko Angelo Oribiana

ERRATA In our 5th issue dated Dec. 17, 2008, the last paragraph of Nikko Angelo Oribiana and Rogene Gonzales’ article titled “Campaigns to get tougher, Calls to defend OSR intensify as January comes” should have reported the figure “4,000 students and 34 organizations” as the numbers reached by the USC and CSCs’ through room-to-room campaigns, org discussion and dorm hops, and not solely through manifesto signing. The features article written by Liberty Notarte titled “Liyab ng ‘Sandaang Sulo. Mga Danas ng Paglusong at

RENOVATED.

Pagsulong” has mistakenly stated Benjamin Reuel Marte as the College Secretary of the College of Economics and Management. Dr. Marte is the College Secretary of College of Veterinary Medicine. To clarify arguments in our Under Scrutiny article “Ano ba talaga?” written by Faith Allyson Beunacosa, the provision cited by Director of Student Affairs Severino Cuevas should have been Section 3 of the 1984 UP Code, and not Article 2 of the Revised UP Code of 2006. Our apologies.

PHOTO KARL SUMINISTRADO

Students are enjoying the condusive air-conditioned Computer Services Section in the basement of the UPLB Main Library with ongoing renovation of the area.

as the country faces economic downturn, he said. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Angeles III sees the cut in the budget as a disadvantage for educational institutions. In an article titled “CHED not worried over budget cuts for 21 colleges” published in PhilStar.net last Dec. 30, Angeles said any large cut made in SUCs’ budget will yield lower quality of education. Ms. Gloria MacapagalArroyo, in a message titled “Standing Firm in the Midst of Economic Challenges” delivered last September to the members of the House of Representatives, said her administration will prioritize services to uplift the lives of the poor this 2009. Arroyo also said that budget allocation for debt

servicing was reduced by around 10.2 percent since 2005, and that more resources can now be used for spending on human and capital resources.

This year’s national budget increased to P 1.4 trillion from P 1.227 trillion in 2008. Debt servicing obtained almost half of this, with 48.16 percent allocation. [P]

Pakinggan ang muling pagtunog. Inihahandog ng

billboard

Twenty-one SUCs face a combined budget slash of P 323 million as Senate approved the allocation of P 22.6 billion for the country’s 112 state colleges and universities (SUCs). UP, the country’s premiere state university, however, gets a lion’s share with 30.09 percent or P 6.8 billion of the total budget for all the SUCs. This translates to a P 362-million increase from last year’s budget. UP’s 2009 budget allocation, which will be divided among its seven autonomous units, is already equivalent to the combined budget of 47 SUCs in Luzon. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines, with a student population of more than 52,000 in six campuses, two branches and ten extension campuses, only received P 663.64 million. Derek Patrick Abando, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Student councilor, said, “Kahit hindi naman

sila (other SUCs) flag[ship] universities ng Pilipinas, nangangailangan din sila ng mas mataas na budget, iskolar ng bayan din sila at may karapatan para sa mas mataas na budget.” Rayan Brozula, secretary general of the National Union of Students of the PhilippinesSouthern Tagalog blamed the Arroyo government’s “neoliberal policies and programs for education” that resulted in budget cuts and tuition increases. “Kulang ‘yung nominal na pagtaas ng education budget para matugunan ‘yung mga pangangailangan ng SUC’s kaya sa estudyante nila ‘yun kinukuha sa pamamagitan ng mas mataas na singil sa matrikula at mga dagdag na bayarin,” Brozula said. He added that the SUCs’ meager budget will prevent them from accommodating the increasing number of students who transfer from private colleges to SUC’s. This has been the trend in recent years and will continue to be

UPLB Community Broadcaster’s Society Gandingan 2009 UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Broadcast Choice Awards January 24. Sabado. 6PM. DL Umali Hall

VERY LIMITED tickets (90php) available at UPCBS tambayan, ground floor, DevCom Bldg or contact Zuyene at 09159789681.

Nagpapasalamat ang Textbook Exchange and Rental Center (TERC) kina Dr. Flordeliza Lantican ng College of Economics and Management at Ms. Remegia Lapinid, isang nurse sa London, para sa patuloy na pagsuporta at pagbibigay ng mga aklat sa TERC.

Admin offices to transfer in main lib Jonelle Marin

As part of a five-year development plan that started on October 2008, the UPLB Main Library is undergoing rehabilitation from damages brought about by typhoon Milenyo and is giving way to the transfer of administration offices. The Offices of the Chancellor and all the Vice-Chancellors will be moved to the third floor of the Main Library, which was then occupied by the Serials and Archives sections. Effects of reconstruction In an interview with Perspective, Concepcion Saul, the university librarian, said the transfer of the administration offices is advantageous to students since the administration could easily be aware of students’ concerns regarding their use of the library. Due to the reconstruction of the Main Library, the designated areas of some sections have changed. The Serials section is now being transferred to the second floor where the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank Series sections are also located. The Archives which is now called the University Special Collection is located at the

extension building adjacent the Main Library. The Theses Collection and Computer Services sections were moved to the basement. “Para sa akin, maganda na inaayos ang library, kaya lang, medyo mahirap kasi tulad ng may Eng 2, medyo nanibago sa mga bagong tayo [location] ng mga libro dito sa library,” said Orelie de las Alas, BS Agribusiness Management ’08. “More books pa [sana] doon sa ibang field kasi medyo maraming sciences dito kaysa sa literature,” she added. College libraries are also being developed under the initiative of their respective college administrations. Books from the Main Library are being decentralized and sent to their respective colleges according to subject matter.

computer,” said Raejza, BA Communication Arts ’08. Saul also stressed a plan for a virtual library come 2010. This enables students to see what references the library has through accessing the internet.

No need for library fee hike After the implementation of the Tuition and other Fees Increase (ToFI) in 2006, the library fee was increased to P 200. Despite all the renovations and developments of the Main Library, Saul clarified that there will be no increase in library fee. The budget for this project was taken from the library fees accumulated from the students who were enrolled last summer classes of 2008 and academic year 2008-2009. Charisse Bernadine Bañez, University Student Council Chairperson and Extended operation hours member of the Library Board Mary Mann Ingua, head said the rehabilitation should of the Computer Services have been brought about even section, said part of the before there was no ToFI. development plan is the “Dahil tuluy-tuloy ang extension of the operation pagbabawas ng budget sa hours at the Computer sektor ng edukasyon, kahit Services section from 5 p.m. ‘yung mga ganitong tipo ng to 9:30 p.m to accommodate pasilidad na dapat binibigyan more students. ng pamantasan at dapat “[Nakatulong ang bahagi ng kanyang budget ay computer services] dahil hindi pinapasan pa ng mga Iskolar ko na kailangang lumabas [ng ng Bayan.” [P] campus] para mag-rent ng

“Matagal akong naghintay sa Freedom Park, subalit hindi ka dumating. Hindi.”

[ P ] ananaw L iterary F olio . M alapit na .

UPLB Perspective

NEWS

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

SR: Iskolars ng Bayan must unite Rogene Gonzales

Special Meeting Initially, the referendum “More than ever, this is was set Jan. 19-25 but the time that the Iskolar was moved to Jan. 26ng Bayan must be united 31 to provide time for and collectively answer the more intensive logistical call to be vigilant and be coordination and preparation. involved.” Prior to this decision, the Student Regent (SR) OSR has convened the All UP Shahana Abdulwahid Councils’ Meet last Dec. 19 to stressed this to UP students, discuss the guidelines for the as their participation in the conduct of the referendum. referendum for the Codified Forty-five out of 51 Rules for Student Regent UP student councils (SC) Selection (CRSRS) on Jan. attended the said meeting 26-31 would make or break at the School of Labor the history of the Office of the and Industrial Relations Student Regent (OSR). Auditorium, UP Diliman As stipulated in the UP (UPD). Charter or R.A. 9500 signed A debate ensued during into law last May 2008, the the All Councils’ Meet when Codified Rules for Student six UPD SCs proposed to Regent Selection (CRSRS), include an amended version a decade-old document of the CRSRS in the final containing provisions for wording of the referendum. SR selection process, must The proposed amendments be ratified to provide legal to the current CRSRS mandate for the rules and essentially aims to include qualification governing the minimum academic selection of an SR. requirements, change the Only when the voting scheme for choosing referendum gains majority an SR into a per SC vote participation and approval and delete the provision from at least 52,000 UP of Katipunan ng mga students would the next Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP student representative as secretariat to the OSR. be chosen to the Board of The proposals were Regents, the highest policy noted but not deliberated making body of the University. since the Oct. 1 deadline for

submission of amendments from SCs, as stated in the current CRSRS, has already lapsed. The nature of the All Councils’ Meet as a “special meeting, not a regular meeting” disallowed voting powers to consider amendments. “Not the time to be divided” Abdulwahid said the meeting was set purposely to discuss and deliberate solely on the conduct of the CRSRS Referendum. “This is not the time for us, student leaders to divide our ranks; it is for us to unite to protect the highest student institution in our University which is a product of years of struggle,” Abdulwahid addressed the SCs in an OSR memorandum last Dec. 30. Twenty-seven SCs submitted comprehensive reports to the OSR, 21 of which have specified student welfare and concerns on the history and role of the OSR and referendum process. USC Councilor and Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee Head Mark Vincent Baracao said consultations in UPLB stressed that the CRSRS

Sa mga bagong polisiyang nakalinya sa “Eco-Tourism Project”

PUJ drivers nagpahayag ng diskuntento Yves Christian Suiza

Pinulong ng administrasyon ng College of Forestry and National Resources (CFNR) ang mga ambulant vendors at mga tsuper ng pampasaherong jeep ng upper campus noong ika-8 ng Disyembre upang linawin na hanggang tatlong pampasaherong jeepney na lamang ang maaaring pumarada sa bakanteng lote sa harap ng Makiling Residence Hall (MAREHA) Dormitory. Sinabi ni Engr. Rodulfo Delgado, CFNR administration services officer in charge, na layunin lamang ng polisiyang ito na mapanatili ang seguridad, kalinisan at kaayusan, subalit “internal arrangement” pa lamang umano ang naganap na pagpapatupad. Ipinaliwanag ni Delgado na kailangang kumita ng Unibersidad para masuportahan ang iba’t ibang sektor nito, at dahil dito, ihinahanda ng CFNR Administration ang upper campus para maging kaakitakit para sa “Eco-Tourism

Project”. “Ngayon, itong mga tsuper na ‘to, ang problema nagkakalat, ‘yung iba umiihi kung saan-saan which is hindi magandang tingnan,” sabi niya. Saad din ni Delgado na ipinagbabawal ang pagbebenta ng mga ambulant vendors ng mga pagkain upang maiwasan ang mga kaso tulad umano ng food poisoning at pagkain ng lumang kakanin. Hinihikayat ng administrasyon na tanging “souvenirs” tulad ng mga keychains at handicrafts lamang ang maaaring ibenta sa kalsada. Ayon kay Michael Aramil, presidente ng samahan ng mga pampasaherong jeepney sa Forestry, “Payag naman kami sa tatlo lang ang jeep na papayagang pumarada, ang problema lang malayo ‘yung pinaparadahan namin bago pumunta doon sa bakanteng lote.” Idinagdag pa niya na kailangan din nilang pumarada sa lote hindi lang para sa mga estudyante kundi pati na rin sa mga residente ng Forestry. “Isang dahilan daw ng paglilimita sa maaaring

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pumarada ay ang pagkakalat namin, which is hindi naman totoo, totoong umiihi kami sa mga sulok pero wala naman kasing CR sa paradahan, ‘yun nga ang nire-request namin dati.” “Mahirap ang sitwasyon para sa mga namamasada, [dito] rin kami kumukuha ng ikabubuhay, kaya pumayag na lamang kami sa patakaran nila (administrasyon ng CFNR)” paliwanag ni Aramil. Hinihiling lamang nilang matuto ang mga estudyante na sumakay sa mga nakapilang jeepney at hindi sa mga “eskirol” o mga jeepney na umiikot lamang. Ipinaliwanag ni Nicanor Flores, Dormitory Manager ng MAREHA, “Nagpapaalam ang drivers kung pwede makiparada sa parking lot ng MAREHA... pero hindi naman namin maibigay sa kanila ‘yun (bakanteng lote) dahil ‘yun ay para lamang sa mga residente at bisita ng MAREHA.” Ayon kay Pura Beatriz Valle, tagapangulo ng CFNR Student Council (SC) hindi umano demokratiko ang nasabing polisiya dahil hindi

stressing a point.

Photo Courtesy of Victor Villanueva

UPLB-USC Chairperson Charisse Bernadine Bañez raises a point of manifestation regarding the proposed amendments on the CRSRS in the All UP Councils’ meet held last Dec. 19 at UP Diliman.

Referendum is inseparable from various campus issues. In the UPLB SCs’ comprehensive report, the referendum campaign is objectively based from the campaigns for the 1984 UPLB SC Constitution plebiscite held last September that has attained 70.54 percent student participation and 95.5 percent affirmative votes. As of Dec. 12, the DEFEND-OSR campaign in UPLB has been able to collect 1,108 signatures from students in favor of the CRSRS and is expected to increase in the following weeks. Abdulwahid commended UPLB students for showing what “true collective action is

in the time when students are challenged.” Referendum Process According to the guidelines for the conduct of the referendum, the Director of Student Affairs and Offices of the College Secretaries would help ensure sufficient voting paraphernalia to be used for the referendum (see side bar). In the remaining weeks before the referendum, the OSR will conduct a series of convocation in UP campuses to inform as many students as possible of the need for their active participation. A university-wide convocation in D.L. Umali Auditorium was scheduled for UPLB last Jan. 15. [P]

Some Guidelines for the Conduct of the CRSRS Referendum: Date: Jan. 26-31, 2009 Time: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Place: Polling precincts located in key areas per college Who are eligible to vote? All bona fide graduate and undergraduate students of UP duly enrolled and pursuing any of the academic degree/certificate/program offered as of 2nd semester 2008-2009. What do you have to bring? UP I.D. /Form 5 with any valid I.D. nagkaroon ng konsultasyon sa mga tsuper at mga estudyante bago ito ipatupad. Dagdag pa niya na mahigit dalawampung taon na rin ang nakalilipas mula ng gawing paradahan ng mga pampasaherong jeepney ang bakanteng lote sa harapan ng MAREHA Dormitory. Mga estudyante ng CFNR din umano ang maaapektuhan dahil tatlo ang dormitoryo doon at kukulangin ang tatlong jeepney para sa mga sasakay, saad ni Valle. Magsasagawa ang CFNRSC ng isang manifesto

signing bilang tulong sa mga tsuper upang payagan ang dating sistema nila ukol sa pagparada sa bakanteng lote. Tatalakayin muli ang nasabing isyu sa susunod na All-Students Meeting kung saan makakapanayam ng CFNR-SC at iba pang mga estudyante ang administrasyon ng CFNR. Ayon kay Valle, umaasa ang CFNR-SC na maisasawalang bisa ang polisiya lalo na kung ito ay walang legal na papeles bilang basehan. [P]

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NEWS

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

UP Med School to increase tuition Changes in payment scheme to be implemented Rick Jason Obrero

college to give them ample time to assess Incoming and continuing the effects of a shift from a fixed rate into students of UP Manila’s (UPM) a per unit basis. College of Medicine (CM) will soon The ToFI will cover students have to face a hike in tuition starting starting batch ’07 onwards who are next academic year as the Board of under the Doctor of Medicine and Regents (BOR) approved the increase Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine last November 27 in UP Tacloban. (Intarmed) program, as well as postThe said increase is a belated graduate students for Academic Year implementation of the 300 percent 2009-2010. Tuition and other Fees Increase (ToFI) Marikris de Guzman, councilor of that the BOR approved on Dec. 15, the University Student Council, said the 2006 (see sidebar for the new tuition UPM administration sees no need to rates). hold consultations with students since In Apr. 27, 2006, prior to the the increase is just the implementation implementation of the ToFI, the BOR of the 300 percent tuition increase. has already approved a raise in CM’s “Tulad ng 300 percent ToFI, ‘di matriculation fee from P11, 000 to nila ito kinunsulta. At kung saka-sakali P20, 000. This rate is fixed regardless of mang magkunsulta at ayaw ng mga the number of units. estudyante, ipapataw pa rin ito [ng When the 300 percent system-wide administrasyon]. Ang nangyayari kasi increase was approved eight months minsan, consultation for consultation’s later, however, the CM requested to sake,” she said. suspend its implementation in the Patricia Mae Cielo, batch ’05

student of the Doctor of Medicine program said, “Napaka-antagonistic ng policy na ito at napaka-antagonistic para sa mga batang papasok na mag-bayad ng mataas na matrikula.” Meanwhile, Student Regent (SR) Shahana Abdulwahid said the Office of the Student Regent (OSR) will conduct consultations with CM students regarding the increase and will forward the results to the BOR. The OSR will also reassess the policy review conducted by former SR James Mark Terry Ridon. One of the main claims of the policy review is that the ToFI prevented the poor but deserving students from entering the University. The UPM University Council also approved the Return Service Agreement that requires all incoming students of the CM to practice their profession for at least three years in the country, after their graduation. [P]

Table 1. Tuition increases in the UP Manila College of Medicine. NUMBER OF UNITS / ACADEMIC YEAR

UNIT LOAD 3 4 5 6 7

(First Year Proper) (Second Year Proper) (Third Year Proper) (Fourth Year Proper) (Fifth Year Proper)

COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR (P1000 / UNIT) 59, 55, 60, 64, 78,

59 55.5 60 64 78

000 500 000 000 000

Source: Manila Collegian

Amid festivities

UPLB studes air campus issues

Julla Timan

Student Council Chairperson Charisse Bernadine Bañez said. Even while reveling in Meanwhile, former the festive atmosphere of Student Regent Mark Terry the annual Lantern Parade, Ridon also said that the the culmination of UP’s festivity should not serve centennial celebration held as a time for us to lose our last December 17 at UP Diliman, UP students wasted vigilance on campus issues. “Sa bahagi ng isang UP no time in expressing student… bahagi rin talaga insights on pressing issues niya ‘yung walang sawang hounding the university. pagnanais na matamasa Toting placards that bear ‘yung mga demokratiko slogans such as “Defend the niyang mga karapatan, OSR” and “Junk ToFI”, the credit ang APO sa pagpapatuloy ng para matiyak talaga na 100-strong UPLB delegation, kanilang tradisyon even though they are hindi lang sa panahon ng not recognized,” Paolo Antonio Mindanao, together with students pasko masaya ang mga ‘07 BS Agricultural Economics stated. from UP Diliman and UP The APO fraternity has not been mamamayan kundi sa Manila, marched around the recognized since they were suspended lahat ng panahon,” Ridon academic oval to condemn last Dec. 14, 2007 due to the death added. the 300 percent Tuition and of the alleged hazing victim, Marlon Michael Soni, BS of Fees Increase (ToFI) that Villanueva. Agribusiness Management is now in its second year of Likewise, Office of Student Affairs ’04, said there had been implementation. Director Severino Cuevas, said he did attacks on students’ rights The ToFI was approved not issue permit to APO to conduct such as constricting of during the Board of Regents oblation run, and even called the UPF academic freedom. meeting on Dec. 15, 2006, to stop it not because of the nonClair Galbo, BS simultaneous with the lantern recognition of the APO fraternity. Chemistry ’07, stated that parade that year. “Hindi dapat i-tolerate ang “Isang malaking tagumpay students still struggle with pagiging hubo na tumatakbo sa the ToFI. She said even ang makapagpadala ng mga campus because it defies the rules of with the Socialized Tuition mag-aaral mula sa UPLB, na conduct,” Cuevas reasoned. maipahayag nila ang kanilang and Financial Assistance However, Chancellor Luis Rey Program, students who Velasco, who told the Perspective that he mga saloobin sa Lantern was at the Oblation grounds to watch come from lower income Parade. Karapatan ng mga the oblation run, said such activities can mag-aaral na makilahok families still have a hard be permitted as long as the participants time paying for the fees. [P] sa mga isyu,” University

Naked runners bear campus, nat’l issues Katrina Elauria

the Social Science wing at the College of Arts and Sciences building where the Members of Alpha Phi Omega presence of the CSB brought threats to (APO) bore calls like Oust Gloria, the runners. Cha-Cha Ibasura, Defend OSR, Around 300 students shouted and Junk ToFI as they ran naked, “Defend Oblation Run!” as they linked holding placards, their bodies hands to protect the Oblation runners painted each with a letter depicting from being caught by the CSB and UPF. “Defend OSR,” at the Oblation run Khom, a member of APO Fraternity last Dec. 14. Eta Theta (Colegio de San Juan de This year’s Oblation Run was Letran) Chapter, who refused to give his held in cooperation with the University real name, said “ginawa namin (APO) Student Council (USC). ‘yun para sabihin ‘yung saloobin namin Unlike last year, where the sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran. University Police Force (UPF) tried to Nakagugulat lang kasi UP ‘to, considered halt the oblation run, this year’s run na malayang campus, dito pa nangyayari was carried out without any intrusion yung opresyon ng mga estudyante.” from the Community Security Brigade USC Chairperson Charisse (CSB) and UPF that were deployed Bernadine Bañez said they did not push around the oblation grounds. on requesting for an activity permit since Meanwhile, half of the APO the Oblation Run is a form of protest. participants who were supposed to “Ang ‘di pagrecognize sa APO ay carry the call against Tuition and other ‘di makakapigil sa APO ng malayang Fees Increase (ToFI) were cornered by pa[agpapa]hayag,” Bañez said. the CSB at the male comfort room of “Dapat talaga nating bigyan ng are not violating any law. [P]

“Nasaan...? FROM PAGE 2

to attend the convocation based on the scheduled time per college. Shahana Abdulwahid, current Student Regent will attend the convocation to help make clear to students the importance of the OSR and the upcoming referendum. “Mahalaga ang Student Regent dahil siya ‘yung nagiging boses ng mga estudyante tungkol sa totoong kinakaharap nila, ano ‘yung kailangan nila at ano ‘yung mga bagay na dapat tugunan talaga ng Board of Regents at UP Administration,” stressed Convocation with the SR University-wide convocation was Odraude Alub, USC councilor and Referendum Officer for UPLB. held on Jan. 15 at the D.L. Umali Painting streets with our rights Auditorium. To ensure maximum The College of Forestry and Natural Resources Student Council student attendance, Chancellor Luis Never without Oble The culmination part of the (CFNR-SC), in line with the campaign, Rey Velasco approved the OSR’s campaign is the Defend OSR request, in coordination with UPLB also sponsored a street painting student councils, to postpone classes concert set on Jan. 22 to be held contest titled “Gubat Patampukin, at the UPLB Oblation Grounds. at the time students are supposed Kulayan Natin” with the theme a three-week campaign period for the remainder of January devoted to the Defend OSR campaign. Information dissemination will take the form of intensified room-to-room announcements and discussions with organizations, as well as dormitory hops and manifesto signing. Also, an alliance of UP units called Defend OSR Systemwide Alliance, which aims to defend students’ basic right to representation, was formed and even has its counterpart in UPLB, tagged as Defend OSR Alliance-UPLB.

“Ipaglaban ang Demokratikong Karapatan: Ipagtanggol ang Opisina ng Rehente ng Mag-aaral”. Nine organizations participated in the event held Jan. 10 in front of the Forestry Science Building. Pura Beatrice Valle, CFNR-SC Chairperson said campaigning for the OSR through street painting assures that the contestants would be interested to learn about the referendum even before starting to do their works of art on the streets.

Defend Student Representation! Defend

Student Rights!

Defend the Office of the Student Regent! VOTE YES FOR THE CRSRS

REFERENDUM!

January 26-31, 2009 During the series of consultations conducted by the USC, most of the organizations present manifested interest to participate in the activities. Performers are expected to showcase their talents through presentations depicting the history of the OSR, the events prior to its establishment and its importance to us.

caught Madel’s attention at the time more than it should have, because of the message that it wants to relay to viewers like her. In her opinion, it shows quite a bit of pessimism that has no need to come to reality. That is why come Jan. 26-31, she will vote yes to referendum and yes to student representation. [P]

After Change The YouTube video has

*name witheld upon respondent’s request

GRAPHICS

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

CAMPUS

FORUM

kwadrado

taurus

5

Anong gusto mong maging New year’s Resolution ni PGMA?

“PGMA has been and is still, if not the most, controversial political leader the Philippines ever had. If I were PGMA, what I would write in my New Year’s resolution is: I will extend the economic growth to the poor population, hand the poor children financially favorable, quality education instead of the administration bragging about economic growth when the social growth is hardly felt by the less alleviated population.” -Daphne Taiño, BS Economics ‘08 “Sana i-try ni PGMA maging tunay na pangulo: no corruption, no bias, just true and clean public service.” -Vispo, BS Forestry ‘07 “Hindi na ako sasayaw ng ChaCha. Maganda na sigurong New Year’s resolution ‘yun para kay GMA.” -Mab, BS Development Communication ‘08 “Maybe try niyang mag-immersion for like a month with the less fortunate or deny na Katoliko siya kasi kahit na she believes in God, she’s a disgrace.” -Hazel Marice Chua, BS Biology ‘06

Yakapin ang unang babaeng makakasalubong. Siya ang tunay mong ina. Alamin ang iyong kapalaran--Toroscope.

OO. PAPARATING NA. [d]

“Maging sincere siya sa mga binibitawan niyang salita. She has more than enough na nakuha sa bansa natin, huwag na niyang dagdagan.” -Aletheia Canubas, Instructor 2, College of Development Communication “Siguro stop na siya sa pagiging corrupt. Magcomply siya sa mga naging promises niya, lalo na ‘yung tungkol doon sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya. Basta ‘wag na lang siyang tatakbo sa 2010.” -09062444***

ni Chino carlo aricaya

Ano ang inaasahan mo sa Centennial February Fair? “Anong inaasahan ko sa Centennial Feb Fair? ‘Yung walang exam sa week na ‘yun para mas enjoy at sana mas maraming booth sa Freedom Park.” -Emz, Pre-Veterinary Medicine “Isang gabi na puno ng fireworks. ‘Yung tipong maganda pa sa fireworks noong Loyalty Day. At may celebrities na UP alumni.” -Lui “More fun and games. Booths na mag-eenjoy ang mga tao, the college level. Parang nagiging tiangge at foodstreet ang Freedon Park kapag puro pagkain at damit ang nakatambad sa iyo [which is] not so Feb Fair-y.” -Ericka Jane Hidalgo, BS Chemistry ‘07 “Sana magkaroon ng concert sa Feb Fair. ‘Yung mga sikat na banda.” -Laysa Salonga, BS Development Communication ‘08

Bakit kaya kapag Oblation Run, mas mabilis pa sa alas kwatro kung dumagsa ang mga tao sa Humanities, pero pagdating sa iba pang isyung nangangailangan ng partisipasyon ng mga estudyante, tumulay na sa miswang luto’t lahat ang mga lider-estudyante, kebs pa rin ang karamihan?

Opinyon

1.

Ano ang masasabi mo sa nagaganap na digmaan sa pagitan ng Israel at Hamas Militants?

ang paborito mong parte mo’y mahalaga. 2.Ano ng Perspective (News, Features, Mag-text sa 09174192496/09295085076

Culture, Graphics, Opinion) at bakit?

“Maging buhay na buhay ang buong Freedom Park. Magkaroon ng fireworks display at maraming pumunta at tumugtog na mga banda. Siyempre hindi dapat mawala ang mga activities na dapat ay mas astig at mas makabuluhan, na patungkol sa tunay na kahulugan ng sentenaryo ng UPLB.” -Jessa Mae Loresto, BS Chemical Engineering ‘07 “I expect the same flow of events this coming Centennial Feb Fair. Thirty minutes fireworks maybe, and more fruitful gimmicks.” -Rhyce Bayeta, BS Development Communication ‘05 “Madaming banda, super bonggang fireworks, maraming events, at sana may magandang Feb Fair shirt! Basta maganda, ‘yung parang sa Diliman.” -Princess Reyes, BS Chemical Engineering ‘07

6-7

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

Tilamsik ng PuTik

Walong Tala ng Pakikis

Getting Undressed

Arjay Garcia

I discovered an unorthodox way of getting naked. Being starkly bare in this high time when the university enjoys wearing skimpy amount of budget, tolerating sectoral interests in two-piece, maintaining intricatelylaced paternalistic teaching and accepting poorly-woven educational wardrobe. Being unclothed from conventional way of student life: waking up in a weekday morning; dozing over breakfast; donning hand-washed jeans, shirts, and slippers; sitting coolly or sweating profusely whenever called to recite in class; munching quickly the almost unaffordable lunch, wandering or otherwise during vacant hours; jumping over different reveries; spending the night with too little food but too much drinks; leaving the day unconscious and unproductive. Bold enough in exposing my skin to scorching heat of farm sun. Removing the protective threads and tender of socks and shoes to bare my feet to the mud and disregarded peasant conditions. To fold up the jeans that covers and bars my legs away from walking the grueling walks of marginalized life. Uncapping my head off of bountiful living and mere scholastic endeavor to understand how farm workers grow food but scarcely eat. Because for all I realized, theories and concepts learned in school dressed us in turtle-neck, which disabled our heads from observing and inquiring about the environment. They eye-glassed us into a fixed path that consequently dims other unexplored terrains and experiences. Every prejudice we got head-geared us with the illusion of prevalent system, which altogether clothed to us the illusion of glamour and grandiose straightjacket-like. We are ribboned tight not to sway, ear-phoned us not to hear, mouth-braced us not to speak and handcuffed us not to move. This time I am undressing myself from these trite and conventional habits of thinking and doing things. I am wearing off all the unnecessary beads of dogma and sequins of assumptions. I am shoving away my actions without reflections, and contemplations without feats. Under the warmth of those unwanted and forgotten, with only authentic will to learn and understand put on, I am ready to undress all over again. [P]

Pagsabay sa Daluyong

Nagkakaroon ng panibagong kahulugan ang Lagi’t laging sinasabi ng mga tao na “mas maram mga miyembro ng Perspective nang sila ay nags pakikisalamuha sa mga magsasaka, naikintal sa lulubog ang iba pang mga Iskolar ng Bayan sa p

Flight of Innocence

Christian Ray Buendia An untidy, snot-nosed child of about three comes up to me in the open lean-to. His mother, Aling Nenita*, wipes his face of the grimy, viscous liquid and hikes up his sagging shorts. Distracted by the child’s sudden arrival, I was not able to catch his name when Aling Nenita called him, but it must be Gerald* or something. Gerald runs off to play with someone who I assume is his brother after refusing to let me carry him in my arms. He runs to and fro for a while, but a moment later he disappears with his brother. Aling Nenita has been shifty-eyed during the interview and gives curt answers to probing questions like, “Ano pong naging reaksiyon ninyo noong dumating ang mga militar?” She is also shifty-eyed now as she relates,”’Yung mga bata [noon] takot, alas sais pa lang nasa loob

na ng bahay. Dati-rati alas diyes nasa labas pa sila, naglalaro. Pero ngayon okay na, balik na sa normal.” After finishing with the interviews, with gray mud clinging to our feet and pants, we run into Gerald and his brother again. He looks at us with rapt attention, as if wary, but there is something else in his eyes. It was a terrified look. “Kumusta,” I say as I approach him. He shrinks back and hides behind his brother. I try to come near him once more, to reassure him by stroking his forehead perhaps, but he shrieks and cries as if he wants to tear his lungs out. I move closer again, but to no avail. His brother is whispering something to him. Curious, I run to them and try to discern the words amid the rustic noises of the rice fields. I make the words out and a black veil closes in on my heart: “Ayan na ang mga militar.” [P]

Dalawampung Taon

pinapahalagahan dahil sa umpisa naman ay hiram lamang ang mga ito, at kahit anong oras “Magsusunud-sunuran. Ganito na nga ay maaring bawiin. Mariin itong naitatak sa kanya kami kaliit, kung hindi pa kami susunod, saan na parang natural na ito sa kanyang sistema, kasing nalang kami pupulutin,” marahan niyang natural na ng paghinga. Mahigit dalawampung taon sinabi habang nakangiti, bakas sa kanyang na ang mag-anak niya sa lugar na iyon, doon na boses ang kalungkutan. Sa kabila nito, lumaki ang kanyang mga anak. Nakailang palit na maaliwalas pa rin ang kanyang mukha sa siya ng among pinagsisilbihan, nakailang palit na rin likod ng mga linyang tanda ng katandaan at siya ng lupang pinag-aalayan ng pawis at pagod, balat na babad sa araw. Nakita ko sa kanya pero magpasahanggang ngayon, wala pa rin siyang ang imahe ng isang mapagmahal na ina at maituring na sariling yaman. agad ko siyang nakapalagayan ng loob. Ang pagtatrabaho sa bukid na umalipin sa Katahimikan ang bumalot sa payak na kanya sa loob ng mahabang panahon ay isa sa tahanan. Sa totoo, nabigla ako noong sabihin mga bagay na ngayon, labag man sa kanyang niyang aalis sila nang walang pag-aalinlangan kalooban, ay naipamana na rin niya sa kanyang anumang oras palayasin sila ng gobyernong panganay na anak. Ang buhay ng kanyang tunay na nagmamayari ng lupang kanilang pamilya ay dumadaloy sa palayang iyon pero pinagsasakahan. ‘Yun daw ang dahilan kung bakit handa siyang isuko ito nang walang kalabanhindi na nila naisip na ipasemento pa ang kanilang laban. Alam niyang ang lahat ng kanyang bahay; gigibain din naman daw iyon balang araw. naipundar sa loob ng dalawampung taon ay Napaisip ako, posible pala para sa isang tao na inutang at lahat ng maipupundar pa niya sa makasanayan na ang pagiging mababa, ang loob ng susunod na dalawampu pang taon ay kawalang karapatan niya sa kung anumang pambayad utang pa rin. [P]

Chino Carlo Aricaya

Nabanggit niya, sa gobyerno ang lupang kinatitirikan ng bahay nila at may dalawampung taon na sila doon. “Paano po kung paalisin kayo dito?” nagtanong ako ulit. May dalawang kilometrong paglalakad sa pilapil at “Aalis kami at hahanap ng ibang matitirahan dahil hindi tubigan ang dapat tahakin para mabisita at makausap ang naman amin ‘tong lupa,” hindi ko inasahan ngunit ito ang sagot mga manggagawang-bukid tulad ni Aling Juanita*. Siya at ni Aling Juanita sa huli kong tanong. ang kanyang asawa ay mga manggagawang-bukid- kumikita Hindi lahat ng tao ay handang ipaglaban ang kung ano mang ng arawan, “abutan” ang sweldo. Sa panahon ng taniman at gusto at mas kailangan nila- ito ang realidad. May mga tao ring anihan kumikita ang bawat isa sa kanila ng P 250 kada araw susunod na lang sa agos ng buhay. Magpapadala sa kung ano ang na pinagsasapat nila para iraos ang pamilyang binubuo ng sabihin ng sa tingin nila ay mas may kakayanan sa kanila, susunod sa pitong miyembro. ipinapagawa ng mga taong pinaniniwalaan nilang tama. Naging maganda naman ang daloy ng usapan at Noong una ay naawa ako sa kanya dahil ganoon ang habang tumatagal ay mas nagiging kumportable siya sa kanyang paniniwala pero napagtanto ko na mas mabuti na pagkukuwento. pala ang ganoon. Napakasimple ng buhay para sa kanya, puro Naantala ang usapan namin nang napatingin kami sa ngayon lang ang iniisip, walang oras para isipin ang hinaharap, ubod ng saging na tinatawag nilang “plorisen” na inihahanda walang oras dahil ang mga oras na masasayang para mag-isip ni Mang Carlos*, kanyang asawa. ay ginugugol niya sa pagtatrabaho para sa kanyang pamilya. “Saan niyo po kinukuha yang plorisen?” natanong ko sa Natapos ang aming pakikipagkwentuhan nang dumating kanya. ang aming sundo. Padilim na at may dalawang kilometro pa ulit “D’yan lang sa tabi-tabi.” tugon niya. kaming lalakarin at dalawang sakay pauwi. [P]

Nikko Angelo Oribiana

FEATURES

g mga palasak na kataga kapag sinasabayan ng praktika o mismong paglubog sa proseso ng pag-alam. ming matututunan kapag lumabas sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan,” at ito ang piniling patotohanan ng sagawa ng Basic Masses Integration sa mga pisante ng Pagsanjan, Laguna. Pagkatapos ng isang araw na a kaisipan ng bawat isa ang iba’t ibang aral mula sa pagdanas ng karalitaan at ang kahilingan na, tulad nila, putik na malaon nang tumalsik-kumapit sa kanilang mga paa at pantalon. Pantawid Gutom

punuin ang isang litro na bote ng C2, pano pa kaya ang isang balde na may tatlong dangkal ang taas at halos dalawang dangkal ang lapad? Manggagawang bukid sila, sinasaka Ang kuhol na hindi pansin ng mga ang lupang ni isang paso ay hindi nila pagpangkaraniwang tao sa lipunan ang siyang aari kapalit ng humigit kumulang P 220 kada nagsisilbing daan upang may pantawid gutom araw. Kung hindi naman daw panahon ng sakahan ay nangunguha sila ng mga kuhol na ang mga kagaya nila. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung paano nila napagkakasya ang kinikita nila para pumipeste sa mga tanim na palay. Tinanong ko sila kung paano ang kalakaran sa anim na miyembro ng kanilang pamilya. Ang sabi nila, may mga tanim silang gulay sa bakuran doon. Sabi nila, binibigyan sila ng halagang P 60 o kaya naman ay nanghihingi sila sa kapitbahay. kada balde ng kuhol na kung ibabatay natin sa Maituturing na sigurong simbolo ng kahirapan ating mga gastos ay isang kainan lang sa Elbi at kayamanan ng pamilya nila ang mga kuhol Square. Kung isang buong araw naman ang na iyon. Hirap dahil sa dinaranas nila para lang pangunguha nila ng kuhol, nakakakuha sila ng kumita at yaman naman kapag nakuha na nila P 200. Kung may ‘di inaasahang pagkakataon ang kapalit na salapi na magagamit nila upang naman at sa kamalasan ay may nangyaring mairaos ang isang araw. Ito ang pagsalamin sa masama sa kanila, wala silang kahit ano mang tunay na kalagayan ng mga masang dumaranas benipisyo na matatanggap kundi perwisyo pa dahil hindi sila makakapasok sa trabaho. Napaisip na kahirapan; hirap na ang kasabay ng pagtapak na lang ako kung gaano katagal nila kinokolekta ng kanilang mga paa sa putikan at pagharap sa tindi ng sikat ng araw ay ang pagharap sa ang mga kuhol na iyon dahil noong naglalakad katotohanan na hindi ito matutumbasan ng kahit kami sa tubigan na lampas hita ang putik ay na magkanong halaga. [P] sinubukan namin ito. Nahirapan na kaming

Beverly Christcel Laguartilla

Ano ang Sukli sa Bawat Tanong?

impormasyon ng aking mga magulang. Naririnig ko ang mga katotohanang nagdadala ng kurot sa aking puso. Kung maaari lamang, gusto ko Nandito na naman sila. Bitbit ang kanilang nang tapusin ang kanilang kuwentuhan dahil ang mga notebook at tape recorder, nagbabahaybahay sila para alamin ang aming kalagayan. Suot bawat sagot ng aking mga magulang ay hampas sa pagkatao kong lalo pang lumubog kasama ang kanilang mga ngiti at mga tsinelas na tulad ang pagtingin sa aking sarili at lalung-lalo na sa ng amin, dala raw nila ang kanilang hangarin na aming buhay. tumulong sa pamamagitan ng kanilang panulat. Sa kalahating araw ng kanilang Lumabas kami sa aming kubo upang makipagkuwentuhan sa kanila. Tatlo silang umupo paghuhuntahan, hindi ko maisip kung paano nila kami matutulungan. Dama ko sa tabi namin – ang dalawa’y nagtatanong sa ang kanilang pakikisimpatya, ngunit ito ang aming kalagayan at ang isa ay nagsusulat. isang bagay na sa tinagal-tagal ko nang Nag-uunahan ang kanilang mga tanong nararamdaman ay alam ko na ngayong hindi mula sa aming araw-araw na pamumuhay ko kailangan. Siguro kung ang bawat tanong hanggang sa mga problemang aming kinakaharap. Halos memoryado na ng aking ama’t nila ay nakakain, nabusog na sana kami. Matagal na kaming nabubuhay sa isang ina ang kanilang mga isasagot dahil hindi lang tahanang ang mismong pundasyon ay alinlangan. naman ito ang unang pagkakataong may mga Ultimo ang lupang kinatitirikan ng aming bahay ay pumasyal sa aming lugar upang “mangamusta”. walang kasiguraduhan kung ito’y kagigisnan pa rin Mangilan-ngilang mga pangkat na rin ang namin kinabukasan. Halos labingpitong taon na rin pumunta sa amin upang kami ay “kamustahin”. akong nabubuhay sa ganitong kalagayan. Hindi Minsan, hindi ko na alam kung matutuwa ako o lalong maaawa sa aming kalagayan. Pakiramdam malayo sa aking maramdaman ang kaparehong pag-aalinlangan para sa mga dayuhang ito. ko, dala nila ang salaming nagpapakita sa Hanggang saan nga ba ang mararating ng amin kung ano ang katayuan namin sa lipunan. kanilang mga tanong at simpatya? [P] Tila sampal sa akin ang mga pinakawalang

Jonelle Marin

In Between Promises and Lies

Faith Allyson Buenacosa

Many welcome adulthood in expensive hotel ballrooms wearing designer dresses, feasting on gourmet food while counting various things to 18 (if that makes any sense at all). The celebration seems to signify the bright future in store for that person, as if turning 18 is the passport to all things wonderful and to so many good things ahead. Spending a supposedly grand celebration on a rice field may not signify a bright future but it surely brought me closer to what people call the “real world”(although I do not believe there is such a world). *** The travel consisted of a two-hour jeepney ride and a two-kilometer walk on uneven, muddy land. It wasn’t easy especially for me who occasionally trips on even, concrete roads. Despite the exhaustion and the fact that half of my clothing is covered with mud, my excitement to meet and talk to the farmers didn’t wear off. My teammates (since we were divided into teams of three) and I found ourselves in a house made by a combination of trapal and concrete.

Hanggang sa Muling Pagsasalo

Aletheia Grace del Rosario

Dahil sa pagkaligaw namin, nahuli kami ng dalawang oras sa usapan. Tanghali na nang makarating kami sa kubong aming pagpapahingahan. Simple lamang ang pamumuhay doon. Iniigib ang tubig sa isang malalim na hukay sa lupa at nagluluto gamit ang panggatong. Sa gabi, lampara ang nagsisilbing ilaw ng maliit na kubo. Para makabawi sa mga naninirahan sa kubo, nagluto kami para sa aming lahat. Bago maluto ang pagkain, sinikap naming makipag-usap sa mga nakatira sa kubo. Sa balkonahe, nakipagkwentuhan kami kay Tatang Lito*, isang magsasaka at caretaker ng bahay ng among pansamantalang nasa ibang bansa. Sunog sa araw ang kanyang balat. Hindi niya na maimulat ang talukap ng kanyang kaliwang mata--isang deperensiyang nakuha niya noong militar pa siya. Ibinahagi niya ang tangkang pag-angkin sa lupa nila. Sa ilang beses na pag-de-demolish ay makailang beses rin silang lumaban, ngunit bugbog ang inaabot nila. Masayang kausap si Tatang. Ngunit nakakabagabag na siya lang ang kumausap sa amin nang matagal. Tipid sumagot ang ibang nakatira doon. Maya-maya pa ay nagsalu-salo na kami sa inihandang tanghalian. Nang pinili ng mga nasa kubo na hindi sumabay sa amin at kumain na lamang sa balkonahe, nag-ibayo ang aking pagkabahala. Kahit pareho lang ang kinakain namin sa oras na iyon, isang hindi-matibag na pader ang pumapagitan sa amin at sa kanila. Nahuli ako sa pagkain. Inubos ko ang bundok ng kanin na nasa harap ko. Marahil, ninamnam ko ang pagkain sa dahon ng saging sa kubong pinupuno ng preskong hangin kaya ako natagalan. Ang pakikipamuhay naming iyon sa mga magsasaka ay isang aktibidad na naglalayong maintindihan namin ang pamumuhay ng isang komunidad. Gaano man namin danasin ang isang araw ng pamumuhay ng mga magsasaka roon, hindi nawawala ang pader na naghihiwalay sa aming labis na magkaibang uri ng pamumuhay. Bilang mga Iskolar ng Bayan at mga magsasaka, ipinamuhay namin ang buhay na nararapat sa papel naming ito. Ang uring ito ng aming pamumuhay ay isa ng marka sa amin na kung mawawala ay guguhit ng patlang sa aming pagkatao. Sa aming pag-alis para makipanayam sa kalapit na barangay, hindi ko maiwasang manghinayang. Sayang ang pagkakataong maintindihan ko ng lubusan ang mga tao sa kubo na iyon. Babalik ako roon. Babalik ako dahil kailangan kong basagin ang matibay na pader na nilikha ng lipunan na naghihiwalay sa amin. Kailangan ko silang maabot. Gusto ko silang maunawaan - lalo na ang kanilang pakikipaglaban para sa kapirasong lupa. [P]

The couple that owned the house were accomodating enough to keep the conversation flowing. I learned that they used to work in Saudi Arabia; that they once owned a tubigan but didn’t have the means and skills to maintain it; that they are trying so hard to send their boy to college; that they are ready to move out of their shack anytime the government tells them so; that they are contented in life despite the lack of financial stability and luxuries that capitalism offers; that they do not see, in anyway, that they are being deprived or abused by the government that refuses to give them the land where their shacks had stood for two decades now and surrounds them with military men for fear of rebellion. It amazes me how these people can easily forget the real world’s promise of a better future and the way they live their lives as if they do not deserve the favors the government has given them. I could not imagine how these people sleep at night haunted by fear of being demolished anytime. The “real world’s” promises that I received when I turned 18 were merely lies. The “real world” does not compromise designer dresses and gourmet food. It is filled with people who make do with what is available and barely have the courage to ask for more. [P] * Not their real names

Photos and Layout : Salvatorre de Vince Olano

salamuha sa mga Magsasaka ng Pagsanjan

8

CULTURE

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

H

ailed as a “full-blown pop WORDS Faith Allyson Buenacosa | LAYOUT Aletheia Grace del Rosario |PHOTOS IMDB filled with heroin just like me? No. culture phenomenon” by Not a drugstore. A warehouse the Los Angeles Times, full of it, perhaps?” I replied the Twilight Saga written by almost too abruptly, enraged Stephenie Meyer earned wide by the idea of branding, of readership from the young adult being one of the choices. My fan base. The Twilight Saga that consists of four books (Twilight, mind is flooded by pictures New Moon, Eclipse and of other women with other Breaking Dawn) stayed in scents, other bodies, other international bestseller lists faces — other brands of for weeks. heroin. Despite reviews saying He smiled his apologetic that the Twilight Saga is so smile. I shrugged and much like J.K. Rowling’s waited for further Harry Potter Series, the explanations. (Page 138, former captures the scene at the forest)* female fan base specifically. With Edward gives Bella this, it would be orders and obliges interesting to see her to follow the kind of female his instructions constructs created because he in the series, knows better. zooming in on the When James, character Isabella “Bella” Swan. another vampire, hunted Bella This piece would attempt to (another one of her near-death reimagine Twilight, the first book experiences) by the end of the book, on the saga, in such a way that the Edward gave her exact instructions female protagonist, Bella is less to follow. She dared to make a plan dependent on the male protagonist, of her own but failed miserably when Edward Cullen. In preparation she executed it. This shows that in to that, it would be helpful and Meyer’s created setting, Bella would appropriate to first (re)introduce to always fail because she’s human and the reader Bella and Edward’s roles she would need a male vampire lover in the first installment. to save her. But what if the vampire Bella is a seventeen-year-old is a second too late? high school girl who moved from “Oh no, Bella, no!” the angel’s the hot and dry state of Arizona voice cried in horror. “But it just seems logical… a man and woman have to be to the rain-drenched town of Behind that longed-for sound Forks, Washington. She is pale somewhat equal… as in, one of them can’t always be was another noise — an awful and thin as if she can get sick tumult that my mind shied away swooping in and saving the other one. They have to save anytime. She is clumsy and selffrom. A vicious bass growling, conscious like every teenager. Her each other equally.” a shocking snapping sound, seemingly uneventful transfer to and a high keening, suddenly Forks completely changed her life breaking off… when she met Edward Cullen, the I tried to concentrate on the rich, mysterious and stunning the boisterous noise they’d been man has greater control over the angel’s voice instead. seventeen-year old who turned making earlier, and it didn’t sound woman. This patriarchal setup is “Bella, please! Bella, listen out to be a vampire. like they were speeding up, or very common across cultures. That to me, please, please, Bella, getting any closer to me. I am is why such setup is seen as normal please!” he begged. In Twilight, Bella was trying to rack my brains for ways or correct. Yes, I wanted to say. constantly in trouble. If to fight them in case they come What is appalling about the Anything. But I couldn’t find she isn’t getting dizzy closer and try to assault me. I felt Bella-Edward relationship is the way my lips. I knew it was over. from smelling blood, she is inside my purse. There it is--the cold Edward controls Bella’s actions and This is the end. The numbness almost crushed by a van, chased metal bottle of pepper spray. Mom decisions, making situations seem was gone and I felt all the by thugs in a dark alley or hunted said this would come-in handy like the female protagonist has no pain, the wounds, the bruises. by a vampire that desperately someday. Despite the panic, I was choice but to give in to his orders all I silently let out a deafening wants to suck the blood out of trying hard to remember the self- in the name of love. It is also notable scream and then almost too her. defense moves I saw in TV. Breathe, how Bella is always “dazzled” by suddenly, I was gone. (Page The concept of damsels in I reminded myself. I turned around. Edward’s appearance implying 234, James and Bella at the distress was popularized in the The next thing I knew, I was dispensing how the man is being seen in ballet studio)* Middle Ages with the rise of fairy pepper spray in the men’s faces, this narrative. Bella is projected tales where the princesses who swinging my other arm around and as Edward’s object of desire or It would be easier to reimagine are locked up in towers are saved readying my legs for running. (Page possession rather than a partner Twilight in the comforts of reality by their knights in shining armor. 80, Bella chased in a dark alley)* or companion. where women, young and old, In Twilight, Bella is definitely a “So what you’re saying is, I’m need not to be constantly saved damsel in distress. The fact is that Much of Twilight’s narrative your brand of heroin?” I teased, from near-death experiences. in every fatal situation she faces revolves around Bella trying to lighten the mood. If Twilight sticks and promotes in the narrative, Edward is always and Edward’s romantic He smiled swiftly, seeming to to the traditional gender roles there to save her. Things would relationship. Even though appreciate my effort. “Yes, you where women are seen as weak have turned out differently if Bella the two is an odd pair (since Edward are exactly my brand of heroin.” and helpless and men are seen has the sense of self-preservation is a vampire), it is surprising to see “A brand, meaning there are as strong, it would defeat the that she didn’t have. how close to normalcy this supposed other brands, too?” I asked trying logic quoted at the middle of I listened to the men’s quiet odd relationship is. The female and to get a clearer image. this piece. [P] footsteps, which were much male roles played by these lovers “Yes, there are a lot out there.” too quiet when compared with are defined in such a way that the “You mean there are drugstores *pagination based on the Twilight e-book

3

1

2

CULTURE

UPLB Perspective

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

KWENTONG FRESHIE Confessions of an Animé addict *Tegoshi love ice cream Bawat tao ay may kaniyakaniyang hilig. Hindi maiiwasang magkaiba ang pananaw mo sa iba. Hindi mo rin maiiwasan kung ang kinahihiligan mong bagay ay hindi sakto sa panlasa ng ibang tao. Pero, hindi man ito magustuhan ng iba, mabansagan ka man na baduy ng karamihan, patuloy mo pa rin itong magugustuhan dahil ito ang tanging bagay na nagpapasaya sa iyo. “Matanda ka na, puro cartoons pa rin ang pinapanood mo.” Ito ang laging sinasabi sa akin ng nanay ko tuwing umuuwi ako sa bahay mula sa Los Baños at ang panonood ng animé ang unang inaatupag ko. Matagal na akong mahilig sa animé. Mula pagkabata hanggang pagtungtong ng kolehiyo, animé pa rin ang pinanunuod ko. Kaya naman madalas na hindi ako maintindihan ng mga kaibigan ko at madalas matawag na isip-bata. Halos buong bakasyon bago ako pumasok sa UPLB ay panunood at pagguhit ng animé ang tanging ginagawa ko. Mula umaga hanggang gabi. Ngunit kailangan ko itong isuko nang piliin kong mag-aral sa UPLB. Alam kong hindi ko na masusubaybayan ang paborito kong animé dahil wala namang cable at telebisyon sa dormitoryong tutuluyan ko. Sa totoo lang, mas pinoproblema ko pa ang animé kaysa sa mga kakaharapin ko sa pagpasok sa UP. *** Hindi ganoon karami ang mga naging kaibigan ko nang magsimula

a pagdiriwang ng sentenaryo ng UP, magbalik-tanaw tayo sa mga karanasan nating mga nagiging bagong iskolar ng bayan --ang mga freshman. Ating halukayin ang mga natatagong kwentong nagpapatotoo sa samu’t-saring karanasan mula sa paghahanap ng TBA rooms, hanggang sa SU para sa diskwento sa matrikula.

Bago magsimula ang klase ko sa Eng 2, isang babae na naka-cosplay ng Echizen Ryouma, bida sa palabas na Prince of Tennis, ang dumaan sa tapat ng silid ko. Lahat ng mata ng mga tao ay nakatutok sa kanya at sinusundan ang kaniyang paglakad. Sa sobrang pagkamangha, hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko na sumigaw ng “Wow!” sa loob ng silid. Mabuti

*Sepia sky

Three stabs on the right chest. For all the Backseat Kiss should know, Sid squealed like a pig being butchered when I shoved a dagger through his lung. *** A light drizzle just started when I reach Sid’s pad. I turn the knob of his apartment door and whisper a curse as a red car just passed by. I tried the door again but it was locked. Sid revealed to the band once in an after-gig gimmick that he keeps a spare key in one of the potted plants. The beauty alcohol does to an individual - it yields even the futile little truths of his life.

S

ang aking unang semestre. Tanging ang mga dorm mates kong kapareho ang kinukuhang kurso ang nakakasama ko . Maliit lamang ang aking mundo. Siyempre, dahil New Freshman pa lang ako, madalang lang ang pakikipag-usap ko sa iba. Ngunit nais ko pa rin palakihin ang maliit kong mundo. Fourth year high school pa lamang ako, alam ko nang may organisasyon sa UPLB kung saan ako nababagay. Isang organisasyon kung saan nagsasama-sama ang mga animé enthusiasts tulad ko. Gusto ko silang makilala dahil kakaunti lamang ang mga kilala ko dito sa LB na mahilig din sa animé. Kahit alam kong ipinagbabawal ang pagsali ng mga freshman sa kahit anong organisasyon, desidido pa rin akong tumuloy at pumasok dito. Sa kasamaang palad, istrikto ang organisasyon kaya’t hindi tumatanggap ng mga “freshies”. Wala akong magawa. Kung iyon ang patakaran nila, handa naman akong sumunod at maghintay. ***

Requiem

9

On the stereo a girl was speaking. At first I thought Sid was talking with the voice in the radio, until I realized that he was actually requesting a song. It was rather peculiar, Sid listening to FM. *** “Okay, so what’s your request?” “Maskara by Eraserheads.” “Ooh, tragic. Why did you pick that song?” “It’s been a while since I heard it.” “So, Sid do you wanna give a shout-out to your friends listening?” “Yeah. Nightmares come, slow enough to forget rest but swift enough that one awakens only to be afraid.” *** Is Sid telling this for real? I can’t believe his crap any longer, just getting all sentimental for his fans again.

Not a second too soon I feed the key twisting to the tiny keyhole. The door clicks and I cautiously push it open for Sid’s angel of death, who will bring Sid bids farewell to the girl, hangs up and places him his long-awaited salvation. the bottle on the stereo. He adjusts the volume full blast and the bashing noise of Raimund Marasigan The apartment was dimly lit and I could only make combines with the harsh patter of rain to drown the out the silhouette of Sid seated in his living room. He ambience of the room. didn’t notice me as he was talking on the phone, a bottle of beer held in one hand. “Kung may problema ka…” Ely Buendia starts. Sid is singing along, and I hear him tapping on a nearby table. I could hear Sid’s voice resonating within the room. Sid seems completely engrossed with the music.

na lang at wala pa ang prof namin nang mga oras na iyon. Mas lalong tumindi ang pagnanais kong sumali sa organisasyong iyon. Hindi na lang animé ang tanging sinusubaybayan ko simula noong araw na iyon, kundi pati ang mga kaganapan ng organisasyong nais kong salihan. Orientation, film showing at convention, lahat ng activities nila ay pinuntahan ko. Ang organisasyon na iyon ay ang nagsilbing animé para sa akin. Isang palabas na hindi ko kakayaning hindi mapanood. Tulad ng nararamdaman ko sa panonood ng animé, masaya ako kapag sumasali sa mga programa nila. Parang pumapasok ako mismo sa mundo ng animé. Kahit papaano, pinuno ng organisasyong iyon ang mga oras na hindi ako nakakapanuod ng animé. Minsan naisip ko, bakit ko ba gustong sumali sa organisasyong iyon? Wala akong maisip na dahilan. Gusto kong sumali dahil gusto ko. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na nakakita ako ng isang organisasyon na hindi ako lalaitin o tatawaging isip-bata dahil sa hilig ko. Isang organisasyon na maiintindihan kung bakit ako mahilig sa animé. Matapos ang anim na buwan, una kong naranasang mag-cosplay sa LB. Isa ito sa mga pinapangarap

kong gawin noong high school pa lamang. Kasama ang mga kaibigan ko, lumabas ako ng dormitoryo na suot ang Akazukin Chacha costume ko. Kahit hindi pa ako bahagi ng organisasyon, sinubukan kong mag-cosplay. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iisipin ng mga miyembro o ng ibang tao kapag nakita nila akong naglalakad sa campus nang naka-costume. Kaya naman hindi ko maiwasang yumuko sa tuwing nakakasalubong ko ang mga tao. Kahit na tinawag ako ng mga taong “Amazonang nakapula” o “Darna”, tuloy pa rin ako sa paglalakad. Isang taon na ang lumipas nang makilala ko ang UP SOMA Soshiki. Ngayon, ako’y miyembro na rin ng organisasyong iyon. Hindi ko man lamang namalayan ang mabilis na paglipas ng taon. Naging bahagi na rin ako ng kwento ng organisasyon na matagal kong sinubaybayan, ang real-life animé ko habang nandito pa ako sa unibersidad. Masarap sa pakiramdam na makakilala ng mga taong kapareho mo ng hilig. Ang dating maliit kong mundo ay patuloy pa rin sa paglaki. Sino ba naman ang mag-aakalang ang animé ang magiging daan para maging masaya at makabuluhan ang buhay ko dito sa UPLB? [P]

We are now accepting contributions for

Kwentong Freshie.

Just send contributions to

[email protected]

or

hand carry them to Room 11, Student Union Building.

All contributions are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Please restrict the length of the contribution in between 600 to 800 words.

I sneak towards him while I gripped the dagger in my pocket - all the hatred and bitterness surge through my body. I had worked hard to be where I am now, and I can’t allow Sid to just steal away every spotlight. I can’t just let this little prick stop me from getting people to love me. As a kid I remember crying when Dad beat me up the night Mom killed herself. I remember the bruises. I remember that every time I was alone while Dad was drunk, I cut the head off pigeons in our backyard. The very same weapon I used to kill the creatures, I now have in my hand. Suddenly Sid turns to me, as if waking from a dream, startled by my presence. He recognizes me, and I smile the very instant I see his fear while I thrust my right arm towards his chest.

Sketchpad

“Takpan mo ang iyong mata, buong mundo’y mag-iiba…”

THREE. Sid barely moves now, his hair obscuring half of his face. The way he looks brings back memories. I see Sid banging his head, twirling and hitting his drumsticks, shouting “One! Two! Three!” I see Sid playing hide and seek shouting the same lines. I see Sid kissing Patricia. I see Sid sleeping in the van, embracing Megan. And I see Sid now, lying on his back, begging me to give his life back. His last words fail into stutters. Ely Buendia is still singing the third stanza of the song – the last song Sid will ever hear. Then Sid let out his final gasps. “Isang superhero, ‘di namamatay, ‘di namamatay…”

Sid’s eyes close. The deed is done. Killing the rival ONE. Sid howls as the pain pierces through his chest. is much, much easier than killing a friend. I draw back the dagger and Sid stumbles to the carpeted floor, crimson gushing out of his punctured All that is left is to make it look like someone else black T-shirt. Sid tries to get up, but I step on his belly. made this mess. And I know just the right person. [P] “Tuwing ako’y nangangamba ay nagwawala, naglalaro, nagpapanggap...” *While on a nine-hour trip leaving home, Sepia Sky TWO. Sid screams some more – a deafening scream, but God is on my side tonight, the skies mourn and silence his final minutes. The walls throb with the crash of drums beating like his struggling heart.

One thing’ s for sure, Sid didn’t kill himself. One question remains... who did?

had seen an accident where the motorcycle driver was already lying dead, face front on the highway and doused on a pool of red. Sometimes before sleeping, he wonders how death would come to him someday.

10 UPLB Perspective ISSUE 6 | VOLUME 35 |

OPINION

January 16, 2009

HODGEPODGE

Ilaw

Christian Ray Buendia

S

abay sa paglubog ng araw, inaabangan naming magkakapatid ang paglabas ng mga alitaptap kapag sinusundo namin si Nanay galing sa trabaho. Nasa mataas na paaralan pa lang ako at masukal at madilim ang dinaraanan namin noon. Nakabibighaning pagmasdan ang dahan-dahan at taas-baba nilang paglipad. Minsan nga, pinadadapo namin sila sa nakasahod naming mga palad; pagkatapos ay pinagmamasdan namin ang mukha ng bawat isa, gamit ang malamlam at mumunting mga liwanag bilang gabay. Ngayon, kapag umuuwi ako sa amin, hindi ko na nakikita ang mga alitaptap. Sementado na ang daan at tinirikan na ng subdivision ang bukid na dating nakapalibot sa bahay namin. Siguro natakot na sila sa ilaw mula sa mga bumbilya ng daandaan ngunit magkakamukhang bahay na nagpaalis sa kanila. ***

Para sa akin, maraming maaaring maging kahulugan ang mga ilaw. Sa gabi, kapag lumiliko ako sa kanto makalampas ng pinagandang Mariang Banga, una kong tinatanaw ang opisina ng Perspective. Kapag madilim, batid kong walang tao doon. Kapag bukas naman ang ilaw (at minsan may maririnig ding malakas na tugtog, madalas kanta ni Jason Mraz), pihadong may tao at pihadong magpupuyat na naman sila para tapusin ang dyaryong binabasa mo ngayon. Sa katunayan, tahimik kong nasa sa tuwing mapapagawi sa SU na makitang buhay ang ilaw sa opisina. Para akong gamugamo na hinihila ng liwanang na nagmumula doon. Sa palagay ko, pinapaalala ng ilaw ng

E

ver since Philo Taylor Farnsworth invented the plywood entertainment box we now call television in 1927, the world has never been the same. With its various uses as a form of communication and amusement, businesses have incorporated a great deal of programs and advertisements to improve it and maximize the influence brought about by TV. In the Philippines today, majority of the households own a TV set, and traditionally, it has already been part of a home. Even poverty and lack doesn’t stop some Filipino families from gathering around the neighbor’s TV just to watch primetime shows, and the advertisements that come along with them. These advertisements aim to convince the audience to purchase the goods and services of certain companies, sometimes through presenting a certain “need” that has to be satisfied – all before the eyes of the vulnerable public. One example of an advertisement that is sure to catch one’s attention is that of the alcoholic beverage Colt 45 whose tagline is, “Strong beer for real men.” Within these five short words, and only several seconds of airtime, there is already an immense message that advertisers mean for the audience to realize: “I am a strong man, and in order to prove it, I shall drink this beer!” This, however, undermines the

“

opisina ang patuloy na pagpapasikhay sa mithiing pagsilbihan ang mga estudyante at ang sambayanan. Noong ako’y freshman pa lamang, tinanong ako ng isang propesor kung sa tingin ko’y apathetic o walang pakialam ang mga estudyante sa samu’t saring isyu ng lipunan. Sabi ko, hindi. Sabi niya, mali ang sagot ko. Paano ko raw magagamot ang kanser ng lipunan kung ayaw kong kilalanin ang mga sintomas nito? Napaisip ako. Ngayon, tatlong taon na ang nakararaan, alam ko na ang sasabihin ko sa aking propesor kapag nakasalubong ko ulit siya: “Sir, hindi natitigil sa pagkilala ng sintomas ang pagpapagaling sa sakit ng lipunan. Ikaw mismo ang dapat mauna sa pagsasagawa ng masalimuot na operasyon – iturok ang pampangimay, putukin ang nana, hiwain ang laman, sagad, sagad hanggang buto – habang matindi pa ang liwanag sa operating theater.” *** Naisip ko, masarap na sigurong tumambay sa Mariang Banga, lalo na ngayong pinaaliwalas na ito ng nakasisilaw na ilaw at mga animo’y nakataob na bangang nakahilera sa gilid ng daan. Meron pa nga yatang naligaw na dalawang bangang nakataob, ‘yung nakaharang sa mismong gitna ng magkabilang dulo ng daan. Masarap na sanang tumambay doon, kung pati sana sa daan papuntang New Dorm o ‘di kaya’y patungong CEAT ay may lumitaw ding mga lamppost. Kahit hindi na kasing-ganda ng sa Mariang Banga, basta hindi na lang nakakatakot dumaan sa mga lugar na iyon kapag gabi dahil sa multo o fact that these ‘strong men’ are usually the ones walking drunk, with unattractive beer bellies and earning more liver diseases compared to ‘non-strong’ ones. There has already been a throng of advertisements appealing to ‘real, strong men’, such as the commercials on cigarettes, motorcycles, energy drinks, perfume, etc.--the list goes on for as long as they are able to sell products. Another element of advertising ‘products for real men’ are the beautiful barely-dressed women who throw themselves mindlessly into the users of the product. One example is the Axe deodorant commercial which effectively convinces the public that women would literally chase after them for their scent. Another example of ‘real men’ commercials are when a certain man turns a muscular guy literally into ashes via drinking beer. These types of advertisements not only affect the concept of ‘men’, but also the concept of ‘women’ which has oftentimes been used as prizes for product use. Most of the time, women are portrayed as accessories and objects that one may earn through enough grooming and engaging in ‘manly’ vices. There are sexual innuendos underneath

Seldom do

adverse psychological manipulation their

”

come with a

warning.

kaya sa magnanakaw. Tutal sabi ng UPLB administration, napababa nila ang crime rate sa campus. E ‘di huwag nang mangimi, itodo na. ***

“

Ayon kay Richard Dawkins, isang primyadong biologist, isang posibleng paliwanang kung bakit sinusunog ng mga gamu-gamo ang kanilang mga sarili sa ilaw ng kandila o lampara ay dahil sa ‘misfiring by-product’ ng isang gawaing may survival value, at hindi dahil gusto lang nilang magpakamatay. Dati umano, noong ang buwan at mga bituin pa lang ang pinakamaliliwanag na bagay sa gabi, ginagamit ng mga gamu-gamo ang liwanang ng mga ito upang maglakbay, dahil ang mga ito ay nasa optical infinity. Ibig sabihin, ang liwanag nila ay bumubuo ng parallel lines kapag tumama sa mata. Kapag naglalakbay sila, ang mga parallel lines na ito ang ginagamit nilang batayan (30 degrees mula sa mga linyang ito, halimbawa). Noong dumami na ang mga lamppost at mga kandila, akala siguro ng mga gamugamo ay liwanang ito ng buwan o ng mga bituin kaya ito ang sinusundan nila. Ang problema nga lang, ang mga bagay na ito ay wala sa optical infinity, at ang liwanag na nanggagaling sa kanila ay nagtatagpo sa isang punto, parang mga rayos ng gulong ng bisikleta. Kaya kapag ito ang ginamit nilang basehan sa kanilang paglalakbay (30 degrees mula sa mga linyang ito, halimbawa), ang magiging galaw nila ay papaining sa apoy ng kandila o lampara. Hindi kaya ang ilan sa mga polisiya ng unibersidad, tulad ng ekoturismo at pagtaas ng matrikula, ay mag-misfire din, at ang unibersidad ay maiiwan na lang na isang

gamu-gamong walang-malay na umiikot papunta sa kanyang kamatayan? *** Maaari ring maging indikasyon ng karangyaan ang mga ilaw. Kapag malamlam na liwanag ng kandila o ng lampara ang natatanaw mo, malamang barung-barong ang pupuntahan mo. Kapag kuntodo ilaw (‘yung ilaw na na talagang nakasisilaw), malamang ay mansyon o malaking bahay ang kasasadlakan mo. Pwede rin namang kandila ang tumatanglaw sa kwarto ng mayayaman, scented nga lang, at kadalasang may romansahang nagaganap doon. Isa pang halimbawa, kapag Pasko, tiyak na sukat ng yaman kung gaano kagaganda ang liwanang na nililikha ng mga paputok na sinisindihan ng isang pamilya. Sa ganitong paraan siguro’y nakaaangkin sila ng panandaliang upa sa isang piraso ng kalangitan. ***

May mga

ilaw naman na

nanlalansi...

may mga ilaw na

”

nagpapatindi ng ating mga ilusyon.

Iba’t iba ang puwedeng maging kahulugan at gamit ng mga ilaw. May ilaw na nakabubuhay, may ilaw na nakapagpapasaya at may ilaw na kinasasabikan mong makita. May mga ilaw naman na nanlalansi, may ilaw na nakamamatay at may ilaw na nagpapatindi ng ating mga ilusyon. Ang importante lang naman, maliban sa hindi tayo mabulag katititig sa liwanag, ay batid natin kung alin sa mga liwanag na ito ang susundan natin sa ating mga paglalakbay. [P]

NOFURYSOLOUD

Real or Reel?

Samantha Isabel Coronado

each commercials. In addition to that, the concept of ‘beautiful’ has already been strictly modified and monitored. It was not enough for Barbie to be widely advertised, there are now a hundred brand names for whitening products, hair-straightening products, slimming products and cosmetics (a new brand of cosmetics for young children are even present in the market today!). Imagine how these types of advertisement bombard our homes every single day once you turn the television on. Seldom do their adverse psychological manipulation come with a warning. Everyone can witness these types of manipulation, from young children to elderly people – all projecting a need disguised as something utterly necessary, and TV is not the only source of these. There are billboards cleverly placed beside highways, magazines devoting huge amounts of space for advertisements, the radio which fill our ears with jingles to promote products, and many more. When interpreted wrongly, these messages may lead to wrong expectations, discriminations and stereotyping when it comes to gender, age and socio-economic status. With our everyday dependence on the television for entertainment and information, it is already difficult to establish the difference between what’s ‘real’ and what’s ‘reel’. Our modified concepts of ‘strong men’, ‘beautiful women’

and many others are irreversible and have already been established for a long time now because of the manifestations in the different forms of media that we are used to seeing everyday. Thus, it is unavoidable that we see through the ‘real’ world tolerating men who act aggressively and women who behave seductively, for this is what we commonly perceive in advertisements. Surely, the television is effective in influencing the broad arena of public opinion. During these days, it is no longer enough for adults to supervise children in order to somehow filter all the information which may be taken wrongly. There has already been a need to supervise the TV advertisements themselves. After all, its messages are dedicated to every consumer in the country regardless of age and gender. Professional advertisers and businesses would continue to monitor the responses of consumers with the commericals they put on the little black box. Majority of them will use every tricks of the trade, everything that might affect our decisions, and make use of every 30-second airtime for the consumers to feel compelled to ‘satisfy the need’. Advertisers and businesses shall be watching how and what we purchase everyday. Therefore, we must in turn keep a critical eye on how they convince us into purchasing what we purchase. [P]

UPLB Perspective

OPINION

VOLUME 35 | ISSUE 6 | January 16, 2009

N

aaalala ko pa kung paano kita nakilala. Minsang nakatayo ako sa may C-park, nakita kitang nakatayo malapit sa isang kumpol ng tao roon. Kumikinang ang iyong mahabang buhok habang marahan mo itong pinaparaanan ng iyong mga daliri. Sa tulong ng sinag ng araw, naaninag ko ang makinis mong mukha. Tuloy ka pa rin sa pagngiti sa bawat makakasalubong mo kahit halata sa iyong mga mata ang pagod mula sa freshman night kagabi. Sandali kitang nakausap noon, at, iyon na ang naging huli nating pagpapalitan ng iilang hindi mahahalagang tanong. *** Malamig ang hanging dumampi sa mukha ko. Hithit… Buga… Dahan-dahang binalot ng init ang aking katawan. Nakaisang kaha na ako. Panandaliang-aliw na nagbibigay buhay sa patay na damdamin ang paninigarilyo. Hindi pa rin mawala sa isipan ko ang araw na naghiwalay tayo. Ang sabi mo, kailangan mo ng espasyo, ang sabi ko naman, kailangan ko ng espasyo sa puso mo. Tanging ang buwan at ang kaniyang mga tala ang kasama ko rito sa may NCAS. Nagulantang ang aking lumilipad na isipan nang

“

biglang may tsaleko boy na sumita sa akin. Lintik naman, kung kailan ako nag-iisa, saka naman ako iistorbohin. Gabi na raw masyado at bawal umistambay doon. Pinagbigyan ko siya. Itinapon ko na ang papa-upos nang sigarilyo. Amoy ko ang simoy ng hanging nagmumula sa kinatatayuan ko - basa at amoy damo. Lumakad ako patungo sa madilim na kapaligiran ng elbi. Sa may ‘di kalayuan, dumaan ang isang kotseng unti-unting niyakap ng dilim. Kasabay sa saliw ng huni ng mga kuliglig ang pagbugso sa aking isipan ng ala-ala mo. Natatandaan ko ‘yung mga panahong nakasama kita dito sa may NCAS; kapag ihahatid kita pauwi, kapag magkasama tayong naglalakad, nagtatawanan, nagkukulitan. Sumakay ako ng jeep. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako sumakay. Basta ang gusto ko lang ay makalaya na sa ala-ala mo. May magkasintahan akong katabi ngayon sa jeep. Hindi ko pa rin mapigilan ang pagdagsa ng iyong imahe sa aking isipan.

Ang sabi mo,

kailangan mo ng

espasyo, ko naman,

ang sabi

kailangan ko

”

espasyo sa puso mo.

ng

UNDERSCRUTINY

The girl who cried wolf ARJAY GARCIA

L

ast September, members of the House of Representatives assembled to deliberate on the proposed P 1.415 trillion national budget for 2009. This would only mean an expectedly uninteresting event for a typical student who struggles to digest the efficacy of small group discussion in a large lecture class or is careworn in earning money for sustenance in UP. It even flashes on TV screens only for a couple of minutes and then it slips away; no doubt it caught little attention from the preoccupied minds of Iskolars ng Bayan. Perhaps, this would never be the case if the media coverage included Ms. Arroyo’s message addressed to the congressmen, as if countering her nadir low public trust. At this time when circumstances recruit restive Filipino masses to the streets, powers-that-be can only do as much. It is an ordinary political attempt when a message is conveyed by someone known to cast

lies as normally as her breathing. Common is more an understatement when the message is conveyed to a congregation known for ditching congressional meetings but secretly concocts No-El, term extension and Cha-Cha—all for the greatest interests of their pockets and private properties. The message is a full-blown conceit, adorned by twisted realities that would easily familiarize anyone who already heard Arroyo’s address to the nation. She claims that her administration prioritized “services to uplift the lives of the poor,” and that such priority is the flesh and blood of the “commitments [she] made since [she] assumed the Presidency.” As if to accomplish the fantasy of the President, because many doubt her deserving such position, the House enacted the budget boasting bogus increase. With P 189.1 billion allotted for education, which is divided among Department of Education and State Colleges and Universities (SCUs), one cannot

11

MUMBLINGS

Hithit-buga *Noodle

Kasabay ko rin sa jeep na ‘yun ang ina ng dalawang magkapatid na nag-aagawan sa pag-aabot ng bayad sa drayber ng jeep. Ang likot nila. Dyusko, baka mahulog ang dalawang batang ito. Bumaba ako sa may LB square. Dito ko na rin nakilala ang mga bago kong kaibigan. Kapag kailangan ko ng katuwang sa aking mga hinaing at problema binibisita ko si Kumareng San Mig, kapag bagsak na ako sa kalungkutan, pinapatulan ko na ang pulang santong Kabayo. *** Alas-nuebe na ng gabi. Wala akong mapuntahan. Tinatamad pa akong umuwi sa apartment. Tiyak na nag-iinuman na naman ang housemates ko. Ayokong maging paksa ng kanilang kwentuhan. Maglalakad na lang ulit ako. Ito ang itinuro mo sa akin. Magaling ako rito. Lalakarin ko ang kahabaan ng Lopez. Nasisilaw ako sa liwanag ng gabi. Buhay na buhay ang elbi ngayon. May mga kumaway sa akin mula sa kabilang parte ng kalye. ‘Di ko sila mamukhaan dahil siguro sa kapos na liwanag ng gabi. Mga dati ko ‘atang kaklase. Hindi ko rin naman sila pinansin. Wala akong ganang ngumiti sa kanila.

Nakukulitan na ako sa bawat jeep na titigil sa tabi ko. Hindi sabi ako sasakay. Binilisan ko pa ang lakad ko. Ayoko namang gabihin ako masyado bago makauwi. Inabot ko ang Junction. Hindi ko na rin namamalayan ang oras. Basta sumakay na lang din ako ng jeep. Bumaba ako malapit sa may tinitigilan mo ngayon. Bumuntonghininga ako. Heto na naman ako. Nagsindi ulit ako ng sigarilyo. Hithit, buga.. Nabawasan ang bigat ng nararamdaman ko. Handa na akong humarap sa ‘yo. Lakad... Inalis ko ang tumutubong damo sa may paligid. Ayokong may nakikitang kahit ano pa mang magpapaalala sa matagal kong hindi pagdalaw. Hinugot ko sa bulsa ang kandilang noon pa ma’y natatakot akong ibigay sa ‘yo. Sinindihan ko ito sa tapat mo. Nagsitakbuhan ang mga langgam na tumatawid sa puntod mo. Biglang may hangin na parang yumakap sa akin. Namatay ang sindi ng mumunting kandila. Sinindihan ko ulit. Gabi na. Dahan-dahan ko nang iniwan ang alaala mo. Nagsindi ulit ako ng sigarilyo. Hithit… Buga… [P]

picture the increase as part of Arroyo’s ‘prioritizing crusade’ for education sector as the appropriation for debt servicing wolfed down almost 48 percent of the budget with P 302.6 billion for interest payment and P 378 billion principal amortization. This dire reality of misappropriation is later withheld by Arroyo by claiming only 21.4 percent share of debt servicing to the national budget in contrast with 31.6 and 23.2 percentages in 2005 and 2007, to the respectively. This means that Arroyo’s promise for “more resources [spent] on investments on…human and capital resources” is certainly a glaring irony, for 27 SCUs’ budget being slashed and UP education threatened by unremitting tuition increases every year. It also suggests that Arroyo’s commitment never coincides with genuine political will or with authentic intention to prevent the further corrosion of our educational system.

“

It always rings a bell whenever the squatter in Malacañang sits in front of the camera addressing the nation about the increase in GDP while no fair wage has been given to workers amid these tough times. Just like the story of a shepherd boy who cried wolf, Arroyo boasts of a mouthful of confidence upon saying that there is no rice shortage while it is rather seriously felt by the people, that the center of gravity of her position rests on prioritizing the eradication of poverty while corruption and nepotism proliferate in the political echelon where she sits. Filipinos are known for tolerance, but are otherwise critical when the powers-that-be continue pillaging and raping the nation with deception and ploy. After all, with the growing restlessness of the people, everyone will consider the idea that instead of letting her tell more lies, the girl who cried wolf deserves beating. [P]

At this time when

circumstances

recruit restive Filipino masses streets,

”

powers-that-be can only do as

much.

12 UPLB Perspective ISSUE 6 |

January 16, 2009

OPINION

SE N AT E

VOLUME 35 |

EDITORIAL

Next to triumph

The progressive development of student representation in the Board of Regents (BOR) is, in itself, a tradition. Our firm grip of our representation evolved from need of a student observer during BOR meetings in 1969, to the appointment and recognition of a student council chair as regular member of the board and finally to the selection of one Student Regent (SR) who is not part of the student council. The recognition of the need for student representation served as the genesis of the history of struggles for our democratic rights, and led to the establishment of the Office of the Student Regent (OSR). University policies were made in the higher rungs of university bureaucracy from 1908 until 1958 without meaningful input from students through representation. Though student councils in campuses can launch campaigns and voice out concerns on many issues, they were given no position in the university’s highest policymaking body, the BOR — leaving no space for students’ post concerning university policies.

years of administration’s refusal to establish it. Reasons why we should defend the OSR exist because the constituents necessitate a representative just as it needs autonomy. The SR serves as the voice of the students. Upholding OSR is also respecting those people who grappled with the attacks that intentionally trounced students’ rights back to the time when a single right is equivalent to giving one’s own life.

Before we lock ourselves into mere dates and events about how we gained representation in the Presidential Decree (PD) university’s highest policy-making No. 58 was promulgated on body, we should Nov. 20, 1972 as an amendment not only find the to the University Charter to provide key, but break a seat for “one regent representing the bolt that has the student body” in the 14been straying us member BOR. However, Martial too far from our Law, since its proclamation, rights. With this, abolished the Student Regent (SR) we have to start by and banned student councils, breaking the most organizations, fraternities, common, yet most sororities and publications in UP. difficult to get rid of – apathy. After Martial Law was lifted, the composition of BOR was Refusing to changed – appointee regents were participate in reduced from six to five, at least activities that aim three of whom are alumni of the to uphold our university, a faculty regent was student regent is appointed by the Malacañang like rubbing rock and most importantly, the largest salt into an open constituency of any educational wound. That is to institution who comprise majority afflict oneself: tolerating the pain of the constituent of university’s without even thinking or doing guiding principles – the students something to cure it. Students’ – already had their representative with voting power. The Office of the representation in BOR was Student Regent (OSR) was formally mistreated with the ratification of recognized then, after almost three the UP Charter of 2008.

“

ELYSSA ROSALES

To state the dilemma simply: no student regent is equal to no student representation. The ratification of Codified Rules for Student Regent Selection (CRSRS) justifies its value with the fact that if we fail to ratify it, we fail to defend our representative and with that we bring ourselves back to the years before the genesis of our representation – back to being mere passive observers.

Reasons

why we should

defend the A student’s OSR exist because participation in the referendum the

constituents

necessitate a

”

representative

is most crucial since we aim to defend our right to be represented.

to ratify the 1984 UPLB SC Constitution. At that point, a history in UPLB-USC elections was crafted. Our recent struggle to fight for the 1984 UPLB SC constitution and the line of attack behind it is almost the same as the present task of defending the student regent. Here we stop by painstakingly looking back – not to see the history of student representation as a narrative for itself, rather to collect pieces of justification why we should defend the OSR. Then we continue looking as if history has just been repeating itself until we find out the similarity of what each episode needs. Here we talk about participation.

The forthcoming referendum is another turning point that needs individual participation For this matter, students from students to come up with one united judgment. Where we can think the are heading is ours to choose successful ratification of the – it’s a matter of saying “yes” or 1984 UPLB Student Council (UPLB “no”. To uphold our rights to be represented we collectively say SC) Constitution as challenge “Yes” to the referendum. With – to exactly do it again or even our shared venture on protecting do better. It can be placed on our representation, it is next top of the ratification of CRSRS to triumph to make another – something that will show how history. [P] students reaped 70.54 percent

just as it needs

autonomy.

The Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Christian Ray Buendia, Editor In Chief; Aaron Joseph Aspi, Associate Editor; Arjay Garcia, Managing Editor; Beverly Christcel Laguartilla, Business Manager; Faith Allyson Buenacosa, Culture Editor; Liberty Notarte, Features Editor; Rogene Gonzales, News Editor; Chino Carlo Aricaya, Production Editor;

Nikko Angelo Oribiana, Yves Christian Suiza, Estel Lenwij Estropia, Katrina Elauria, Rick Jason Obrero, News; Mark Angelo Ordonio, Jonelle Marin, Samantha Isabel Coronado, Culture; Harriet Melanie Zabala, Business; Kervin Gabilo, Elyssa Rosales, Graphics; Aletheia Grace del Rosario, Salvatorre De Vince Olano, Layout; Karl Suministrado, Photo; Jarienill Daquioag Namit, Julla Timan, Apprentice; UPLB Perspective is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Solidaridad - UP Systemwide Alliance of Student Publications and Writers Organization Editorial Office: Rm. 11, 2/F Student Union Bldg, UPLB, College, Laguna | e-mail: [email protected] | website: http://uplbperspective0809.deviantart.com