RIPPLES 2013

I N T R AM U R ALS 2 0 1 3 | C O L L EG E AN D AC Q UA I N T E D | F R ES H M E N O R I E N TAT I O N | T E C H N O - I N FAN C Y | M I L E Y V I R US | O H T H E P L AC ES Y O U ’ L L G O | W HAT T H E FACTS | CAU G H T I N A T R AN C E ++

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he cover depicts two individuals with glowing bodypaint representing selfillumination. It signifies that enlightenment or the so-called “Nirvana” can only be achieved through inward reflection to start with and eventually injecting these realizations into our everyday lives. The models look in the outward direction to symbolize the dynamic energy of the radiating force within each and everyone of us. This cover also reminds us that we are able to inspire other people by being the light at the end of the tunnel through our “glowing” identities.

Ginoe Ojoy Layout Artist/Literary Editor

THE CREW Mode ls : ~ Cyril Hofilena Victoria Camille Gonzaga Photographe rs : Mark Espuerta Christoph Sagemuller C reativ e Team : Chiara Salmorin Jeraldine Reyes Remus Pediengco Ginoe Ojoy Special thanks to the Gonzaga Family for the shoot location and accomodation.

NEWS 01 FRESHMEN ORIENTATION | GK YOUTH SUMMIT 02 UAPSA INDUCTION | PAINTING LEGION EXHIBIT 03 The Princeless Thing Behind Teaching 04 16th I.T. Regional Conference | SMALSI 05 SHTM VICTORY : SABOR BISAYA 06 Model Education Students | SLAE Educational Trip 07 Acquaintance Day 2013 09 PACUCOA Visit 2013 10 INTRAMURALS 2013 | Results and Photos 16 EDITORIAL

FEATURES 19 20 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 37

College Portals Clique | More Issues Than Vogue Advice Column Techno-Infancy WHAT THE FACTS Obsessed With Selfie

Whats in a pork?

Miley Virus True & Polls | Speak up!

I saw The Signs Oh The Place You’ll Go Caught In A Trance REVIEWS Fashion Peak Announcement

Nirvana Cover Shoot: Behind The 38 Fluorescent Scenes & Outtakes

39 EDITORIAL STAFF

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FRESHMEN ORIENTATION

The Offices of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of Student Affairs, and The Supreme Student Government conducted the yearly College Freshmen Orientation last June 5-8, 2013. It was a four-day event that aims to pre-educate the incoming first year students about LCCB, its history, offices, departments, faculty, events, and most importantly, its rules and regulations.

During the first day, the freshmen of SARFAID, SBIT, and SLAE were oriented together at the LCCB auditorium while the SHTM freshmen were gathered at the HTC Millenium Hall.

The first day focused on the overall school facts-to-know and rules and regulations.

The second day of the orientation focused on the departmental events and

programs as well as its staff and faculty and the different courses under each department. Freshmen students gathered according to their departments. The SARFAID students at the Audio Visual Center, the SBIT students at the College AVR, the SLAE students at the Luisa Medel Little Theater, and the SHTM students still at the HTC Millenium Hall.

The third day was the fellowship and solidarity between each and every student. All freshmen students of every department gathered together at the quadrangle for their team building activities to develop and to enhance their confidence as part of a new environment as well as to be able to meet new friends.

On the fourth day, the parents were provided with efficient knowledge about the school. The orientation was first conducted at the LCCB auditorium but because of some inconvenience, the organizers decided to relocate the venue at the Audio Visual Center.

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ANO ANG TAYA MO?

G K YO UTH SUMMIT

GK is far beyond than feeding children. It nourishes them with hope to dream. Gawad Kalinga believes poverty is not so much about the scarcity of resources as it is about the loss of human dignity. Force a man to live like an animal and sooner or later, he will begin acting like one. Living in a slum environment keeps people unproductive and desperate, making it the perfect breeding ground for crime and violence. Poverty strips people of their dignity and allows prejudice to breed as others tend to look down on the poor with pity, shame, or fear.

GK aims to be a breeding ground for heroes in the country and it also provides youth empowerment programs and symposiums. On National Hero’s Day, one of the first gatherings of GK volunteers, Gawad Kalinga Youth Summit was held at Riverside College with the presence of more than 500 volunteers all over Bacolod City. It was a non-class holiday but the spirit of volunteerism was not absent on the 26th of August, 2013. The morning session was fueled by the power speakers, Luis Oquinena and Bobby Magalona. From time to time, the GK Unity dance was performed by all present volunteers. The afternoon session started with the different workshops the volunteers chose upon the registration; Media, Creative, and Leadership workshops.

Each workshop focused on different fields and this was a chance

by Angelene Diaz

to meet new friends and share the same passion as to the other volunteers. After the workshops was the Makabagong Pilipino Ramp with the volunteers wearing the GK memorabilia shirts for the past years. The last talk was given by Bro. Butch Alcudia FSC with the special participation of the children from the GK Banago site. The event culminated with the band jamming.

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UAPSA INDUCTion PARTY 2013

It wasn’t a night of architects yet, but it was an evening for aspiring soon to be architects. Donning the attire apt for Cirque Nouveau, the architecture students assembled for the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary [UAPSA] induction at L’Fisher Hotel on August 31, 2013. All the new members of the organization took the spotlight dressed in black and white, stripes and stars, magician hats and the like, as they walked down the aisle together with the outgoing and incoming UAPSA officers and guests.

The night started with a talk from the inspirational speaker, Archt. Jessie Miranda. He spoke about the struggles he shared with most architecture students and how life was before and after getting the title Architect before his name. Then with the presence of the invited distinguished national and

by Angelene Diaz

regional guests and officers of UAPSA, the new members were inducted while the old ones renewed their membership. It was not the typical membership night; it was somewhat an extension of the freshmen’s initiation. There were impromptu pageants and on the spot runway ramps showcasing the other side of the architecture students’ spirit. The night ended with musical entertainment from the ARFIEN bands. This was one of the many creative and professional opportunities for the students, and indeed, that night, the future architects have given justice to the name of the organization itself, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary.

Photos by Renz Bacas

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PAINTING LEGION EXHIBIT

by Alexandria Mesias

The Painting Legion Art Exhibit 2013 opened on the night of August 16, at KGBar, featuring works from Checkie Diaz, Agie Marie Pablito, Rodolfo John Morales, Alexandria Mesias, Eri Aikawa, Hazel Marpa, Alvin Asillo, and Vincent Paul Balboa. The exhibition included oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, mixed media, and mobile works, with a theme that focused on Filipino culture and attitudes. The show will end on October 4, 2013. The Painting Legion is composed of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting students, headed by Dr. Antonio D. Tejado, PhD- TM as the club’s adviser.

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[L-R] Alexandria Mesias, Mr. Buglas Carreon, Agie Marie Pablito, Checkie Diaz, Vincent Paul Balboa, Mr. Christopher Mar Bayaban, Rodolfo John Morales, Mr. Israel Mark Gonzales

| THE RIPPLES 2013

CIRQUE NOUVEAU

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THE PRICELESS THING BEHIND TEACHING KARITON FO R KI DS

by Kristiani May T. Sykay Photos by Dr. randdie Cuello

It’s not everyday that you get to talk to a hero. That is why I found myself with a unique opportunity when I interviewed 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren “Kuya Ef ” Geronimo – Peñaflorida Jr. to unravel the secret by sharing to us about his Kariton Klasrum Project.

R: So, Sir can you give us a glimpse about your past life and the circumstances that shaped your desire to help other people?

E: Yes, I was born and raised in Cavite. I was born March 5, 1981. Yung father ko is a trisikad driver, yung mother ko naman is a vendor. But sometimes she does laundry for other people so, labandera siya minsan.

Tatlo kaming magkakapatid, middle child ako. Nakatira kami noon sa isang maliit lang na bahay, parang shanty lang ‘yun malapit sa dumpsite so naranasan ko talaga yung alam mo na.. lumangoy sa dagat ng basura (laughs). At dahil nga sa hirap ng buhay, nahirapan yung mga magulang namin na papuntahin, I mean, i-send kaming tatlo sa school. At tsaka ‘yung appearance ko, the way I look, most of the time nabu-bully ako sa school.

‘Yun alam mo hindi ka lang mumurahin susuntukin ka, babatuhin ka, so ganun ka rampant ang mga gangsters noon and I almost quit schooling. Good thing I met my mentor at sinabihan n’ya ako, “Gusto mo tuturuan kitang rumesbak?”(resbak means to avenge). So, sabi ko, “Sige!”

Akala ko he’s referring to suntukan, hindi pala ‘yung by hurting other people. So, when I was fifteen years old, we put up The Dynamic Teen Company.

R: What’s that Kariton Klasrum you’re doing sir?

E: Kariton Klasrum is an idea which evolved. Hindi ako ang nagtayo ng street literacy sa Cavite, it was my mentor in 1985. Isa ako sa mga tinuruan niya through street education. At dahil ang mentor ko ay isa ring guro sa isang pampublikong paaralan, minsan ako ang nag re- replace sa kanya at doon na nga ako na involve at doon namin nalaman na as early as 9- 10 years old, may mga batang tini- train to become gang members and then, na realize namin na they don’t need

food anymore (kasi nagbibigay kami noon) but also education. So, doon kami gumawa ng street literacy. Noon, nagpepedicab kami, ‘yung pumapadyak pero dahil nga sa bigat ng mga materials, sumasabog ‘yung gulong. So, noong 2007 lang namin pinalitan ng kariton. Ang mga volunteers ang nakaisip ‘nun; sina Emman, Randolph, at Michael.

R: What fuels you to keep doing it despite the difficulties of educating the youth?

E: Syempre yung experience ko noon na marami ang hindi pumapasok sa school kaya we started the Dynamic Teen Company para i-gather silang lahat at may masasandalan sila na not to give up kasi ayaw din naming ni Randy (Randy Salonga is the Educational Unit Head of the Dynamic Teen Company) na mag drop ang future na meron sila, saying kasi ‘yung potential na meron sila. At kung walang nagpahalaga sa amin noon, siguro wala din kami rito ngayon. Siguro isa na ako sa mga gangsters ngayon at wala ako sa academe. So, the reason why patuloy kaming nag co-continue niyan ay sa mga lives na machange namin. Pangarap ko kasi noon maging Civil Engineer eh.

Gusto ko sanang itayo ng maayos yung bahay namin pero noong nag education ako, doon ko nakita na hindi lang pala bahay ang itatayo namin. Hindi man ako nakapagtatayo ng bahay nakapagtatayo naman ako ng buhay.

R: So far, what are the major accomplishments or awards you received because of this philanthropic act of yours?

E: Actually, hindi ko siya maituturing na accomplishment ko eh. This is the accomplishment of the group. Pero ang pinakamataas na nakuha namin ay yun ngang CNN Hero of the Year, receiving the award in behalf of the group kasi hindi ko naman makukuha ito kung hindi sa kanila. Hindi ito magiging posible kung hindi dahil sa inyo mga volunteers, sa simbahan, sa inyo sa La Consolacion College Bacolod kasi kung wala kayo, wala rin naman ang project na ito. It’s an award for all of us.

CNN Hero of year 2009 Efren Penaflorida

R: What’s the feeling of helping other people, educating them with willingness?

E: Syempre masaya, kasi alam mo yung natutulungan mo ‘yung tao. I’ve been there na kasi eh… I was like that before at fulfilling talaga.

R: Any plans for the improvement of the project, sir?

E: It will become na maka-graduate ‘yung mga estudyante sa kariton, magiging standardized at we will disseminate it to the whole country. And ngayon meron na kaming kariton sa Jakarta.

R: Any message for the aspiring heroes, future teachers like us and the youth in general, sir?

E: Handa na ba kayo? (laughs) Sure na ba kayo diyan? Walang nang atrasan ‘to ha… kasi tayong mga guro na may heart ng pagiging guro, hawak natin sa mga kamay natin ‘yung future ng mga batang tinuturuan natin. So, tayo ang mananagot kung ano ang kalalabasan ng ginawa natin. Kaya nga paghusayan ninyo ang pagti-training ninyo kasi this is going beyond a classroom lang wherein you can transfer what you have learned to a real situation.

On that interview, I came up with a very concrete answer to that mystery.

Having a profession like teaching is not all about salary but rendering service to the people. Teaching is a heroic profession in which there is a hidden satisfaction and fulfillment which are considered priceless. That motivates our teachers to teach however tiring it may be. Teaching may be the most tedious job, yet the most powerful, for teachers hold the future of our motherland. Indeed, gives light to darkness.

SLAE Kariton for Kids volunteers with Efren Penaflorida

04

The conference is annually held every August of the year. The Information Technology Program consistently reaped recognition in the competitions during the event. Last year, AY 2012-2013, LCCB IT won 3rd place in the Quiz Bee.

This year, the Information Technology Program has earned another recognition as the 2nd Placer in the Regional Quiz Bee completion participated by Paul Binghy Canlas (BSIT 4th year) and Gillian Beatrice Lorca (BSIT 3rd Year).

Don Ray Gepulango bagged 3rd Place in the Web Design contest. Don has been a consistent contributor to the progress of the department, giving pride

to the Information Technology Education Program. He is also the artist behind the SBIT Council’s logo, The Portal.

The competitions are enjoined by all colleges in Region VI offering Information Technology Education Program.

+++ SMALSI

S c h o o l M ot i vat i o n an d L e a r n i n g S t r at eg i es I NVENTORY

The acronym stands for School Motivation and Learning Strategies Inventory (SMALSI) published by Western Psychological Services (WPS) in 2007. It is a Standardized self-report inventory for ages 8 years to 18 years in 2 forms: child and teen.

LCCB SBIT deems it important to coordinate with College Guidance Office’s Psychometrist, Ms. Barcarlos, for CGO to administer the newly acquired instrument to freshmen and sophomore students who qualify the age requirement.

The result of the test shall profile the students’ learning styles/ strategies and can aid instructional tools to further achieve teaching efficiency and facilitate optimal learning outcome to students.

]]]]

It intends to assist students to be equipped with self-knowledge/ awareness since SMALSI is designed to assess multiple constructs related to Learning Strategies, Academic Motivation, Test-taking Strategies, and Test Anxiety.

SMALSI would identify student’s current positive learning strategies or styles:

Study Strategies

Note-taking/Listening Skills

Reading and Comprehension Strategies

Writing-Research Skills

Test-Taking Strategies

Organizational Techniques

And challenging learning strategies:

Time Management

Low Academic Motivation

Test Anxiety

Concentration/Attention Difficulties

credits to the Office of Dr. Nenette Padilla

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16TH IT REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF PSITS-WV

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SHTM VICTORY: SAB O R B I SAYA 2 0 1 3

by Sheann Severino

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of La Consolacion College Bacolod takes part in another prestigious culinary event, Sabor Bisaya on August 22-24, 2013.

La Consolacion College Bacolod, VMA Global College, Western Institute of Technology (Iloilo), NORSU-Dumaguete, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (Talisay), Teamskills School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management (Dumaguete), Colegio San Agustin Bacolod, West Negros University, Southland College (Kabankalan), University of St. La Salle, Business Inn and La Planta Hotel, CASAP (Bacolod), University of San Agustin (Iloilo), Fellowship Baptist College (Kabankalan), University of Iloilo, Aklan State University, Advance Central College (Antique), Bacolod Academy for Culinary Arts, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (Ajuy Campus), Virgelio’s Grill, Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (Concepcion Campus), St. Paul University (Iloilo), and Iloilo State College of Fisheries are the participating schools and establishments of the said event.

Among the top three schools in the competition, La Consolacion College Bacolod bags the over-all Championship title in the Sabor Bisaya 2013.

On the Spot Table Setting Challenge - SILVER

Jean Nica De Guzman

Rolen tayona

Juven Marcito Supreme Fried Rice – SILVER

Pamela Joy Briones

Bronwyn John Geriane On the Spot Creative Cake Decoration – BRONZE

Mheryl fernandez

Marielle Angeli Faren

Charlynn Mesa Na’nam, a Feast of Negrense Flavor – DIPLOMA

Karl Joseph Goroy

Rhena Amar Tourism Quiz Bee – DIPLOMA

Riah Angelica De Ocampo

Chef War’s Student Division – DIPLOMA

Cian Ohm

Mark Joseph Rosales

Gydyl Lotayo Chef Wars, Professional Category – GOLD

Chef Benedict John “BJ” Uy

Jason De Oca

Roseller Montebon Jr. Flairtending Challenge – BRONZE

Laurence Emmanuel Conlu Flairtending Challenge (tandem FEMALE ) – DIPLOMA

Charmen Blance

Jan Marie Marfil Flairtending Challenge (tandem MALE ) – BRONZE

Kenneth Villarma

Jhofrey Banguis

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MODEL EDUCATION STUDENTS ACADE M I C Y EAR 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4

In line with the celebration of the National Teacher’s Month, the School of Liberal Arts and Education celebrates it Departmental Day on September 19, 2013. One of the highlights of the celebration is the selection of Model Education Advocates 2013 which corresponds to the search for the model Education students for AY 2013-2014.

The 8 finalists, Mary Queen Pilar Arca, Alyssa Yusay, John Richie Paulmanal, Sheann Severino, Princess Malone Mendoza, Kristiani Sykay, and Maria Sahara Fregil are chosen among the 20 nominees of the department in which the results are based from a challenging interview given SLAE faculty members, Dr. Walter Peter Arcenas, Mrs. Perla Pido, and Mrs. Zilla Rossi Javier.

According to Dr. Randdie P. Cuelo, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education,

“The Search for model Education students is a prestigious student development activity wherein participants are expected to be academically equipped and involved in leadership and academic activities worthy of emulation by their fellow students. Three among the eight finalists who exude exemplary levelheadedness, pleasant personality and character will be proclaimed as model Education students with equal title, award, and recognition.

These students will be inducted into the wall of fame of exemplary SLAE students throughout the department’s history and development.”

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T he 8 Finali st s

The 3 model Education students of AY 2013-2014 (from L-R; Maria Sahara Fregil, BEED 1; Sheann Severino, BSED 3; Mary Queen Pilar Arca, BSED 3

Mary Queen Pilar Arca, BSED 3 (Best in Interview and Best in Advocacy Speech)

EDUCATIONAL TRIP SLAE STUDENTS EXPLORE THE CITY OF LOVE

by Jenny Ligahon

On September 2, 2013 the School of Liberal Arts and Education students and some teachers went to Iloilo City.

We left Bacolod at around 7am.

Soon pictures were being taken and we even got up the deck and some of us got to steer the wheel of the boat. It was so much fun that I forgot about being seasick. Upon arriving at the port of our destination we were dispatched by groups in different vans. Then, we had a long drive to our first stop a museum.

We enjoyed our travel as much as our destination. It was like having a roadtrip. Surprisingly, our teachers are much more humorous than we thought.

When we arrived at the museum most of us explored and was amazed by the artifacts preserved. After that our next agenda was lunch. Since everyone was starving the delicious food served to us was perfect for our appetite. Soon, we

all freshened up because we woukd be going to other places to fully experience and enjoy our tour. At the end of the day we were all very exhausted and needed a good rest. However, when we arrived at the pension house and finished tidying up most of us still had enough energy to stay up late. In the morning, we woke up early and fixed ourselves early for breakfast at 6am. After that we went to SEAFDEC a very interesting place where fish and other sea creatures are being bred. Finally, when the day was almost over we visited UP Iloilo. It was a very big school and one could get lost since there were so many buildings. At the end of the day, all of us had fun and memorable experiences as we sailed home safely to Bacolod.

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Photos by Mr. Abraham Diopenes

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COLLEGE AND ACQUAINTED A C Q U A I N TA N C E D AY 2 0 1 3

On the 5th of July, the pressure brought about by school work and deadlines was lifted and stress was kept at bay as the much awaited acquaintance party began its day early. The entirety of the school body enjoyed a free day of amusement and camaraderie with the limelight focused especially on the freshest batch of college students. Up and pumped wearing their respective get - ups, the assemblage of the neophytes from the four different departments prepped up for the parade at the school quadrangle.

Each showcased a display of pride and anticipation as the students marched out to begin the long walk around Bacolod at exactly 8:00 am.

keepers of their field had rewritten the technical defining of their department’s culture, showing that they are not only technologically advanced but also resourcefully down – to – earth.

The School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Interior Design started off with a familiar show of confidence and guts characterized only by the ARFIEN Republic. This artistic community had yet again come up with something for their newest members from indigenous materials. The iconic figures of the department and the upper class batch exhibited their support by leading the walk with their own costumes.

Fair weather greeted the neophytes as they recollected at the quadrangle for the arena dance, followed by the body painting runway.

The four departments embodied the four elements of which everything was made of. The SBIT freshmen were the first to walk the carpet as the vibrant protectors of the earth element. Next in line were of the SLAE, pictured as guardians of the air element. Following them were the benders of the water element, particularly donned by the SARFAID neophytes. Last, but not the least, were the SHTM freshmen depicting the fierce element of fire.

From that same elemental crowd, the contestants for the Mr. and Ms. Neophytes were chosen. Everyone cheered and whooped for their bets and the festive program was nearing its end when the rain clouds came to cut it short. The awarding ceremony was formally moved to the 12th of July.

Awards were as follow:

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management scooped up the awards for The Most Organized Group and Best in Runway Production.The School of Liberal Arts and Education were also awarded with the Best in Dance Presentation.

The following are the results for the Search of Mr. and Ms. Neophyte 2013:

The School of Liberal Arts and Education or the Little Giants took sweeping steps out of the quadrangle, taking with them a part of their early years through their cartoon character costumes. Once again, the open – minded yet disciplined future educators brought to life the fellows that inspired others through books and cinemas as they walked down the streets of the city.

The School of Business and Information Technology or The Portal of the college brought a piece of rurality when they marched out as scarecrows. These modest yet mighty

and Goddess of Elements. Placing as first runners – up were contestants no.

8 from the SHTM. The second runners – up were contestants no. 1 from the SARFAID, and the third runners – up were contestants no. 3 from the SBIT.

After the party had officially ended, the students went off to their after parties, carrying with them an experience they will cherish for the rest of their college life.

*****

}}}}

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, a.k.a the Powerhouse of the college took a shot back to their childhood when they trotted out of the school gates as a younger version of themselves. All tucked with their trucks, the rather dashing yet merry group characterized the gaiety of high – spirited beings with their game on.

The parading crowd caused an atmosphere of liveliness that extended to the streets of Bacolod, where some of the early birds of the city bore witness to the enjoyment of a diverse yet unified group. Each sporting their get – ups, the entire group embodied the spirit that binds them as one. The freshmen were finally presented after the parade and they were divided into their course groups to resume their corresponding departmental initiations.

by Francine Varcas

Contestants no. 7, both from the SHTM were crowned as the God

Photos by Renz Bacas

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PACUCOA VISIT 2013 Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission ON Accreditation By: Anthonette Kim A. Abad

necessary to show to the accreditors about our community program, our extension activity program, and our alumni relations program. We exhibited everything about the programs, the implementation for the past five years, and the activities conducted in the adopted areas. The exhibits include minutes of the meeting, development plan, pictures of different activities conducted in Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Handumanan, and Brgy. Guanzon in Bago. The accreditors also visit our adopted areas to look into the program’s implementation and development.

The accreditation is a voluntary one.

The school subjects itself for accreditation to evaluate and identify areas for improvement. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Interior Design (SARFAID) undergo PACUCOA Accreditation last August 1-3, 2013. The PACUCOA team evaluates the ten (10) areas of the school such as Philosophy and Objectives, Faculty, Instruction, Laboratory, Research, Library, Student Services, School and Community, Physical Plant, and Administration.

YES! Even before the PACUCOA visit.

One of the benefits actually of the accreditation, not only from PACUCOA but also from PAASCU, is that the distinctions of one school that subjects or undergoes accreditation. Not all schools are required to undergo accreditation; it is voluntary, so it depends on the school administrators if they wanted to be accredited. Through accreditation, we are getting insights and feedbacks about what we are doing and the areas we need to improve. We also make sure that every year we try to comply the recommendations.

We have seen the physical changes in our school just before the visit and that is all because of the accreditation standards.

The areas in instruction, research, community and student services and other areas also improve. They visit or not LCCB, we comply the recommendations.

What are the recommendations given by the PACUCOA visitors?

“

“ “ What are the preparations of the school for the PACUCOA visit?

During the PACUCOA visit, there are actually different areas that are targeted for audit. The accreditation process is a form of auditing or evaluating the practices and the system of the school.

In particular, the Office of Institutional Advancement and Linkages is assigned to prepare necessary documents for the area of School and Community. We prepare all the documents and exhibits

As for my office concerned, since we are assigned for the community services, I encourage the teachers to take part, to support in any way they can do or to volunteer in the different institutional programs and in the Night High School Program of the school.

For the students, just the same, study hard, when you really say “LCCian” you are not just only wearing the school uniform, but also you must live out and put in your heart the values that you have learned in LCCB. The way you behave, not only within the school but also outside the school, actually, is the embodiment of the LCCian education, so my challenge to the students is to live up the LCCian educational standards - to go out and make difference to their community.

“

I was given a chance to have a minute interview with one of the administrators of the school, Sir Rodjhun Navarro, the Head of the Office of Institutional Advancement and Linkages to find out what are the preparations of the school before the PACUCOA visit.

Are there any changes after the PACUCOA visit?

ourselves to improve and try to live up to the standards of an LCCian education, to always challenge the students to do their best by giving them standard activities and by being open to the students’ creativity, and to incessantly conduct researches.

During the exit interview, the PACUCOA team members validated their findings and observations with the section chairs and administrators. They told us to expect the arrival of the results or the copy of recommendations after six months.

Do you have any message for the school, faculty, and students?

For the faculty, to continually challenge

“

The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) is a private accrediting agency which gives formal recognition to the educational institution by attesting that its academic programs maintain excellent standards in its educational operations, in the context of its aims and objectives. Some of the objectives of the PACUCOA are to identify schools whose competence and performance in a particular field warrant public and professional recognition, to help institutions of learning achieve maximum educational effectiveness through self evaluation, and to enlist the cooperation of institutions of learning and professional associations in the mission of advancing the interest of education. .

“

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Special thanks to Sir Rodjhun Navarro, Head of the Office of Institutional Advancement and Linkages for providing the publication with adequate and credible information. LCCB Aim High!

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Photos by: Francis Ledesma & Irene Bacas

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INTRAMURALS WITH FLYING 2013 COLORS

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The spirit of strength, unity, and camaraderie reign over the members of La Consolacion College Bacolod as the Intramurals 2013 was celebrated. The four departments competed with great vigor in the various categories. Here are the results of following events:

LITERARY & MUSICAL EVENTS

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Photos by: Francis Ledesma, Irene Bacas, and Rob Christian Lim

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SPORTS EVENTS

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MR. and MS. LCCB 2013 photos by Cedie Loresto & June Flores

JOSEPH MAXIMILLIAN GUERRERO, SHTM Mr. La Consolacion College Bacolod ANGELA NIKKI DE GRANO, SHTM Ms. La Consolacion College Bacolod 1st Runners Up: Jose Miguel Lacson, SARFAID Sheann Severino, SLAE 2nd Runners Up: Ronald Benedict Mate, SLAE Aira Angelique Tomayao. SARFAID 3rd Runners Up: Prince Fidel Flores, SLAE Antonette Murphy, SLAE

OVER-ALL RESULTS SPORTS

Overall champion - SHTM

1st runner up - SARFAID

2nd runner up - SBIT

3rd runner up - SLAE CULTURAL

Overall champion - SHTM

1st runner up - SLAE

2nd runner up - SBIT

3rd runner up – SARFAID

La Consolacion College Bacolod rendered two weeks for practices to enhance the potentials of LCCians in the field of sports, literary, and musical events. The institution does not only value academic pursuit but also the importance of learning found outside the four walls of the classroom and to prove this was the undeniable success of the Intramurals. Congratulations to all the participants! May we all strive harder for a more competitive La Consolacion College Bacolod.

16 | THE RIPPLES 2013

EDITORIAL

T

hrough this edition, we aim to convince you that life is too valuable to go to waste. Hence, our thoughts, words, and deeds; our life story in general should always count as a worthy contribution to the welfare of those who witness them.

Enlightenment means to give knowledge for without knowledge and information, we remain insensitive and unconscious toward the alarming matters we are actually expected to react upon.

It is our honor to open the doors and let the rays of light shine upon you, our readers, as we talk about the things that truly matter. Our words and illustrations reflect our sincerest desire to awaken that concealed sense of urgency and responsibility in you.

We choose to cover a broader theme than the usual to give you a wider and clearer scope of this publication’s purpose – to take a stand. Yes, we are but a smaller group compared to those who protest outside the boundaries of our school but that doesn’t mean that our voices are any smaller. We aspire to enlighten you through the principles we believe in. We intend to encourage as we, firsthand, courageously speak up in behalf of the student body.

We have been greatly enlightened after the whole experience this tiring but undoubtedly rewarding job has given us. We hope and pray that this magazine’s contents shall not only fill your eyes with the superb layout, but most of all, motivate you to become a person of courage and dignity; an LCCian whose light is not hidden under the darkened influence of this world.

Sheann Ramirez Severino Editor-In-Chief, The Ripples Magazine, La Consolacion College bacolod

illustration by Ryan Rodero

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

19

COLLEGE PORTALS ONE STEP HIGHER

BY ANGELENE DIAZ

photos by Cedie Loresto

Y

ou never really get to realize how different college is from high school until you step in as a college kid yourself.

Way back in high school, you see stereotypical representation of college life in mainstream Western movies and probably hear crazy college ideals from your college friends who seem to be enjoying themselves in their present lives. Bits and pieces of information and stories somehow create an illusion of what college is going to be like. But like any other instances, firsthand experience can change the expectations we first thought about.

Do you still remember the last time you were so uncomfortable in a place that it makes you observe even the slightest details of what is happening around you? Adjusting in college also pertains to adjusting to the physical place we are in. But worrying about adjusting to a new place should be the least we should think about because it can cease over time after getting used to walking around the campus and navigating to find our classrooms. Take the situation as a chance to explore the new place that will soon to be your home and Alma Mater.

What really differs between college and high school is the diversity of people’s personalities you would meet and encounter every day. College is a diverse world with people from different walks, carrying with them their own burdens in life. It may seem like college is a tough place because everybody is living a tough life. College is the real world as they say, nobody is a dependent kid anymore and everyone is making

their way to become a responsible adult.

Contrary to high school, it is more of a teenage life.

School culture is also one factor that determines how we can easily adapt to our environment. It sets how we speak and socialize with other people. There will be those who choose to extend a hand first and meet new friends while others would just sit around the corner and wait for a curious face to approach them. Often times, school names can also give other people an impression of what we are like and can be the basis of what other people might think of us. Along with the name is the distinct culture and norms of each school that sets them different from others. But college is a new world and everyone enrolled in the institution shares the same school already, so why focus so much as to which high school one came from? Though our previous school does get the limelight on the first few weeks of school in introducing yourself in class, it will later on subside as everybody gets to realize that at present, we are now in the same educational institution and abolish the walls of school differences.

The attention you get in high school may not be the same in college because the people who see you are not the same people who liked you or disliked you way back in high school.

You might also wonder why you feel bad about yourself and overthink as to why your personality doesn’t seem to fit well elsewhere. In high school, the people you were with have already tolerated your attitude but in college, the standard of choosing friends would be a pleasing

and tolerable personality. Nobody wants a pain in the head kind of person in their first day of school or a dominating kid.

This is where everybody seems to be nice and kind. But as the weeks pass, people’s preferences change. Some would want those who eat with them while some would want to be with the people whom they share the same passion with. It takes months to really know which clan you belong or which group suits your principles and beliefs.

The thing with the new school and the new environment is the idea of a fresh start. Everybody has the chance to rebuild or maintain their image and names. You might be a whole lot different in high school than in college; with the way you speak, dress, act, or in what you stand and believe in. With the new people you meet, you may change the way you see things and how you make your decisions. But in whatever circumstances, what is important is our conviction to do what is right, avoid what is wrong, and remain rooted in our values.

The key to college or even to

any stage is to have an open mind. We adjust differently from other college students but if we enjoy and see every experience as an opportunity to know and grow, then every day of our stay in college will be worthwhile. Though the argument “high school is more fun than college” would go on forever, the answer solely relies on how we choose to live our current life and who we choose to spend it with that makes it special and memorable.

20

Everybody Needs A Good Company

by Ana Salve Serrano

illustration by Christoph Saguemuller

It’s your first day at La Consolacion College Bacolod. You have no friends, everything is so unfamiliar, you’re a bit lost, and you have nowhere to go. Sounds familiar right? Every one of us has experienced this pain on the first day of college. I know this is not the same as your high school’s first day where you share that vacant seat to someone you call “best friend”. This lunch buddy thingy rarely counts in college.

College campuses hold a lot more diverse human beings than in high school. There are a lot more classrooms to memorize and a lot of teachers to deal with. This insane feeling of being alone on your first week, month, or even year will eventually change as you find some enlightenment from the people who will unexpectedly turn your world around. As for me, I found myself right in the middle of a class where I caught myself laughing with a bunch of people I didn’t even know. LCC is a clique. It’s full of different people aiming for different things. According to my ever reliable friend, Dictionary.com, “a clique is a small and exclusive group of people.” A clique is something unexpected. Having two or more friends who share your likes and dislikes can cause trouble (trust me I’ve been there). Finding a clique is far more different than anything. We shouldn’t be afraid of talking to that quiet girl at the back of the class or that boisterous guy who you think you’re starting to have feelings with. Those people surrounding you now are the same people you will be thanking when you step out into the real world. I’ve been staying in LCC for almost two years now and I can honestly say that I hear a lot of more interesting stories and events in school than in those books we read.

We encounter real life and real people with real experiences. The pages of these books are the days of learning that we share. The chapters are the highlight of every year and the climax will be the parts where we see ourselves change. In college, we deal with different emotions; emotions we never thought we have in our bodies. In college, we learn to appreciate things; the value of money and time. Sharing these moments with your clique will get you through anything. Yes, it’s going to be bumpy and rough but that’s what makes it special. Your clique will always stand beside you. In just a year and a half, I found mine and I will never let them go.

“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.”

— Kurt Vonnegut

-----------------------

MORE ISSUES THAN VOGUE

by Ana Salve Serrano illustration by Ginoe Ojoy

Equally pretty ladies lining up wearing the latest trends of the brands that never suit our lifestyle nor our wallets. Models with very high cheek bones, perfectly chiseled jaw lines, and toned yet muscular body posed in front of the flashing lights ready to be manufactured fronting every page of magazines worldwide. These are some of the things that make women of this generation more insecure. Today, ladies are in a difficult spot in the society where their looks are graded and used in all way. Looks is a sort of business.

And right now, at this very moment, there are women out there crying, asking for attention, and practicing self-doubt because of their lack of attractiveness. Filipinas used to be conservative. We used to be intelligently beautiful and amazing. We’ve got talents higher than those cat-walking females of the West. But magazines taught us that we should be fighting simplicity off our shoulder and race for what is grand and royal. We learned to differentiate fake from original but we forgot the difference between cost and worth. Where did our inner Maria Clara go? I bet it’s been hiding far back in our closets waiting to be worn again. Our branded shoes, clothes, and jewelry may change us physically but they won’t make us feel different. Look around you. We are all fond of copying and memorizing lines form things that we already saw. Forcing yourself to be someone you’re not is not original. We call ourselves trend-setters but we don’t even dare to do something fearlessly. We wear things that we see from someone and we already call ourselves fashionistas. This is insane, absurd, and out of the line! We need stop this delusional attempt to be the next Kate Moss, Miranda Kerr, or Kim Kardashian. We need to change for ourselves, not for them. It is time for us to tear those magazines and rip those pages that make us uncomfortable. Motivate yourself instead of depressing your poor little body. Suffering from insecurity will eventually kill us. Look for something to be proud of. Never compare your eyes to hers, your long locks to her curls, nor your nose to her fake one. We need to be empowered and confident. Walk in the streets like you own the world.

Rock those kicks you had since you thought you were stylish. Flaunt your being and be proud of it. Bring back Maria Clara and be YOU.

| THE RIPPLES 2013

CLIQUE

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

21

ADVICE COLUMN prepared by Jo-Ann Juliano and Jeanzel Debil advised by Zygievieve Cawaling

From Noah My mind and my heart is confusing me about my love life. My mind is telling me to let go yet my heart can’t. I’m afraid of what might others say about our relationship because we have same gender. It kills me cause we’re having a long distance relationship.

Sometimes I think of being a burden towards this perso¬n and I admit it that this person is also a burden to my part. I just can’t let this person go because of some certain reasons that only my heart can explain and I still need to find out. What should I do now? Should I let this person go or not? It really affects my concentration to my studies. I’m really having a hard time right now so please help me. Thank you so much Ripples. God bless.

“

”

Dear Noah,

There is a difference between “love” and “infatuation”. Infatuation is when you are miserable in her absence and you can’t wait to see him/her again. But love is when you have a feeling of security. You have a sense of warmth of his/her nearness, even when he/she is away. You want him/ her near, but near or far, you know he/she is yours and you can wait. Noah, think about it. Are you really sure you love this person?

When you entered this relationship, what were your motives?

Did you want to be committed with this person because you just felt like it? Or is it because you like the feeling that you are given importance or treated special?

Or maybe because you wanted to marry this person? Try to remember why you held on for sooo long in this relationship.

And ask yourself if you still meant it.

In a relationship, both lovers are supposed to bring out the best in each other.

But just as you said, you both are burdens to each other. It distracts you in your studies.

It gives you endless worries and sleepless nights. Do you think this is still healthy?

Do you think this is what relationships and commitments are for? I think not.

Are all of these really worth it?

And also, remember that you are still young and at this age, relationships shouldn’t take too much of your time and attention. You still have a long, long way to go. Weigh your priorities Noah, which will matter more in the near future.

-----------------------------

From Cheska How can I move on if my heart still belongs to someone who broke it. I find it sarcastic because we’ve never been in a relationship. We are just friends; nothing more, nothing less. He treats me like his younger sister.

I’m the one who always stay at his side whenever he’s lonely, empty, and sad. I find it really annoying because he ignores me when he’s happy but whenever he needs me, with just one smile I always manage to do whatever he wants me to do. I really don’t like this feeling because people judge me for being dumb and stupid.

I really love this guy but for him it’s just friendship and platonic love. I realized that I should set my priorities first so therefore, I should stay away from him. But I really can’t... Huhuhu :’(

“

”

Dear Cheska,

Girl, this guy is clearly taking you for granted. And no one can take you for granted unless you let them do so, and clearly you do.

Think about what all these do to him. He probably thinks “Sige lang ah batunon ya man ko na gyapon miski way ko na sha nasapak. Che che-on ko lang na sa gamay bibigay din yaaaan”. Is that okay with you? With him thinking that way?

Here’s your Plan A. If you haven’t told him what you really feel about him, then go spill the beans. Maybe he’s just a bomb waiting to be switched on.

But there’s a plan B, too. And that is to realize that you don’t deserve to be treated that way, and finally decide that you are not letting him take advantage of you. Cheska, if you won’t help yourself, no one can. If you won’t believe that you can do this, no one will. So you have to make a decision. Learn to say NO. It’ll hurt big time, I know. But you’ll get over it after some time. Cut your communications with him if you have to. And you are right that you have to set your priorities first!

For all your efforts on him won’t really matter in the future. But your grades and stuff? I bet you’ll need them in the long run! So focus on what matters most.

-----------------------------

“

From Boy Macho I’m having a hard time going

to school due to finacial problem. The fact that my parents are just using our income to gamble. I really don’t know what to do because everytime I have an income for some side line, my mother always gets my money from me. I really want to finish my studies to have a stable job for my future. It really affects my performance in school. Can someone help me? I think this is so hard. Daw kanami na layas sa balay.

”

Dear Boy Macho,

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? Well, I do. I have proven it myself. You may not see it now, but you will sooner or later. I am not rich to sponsor you, I am not a professional adviser to talk to your parents for not doing their responsibilties and most of all I am not God to tell you His reasons for all of these.

Maybe He’s training you for something bigger. I don’t really know what’s going on in His amazing mind, but what I know is this: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

You know what you should do?

Pray and believe. I know this may sound all churchy and stuff but it’s all I know. And it’s all you need to know. There is a God who breathes out stars that are billions bigger than the world we live in, a God who moves the mountains and calms raging seas. And you know what? He let His own son die to save you. What for? Simply because He loves you. Believe in this love and you won’t need anything else, not even money.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet you heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” “So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear’?” “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has a trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34)

-----------------------------

22

“

”

Dear Totsie,

Diin ka dal.on sang huya-huya mo? You think standing in a corner will get that girl fall for you? Get out of your shell! You won’t get any progress at all if you don’t come out of your comfort zone. You are a guy. You must make the first move. What if she likes you back but doesn’t have the courage to tell you too? You’ll never know if you don’t try.

On the other hand, if you get rejected, so what? At least you did your best and tried, and that’s absolutely better than waking up every single day asking yourself “what if?”.

But then you said she already has a boyfriend. Well guess what Totsie, you have a first row ticket to watch this “I Like This Girl But Im Too Shy And Her Boyfie’s Not Treating Her Right” show. You can’t do anything but watch. I know it’s depressing but you just have no right to intervene because it’s their relationship.

But don’t lose hope! One day you’ll have the chance. And when you do, grab it! Treat her the way she deserves to be treated. But for now, just relax and make her your inspiration instead of your depression. It doesn’t really help if you keep on being so pouty about it.

-----------------------------

“

From Gargamel I’m usually having a difficult time choosing between my 2 suitors.

They both have the personality which makes them attractive. The 1st one is somewhat a typical boyfriend and so sweet, while the other one, let’s just describe as someone running for honors.

They have been a part of me, I don’t want to lose both of them. Please help me in this situation. Thank you.

”

Dear Gargamel,

(Haba ng hair! ;D)

What is the main reason why you commit to a guy? To have an armcandy? To go with the trend? For money? Or is it true love? Marriage?

Pursuing a lifetime partner? Think carefully Mel. Engaging in a relationship is not just some joke. It is a serious commitment; a deal, a testament.

It is supposed to be beautiful, but sadly teenagers in today’s generation turned it into some shopping spree.

Which one of them do you see as a person to be with for the rest of your life? Remember, you can never love two people romatically just as you can’t serve two masters at the same time. If you are contented with one, why seek for another?

On the other hand, if you don’t want to lose both of them, then choose none of them. This should keep the friendship but lose the opportunity to have a romantic relationship.

So Gargamel, think about it thouroughly. Do you believe in love that doesn’t look at the physical appearance but reaches the heart instead? I strongly do so! I believe that it doesn’t really matter if a guy is sweet or smart or whatever, what’s important is that you love the person. You accept his whole being, his good side, and his bad side.

Even if he picks his nose in public or he has bad grammar and stuff, it shouldn’t matter because love looks beyond flaws. It’s finding beauty in scars! It is giving him at a great cost; what he needs the most when he deserves it the least. Now that is some beautiful love .

I hope you find this kind of love Gargamel. And when you do, treasure it!

For this kind of love is rare yet infinite .

-----------------------------

From Rena

Being the only child in the family has been a burden to me especially I am a girl. My parents are too possesive of me. I thought everything would change from the time I enter college, but still, it did not. They became more possesive this time. I tried to explain things to them but they won’t listen. I remember one time when I asked permission to

“

stay for one night at my classmate’s house, I told them that if I can’t go, I might fail one subject. I was surprised with my father’s reply, “It’s okay to fail as long as you’re at home.” I felt imprisoned and worthless. I want to get rid of this situation. Please help me.

”

Dear Rena,

There is nothing like the love of a parent has for a child.

Imagine the time when they finally had you, their one and only princess. Holding you gently in their arms, they dreamt of what you will become when you grow up. As you may see, they are doing their best to give you their best because you are their diamond and they do not want to lose you. But then, this kind of love can be excessive at times, and this becomes what we call “over-protection”.

You see Rena, it’s just a matter of trust and misunderstanding.

They do not trust you enough to let you do stuff on your own and you do not understand their decisions.

Communication is the key. Tell them how you feel about their “protection” at times. Tell them what’s going on in your school, in your group of friends, even in your love life. Bond with them and talk to them about some decisions you’ve made in the past; about the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned from them. Ask them questions.

This will help you gain their trust by showing them how you think, act, and decide. Let them know who you really are, and that you are mature enough for some things. But remember, this is a slow process. It takes a long time to build trust right? But ironically, it just takes a blink of an eye to lose it.

So be careful in your ways Rena, make every effort not to do anything that will give them doubts and second thoughts.

God gave you parents for a reason Rena. He placed your parents as authorities to help you in your growth, so obey them. They do not consist of being above, but being before. Don’t get them wrong. They just give you what they think is the best for you because they truly love you. So don’t give up Rena. I hope you don’t become bitter about it. Be challenged instead!

####

| THE RIPPLES 2013

From Totsie I have a crush on this pretty lady but I think she doesn’t like me. I’ve been keepin’ this feeling for almost 2 years. I watch her love someone else and here I am still waiting for a chance that she might like me. I really don’t like the way her boyfriend treats her. Whenever I see her in pain, it really tears me apart. I don’t think this feeling is just a crush.

I wish to have a courage so that I can tell her how I really feel. I’m afraid that she will just ignore me because I’m just a simple guy who doesn’t exist in this world. If I have the opportunity to be with her, I will respect her and treat her right. I wish to have the guts cause it really bothers my studies.

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

23

the world is changing

TECHNO-INFANCY

by Zygievieve Cawaling

illustration by Ginoe Ojoy

.......

I’m not going to make any more flowery introductions here. Let’s go straight to the point.

Did you notice that the world is constantly changing around us? Google, Yahoo, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter; these are some of the online networking sites that people use today. We are living in a world called The Connected Generation or The iGeneration. People today connect, think, and act differently.

Did you know that the 2nd largest user of FACEBOOK in the world is INDONESIA?

24

There are 640 million active users on Facebook. There are 50 billion photos uploaded from all over the world. Worldwide internet users have now exceeded 2 billion. There are nearly 5 million mobile phone usages in the world as of today. 1.3 billion cellphones were sold in 2010, 300 million were smartphones.

Today’s smartphones have as much computing power as the APOLLO SPACECRAFT that travelled to the moon in 1969! Within the next 5 years, the majority of internet traffic will be from mobiles.

Try to Google “Jesus”, you’d get 416 million results; Google “Porn” and get 951 million results.

Most kids who look at porn through gadgets bought by their own parents.

What kind of generation are we raising?

The number of people born this week: 2,684,934. The number of people born this year: 140,000,000. While reading this, 1,300 people are born worldwide.

According to a study, the population of the world on June 2011 was 6,980,125,347. In the next ten years, there will be 1 billion people more.

Today, 1/3 of the world’s population is under the age of 15, and that’s 2.3 billion children.

If believers worldwide are only 33%, that’s 760 million Christian children under 15. If the number of “practicing” Christians is only 17%, that’s only 395 million Christian children - that’s 395 million opportunities to change our school, our city, our nation, our world, and our future.

A Barna Group survey shows that children are rapidly moving away from a biblical worldview.

There is also a research study that says teenager churchgoers are rapidly becoming lesser every year. Looking at all these social networking sites, it’s not surprising.

What kind of generation are we raising?

Now let’s check out a few facts in the media today.

Who is the most popular star on Youtube? LADY GAGA. Who had the 2011 Grammy for the best artist? EMINEM. And of course, what is the most popular online game in the world?

THE WORLD OF WARCRAFT.

What kind of generation are we raising?

American kids spend 7 hours and 38 minutes on television and digital media EVERYDAY. Children worldwide view over 200,000,000 Youtube videos and it doesn’t end there.

They also share them with their friends to 480,000,000 users in CHINA; 200,000,000 users in 31 teen communities worldwide; and to 70,000,000 users ARAB STATES through HUNDREDS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES. Don’t get me wrong. I am not against social networking sites.

80% of all people who come to Christ do so before they turn 18. You have the influence, the opportunity, the mandate, the manpower, and the responsibility to raise a generation of world changers. And the alarming part is this: we only have ONE DECADE. 2010-2020. One decade to make a difference. WHAT DIFFERENCE COULD YOU MAKE IN 10 YEARS? What can you do in your school, community, and nation?

This hangs in

the

generation balance.

Our children today is being raised and taught by the WORLD. Will the Church lose this generation? What will become of the generations to come?

The number of Children in our Churches? 27%. The average estimated percentage of church budget for children

and outreaches worldwide? 3%.

How is the overused statement “The children are our future,” or “Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng bayan.” justified in this scenario?

So what can we do? I’m not saying you should all go to Bible School and become priests and nuns. What I am saying is that, even the slightest spark of fire can devour a forest. We have the ability to make this spark. The little things we do can be a start of a God-fearing generation.

Let’s start in our own school, then in our city, and finally, in our nation!

We may start with an appreciation. A simple “you are one honest student. or “I like the way you speak English.” can change the mood of a tired classmate. We may also start with a simple prayer! Just a 10-second “Lord, I pray for the people in my school that they may know love and give love.” can lift our spirit. We can also try giving some treats to the kids on the streets, teach them the value of cleanliness, and join them in picking garbage.

We can also contribute or volunteer in outreach organizations. We can even train and teach the children in our neighborhood the value of reading, helping, and loving! We can do a whole lot of things to save a generation. We just have to be willing.

When? When are we going to rise up and fight to win and transform a generation?

The world is constantly changing. The world is teaching our children. Will we allow this generation to be molded by the corrupted values of this world?

.......

THE CHILDREN ARE WAITING.

| THE RIPPLES 2013

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

25

WHAT THE FACTS 10 FACTS to brighten up your day

HIPPOPOTOMONSTROSESQUIPEDALIOPHOBIA

There are a bunch of random and uncanny phobias we hear, but here is one ironic phobia. Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. So let’s say you do have this phobia, you’d be terrified to name your ailment; it is ironically the fear of long words.

PUPPY ROOM

There are many ways to fight stress, and Dalhousie University has a rather interesting answer: puppies. After a long semester of projects and exams, students of Dalhousie visit the “Puppy Room” and hang out with puppies for a while. The little puppies somehow give a spark of joy to the tired and sleepless students. The puppies stay with volunteers from the “Therapeutic Paws of Canada”, an organization that specializes in bringing cats and dogs to schools and senior homes.

EINSTEIN SLEEPS 10 HOURS A DAY

(Hello there, Architecture students.)

In a book called “POWER SLEEP” by Dr. James B. Maas says that even the great scientist Albert Einstein needs 10 hours of sleep a day.

Probably because Facebook , Twitter, and video games didn’t exist in his time!

Agree?

REDEMPTION THROUGH READING

Brazil has finds a novel way to shorten their prisoners’ sentences: by making them read books. For every book report they submit, the inmates gets for days less of imprisonment. The prisoners were given four weeks to read one book and write a report on it which must have the following criteria: “correct use of paragraphs, be free of corrections, use margins, and legible joined-up writing,” said the notice published on Monday in the official gazette.

The inmates are then forwarded to a panel called “Redemption through Reading.”

“Withooutdoubt they will leave a better person,” said Sao Paulo, a lawyer who heads a book donation project for prisons.

SPACE SUNSET To all of you romantics out there, how

would you like to see 15 sunsets and sunrises in a day? Well, you should go on a date in the International Space Station and witness a space sunset.

“A space sunset is said to be a spectacular sight that shows in vivid detail the many layers of the Earth’s thin atmosphere. The first layer displays the dark part of the Earth experiencing night. Above that, in deep orange and yellow is the Earth’s troposphere, which contains almost all of the clouds in the sky. Then the pink to white region above the clouds which gradually turn to a light blue band, essentially the stratosphere, which is that part of the Earth’s atmosphere where airplanes fly. The layer above the stratosphere appears as a darker blue band that gradually fades away into the cold dark vacuum of outer space.” - this is how the site todayifoundout.com describes it.

15 sunsets and sunrises, 15 hugs and kisses maybe?

How’s that for a day’s date?

26 | THE RIPPLES 2013

THE SCIENCE OF BATMAN

Do you want to learn about the extreme range of adaptability of the human body explored through the life of the caped crusader? The University of Victoria offers the course “The Science of Batman” in their colleges. The subject “examines human potential using Batman as a metaphor for the ultimate in human conditioning”, their site says. To all Batman fans out there, enroll now!

COFFEE OR AN APPLE?

Who loves a cup of warm coffee in the morning? Well guess what! Apples wake you up in the morning more than coffee does. Fructose, a natural sugar found in apples gives us the energy boost.

An apple contains approximately 20 carbohydrates which are used for fuel by the body. “The high fiber content found in an apple causes the natural sugar to be absorbed more slowly into the system, avoiding the let down feeling that we feel after the initial energy buzz of coffee has worn off.

Fiber is also filling, and the feeling of fullness will stick around much longer than a simple cup of coffee.” says Kayla, a Reference.com expert.

21 YEARS OF SUMMER

We teenagers think that summers here on earth tend to be not enough. What does planet Uranus have to say? Apparently, it has 21 years of summer. At the height of summer, the sun is virtually straight above the North Pole which means there is no night for half of the planet. Meanwhile, the other half of the planet is in perpetual night at the height of winter. 21 years of summer and 21 years of sleep. Not bad.

***

100 LIGHTNING bolts PER SECOND

According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, the earth is struck by lightning 100 times per second. Lightning’s heat exceeds 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, that’s three times hotter than the surface of the sun. It hits the Empire State Building on the average of 2125 times per year. A US Park Service Ranger, Ray Sullivan, was struck by lightning seven different times from 1942 to 1976. Yep, he survived them all. (We don’t know if his hair got curly.)

25 YEARS OF SLEEP

The average human spends 1/3 or their life sleeping, which equates to about 20 - 25 years of a 75-year life span according to a study. The record of the longest period of no sleeping (18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes) was during a rocking chair marathon. The record holder was reported with hallucinations, paranoia, blurred vision, slurred speech and memory, and concentration lapses.

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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OBSESSED WITH SELFIE

When What You Do Defines who You are

by Sheann Severino

illustration by Chiara Salmorin

Perhaps the most shallow and pathetic purpose anyone could have is to live ONLY for himself.

There is no doubt that the label “selfie generation” has emerged in the midst of our culture. With the youth’s great inclination to social networking, we are sometimes tempted to measure our identities through the number of likes we accumulate or how many of our photos were tagged on Facebook.

From the first word itself, social, the very purpose of social networking site is to elevate our connections with other people.

Notice that majority of Facebook users literally treat Facebook as their diaries through posting photos of the places they have been to, the people they were with, and even the accomplishments they have received to inform their friends about the latest updates on their lives. I am no hypocrite to tell you that I am not a culprit of such actions and that is why I used the term obsessed to draw the line in which my point limits to.

Firsthand, I would like to share the three among the seven tell tale signs that may tell that you, my dear friend, are already a Facebook addict. (Reference: http:// www.hongkiat.com/blog/facebook-addiction-signs/) 1.

Over Sharing.

To share is a good thing. To overdo is annoying.

Facebook isn’t our diary. There are things that matter more than our emotional sentiments. Every person has the right to freedom of speech; in fact that is why we have social networking sites to serve as our channel. However, a person to exemplify ethics needs to develop her sense of privacy.

The question is: Why do we want the world to know?

2.

Checking your Facebook whenever it’s possible.

This is a fast-phased generation. Every minute counts and therefore not a single second should be wasted. Our productivity lessens as the only option we consider to do during our free time is to check who has liked our photos and our status. Instead of doing things like finishing a project or reading a worthy book, we get hooked up staring at the progress of our profiles. There are a lot of coincidental free time and it would be wiser to use them to accomplish tasks that earn a bigger value.

3. Overly concerned Facebook image.

with

There goes the word “over” again. One of the blogs that enlightened me was entitled the “Profile Pic Life” written by Twister Jover. (You can go check his wise and witty writings in his Facebook account) In his note he stated: “Knowing the real self is not ‘known’ primarily through what others describe you in profile pix[tures] and vain conceit. The self will only be known in line with what is true. The TRUTH is always the main source of who we truly are. Jane Austen was simple - vanity is our deep concern “to what we would have others think of us.” But what others think is not always the truth. And if it is not the truth, then we keep on chasing after the wind.

Vanity is catching the wind with the loose nets of selfishness.”

We tend to be overly concerned with our profile pictures because we want to set a particular image that is likeable and praiseworthy. We want to be known for somethingmay it be for our talents, events, or anything we love doing.

There is no problem with such but when we box our identities inside Facebook, we miss out the essence of beauty in its truest value; it is the character that counts, not the profile picture.

And I’m not saying that we should not be proud of ourselves but rather practice sober assessment of our capabilities; accepting our flaws and recognizing our strength; this is the image that is genuinely likeable with or without Facebook.

Obsession means the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, or desire (Dictionary. com). Therefore, when there is an element of domination in our lifestyle, it destroys our sense of balance eventually causing our schedules to wreck and our productivity to lessen. The world is humungous hence let us not forget that we are just a speck of a dust in the whole galaxy. Let us not be obsessed in representing ourselves to the world because the more “selfie” we actually are, the lonelier we become. Selfishness robs our happiness and defeats the purpose of our existence in this world; a purpose supposedly made for the glory of God and His alone.

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by Angelene Diaz

illustration by Mark Espuerta

Pork sounds appetizing to most people and it sounds expensive as a meat especially if it’s lechon.

But pork seems to be too oily for the Filipino people now as the issue on the pork barrel scam cooks up.

The pork barrel scam is just one representation of what is really going on inside our government. It is somehow a sneak peek of what our government is at closed doors when no media is around and when personal interest prevails as their motives for service. To think that these people who we call “public servants” aren’t really as public as they ought to be with their private interests on the people’s money and their private transactions that are carefully kept hidden from their constituents. So is there still any sense of publicity in our public servant?

Janette Lim Napoles rise to her own stardom as the mother of the pork barrel scam along with the politicians who vowed for service to the people. Ten billion pesos from the pork barrels of the politicians which are supposedly to be of help to the Filipino people just magically went into the deep pockets and bank accounts of Napoles and the participating politicians.

Making internal connections in the government and creating fake Non Government Organizations were all it took for the 10 billion peso to fatten the pockets of these politicians. Simple as it sounds, the people’s money have been feeding these politicians in their luxurious way of life while more than half of the Filipino people sleep with nothing to eat and in debt with their medical bills.

The system was simple; Napoles makes fake NGO’s that have projects for beneficiaries. Sadly, these projects are fake, with nothing but propositions and imaginary plans. And like the projects, the beneficiaries aren’t the exact ones we have in mind. They are likewise fake. The politician takes a part from his pork barrel to donate to the fake NGO and this donation goes to waste as the fake projects that proceed to the fake beneficiaries-Napoles and her secret politician beneficiaries in position inside the government. But Napoles wouldn’t have done it all without the help of bigger people inside the government. With this, the people get skeptical if Napoles really is the mother of the scam. While there are possibilities that she might be used as a doll by these powerful politicians so the when the blaming starts, all fingers will be pointed to Napoles and not to the politicians to maintain their names clean.

So don’t wonder why the public are in condemnation and hatred with the kind of government we have in our country.

Imagine the enormity of what Napoles and our politicians have

done against the people. Imagine how well they have played to rob from us. These politicians do create projects for the people but have we really been keen enough to see the proposed budgets for their projects? Notice that often times they make their projects well publicized to their constituents by means of putting their faces and names on signs while construction is going on-this is to convince us that they are actually doing their job. But this scam shows how well they can make us believe that they are helping. The help they give is minimal while they save a big parcel of the whole amount of pork barrel for themselves and their own interests. How devastating to know that the ones we have entrusted our votes to are the ones who work not for the public’s welfare but for their own.

So will the call for the abolition of the pork barrel answer this issue? President Ninoy Aquino promised a transparent government in his administration. The problem does not rely on the monetary element but on the system of how the pork barrels are used. The key is a transparent system in which the people can be the eye watchers themselves if the budget proposals give justice to the projects. The disbursements reports of our politicians should be transparent for a sense of awareness about the proposed projects, the ongoing work, and accomplished projects among the constituents.

A solution can be the requirement from each politician to put up their own website for the updating of their accomplishment reports. In this way, the public can monitor the flow of money and activities of the politicians supported with pictures and videos. It will not be a burden to pay your own IT personnel to work on your website with the amount of money given at your care. Though the government has its own website, it is not enough to cover the transparency needed for our senators, congressmen, and city officials.

As the Philippines fights her way to an honest government, we as the people should be of guard to the interest of the majority. We have known the unworthy politicians whom we have elected in the position, we have seen the kind of government that runs in our country and we have witnessed the Filipino people struggling to survive. An oppression for 333 years is but enough for us to learn our rights in our own nation and not to pattern the Filipino way of life to our oppressors.

This nation needs her people and this is the time to fight together the battles of our nation against greed and corruption.

| THE RIPPLES 2013

WHAT’S IN A PORK?

29 | THE RIPPLES 2013

MILEY VIRUS

written and illustrated by Ginoe Ojoy

The trending videos and photos of Miley Cyrus that spread like virus caught the world by surprise; not merely because they were unusual but most of all; they revealed the reversed image of the Miley we used to adore.

To prove this was her notorious tongue gesture and “twerking” found all over social networking sites. She made a massive hit on the eyes of the viewers during the MTV Music Video Awards where she demonstrated a seemingly-scandalous showcase with singer Robin Thicke.

A lot of speculations have been stated. Some said that Miley went for this new image as a result of her devastating breakup with his ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth while others thought that this is just another strategy to make her name as renowned as it can be.

It turns out that it was just the beginning of her inevitable reign in the headlines and the blogosphere. She is ready to take this industry by storm.

Miley Cyrus tops the Billboard Hot 100 with her highly controversial video for “Wrecking Ball”. She is labeled as the new Britney Spears of this generation; trashy, attention-grabbing, and a grown-a** woman-that was the image she wants to portray. No more Disney girl with that awkward Texan accent who likes to have “the best of both worlds”. Now, she has chosen to be in the world of show business; and not just a wallflower but a Venus Flytrap; ready to engulf all her contemporaries and show them how it is done. After her VMA performance and her first music video release from her latest album “Bangerz”, she snatched the wig of the other artists including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears-and that is one heck of a feat.

It was even speculated that her sudden splash of controversies on the internet garnered more hits than the oppression happening in Syria!

,,

,

My job isn’t to tell your kids how to act or how not to act, because I’m still figuring that out for myself.

- Miley Cyrus

After all these achievements in just a short period of time, we can conclude that Miley’s team hit the nail on the head. Her success was not solely dependent on her talents but rather on the timing, her producers, and her marketing strategists.

We might be not aware of it, but we became a part of her marketing machinery. Every time her name passes our lips, we likewise pass the virus unto others.

But who are we to judge? This is show business; one part show, one part business. She needs all the buzz she can get in order to succeed. Love her or hate her, you did what she wanted you to do: make her name go “BOOM!” That might make you mad, but does she care?

NOPE. She’s MILEY CYRUS, she can do whatever the heck she wants.

We can’t change her, it’s her life. We have full control of ours, though. So it’s up to you to decide what you want to be known for.

Choose wisely.

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TRUE AND POLLS

We interviewed two students regarding the school’s policy of suspension due to the accumulated number of violations. and here’s what they have to say: Student 1 1.What will you prefer suspension or community service?

Suspension.. NO CLASS =) 2. What took you to violate?

Drugs.. JOKE! Ubusan pasensya kag gainit ulo ko, ngaga push sa self ko nga makasabat-sabat sa akon teacher or kis-a sa guard. (Pero good boy na ko subong.)

3. How did you tell your parents that they were summoned by the school to have a conference?

Civilian pero kis-a gakalutsan ko man ang guard usually I.D. Wala ko I.D. pero normal nalang ni sakon that’s why kis-a wala na ko ginasaway.

4.What you usually say as an alibi when you get caught?

Effective way irason mo kung wala ka I.D. hambalon mo nga nadula I.D. mo, hambalon mo ma ubra ka liwat. Swave ! sulod ka na dayon.

5. Paano mo ihambal sa parents mo nga may parents’ conference ka?

Wala ko ginahambal pero ginasugid lang sa ila sang teachers.

GALALAIN man ko e.

6.What is your reflection after the conference?

At first indi ko ma admit nga akon sala pero samtang gadugay gaka flashback sa akon. Gaka realize ko nga kinanlan ko na magpatubo sang bu-ot.

7.Was it fair for you to have the punishment(suspension/community service) or shall we say, do you agree that you were deserved to be suspended?

Ooga agree kosa suspension kayakon man gidtu-odsala sang ulihikona realize. Pero.una-una indi ko gid mabaton.. SANG UNA PAMAN TO. =P 3 DAYS BANNED SA SCHOOL.

by Luna de la Cerna and Ana Salve Serrano

To exercise the freedom of expression, The Ripples had an interview with random LCCians. Here, gathered, are their opinions about certain issues around the campus.

How did you find our INTRAMURALS 2013?

“Congrats gid kay daog na naman ta liwat.”- Oliver, SHTM “POWERHOUSE gid ang daog ya, sadja INTRAMS kay the competition was close with the other departments” –Lyle, SHTM

“Ara lang ko sa kilid. Athough wala ko inintrahan, present gid ko para mag support”–Cleofe, SBIT “Winner man dyapon ang Arfien sa heart ko.”- Lezel, ARFIEN

“Congrats sa mga nag daog, tani next time I screening na gid anay before isabak. Better luck next time.” –Patrick, ARFIEN

“7.5 out of 10. It was so fun.” – Jesmar, ARFIEN

“Tani nag enjoy man kamo pasaway sa amon.” –Remus, SSG

“I hope next time may pamahaw na ang SSG.” –Secret, SSG

“Sa mga nag daog da! Deserving man ayhan kamo?”

–galitakohindinanalocrushko

“I had a good time, though you know, gets mo na na a.”

-Raia, SLAE

“There was no thrill. In the end, obvious naman kung sin o ang ma champion.” - Secret

“Thanks for the knowledge gid sir.” –Ruby, SLAE “Siguro time niya na man gid.” –Beejoy, ARFIEN “Tani nag halong ka sir, kay damu ka pa tani may mabuligan.” –Daryn, SHTM “Thanks for the memories.” -Karl, ARFIEN “Kanami sa iya nga maestro, ka buot, dayon kung mag joke sa daw gapangakig, duwa-duwa pa ko mag tawa. “ -MEL, ARFIEN

“It was convenient in a way that we got to study all of our subjects equally because they were distributed well in a week. What are confusing were the schedule and the room assignments. Maybe we got used to our old schedules that we find it hard to adjust but it was very helpful.”

- Bella, SHTM “The room assignments made it hard for us to come on time on our scheduled exams. We were a bit unfamiliar with the classrooms but still it was a big help for us students because we had a huge portion of our time to use in studying.”

– Prim, SHTM “Para sa akon, nami man tani. Galing kay medyu hasol lang gid kay kung ang subjects gasunod ang exam gasunod man nga kwaon ti du kasakit sa ulo.”

– Mrs. Padilla, SBIT “Bigger advantage! Mas damo vacant time kay longer ang time period sang exams. Lipay ang mga wala mayo minor subjects kay daw wala sila klase.”

- Candy, SLAE

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Comment about the new schedule of exams.

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Any dedication or comments about the death of our P.E teacher, Sir Mark?

Student 2 1. What will you prefer, suspension or community service?

Community Service.

2. What took you to violate?

Wala. Nagmala akon uniform kay gainulan todo-todo. Sus. 3. Usually ano gakadakpan sa imo? Flat shoes? Civilian? No proper hair cut? Others?

Naka civilian ko kag wala gid may gina tawag nga pag intsindi ang eskwelahan!

4. What do you usually say as an alibi when you get caught?

Alibi? Wala man ko ga alibi! Uniform na lng guid na indi pa ko? Sin-o gusto magastohan sa civilian aw? Simo bi? :P 5. How did you tell your parents that they were summoned by the school to have a conference?

I told them directly, because I know wala ko ya sala.

6. What is your reflection after the conference?

I mean I’m just speaking in behalf of everyone, like sa mga may earrings and colored ang buhok. Gets ko man nga this is a Catholic school pero how does having these affect my studies? Do they make you a bad person right away? Mmmmm.

7. Was it fair for you to have the punishment (suspension/ community service) or shall we say, do you agree that you deserved to be suspended?

No! Kay kabalo ko gamay-gamay lang gd sang sala ko. Ang iban gni da nga “pa feeling” lng SSG kag mga working students, makasulod lang diretso bisan naka TATTERED nga SHORTS. Oh? Ano ni may pa- pabor lang?

by Benjie Atanacio Barodi & Marie Kristine Erika Viladelgado

illustrated by Christoph Saguemuller

SPEAK UP! Suspension : An Eye Opener

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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I SAW THE SIGNS

by Ma. Sahara Fregil

ave you ever had that moment in your life that you were too confused of what’s happening?

Then you pause for a while, look up in the bright clear blue sky, close your eyes, and whisper a little prayer “PLEASE GIVE ME A SIGN!” You then slowly open your eyes, feeling a bit of hope inside you, and you see a poster on the wall saying “Bawal Umihi Dito!”

We are surrounded by SIGNS, printed boards of various sizes, black and white, colorful and catchy, each one telling or warning about a certain information about things you ought to do and not to do. While strolling around LCC, I found some ordinary signs you often see and then I thought “What does it really want to tell me? Could that message have another meaning? By any chance perhaps, that slogan could have been the answer to my questions in life.” Here are some messages I had deciphered out of those common signs we would probably bump into our campus.

>>>>>>>>

SILENCE PLEASE! EXAMINATIONS ARE ON GOIN ON. There are times in our life that we are tested. life takes us to our limitations and tries to see how long we can stand in our own grounds. At this point in time, we usually feel abandoned; despair sinks and so as confusion. We start to feel mixed emotions, think all sorts of things, then we babble, talk about nonsense just to let go of what we feel and what we think. We even tend to blame others or even God because of what’s happening to us! We react to the situation impulsively when all we need was to observe SILENCE first. Stay calm, take it easy, listen to what’s happening around, take a break, stop over thinking, and just feel that silence in our hearts and minds. By doing so, we will be able to hear and see clearly what is truly happening. And maybe, just maybe, we will know what is the right thing to do.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry - James 1:19 (New International Version) KEEP RIGHT. This sign outnumbered the other signs in the campus, literally reminding you every step of the way to keep right. And I am a violator of this! I usually just go where I am comfortable with whether it be on theleft or the right side. But this sign has a purpose (or else it was never posted there). Usually it’s just to control the traffic of students going up and down the stairs, avoiding accidents, and keeping us away from bumping against each other, making sure that we actually arrive in our destination, safe and sound. The signage helped me in another way based on my experience. It was an ordinary school day

and had this issue that kept on bothering my train of thought. I was so lost. I took the stairs going up to my 7:30AM class and every time I took one step, the question “What should I do now?” kept on repeating in my mind, and so those yellow signages kept on getting my attention as well. Unconsciously, I kept answering the question in my mind with the phrase “KEEP RIGHT, KEEP RIGHT, KEEP RIGHT.”And it did make me smile on the inside. It was the answer to my question indeed! THAT I SHOULD BE DOING WHAT IS RIGHT! During our recollection in Bago City, our Priest facilitator quoted the line “It’s not right but it’s okay”, a cliché I would say but way too serious if you really try to get the gist out of it. WHAT IS RIGHT nowadays? Has it really changed over time?

There could be something in your life that you keep doing because it is something that your circle of friends approve, or something that an older person told you to do, but is it RIGHT? You might be thinking, WHAT IS RIGHT TO YOU MAY NOT BE RIGHT TO ME, indeed that is reality. But if we believe in one God, I think that whatever is pleasing in His eyes is something worth doing. As college students, we ought to know what is right and what is wrong. We must at this point in our life evaluate the character that we have grown to have, scrutinize the values that we keep, prioritize what is most important, and consider the path that we are taking.

Always bearing in MIND to KEEP RIGHT! Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Philippians 4:8 (King James Version) INCASE OF FIRE, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR. For me it’s another way of saying, there is no easy way out of a problem! Fire is a problem and the elevator is somewhat a convenient ride going down the building. But in times of emergencies, NEVER USE THE ELEVATOR. There is no shortcut in getting out of something that is causing you alarm or distress; you will have to go through it.

It’s like taking the stairs. You will need to put some efforts and take the steps on your own.

It may not be you who caused the problem but if you are in it, there’s is a reason for such situation. You will feel the heat and the tension as you go down the stairs. It might be even dark and scary and you will never know

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OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

CLEAN AND GO. Aha! Guilty or not? This sign is posted in our canteen, but is it really not that noticeable that students or even other employees still leave there “aftermath” during lunch and break time?

Do you really intend to leave your own mess to be cleaned up by manong janitor? Are you really that busy not to clean up your own mess?

Seems to be just a simple part of our daily routine, right? But in life this is something you need to look into if you are someone who leaves things unsettled. You try to move on to another activity without even finishing or cleaning up the previous one. You leave people hanging or you leave the unaccomplished task to another person just because you’re not into it anymore. You make sure that you leave nothing behind before you end something. Sometimes, these unfinished businesses of yours can be burdensome to others. So clean up your own mess before you leave, settle things before you walk away, make sure that the place that you are leaving is the way it was before you came in, and make sure to make things in order before you say goodbye. In this way, there’s nothing to look back and you’re free to go forward.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13 ESV

I

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

PLEASE WEAR YOUR ID. I think this could be considered as the number one rule since it is the very first thing required before entering the campus. Without your ID, you will not be acknowledged nor recognized. You will just be a stranger, or an outsider perhaps?

Identification is important, WHO YOU ARE is important! It makes you someone out of the ordinary, someone unique from the crowd; it tells your friends and family that THIS is YOU! Just like the rule, you must always wear your ID, not somebody else’s. Do not borrow the identification of others. You must simply just be who you are because that makes you different from the other. See that ID number in your ID card? It’s a number uniquely assigned to your name so that the school’s system will be able to identify your data in the pool of thousands of students. Like these numbers, we also have our own personality, characteristics, experiences, memories, ideas, and opinions that are different from others. We think and act differently from one another. And what creates that identity? Other than what we have already when we were born, our environment greatly affects our being as well. What we are and what we become can be influenced by the people we are with, by the place we call home, by the older people that we look up to, and by the group of friends that we have. So we need to be careful on how our identity is being molded. Know not only yourself but also the identities that surround you sometimes as they, too can become a part of you.

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 New International Version

by Alexandria Mesias

illustration by Mark Espuerta

>>>>>>

t may seem like some form of literary trickery, and maybe it is, but reading is again fast becoming a favorite pastime amongst the younger generation. Proof? Local bookstores are always running out of copies of the latest novels.

The main question is, “How?” With media and technology always taking center stage, it is almost impossible for us to pry our eyes off our laptops and cellphones. But writers such as John Green and Neil Gaiman do not see this as a hindrance at all. Instead, they use sites such as Tumblr and Twitter to connect with their readers and give them intriguing snippets of their latest works. Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games have been recently adapted into movies, while George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire can be watched as a Television series as an alternative to reading five extremely detailed books [there is a sixth one coming out soon. It seems mainstream, but exposing literature this way makes it more accessible for everyone.

So it’s not exactly reading, watching a movie, browsing through a writer’s blog or listening to audiobooks, but it’s a good start. It could’ve been a movie or a television show that got us to pick up a book or maybe an adaptation could just be the cherry on top of our favorite read.

A well written story is worth anyone’s time. To most readers, it is worth lining up at the nearest bookstore, only to place a reservation for a much awaited book.

The freedom to let your imagination take the reins to travel the world and beyond gives books their timeless charm. Shuffling through time with historical novels, exploring alternate worlds with Science fiction, and living lifetimes with biographies turns you from an ordinary person to a universal traveler.

Reading is not just for educational purposes.

Sometimes, when you choose the right book, it could just be plain fun.

It is exactly just as Dr. Seuss wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

| THE RIPPLES 2013

what awaits you at the exit but it will be lot safer than taking the elevator. Just stay focused and positive and don’t stop praying.

There will be a way out for you. It may not be the easy one or the one that suits your choice but it will be something that will mold you-and that is worth keeping. If you took the elevator you could have been trapped, but something in you now SURVIVES despite the danger. For sure, that will surely make you stronger.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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CAUGHT IN A TRANCE Hung up on techno

by Francis Ledesma

Music makes the world go round and we all know that. We are all part of an era where the power of music influences our individuality and self-expression; of who we are and what we are going to be. The passion that we devote to the genres which captivate our hearts and minds makes us a living interpretation of what a note or a beat is all about and what it implies to us listeners.

Every generation has its own sets of genres that give awe to its people; genres that bring out the message it conveys and the emotions that it portrays to bring out what a person really is based on their experiences and how they could incorporate themselves to the types of genres they prefer.

But to be particular, let’s talk about our generation’s most influential, most- played, and fastest growing variety of music: The Techno Music.

Techno music spreads allthroughout the industry like epidemic carrying sub-genres that infect the minds and hearts of every listener. It brings them to a different perspective and carries them to another dimension of heart-pounding music and flashing neon lights with alternating fast and slow motions that freeze up the time in every change of the beat. This epidemic also gives way to the birth of the DJs (Disc Jockeys), the new-age artists, who bring out the electronic spirit that lies inside every listener.

One popular or even the most played subgenre of Techno Music is the Trance. It is characterized by a provoking emotional feeling of excitement, chills, and inspiring rush experience; avirtually dazing musical breakdown, opening and stirring after the orchestration breaks and the rhythm fades out fast, leaving the melody and ambience. The Trance is truly a phenomenal display of passion and art incorporated by the desire to bring its listeners an experience of a dream in a reality.

Famous International DJs behind this genre are Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, and Paul van Dyk. Of course not too many of us here in Bacolod know them because we tend to appreciate the tracks but not their composers. But to give us a break, to share her passions, artistry, experiences, and her dream-come-true story in this field, here’s our very own DJ, a Bacolodnon and an ARFIEN student taking up Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Advertising, Lexi Locsin.

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L:Curiosity is the reason why it all started. Seeing my dad and some of my uncles do it made me want to try it too because it all seemed fun, interesting, and different to me.

F: What was the first event you ever played in?

L: The first ever event I played in wasn’t exactly an event but just a regular night that turned out to be one heck of a night! It was back in 2006 at Café Breizh (currently Delicioso).

I wasn’t actually supposed to spin but since there were just a few people and my dad knew the DJ, he wanted me to try it out. The night started out steady with only 2 tables being occupied but after a few moments, I noticed people starting coming in until the whole place was packed.

F: What’s t he best event you’ve played in?

L: The best event I ever played in was back in April 2011 in Boracay. It was a competition I took part of. I could say it was the best because for a small town girl like me, it is definitely a dream come true to be on stage in Boracay with some of the best DJs in the country and hundreds of people in the crowd.

And though I only came in 2nd, being the youngest to join the competition is already an honor.

F: When t he event’s over, how do you like to pass the time out?

L: Since most events end up so late (or so early), what my friends and I usually do after is to just chill out in a place where good food, good ambiance, and good company are all that matters. Then the best part of it is chilling somewhere you could see the sun as it rises the very first moment of the day.

F: What was the first record you bought?

L: The first record (concert DVD) I ever bought on my own was Tiesto’sCopenhagen: Elements of Life World Tour released back in 2008. I could never forget it because Tiesto’s one of the very few reasons why I’m even in this industry.

F: Out of all the tunes you have, which one is your all-time favorite?

L: There is one track that I consider my ultimate favorite and which never ever fails to make my heart skip a beat. It is the track BORN SLIPPY by Underworld. The very first time I’ve heard of it, I knew the song would forever be in my heart. Its beat definitely makes my heart pound. It is my signature song in all of the events I take part of.

F: How do you see the scene 5 years from now?

L: I can’t predict how the scene would be in 5 years because everything in this industry is fast-paced.

With outstretched arms up in the air, eyes closed looking up to the sky, goose bumps all over my body, feet hovering off the dance floor, heart skipping a beat – an epic, ecstatic, euphoric state of trance moment.

>>>

“It is when you surrender yourself to the beat of the music. It is when nothing else can matter but where the music takes you and how it makes you move. It is when nothing else does matter but this moment right here and right now, purely because it is feels blissful. Music is made not for the faint-hearted but for those who brave the dance floor, and life itself- a spur of the moment where you are no one else but your true self. For ten years now and still counting, I have shaken those dance floors from Bacolod to Manila to the islands of Boracay. I simply started out in my bedroom with the lights off and no one else but myself was there, until I found the courage to conquer and to defy my own fears, and faced tens and hundreds of crowd. But after all those years, one thing stays real – my music speaks for itself.”

-LEXI LOCSIN DJ, events connoisseur and visionary.

| THE RIPPLES 2013

F: So Lexi, how did it all begin? What gave you that initial push?

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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THE RIPPLES

REVIEW CENTER

BOOKS

MOVIES

Reviewed by: Luna Joy de la Cerna

Reviewed by: Zygie Cawaling

FIFTY SHADES OF FREED by E.L James

BAKIT DI KA CRUSH NG CRUSH MO?

The famous E.L James finishes her ultimately controversial triology Fifty Shades of Grey with her third book entitled Fifty Shades of Freed.

It has been very controversial because it contains a lot of sex scenes, and even E.L James wouldn’t allow her sons to read her creation. Severely not a book for unguided readers, this just proves that E.L James has produced yet again, an erotic and exciting book of lust and love.

Reviewed by: Zygie Cawaling

Reviewed by: Luna Joy de la Cerna

EVERY DAY by David Levithan

PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS

Falling in love with the same girl is a normal thing. But meeting the same guy in different bodies every single day is uncanny..

Everyday waking up in a different room; every day in a different body; every day in love with the same girl, Author David Levithan tells how “A” strives to make every effort to get to know Riannon as he change lives every single day.

Logan Lerman has yet proven another epic book-to-movie in his second Lightning Thief sequel PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS. His character as Percy Jackson, the only Son of Poseidon, is very different from his previous movie PERKS of being a WALLFLOWER. With all the thrilling yet very predictable scenes in the movie for enthusiasts and the like it seemed a storybook rather than a movie. Although the other character viewers can relate to, their adventure lies on a mission and as predicted, they will succeed on. I would like to send my compliments to the casting staff for a job well done in choosing such pleasant faces on screen.

To rate the movie from 1-10. 10 as the highest, it would be 7. It’s not a bore watching, but its predictability has somewhat affected its epic-ness.

Reviewed by: Francine Varcas GODLESS by PETE HAUTMAN

In this book, we are to meet Jason Bock, an agnostic going – on – atheist teenager and his incomparable, if not considered unorthodox, summer vacation spent with his newly assembled group of friends and their newly found god, the town’s 200ft water tower. A cult of five members is formed and their religion as “chutengodians” grew, but as time went by, their seemingly adventurous diversion shifts drastically into a path that may lead them to their destruction. This short yet compelling narrative by Pete Hautman is not only a tale of consequence, but reminds us of how faith, or the lack of it, plays its role on the completeness of the human spirit.

It’s a funny question, but it’s a rather unfortunate reality. Ramon Bautista’s Bakit Di Ka Crush ng Crush Mo is a story that showcases this brainy ugly duckling named Sandy Veloso, whom guys tend to push out of the picture when she is about to give her virginity. Join Sandy as she teams up with Alex Prieto who helped her transform into a remarkable beauty. Learn relationship tips from Joyce Bernal’s romantic comedy movie with the country’s favorite couple, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.

Reviewed by: Alexandria Mesias THE GREAT GATSBY

The movie gives this classic an unexpected twist, with a modern soundtrack and 2D effects, which strangely enough, captures the burgeoning spirit of the roaring twenties. Luhrmann’s remake however, though perfect for Gatsby’s parties, lacked the insight and subtlety that F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel is known for. Di Caprio makes a dashing and convincing Gatsby, while Mulligan’s Daisy lends a much needed vulnerability to the imposing glitz and glamour of the film. Although the movie is not without its faults, it is eye catching, decadent, and surprisingly of the moment.

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We Filipinos love to try different types of cuisines and tend to invent our own versions. Here in Bacolod there are lots of different places to enjoy eating. They are like sprouting mushrooms in every corner of the city.

One of our friends introduced the new Filipino- Japanese restaurant, the Kenaji Resto. It is located at the ground floor of Mayfair Plaza, 13th Lacson Street. Immediately as we entered, we were greeted with a warm“Irrashaimase!” by their staff.

Kenaji or “Ken’s taste” in English (Derived from Ken, the owner’s son and “Aji” which means “taste” in Japanese) definitely gave us the experience of Japanese atmosphere.

First dish was the Dragon Maki or also known as the Dragon roll.It was served in a white elongated plate. As we looked at the top view, it was designed to form with the cucumber as its wings. Wasabi, soy sauce, and kalamansi to served as the dipping sauce. At first bite, we already tasted the mango strips and sushi rice covered with nori.

Dragon Maki was Kenaji’s best seller. At onlyP138.00, you’ll enjoy every bite.

Coated with egg, flour, and mayonnaise, Okonomiyaki, or the Japanese savoury pancakes, is one of the most famous dishes in Japanese cuisine.The name is derived from the word okonomi, which means “what you like” or “what you want”, and yaki, “grilled” or “cooked”.

Undoubtedly, its name speaks for itself.

Frozen Red Tea was undoubtedly a thirst quencher. Served with concentrated strawberry syrup and no sugar added, it’s another drink to you’ll surely love.

Lastly, the Game food. Served in the form of four Japanese rice balls or “onigiri”in which one of the four contained chili paste (very chili, that is). The thrill of this “game” is defined as each of customer gets to choose a piece and after which, togetherly, they will gobble them all.

The unfortunate one shall get her mouth all smoking up.

Photos by June Flores

Then came Tori Karaage Bento (Bento means “covenience”) Tori Karaage is Japanese fried chicken usually coated with potato starch.

Bento included an appetizer with sesame seed,Marumiya Noritama (dried Seaweed and egg) on top of the rice, omelet, and cucumber.

The Miso Ramen looked very enticing!. With a pinch of spice, it will make you want to gobble it up in an instant. It was definitely very suitable for the cold weather. We had a healthy feeling of being healthy after a taste of this dish.

SIMPLY CHIC The Haven of Elegance

PHOTOS BY KATRINA SAGEMULLER

ASSISTED BY REMUS PEDIENGCO

Every woman wants to be fabulously stunning as she steps in the party; the only problem is, oftentimes, she just can’t afford to purchase those US designer outfits.

But not anymore. Those gowns are now within her reach.

United States) at affordable and reasonable prices.

Get their heads turning as you walk in the Red Carpet. Get those head-turning gowns at Simply Chic.

If you’re looking for the perfect gown for your special occasion; whether it’s your wedding day, High School Prom; Debut, or just performing a princess’ role in your school play, Simply Chic is the best place to visit. With a taste of elegance to describe their apparels, Simply Chic offers high-end quality US designer gowns (fresh from

Simply Chic is located at the Lee U Building, Araneta Street, Bacolod City fronting Rizal Elementary School

tel. no 4352115

| THE RIPPLES 2013

Reviewed by Mark Espuerta and Jo-Ann Juliano

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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FASHION PEAK

ELEVATING YOUR SENSE OF STYLE ON A TIGHT BUDGET

BY REMUS PEDIENGCO photos by Katrina Sagemuller

T

he idea of enlightenment, be it physical or mental, means that this “blessed state” is something we all, in one way or another, yearn for. Many things may lead us to be enlightened as long as they let us achieve the feeling of bliss alongside the accomplishments.

In a simple way, we have conjured the idea of physical transformation as our model, Angelica Infante, experienced an experimental makeover.

The Ripples didn’t spend much to make Angelica look quite different from the usual. And this makeover should prove you, LCCians, that having an all-new getup does not have to be so expensive.

BEFORE

38 | THE RIPPLES 2013

EBB + TIDE 2014 ART CONTEST + LITERARY WORKS

* *

The art contest is open to all LCCians. The theme for this year’s literary portfolio is “Candyland : Confectionary Confessions” and any form of artwork is acceptable as long as it depicts the sugary side of life. The piece should have a digital copy and it should be in high resolution, a minimum of 300 ppi. There are no dimension restrictions. The winning artwork will be the cover of this year’s portfolio and the winning artist will receive a token of P1,000.00. The top 15 non-winning entries will be included on the inside of the Ebb & Tide.

Poems, short stories, essays and other literary compositions should also follow the theme “Candyland : Confectionary Confessions” and could either be in Hiligaynon, Filipino, or English. For short stories and essays, the composition should not exceed the 1500-word limit.

SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO :

D E A D L I N E

10-31-2013

illustration by Hezekiah Rafael

ebbandtide.lccb@gmail.com

BEHIND THE SCENES & OUTTAKES

FLUORESCENT NIRVANA COVER SHOOT

photos by Chiara Salmorin, Mark Espuerta and Christoph Sagemuller

THE RIPPLES 2013 |

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EDITORIAL STAFF The inner workings of the ripples The EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

SHEANN SEVERINO

ALEXANDRIA MESIAS

JUNE FLORES MANAGING EDITOR/

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FRANCINE VARCAS

ANNA SERRANO

ZYGIE CAWALING

NEWS EDITOR

FEATURE EDITOR

FEATURE EDITOR

GINOE OJOY

MARK ESPUERTA

CHRISTOPH SAGEMULLER

PHOTOGRAPHER

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS ARTISTS

40 | THE RIPPLES 2013

MRS. MELONA GUITCHE

MODERATOR

JENNY LIGAHON

STAFF WRITER

MARIA SAHARA FREGIL KRISTIANI MAY SYKAY

STAFF WRITTER

staff writer

CEDIE LORESTO

IRENE BACAS

QUOSYNE SAN MIGUEL

FRANCIS LEDESMA

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER

JEANZEL DEBIL

JO-ANN JULIANO

LUNA DE LA CERNA

ANGELENE DIAZ

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

BENJIE BARODI

KIM ABAD

REMUS PEDIENGCO

RYAN RODERO

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

STYLIST

CARTOONIST