The Flame Vol. 54 Issue No. 2

Vol. 54, Issue no. 2

trailblazing As Artlets forge their own paths, do they also light the way for others?

FLAME | 1

THE

FLAME

FOUNDED OCTOBER 16, 1964 EDITORIAL STAFF 2018 - 2019 Julia Mari T. Ornedo Editor in Chief Ali Ian Marcelino V. Biong Associate Editor

Corheinne Joyce B. Colendres Managing Editor Fate Emerald M. Colobong Issues Editor Mark Joseph B. Fernandez Acting Faces Editor Reyanne Louisse Ampong Culture Editor Corheinne Joyce B. Colendres Letters Editor Kristela Danielle S. Boo Photography Editor Danea Patricia T. Vilog Art Director Luis Miguel B. Arucan, Joahna Lei E. Casilao, Angel B. Dukha III, Cris Eugene T. Gianan, Ma. Leandrea A.Tamares Scenes Halee Andrea B. Alcaraz, Ana Gabrielle Ceguera, Micholo Andrei Gabriel I. Cucio, Peach Arianna P. Manos, Alyssa Mae S. Rafael Issues Syrah Vivien J. Inocencio, Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr., Joy Therese C. Gomez, Lorraine B. Lazaro, Mary Nicole P. Miranda Faces Angela A. Chua, Christine Janine T. Cortez, Alisha Danielle M. Gregorio, Dominique Nathanielle M. Muli, Theriz Lizel R. Silvano Culture Ian Jozel N. Jerez, Isabell Andrea M. Pine, Maria Pamela S. Reyes, Lorraine C. Suarez, Ryan Piolo U. Veluz Letters Ian Carlo L. Arias, Marlou Joseph B. Bon-ao, Shana Angela S. Cervania, Beverly F. dela Cruz, Karl Patrick R. Marcos, Ana Barbara A. San Diego Photographers Katrina Nova O. Buyco, Arrienne Jan A. Enriquez, Yanni Kaye A. Wingarts Artists

Mr. Nestor G. Cuartero Publications Adviser Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D. Dean The Flame, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters, aims to promote a scholarly attitude among Artlets and Thomasians in the analysis of the implications of current relevant issues to their lives and society at large, to serve as a forum not only between Artlets and the administration but most importantly, among Artlets themselves, and to provide a vehicle for the publication of in-depth articles on the concerns and interests of the Faculty. Nothing appearing in the Flame may be reprinted either in whole or in part without written permission addressed to the Editor in Chief of the Flame, G/F St. Raymund’s Bldg., University of Santo Tomas, Manila or to editorialboard@abtheflame.net. Visit our official website: abtheflame.net

Š 2018 by the Flame. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cover photo by Shana Angela S. Cervania

FLAME | 2

Spread photo by Ian Carlo L. Arias

Editor’s Note

M

OST STUDENTS enter college with some vision of the person they will be in four years or some kindle of hope that they will eventually come out into the world and make a name for themselves. That spark, though idealistic, is always admirable; it keeps us optimistic and constantly reaching for the stars, however far away the skies may seem. Oftentimes, though, we are immediately slammed in the face by the reality that there is not much that sets us apart from the crowd, not much that we can do well that nobody else can do better. College is a curious place where wide-eyed enthusiasm and somber acceptance of harsh truths are able to coexist peacefully with each other. It is a healthy yin and yang of outlooks in life that both empowers us to chase after the seemingly unreachable but all the while keeps us grounded in the tight grip of reality. However, there are rare times when the overzealous win over harsh realities of life; when their possession of "too much" optimism proves to be beneficial rather than detrimental; when their persistence and dedication overcome hardships. These people—the trailblazers—often immediately become objects of admiration because they are proof that there is no such thing as too much idealism if you choose to work with reality. Trailblazers light the way for the thousands of other people seeking to walk the same path, much like Palanca winner and Artlet educator Paul Castillo (p. 32) and the UST Sinag Ballroom Dance Company (p. 34), which is redefining the way the youth see dance. There are also those who are blazing a trail in humble silence by taking small but significant steps to get to where they want to be (p. 10). There is such a thing as too much. But if you would be given the choice to decide on only one thing to have in excess, Artlet, then you should let that one thing be relentless ambition. F

Julia Mari T. Ornedo Editor in Chief ’18 - ‘19

FLAME | 3

WHAT'S

3362

9 40 22 46 FLAME | 4

56 INSIDE? 58

SCENES

The UST Chorus of Arts and Letters performs during their thanksgiving concert last Dec. 1 photo by KRISTELA DANIELLE S. BOO

FLAME | 5

2 ABSC seats remain vacant

after three special election attempts by JOAHNA LEI E. CASILAO and CRIS EUGENE T. GIANAN

T

WO POSITIONS in the Artlets Student Council (ABSC) remain vacant after Student Democratic Party’s (SDP) Anika Imperial resigned as Vice President (VP)-Internal and no Artlet vied for the Public Relations Officer (PRO) seat. The VP-Internal post has been declared temporarily vacant while the position of PRO is now considered permanently vacant after no Artlet filed a candidacy in the three times that the AB Commission on Elections (Comelec) opened the filing period. Both pronouncements were decided upon by the Board of Majors (BOM). Imperial’s resignation Imperial resigned on Oct. 25 citing medical problems and apologized for her lapses during her term in response to accusations of incompetence from some Artlet student leaders. In a statement released on her personal social media accounts, the VP-Internal said she underwent a medical treatment in September that “affected her physical movement” and requires “ample time to rest and heal.” ABSC President Rafael Arellano lamented the resignation, saying it means added duties for the remaining officers of the council. “Nakalulungkot din naman na wala rin tayong PRO tapos mawawalan pa tayo ng [VP-Internal]. Me making both ends meet is already hard as is, so kapag nawawalan pa tayo ng tao, lalo ring humihirap, and siguro pinaka-worry ko ngayon is mawalan ng trust ‘yung students with the council,” Arellano told the Flame. He said Imperial’s executive project Mental Health Volunteers will still push through and that the rest of the council will focus on doing what they can.

FLAME | 6

Imperial added that the project is currently being carried out by the Internals Committee along with the ABSC, while her other project AB Help Desk will be “executed during the STRAW (Students’ Rights and Welfare) Week of AB.” Sole VP-Int bet backs out China Vergara from SDP filed a candidacy for VPInternal but backed out hours before the miting de avance scheduled on Nov. 22. “I don’t want to commit myself to something na half-hearted naman ako. It’s not about who I work with, actually. […] It’s about the workload kasi and being an executive coordinator to Internals Committee head ay sobrang laking responsibilidad,” Vergara told the Flame in a text message. The behavioral science senior admitted that she felt pressured to run for the post because of her previous position as head of the Internals Committee of the ABSC. “I have to admit that this time, I chose what my heart really wants and it is to serve the Artlet community even without a position in the council,” she said. Vergara said she recommends for the position a person who “is committed and has the passion to serve the Artlets. ‘Yung may mahabang pasensya […] since working sa council is a big responsibility talaga.” The filing of candidacies for the position of VP-Internal will be reopened by the Comelec on Jan. 21, 2019. Lack of candidates In an online special report by the Flame examining the lack of candidates for PRO, Comelec Chairperson Gerie Manzano said election rules and the shift to K to 12 may have contributed to the lack of candidates.

“

Bakit walang tumatakbo since Faculty of Arts and Letters tayo— liberal arts. Bakit walang mag-stand up tapos maging leader?

”

According to Article VI Section 2 of the University Student Election Code, any candidate for a position in the local student council executive board should have a “continuous residency in the University for at least seven months immediately preceding the elections.” DEKADA Chairperson Ivan Quiamco meanwhile said they struggled to find candidates to field because no one wanted to leave their respective organizations to pursue a position in the ABSC. “Kahit sabihin natin na may mga deserving mag-run, pero kasi ‘yung willingness din. Para kasing napunta ‘yung ibang DEKADA members sa kanilang sari-sariling organization na parang ayaw na nilang bitawan ‘yung posisyon nila. Kuntento na sila kung nasaan sila,” he said. SDP head Nafi Simon said the party was discouraged from participating the second time that the filing period was opened because of the abrupt announcement of the Comelec during the preliminary examinations week. He pointed out that training candidates is a tedious process that takes a lot of time. “Hindi naman namin gusto magpatakbo ng kandidato na hilaw pa, so we thought it’s best kung hindi muna kami magpapatakbo ng kandidato for

the recent special election [for PRO],” he stressed. For Grand Alliance for Progress Chairperson Reymark Simbulan, the lack of candidates might be a signal of growing apathy among Artlets as well as problems within the ABSC itself. “I think one could credit it also sa ABSC officers ngayon. […] We should also look into the factor that maybe students are not running for office because they might be reluctant to associate themselves with the current council, given their questionable performance in some projects such as the AB General Assembly, AB Org Fair, and others,” he said. ‘Confusing and disappointing’ BOM speaker John Steven Usero described the lack of candidates as “confusing and disappointing.” “Siguro ‘yung sentiments ng Board of Majors [ay] parang bakit walang tumatakbo since Faculty of Arts and Letters tayo— liberal arts. Bakit walang mag-stand up tapos maging leader?” he said. Usero also argued that the lack of candidates shows a need to amend the constitution to reflect the current political atmosphere in the Faculty, which has changed through the years. At present, the 2004 ABSC Constitution is still being used. F

FLAME | 7

PH not ready for federalism – Lumad chief photo by KRISTELA DANIELLE S. BOO

A

LUMAD chief slammed the Duterte administration’s push for federalism, warning that the country is unprepared to implement one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s longtime campaign promises. Dulphing Ogan, the Sulong Katribu Partylist convenor, stressed that federalism is not the solution to the country’s woes like corruption and the civil unrest in Mindanao. “Federalism is not yet the answer kung sasagutin ‘yung kahirapan ng bansang Pilipinas, kung ‘yan ba ang pakay niya (Duterte) para sagutin ang sitwasyon ng kawalan ng kapayapaan sa Pilipinas. Hindi pa rin puwede ito. Mas pinapalala ito ng federalism,” he said. Federalism is a type of government that divides a nation into regions or states and gives each one greater autonomy. Some of the prominent federal nations are the United States, Russia, Germany, and Brazil. On Dec. 11, the House approved the draft federal constitution on its final reading. Ogan claimed that federalism will be ineffective for the Philippines because of corruption, foreign domination, and the “irony” of an agricultural country with 70 percent of its farmers lacking land.

FLAME | 8

“Ibig sabihin, habang ito pa ‘yung situation sa bansa natin na ang lupa [ay] wala pa sa magsasaka, hindi pa answer ang federalism, dahil ang federalism ay ang pag-co-concentrate ng power, paghahatihati ng mga yaman ng ating bansa diyan sa bawat federal state,” he said. The Lumad chief also claimed that federalism will concentrate power to oligarchs via political dynasties, citing prominent families such as the Dutertes in Davao and the Ampatuans and Mangudadatus in Maguindanao. “Kay Duterte [...] walang katapusan ang power sa Davao. Sa federal state, mas lalo na ‘yan... Sila ‘yung mga nangunguna diyan sa mga plantation, sa mga mining na investment… mas pinatibay ng mga oligarch na ito sa ganiyang lugar ‘yung mga kanilang hawak doon sa region or sa federal state,” he explained. Ogan suggested that the government pursue agricultural development and agrarian reform as well as nationalize the mining industry. “‘Yung lupa, ibalik doon sa pag-develop ng agriculture, i-concentrate doon sa pagtulong sa mga magsasaka at para sa amin, ‘yung genuine land reform ng lupa,” he said. He added that the Lumad will continue to push for better reforms and

expose “a small portion of their selfdetermination” in order to focus on true territorial development. The event titled Pwederalismo: Implications of Charter Change in the National Minority and Mindanao was organized by the UST Sociological Society and held at the Tanghalang Teresita Auditorium on Nov. 12. Socio Soc’s stand against federalism After the event, the UST Sociological Society published a statement urging students to oppose the shift to federalism, citing studies that project federalism will heighten poverty and inequality in the country. “We urge every student organization to join us and stand with the people to oppose federalism, for it only vests a political power upon a systematic political oppression, impending threats of political dynasties and perennial threat of economic instability,” the statement read. They explained that federalism “will only maintain the status quo, worsen corruption, and further prolong the oppression experienced by a majority of Filipinos,” and not lead to the concrete development of the country. F CRIS EUGENE T. GIANAN and ANGEL B. DUKHA III

Youth can impact

legislation – lawmaker photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

K

ABATAAN PARTYLIST representative Sarah Elago stressed in a forum the need to connect with the youth to inform them of trends and issues and to persuade them to do more to influence the country’s laws and policies. “[The youth] can really become a positive [cause] of change in their communities. That’s why it’s very important that they make bridges, linkages, not only among the ranks of the young people but with public servants as well: university officials, faculty members. Kumbaga lahat ng lahat ng puwedeng mag-contribute, aabutin mo.” She stressed the importance of personally showing up at the offices of lawmakers to urge them to lobby for certain policies. “[M]ahalaga yung pagtutulak sa loob mismo ng opisina ng mga leader natin. 'Yung pagkatok sa mga opisina nila, pagbigay ng sulat, pagbigay ng statement bilang expression. [...] Malaking bagay sa ating mga public servant at sa lahat ng may kapangyarihan ‘yung lagi silang napapaalalahanan na may nagbabantay sa kanila,” she explained. Elago also emphasized the need for the youth to get organized for a more prosperous Philippines and to make certain that they are not detached “from social and political realities.”

‘No ideologies behind political parties’ Meanwhile, a journalism alumnus and senatorial hopeful claimed that political parties in the country are not subscribed to any ideology because politicians merely kowtow to those in power. Atty. Angelo De Alban said he is “yet to see a politician adhere to just one political party.” “Politicians easily switch sides in the middle of crisis [...] I can name three mayors who switched parties in a few years’ time not because they believed in their principles but because it would ensure their winning probabilities in the next election. This turncoat phenomenon is so widespread [that] it has become a standard,” he said De Alban, who teaches political science courses in the University, said principles are the first to be stripped off in favor of a political party to secure a position in the elections. “More often than not, principles are forsaken [...] to pursue one’s goal to win a position. [...] Iyong kinalakihan mong prinsipyo na nakadikit sa’yo ang una mong tatanggalin kapag ikaw ay naupo sapagkat ikaw ay napilitang umanib sa partido para ikaw ay payagang tumakbo,” he explained. He claimed that politicians often rely on vague promises, citing former President Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang

Matuwid” slogan and President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Change is Coming.” “What do they mean by ‘change’? You know very well that change could be for better or for worse. I’m running now, so definitely the change is not for the better. “Daang Matuwid.” Saan? “Liberate [the] Economy.” From what?,” De Alban said. The lawyer-educator stressed the importance of inventing a new term that suits the country’s political environment, criticizing the parties who offered him a place in their ranks. “A regional party [is] endorsing 14 national candidates to fill up 12 spots. Don’t you think that is the height of insincerity? And you want me to belong to them. 12 [positions] lang pupuntahan mo. Tell me, what ideology do these people have that we can coin for the future to hold?” he said. In October, the Commission on Elections moved to declare De Alban a nuisance candidate, alleging that he lacked the financial capacity to run a nationwide campaign. He has filed his official answer to contest the petition. The forum titled Clash of Colors: The Dynamics of Political Ideology and Branding was hosted by The Political Science Forum and held at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex on Nov. 8. F ANGEL B. DUKHA III and CRIS EUGENE T. GIANAN

FLAME | 9

Artlets in the Limelight

compiled by MA. LEANDREA A. TAMARES

Short + Sweet Hollywood Film Festival Philosophy freshman Neil Sebastian’s film titled Just Fine emerged as a finalist in the Short + Sweet Hollywood Film Festival. The film tells the story of a student who was bullied and how external factors like family and school affected his physical and mental wellbeing. Only 12 finalists were chosen out of over a hundred. The film festival showcased short films with local and international settings. Sebastian was awarded last Sept. 26 at the Century Mall Events Place, Makati. 2nd ASEAN Student Mobility Forum - EU Share Policy Dialogue Philosophy senior Christine Faith Cruz was one of the delegates to the 2nd ASEAN Student Mobility Forum held in Yangon, Myanmar last Aug. 28 and 29. The event aimed to bring together ASEAN students and graduates who are recipients of the SHARE scholarship. International Academic Exchange Program - AB Korea Academic Trip Fourteen Artlets participated in the International Academic Exchange Program

FLAME | 10

facilitated by the Faculty which was held from Jul. 17 to 27 in South Korea. The students who joined the program were Mikee Villanueva, Therine Navarro, Micaela Soriaga, Francine Besinio, and Yanah Samson from asian studies; Jeremy Ang, Melrissa Respicio, Mai Arboleda, and Tricia Clemente from economics; Julie Jerusalem from journalism; Louie Octava and Rya Catabas from philosophy; and Karen Brito and Winston Illustre from political science. The Artlets studied writing, speaking, and understanding Hangeul at Dongguk University, attended seminars at Korea University, Dongguk University, and the Catholic University of Korea, and also visited cultural and historical spots. 12th National Youth Parliament Legal management senior Hannika Santos was the only delegate from the Faculty in the 12th National Youth Parliament held last Oct. 21-25 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City. More than 200 youth leaders and young professionals, including the Sangguniang Kabataan, gathered at the event which served as a youth legislative body. The bills that were passed in the parliament will be lobbied in Congress.

Hajime 2018 Political science junior Mitchell Salcedo emerged as a gold medalist in Hajime 2018, an invitational judo tournament hosted by the Ateneo de Manila University held last July. Judo athletes from UAAP member universities and some international players from Singapore and other countries also participated in the competition. ASEAN Youth Exchange Program 2018 Political science seniors Janyn Montealegre and Rebecca Corpus were two of the 12 Philippine delegates to the ASEAN Youth Exchange Program held from Jul. 29 to Aug. 6 in Bangkok, Thailand. Spearheaded by the ASEAN Studies Center of Chulalongkorn University, the program aimed to enhance Southeast Asian students’ understanding on the significance of the ASEAN vision and their role as ASEAN citizens for a more cohesive ASEAN community. ASEAN Young Leaders Programme 2018 Montealegre and The Political Science Forum President John Renze Gelua were two of the 16 representatives of the country in the ASEAN Young Leaders Programme 2018 held last Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in Singapore. The three-day learning program gathered a hundred youth from across Southeast Asia to equip them with the networks and cultural intelligence to work across different cultures. Asia Youth International Model United Nations Political science seniors Yvonne Apostol and Veronica Maglana were among the thousands of delegates from across the globe who participated in the Asia Youth International Model United Nations from Nov. 3 to 6 in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference aimed to provide a platform for the youth to be encouraged to understand

international issues and policies through debating and sharing perspectives among participants of different backgrounds and ethnicities. CIMB Young ASEAN Leaders 2018 Philosophy senior Arvhie Santos was among the three representatives of the country to the 2018 CIMB Young ASEAN Leaders study tour held from Oct. 19 to 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fifty ASEAN student leaders gathered to explore how technology, innovation, and going green can play a part in achieving a sustainable city. 6th Asia Pacific Youth Exchange - Philippines 2018 Santos also participated in the 6th Asia Pacific Youth Exchange held from Jul. 3 to 14 at the Asian Development Bank, Ortigas. The program aimed to integrate young people in Sustainable Development Goals intervention as partners in sustainable development. Philippine International Model United Nations Santos also participated in the Philippine International Model United Nations (PHIMUN) which was held from Jun. 8 to 10 at the University of the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. She was a delegate under Australia to the General Assembly in PHIMUN. PHIMUN aimed to gather aspiring diplomats to talk about issues surrounding the international arena through international cooperation and diplomacy. 34th UP Association of Economics and Management Students Debate Competition The AB Debate Parliament represented the University and emerged as semi-finalists in the 34th Annual Debate Competition conducted by the University of the Philippines Association of Economics and Management Students held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 20 in the University of the Philippines Los BaĂąos.

FLAME | 11

AB Volleyball teams bow out in Goodwill quarters photo by IAN CARLO L. ARIAS

T

HE AB Women’s and Men’s Volleyball teams reached the quarterfinals of the Thomasian Goodwill Games but were wiped out by the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) and the Faculty of Engineering (Eng’g), respectively. AB Women’s went home after losing both frames, 23-25 and 21-25, against CTHM. Both teams refused to give their opponent a huge advantage in the first set. AB managed to stay in the game despite the spiking arsenal of CTHM which left AB’s score nailed at 9 points, 9-10 and 9-13. The second frame began neck and neck but CTHM’s consecutive errors allowed AB to take the lead, 10-5. However, AB choked on their own errors while CTHM deadlocked the game at 13-13. They claimed the lead with a spike until another deadlock at 18-18. CTHM bagged the win at 23-25, but their winning spike was contested by AB coach Bren Mendoza who said the ball landed outside the line. “Mali ‘yung tawag talaga kasi outside ‘yung bola pero tinawag na in. Okay lang

FLAME | 12

kung check ball pero tinawag na inside,” he said. Mendoza said his team lost because of poor defense and lack of composure of players. Meanwhile, AB Men’s was outplayed by Eng’g, 25-21, 18-25, and 24-26. The men in blue kept pace at 1213, but Eng’g maintained their lead throughout the first frame. Eng’g started strong in the third frame, 4-6, but AB stayed in the game and deadlocked the set at 6-6 and 18-18. “[O]ne of the team’s weaknesses in the quarterfinals was our mental toughness. It was a game against the defending champion. Of course, the pressure to win the quarterfinals match was doubled given that we were up against a very tough team,” AB Men’s team captain John Cruz said in an online exchange with the Flame. Despite the loss, Cruz said he is happy about their success this year knowing that they gave their opponent a neck-to-neck battle. “We knew that all the teams had gotten better this season. We treated every game [...] as a success on our

part. [O]f course, our goal was really to reach the finals [but] I am still happy that we managed to give the defending champion a hard game. It was still a better way of ending the season. At least we can say that we ended this season with a great fight,” he said. The graduating captain advised the players who will take over to keep in mind their slogan, “Laban.” “[T]hey have to continue living by AB MVT’s yearly slogan, “Laban,” because, as I have said, that’s probably where we fell a little short this season. As a graduating player, I know that they will become a better team next year.” The quarterfinals were held Nov. 8 at the P. Noval Covered Court. Road to quarters AB Men’s dominated in their opening game on the road to the quarterfinals, 25-19 and 25-17, on the back of the Faculty of Science’s errors and apparent miscommunication. The men in blue’s defenses proved too strong in the second frame and Mark Pangan’s three service aces sealed the match. AB coach John Subiere said his players properly executed the plays they focused their training on. “[Ang] nagpanalo sa’min is ‘yung [receiving] namin tsaka ‘yung set play namin [...] Nag-training kami before [the] game ngayon at ‘yan ‘yung talagang tinuro ko sa kanila, na mag-focus kami sa service [at] receive para may play kami,” he said. However, they narrowly lost to the College of Commerce, 25-23, 20-25, and 23-25 in the succeeding game. Nerves choked AB during the third set, leading to several service errors and out-of-bound spikes all while Commerce stepped up their defenses. The frame ended at 23-25. Meanwhile, AB Women’s had a shaky opening against CTHM on their road to the quarters, 14-25, 25-17, and 27-29. CTHM dominated the first frame with a 10-point run, 10-17. They also seized the final frame after two nailbiting deadlocks at 24 and 27 points. The women in blue bounced back from their loss by besting the College of Science, 25-13 and 25-21. The team secured their spot in the quarterfinals by beating the College of Architecture, 25-15 and 26-24 F with reports from CRIS EUGENE T. GIANAN and JOAHNA LEI E. CASILAO

2 Thomasian writers bag national book awards by JOAHNA LEI E. CASILAO

C

RISTINA Pantoja-Hidalgo, director of the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, and creative writing program coordinator Chuckberry Pascual both bagged awards at the 37th National Book Awards. Pascual’s book titled Ang Nawawala won Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino and Hidalgo’s The Thing with Feathers won Best Book of Essays in English. Ang Nawawala is a detective book on genre fiction that focuses on finding things at the barangay level through its protagonist Bree, “ang baklang receptionist.” Pascual admitted that while he followed the guidelines of genre writing, he also broke them by refusing to infuse murder crimes and death into the story. He revealed that this subversion of the genre was a statement of his displeasure at the drug war killings. “Genre fiction” is a term used to describe literary works specifically written to fit into a certain genre. Pascual said he wanted his book to teach people about loss and letting go. “Lahat tayo naghahanap at minsan may mga natatagpuan [tayo], pero minsan may hindi ka nahahanap at okay lang iyon,” he told the Flame. Hidalgo’s The Thing with Feathers is divided into three parts: recollections of her experiences growing up, travel essays about various places, and her literary influences and biography anchored on the theme of hope. Hidalgo said the book’s title was inspired by American poet Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Hope is the thing with feathers.” “She acquainted it with a bird. […] It’s very frail. You think its life is very dangerous, but it doesn’t mind. It continues doing what it does. It continues to fly, and

then sometimes it perches to rest, and then it flies again,” she explained. Hidalgo hopes her book will deliver the message that “words have a function” as writing is a “way of creating meaning.” “[W]hen you write, it’s an act of faith. Meaning you believe that words are useful and powerful [and] that you have faith in their ability to change people. Writing is also an act of hope. You hope that you would later make sense of experience,” she said. Success only a byproduct Both writers said they were happy with their awards but maintained that recognitions are only a byproduct of writing and not the main goal. “[N]oong nagsisimula naman ako magsulat, [ang] laging sinasabi sa akin ay ‘Hindi naman ‘yan mananalo ng award kasi tapos na ‘yung panahon ng Ladlad,’ which is about gay fiction, kasi ‘yun ‘yung sinusulat ko. Pero hindi, matigas ulo ko, so ginawa ko lang nang ginawa 'yung gusto ko,” Pascual said. Pascual urged Thomasians to write in Filipino more often. “Sana mas marami [ang] magsulat sa Filipino. [T]apos tatanggalin pa ‘yung Filipino sa college at panitikan. May mahabang tradition ng pagsusulat dito sa University at mga manunulat sila ng Filipino,” he said. In a decision released Nov. 9, the Supreme Court lifted a 2015 temporary restraining order on the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 20 removing Filipino, Panitikan, and Philippine Constitution as core courses in college. F

FLAME | 13

Fake news distract the press – American journ scholar by MA. LEANDREA A. TAMARES photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

F

AKE NEWS diverts the press’ attention from reporting important stories to factchecking less important ones, American journalism scholar Stephanie Edgerly told journalism students in a forum. Edgerly, who teaches audience insight at the Medill School of Journalism of Northwestern University, lamented how journalists need to “press pause” on their stories to verify claims. "Stories that they want to tell, they have to press pause on, because they have to go over here and investigate and debunk some claim that they did not intend to spend any time on whatsoever because there’s no story. It should not be a story," she said. Edgerly said what worries her more is not how people believe in fake information but how they refuse to believe in facts. “They don’t know where to go or who to trust, right? Oftentimes, that results in them just disengaging from the news environment. […] They don’t want to choose wrongly, so they just withdraw from news altogether,” she said.

FLAME | 14

Sixty-seven percent of Filipino internet users consider fake news a “very serious” concern, a Social Weather Station survey revealed in June. Edgerly added that the danger of fake news is that it almost seems plausible when readers have no expert knowledge on the subject, especially when it comes to natural disasters. “When natural disasters happen, we are super susceptible to fake information because information needs to be quickly disseminated and we are more likely to believe that eyewitness accounts of people with their phone are giving us real information,” she said. Fake news a ‘part of human nature’ Edgerly said fake news is a historical concept and human nature is one of the reasons why it “has been around forever.” “There is a big tendency for us to believe something, or agree with something, or think it’s more credible and trustworthy when it supports our identities, when it supports our viewpoints,” she said. UST journalism lecturer Marishelle Medina echoed Edgerly, saying fake

news exists because readers want to believe such stories. “We need to question our belief. As a journalist, what is our task? Our task is to disbelieve,” she said. Edgerly noted that while Facebook prides itself as a platform that gives relevant content, relevance does not equate to trustworthiness or quality. “Oftentimes, the content we will engage with is not the highest quality content,” she said. Assoc. Prof. Jose Arsenio Salandanan, chairperson of the Department of Communication and Media Studies, urged journalism students to read more to stay informed. “As journalism students, I think the only way to deal with fake news is to be informed. That’s the reason why you should gather information [and] the only way to be informed is to read,” he said. The 3rd John Jefferson Siler lectureforum titled Getting Real About Fake News was held at the Tanghalang Teresita Quirino auditorium on Nov. 7, 2018. The event was organized by the UST Journalism School and the Journalism Society. F

PERSPECTIVES

EDSA lights in motion photo by MARLOU JOSEPH B. BON-AO

FLAME | 15

EDITORIAL A forgetful nation

I

n 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) issued Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20, series of 2013, removing Filipino, Panitikan, and Philippine Constitution as core courses in college. The CMO was contested by a group of nationalistic educators, students, and lawyers who said it was “antiFilipino.” This prompted the Supreme Court (SC) to issue a temporary restraining order on the memorandum in April 2015. However, three years later, the SC lifted the TRO, arguing that CMO 20 is constitutional. If this trend of blatantly disregarding the Filipino identity continues, then it is just a matter of time until the Filipino language and culture become obsolete, until “Filipino” is no longer an identity but merely a label. This is all the more reason to stand up in arms against the memorandum that thinks so little and so lowly of the role that Filipino and Panitikan subjects play not only in the lives of students but, more importantly, in nation building. The SC must be shamed for enabling the gross disrespect of the Filipino identity perpetuated by the CHEd. A nation that thinks it can abandon its connection to its roots after a certain level is a nation that is bound to lose its way. On the other hand, however, one could not help but think that the fight to retain Filipino and Panitikan courses in college is moot if Filipinos

FLAME | 16

will continue to live with a false sense of patriotism while constantly chameleoning themselves to fit other cultures. Colonial mentality is deeply ingrained in the system of Filipinos precisely because of the already faulty curriculum that the CHEd wants to make even more problematic with its memorandum. In the elementary and high school levels, majority of students are required to speak in English. Some schools even impose a strict “English Only Policy” where students would have to pay a few coins for every Filipino word they speak.

Filipinos’ English grammar is also often criticized while only a few—if any at all—criticize their fellow countrymen for having wrong grammar in Filipino. They cannot even distinguish when to use “ng” and “nang,” “dito” and “rito,” among many other similar words. Why? Because English is imposed on Filipinos day in and day out starting from their childhood while their own language is not. Even in the tertiary level, give students Filipino subjects and they would quickly dismiss it, saying: “Filipino lang naman ‘yan” or “Hindi naman major subject ‘yan.” However, while every Filipino must be outraged at the CHEd memorandum, they must also realize that they, too, have long been ignorant of their own language and culture. Once this inward reflection has led to realizations of our failure to appreciate our identity, only then can the fight against the implementation of the CHEd memorandum be considered credible and grounded on true love of country. To forget and disregard Filipino language and literature as an important part of nation building and honing professionals is to lose a sense of who we are as Filipinos. There must be a united pushback against efforts to downplay the Filipino identity, lest we become a nation that has no recollection of who it was in the past nor an idea of who it will become in the future. F

art by DANEA PATRICIA T. VILOG

Way Beyond

Dungaw

Julia Mari T. Ornedo

Ali Ian Marcelino V. Biong

Lack of candidates reflects Artlets’ apathy

Filipino Jokes Vol. 5

In April 2017, elections for the new set of Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board officers was marred by mass abstentions by the Thomasian electorate. The question that loomed immediately after the controversial elections was: have Thomasians become apathetic? Many Thomasians argued that the outcome was caused by a lack of competent and deserving candidates and not of interest from voters—a fair point, considering the shameful apologism of martial law by a candidate for vice president that made rounds on social media. Artlets, ever the articulate and outspoken, were some of the first to decry the suggestion that Thomasians had become apathetic to politics when news of the controversial CSC elections broke out. Yet, over a year on, it seems that they have become blind to the glaring political apathy manifesting in their own backyard. On Sept. 13, the AB Commission on Elections (Comelec) set up shop at the Tan Yan Kee building to welcome aspirants for the position of Public Relations Officer (PRO), a seat that has been vacant since the last ABSC general elections as no Artlet vied for the position. What was meant to be a period for filing of candidacies would have been of more use to the Comelec if they had instead used it for nap time, since not one Artlet bothered to show up anyway. It was a trend that continued two more times until the Board of Majors finally decided to declare the PRO seat permanently vacant. Equally as alarming as the absence of candidates is the lack of outcry over Artlets’ obvious apathy toward local politics. They claimed that they abstained in the 2017 CSC elections because they were unsatisfied with the candidates, yet they ignored the opportunity to fill in the gaps of their own struggling council when it presented itself. Do Artlets think that no candidate is better than having many undeserving ones? If they do, then we must all be wary of the future of our nation. If they don’t, then why has no one stepped up to occupy the empty seats in the ABSC? Alas, it seems that the answer is neither. With each passing filing period reopened by the Comelec in futility, the answer becomes more and more clear: Artlets just don’t care. Short of saying that that they place personal interests over those of the Artlet community, political parties told the Flame that they did not field candidates because their members were “contented” with their positions in their respective organizations and because they are “reluctant to associate themselves with the current council, given their questionable performance in some projects.” If serving the best interest of Artlets—which is having a complete student council that can function without handicaps—is not the prime motivation of the “student leaders” who are part of political parties, then what are they doing in those groups in the first place? If they so detest the way the ABSC is currently being run, then why don’t they aid the incumbent officers instead of snobbily distancing from them? If universities are indeed a microcosm of Philippine society, then it is no wonder why the country is in shambles. It is high time for Artlets embody their liberal arts education by taking on leadership roles at a time when the Faculty needs it the most. F

In Aristotle’s Rhetoric, he says one way a speaker can make an audience laugh is by violating their expectations in telling a story. Philosophers such as Soren Kierkegaard and Immanuel Kant later took on this approach, which is now called the Incongruity Theory, a theory saying laughter is caused by the violation of our mental patterns, by seeing the incongruous. We Filipinos may see this theory on humor transcend into our own jokes: “Anong tawag sa asong tumalon sa ilog? Aso pa rin.” “Anong tawag sa maliit na unan? Unano.” This manner of joking may earn a good laugh or two, but when a president says during a speech that he uses marijuana to cope with his “killing” meetings and duties while leading a drug war that has taken thousands of lives—regardless of whether guilty or innocent—surely, this incongruity is no longer funny. Nonetheless, President Rodrigo Duterte nonchalantly dismissed this as yet another one of his many controversial jokes. "That's how I am... if you say I was joking all the time, I won't mind. It was a joke, of course. It was a joke but nobody can stop me from just doing my style... Sometimes, you call me a misogynist because of some jokes. That's my style. It's too late to change. If I want to [tell a] joke, I will... kung maniwala kayo, gago kayo," he said. Joking about using drugs after having incited the killings of “drug personas” is just too distasteful for a public official, even more so for a president. What is even more appalling is that it is as if we are just to accept him for who he is because that is his “style.” That may be true, but you cannot argue that your faults define you just to avoid criticisms and calls for improvement. If we all did that, then we would get away with every mistake we commit. But Duterte doesn’t really see these as faults, right? He has talked about wanting to be the first to rape an Australian missionary. He also told the military that it is okay to rape women, and that he will take care of them if they do as long as they do their jobs—all as a joke, of course. I guess he was also joking when he said he would protect our islands in the West Philippine Sea, end drug problems in three to six months, be a more “prim and proper” president, and disregard patronage in politics. Maybe it is timely to ask who is “gago,” in the words of the president, amid all the controversies surrounding the country. F

FLAME | 17

Sapienti Sat

Scintilla

Corheinne Joyce B. Colendres

Reyanne Louisse Ampong

A bigger battle

“Walang kwenta,” really?

All three branches of the government have become terrifying since the beginning of the current president’s rule. It is as if all Filipinos have no one left to trust, because what can the people do when the ones who they have placed in power—people who were supposed to protect them—ended up catering to their own selfish needs? The administration has countlessly used and abused the name of the Filipino people to their advantage: the drug war was said to be for our safety, the alarming connections that were initiated with China were supposedly for the betterment of the Filipino citizens. We are all being sold, threatened, and violated in our own land, and in both subtle and literal manners by the institutions who have taken an oath to protect us. We soon learned to take battles into our own hands because no one will fight for us but ourselves. The press has made considerable efforts to uncover the dirt that this government frantically hides, and we have learned to stand together to support workers as they demanded justice from their employers. Recently, we even won a battle in a courtroom: the three cops who killed a 17-yearold boy who they claimed to be a drug courier were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua without bail or parole. Although powerful and monumental, these achievements are still small steps toward the path of progress and justice. There is still too much to do and accomplish, but it seems like we are all running out of time. Every small win against our perpetrators results to more problems that we cannot handle; it seems as though defeat still prevails despite our small victories. Regardless, we must understand that the fight continues. The fight does not stop with our activism. The fight does not stop with simply wanting to correct wrongs. The fight does not stop with all of us standing together and working toward a common goal, because as long as we allow the death of random people in the streets for the sake of the drug war, as long as we tolerate the president’s jokes against women, the Catholic Church, minority groups, and other factions that he lambasts in an effort to hide what is truly going on in the country, and finally, as long as we allow people like the late dictator’s wife—who can mock justice because people in power allow her to do so—as long as these injustices transpire before our eyes, our fight continues. F

Last October, I turned 19 and I spent it with three of my friends in a place I never thought I would spend my birthday at: the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Bicutan (DOH-TRC Bicutan). We were a little bit nervous the first time we went there; almost all eyes were on us and we did not know how to act. We soon learned it was because the patients become happy every time someone visits the center because they get to see someone new. It is like a break from their everyday routine. In almost every building inside the facility, there is at least one patient who is at the door or the lobby, ready to answer queries or address needs. It made me happy how accommodating and kind they are, contrary to the stigma attached to drug users that they are unmotivated, violent, or worse “walang kwenta,” without giving them a chance. Indeed, in the Philippines, where the president has a bloody crackdown on illegal drugs resulting in the death of thousands, and where the president says that “junkies” are not humans, those who suffer from drug addiction are not given a chance. In August 2016, Duterte was quoted as saying: “You must remember that those who are in 'shabu' for almost one year are [practically] dead. They are the living walking dead… [and] are of no use to society anymore.” He made this aggravating remark two years ago and yet it is still in my mind. How can one liken humans to zombies when these people are willing to change for the better? It does not help when someone as influential as the head of state spits out these nonsense remarks when some drug dependents already think of themselves as such. Studies show that low self-esteem may lead to substance abuse; those who are drug dependents often have low selfesteem. Hence, according to health officer Mark Anthony Advincula, the very first thing they bring back in the patients is confidence. This is also what the patients we have talked to told us. Ate “Bubbles” shared with us that it is her second admittance into DOH-TRC Bicutan and, like the first time, she surrendered herself. Why? Because she wanted to be better; because she needed help. Would it not be lovely when, instead of judging those who suffer from substance abuse, we give them a chance and help them? Advincula said peer support has a lot of effects on their patients’ recovery. We have to acknowledge the fact that they may have turned to illegal drugs because they wanted an escape without wanting it to eventually corrupt them. What is more important is their willingness to recover from substance abuse. I feel fortunate to have talked to some people inside DOH-TRC Bicutan because they reminded me that we can be the best version of ourselves when we help ourselves and others as well. Instead of gunning people down the streets and discriminating against them, the government should be the first to effect change by building and funding facilities and programs which enable the recovery of drug dependents. We do not need blood, much less a president who is proud of the stigma he casts on certain people. F

FLAME | 18

Griffonage

Positive Space

Kristela Danielle S. Boo

Danea Patricia T. Vilog

The bane of Intramuros and Binondo No matter what other benefits it may give, any improvement that causes harm is not an improvement at all. The Chinese government-funded construction of the bridge that will soon link Binondo and Intramuros aims to ease traffic congestion and increase commercial activity in the area. However, this development can be considered a threat to the Walled City. Heritage conservationist groups have expressed their opposition to the planned four-lane, 734-meter bridge, saying that the construction will affect the Aduana Building and the walls of Intramuros due to its old age and soft foundation, as well as the Chamber of Commerce Building and Plaza Mexico. UNESCO has also warned that the construction of the bridge may result in San Agustin Church and three other churches being delisted from the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) Sites. The bridge project across the Pasig River, linking the streets of San Fernando in Binondo and Solano in Intramuros, will encroach on the “buffer zone” that UNESCO requires San Agustin Church to maintain as a WH Site. Ironically, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer article, only after the Order of St. Augustine formally raised their concern did the cultural agencies National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Intramuros Administration start taking notice. This will not be the first time that a WH Site risks being delisted because of a construction of a modern edifice. In 2009, the Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany was delisted from the UNESCO WH Sites due to the construction of the Waldschlösschen Bridge. With the project now in full swing, the “basket handletype steel arc bridge” will soon be an off and too modern infrastructure linking two historical districts of Manila. Some would say that it will only affect the landscape, but no one really cares about the vista of a place until it is gone. One will only realize things had gone wrong once it is too late. This may perhaps show how we really care for our historical landmarks, the remnants of our history. We tend to embrace development with the hopes of feeling the ease and this sometimes leads us to unconsciously neglecting our heritage. What is the value of modernization if it will abandon the past instead of preserving it? No new bridge or any structure should be a threat to our history. Modernization is useless if it is an agent of destruction for age-old entities. Modernization should instead be an agent of development in terms of preservation and conservation. It has been more than two years since the construction of the bridge was first proposed yet it is only now that serious complaints have been raised. No one questioned China’s funding of the bridge as well. The Binondo-Intramuros bridge that will soon connect the world’s oldest Chinatown and the Walled City should complement the heritage and cultural significance of the landscape and should not become a landmark that shows how our leaders are slowly caving in to the powers of a foreign land. F

Fearing the shears ‘Tis the season for graduation photoshoots and the season that one and a half years of avoiding beauty salons have finally boiled down to. Perhaps one and a half years is a slight exaggeration, but growing a shoulder length Dora the Explorer bob into a waist length waterfall of dark locks does demand much time to pass by. I grew up disliking my hair for the problems shampoo ad models ask through the fourth wall of my television screen: dry and frizzy most of the time, split ends, hair loss, and a bald spot somewhere that I desperately hope no one ever notices. The soft spoken lady who dolled me up for the photoshoot praised me for my long hair as she curled it upon my request, but that same day, I was met with a different comment from another person. “Kailan ka ba magpapagupit? Balak mo bang talunin ‘yung extensions ni Ariana Grande?” My initial reaction to an unsolicited opinion is to ask why, but I decided to roll with the situation to see what this person has to say about a body part that is not their own. Short hair has always appealed to me in the same way a crop top does: gorgeous and has that edge I have always wanted, but never quite fits me so I did the next best thing. The only reason I waited this long to consider having a haircut was so I can have the satisfaction of hearing people’s reactions. Lo and behold, I was not disappointed. “Ano, like a feminist?” came the reply. It was difficult to keep a straight face to this comment. Perhaps this person did not intend to sound as condescending as they seemed at the time. Perhaps they ran out of words to describe exactly what they meant and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Or, perhaps, this stems from a patriarchal culture that views women outside the Barbie doll packaging as alien, different, and a general threat that breaks through the tropes this culture perpetuates. I will not pretend to serve wisdom on a silver platter with a preachy speech about disregarding physical beauty because “it’s what on the inside that counts”; the reality here is, to a certain extent, we do care about how we appear, how we look. I know I do, and I admit that I myself fall prey to superficial standards. But that is not the issue. What is problematic is the kneejerk tendency to box others’ appearances into stereotypes, often without realizing it. The cheesy narrative that beauty from the inside is what matters contradicts the standards we hold others and ourselves up to. There is nothing wrong with being a feminist; I would be honored to be considered part of a social movement that empowers women from all walks of life. Something I do need to check with myself is my own tendency to depend on parts of me that are meant to be let go of, a slight nod to Samson, except I rely on my hair for self-esteem. I will find the courage to face the shears one of these days; to step back inside a salon and let Delilah have her way at my locks so they can grow back anew, and so I, too, can grow in some way. For now, a head full of locks stays at 18 inches and counting. F

FLAME | 19

The present meets the old downtown of Manila photo by MARLOU B. JOSEPH BON-AO

FLAME | 20

ISSUES

In between pillars photo by IAN CARLO L. ARIAS

FLAME | 21

Sorry or not sorry? Assessing the state of equipment and facilities in AB by FATE EMERALD M. COLOBONG and PEACH ARIANNA P. MANOS

A

RECENT opinion article in the Flame talked about the “sorry state” of facilities and equipment in the Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB). However, AB Dean Michael Anthony Vasco begged to disagree. “Tayo lang ang kolehiyo, I think,

FLAME | 22

na lahat ng classrooms ay may flat screen TV, and yet you say na it’s a ‘sorry state.’ [...] Bakit tayo lang ang may flat screen TV sa 27 classrooms natin? Tapos lahat merong multimedia projector, lahat merong built-in microphone,” he said.

art by YANNI KAYE A. WINGARTS

On AB equipment In Academic Year (A.Y.) 2013 to 2014, AB procured ten 52-inch LED TVs for classrooms. Four academic years later, all 27 rooms in AB already have built-in televisions complete with the EZCast software, according to data given by

the administration. EZCast is a digital media player that allows users to mirror media content from smart devices and project it to high-definition televisions. According to Dean Vasco, EZCast was the solution to the wear and tear problem with VGA and HDMI cables. However, wireless technology still poses some issues as it strongly depends on the wifi signal, prompting the administration to order HDMI and VGA cables for backup in case EZCast would not work. Janelle Lorzano, a senior journalism student, noticed this development. Lorzano said portable TVs were the only available equipment students could use during her freshman year, but now, she has seen a significant change in the use of built-in TVs in all classrooms, which have facilitated easier class discussions and activities. “Every year, sinisigurado nila na may development sa mga equipment na in the end, the students will benefit,” she said. However, for journalism senior Shayla Romero, although she has noticed that there is now an EZCast, sound system, and more microphones, they are sometimes defective. “Maganda na merong EZcast, pero minsan kasi kapag high definition ang video, hindi siya kaya kahit naka-VLC Player na. Napuputol-putol ang video tapos minsan pangit ang audio. Kahit na advanced na ‘yung EZcast, mas pipiliin pa rin ng mga professor na mag-projector kasi hindi naapektuhan ang quality ng video at masakit kasi sa batok ng mga nasa first row tingnan ang TV,” she explained. She added that returning dysfunctional equipment to the Dean’s Office to have them replaced causes class disruption. Worsening this is the tedious process of setting up equipment, especially for those who do not have enough technical know-how. Both Lorzano and Romero noticed a scarcity in the number of equipment and suggested that it should be increased and made available inside classrooms to avoid inconvenience and class disruptions. However, Dean Vasco said the number of equipment AB has is enough. “Actually, they (equipment) are enough. Ang problema talaga natin is the wear and tear of the equipment. If

you noticed, year in and year out, we are acquiring new equipment but we are also retiring as many,” he said. “One aspect is the discipline. I am not ruling out the wear and tear kasi talaga namang naluluma ang mga equipment, pero para magpalit tayo taon taon, there’s something wrong. Kasi ang wear and tear ng equipment, it takes 3 to 4 years, pero kung taon taon nasisira, bakit ganoon ‘yung nangyayari? So tignan din natin ang end user,” the dean added. Less students, limited resources Aside from the wear and tear of equipment, another problem is the limited resources to acquire new equipment and improve facilities due to the lower number of enrollees this year stemming from the transition of to K to 12. Part of the tuition fee paid by Artlets is the 800-peso Special Development Fund (SDF), which is used for equipment and facilities in the Faculty. To compensate, the admin does periodic checks to assess if there are equipment that need to be repaired. At the end of the month, those that are considered “beyond repair” would be sent to the central technicians of the University for replacement, which would require another tedious process unless in cases of emergency, according to the dean. He added that global standards in equipment and facilities must be adapted to the local context and that the Faculty must not be compared with other universities with better resources. “Dapat ang principle diyan ay ‘Think globally, act locally.’ Number one, we have very limited resources. Sabi ninyo ay ‘A world-class liberal arts college deserves world-class facilities.’ [Ang] tanong ko, magkano ba ang ating resources?” Vasco said. AB is not only limited in resources, but also in manpower. Mr. Richard Silva is the only audiovisual technician in the Faculty. He maintains almost all technical equipment because the computer technicians, even if there are three in AB, are only adept in addressing computer concerns, Silva said. Further, he stated that the problem is in how students handle the borrowed equipment. “Lately na-[realize] namin na ang cause kaya

laging nasisira ang mga equipment natin is hinihiram [ng students].” Although there are equipment already built and set up inside classrooms, Artlets still have to borrow laptops, cables, projectors, and speakers, among other things, from the Dean’s Office on the second floor of the St. Raymund de Peñafort building. To solve this, Silva said the admin is planning to set up desktop computers in each classroom in AB complete with all needed equipment so that students would not need to borrow from time to time. He added that this will empower technicians since it will enable them to help in maintaining and monitoring the computer units. “Mabo-boost ngayon kaming apat na technician dito kasi computer na siya, at ‘yung mga computer technician, kaya na nilang i-handle ‘yan. Hindi kagaya ngayon na laptop lang siya, so kapag may mga problema sa equipment, sasabihin nila na ‘Uy kay Richard ‘yan, balikan ninyo ng alas dose,’” he said. Silva’s schedule is from 12 n.n. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. In the morning, no audiovisual technician is available in AB. “Hindi 100 percent ‘yung assistance,” he said. Another project the admin is planning is to custom build all equipment so that HDMI and VGA cables will already be fixed and hooked to the television in all classrooms. However, both projects are still in process and their completion will depend on the budget of the Faculty. On AB facilities The first and second floors of the St. Raymund’s building are known to be a home for Artlets. But with the growing number and demands of the Artlet community, have the buildings’ facilities been able to cope with the changing times? In A.Y. 2014-2015, the Students Welfare Development Board office and Room 121 were renovated. The following year, there was also a renovation of the guidance counselors’ office along with procurement of its furniture. Just recently, the College of Commerce turned over Room D and its mezzanine to AB to give the Faculty additional facilities for its new batch of creative writing students. The

FLAME | 23

mezzanine now houses the English and Philosophy Departments. AB also takes pride in having three computer rooms: the computer lab, the eLeAP room, and the Learning Resource Unit. Aside from the renovations, there is also the yearly procurement of air conditioning units and frequent acquisition of classroom chairs because of wear and tear. However, classroom reservation for students’ activities remains to be an issue since classrooms in AB are earmarked only for regular and special classes. It can be difficult to reserve rooms for non-academic activities, although there are some periods in between class hours where classrooms can be used for other purposes. With regards to the Faculty having its own audiovisual room, Dean Vasco said it would require added facilities and extra space—two things the building lacks. On the state of restrooms The students’ concerns on the state of restrooms in the St. Raymund’s building echo the loudest in the hallways. Maricar Yabut, team leader of the AB maintenance staff, has been working in the building for 13 years and said her only concern is the water system in restrooms. “Ang pinaka-concern talaga ay ‘yung CR dahil ‘yung tubig, recycled water. Kahit anong linis namin, ‘yung amoy ng recycled water ay mabaho, tsaka ‘yung nilalabas niya ‘di ba parang ang itim. Kahit anong gawin naming linis, kahit minu-minuto mo linisan, kung ganoon ang tubig, hindi [malilinis],” she said. The same goes for other maintenance staff like Eriberto Buce and Rayman David. They said the use of recycled water in the restroom and in cleaning some parts of the building have had visitors and students complaining. “Napansin ko lang is ‘yung tubig nga natin kasi marami ring nagrereklamo. ‘Pag maglilinis ako ng CR, sasabihin ng estudyante, ‘Kuya, bakit ang baho ng tubig niyo?’” David said. Dean Vasco said they tried requesting the use of fresh tap water for the restrooms, but the request was rejected for environmental reasons. “We have to understand that even water is a limited resource. So para

namang sayang nga naman ‘yung tap water na gagamitin mo lang naman pang flush, e bakit hindi na lang ‘yung recycled water. ‘Yun ang point doon,” Vasco said. As for the renovation of restrooms, the dean said it has to be a mutual decision and collective effort with the College of Commerce because AB shares the same building with them. “Siguro we can coordinate with the College of Commerce. Baka gusto na rin nilang magpa-renovate ng CR kasi we belong to the same building, and ang CR naman natin ay hindi exclusive. Ang mga AB gumagamit sa taas, ang

“ ‘Think globally, act locally.’

Dapat ang principle diyan ay

Number one, we have very limited resources. Sabi ninyo ay

‘A world-class liberal arts college deserves world-class facilities.’

FLAME | 24

“For me, it’s in a very sorry state… first of all, ‘yung classrooms, hindi nila ma-accommodate ‘yung students. Kailangan pa naming hintayin matapos ‘yung morning section ng Asian studies. Tapos ‘yung CR ng girls, sira ‘yung doors. walang bidet, ‘di nag-fa-function ‘yung sink,” journalism freshman Jessica Asprer said. Anna Miranda, a first year behavioral science student, shared the same sentiment regarding the facilities. “‘Yung chairs mga pasira na, at saka main problem ‘yung comfort room kasi minsan walang tubig at wala ring bidet.”

[Ang] tanong ko, magkano ba ang ating resources?”

mga Commerce gumagamit sa AB,” Vasco said. Final assessment In the end, Dean Vasco’s assessment of the state of AB equipment and facilities remained “not sorry.” “I just want to emphasize a sense of shared responsibility, co-ownership, and careful use of facilities... we are not blaming anyone here, pero dapat [equipment and facilities are] shared responsibilities of the administration, students, and faculty,” he said. However, some Artlets think otherwise.

”

The two Artlets argued that, since the building is over five decades old, the facilities and equipment in AB are rusty and thoroughly used to the point where they are defective. For Dean Vasco, the state of facilities does not depend on the age of the building. “We have to admit that our building is not that young, but I don’t think that simply because we have an old building is hindi na siya conducive. You should go to much older universities and look at their classrooms… kasi ang idea, ‘pag luma hindi na conducive. Hindi naman ganoon,” he stressed. F

A closer look

Issues and problems facing AB socs T and orgs by ALYSSA MAE S. RAFAEL and ANA GABRIELLE CEGUERA art by KATRINA NOVA O. BUYCO

HE FACULTY of Arts and Letters (AB), which offers 13 academic degree programs and houses nine interest organizations, is known to be the most diverse faculty in the University. All 13 academic disciplines, each with its own society, aim to promote values and bring out the potential of the students. AB is built on the foundation of camaraderie and learning that goes beyond the four corners of a classroom. However, being the melting pot of different majors and organizations, the Faculty faces issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

FLAME | 25

Newly implemented rules This academic year, the Faculty administration imposed new rules on all societies and organizations. These included limiting the number of projects and events, restricting the number of students excused for events, and shifting the budgetary process from cash reimbursements to cash advancements. In a meeting with the dean together with different officials of the Faculty, Assistant Dean Narcisa Tabirara pointed out the need to limit the numerous and overlapping student activities. “Napakaraming activities ranging from leadership training… there is a leadership training organized by OSA,

FLAME | 26

a leadership training organized by the student council, tapos each organization will also organize its own leadership training,” she said. Tabirara added that organizations and societies must work under the philosophy “na huwag lang kung ano-ano” in terms of having projects and activities. “Students must really think of really high impact projects that will really benefit the majority of people in the program.” AB Red Cross Youth Council (AB-RCYC) President Janelle Lorzano pointed out that the issue on overlapping student activities can be addressed with the aid of a Vice President (VP)-Internal who can coordinate with the societies and organizations about their projects. However, in October, Artlets Student Council (ABSC) VP-Internal Anika Imperial resigned from her post due to medical problems. Only one Artlet, China Vergara, filed a candidacy for the position, but she backed out on Nov. 22 just hours ahead of the scheduled miting de avance. As of writing, AB is yet to find its new VP-Internal as the AB Commission on Elections gears up for the second reopening of the filing period. “Sana, we act as one kasi ‘yung VPInternal ‘yung [nag-u-unite] sa aming lahat. So kung wala siya, nagkakanyakanya kami,” Lorzano said. Aside from limiting the number of events, the administration also restricts the the number of students allowed to be excused from their classes to attend events. “The academic organizations as well as the interest groups, nag-o-overlap sila [ng activities] and students are kept away from their classes too many times. It’s also a disadvantage to the students,” Tabirara said.

To address the problem, Literary Society (LitSoc) President Anna Margarita Camua said they schedule their events on dates where more students are available. Journalism Society President Franchesca Viernes argued that there should be no limitation in excusing students as these events help them achieve their full potential. “Bawal nang mag-excuse ng klase, which we think is not really supportive para sa amin... Hindi lang naman tayo sa loob ng klase natututo,” she said. For Lorzano, this is not a problem as AB-RCYC does not want to excuse students who are not really interested to attend a certain event. Another pressing concern is the shift to cash advancement. Under this new system, societies and organizations are required to forward their budget proposal to the Dean’s Office a month before an event. They will then receive the fund they requested for in advance. Society and organization presidents emphasized their concerns regarding inevitable circumstances which prompt them to spend more than the initial allotment in their budget proposal. In order to avoid excess spending, Camua said they have to be strict with their budget. Still, there are instances where they go beyond the proposed limit. “If sumobra ‘yung nagastos namin, I think sa amin na talaga nag-fa-fall, na kukuha kami sa other fund namin kasi very strict kasi sa budget proposal,” she said. For instance, for AB-RCYC, there were times when they would allot a budget in their proposal for only 100 participants, but then, more than the expected number of participants would attend the event. In such cases, they would get cash from their funds in order to meet the needs of all the attendees. Viernes pointed out that there was no actual change in the system of requesting cash since they still get the funds after an event like in the previous years. “Hindi ko gets bakit kailangang ibahin e gano’n din naman, nakukuha din namin ‘yung pera after ng event. So para rin kaming na-reimburse, mas pinahirapan lang nila ‘yung process,” she said. Effect of K-12 Aside from these new rules, societies and organizations are also facing

internal difficulties. Members serve as the heart and soul of every society and organization; but the shift to K-12 has led to lesser manpower to help student leaders in implementing activities and projects. Viernes said manpower is needed for every activity because there must be people who will devote their time and effort and work for the betterment of the society. The impact of the implementation of the K to 12 program was felt by all the societies and organizations, especially during the transition period. It was one of the hardest challenges they needed to face since most of their officers are seniors. As part of the preparation for next year, the different societies and organizations have been training undergraduate members to work on the specific duties of an officer. AB Debate Parliament (ABDP) Prime Minister Nikki Elardo said they have been preparing their members to build their skill in debating so that they have something to pass on to the next members after they graduate. “The best thing we can do to train our members through transition is by debating itself because we can’t keep the [organization] alive if there’s no one to teach the basics of debating, if there’s no one to carry over our name,” she said. In LitSoc, they have developed a partner system in which a senior officer should accompany and train a younger member and work hand-in-hand in order to do the job of a specific position. “Kailangan this year ma-train na namin sila to become fit enough to stand on their own,” Camua said. However, Lorzano said she believes that one year is not enough to train

members to lead an organization, so they need to double their effort in training new members and prospective officers in AB-RCYC. Lack of rooms Adding to their internal problems is the lack of rooms in the St. Raymund de Peñafort building to accommodate all the organizations and societies. AB has no rooms exclusively for academic organizations and interest groups. Elardo said that is why the ABDP conducts its trainings in the medicine pavilions. She pointed out that it will be easier to cultivate the critical thinking and argumentation abilities of debaters if only there was an exclusive room for them. Lorzano also pointed out that they need to have their own organization room to store their equipment and provide better services for Artlets in cases of emergency. She added that although the RCYC already has a main organization room in the Tan Yan Kee Student Center (TYK), the space is too small to cater to all the college-based units of Red Cross. “What if may emergency? Pupunta pa ba kami ng TYK para kumuha ng first aid kit, spine board, [and] wheelchair?” For Artistang Artlets President Jonas Garcia, the lack of rooms has not been a problem as the administration helps them in reserving rooms. Faculty Secretary Ma. Zenia Rodriguez already signed the list of vacant rooms which they can use to have their rehearsals. As of now, the administration still has no plan to build rooms exclusively for organizations and societies. “Maybe that is something you can think about or make a proposal [for]

and then I suppose you will find a way eventually on how to go about it,” Tabirara said. She added that academic organizations and interest groups can hold meetings in rooms where classes are not being held. No memo, no formal complaints Although all the newly implemented rules were stated by Dean Michael Anthony Vasco in a meeting with the ABSC and the Board of Majors (BOM) together with different organizations and societies, there is no written document for these rules. “Kailangan siguro talaga ma-inform lahat ng estudyante na merong dokumento na nagsasabing ganito, na ganyan, para hindi sana more on sa boses lang ‘yung policies,” BOM Speaker John Steven Usero said. Usero disclosed that the lack of a memorandum caused confusion among the student leaders. “May mga kapwa din akong leader sa ibang mga organization na tinatanong ko na alam niyo ba na ganito na ‘yung policy, sinasabi nila na hindi. So nagkakaroon ng parang kalituhan doon, kasi ang tingin ng mga tao hindi siya official,” he shared. However, amid all problems and issues of these organizations and societies, Tabirara said that the administration has not yet received any formal complaints from students. “They do not write the dean or neither are we really formally informed about the complaints. Maybe they have some issues but never really bring up formally so that they can be addressed properly. So maybe they just grumble among themselves or talk about it,” Tabirara said. F

FLAME | 27

THE

FLAME

EXPLAINS The consequences of removing Filipino and Pantikan subjects in college by HALEE ANDREA B. ALCARAZ art by DANEA PATRICIA T. VILOG

FLAME | 28

O

N JULY 28, 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) issued Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20 series of 2013 which revises the General Education Curriculum (GEC) at the tertiary level. It removes Filipino, Panitikan, and Philippine Constitution as core courses in college. In April 2015, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the memorandum after a group of professors, students, and legislators called it “anti-Filipino.” On Oct. 9 this year, however, the High Court lifted the TRO on the memorandum, arguing that the CHEd’s decision to remove the said courses from the GEC was constitutional and within their authority. If CMO No. 20 will be implemented, what will happen to the identity, historical and cultural knowledge, and social awareness of Filipinos? Obliterating the Filipino identity For Department of Literature chairperson Dr. Joselito Delos Reyes, implementation of the memorandum will affect the national identity of Filipinos. He stressed that as much as history books reflect the country’s identity, it is also in literature that one can learn about who and what a nation is. “Basahin mo ‘yung panitikan nila,

may matututunan ka, may mauunawaan ka hinggil doon sa lipunang ‘yon,” Delos Reyes said.

Removal of Filipino and Panitikan from college, according to history professor Dr. Analiza Yanga, will further limit the historical knowledge of Filipinos and will contribute to their loss of national identity. “ Limitadong-limitado na nga tayo

sa ating kaalaman sa ating bansa, lalo pa nitong nililimitahan ang ating pagkakakilala sa atin as a Filipino,”

she said. The Filipina who came under fire on social media for mistranslating “happy birthday” and “cheers” into Filipino is a glimpse of what future generations of Filipinos would be like if nationalistic subjects are removed from the curriculum, said Alvin Reyes, chairperson of the Department of Filipino. “Filipinos are easily drowned by the culture that they are in because they don’t have an intact sense of identity,” he said. He added that, by focusing too much on the ideas from other nations, the Philippines will become a country that “further erases its culture.” A ‘developing poor nation’ According to Filipino professor Dr. Roberto Ampil, CMO 20 stemmed from the K to 12 curriculum designed to produce “globally competitive” students. The Philippines was formerly one of the few countries in the world that did not follow the K to 12 educational system alongside some countries in Africa.

Ampil said this curriculum will produce students who will become laborers who serve at the pleasure of foreign capitalists. “Ang makikita natin dito, sige, globally competitive ka, makakapunta ka sa ibang

bansa, pero sino’ng pinagsisilbihan mo? Sino’ng pinagyayaman mo? ‘Yung bansa na ‘yun, hindi ang sarili mong bansa,” he said.

Reyes shared the same opinion. He said the memorandum may produce globally competitive Filipinos because they could obtain jobs abroad much easier, but they will do so at the expense of the Philippines, a “developing poor nation.” The students’ national identity will be greatly impacted, he added. “Filipinos, when they go abroad, would not have a distinct self-esteem or pride for their identity because they have been molded by an education that puts premium on a culture that is not really authentically or genuinely [theirs], but a culture that caters more to the external culture,” Reyes said. He added that what the memorandum will create are money-making Filipinos around the world who have no sense of compassion for their fellow Filipinos. “They would not know how to level down their technical know-how and expertise to those who cannot speak and understand foreign language,” he said. Reyes also said the Philippines always mimics the patterns followed by United States. While he says this is not totally wrong, he added that “if all of this knowledge coming into our consciousness

FLAME | 29

will not be indigenized, then not only will we become people who do not have a sense of identity, but people whose culture is really westernized or externalized.” Filipino in basic education is not equal to Filipino in college Higher education is offered through different degree programs by colleges or universities called Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which are regulated by the CHEd. Since degree programs teach students the “hard skills” they will need for their future professions, it is through the General Education courses that they learn “soft skills” such as Filipino, said Ampil. Following the K to 12 model, CHEd placed Filipino, Panitikan, and Philippine Constitution subjects in the basic education curriculum. CHEd considers Filipino a course that is best taught in senior high school, but Reyes begs to differ. He said the inclusion of Filipino subjects in the basic education curriculum only provides students with basic knowledge and fundamental structures about the language. At the tertiary level, Filipino courses are meant for mastery of the language in relation to the field they are specializing in. Ampil also shared the same sentiment, saying Filipino is vital for all programs because their degrees are not just meant for themselves but also for the society they live in. Filipino is necessary for all majors Some people claim that it is okay to remove Filipino subjects for those who are majoring in courses like engineering, medicine, and other hard sciences, but Reyes said this argument is “absurd,” arguing that there are engineers who come to them seeking help in translating their materials into Filipino. “I think these professionals who thought that it is okay to remove that particular

FLAME | 30

course would find themselves incapable of fully utilizing their professions come four or five years from now when they deal with their clients, with their subordinates, [or] even with some of their colleagues who are not able to express themselves well in the foreign language,” he said. Just like Filipino, Panitikan in college is also of grave importance to students. Delos Reyes stressed that it is wrong to remove Panitikan in college and that the teaching of this course should not stop at the senior high level but should be continuous until the tertiary level. “Hindi ito isang bira lang na ‘Okey na tayo, meron naman na sa K to 12.’

Dapat inaaral mo ito tuloy-tuloy bago ka lumingap doon sa bituin ng globalisasyon; dapat lingapin mo muna ‘yung sarili mong kinikilusan,” he said. " Bago tayo tumingala sa bituin ng globalisasyon, dapat tignan muna natin kung saan tayo nakaugat ,” he added. F with reports from MICHOLO ANTON GABRIEL I. CUCIO

FACES

Blindly colorful photo by BEVERLY F. DELA CRUZ

FLAME | 31

Paul Castillo moves the world one word at a time by LORRAINE B. LAZARO and THERESE MARIE F. UNGSON photos by IAN CARLO L. ARIAS

FLAME | 32

J

UST AS artists have their craft, Paul Castillo has his words. He uses his passion for writing to leave an impact on the world. While revisiting his journey, a smile appears on his face. For Paul, writing is not just a simple act of composition— writing must give back to society and be a part of history. Despite being in his 30s, the writer ensures that he is able to incorporate the traditions of writing while keeping up with the trends of society. Being a former NSTP facilitator and now an instructor under the Faculty’s Department of Literature as well as a resident fellow at the Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies, Paul had the chance to view the world through a wider perspective and share it with today’s generation. “I think I got the best of both worlds kasi may influence ako ng mga katanggaptanggap sa younger readers and at the same time, medyo still following the model of the masters,” he shares. Also a teacher of art appreciation and humanities at the College of Architecture, Paul considers his students’ fascination with Instagram when teaching photography. He also includes writing exercises in his class through film reviews because of his students’ love for going out and watching movies. “You spend 250 pesos sa cinema,” he says. “Why not write something about the films you watched and will watch?” Point of discovery In his younger years, writing was nothing but a hobby until he got inspired by the Flame’s literary folio, Dapitan. Motivated by his desire to write like Joseph Saguid and other pioneer writers, his passion for writing grew. “Siguro nung high school, naghahanap pa ako ng outlet, English pa noon. Sa English ako nagsimula pero Filipino ‘yung pinursue ko. [...] Ibang Paul Castillo ‘yun, and siguro from there, I had this urge to write, kaya nung pagtungtong ko sa college, nabuo sa loob ko na magsusulat ako,” he shares. After winning a literary award given exclusively to Thomasians in Gawad Ustetika during his senior year, something came over Paul; he never thought that he would achieve something out of writing.

As he went up onstage, he had already made his decision: "Sabi ko, ipagpapatuloy ko ito after graduation [and] graduate school." Coming from the last batch of the now-defunct Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education program, Paul was not wellequipped in the field of literature. As he ventured more into writing, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing. Currently, he is earning his doctorate degree in literature. Through workshops under the Thomasian Writers Guild, he was also able to build connections with other writers and realized that his writing was leaning toward the religious. Soon after, he explored other styles of literary writing, one of which gave him a prestigious achievement. Coming out of his shell After four attempts, Paul finally received a special letter acknowledging his work: he bagged first place in the Tula category of the 68th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. “Ang gusto ko lang naman ay ang sumali [at] magpasa. ‘Di na ako nagexpect na manalo,” he says. The poet’s winning 12-piece poetry collection, Luna’t Lunas, was an example of his exploration of other writing styles. The idea for his work came about during his Lucban trip with his fiancée. They were passing by Mt. Banahaw when they saw rows of angel’s trumpets or kalampunay plants. “Lagi naming pinag-uusapan kung ano ba ‘yung effect, kung mas malala ba siya kesa marijuana,“ he recalls. “Since meron pala tayong ganito, naisip ko na gagawa ba ang Diyos ng nakasasama sa tao, na nakakalat lang sa nature?” What was then a simple conversation eventually led to more pondering. He became inspired to make poetry out of plants and medicinal herbs. Paul also shares that when he started his work, he was further motivated to continue exploring writing despite the topic being beyond his knowledge. After Luna’t Lunas, the litterateur plans on starting another passion project: a memoir about NSTP. Since it will focus on community

work, he plans to approach it through a lens that tackles issues like poverty and other hardships surrounding a poor community. An avenue for change Paul admits that being a teacher and a writer does take up a lot of his time, yet he continues writing and balancing his priorities. He encourages young writers to read, publish, and share their works. Paul shares that understanding readers makes a good writer. He describes a writer as someone who is generous with dropping subtle hints, no matter how difficult the piece may seem. “[I]isa lang naman ‘yung pinagmumulan ng ating consciousness and I think that a good writer always taps into that consciousness of his readers,” he shares. For Paul, writing is more than merely putting words to paper; rather, it opens the senses of the readers. “It’s up to them how they let these literary works open their minds and even their hearts to take action and heed the call of these writers na dapat kumilos din tayo and do something about what is happening around us. The writer and society go hand-in-hand in creating change,” he proclaims. F

FLAME | 33

UST Sinag Ballroom

Dance Company

steps into the limelight photos by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

T

HE STUDIO is filled with upbeat music, its rhythm compelling the people in dancing shoes to warm up in preparation for the intense training that is about to commence. Some dancers stretch their bodies, preparing it for a tiring rehearsal, while others practice swinging in tiptoes like poetry in motion. Members of the UST Sinag Ballroom Dance Company sway in perfect synchronization as if they are used to the rigor of ballroom dancing, their faces painted with smiles proving their love for dancing. Notable Artlet dancers are seen scattered in different areas of the studio: Rochelle Salvador is preparing materials in one corner, Reign Juanico is training with his seniors, and Kathreen Dave enters the studio a minute later. Like ballerinas in music boxes, the lives of these Arlets spin inside the festive community of Sinag.

“

Stories of passion As the rehearsal begins, Rochelle eyes her juniors conditioning their bodies for another night of training. Being a pioneer, she has had an inclination toward dancing for the longest time. After discovering her love for the craft in elementary, the senior standard dancer eventually found a true sanctuary and family in Sinag. “Ever since, nagsasayaw na ‘ko. ‘Yung fire sa passion mo mas umaalab,” she explains as she puts on her dancing shoes. While most dancers wince in pain, Rochelle continues stretching unfazed as her fiery desire shows that ballroom dancing is more than just a genre of dance. Just as every ship crew has its captain, Sinag standard dancers have Kathreen as their guide. While she continues her stretching routine, she recalls joining the group in its inaugural year. Before loving ballroom dancing, the standard dance captain admits to being unsure at first about whether to pursue singing or dancing. “Whenever I sing kasi, parang ‘di ako ganoon ka-confident on stage… Pero

kapag [sumasayaw] ako together with my teammates nung high school, ‘di ako kinakabahan, parang feeling ko super energetic ako, lagi kong gustong humarap sa crowd,” she reminisces as she takes a breather. Kathreen recalls an important event in her dancing career: UAAP Season 79. It was when she first danced before a Thomasian crowd—she even remembers how she performed with tears of joy. Emerging from the pool of senior Sinag members, Mao is the newcomer with an undeniable passion for dancing. Although entering the seminary may have impeded the junior latin dancer’s “hidden passion” for folk dancing when he was in elementary, his social dance class as a Thomasian senior high school student sparked a fire within him that has been hidden for years. “I felt the nostalgic feeling back when I was in elementary,” he shares. Despite freshly stepping into the studio, the philosophy student is already determined to reach his goals with Sinag. “As of now, parang naiisip ko lang na maging like my seniors… [Ang] goal ko

Bilang ‘Sinag’ ang pangalan niya, siya ‘yung liwanag sa college life ko. [...] Siya talaga yung stress reliever ko. FLAME | 34

”

ay maging kasing galing nila at makapagcompete na,” he says as he follows the lead of his dancing partner. Bonded by the love for dance The click-clacks of their heels harmonize with the beat of the music as they rehearse their routine. The pairs gracefully turn and sway in unison like tree branches on a windy day. With every flawless swing of their hips and graceful wave of their hands, victory becomes more and more certain for the team in the ballroom competition of UAAP Season 81. As the dancers took five, smiles and laughter filled the studio, revealing how close the members are to one another regardless of whether trainee or senior. Rochelle, a senior journalism student, shares that although most of the current members are graduating, Sinag will remain in the good hands of impassioned trainees. “‘Yung mga trainee, willing naman sila matuto. So, ‘yung mga sumunod sa’min, feeling naman namin ‘di nila pababayaan [ang Sinag]. Kung ano ‘yung passion na binubuo nila, mag-se-stay pa rin talaga ‘yun. Sinag kasi is family na for me, for us. Sobrang bonded na kasi namin,” Rochelle shares.

“Hindi lang siya basta pamilya na friends. Isa siyang pamilya ng mga passionate member. Kahit wala masyadong benefit ‘yung Sinag ngayon kasi bago pa lang, nakikita ko ‘yung Sinag as a family of passionate people,” Mao adds.

For aspiring journalist Kathreen, Sinag is the “light” of her college life. “Bilang ‘Sinag’ ang pangalan niya, siya ‘yung liwanag sa college life ko. Masyado kasing overwhelming ang journalism sa papers, sa readings. Siya talaga 'yung stress reliever ko,” she says. Meanwhile, Rochelle describes Sinag as her “sweet escape.” “As a graduating student, mahirap kasi talaga pagsabayin. Kalaban mo dito [‘yung] oras, priorities mo bilang estudyante [at] bilang dancer. Ito ‘yung sweet escape ko kasi... once na tumapak ka sa dance floor, iisipin mo na lang sumayaw, mag-enjoy,” she asserts. Making a mark The three Artlet dancers’ love for Sinag shines brighter as time passes. Kathreen, Rochelle, and Mao exchanged smiles while sharing their experiences. Amid laughter, the team’s president Clyde Layug and Latin-American Dance Captain Sabrina Ortega joined in and shared their views on the newest dance team. “May nakakabit na stereotype na kapag sinabing ballroom dancing, ‘di common [na] bata ‘yung gumagawa. Kaya nandito ‘yung Sinag [para] ipakita sa buong Thomasian community na puwede pa rin siyang pang-youth,” says Sabrina. “Ginagawa namin ‘to for passion. Mahirap kasi magkakaiba-iba kami ng college, magkakahiwalay yung oras ng availability namin, mahirap makumpleto. Siguro kailangan pa ng motivation

talaga,” Clyde adds. Despite these struggles, Sinag continues to dream big and soar high. “Hintay lang kayo. Lalago rin ‘to,” Mao suddenly declares, causing the group to burst in laughter. “Hindi kami titigil hangga’t ‘di kami makikilala rito. Hindi kami titigil talaga hangga’t ‘di kami nakakapag-compete nang halos lahat ng Thomasians nakikipagagawan sa ticket para lang makita kami,” Clyde stresses. With limbs tired but souls determined, the Sinag dancers wave one another goodbye—smiling despite exhaustion, knowing they are one step closer to the limelight. F ROMMEL BONG R. FUERTES JR. and SYRAH VIVIEN J. INOCENCIO

FLAME | 35

A resilient daughter’s silent battle cry

photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

FLAME | 36

A

N ALARM goes off at 4 a.m., which obviously startled Jelena Candice Santos. She quickly turns off the device in fear of waking up the whole household who also had a fairly long day yesterday. Candice lingers for a minute after she awakens, bracing herself for yet another day of making ends meet. On her way to prepare breakfast, the young lady walks past her parents’ room and catches a glimpse of her mom sleeping; she is quickly reminded of the circumstances that require her to be strong. As Candice descends to the kitchen, she sees that her older sister is already up as well and they proceed to cook breakfast side by side. “Tulungan kami ngayon, although minsan hindi talaga maiwasan na may times na naiisip namin na bakit ang endless nung problems, bakit hindi natatapos,” she shares. “Pero ‘yun nga, nakikita kasi namin kay mama ‘yung faith niya kay God, na kahit may Stage 4 Breast Cancer siya, nagtatrabaho pa rin siya, pumapasok pa rin siya, nag-ko-commute pa rin siya.” A ripple effect After having breakfast with her family, Candice hurriedly fixes her things to avoid the heavy traffic going to school. With her are not only notebooks but also cookies and candies that she will sell to earn additional funds for her mother’s medical treatments. Despite being a college student for months now, the Asian studies freshman still feels as if she is in a different territory, walking through an unfamiliar entrance gate, unexplored corridors, and seeing herself being with unknown faces. An admittedly silent kid since the start of school year, she eventually got to interact more and become comfortable with her classmates. During one of her classes, Candice remembers that she has pending tasks for an upcoming event of the parish youth ministry that she is a member of—in addition to her academic

requirements, household chores, and the baking she has to do every day. “‘[U]sually ang hindi ko na nagagawa is ‘yung chores kasi once na nahiga na ako sa kama, hindi na talaga ako kikilos. Minsan, natatauhan ako kasi nakikita ko ‘yung nanay ko ang gumagawa kaya naiisip ko [na] hindi deserve ng nanay ko na mahirapan nang gano’n, kaya iniisip ko na lang na gagawin ko ‘to kasi kailangan ng mommy ko—I should help my mom,” she shares. Entrepreneur for a cause Once classes end, Candice finds time to sell her pastries instead of just hanging out with friends. She roams around the corridors of St. Raymund’s to sell. “Dapat hindi ka mahihiya, although ako nahihiya ako minsan na magtinda pero kasi kailangan talaga so kakapalan ko talaga mukha ko kasi for a cause naman ‘yung ginagawa ko and gagawin ko siya kasi you do it for love, kasi kailangan talaga ng mommy ko,” she says wholeheartedly. During the class’s free time, the young entrepreneur manages to sell almost all of the pastries she brought, though it took some time and she even heard comments from some people implying that her products are too costly. The struggles do not hinder Candice from selling all her sweets thanks to her classmates who choose to remain in the classroom instead of going outside to buy food. “[N]akakataba ng puso and sobrang nakaka-motivate. Actually, ‘di ko kasi dini-direct na sa sarili ko. ‘Pag sinasabi ng tao na, ‘Wow, ang galing mo naman’ or ‘Hala, ang effort,’ parang bonus na lang siya kasi mas nasa isip ko na ipakilala [ang] mommy ko sa taong binebentahan ko,” she says joyfully. Optimism arising from obstacles Candice waves at her friends as she hurriedly walks out of their classroom after their professor dismissed them. Around the streets of Dapitan, she takes caution to not let her eyes wander

at the tempting food establishments that could stop her from saving the needed funds. After bracing the afternoon rush hour, the young lady arrives home to several household chores awaiting her, but she decides to rest first. As Candice reflects on the struggles of her day and the upcoming activities, she cannot help but feel like the exhaustion is far from being lessened; still, the thought of her mom’s resiliency stops her from overthinking. “Makikita mo talaga na sobrang hardworking na ‘di mo maiisip na gagawin niya ‘yun. Gano’n naman tayo sa mga nanay natin ‘di ba, na nakikita natin na ‘Hala, ang galing naman ng nanay ko, nagagawa niya ‘to.’ So parang ‘yung pagidolize ko sa kanya dati, mas [tumindi] ngayon kasi ang tibay and tatag [niya],” she shares. Feeling energized, Candice trudges through the rest of the afternoon by doing chores like cooking meals and cleaning the house while her mom undergoes oral chemotherapy. She also prepares the pastries that she will sell and reviews her notes for the class the following day. At night, Candice and her whole family finally eat the dinner the hardworking Artlet prepared. She tells them about her day and the upcoming church activities she is handling as a leader. Across the table, Candice catches a glimpse of her mom laughing at one of her jokes, and once again, she is reminded of the miracles that each day holds for her and her family. “Dahil sa kanya, sobrang napalapit ako kay Lord, at doon sa everyday life ko hindi ako nag-wo-worry na may mangyayaring ganito, hindi ako nag-aalala na wala na naman kaming pambayad sa ganito [o] ganyan kasi pag-uwi ko, ayan na, may sagot na si Lord. May solusyon na agad. [K]ahit ‘di ako magsalita, yayakapin ko lang siya, i-ki-kiss ko lang siya, ‘yun lang ‘yung lagi kong gustong gawin habang nandiyan pa siya,” Candice says with hope. F JOY THERESE C. GOMEZ and MARY NICOLE P. MIRANDA

FLAME | 37

A closer look photo by BEVERLY F. DELA CRUZ

FLAME | 38

CULTURE

An eye for beauty and art photo by ANA BARBARA A. SAN DIEGO

FLAME | 39

F

UELED BY Filipinos’ love for Japanese food, the multitude of ramen shops in Metro Manila have been growing, with many restaurants keeping their prices competitive especially on the street of Maginhawa. Balancing competitiveness and good food, Happon Ramen House, located along the favorite food street, stepped up their game by providing quality food at more affordable prices. Upon entering the two-story ramen house, one would immediately notice its simple yet natural interiors. From the green indoor plants placed on the

corners of the tables to the white and wood color scheme, the restaurant boasts a minimalist design. For the appetizer, one can order Edamame, immature soybeans that are eaten from the pod. Those who have not had this before may think that the entire dish can be eaten, but it is only the beans inside and not the actual pod that should be consumed. The garlic mixed in this dish makes it taste and smell more pungent. Aside from their affordable dishes, one of the best things about this restaurant is that, contrary to the usual ramen house, Happon opted to go healthier through their soup base. They use chicken-based broth instead of the usual tonkatsu, a pork-based soup.

FLAME | 40

Slurp it up at Happon by ANGELA A. CHUA photos by BEVERLY F. DELA CRUZ

One can enjoy a healthy noodle dish with their soul-warming bowl of Miso Ramen. This dish is a noodle soup with a broth seasoned with softened miso paste and is served with a variety of garnishes. Although the soup is not thick enough, the broth is seasoned well. Compared to Miso Ramen, the Spicy Curry Ramen’s soup is thicker and creamier. Unlike the former, this dish is laden with aromatic spices. The chicken-based broth infused with curry spices made the dish more flavorful and the fact that it is not drowned out by the spiciness of the chili is a plus point. Both ramen are topped with different garnishes, from kikurage (tenga ng daga in the Philippines) to

menma (bamboo shoots) and negi (leeks). Aside from the garnishes, both ramen also include ajitama (soft-boiled egg marinated in soy sauce) and chashu (sliced pork belly). The different ingredients put into these bowls of ramen complement each other which makes the dishes more rich and flavorful. The egg white is slightly firm, but the yolk is slightly runny and custard-

like which gives the ramen such a luxurious texture. The ajitamas are so silky that it would immediately melt in one’s mouth. Additionally, the kikurage, menma, and negi give a fresh taste to the ramen while the chashu, with its tender feel, makes the dish taste meatier. The noodles were cooked to just the right amount of firmness that customers will find themselves slurping their bowls

clean in no time. A perfect pairing for a bowl of ramen, Gyoza, is also available as a side order. There are a total of six fried dumplings served with a dipping sauce. With just a bite of the dumpling, one can taste the meaty flavor of the pork and how the vegetables in it enrich its flavor. The dish is tender to the bite and the flavor becomes more intense once dipped into the sauce.

As the night draws nearer, Happon’s customers grow in number, but the place is still able to accommodate more people. The minimalist furniture help prevent the room from looking cramped and crowded, which is convenient for the customers since they also have enough space between one another to have a more private chat with their company. Without a doubt, one can enjoy eating authentic Japanese food in Happon Ramen House, especially their bowl of ramen. The prices of these bowls are an absolute bargain for their goodness. Indeed, the restaurant is able to provide more affordable dishes, especially for the students who are their usual customers. F

FLAME | 41

Savor the flavors of Malaysia at Papparam

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO photos by IAN CARLO L. ARIAS

B

RIMMING with spices and relishes, the dishes at Papparam Malaysian Kitchen will surely satisfy one’s cravings not only for hot platters but also for well-seasoned food. From offering ready-to-eat food on the streets to serving customers with exquisite plating, Papparam has an interesting story to tell. Niki Nasri, the wife of Ramzu Nasri, chef and owner of Papparam, says they are grateful for being able to serve Malaysian cuisine. “We’ve been serving our customers for three years and gusto nila ‘yung balanced flavor between spicy and savory,” Niki says. There is no doubt why Papparam succeeds in satisfying their customers since they serve highquality dishes for food enthusiasts and also welcome customers with friendly greetings. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere is as comfortable as though one is eating at home. In addition, dining in Papparam can never be dull since one can watch how Chef Ramzu cooks their appetizing dishes along with cooking shows and travel programs being played on their television. The diner’s modern design with a touch of wooden art and its dimness add to its pleasing ambiance. Similarly, the interior decoration includes pictures

FLAME | 42

of positivity and displays the restaurant’s souvenirs such as mugs and t-shirts. The appealing environment can influence one to unwind. Most meals are served with healthy and fresh vegetables and seasonings that go well with various kinds of protein. “Malaysian cuisine specializes in rice and noodles often served with seafood, but we also include chicken and beef to make it healthier,” Niki says. Blended with different ingredients, Curry Laksa Power is Papparam’s best-seller for its mixture of shredded chicken, prawns, and spicy Laksa broth with a classic Malaysian chicken curry. One can savor the warmth and consistency of Laksa soup, which is boiled with thick cream that will melt in one’s mouth. It is also served with various vegetables such as green beans and bean sprouts with fine strands of vermicelli pasta as its most important ingredient. One must also dig into the luscious Mee Goreng Mamak Special, plated marvelously with a concoction of colors from Malaysian style fried chicken, sunny side up egg, and freshly cut cucumbers and calamansi on the side. This dish is popular for its IndianMalaysian stir-fried egg noodles served together with tofu, egg, tomatoes, choy sum, and bean sprouts that will surely be palatable for noodle lovers. The flavors of the highly spiced noodles and the savoriness of the Malaysian style fried chicken are evenly balanced to the taste. Papparam’s Nasi Goreng Ayam is another rich delicacy that is suitable

for people who crave rice. It is browned with oyster, soy, and fish sauce followed by red chilies, ginger, garlic, corn, and peas which make the meal incredibly flavorful and healthy at the same time. Additionally, it is topped with prawn crackers, egg, and classic Malaysian chicken, which is drizzled with various seasonings, fish sauce, and honeyed with coconut milk. Without a doubt, this dish will make one’s stomach well sated. To ease the spiciness and savoriness of the dishes, one of the restaurant’s sugared beverages is Kopi Ais, an iced white coffee prepared with almond milk and lukewarm brewed coffee. Papparam Malaysian Kitchen reflects the entirety of Malaysian cuisine. With its scrumptious menu, Papparam highlights nothing but authentic Malaysian dishes with its unique and bold flavors. The mixture of seasonings and the variety of protein they put in each dish incorporate most of the trademark flavors of Southeast Asia. What sets apart Papparam Malaysian Kitchen from other restaurants that cater to Asian tastes is that they offer a fine dining menu in a simple and homey environment. With an affordable price for customers, people will undoubtedly revisit the restaurant after they have devoured their first meal. F

FLAME | 43

SGD Cof f ee Bodega Homegrown world-class coffee by DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI photos by KRISTELA DANIELLE S. BOO

C

OFFEE is one of the most consumed commodities worldwide and Maginhawa St. became just the go-to place of many for this comfort drink. Just a few blocks away from the congested food street is a warmly-lit homestyle cafe made lively by the regulars despite its hidden location. Located at No. 45, Maalalahanin St., SGD Coffee Bodega is a meticulous cafe that aims to champion Philippine coffee and coffee farmers’ heritage. Just last year, they bagged a Gourmet Award from the prestigious 3rd International Contest of Coffees Roasted in their Countries Origin - Paris representing the Philippines. SGD takes pride in their quality coffee grown by indigents from their farm located along the highlands of Sagada. They provide livelihood without contracts, meaning that farmers stay under SGD’s wing of their own accord. Co-founder Butch Acop shares that before, coffee supply in Sagada was nonexistent. When owner Rich Watanabe was referred to an indigent who made coffee traditionally, he found the perfect coffee bean. From then until now, they have been executing projects such as training and helping farmers grow coffee using the right techniques without disturbing

FLAME | 44

their coffee heritage. “Coffee farmers are the true artisans in the farming industry. When you talk to them [and] watch them work, they don’t have science, but they know what they are doing,” Acop says. SGD’s menu consists of Sagada-inspired meals that are homemade for consistency of food quality and innovation. It is definitely a good place to spend time in for appreciating coffee, dating a loved one, or catching up with friends. For coffee enthusiasts, their SGD Black and Flat White are a must-try.

The SGD Black is a pure black coffee with one shot of espresso, while the Flat White is a creamier version that balances out the bitterness of the coffee. It is a tickle to the tongue compared to the black’s tasty punch. Both have a unique taste and will surely energize anyone. The coffees are served fresh in a transparent glass and topped with a light cream. For the meals, their pasta Al Funghi will definitely set the bar high. It can outshine any other kind of pasta easily with its light and smooth cream sauce

mixed with small pieces of pork and meaty shitake and button mushrooms. It is served with a slice of bread on the side. For those who want to stay in their comfort zone, SGD also offers an all-time classic carbonara, which still comes with a unique twist. Their Etag Carbonara is mixed with small pieces of Sagada’s traditional smoked bacon called etag, a salty meat that adds flavor to the blunt creamy sauce. To add more fuel to one’s cravings, they have a one of a kind rice meal called Inadobo sa Kape which consists of pork cutlets drenched in bittersweet coffee sauce that surprisingly tastes remarkable with the meat and black rice. Although the coffee sauce could come off as strong, it does not wipe out the adobo flavor at all. It is served with slices of tomato and green mango on the side which creates the perfect balance. A spoonful of all four ingredients guarantees a satisfying harmony in the mouth. Last but not least is their mysterious dessert which has a vegetable as its main ingredient. SGD’s Sayote Pie is a unique and mouthwatering pie stuffed with sweetened sayote and served with three small scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream, a nice tangy-creamy neutralizer that makes the pie a subtle treat.

Overall, SGD is a place for simple coffee and innovative food made with expertise. In addition, they maximize Philippine coffee through a locally made air vacuum coffee roaster, allowing it to have assorted flavors in every cup level and temperature. This is a world-class trait that deserves recognition like other leading foreign brands, but unfortunately is still unknown to many Filipinos. SGD is still growing at the moment, but their advocacy to uplift the coffee industry of the Philippines as well as improve the lives of coffee farmers will definitely set a standard for other coffee businesses out there to follow. Now, SGD Coffee Bodega challenges everyone to consume coffee in its purest form. The question is: are Filipinos willing to pay more for Filipino coffee? F

FLAME | 45

by ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO and CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ

B

EHIND EACH captured moment of clarity is a photographer who is often noticed and yet hardly ever made a subject. Coming forth from behind the lenses is Justine De Vera, a senior legal management major and a self-taught photographer who beat the unceasingly atrocious void in life by turning her weakness into power in the form of photography. Back in high school, De Vera suffered depression, which propelled her to discover an unmistakable abundance of talent and love for photography. As a result of the transition from high school to college, her style of photography shifted from street photography to artsy and highbrow accents. In college, De Vera joined Fotomasino, the premier photography organization of the University, which opened doors for her to excel even more in her craft. However, on top of her achievements and the countless recognitions that she receives are harsh criticisms thrown at her for not having sufficient knowledge on the basics of photography. "May gamit nga pero ‘di alam gamitin," she shares, was the first criticism that pushed her to learn more about photography. Over time, she surpassed mediocrity and criticism by using them as motivations to further enhance her talent. She proved that she is not just a girl who takes good pictures, but rather, a passionate photographer and a determined learner who greatly welcomes each ball of hasty remarks that blocks her path. The young photographer recently launched her own business platform named JLDV Photography where she showcases her works as a freelance photographer by conducting commissioned shoots. Since she is earning enough and becoming known for doing astonishing shoots inside and outside the University, De Vera believes it is no longer necessary for her to get a degree in photography considering the great feedback that she receives from satisfied customers. She also wishes to pursue law and while having a photography business on the side. “Maraming nakapag-encourage sa’kin na kaya ko naman pagsabayin kapag nag-law school ako and I can

FLAME | 46

put up a business,” she shares. A picture titled Commdev featuring three children was taken by De Vera during her first outreach program. The three nonchalant kids clearly defy the idea that struggle is the enemy of happiness. Raising their arms up joyfully, they go on living without a care in the world. Another photograph titled Dance focuses on three dancers moving haphazardly from one another. Along with their bold movements and heavy expressions are the evident enjoyment and satisfaction brought by doing something that they are clearly passionate about. Just like the dancers, De Vera relies on pure passion and love for photography to keep on going. “I guess it’s those moments that people usually disregard [my work] that pushed me to do photography. Nakikita ko rin ‘yung mga ibang photo online and I wanna be that person who took that shot.” Another one of De Vera’s photographs is titled Event. The photo shows a mother, father, and a young girl celebrating her birthday. The small but happy family is seen huddled together as they prepare for the blowing of the candles. The image also showcases several princessthemed cakes and other sweets that were surely a part of the little girl’s big day. In contrast, De Vera’s photo titled Remember is a dark and gloomy image of a young boy pulling a carabao by a short string. This photo tugs on the heartstrings of those who see it. These two contrasting photos show how versatile De Vera can be. De Vera has undoubtedly gone through her fair share of struggles since things are not immediately easy for most beginners. Being good at a skill takes time and effort, and these are exactly what the legal management senior put into her craft in spite of all the criticism she received. “Looking back, masasabi kong nag-improve ako nang sobra,” she says. “If you have a passion for something, don’t stop learning. Keep going, keep on improving.” These words are a reminder for all Artlets that no matter how hard things may be, all the struggles will surely be worth it someday. F

F. DELA CRUZ photo by BEVERLY

FLAME | 47

A nation united by art photos by BEVERLY F. DELA CRUZ

T

HE 10TH year celebration of ManilArt welcomed art enthusiasts and aficionados alike with the finest artists coming from all parts of the country along with their most prized masterpieces. These artists continue to make history by upholding the Filipino consciousness on arts and culture together as one nation. Anchored on the theme Ang ARTe ng Pilipinas, the national art fair featured different galleries highlighting the works of local artists last Oct. 17 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center. Influenced by Michelangelo’s well-known painting, The Homage to Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam is the epitome of the story of man’s creation. The resemblance of Jomar Delluba’s craft to the biblical story is undoubtedly noticeable, although here, God is seen reaching out in an effort to catch the apple about to fall on the heedless-looking man. In hindsight, Delluba’s trademark doll-like children generate a nuanced type of discourse that may seem hard to understand at first, but when taken seriously, may lead to an earnest life lesson. Romance and respect are expressed throough the sculpture Ligawan, which represents two characters, a man and a woman, in pursuit of an intimate partnership. It was sculpted by Dominic Rubio whose art exhibits ethnic Filipino figures during the Hispanic period. The artwork delineates the tradition of courting in the Philippines by presenting a country setting as seen in the stained glass windows in the background, the interior decoration, and the clothing style worn by the pair. It is easy for the viewers to interpret its message, which is the beauty of creating a romantic bond between two individuals. Elegance and emotion show all over Carlo Magno’s Pearl Earrings. Magno puts emphasis on the subtle fusion of beauty and culture embodied by a Filipina. His use of a traditional Filipina as the primary inspiration for his painting sheds light on the authenticity of Filipino culture as well as the apparent admiration of the artist for his own motherland.

FLAME | 48

Historical realities inspired some Filipino artists like Gerry Joquico Jr. to produce a sketched masterpiece such as Meditacao (Contemplation). In the artwork, Joquico focuses on Rizal’s letter to the young women of Malolos about them deserving education, since at that time, girls were banned from going to school. The artwork may seem alarming to the viewers for its authenticity but they may also find it evocative for it uses a monochromatic and histrionic style of painting.

their everyday life, which makes the piece relatable. The man pedaling his overused bicycle denotes some Filipinos’ preference for their private vehicles over buses and jeepneys.

Artist Otto Neri created AbbeyNida Road to go with Galerie Anna’s theme “And the world was made flesh.” As a whole, it evokes a sense of peculiarity and sensuality brought about by the naked body found at the center. The use of a well-known pedestrian lane instantly draws out curiosity as well as a sense of familiarity toward the famed photograph of The Beatles on Abbey Road. Overall, the eccentricity from the various elements triggers ample confusion if not observed thoroughly.

Oliver Abe Ramos’ Focus depicts the situation of commuters and narrates the daily life of Filipino workers who use public transportation. The portrayal of waiting commuters can be appealing to the audience since it manifests

Beaming with life and passion, artist Pope Dalisay meticulously crafted a life-size replica of a human heart made entirely out of wood. The wooden sculpture named I Hart You showed Dalisay's fascination with the embodied beauty and complexity of human organs as well as the mystery of humanity as a whole. The burden of being true to oneself is what Fred Baldemor’s Hermaphrodite aims to display. It exhibits the bareness of the human body and the unusual but appealing image of a person in modern society. Hermaphrodite features a subject that has both male and female organs. The structure of the artwork may fascinate the eyes of viewers because of its door-like framework and its emphasis on the organs of the subject. Thus, it outlines the attractiveness of man’s difference from other individuals. By celebrating the multicolored craft of some of the country’s foremost artisans, ManilArt 2018 awakened the minds of the nation. The masterpieces elicited compelling impressions and notions about the uniqueness, authenticity, valued traditions, and standards of Philippine society. Cultivation is achieved in every artwork by means of presenting the art of man’s disparity and showcasing the country’s fascinating landscapes and phenomena. F CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ and THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO

FLAME | 49

T

HERE IS always a feeling of nostalgia that surfaces whenever people think about the old days. Pleasure and pain come with these memories that are told during small chats with friends, written in a diary, or taken through cameras. Sometimes, these memories can even be turned into art. For artist Phyllis Zaballero, reminiscing became the theme of her newest solo exhibit titled Looking Back with Love which was on display from Sept. 20 to Oct. 21 at Altro Mondo Gallery in Makati City.

Windows Within Windows XV: At End of Day is one of the centerpieces of Zaballero’s exhibit. The artist used a discarded window as a frame for this piece. Every single detail, like the glass of halo-halo, ripe watermelon, dreamcatcher, and even the fat gray cat that looks out to the sea, welcomes the calmness of the day that is about to end. Touches of blue form on the faces of the few lone clouds as they push away the sun which continues to creep its way down to the edge of the horizon where the sky and the sea meet. The piece displays the fullness of life which is shown through the abundance of the food and the calmness of the moment.

FLAME | 50

Another one of Zaballero’s pieces is Gifts from Guimaras. This window-like piece is actually made from a wooden typewriter’s trays taken from an old printing house. The image that can be seen from inside the serene vista shows the beauty of the Guimaras Straits. Zaballero loves to collect souvenirs and trinkets whenever she travels to different places. These collections became handy in this piece as she placed various shells and stones inside the little trays that are like snug cubbyholes.

While the Gifts from Guimaras displays a calm view, Blood and Brimstone displays a disturbing sight of an erupting Mayon Volcano. The piece is made more frightening by the appearance of the Blood Moon, a sign of the imminent end of the world. The actual occurrence of the eruption of Mayon is immortalized in this piece.

The art of reminiscing by ANGELA A. CHUA photos by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

Another restaurant that Zaballero’s family used to frequent is Los Caracoles in Barcelona, Spain. The piece, Los Caracoles 2, A Fuera, which is painted from a fisheye perspective, features the exterior of the said restaurant. Zaballero associates this painting with the sudden death of her father while they were living in Europe. This incident led to Zaballero’s return to the Philippines, where she settled for good.

For millions of people, the rich aroma of ground coffee beans blended with hot water and frothy milk is what mornings smell like, while the fruity flavor of a glass of wine is a welcome sign of evenings. In Zaballero’s El Botin 2, La Ventana, breakfast is served with a glass of red wine and a cup of coffee alongside a plate of sweet delicacies. El Botin is a restaurant in Madrid, Spain where Zaballero’s family used to dine when they were still living in Europe. This piece gives off the feeling of an escape from an endless day. For some people, coffee is what starts their day, while a glass of wine is usually for unwinding after a long day. This piece tells people to take it slow and find pleasure in simple things.

Through the exhibit, the artist meticulously put her past, including her good and bad memories, in front of the public. In her brave way of confronting things that cannot be changed, she left a reminder that one’s life does not stop with a bad event or two. The show served as a reminder that every day is another chance to pick up where one left off. In Zaballero’s case, her chance came when she picked up her paintbrush to reclaim her past and to reshape her future. F

FLAME | 51

Tranquility photo by BEVERLY F. DELA CRUZ

FLAME | 52

LETTERS

The look of grief photo by ANA BARBARA A. SAN DIEGO

FLAME | 53

by ISABELL ANDREA M. PINE and MARIA PAMELA S. REYES

I

T WAS a day when the sun hid behind the clouds, hinting at the possibility of a storm. We were at the farm and the wind sent chills down our spines as I taught my students how to plant tomatoes. I could tell the cold bothered them for their hands trembled as they toiled the soil. I was about to dismiss the class when suddenly, a group of soldiers arrived. The guns hanging around their waists rattled while their unwanted footsteps stomped on our land. The kids froze and looked at me uneasily. The soldiers slowly scanned the cropfilled land until their gazes lingered on my female students. My hands balled into fists as their eyes continued to undress the girls. I gritted my teeth as their lips soon twisted in delight. I fought my urge to punch them. “Wow! You guys have a lot of pretty students. Can we have one?” one of them asked. His words were like a bullet. Some of my students fled the scene. I shouted for them to return but none of them did. It broke my heart for I knew I could not do anything against the disgusting men. Not only did they outnumber me, but they could also kill my students and me with the flick of a finger. The students cowered behind their desks as they sought protection. “Be ready. The Búsaus are arriving,” a soldier spoke with a sinister smile. The men laughed in unison as they walked away. Those words stayed with me for the rest of the day. As we went back to our tent for class, I decided to tell them about what that creature truly was. I told them how Búsaus tortured humans if they did not give them what they wanted. They were entranced, but at the same time, they were frightened as I told them the tale. As I continued, their anxiety got worse. The story ended with their fingers trembling and their faces pale. I checked the time and I was surprised to see that it was already six in the evening. We soon headed

FLAME | 54

art by KATRINA NOVA O. BUYCO for the dormitory and entered our rooms. I laid on my bed, but my eyes refused to close. Fatigue soon caught up with me and everything went black. I was awoken by the sound of hands knocking on the door. “Everyone, get out now!” shouted the voice from the other side. I got up and headed for the door. “You’re not getting out?!” the voice persisted. When I opened the door, I was greeted with a gun to my head. My mind could not process what was happening as fear overtook my body and left it paralyzed. I could not breathe and my heart beat wildly in my chest until a sharp pain latched onto my stomach. My head spun as the pain spread throughout my body, and my legs shook as I tried to force them to get up. “Don’t try to run!” he bellowed. All my fellow teachers who got up to check on me stood still, their eyes following every movement of the gun. The students were still in the dormitory; we could not afford to have them run away only to get shot. Not this time. “Who are you people?” this was not a new question. We were always falsely labeled as part of the New People’s Army. “Volunteer teachers, sir,” I replied shakily. The soldier called for his comrades while I tried to stand up. Suddenly, a flood of military men came in. They scavenged the place and took every valuable item that they could find. To my horror, a student did not want to give up his phone. “Give it to me!” The soldier spat while pointing a knife at the boy, but the kid was stubborn. He clutched onto it like it was some kind of family heirloom. Despite the pain, I trudged toward my student and shielded him. “Please spare this one,” I begged. “Maybe the phone has a sentimental value.” I looked at my fellow teachers, but they avoided my gaze. No one wanted to help. “I guess you’ll have to pay, instead.” My face paled as the soldier walked toward me. “Raise your hands and spread your fingers,” he said threateningly. “P-please,” I whimpered. I could not control the shaking of my hands as I raised them. Tears poured as I begged him to spare me. “Now,” the soldier demanded. In a swift motion, my fingers fell on the floor. Gunshots came after. The students were not wrong to think that the Búsaus will be coming—and they did. F

A Harmony ofBodies

by IAN JOZEL N. JEREZ art by ARRIENNE JAN A. ENRIQUEZ

H

E WAS in need of someone who classified himself as different and odd. He wanted to be recognized by people outside his room, but feared that he would face rejection and contempt for not reflecting the same ideals as those of who were just like him. He wanted to be accepted by those who are outside the walls of his room. In the cold and faded evening, when everyone in his village was in a deep slumber and the moonlight could be seen from the opened windows of his room, he felt the warmth of the man’s fingers that meandered through his imperfect body. Within this secluded space, which also served as the other particle of his identity and soul, he permitted the stranger to control him. He was free to act like himself and not as the man he pretended to be for he knew they both rebelled against the norms of human sexuality. His room made him acknowledge the powerful connection between the stranger’s delicate

hands and his body. However, he had never given permission to anyone to conquer him, until this man offered him comfort and entered his room. The stranger introduced himself as Peter. Peter’s eyes and body electrified his erotic spirit. He knew he would live the night their bodies touched and their voices did not even form words. It was the music of thrill and the rhythmic movements of their sinful bodies that made him escape from a world devoid of acceptance—a world filled with forces of anger, hatred, jealousy, and misery. Peter had an arresting shape and exquisite size that tormented not only his remote identity but also his isolated body as it remained enclosed within a closet that no one could know of. He trusted Peter, who reached for his neck and unhurriedly licked off the hot sweat that trickled down his skin. Peter plunged himself deeper into his core as he sensed himself stretching further. The pain was surprisingly robust, but it was blissfully satisfying. There was no resistance between their bodies for they had a firm connection which defied the laws that society dictated. Their bodies came in harmony because they did not feel any restraint or obligation, nor did they feel the need to submit themselves to any form of institution that could monitor their actions. As he finally let go of his repressed impulses and surrendered himself to Peter, he felt an unknown but unique sensation

that sent vibrations through his body. He quivered in utter ecstasy as the new feeling was graciously welcomed by his body, which he could feel leaving the isolated space where it once belonged. He sensed the walls of his room slowly expanding, and as they vanished into the night, he was finally free from his cage. Peter held his hands and his lips traveled from the navel up to the chest and neck. Their lips moved in a synchronized rhythm while their eyes remained closed. He heard Peter whisper in his ear, “Now, you sleep.” He would tell his daughter of his memories with Peter—anything he could remember, as he feared the day would come that he will forget about him. He believed that a part of his essence will be lost once Peter fades from his memory. He would be nothing without a trace of Peter. His daughter promised that she would always remind him of the man who helped him accept his own identity. That night is merely a living memory now. He could still feel Peter’s body touching every dimension of his spirit. It had been fifty years when they first met along that avenue where he was simply waiting for a ride that would take him home. As fate would have it, he had also taken Peter with him into his room. No man had ever been in there except for Peter, who convinced him to step out of his comfort zone. He struggled to listen to every detail that his daughter could remember of what he once told her about Peter. Seated on his chair, with his days already numbered, he suddenly asked her with a confused voice: “Who was he again, my dear?” F

FLAME | 55

Nasumpungan ko sa Dilim

ang Kamatayan W

ALA NAMAN akong pakialam sa balitang kumakalat tungkol sa pagkawala ng ilang kalalakihang mahilig dumayo sa mga bar. Malungkot ako kaya kailangan kong magpakalasing. Paano ba naman ay mag-iisang buwan na mula nang maglayas ang bunso kong kapatid; hindi na namin siya makontak o makitang online man lang kahit sa Facebook. Mag-aalas dos na ng madaling araw noong makaramdam ako ng hilo. Dumudupilas na ang daliri ko sa screen ng aking telepono: tiyak, may tama na nga ako. Iniisip ko pa rin si Brigido. Bakit naman kasi ngayon pa niya naisipang maglayas kung kailang malapit na siyang magtapos sa kolehiyo? Hindi ko tuloy alam kung paano patatahanin ang nanay kong madaplisan lamang ng tingin ang litrato ng anak, ay tiyak na maiiyak na ito at magkukulong sa kuwarto. Sa malayo ay sineniyasan ko na ang waiter upang magbayad. Palabas na sana ako ng bar nang biglang may malakas na kalabog sa counter; nasundan ito ng mga boteng lumilipad at mga silyang tumitilapon. Kaunti na ang tao noon sa bar kaya wala masiyadong usisero’t usiserang humarang sa aking paningin. Maya-maya pa ay tumambad ang mga lalaking nakabulagta sa sahig habang dumudugo nang bahagya ang ulo. Kaagad namang lumapit ang mga bouncer upang ayusin ang eskandalo. Mula sa mga nakahandusay na lasing ay isang babaeng nakapula ang

FLAME | 56

pasuray-suray na naglalakad papunta sa kinatatayuan ko. “Sabi ko sa'yo e, si Aprilyn na naman 'yan. Suki 'yan dito gabi-gabi at palaging nababastos ng kung sino-sino,” tsismis ng isang waiter sa isang customer. “Pero in fairness kay ate girl, kahit lasing, malakas pa rin dyumumbag,” sagot naman ng customer sabay halakhak nang malakas. Tumigil siya sandali sa paglalakad at nagsindi ng yosi; pagningas ng lighter ay nailawan ang kanyang mukha. “Shit! Si Aprilyn nga,” sambit ko. Ang ex-girlfriend kong bigla na lang naglaho nang wala man lang pasabi. Lumapit ako. “Aprilyn! Kaya mo pa ba? Hatid na kita?” Wala siyang sagot ngunit hindi naman siya nagreklamo nang akayin ko siya papasok sa loob ng kotse ko. Buong biyahe ay wala kaming kibuan ni Aprilyn. Nakatulala lamang siya sa bintana habang nilalaro-laro ang buhok niyang mas maitim pa sa gabi. Eksaktong alas tres na ng madaling araw nang makarating kami sa bahay niya. Paalis na sana ako nang sabihin niyang, "Mag-kape ka muna." Maginaw ang gabi noon kaya hindi na rin ako tumanggi. Nakasusulasok ang amoy na bumati sa amin papasok sa bahay niya. Sukang-suka na ako ngunit mas makapangyarihan pa rin ang kurba ng katawan ni Aprilyn. Hindi na ako nagpatumpik-tumpik pa kaya niyakap ko siya mula sa likuran, hinimas ko

ni RYAN PIOLO U. VELUZ dibuho ni ARRIENNE JAN A. ENRIQUEZ

nang malambing ang braso niyang sa tingin ko ay ginaw na ginaw na. Hindi naman ako nabigo, sapagkat pagkaharap niya, ay agad nilantakan ang aking mga labi. Mabilis lamang ang pangyayari at hindi ko namalayang nasa kuwarto na pala kami at wala nang mga saplot. Mainit at madilim sa kuwarto ni Aprilyn, kaya naman tagaktak ang pawis namin; tila nagdidikit tuloy ang aming katawan sa lagkit na dulot nito. Hindi nagtagal ay naabot din namin ang kasukdulan ng isa’t-isa. Kahit wala akong makita, kinakapa ko na lamang ang kurba at ang alindog ni Aprilyn. Habang nakapatong sa akin ay naramdaman kong may hinahanap si Aprilyn sa ilalim ng unan ko. Hindi ko ito pinansin at pumikit na lamang ako dala ng pagod. Maya-maya pa ay tila may matalim na bagay ang dumaplis sa aking balikat, nagulat ako at naitulak ko si Aprilyn. Hinanap ko kaagad ang pihitan ng ilaw at binuksan ito: tumindig ang aking mga balahibo at pansamantalang hindi ako nakakibo. Tumambad sa akin ang mga tilamsik ng dugo sa kama at sa wallpaper ng kuwarto niya. Nakakalat ang damit ng lalaking tigmak sa dugo at mga sapatos na nawawalan ng kabilang pares. Napasandal ako sa pader at hinanap si Aprilyn. Maya-maya pa ay tumayo si Aprilyn hawak ang kutsilyong nangitim na sa dami ng dugong natuyo rito. Nanlilisik ang mga mata niya at biglang sumugod papalapit sa akin. Mabilis kong

hinawakan ang kamay niya at inagaw ang kutsilyo, ngunit laking gulat ko nang kagatin niya ako sa leeg; ramdam ko na unti-unting nang napipilas ang laman ko. Nandilim ang paligid at naitarak ko ang kutsilyo sa likod niya. Ang kanina lamang na pawis na tumatagaktak sa katawan ko ay napalitan na ng dugo. Kukuha na sana ako ng damit na pamalit mula sa aparador ni Aprilyn ngunit napadapa ako sa tumambad sa akin: magkakapatong na mga bangkay, hubo’t hubad at panay saksak sa tagiliran. Halos magdikitdikit na ang mga nabubulok nitong balat—tanging uod na lamang ang tanging buhay rito. Sa ibabaw ng magkakapatong na bangkay ay ang kapatid kong si Brigido. Hinawakan ko ang kaniyang kamay at naramdaman ko ang lamig ng kamatayan, ang masangsang nitong amoy, at ang dalang kalungkutan. Natulala ako sa kawalan at nawalan ng malay. F

FLAME | 57

Gestational Warfare by LORRAINE C. SUAREZ

The grand accompaniment of a metal carriage Along with a squad of uniformly-dressed orderlies in blue Awaits me as I set foot in this place Together, we form an odd parade With the rhythm of wheels squeaking against polished vinyl floors And the low hum of panicked voices as cheers. There is no cause for celebration yet This is only but a surreal procession; A hasty delivery to the battlefield Toward the hallowed ground Of soft white sheets and blinding overhead lights Where I will make my final stand after nine months’ time It is here that I fight, being pulled into a merciless tug of war Where my insides are molded into every form imaginable By this beating prelude to the song of life It pulls viciously, with each and every passing tug Feeling as though it has come to spirit me away What else is there to stop me from waving the white flag? I am kept alive only by the promise of victory Even then, it is a promise hard to fulfill With every labored push and each constrained breath It is far easier to let nature take its course, To just accept the fate of eternal slumber To close my eyes willingly after giving the final heave

FLAME | 58

art by YANNI KAYE A. WINGARTS

Rest comes easily, but it goes just as quickly as it appeared In the end, it is interrupted by a harsh bout of crying A lament for the forced evacuation the war has caused Lonesome is the sole survivor who emerges from its shelter Bloody, bald, and wailing from the top of its minuscule lungs Nothing more than fragile bones bundled in a delicate layer of skin It is a newfound curiosity in the lens of my own exhaustion and fatigue An offspring arising from the ashes and spoils of war; The miracle of life from a pool of blood and fluid I cradle it close to my breast In hopes of feeling the connection there once was, The remains of the cord that once bound us together Alas, the conduit is gone, and the only thing that remains Is something intangible that cannot be seen by the naked eye It is in the blood that now flows deep within both of us It is in the form of codes and sequences That was derived from my very own existence A common essence which we now share It is the kinship I can feel beneath the warmth of your skin, The affinity that resonates just as steadily as your beating heart It is my life that made you, but your life is the one that unites us both. F

Disney inspired this year's Paskuhan decorations photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

FLAME | 59

FLAME | 60