Heraldo Filipino Vol. 30 Issue 2

NEWS FEATURE

FEATURES

LITERARY

SPORTS

The road to efficient transportation

Grave encounters

The Snow Globe theory

page 11

page 13

Lady Patriots drop V-league stint

page 4

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016

page 16

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS

CENTERPIECE. An effigy of a vulture made by the UGATLAHI Artist Collective through Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) was set on fire in the protest against the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila on November 19, 2015. According to UGATLAHI, the eagle symbolizing US authority was replaced by a vulture to show the imperialism that the country may face upon the implementation of APEC. Jerome Quinto

DLSU-D to offer limited courses next AY

By Gerrica Viado (Contributor) Out of 39 courses offered by the University, only 12 of the most “marketable” programs will be opened for incoming first year students next academic year (AY) 2016 2017. Student Admissions Office Director Jefferson Buenviaje said they limited the program offerings due to the expected decrease in first year college enrollees brought by the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

Buenviaje said that the different colleges were asked to choose two of the most in demand programs under their college.

“Pinag-aralan ng mga kolehiyo kung ano ‘yung sa palagay nilang madaling mapuno at ‘yung madali nilang mabebenta,” he added.

These college programs include Accountancy, Business Administration Major in Marketing & Advertising Management, Architecture, Computer Engineering, Communication Arts, Psychology,

Criminology, Education, Information Technology, Medical Biology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Tourism Management.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released a memorandum on July 13, 2015, stating that higher educational institutions (HEIs) will be permitted to accept college enrollees and transferees during the transition period of the K to 12 program.

see LIMITED COURSES / page 2

SPECIAL REPORT

PH promotes inclusive growth as APEC host

By Katherine Anne Aboy As the 2015 host of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, the Philippines urged the member economies to aim for inclusive growth as they addressed issues on employment, trade, and investment during a series of meetings

held throughout the year in Manila, Pampanga, Zambales, Aklan, Cebu, and Iloilo.

The APEC Summit is an annual forum to promote economic cooperation among its 21 members, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,

Admin restructures PAG scholarship program

By April Ciaralei Cenedoza The tuition increase this academic year (AY) 2015-2016 has urged the administration to change the scholarship program of the Performing Arts Group (PAG) members from a percentage basis to a fixed amount, says Cultural Arts Office Coordinator Joel Refuerzo.

The PAG scholarship grant of 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent, and 25 percent tuition discount is now equivalent to P24,000, P19,000, P14,000 and P9,000, respectively.

According to Refuerzo, the fixed amount would still vary depending on the number of grantees.

As of press time, at least 109 PAG members are expected to be given scholarship grants for the first semester out of approximately 250 members.

He clarified that they did not cut the allotted P4 million worth of PAG scholarship budget from the Student Development and Activities Office Fund.

“Tumataas ang tuition pero hindi nadagdagan ‘yung budget so

pagkakasiyahin natin kung ano ang mayroon. Ang mahalaga naman ay nandiyan pa rin talaga ‘yung budget [for scholarship],” he said.

Refuerzo added that the budget for PAG scholarship last AY already exceeded the allocated amount by P1 million, which the administration still allowed.

He said, “Kumuha na lang sila (administration) mula sa ibang sources [of funds] para mapunan yung pagkukulang namin dati.”

see PAG SCHOLARSHIP/ page 2

Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

With the theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World,” the overall topic of APEC 2015 is the promotion of inclusive growth,

see APEC/ page 3

2014 CBAASC Constitution encounters legal issues

By Highly Undag The College of Business Administration and Accountancy Student Council (CBAASC) 2015 - 2016 is reevaluating the legality of their 2014 Constitution after University Student Council (USC) President Micah Gonzales confirmed that college student

councils are not entitled to establish their own constitution.

CBAASC President Audry Vallejo said that their decision whether to nullify the 2014 CBAASC Constitution or not, is still being processed since they have only raised the issue during their Legislative Board (LB) meeting in September 2015.

“Knowing that there should be only one constitution here in the University ... tinitingnan namin kung bakit hinayaan na magkaroon ng constitution [ang CBAASC] in the first place,” Vallejo said.

She added that the CBAASC is trying to communicate with the

see CBAASC CONSTI / page 3

HOMECOMING. Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach graced the streets of Metro Manila in her crowninspired float during her homecoming parade on January 25. She is the first Filipino to win the Miss Universe pageant in almost four decades. Lorraine Quintana

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 2

NEWS

LIMITED COURSES from page 1 According to the said memorandum, universities and colleges are given the discretion to decide whether they will open the student admissions or not, and on which programs they will offer for the next two years.

Buenviaje said students who are qualified to apply for these courses next AY should have at least completed grade 11 by April from Senior High School Early Adopter Schools, which are schools that implemented the Senior High School program before the full implementation of the K to 12.

“Kung yung school ng isang estudyante ay K to 12 compliant na at nakatapos siya ng grade 11 next year, puwede nang hindi siya mag-grade 12, puwede na siyang dumiretso sa college,” he added.

Those who graduated before 2016 and failed to complete their undergraduate degrees can also enroll in the said programs. “Eto ‘yung mga hindi tumuloy ng college

from high school or ‘yung mga transferees from other schools na will have to repeat dahil hindi pa make-credit lahat ng units nila.”

Since the University cannot determine how many students will graduate from the Senior High School Early Adopter Shools this year, they failed to provide the expected number of first year enrollees for next AY. However, Buenviaje mentioned that the administration aims to open one section for each of the 12 programs to be offered.

Buenviaje clarified they would not dissolve the section even if they don’t meet the target number of students per section; however, they would combine classes for general education subjects.

Senior high school offering In completion of the Senior High School program in the University, Buenviaje said they will open the Academic Track, Arts &

Design Track, Sports Track, and Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Track for incoming grade 11 students.

Under the Academic Track, grade 11 students can choose from the programs of Accountancy, Business, Management (ABM); Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and General Academics.

The TVL Track offers Computer Hardware Servicing, Culinary & Food Services; Electronics Servicing, Hospitality Services, and Tourism Services programs; while the Visual and Performing Arts, and Sports Coaching and Management courses are under the Arts and Design Track and the Sports Track, respectively.

The applications for Senior High School started on September 28, 2015. On the other hand, freshmen applications started on January.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

CSCSSC revises 2011 By-laws

By Mari Angelique Mendoza

Due to some outdated provisions, College of Science and Computer Studies Student Council (CSCSSC) 20152016 President Fumiko Cruz said they will revise the 2011 College of Science Student Council By-Laws and Internal Rules during the semester break of academic year (AY) 2015-2016.

According to Cruz, they will alter the document’s title to CSCS By-Laws and Internal Rules to account for the whole college. “Kasi halos lahat ng colleges naging apat na words ‘yung pangalan since 2012. For example, CTHM (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management) is only CIH (College of International Hospitality Management) dati (sic),” Cruz said.

She said that the student council and program council officers will compose the committee who will revise the outdated 2011 College of Science Student Council ByLaws and Internal Rules.

Cruz furthered, “Initially, it’s just us officers ‘yung nag -brainstorming, para ilalahad na lang when we revise with the whole committee tapos another brainstorming ulit para mas maayos.”

In line with the objectives of the USC 2015-2016, Cruz added that the revision of the 2011 By-laws will give better representation of the students in resolving their grievances.

“Mayroong mga maliliit na cases sa SWAFO (Student Welfare and Formation Office) na hindi nakikita ng mga

student councils pero dapat talaga napagtutuunan iyon ng pansin,” she said.

She stated that one of the highlights of the CSCS ByLaws is the addition of the Information Technology Program Council (ITPC) to the list of established program councils, which includes the Biology Program Council (BIOPC), Applied Mathematics Program Council (AMPC), and Computer Studies Program Council (CSPC).

Since a constitution is the supreme governing law exclusive for the University Student Council (USC), Cruz said they established by-laws instead to serve as guidelines for their own college.

She added that “kaya tinawag na by-laws at hindi constitution, kasi the USC Constitution is there. So we just have to make or revise our by-laws na para lang sa college namin, although governed pa rin siya by the USC Constitution.”

Cruz furthered that the CSCS By-laws will assure that the projects of program councils are aligned with the rules of their college.

As of press time, the student council will consult CSCS Dean Johnny Ching, Associate Dean and Adviser Perla dela Cruz, and other faculty members in the University regarding the revision of their by-laws.

Cruz said that they plan to distribute the revised bylaws by this year’s second semester to the CSCS students after its ratification, unlike the 2011 version that was disseminated only to the student and program councils.

CTHMSC officers defy USC Constitution

By Mari Angelique Mendoza

ASSEMBLE FOR K TO 12. The Special Committee on Academe-Industry Linkages of Regional Development Council Region 4-A (CALABARZON) held their first quarterly meeting on the adoption of K to 12 policy at the Centennial Hall on October 29 to reinvigorate the partnership between the academe and the industries. Brandon Ocenar PAG SCHOLARSHIP from page 1 The administration is yet to confirm their plans to increase the PAG scholarship budget, Refuerzo said.

He furthered that PAG scholars are chosen based on their organizational and academic performance, wherein old and new members are required to achieve at least 1.5 and 1.75 grade point average, respectively.

Unlike with other student organizations, only PAG members

who passed the criteria and attained one or more years of active membership will be qualified to get a scholarship.

Meanwhile, he assured that the change in the scholarship program would not affect the performance of the PAG members.

“From the very beginning, kung scholarship lang ang habol niyo, huwag na kayo sa amin kasi scholarship is just a bonus,” he added.

Angela Zulueta, Teatro Lasalliana president and a PAG scholarship grantee, said that members whose parents depend on tuition discounts might leave the organization due to the limited amount of scholarship grants that they can receive.

She said, “Oo, may mga hinaing kami pero may professionalism kami kaya ‘di ‘yon (scholarship) na-i-involve sa isang performance.”

College of Tourism and Hospitality Management Student Council (CTHMSC) Secretary Carren Kate Garcia, Auditor George Cabarloc III, and Business Manager Maja Estelinda Vargas assumed their council positions for the first semester of AY 2015-2016 despite obtaining a failing grade last academic year (AY) 2014-2015, violating Article VII, Section 2b of the 2013 Amended University Student Council (USC) Constitution.

The said provision states that College Student Council (CSC) officers shall be immediately disqualified from holding office if they fail any of the subjects they enroll before or during his/her term.

“It wasn’t all about the position or power … I was afraid of leaving unfinished things behind … [and I] can’t continue working for our students, for my college.” Vargas said regarding the issue.

Garcia added, “We are aware about the constitution … and hindi rin po namin alam ‘yung gagawin namin … because our president and vice president are in their OJT.” According to Student Commission on Elections (SCE) Chairperson Aaron Lopez, the officers passed the initial screening for candidacy but failed to comply with the grade requirement after winning the elections.

He said the SCE passed a letter containing the list of student council officers with their current grade point average to the Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO) on April 29, 2015; but the shift in the administration, which rendered a news slate of administrators in office, delayed the case until September 9, 2015.

“We assumed [that] the letter last April addressed to former SDAO Director Eduardo Malvar was processed to the

incumbent SDAO Director Alrien Dausan, considering na hindi naman nagpalit ng secretaries,” Lopez added.

Cabarloc, Garcia, and Vargas officially resigned on September 11, 2015. CTHM Associate Dean Beberlee Desingaño said, “When the SDAO [director] talked with their adviser, right then and there, pinagawa na namin sila ng resignation letter.”

Since the CTHMSC officers assumed their positions prior to the shift in administration, Desingaño said they were not able to review the officers’ credentials. She added, “There’s a new administration so there should be a proper endorsement … na ibibigay sa incoming na uupo.”

As of press time, CTHMSC Public Relations Officers (PROs) John Michael Gazo and Patricia Mariz Hugo have elevated to the secretary and auditor posts, respectively, while Nicole Doringo assumed the position of business manager, and Naia dela Cruz and Christian Arizala were elected by the council as internal and external PRO, correspondingly.

As stated in the 2013 Amended USC Constitution, Article V, Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9, the resignation of an officer results to permanent vacancy, wherein a resolution to the SDAO shall be filed and the Council shall elect a replacement from either the Executive or the Legislative Board.

CTHMSC President Jane Mariano said, “Sobrang hirap kasi tatlo silang nawala, tapos sunod-sunod na projects [‘yung naka-lineup] pero hindi naman sila nawawala sa council.

Though they’re no longer officers of the council, nandiyan pa rin naman sila habang hindi pa kami nakakahanap ng magfi-fill ng kanilang position.”

The CTHMSC assured that their current and future projects for the second semester will not be affected despite the changes.

REACT

The House of Representatives is considering the legalization of medical marijuana through Bill 4477, titled “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act,” which will regulate the use of cannabis for the treatment of patients in compliance with government policy. We asked several DLSU-D students if they approve the implementation of the medical marijuana bill in the Philippines.

No, I don’t approve of it. Even if people say that by implementing this bill, the black market will be less active, I don’t think the medical marijuana bill is the solution to that problem. People should be properly educated on the effects of the marijuana before the government allows the use of it.

Samuelle Feliz Hilario First year AB Psychology

Hindi ako approve. Kasi sa opinyon ko, kung pinayagan na maging legal ang marijuana, gagawing dahilan lang ng mga tao ‘yun para i-try ‘yung marijuana. Basically, hindi trustworthy ‘yung Filipino people at i-a-abuse lang nila ‘yon and it may cause more problems for the country.

Trevor David Principio First year BS Psychology

Oo, OK lang kasi ‘yung marijuana, gamot naman siya sa ibang bansa, ginagamit naman siya doon. Kaya lang naman naging masama dito ‘yun kasi sumosobra yung paggamit (ng marijuana) kaya nagkakaroon ng side effect sa mga tao.

Ian Bagang Third year Hotel and Restaurant Management

Although wala naman akong masyadong info tungkol sa short-term effects and long-term effects ng marijuana, from what I’ve read, ‘di siya nakakapinsala sa katawan. Kaya nga siya legalized sa ibang bansa kasi proven na may epekto siya na magpagaling, so kung papipiliin ako kung ili-legalize ang medical marijuana, then yes, I’m for the legalization of medical marijuana.

Joseph Rodelas Third year Hotel and Restaurant Management

Yes, kasi hindi ka naman kasi bibigyan ng medical marijuana kung wala kang prescription or license to have it. Kasi mayroon namang mga proof in the US na talagang nakakatulong siya sa health ng may mga asthma and I believe that it will be a breakthrough in medicine.

Aura Harlynne Vedasto First year Human Biology

Hindi ako agree sa batas na yun dahil yun kasi yung pinakamurang drugs na mabibili at kilala sa buong mundo. Saka popular din ‘yun lalo na sa mga puwedeng mauwi sa addiction. (sic) Maria Edrille Lopez Fourth year BS Criminology

Yes, because marijuana is an herbal medicine and it can be an abusive drug if it is used improperly.

I think legalizing marijuana is good if it is properly managed by the government and used with the permission of certified doctors.

Crystal Anne Ballesteros Fourth year Secondary Education

No, I don’t approve because there is no assurance that all doctors or all the medical institution (sic) would comply to the rules. There is a chance that some doctors will be bribed or people would forge prescriptions to get the drugs.

Patricia Dana Bravante Second year Communication Arts

Yes, basta may limit sa paggamit nung marijuana. Kumbaga, yung hindi dapat sobra-sobra yung pagbili kung in case maging legal naman. ‘Yung tama lang na prescription.

Mariella Veron Mapaye Third year Architecture

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 3

BFMO reconstructs campus perimeter walls University canal system improved

By Patricia Anne de Leon The perimeter fence surrounding the DLSU-D High School Complex and Acacia Avenue, which covers the road from the Kindled Nest Diner (KND) to the Francisco Barzaga Hall, will undergo repair this academic year (AY) 2015 - 2016 to improve campus security, as per Buildings and Facilities Maintenance Office (BFMO) Director, Architect Dennis Pontanilla.

According to Pontanilla, parts of the perimeter fence near the DLSU-D High School Complex were damaged by past typhoons, resulting to trespassing cases in the campus. However, he added that there are infrequent cases of robbery in the University despite the damaged walls.

The construction for Phase 1 of the project, which covers the Environmental Resource

Management Center (ERMaC) to the University Events Center, costs P8.5 million; Phase 2, which is from the Parents Organization La Salle Cavite (POLCA) to ERMaC, costs P17 million; and Phase 3, from University Events Center to Magdiwang Gate (Gate 3), amounts to P7.5 million.

The BFMO allotted a total of P33 million from the University’s General Fund for the construction of the perimeter fence, including the canal system, which is expected to finish this academic year (AY) 2015-2016.

Pontanilla added that other areas of the campus with steep terrains, such as the back of the Vito Belarmino Hall (VBH), the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) building, and the Grandstand require a slope protection before the BFMO can construct the fences.

Due to limited budget, Pontanilla said there are no plans yet regarding the construction of perimeter walls in the remaining parts of the University.

Canal system development The BFMO improved the canal system along the perimeter walls near the DLSU-D High School Complex and Acacia Avenue to prevent water overflow and soil erosion that could also damage the fences.

“Over time, umaagos ‘yung tubig mula sa University Lake papunta doon (perimeter wall area) so ang ginawa namin ay nagtayo ng sariling canal system para kapag nag-overflow yung Lake, doon na siya dadaan,” Pontanilla said.

He added that the Imus River beside the Magdiwang Gate (Gate 3) will serve as the outlet of the water overflow in the improved canal system.

CEAT implements Sunday classes

By Gerrica Viado (Contributor) In preparation for the upcoming licensure examinations of fifth year Architecture and Engineering students, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) conducted Sunday review classes in favor of the schedule of different guest lecturers.

Architecture Department Chair Scissel Naing said they decided to invite experts on the major fields of architecture this academic year (AY) 2015-2016 since the faculty members who conducted the review classes in the previous AYs have limited specializations.

“Kaya naghanap yung [Architecture] department ng mga assigned lecturers ay para may different point of view kaysa isang faculty lang yung panggagalingan.

Basically, the main purpose of these classes is to give a better review for the students in their upcoming licensure examinations,” she said.

According to Engineering Department Chair Estrella Pineda, the veteran guest lecturers invited are based in their specialization and field of expertise. They are currently connected with the industry, review centers and other higher education institutions, that is why they are also unavailable during weekdays.

Naing added that they scheduled the classes during Sunday so students can gather necessary data for their thesis from offices outside the University on weekdays.

“Sa case ng architecture, marami silang bakante sa morning. Common kasi ang subject ‘pag ganitong year, nasa gabi. Para nga mas marami silang time for data gathering na hindi affected yung mga minor subjects.”

She clarified that students are required to attend the Sunday class since this is considered as a regular subject, wherein the licensure exams would cover all the topics discussed by the lecturers.

“Walang quiz pero kung ano yung mga topic na nacover, ‘yun ang isasama sa parang magiging simulated board exam kung saan may mga proctor din na magfafacilitate,” Naing said.

Although guest lecturers teach the review classes, Naing said they still assign a faculty to serve as the

coordinator. However, there may be unforeseen events that could happen to the coordinator, and then they will transfer the responsibility to another faculty who is willing to spend additional hours.

Naing furthered that the fund used for the speakers, food, token, and venue are already included in the students’ tuition so they don’t need to pay any additional fees.

The Architecture Department also requested the General Services Office to allow fifth year students to enter the campus on Sundays so they can attend the review classes from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Naing mentioned that they plan to continue the implementation of the Sunday review classes provided that it would benefit the students.

Concerns on review classes Meanwhile, CEAT Student Council Public Relations Officer and fifth year Industrial Engineering student Gemma Villacorte said, “Mahirap yung Sunday class kaya sana ma-provide ng school natin yung mga lecturers galing review center na makakapagturo talaga kung kailan ‘yung [schedule] na binigay ng school. Or kung hindi naman, sana noong registration pa lang, sinabi na tuwing Sunday yung review class.”

On the other hand, Pineda clarified that the students were informed beforehand regarding the schedule of these classes during the orientation of the special classes.

Naing also said that they didn’t give a specific schedule of review classes during the weekday and that the current schedule of the classes was agreed upon by the students from their previous meetings.

“We agreed that as much as possible, we’re going to do it Mondays to Saturdays na, pero may mga cases lang, katulad nga no’ng sabi ko, if we’re going to get these lecturers from review centers and other organizations, na ‘di sila available Mondays to Saturdays and we do want to give the students ‘yung quality na turo, so gagawin namin during Sunday,” Pineda added. With a report from Katherine Anne Aboy

PPC, DPS to separate roles for psychology students

By Yna Marisse Sodoy Due to overlapping activities conducted by the DLSU-D Psychological Society (DPS) and Psychological Program Council (PPC), the Psychology Department created the committee for student activities that will further divide the functions and objectives of the two organizations. In addition, the officials of the same department will administer the said committee this academic year (AY) 2015 - 2016.

DPS adviser Jemerson Dominguez said that the committee for student activities, which follows the guideline from the University’s mandate, decided that the DPS will manage academicrelated activities while the PPC will handle extracurricular activities under the psychology program.

However, Dominguez added that the committee, which was proposed three years ago, has not fully separated the

roles of the two program councils since it was only implemented recently and is currently under review of the department.

He said that the committee for student activities will not necessarily entail the combination of the DPS and PPC. “I don’t think students will benefit more if the two councils are combined because you have to consider that PPC was accredited by the University when it comes to transactions and although DPS is also an official [organization], they provide their own income and expenses,” Dominguez added.

While Dominguez dismissed the alleged inactive state of either council, PPC President Nerissa Balboa said their council might be facing the risk of dissolution.

Inactive issues Balboa said that the reason of the council’s possible dissolution would

be the members’ lack of experience in managing the organization.

Regardless, she confirmed that the PPC has maintained its active position.

The council tries to eliminate the said threat by conducting events like Prism: A General Assembly and Awards Night held last semester, along with Kapihan and a quiz bee co-organized with the DPS during Student’s Week.

The Psychology Department has allotted more than P700,000 for the implementation of the entire department’s activities, which Balboa confirms sufficient for their council’s future events.

Balboa also mentioned that the remaining plans of the council, which includes MHAW (Mental Health Awareness Week), will be held this second semester of this AY.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

CBAASC CONSTI from page 1

previous student council to settle the issue, which they aim to resolve this second semester.

According to Gonzales, CSCs have the right to create bylaws, which are additional rules and regulations in accordance with the 2013 Amended USC Constitution.

Since the USC is the only institution in the University that can implement a constitution, Gonzales said that the CBAASC could change the term “constitution” to “by-laws” instead.

Although the 2013 Amended USC Constitution failed to state any specific provision on the matter, Gonzales added that the said document shall govern both the USC and the CSCs, as per Article I, Section 2 of the aforementioned constitution.

“Parang Law of the Land dito sa University iyong USC Constitution pagdating sa student council at sa mga provisions.

So kung ita-translate natin sa larger [context], parang sa Philippine Law ... hindi ka puwedeng gumawa ng separate constitution sa isang lugar,” Gonzales explained.

On the other hand, former CBAASC President Jhay Lantin argued that CSCs can make their own constitution given that its provisions are stricter than the 2013 Amended USC Constitution.

“For example, kung nakalagay sa USC Constitution na ang grade requirement kapag student council ay 1.75, dapat sa CBAASC Constitution, 1.75 din or much stricter,” he added.

Lantin said the incumbent CBAASC should amend the provisions in the 2014 CBAASC Constitution instead of nullifying it since majority of the CBAA students have

approved it. “Kapag pinawalang-bisa nila ito (2014 CBAASC Constitution), parang ang boses ng estudyante [ay] tinanggal, which is contradictory to the USC Constitution.”

Lantin said that they declared a constitution because its definition concentrates on the principles, rights, and responsibilities of the students, unlike by-laws which focuses on rules and regulations.

The 2014 CBAASC Constitution was created on April 22 - 23 at the Retreat and Conference Center (RCC) and was ratified on May 16 - 23.

Different provisions Despite the 2014 CBAASC Constitution’s conformity to the 2013 Amended USC Constitution, Lantin said that the former differs from the latter in terms of the magistrate’s composition and the removal of the program councils (PC) in the college.

According to him, the 2014 CBAASC Constitution established a separate magistrate consisting of the CBAA Dean, Associate Dean, CBAASC President and Vice President, and a Senior member of the LB, that will settle issues solely in their college without involving the USC. In lieu of the PCs, Lantin said that they appointed program representatives as replacement to work with the LB, and to pursue the rights and welfare of the CBAA students. He added, “They have the same job description as the PCs pero hindi sila puwede mag-conduct ng mga activities.”

Program Council officers fill vacant posts in CSCs

By Mari Angelique Mendoza

The resignation of some officers from the College of Education Student Council (COEDSC) and College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student Council (CLACSC) caused elected Program Council (PC) officers in their respective colleges to fill the vacant positions this academic year (AY) 2015 - 2016.

As stated in the 2013 Amended University Student Council (USC) Constitution, Article V, Sections 6 and 9, the resignation of a student council officer results to a permanent vacancy to be filled by an Executive or Legislative Board member elected by the council as replacements.

In COEDSC, Bachelor of Secondary Education Program Council (BSPC) President Francis Nachor and Bachelor of Elementary Education

APEC from page 1

Program Council (BEEPC) President Klarisse Ortiz filled the business manager and external Public Relations Officer (PRO) positions, respectively, after Dianne Gayatgay and Norberto Pedrosa resigned.

“We asked the other officers if they want to assume the vacant position, kasi ‘yung plano talaga is aakyat na lang sila, pero I can’t force them kasi mas gamay nila ‘yung trabaho [nila ngayon],” COEDSC President Angelo Fajardo said.

In CLACSC, Developmental Studies Program Council (DSPC) President Kathleen Calitis assumed the auditor post due to Saskia Pelegrine’s resignation. As of press time, the council is yet to fill the business manager position vacated by Kyle Santos.

CLACSC President Sionna Avellaneda added that Santos initially filed a leave of absence on August

which fairly distributes the economic gains of the Asia-Pacific region across all segments of society.

“By balancing the discussions in APEC, the technical aspects of trade and its implications on the social and environmental challenges, we have refocused our discussions towards all our people,” President Benigno Aquino III said during a press conference at the World Trade Center on November 19, 2015.

The event concluded with the APEC Economic Leader’s Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center on November 18 and 19, 2015, wherein they agreed on various strategies that will guide the member economies in achieving inclusive growth.

During the press conference, Aquino said these strategies include the disaster risk framework that recognizes the impact of climate change on the region and the services cooperation framework that will help the service sector thrive during the next decade. Activities in the service sector include retail, banks, hotels, real estate, education, health, social work, and communications.

The APEC leaders also called for more intensive efforts to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access global markets by lowering the cost of remittances.

Aquino furthered that they have formalized partnerships with different member economies. “With Mexico, for instance, we have committed to work together to combat drug-trafficking,

17, 2015 but eventually resigned on October 7, 2015 in accordance to Article V, Section 6 of the 2013 Amended USC Constitution, which states that temporary vacancies can only last for five to thirty working days.

Avellaneda said, “We’re having a screening process for the interested Legislative Board members na gustong umakyat [ng position], then we will interview them regarding their attitude towards work and being a student leader to see if they would be an effective replacement for the vacant position.”

The CLACSC and COEDSC assured that their future projects for the second semester will continue despite the changes in their lineup.

“We’re expecting in the second semester na mas kaya na namin gawin ‘yung mga events kasi mas buo na kami ngayon,” Fajardo concluded.

which is a common concern of our people. With Papua New Guinea, we offered our assistance in supporting their agricultural sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, the partnership with Vietnam and Australia entails working together on areas of defense, disaster risk reduction, and food security. The US, on the other hand, will be giving a research vessel and a coast guard cutter that could improve the capabilities of the Philippine Navy.

Aquino said that a number of APEC leaders have also expressed their support for the Philippines to join the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) once it becomes enforced. The TPP is another free trade agreement among different nations, and Aquino added, “We, of course, want to join the TPP because it offers access to a far larger market.”

Over the entire APEC week, the Philippines catered to almost 11,000 delegates from the other 20 member economies, which is more than double the attendance of the country’s previous hosting in 1996.

Despite causing heavy traffic in major Metro Manila roads and inconvenience to commuters and motorists, Aquino said each visitor during the APEC created one new job for the Filipinos.

He said, “I am certain that with your continued support, there is absolutely no doubt that the Philippines will continue its progress for years, if not, generations to come.”

BENEFIT SPRINT. The De La Salle University Medical Center’s Department of Surgery held their annual charity event titled RUN XLAP 2 at SM Mall of Asia area on November 7, 2015. Proceeds from the project will fund a free surgical mission this year. Roxanne Valerie Rasco

N E W S F E AT U R E

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 4

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

The road to efficient transportation

A look into the Cavite-Laguna Expressway project

By April Ciaralei Cenedoza

Everyday, third year DLSU-D student, Remalyn Estuesta, faces long travel hours as she travels from Laguna to the University for one and a half hour. Estueta is not alone as other students also struggle with their daily commute. With the aim to make travel more convenient for students and other commuters, the proposed CaviteLaguna Expressway (CALAx) project is set to start its construction on July 2016 until July 2020.

Highway priority

Due to the rapid progress of establishments in Cavite and Laguna, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proposed the CALAx project to provide efficient transport facilities for the provinces’ eco–zones and to improve the competence of Region IV–A as an investment destination.

Cavite and Laguna have been considered as one of the most industrialized and urbanized areas in the country, according to DPWH, since these two provinces serve as catchment areas or places that attract residents from Metro Manila who use their services, such as schools and hospitals.

Several international and multinational companies such as Universal Robina Corporation, Panasonic Manufacturing Inc., Ajinomoto Corporation, and Philippine Dairy Products Corporation are also situated in these provinces.

DPWH prioritizes the CALAx project since it will support the national development policy of using infrastructure to boost the economy.

Collaborative project Similar to various road projects of DPWH such as the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), the CALAx is also under the Public-Private Partnership Service (PPP), a partnership of the government and

the private sector to fund and to operate a certain business.

Among the various schemes of the PPP, this project will use the Build-Transfer-Operate scheme, wherein the private sector will finance, construct, operate, and maintain the entire expressway for a 35-year concession period until the ownership of the project will be transferred to the government.

This concession period will allow the private sector to recover the costs of investment and maintenance while trying to achieve a higher allowance on the project.

The government sector has already allotted P10 billion, while the private sector will fund P25 billion for the construction of the expressway as per the contract they signed on July 10, 2015.

With a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), the proposed expressway is a 47-kilometer highway composed of four lanes with 3.5 meters width for each lane, compared to the newly opened Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX).

The expressway will start from Kawit, Cavite and will end at South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

The CALAx comprises of nine interchanges in toll highways, including the Kawit–Cavite Expressway (Cavitex), Open Canal Service Road, Governor’s Drive, Silang East, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Laguna Boulevard, Laguna Techno Park, and Toll Barrier (SLEX).

Since the construction of the expressway would entail the use of private property, the government needs to acquire the right to use someone else’s land where they will build the said interchanges. DPWH Region IV-A Director Ariel Angeles explained that the government has the power to take private

property for public use, which is the right to use eminent domain in the construction of the expressway “We have to demolish houses and other structures, and they will be compensated based on the replacement cost. At the same time, the government will also be responsible for any relocation of any informal settlers,” Angeles added.

Meanwhile, for the affected 148 landowners in both provinces, he said they have not yet been determined and assured that the landowners will be compensated in accordance with the law. However, as of press time, only 20 percent of the total affected owners have received letter of notices.

Though there is still no exact date, the DPWH will conduct a parcellary survey, a survey to identify the said owners to accomplish the expressway construction earlier.

Bidding conflict The approval of CALAx project has been delayed several times due to various bidding disputes.

In an article on social news network Rappler, the DPWH Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) disqualified San Miguel Corporation’s Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc. for not complying with the 180-day validity period requirement for the bid security.

The three pre-qualified bidders, Malaysia’s Alloy MTD Philippines, Team “Orion” of Ayala Corporation and Aboitiz Group, and MPCALA Holdings Inc. of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) have also asked the DPWH to disqualify San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMC) because their bid was deemed “unorganized.”

The DPWH rejected several appeals of the SMC to rebid the project, which eventually urged

San Miguel to seek the intervention of President Benigno Aquino III, who ordered a fresh bidding for the CALAx project after SMC’s disqualification.

The significant difference between the offer of SMC and the Ayala-Aboitiz tandem, which emerged as the frontrunner after SMC’s disqualification, is worth P11.66 billion.

Moreover on June 8, 2015, the DPWH formally awarded the CALAx project to MPIC, who won top bidder with a P27.3 billion bid, edging the P22.2 billion offer by SMC. Angeles mentioned that the MPIC and SMC, the final qualified bidders of CALAx, were the only ones who submitted their financial and technical bids for the project.

Meanwhile, Angeles said that MPIC preferred to start the operation at the Cavite area once the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) is approved.

The DPWH is still reviewing the project’s conceptual design submitted by MPIC on November 10, 2015.

As of press time, the project is still in its pre– construction stage and has ongoing consultations with municipal government of Cavite and Laguna regarding right of way and project alignment.

Once the Cavite-Laguna Expressway is a completed route, Estuesta as well as other commuters can snooze their alarm clocks and savor their breakfasts a little longer as their travel time would decrease to an average of 45 minutes.

Sources: www.dpwh.gov.ph www.philstar.com www.philstar.com www.rappler.com business.inquirer.net

Two degrees

***

Two is hardly a number that many would regard as significant; let alone a figure that can send almost 200 world leaders to gather in frenzy—but it has. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP21 is probably the most important forum held last year as governments all around the world

will be ineffective in maintaining the global temperature below 2°C.

“

The outcome of the COP 21 could be a turning point in our history, but only if we have the ability to sacrifice shortsighted profits for the greater good.

“

My mother always listens to Susan Enriquez and Lala Roque’s radio program titled “Easy Easy Lang,” at exactly an hour before noon. I admit that this usually forces me to retreat to my room because my mother turns up the volume so loud that one can hear the radio in the entire house. But one day, I became interested to listen when they started conversing why people should care about mitigating the effects of climate change. Susan said, “Because we never inherited the Earth from our ancestors. We are only borrowing it from our future children.”

discussed a new global agreement on climate change: keeping global warming below 2°C. While we struggle to hit that aim, it seems that we lack the will to sacrifice what we can in order to achieve our goal.

The Paris agreement produced by this forum requires countries to submit carbon emission reduction plans every five years with the aim of shifting away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy resources.

This agreement actually reminds us that if we have the courage and will to unite our efforts toward a universal goal, we can achieve anything; however, the problem lies with the governments of developed countries who are adamant in providing financial help to the developing nations that lack funds to invest in clean technology and sturdy infrastructures.

The financial aid from governments of rich countries is the most realistic first-hand solution but if they keep waiting for the private sector and international development banks, like the World Bank, to play a role in helping the developing countries cope with climate change, this Paris agreement

Scientists have warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, we will pass the 2°C threshold beyond which global warming becomes catastrophic and irreversible. According to a preliminary

analysis released by the World Meteorological Organization, worldwide temperatures are expected—for the first time—to reach more than 1°C and are heading for a rise at about 5°C. That may not sound like much, but these seemingly small changes in temperature can result in increasing heat, floods extending beyond Manila, rising sea-levels enough to submerge whole islands, food shortage, and eventually, extinction. Imagine, if the rich countries pledge to help the poorer countries transition to renewable energy, then all of us could be on the road to a sustainable future.

More importantly, the COP21 demonstrated our ability to come together to solve the issues that threaten us as species. We have been playing this game for more than 20 years as global negotiations on climate change, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Copenhagen Accord tried and failed to fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

If the past international climate agreements are any indication, the result of the Paris Agreement could be just as

disastrous. What makes the COP21 different from the others is that it calls on everyone, not just the governments, to face the growing threat of climate change once and for all before it is too late. The success of the Paris agreement will require the vision and voices of all sectors of civil society since it is our role to urge our government to fulfill the promises they made during the COP21 and to convey to our fellow citizens the looming threat of global warming.

The outcome of the COP 21 could be a turning point in our history but only if we have the ability to sacrifice short-sighted profits for the greater good. Instead of ignoring the effects of global warming, we should make a stand by overcoming our need to take advantage of every situation. In spite of the progress made at the COP 21, we still have a lot to do before we can see a decline in the effects of climate change and we should start by reminding our government leaders that only through renouncing their own gains can we save, perhaps, the only place in the universe that we can live in.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 6

OPINION

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL

The end line

Community roles complaints throughout the years—students receiving reduced quality of education.

We do not intend to hate on all professors.

Personally, I’ve encountered some professors who made the subject more interesting through their teaching method, while others inspired students through their infectious passion for the subject. While it’s probably As a member of the Lasallian community, service is a valued responsibility. Having revised our academic curriculum to outcome-based education, it is commendable that the University is gearing up to equip us students for the ASEAN integration. However, as important as these tools are, it seems professors are forgotten as an integral part of the educational experience.

As facilitators of learning, professors not only shape our capabilities but also influence our personal growth as students. The quality of teaching is an important aspect of education that the University should maintain due to the significant role they play in education.

However, it appears that some professors have time and again been the subject of our Kampusapusapan. Despite the comical delivery, complaints of professors who give questionable grades, professors who take matters with students at a personal level, and issues of classes without professors are no laughing matter.

Time and again, professors with poor performance are continuously discussed in our publications, while the guilty react violently then snub their noses, completely missing the point. As a result, we receive similar

Gayunpaman, isa na rin siguro itong magandang tawag upang tayo ay maging mas matalinong mga kabataan sa pagpili ng karapat-dapat na kandidato.

Sa kabilang banda, bukod sa gasgas na isyu katulad nito, hindi na ako lalayo pa. Tingnan na lamang natin ang araw-araw na kritismong naeengkuwentro natin sa ating mga buhay. Mula

JUNIOR STAFF Marco Belarmino, Kathelyn Bravo, April Ciaralei Cenedoza, Lexzene Dela Cruz,Patricia Anne De Leon, John Paul Gonzales, Christian Paul Macapagal,Christian Mateo, Nishtha Nigam, Roxanne Valerie Rasco,Rochelle Rivera, Wenchie Tacate, James Fidel Tan Dr. Lakandupil C. Garcia, Adviser The HERALDO FILIPINO has its editorial office at Room 213, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115.

Telephone: (046) 481 1900 local 3063 Email: officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Website: www.heraldofilipino.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the editor in chief.

Due to the many non-working special holidays and a week-long suspension in December, school is extended for another week to give way for missed classes, quizzes, and exams.

Mapapailing ka na lang at matatawa dahil nagdagsa na naman sa pagpasok ng bagong taon ang iba’t ibang resolusyong sinasabi nating magpapabuti sa ating mga buhay. Ngunit, kung mayroon man akong inaasam ngayong taon, ito ang posibilidad na mapaunlad natin ang ating mga sarili at ang kinabibilangan nating mundo sa pamamagitan ng pagsisimula sa isa sa pinakaepektibong paraan: ang pagtanggap sa mga kritisismo.

Dahil nabanggit na rin naman ang pagbabago at saktong-sakto ito sa “new year, new me” season, ito na nga siguro ang tamang panahon upang simulan na nating mas lawakan ang ating isip pagdating sa mga kritisismo. Sa buong nakaraang taon, kapansin-pansing maraming madaling maapektuhan sa simpleng mga salitang inilaan naman upang paunlarin ang isang bagay o indibidwal.

Unang halimbawa na ang ating napakamakulay (at marungis) na mundo ng pulitika. Bukod sa nasobrahan na sila sa publicity, tila naging cheap fight imbes na propesyunal na pakikipagharap sa isa’t isa ang inasal ng ating mga kandidato, tingnan na lamang natin ang isa sa mga naging resulta: ang katawa-tawang hamunan ng sampalan nina Rodrigo Duterte at Manuel “Mar” Roxas. Sinong hindi madidismayang ang mga aspiring leader pa mismo ang nakakakitaan ng ganitong kababawan?

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Tayo ay nakakahon sa maliit na espasyong pumapatay sa pag-asa

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EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2015-2016

SENIOR STAFF Chandler Belaro, Jeff Treat Dimaano, Camille Joy Gallardo, Patricia Loise Lucero, Queenee Manaog, Enrico Paolo Topacio

unrealistic for me to expect all professors to have such impact, the expectation is not only rooted from my idealistic mind but also from St. La Salle himself.

Ever since my first year of college, passion for excellence is a value expected from us Lasallians.

Although I find it noble for us students to aspire learning beyond the necessity of a diploma, our administrators and professors should also exemplify passion for excellence as part of the Lasallian community.

In any community, you can only be a true member by adhering to its values and purpose, the foundation for the existence of the community. In our case, choosing the Lasallian community means accepting the challenge to live by the values of St. La Salle for a progressive

society, regardless of your role as an administrator, teacher, or student.

As such, it is imperative to address an improvement in the services offered by some professors.

But it is disappointing to hear that some professors who consistently receive negative ratings from students still perform similarly. It shouldn’t be shameful to recognize a need for improvement. As Ernest Hemingway put it: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

Belief in our potential would challenge us to be better than our current self, but achieving the next step only comes from a realistic assessment of our current performance.

Given the University’s endeavors to be a more globally competitive platform, we should keep in mind the holistic growth stated in its mission and vision. As a community, we can only achieve our goals by working together. While we students should strive for our education, other members of the community like the administrators and professors should also strive to offer better services. Examples include having professors challenge students’ intellect beyond reading powerpoint presentations, addressing the need for better facilities like the long-awaited Ayuntamiento, and having more vigilant guards to improve campus security among others. Guided by a passion for excellence to give your best in everything, we have that potential to create limitless possibilities.

The only factor left is our willingness and our actions to set the wheels in motion and to keep them greased well enough until we reach our goal.

Walang magbabago ngayong taon

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Daniella Shaira T. Cortez, Editor in Chief Krizza Mae M. Bautista, Associate Editor Sheena Faye G. Lopez, Managing Director Cerisse C. Madlangbayan, In charge, Copy editing Erika B. Uy, Office Circulations Manager Katherine Anne C. Aboy, News Editor Anri Ichimura, In charge, Features Danielle Vince D. Capuno, In charge, Literary Fernan Patrick R. Flores, Sports Editor Lynoelle Kyle E. Arayata, Art Director Jerome S. Quinto, Photo Coordinator Ricardo Martin O. Cabale, Graphics and Layout Coordinator Alphonse Leonard G. Topacio, Web Manager

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It shouldn’t be shameful to recognize a need for improvement

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Recent news of a student committing suicide near the grandstand has shaken the University. Although it remains a delicate and private topic, the issue of suicide has resurfaced once again and it is high time that we take its prevention more seriously.

In the University, there are posters and seminars about suicide prevention, and there’s also the Student Wellness Center (SWC), which aims to address students’ problems and predicaments. But even with these preventive measures, it seems that many might deem suicide inevitable.

Causes typically range from mental illnesses or traumas to relationship problems, failure or stress from school, and just plain loneliness. While many people think some of these dilemmas are trivial, it’s important to note that a shocking 75 percent of the people who do commit suicide are “clinically depressed,” as reported in the California State University, Northridge (CSUN)’s website. In the country, gmanetwork.com states that we have the highest number of depressed individuals in Southeast Asia, with 4.5 Filipinos suffering from depression.

Since the concept of suicide has been going on for years, many have formed ideas and perceptions about how we tackle suicide, or simply suicide in general. Like many rumors that we believe is true, it’s necessary that we verify these conceptions first; because unknown to us, it might just save a life.

For instance, many think that those who commit suicide are weak and make mountains of molehills; or that people who say are going to kill themselves are just out there for attention. However, people who mention they want to die, in person or on social media, might actually be suicidal. It’s even stated by the organization Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) that those who talk about suicide but won’t actually do it is a myth. They wrote that practically “everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning.”

Talkin g and listening evidently seems to be also a factor in dealing with suicide. We often think that talking to people about suicide won’t help, that it might give them the idea to commit the act, and that it might be futile; but this is a misconception. In actuality, both SAVE and CSUN’s website states that talking about suicide can be helpful and relieving to the suicidal person because a person who wants to commit suicide is usually “ambivalent” or has “mixed feelings” about the act. Take, for one, Jay Asher’s known novel Thirteen Reasons Why, which details to people the importance of talking and lending an ear from time to time. Moreover, Lasallian Peer Facilitators (LPF) president Ella Mari Polintan says that “it’s really about listening,” and that when we see a lone student, it pays to befriend or at least talk to them.

There are many ways to prevent suicides, like seeking help or joining an organization. The University can aid in this matter by approving more organizations that suit the interest of the students, as Polintan mentioned.

On the other hand, the LPF also has planned programs that are geared “to be alternative venues for students for self-discovery, empowerment, and service.”

There are groups in school and the SWC if you or anyone you know has had suicidal thoughts. And although we use the Internet for maybe not all the right reasons, it has provided us with so many articles and information in case we need to educate ourselves on the issue. For the rest of us, we should place all conceptions in a strainer, and check first if they’re mythical or valid; because in a world where endless chitchat and being loud is appraised, it’s becoming easy for us to forget that it pays to shut up and listen.

sa paglabas natin sa pintuan ng ating mga bahay, hanggang sa pagsakay sa jeep, at pagtingin sa ating mga cell phone at laptop, mayroon at mayroon tayong maririnig o makikitang mga komento ng isang tao para sa paligid niya. Nagkalat man ang hindi makatuwirang rants sa social media, marami rin namang makabuluhang eye-openers na nagiging dahilan ng pagsisikap nating maging mabuti at may pakialam na mamamayan.

Ang Green Solutions comics series naman na makikita sa HERALDO FILIPINO website ay isa ring magandang halimbawa kung ano ba ang kritisismo, at ano ang epekto nito sa binibigyangpuna. Umani ng iba’t ibang reaksyon—maging batikos—mula sa iba’t ibang tao ang naturang komiks dahil sa “nakaiinsulto” nitong laman.

Ngunit ang hindi nakikita ng karamihan, ang kritisismong nakapaloob dito ay isang panggising lamang sa atin mula sa mga bagay na kailangang bigyang-pansin pero tila naisasawalang bahala.

Patunay lamang ang mga ito na sa ayaw at sa gusto man natin, nakapalibot na sa atin ang mga puna. Maaring tanggapin o tanggihan ng

The usual week-long Lasallian Festival will only cover four days this year.

ating isip ang komentong ibinato sa atin ngunit harapin natin ang katotohanan: may dulot na kirot naman talaga ang bawat kritisismong sinasabi sa atin sa umpisa. Kapag nabigo tayong malampasan ang masakit na bahaging ito at tuluyan na tayong nilamon ng negatibo, tayo ay mananatiling nakakulong sa maliit na kahong pumapatay sa pagasang mapayabong ang ating mga sarili.

Katulad nga ng sinabi ng propesor na si Gregg Walker ng Oregon State University, ang kritisismo o “evaluative judgments” ay napakahirap at napakasakit bitiwan o tanggapin. Ngunit ang maganda rito, kapag napangasiwaan mo ito ng maayos ay hindi lang pansariling paglago ang makakamtan mo—uunlad din at mas magiging makabuluhan ang pakikipag-ugnayan mo sa iyong kapwa.

Minsa’y nagiging bulag tayo sa tunay na mensaheng nais ipabatid ng isang nagmamalasakit na kritiko—lahat tayo’y may mahihinang aspetong kailangang nating ayusin at ang mabuting balita’y may kakayahan tayong paunlarin ang mga ito.

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Isa akong malaking tagahanga ng kaunlaran, pansarili man o pang-sambayan. Masyado man itong idealistic lalo na sa klase ng komunidad na kinabibilangan natin, naniniwala akong magaling man o may kahinaan, mayroon pa tayong ibubuga basta’t mas magpokus tayo sa positibong maidudulot ng kritisismo.

Kung sa pagtakbo ng taong ito’y tutulad tayo sa mga pulitikong sarado ang mga pag-iisip, kung patuloy tayong magiging bulag sa mga hinaing ng mga estudyante, at kung sa bawat pagpuna sa atin ay malulugmok, mapipikon, o magtatanim tayo ng galit, marahil tama nga ang titulo ng artikulong ito—huwag na tayong umasang may magbabago pa sa taong ito.

The sticks used by some guards from Gates 1 and 3 to examine bags have been replaced by scanners, improving the efficiency of inspections.

OPINION

Mr. Rightway

Worn-out and carelessly placed on the semi-dusty bookshelf along with other used books was a children’s novel about makeovers with a slightly Clueless and She’s All That plot. I was fifteen at the time, and everyone else was reading what I thought was mature, which was a book filled with sparkly vampires falling in love with girls 100 years their junior. I felt too old to be buying a book intended for pre-adolescent kids; and because shame washed over me, I lost my chance and never took it.

Speaking of presidential candidates, nang mag-file ng certificate of candidacy noong November 27, 2015 si Rodrigo Duterte, grabe ‘yung pagbabago ng takbo ng eleksyon. Siya ang nangungunang presidential candidate noong naglabas ang Pulse Asia ng survey. Noong nalaman ko ito, medyo natuwa ako kasi parang natututo na ang mga Pilipino. Marunong na silang tumingin kung sino ang basahan lang sa gobyerno—‘yung mga tipikal na politiko na may masabi lang na may nagawa sila, lahat ng

fathom why the author is so repelled by the genre. First, we shouldn’t let someone declare what types of books we should or should not prefer; if it is fine for kids to read the same stuff he reads, then it’s fine if they don’t. Second, why should it be alright to have a category for children and adults but not for the young adults in between?

Third, why is it condescending or patronizing to have a genre for teenagers?

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to like happy, sappy endings. Because it seems that unless the story is perplexingly depressing, then it isn’t real or mature enough.

Also, thinking that YA is lacking substance, simplistic, or not complex enough kind-of demeans the intellectual capacity of young readers. William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, and heck, even Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is about young adults. The abovementioned type of thinking basically perpetuates the idea that teenagers are simpletons who wouldn’t know good complex, mature content if it hit them in the face. Like with the fluffy pink book I longed to read, genre-shaming also nuances adults who would like to read YA or children’s novels.

Joel Stein, a columnist for Time magazine, wrote an article in The New York Times about how adults shouldn’t be reading kid’s books, which he straightforwardly titled Adults Should Read Adult Books. I don’t know if he’s just pulling our legs when he said that he’d be more embarrassed if he saw an adult reading The Hunger Games than if they were reading porn. Yes, he just placed Suzanne Collins’s famous trilogy—not beside—but on a level below porn; before adding that he doesn’t even know what the book is all about. To me, it’s more mortifying to shame a book, or an entire genre he knows nothing about.

I don’t see what the big conundrum is for liking the genres we want to like.

***

Genre-shaming—an issue plaguing fangirls/boys, bookworms, and unpopular genre enthusiasts probably since people termed “chick flicks”—basically occurs when people think a genre is more inferior than others; thus, belittling, disparaging, and shaming a genre. Young adult (YA) has become the receiving end of much of this genreshaming, with known writers practically telling readers what they should or shouldn’t read.

In an interview with Warm Bodies author Isaac Marion on the website Zombies World, he said he doesn’t like his book to be classified as YA. According to Marion, his book has a lot of adult content in it and furthers that YA is an unnecessary genre that can be “reductive” and “simplistic.”

“I see no reason why a 16-19 year-old kid shouldn’t be reading the same stuff I am. To me, creating a whole separate genre for teenagers seems extremely patronizing, not to mention pandering,” he says.

Last time I checked, the YA genre isn’t covered with pig’s blood like Carrie was at prom; so I just can’t

maayos pang sementadong daan ay sisirain.

Isang example dito ay noong binuksan ng nanay ko ang TV, hindi ko inasahan ang narinig ko, “Ano po ba kasi ‘yung tanong, kasi maraming naguguluhan sa survey na nilabas ng Pulse Asia?” sabi ‘nung nag-i-interview. Ginigisa nila ‘yung head ng survey at grabe ‘yung mga tanong nila: ilan ba raw ‘yung respondents at saan daw kinonduct ‘yung survey. Nangangarag na sa sagot ‘yung head at hindi ko alam kung bakit kailangan nila siyang gisahin.

Siguro, dahil may isa silang anchor na may asawang presidential candidate. At palibhasa, boss ng dalawang anchor ng radio station ito, wala na ‘rin sila sigurong magawa tungkol dito. Alam niyo na, “Blood is thicker than water” at “Pamilya kasi tayo e,” ang katuwiran.

Lilinawin ko lang, hindi ako kumakampi sa kung sino mang kandidato kasi lahat ng tao ay may kakambal na demonyo—kaya wala talagang perpektong pangulo. Pero nakakabuwisit lang na hindi napapansin ng iba na nakokontrol na sila ng iba.

Sana lang ang katangahan ay itago na lang sa bahay at maging reponsable ang mga tao sa mga ginagawa nila—lalo na sa pagboto. Sa darating na eleksyon, tiyak uulan na naman ng tiglilimang daan na dadaan lang sa inyong mga sikmura ng isa o dalawang araw.

‘Wag ka nang magpabayad, ang perang ibibigay ng isang basahan sa iyo ay triple niyang babawiin kapag inupo mo siya sa trono.

Shame on you

“

***

Last semester, mayroon akong tinitingalang propesor na alam kong sobrang respetado ng marami.

Pinaniniwalaan ko ang lahat ng sinasabi niya, kasi may pundasyon na ‘yung buong pagkatao niya. Kumbaga sa MRT, may beep card na siya. Pero noong nagsimula na ako sa OJT ko, napagtanto kong tao rin pala siya— maaaring nabayaran, nagkamali, o napasubo.

Sa klase kasi namin, kapag tinatanong siya kung sino ang best pick niya sa eleksyon, isa lang naman ang sinasagot niya: “gaya-gaya tayong lahat sa isang daan.”

Pangalanan natin ‘yung best pick niyang si Mr. Rightway.

Hindi niya naman kami dinidiktahan kung sino ang dapat naming iboto, kaso lahat ng salitang lumalabas sa bibig niya ay napakabango kapag ang usapan ay tungkol

“

Kasi ‘yung 500.00 na ibibigay ng isang basahan sa iyo ay tripleng kukunin niya sa ‘yo kapag inupo mo siya sa trono

“

Wala pa akong certificate of registration para makaboto kaya alam ko, wala akong karapatang magsalita at sabihin ang pananaw ko sa nalalapit na eleksyon sa bansa natin.

Kaso nakakabuwisit na minsan kapag magbubukas ka ng TV sa inyo ay puro mukha ng mga politiko ang nakalagay sa bawat commercial ng mga channel. Paid advertisement daw, na para namang may maniniwalang sa kanila talaga ‘yung perang ginamit para doon.

kay Mr. Rightway na mahirap ng paniwalaan. Buong semester ko siyang hinangaan sa sobrang galing niyang mag-advertise kay Mr. Rightway na para siyang PR nito— dahil kapag tinatanong siya, puro aficionado ang sinasabi niya tungkol dito. Nakadidismaya man, uulitin ko na tao rin nga pala ang hinangaan kong propesor..

Teenagers, believe it or not, are humans too. And based on psychology, biology and many other -ologies, the teen years or adolescence is the stage in life where humans experience the most changes—physically and psychologically. The YA genre caters to people around this age; it delves on themes and topics that sometimes the adult or children’s fiction don’t dwell on. This is a time commonly filled with angst, experimentation, the highs and lows of puberty, many first times, and the loss of innocence—topics that are juvenile for adults and too mature for children.

Writer Ruth Graham said on her article in Slate magazine that YA endings are generally satisfying, not complicated or ambiguous enough, and gives the readers what they want to see. Suddenly, I’m beginning to understand Allison from the film The Breakfast Club when she said this famous quote: “When you grow up, your heart dies.” It doesn’t state anywhere in the big bad handbook of adulthood that grown-ups are not allowed

***

YA fiction isn’t the only genre shamed in the media stratosphere. Pop music and chick flicks are still being skewered by a genre-shaming mob. At the end of the day, what we can do is not to take part in that throng of people. Because unless the genre we read has negative impacts on its readers—and I’m hoping there’s not— then I don’t see what the big conundrum is for liking the genres we want to like.

Post-haste hate

“

Baseless criticism and ad hominem attacks instead of a well-researched, intellectual discourse is currently becoming a trend in social media

“

It has been a habit for me to check my social networking accounts upon waking up in the morning and I’ll tell you this: it’s a pretty upsetting way to start the day. Peppered on my newsfeed are trivial arguments between AlDub and Showtime fans on which noontime segment is better; people share exaggerated satirical memes or articles coupled with equally over-the-top reactions without even bothering to read its content or to verify its authenticity; and the vitriol-filled, telenovela-esque hullabaloo that is the upcoming elections, which is just a script shy of becoming an actual TV show.

Baseless criticism and ad hominem attacks instead of well-researched, intellectual discourse is too prevalent in social media.I’ll hazard a guess that this is enough to lead someone (read: me) into channeling their three inner proverbial monkeys (“see no BS; hear no BS; speak no BS”) simply because social media has become too toxic.

Take for instance, the supporters of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte and Carlos Celdran, a Filipino artist and activist famous for pulling off the “Damaso” stunt in the Manila Cathedral back in 2010. Celdran questioned Duterte’s policies and ideologies

on running for president. This did not sit well with Duterte loyalists and resulted into a controversial argument that made rounds online and was reported in news sites like Rappler and CNN Philippines.

Not long after, his Facebook page erupted into a full-blown flamewar wherein derogatory remarks such as “Dutertard,” “delusional,”

Recently, only one Ikot Lasalle vehicle operates around the campus, causing inconvenience to some students.

and “bading” were thrown. I won’t deny that I enjoyed keeping track of the whole, fiery tirade, but while it was amusing at first, it gradually lost its entertainment value.

One thing I can glean from this episode is that while there will always be bigots and trolls—it ultimately depends on how we deal with them. As for Celdran, perhaps this incident wouldn’t have happened if only he had not flame-baited those supporters. In this regard, I’ve adopted one of the fundamental rules online, “Don’t feed the trolls,” as a personal mantra. Facing them online, instinct would dictate that I dish out an equal or greater amount of thrashing. Experience has taught me that chances are, I’ll just be engaging in an unwinnable argument so it’ll be best if I’ll just state my point and move on rather than further pollute social media with unnecessary hostility.

***

I was having trouble on finding a good ending for this column, but thankfully I had just re-watched Men in Black 3. Should I ever find myself locked in a heated argument and be unable to reach an understanding—I’ll just remember Boris the Animal’s favorite line and take it to heart, “Let’s agree to disagree.”

Thumbs up for the several posters and seminars hosted in the University about suicide prevention.

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WITBREAD

One true love

By John Jeffrey Villanueva (Contributor) It’s quite ironic that the best things in life are not meant to last. People come and go; some of them stay while most of them are just passing by. Money we earn can disappear, clothes will be worn out, and our cars will break down someday. But for these cases, it’s as if life has guaranteed us that when we die, we make way and space for the new—grief would find new company. It would be good news if this is always the case, but life can play cruel games.

Just as we can’t beat Father Time, we cannot escape the ultimate truth in life: “true love only happens once in a lifetime.”

This truth cuts deep and no one is immune to its curse. Once it leaves you, you can only pray to the high heavens that your life be short-lived. Sometimes, you feel like you can’t bear all the heavy beating your heart has been doing since that person left—a gaping hole in your soul that no angel can close.

When true love leaves you, you are left to your own devices.

No one will save you. There seems to be no refuge you can turn to. Luckily, there’s only one thing that can take you out of this misery. The funny thing is it’s not the escape you seek in taking drugs, the pleasure you crave in having sex, or the comfort you project in having lots of money—it’s still love. Love puts you into this mess, and love will also do the cleaning for you. Love is the cause and solution, the problem and answer, the sickness and cure, and the beginning and the end.

So how does love do it? How does it make you feel both vulnerable and safe? How does it inflict pain and at the same time be the antidote? Why bother going through all of this pain and pleasure? Well, I guess, the best answer is because we are living to experience love and everything about it in full circle.

No one can rightfully claim that he has lived a full life if he has not lived through this process of finding love, losing love, and survival.

When love waves its hand, leaves you, and bids its last goodbye, freely open your hand and let it go.

Break a smile, wink your eyes, keep your chin up, and just let it disappear in the horizon. When you cannot see it anymore, weep as long as you want. Break down and escape your reality. Be alone.

Be sad. Be helpless, hopeless, or even mad. Only by being like this can you be saved by the same love that killed you.

In this darkest moment, love finds its way back to you again. It will kiss you and caress you. It will take you into its strong arms and softly say, “Hey! I’m here now. I left for you to realize that you’ve misunderstood me. You’ve been wrong about me all this time. What you thought about me was an illusion.

You know, love doesn’t depend on the other person. You don’t seek love. You don’t beg others to give it to you and demand others to reciprocate the love that you provide. My only desire is the fulfillment of myself. This is the truth. I want you to know that you are love. Within you is the eternal garden—the endless fountain. That is the place where I reside. I might go and leave you for a while to teach you a lesson, but I always promise to return when it’s time to go home. So be at peace and don’t be afraid to love again.”

Feeling relieved, you will regain your senses. Things are much clearer; and you realize that not being able to love again is not the real issue here. It’s quite deeper than that. You’ll be saying to love, “You know what? I never doubted that I can love again. You are right. Love begets love and I am love.

Unlike the eternal garden and endless fountain that didn’t notice your departure, this heart clearly remembers and never forgets all the things that I shared with her. I guess it’s true when people say that true love happens once in a lifetime, and that love that I shared with her is more than enough to last for eternity and beyond.”

“

What you thought about me was an illusion ... don’t seek love ... you are love

“

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 7

The Heraldo Filipino is accepting contributions for Witbread.

Contribution is open to all students, faculty, University staff, and everyone in the DLSU-D community.

Send them by email to officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Contributions are subject to selection and editing of the editorial board and should not have been previously published in any way.

Thumbs down for the inefficient implementation of regulations on proper attire, resulting into more students breaking the dress code.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 10

At death’s door The phenomenon of near-death experiences

By Kikuno A. Nakadai | Graphic Art by Melissa Reynoso

Being a student is like being a hero in a video game. As we go on our adventure of passing a subject, we need to fight monsters of exams, beat the deadlines, and conquer the professors’ quests.

We only have limited lives to finish this game and once we lose all our chances, it’s game over.

Even in the tug of war between life and death, we can be given another chance to breathe and live again. Those who evade the Grim Reaper’s threshold even had a lifechanging experience where they had unbelievable perceptions and consciousness despite being clinically dead. This experience is known as the “near-death experience” (NDE).

Death in perspective As human beings with lives as fragile as glass, we have no idea when our life will end. Fortunately, people who survived the abyss have unveiled the mysterious cloak of near-death experiences. The phenomenon of NDE reached the public when psychologist Raymond Moody published his book Life After Life in 1975. He defined NDE as any conscious perceptual experience that happens while walking the tightrope of life and death.

The themes and concepts of NDE like seeing a bright light, or meeting a deceased acquaintance, can be similar but the interpretations may differ depending on one’s socio-cultural background.

F E AT U R E S For instance, psychologists Karlis Osis and Erlendur Haraldsson studied the NDE accounts of approximately 440 terminally ill Americans and Hindu Indians who were on their deathbed and compared how people with different religious beliefs described their NDEs. Based on their observations, the Americans identified the entity as an angel or Christ himself, while Hindu saw it as Yamraj, the Hindu king of death. Even on the fringe of death, a person’s NDE may still depend on their personal belief and disposition in life.

Looking at it, most of the reported NDEs are about being in a peaceful realm even though there are also cases of terrifying and distressing NDEs. One of the reasons why distressing NDEs are rarely mentioned is because people were mostly traumatized by the experience and reluctant to share what they had seen, based on Bruce Greyson and Nancy Evans Bush’s research Distressing NearDeath Experience. Another reason is that memories of distressing NDEs are omitted from the person’s mind subconsciously to avoid stress and to escape from the experience, according to another research

by Nancy Evans Bush, Afterward: Making Meaning After a Frightening Near-Death Experience.

In the brink of death, one’s perspective and beliefs could still prevail in their NDEs. There may be similarities in their encounters, but its interpretatittons and effects still differ from every individual.

Panorama of the great beyond Most of us believe that we sleep in deep oblivion when we’re in an unconscious state; however, those who have survived death’s scythe might contradict this notion. They stated that while they were battling death, they had visions of their deceased loved ones, a bright light, and even a glimpse of the future. Other experiences consist of violence, déjà-vu, images of animals and plants, past events, or a person’s deepest fears. These NDEs range from terrifying to blissful experiences, according to Dr. Sam Parnia of New York’s Stony Brook University School of Medicine.

There are also perplexing occurrences of people feeling that they are outside of their

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

physical bodies, making it possible for them to see their own body and aware of their surroundings while on the verge of life and death. This feeling of floating in space is known as an out-of-body experience (OBE). One notable OBE account was from medical doctor George Ritchie who was declared clinically dead but was revived by injecting adrenalin in his heart muscle. The resuscitation lasted for 10 minutes and Ritchie reported that he was able to wander around his barely-breathing body lying on a hospital bed. It seems he was in a different dimension and his spirit emerged as a living energy field, Ritchie explained.

NDEs are not only about mystical visions but there are also cases of flashbacks. Being in the boundary of life and death, people might experience watching their life events before their eyes, says Michael Grosso in his article The Archtype of Death and Enlightment in the book The NearDeath Experience: A Reader by Lee W. Bailey and Jenny Yates. Just like in the movies, sudden traumatic situations like being caught in accidents and unexpected casualties actually trigger cinematic flashbacks.

If some remember the past, others can “fast forward” and see precognitions that might happen in the future. Businessman Ned Dougherty was one of those modern day Nostradamus who had an NDE and predicted the 9/11 terrorist attack, which he described in his 2001 book Fast Lane to Heaven, published six months before the incident.

These imageries from near-death experiences have given us glimpse of what may await us in the afterlife. Since the scope of knowing more about death is too far, NDEs are only hints about what death really is. But regardless of these visions, no one can really guarantee what dwells on the other side, as death will always be hidden under a pitchblack cloak of mystery.

Resurgence from demise Surviving the battle between life and death is a life-long war. According to NDE specialist Dr. Phyllis Marie DeKeyser Atwater, around 80 percent of people who conquered death had a dramatic shift of perspective and began to view the

Beyond the veil The mystery of life after death

world in a new angle. These people claimed that their NDEs had changed their lives forever.

Most people who survived death do not fear encountering the afterlife again, and they came to be more philosophical, objective, and hungry for knowledge, Dr. Atwater described. Since they almost lost their lives once, having another chance to live prompts them to cherish life even more and urges them to find further purpose in this world.

On the other hand, NDE also has its unfavorable effects. Dr. Atwater also stated that some individuals who survived death became relatively more warmhearted and neutral to the point that they became too carefree and passive.

Because of the 180-degree change in personality of those who had NDE, their social life was affected and personal relationships even faltered due to these major lifestyle changes.

Aside from observed cognitive changes, there were also physical transformations, according to Dr. Atwater. Most people who had NDEs had heightened senses and became overly sensitive to bright light and loud noise, preferring classical and melodic songs over blaring music. Unusually, they also became sensitive to electrical equipment and gadgets.

Based on Kevin Williams’ research, those who had these physical changes had NDEs with bright light scenarios so Williams assumed that the exposure in the unknown light had caused these aftereffects.

The aftermath of near-death experiences in a person’s life is clearly imprinted on their renewed persona. People who surpassed their demise can freely live again, but their NDEs will be embedded in their memories for eternity.

***

Life is like roulette—it is a game of chance where every single moment is a gamble.

Everything might go our way today, but tomorrow still remains a mystery. To win the game, we should consider every probability where the ball will fall. As there is no assurance of having another chance once we lose, it is in our hands if we are going to put everything at stake or not.

By Yuri Nakadai (contributor) | Illustrations by Wenchie Tacate

From mummies emerging from tombs to brain-eating zombies, the mystery of the afterlife has timelessly captivated the public’s imagination with its boundless prospects of life after death. For the sake of gratifying humanity’s curious minds, many speculate to explain the occurrence of life after death.

Thanks to the emergence of modern science, some twisted realities about afterlife have been unveiled.

Reawakened soul Being able to live again in another body may sound thrilling unless you’re reborn as a cockroach, a worm, or another distasteful creature. As indicated in Encyclopedia of the Unseen World by Constance Victoria Briggs, reincarnation is when the soul of an individual temporarily goes into the spiritual world to be reborn into a different life form.

In Hinduism, a soul reincarnates repeatedly

until it attains perfection and reunites with the Divine; while in Buddhism, they don’t believe that reincarnation is the movement of soul into another body but a repeated cycle of existence due to karma. Although both religions seem to share some essential beliefs, they differ on the area of nature and immortality of the soul, which is one thing that many people poorly recognize.

As many have divulged in the belief of rebirth, it is now also welcomed in the West even though majority of them are Christians. In fact, 24 percent of Americans believe in reincarnation, according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Poll in 2009. But in the Philippines, the belief in reincarnation has been long contravened by the Catholic Church as many Filipinos are born Catholics since the Spanish era, as stated in the article A Spirited Soul by Jeannie Javelosa in The Philippine Star.

With the alluring concept of reincarnation, many scientists and researchers have been intrigued by its compelling promise. For 40 years, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Dr. Ian Stevenson has studied almost 2,500 cases of children who claimed to have memories of past lives. Precisely, Stevenson only chose to study children as he reasoned that they were unlikely to fabricate past life memories since they are less capable of making up stories, as mentioned by the Institute for the Integration of Science, Intuition, and Spirit.

However, it is also said that past life memories are but an “intriguing psychological phenomenon”, as claimed by psychology Professor Christopher C. French from University of London. He declared that the events of recalling memories from the past are more likely to become inaccurate as the past life memories may be just a recurring thought from previous events. Thus, these memories may not be associated with other people’s past, but an experience of the child resurfacing from their subconscious mind.

Though notions about rebirth are still in dispute, being perceptive about other probabilities would do no harm. As University of Virginia psychology Professor Dr. Jim Tucker says, “I believe in the possibility of reincarnation, which is different from saying that I believe in reincarnation.” Like how some students cross their fingers to pass exams despite being unprepared, there is nothing wrong with holding on to the slightest possibility of being reborn.

In the article State of the Heart: A brief look at Lazarus Syndrome by Dr. Mark Griffiths of Nottingham Trent University, the condition is very rare and there have been less than 30 documented cases of Lazarus syndrome in medical literature. Though these cases are not clearly understood by the medical community, many contemplate about its cause, most of which involves restarting the heart with extreme potassium levels (hyperkalemia) which induces irregular heart rate and recovery of “fight or flight” nervous system (sympathetic nervous system) due to delayed reaction of adrenaline.

Granted that there is still no definite explanation for Lazarus syndrome, at least it has given hope to some people that such miracles could still exist.

In deep freeze Along with the continuous progression of technology, clinical science continues to discover treatment for conditions that are supposedly incurable—like death. As science attempts to make death less inevitable, they formulated a way to delay it for the meantime. Like something out of a science fiction movie, cryonics is the method of freezing corpses in the hopes of being revived by future medical technology.

The great escape Not everyone battles with the Grim Reaper and wins, but maybe some have better luck than others—particularly those who have experienced the Lazarus

phenomenon. In a biblical tale, Lazarus was a man raised from the dead by Jesus; today, the modern equivalent of Lazarus is one who spontaneously comes back to life after being declared clinically deceased.

Although some people might find it unethical, Aschwin de Wolf from The Institute for Evidence-based Cryonics explains that cryonics doesn’t just involve the freezing of dead people. Instead, they pointed out that the process of cryonics involves placing critically ill patients in a very low temperature to keep their body preserved in the hope of being cured by future science. Technically, people could only undergo cryonics after their heartbeat stops or they are declared legally dead, and then the process of “vitrification” shall ensue. In this process, high concentrations of chemicals called “cryoprotectants” are added in the cells,

permitting the tissue to cool down instead of being frozen so it wouldn’t die.

Unlike Sleeping Beauty who was awoken by her prince from deep slumber, cryonics does not involve true love’s kiss or an absolute magic spell. Considering the scientific aspects, Cryonics Institute president Dennis Kowalski admitted that there are still no guarantees of successfully bringing a person back to life. But as the future is comprised of possibilities, perhaps the next generation could dodge the death scythe by banking on the cold probability of cryonics.

Toward oblivion While others have faith that new life awaits them after they die, non-believers insist that death is nothing but plunging into the darkness—the eternal oblivion. As Boston University biochemistry Professor Isaac Asimov said, “When I die, I won’t go to heaven or hell, there will just be nothingness.”

Unlike the conventional two-way road to salvation we have been fostered with, Asimov insists that death equates to nothingness—a permanent extinction of being. For people who share the same sentiment as Asimov, they believe that the brain creates the mind; when the brain ceases, the mind also ceases to exist.

Contrariwise, creator of naturalism.org Thomas W. Clark, pointed out that projecting oneself into oblivion after death is wrong, because without consciousness, there is no awareness of space and basis of time. Thus, people would be unaware of their own nonexistence after they die.

However, physicist and author of Sizing Up the Universe: The Cosmos in Perspective Richard Gott

and quantum fields.

Some may be haunted by the idea of plunging into nothingness after death, but in some ways, there are people who find relief in knowing that they could finally take an eternal rest. After all, it is just a matter of perspective on how you see things in a completely blank space.

The soul at large Compared to oblivion where death is believed to be the end of everything, physicists from different institutions claim that consciousness lives in a quantum state after death—hinting at the immortality of our existence.

For physicist Hans-Peter Dürr, former head of the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich, what we consider now in this world is just a material level that is comprehensible, and the beyond is an infinite reality that is much bigger.

Dürr asserts that when all information is retained by a particle in the brain, it is transferred into the quantum field—like how we upload files in the computer using a flash drive. Essentially, our body perishes when we die, but our consciousness lives on, just like data uploaded to the world wide web.

In the Huffington Post article Can Science Explain the Soul?, University of Arizona Professor Dr. Stuart Hameroff proposed a plausible basis that people, conscious minds, and unconscious processes may be entangled.

Nevertheless, Hameroff admitted that the proposals he ment ioned are still falsifiable, and the floor is open for critical analysis. But then, if humans could really “download” their consciousness into an imperceptible field, then presumptively, immortality is within our reach.

***

contradicts that there is no emptiness in loss of consciousness because even an empty box contains a basic scaffolding of existence, such as space, time,

Certainly, we are indebted to modern science for bringing clarity to the mysteries of afterlife. However, some things are beyond the bounds of our imagination. By now, it would be better for us to seize the moment, and let the mind-boggling uncertainties of afterlife fall into place.

F E AT U R E S

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 11

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Grave encounters Hunting for the paranormal truth

By Bianca Isabelle Lariosa | Photo by Jose Mari Martinada

There’s a dark figure behind you right now—staring motionless at the back of your head and waiting for you to turn around and face it. It’s starting to question why you haven’t turned around yet when it’s so clear that he’s breathing down on your neck and you’re still reading on. He’s pondering what to do to you when you finally turn around.

The figure is growing impatient and moves in even closer towards you. If you don’t turn around, he’ll pull you back himself.

When given situations like this, we automatically jump at the idea of ghosts or otherworldly beings that are believed to harm the living. To satisfy human curiosity, many explanations have surfaced for these bizarre happenings. Though there is a fine line between the paranormal and science, there are times when these two ideas cross in order to explain the almost-unexplainable.

Endless frenzy The culture of the paranormal has influenced us not only to fear the unknown, but also to pursue it at the same time. This obsession for the things we can’t explain has grown stronger through the centuries, and the strength of our paranormal belief undoubtedly sparks in times of panic. According to Professor Anette Hill of the University of Westminster, UK, periods of crisis, war, and economic uncertainty are when ghost beliefs spike since people tend to grapple on unusual beliefs as a type of psychological defense mechanism in dealing with the harsh reality. In our lives, times of uncertainty and doubt can be the place where we look into strange beliefs to make up for the trouble brewing within us.

The phenomenon mass hysteria, or collective hysteria is also responsible for

the prevalence of ghost beliefs in certain communities. Caused by oppressive environments or widespread fear, mass hysteria causes an entire community to develop stress-related symptoms like headaches, nausea, or even violent spasms, which lead to delusions. Bizarre events caused by mass hysteria have been around for centuries, such as the Salem Witch Trials. Another more recent instance in social media is the Charlie Charlie Challenge, a modern-day Ouija board wherein one can call on a Mexican ghost named Charlie using pencils and a piece of paper. Four Colombian teens were hospitalized after they claimed to be possessed by Satan after playing the viral game. With all these influences that can distort our judgment of the paranormal, we must learn to be wise before believing—or even following— the cultural norm.

Just as religious and cultural beliefs have a defining role in mass hysteria; superstitions may also be a factor in paranormal beliefs as humans always find reassurances in the area of the paranormal. Our culture wouldn’t be the same without the presence of superstitions, as some traditions are centered on pamahiin from long ago.

Our belief of superstitions may even boil down to our own human nature.

According to Dr. Stuart Vyse, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, it is only human nature to look for rules or explanations for why uncanny things happen. The creation of false certainty is better than no certainty after all.

Our uncertainty over ghosts may be a reason why there are numerous superstitions about them. As we

constantly seek answers, superstitions may be a way for humans to gain an upper hand over the existence of the paranormal.

Logical reasoning As the fascination with ghosts and the paranormal shape our human beliefs, breakthroughs in science have shed some light on recurring paranormal sightings and experiences. Hallucinations are often the cause of ghost sightings and unusual events, according to ophthalmologist William Wilmer. He said that more often than not, “haunted houses” may only be riddled with carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that causes hallucinations when consumed excessively. His theory can be a possible reason as to why people who move into old houses experience eerie events, like in the classic Paranormal Activity movie series.

One can’t deny that the figure at the corner of your eye is a classic example of seeing ghosts. A paper published by Dr. Shahar Arzy and his colleagues from Sweden University Hospital states that the reason we see this shadowy, ghostly figure around us may be because of the left temporoparietal junction, a region of our brain which defines the idea of ourselves because of the role the junction plays in differentiating ourselves from others. They tested this theory by examining the brain of their subjects who received electrical stimulation into the left temporoparietal junction. The results showed that even subjects with no mental health issues saw a sinister being that looked like them. Even though the subjects were repeatedly told that there was no figure behind them, they

would doubt the information and look repeatedly because of the switch in their brain function that made them see the non-existent being.

Aside from having our vision plagued with fearful figments, there are also times when we can sense strange things around us. These eerie feelings may be caused by a resounding low frequency in the air called infrasound, caused by irregular weather patterns, earthquakes, and ocean wave interactions, which humans can’t hear but can sense. In an experiment by Professor Richard Wiseman of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, subjects were asked to listen to musical pieces that hit 17 Hz, which fit right into the .1Hz to 20 Hz frequency of infrasound. Upon listening to the pieces, the subjects reported feelings of anxiety, uneasiness, and chills down the spine. The results suggest that infrasound can cause people to have unusual experiences even if they are unaware of its presence. Some scientists have suggested that this level of sound may be present at some allegedly haunted sites and so cause people to have odd sensations that they attribute to ghosts.

With these explanations on ghostly phenomenon, don’t assume you’re in a horror movie and call on ghost whisperers just yet because of stereotypical sensations that can be answered by science.

Delightful ambiguity The trouble with science trying to find answers for the paranormal is that the scientific community itself is divided; as there is no universally-accepted definition of what ghosts actually are. There are scientists who accept the possibility of ghosts, like quantum physicist Dr. Henry

Stapp who utilizes Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and Many Worlds Theory to argue that ghosts could simply be beings that live on a different plane of existence or an entirely alternate reality, which sometimes bleed through our own.

With even the best of scientists keeping an open mind about the possibility of ghosts, there are no limitations to what we can reach with human curiosity.

We also consider the possibility of ghosts being real because of the sheer use of it in popular culture. The paranormal is regularly displayed in movies, television shows, and videogames that we often jump to the idea that ghosts are a possibility in our lives, watching us too. According to Dr. Matthew Sweet, this enterprise known as the Phantom Economy is growing because of our own masochistic desire to be delightfully terrified by our very own ideas of the paranormal.

To think that ghosts still continue to impact us after five thousand years of human reason speaks volumes on how significant the paranormal is in human culture. With the mixture of doubt and reassurance that we have, it is up to us to move past this hazy mist and uphold our beliefs of the paranormal ourselves.

***

Our habit of probing into the unexplainable has been prevalent ever since the beginning of humanity. With this curiosity instilled in us, our search for answers deepens and can stretch into unknown lengths. The unexplained circumstances of eerie beings makes it more interesting to discover what truly lies beyond our dimension. But first we must drop our presumptions about the paranormal and dare risk to discover what’s beyond our human plane.

Death wish Valar Morghulis. All men must die. *** Popularly known and frequently mocked, the YOLO mentality speaks of the cool-kid philosophy of today’s generation: you only live once, so live life to its fullest. So afraid of living life in peripheral vision, our wellintended carpe diem ideology has shifted into reckless abandonment that favors toxic behavior—a quarter-life crisis that breeds a cavalier approach to life. Yet instead of mistaking being reckless for being adventurous, we ought to focus on the fact that yes, we only live once— meaning we only have one chance to get everything right, so we better not screw it up.

The aforementioned seems impossible when in our subconscious, we are immortal according to

Sigmund Freud. He explains that in our unconscious minds, “it is indeed impossible to imagine our own death.” Even if we envision the scene of our death, Freud states that we do so as bystanders, rather than actually dying. This unconscious belief of our immortality may be what Freud calls “the secret of heroism,” a force that can either foster our bravery or feed our recklessness, particularly at an age where our prime health and spirit may blind us from the fact that we are not as invincible as we think.

Freud further explains in his book, Beyond the Pleasure Principle that our innate death instincts directed inwards forge a selfdestructive, “Born to Die” mindset that drives us to put ourselves in situations we normally wouldn’t.

It’s no secret that some college students smoke, drink, do drugs, and participate in other high-risk behaviors, but that’s not to say that everyone has a death wish if they take risks. Yet without selfrestraint, the self-destructive nature

of death instincts may dominate our judgment the more it feeds off of the high of defying death.

Rather than running away from the inevitable, we ought to listen to the wise words of Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne: “He who should teach men to die would at the same time teach them to live.” In the same way you can’t conceive dying until it happens, it isn’t until it’s gone that you realize what you lost. Being so young, what we have isn’t much—but what we can have is endless. No matter how old you are, death comes calling in the middle of our story, the middle of a sentence; so it bewilders me why some insist on being their own worst enemy and ending their story before it reaches the first chapter. There’s nothing wrong with being young and wild—but there is something wrong with being young, wild, and stupid.

Perhaps the reason for the rash decisions of the youth is just that— reason, or lack of it: apart from

reckless, we also tend to be aimless.

Most of the time whenever we do something we know isn’t right, we do it anyway because there’s nothing stopping us. For those who haven’t found meaning or purpose, they quit trying to impress anyone and only listen to their wild impulses, hoping that someone somewhere will find them and help them find themselves. The spirit of youth make them the best fighters, so we need only to direct our vitality and drive toward something, anything, that will serve as our anchor in the world that will settle us on a path worth our footsteps. The solution is simple: give your life meaning by having the guts to fight for something, someone, some god, and ultimately, yourself.

As wise as Montaigne’s words are, I do oppose one idea of his: death is an inevitability that we can only rationally accept and prepare for. Although death puts into perspective the importance of valuing what we have now, the

idea of idly sitting around waiting for the Grim Reaper to knock on our doors doesn’t quite sit well with me. Whether you’re barely legal or a century old, there’s no reason to not fight for another day.

Like I mentioned before, don’t let anything—including yourself— mess up your one chance to live a life actually worth being proud of.

Dylan Thomas once wrote: “Do not go gentle into that good night; rage, rage, against the dying of the light.” *** Living a good, fruitful life doesn’t mean having something to fight against, but having something to fight for. For us fledgling adults, we have no better cause than to fight for our future, hoping to be immortalized through the marks that we leave on others.

The epic TV show Game of Thrones might have taught us the phrase Valar Morghulis, meaning all men must die. But first, we must learn that Valar Dohaeris—all men must serve.

LITERARY

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016| PAGE 12

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

The story of the authors

By Lorenz Timothy Alano

Gunshots echoed in the air along with the shrieks of the natives. The heavy scent of blood filled the atmosphere as invaders sought to clench the Pearl of the East. Desperate cries slithered from the archipelago, drowning the once beautiful land and plunging it into chaos. But beyond all the smoke and fog, beyond the reaches of the nation and the planet itself, there lay amid the darkness: a being as old as the universe, keeping a watchful eye on the planet below.

He is the guide of the inhabitants of the planet, bestowing knowledge and wisdom to overcome major events and struggles in life that will turn the tides of history. He is Da’el and this is his purpose—a guide for a better world, Bathala of Earth.

Seeing the nations at their peak of improvement, Da’el had zoomed in and saw that out of all of them, there was one struggling to survive. Another opportunity to guide the world was shown to him and now, he would test the nations if they are capable of saving this archipelago.

The oasis was now plundered by strange beasts the people never encountered before. Its inhabitants could no longer hold back the invaders and so there was nothing left to do but succumb to their influence.

From then on, every action performed and every word spoken was limited. Their every move was being carefully observed and the ones who used to call this island home could no longer consider it as home. Guns pointed at their backs, knives fixed at their necks—one wrong move could cost them their existence. But as winds howled and lightning flashed, a child was born, chosen by the great Da’el. He is wisdom, courage, and wit’s incarnate; he is Rizal.

Da’el had deemed Rizal worthy to stir this nation. He knew that Rizal was more than capable since Da’el had sensed great courage in him. He knew Rizal was ravenous for freedom, and so he bestowed upon him knowledge which will lead to the uprising of a great revolution. Rizal had ventured off to different countries,

scavenging for books, studying their culture and government structures—searching for answers that will aid him in his mission to retrieve the stolen Pearl.

Rizal had caught the attention of people from the nations in the west and a few in the east. He had created various articles that cried out for help to the world, informing them of their plight. And as he ventured off to even more distant lands, Rizal had acquired knowledge—powerful knowledge in which he imbued into two books that primed the world and the people of his nation what was really going on.

These tomes were crutches, rehabilitating the people in hopes of strengthening them; but after the books had been disseminated throughout the world, the situation still hasn’t improved. Rizal had absolutely turned the tides, and the waves came crashing toward him. The nation was in an uproar.

But the waves did not hinder him, instead he rode them and embraced the roaring tides. The books were just an

After human

appetizer of what was to occur. It was exemplary, invigorating the taste buds of the people, making them crave for more.

It was the perfect spark to provoke their taste for liberty—the spark they needed to ignite the flames in their raging hearts. But the sun was too dry and the fire grew too big, crawling out of the pit and burning all it grasped—igniting the anger of the intruders.

The dark fire prevailed in the hearts of the strange beasts. The invaders were like bloodhounds. They sniffed everywhere, searched, and scavenged for Rizal, not leaving even a single pebble unturned until they caught him. He had accepted his fate knowing that heads would roll, and his would be the first to fall.

The news of his execution spread like disease, infecting the hearts of those closest to him and those who knew what he was fighting for. It also caught wind overseas, to every country he had ever

visited, to every person Rizal had ever encountered all over the globe. But none responded and none had the notion to pursue his plans. All of Da’el’s hope in guiding the world vanished.

Through colossal reptiles, periods of evolution, and civilizations of pure thought and a whole, terrible, wonderful universe of impossibilities; this world was the most impossible of all. Da’el’s eyes were too old to watch over any longer. The country of Pearls did not lose hope, but Da’el, on the other hand, abandoned all hope after seeing ignorance engulf the rest of the world— they failed his task.

Along with his fading reason, Da’el, with the last ounces of his once tremendous power, scattered and blessed the few who he thought were capable of guiding this world before the last days come. And as he exhausted all of his life force, Da’el had faded from the universe for he was of no use anymore.

Abot-kamay

By Nishtha Nigam

By John Paul Gonzales

Extracted from: Popular rhymes, folk tales, and stories for the young Anthrophagophiles Date extracted: 1725 A.H. (After Human) Author: Fuginivirocoli From pages: 723325-723327 Date of publication: 415 A.H. (After Human) Published by: Ancientrevivers educ. books

Sa aking mundong ikinubli ng mapanglaw na diwa ng paligid, patuloy kong iniinda ang mahigpit na pagkapit ng nanunuot na lamig.

Inaagaw nito ang aking lakas at aking katawa’y sadyang pinalulupaypay.

At ang tanging nakaririnig sa aking mga daing ay ang malawak na kawalan.

This piece has been translated to the primitive English of -1 B.H. I. Sparkling dreams Twinkle, twinkle, little star, humans judged us from afar.

Up they launched their aims too high, and dreamed of conquering the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle little star, now they’re gone and Earth is ours.

Naisin ko mang lumisa’t dumatal sayo’y wala akong magawa— ang ‘yong kalinga’y hinadlangan ng milya-milyang pagitan mula sa aking kinaroroonan patungo sa‘yo.

Hiling ko na balang araw ay makararating din sa ‘kin ang ‘yong liwanag at init na maghahatid ng ginhawang inaasam.

II. Miss Earth Miss Earth was a human-plagued ball.

Miss Earth inevitably had The Great Fall.

All her devices and all of her men couldn’t put Miss Earth together again.

III. Before they fall Rock-a-bye, baby on the world’s top, when our race lands, your cradle will rock.

When the myth cracks, your cradle will fall.

And down you’ll come, baby, cradle and all.

Ang pagtatama sa isang Juan Walang taong perpekto. Hindi masamang magkamali. Dalawang gasgas na linya ngunit totoo.

Kumbaga, ang pagkakamali at

“

Hindi natin dapat hayaan ang isang tao na maglakad bitbit ang kanyang mali, ignorante at bobo sa kung ano ang totoo

“

Isang araw sa isang baryo, sa gitna ng sumisiklab na tanghali ng Mayo (at kung kailan tulog ang mga bitamina ng ating utak), nakabasa si Juan ng isang click-bait hoax article sa sulok-sulok ng Facebook. “Isang bagong kaalaman!” naisip ni Juan.

Para bang umalingawngaw ang eureka moment n’ya at umabot pa sa mga bagong tubong hibla ng lumalawak nating uniberso. At nagdaan pa nga ang ilang buwang pamamahinga ng kanyang utak hanggang sa muling dumating ang pasukan. Lumabas s’ya ng tahanan, masaya sa bagong kaalaman, at walang kaalam-alam na walang katotohanan ang lahat nang ito. Dadating s’ya sa eskwela, galak

na galak n’yang ipamamahagi ang kanyang nabasa. At sasabat ang mga nakakaalam ng totoo, tatawaging bobo at pagtatawanan ang kawawang si Juan dahil—simple lang—s’ya ay naniwala sa isang impormasyong inakala n’yang tama. The end. *** Pero hindi dapat dito magwakas ang kuwento ng batang tinatago natin sa pangalang Juan. Siguro nga ay maliit na bagay at mababaw ang kuwentong ito ni Juan pero puwede itong magpakita ng isang mas malaki at malalim na isyu. Kasabay ng pag-iimbento sa kuwentong ito na naglalarawan sa isa sa karaniwang tagpo sa Internet, napagtanto ko na hindi natin dapat hayaan ang isang tao na maglakad bitbit ang kanyang mali, ignorante at bobo sa kung ano ang totoo.

pagkukulang ay ilan sa mga dahilan kung bakit tayo “tao”. Ang pagiging imperpekto ang nagbibigay sa ‘tin ng perpeksyon. Sa personal nga

na karanasan, maraming beses na kong nakatanggap ng halakhak at bungisngis dahil sa maling bigkas at pagkautal sa ilang Ingles na mga salita at sa tuwing nababaon sa ganitong sitwasyon, kailangan ko na lang piliting maglabas ng kaunting pagtawa para hindi na mas lalong lumalim pa ang pagkakalubog sa lupa ng kahihiyan.

Pipilitin na maging hindi sensitibo sa kabila ng mga insensitibong ngisi ng mga nakapaligid sa ‘kin. Ngunit kahit katanggap-tanggap ang mga ganitong pagkakamali, hindi rin naman kaaya-ayang maging masaya habang bulag sa katotohanan.

Imbes na matawa at laitin ang kaignorantehang hindi sinasadya, mas mabuting itama na lang natin ito.

Kaya ngayon, bakit hindi natin ilihis ang landas ng kuwento ni Juan at baka sakaling may magbago sa ating

perspektibo? Siguro kung sa ganitong paraan, kaakibat ng kasabihang “pay it forward”, baka sakaling mas gumanda ang ginagalawan nating mundo ng kahit ilang bahagdan man lang.

Sa halip na magtapos ang kuwento sa pangungutya at pagtawa, bakit hindi na lang: lalabas ang masayang si Juan, walang muwang sa bitbit n’yang maling kaalaman, at ipagkakalat n’ya ito. Naulinigan ito ng mga nakakaalam ng totoo pero hindi nila pinagtawanan si Juan at sa halip ay sinabi rito ang totoo. Nagpasalamat si Juan, umalis, at masaya pa ring ibinabahagi ang ngayon ay wasto nang impormasyon.

At masaya ka rin—kung sino ka man na pumuna sa pagkakamali ni Juan dahil itinuro mo sa kanya ang daan sa katotohanan.

LITERARY

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 13

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

Moonlit steps

By John Joseph Gementiza (Contributor)

The vastness of space captures your sight; and you can only look at the shining sun from the Manlalakbay ng Kalawakan (M.K.) Bakunawa in awe since your birth in a burning Earth. The sun’s enamoring rays—once giving life to Earth but now razes anything its flares touch—caresses the pendant given by your late grandmother. Someone from your crew asked what kind of pendant it is, and all you can remember is that it is made from a moon rock—the place where your shuttle landed and the place that halted all of a sudden, causing the Earth to plummet into a fiery chaos.

Your crew risks their lives in search of any metallic element for an Earth-covering project that

could save the planet from its fiery demise, and so you go out with your bulky suit. While the suit protects you from space debris, you move your legs and discover the exchange of protection— jumping is faster than walking. Looking at the ash grey surface of the moon, you poke at the rocks in hopes of fulfilling the wish you made to your grandmother: to make the world grow lush and vibrant again.

However, the only result of your search is a useless trip outside and a dooming premonition that all your loved ones on Earth are melted flesh.

With everything in vain, you follow your crew back to the shuttle. Then, the ground shook. You

danced—and so did the moon—on the dance floor that is space as you wonder what in the moon is going on. Despite the fact that these rays are killing your people back on Earth, you decide to circle your arms and embrace the light. Your feet slide on the lunar dust and you spin around like a swan swimming in a moonlit lake. You look at Earth and see the silhouettes of the western continents; the moon is dancing with you.

Your crew has had enough of your dance number and beckons you to return to the shuttle.

Against their wishes, you continue pirouetting.

You feel the gravity moving the moon as your hands glide in the air and your hips swirl in spite

of your bulky spacesuit. You jump and spin in an almost endless tornado until you saw the face of the sun itself.

A transmission suddenly blared: the temperature on Earth is reducing. With a sigh of relief, you relax your muscles and sit on the lunar landscape, until you feel the pendant emitting heat.

With your brain rushing to save you, you try to remove your suit, but it does not budge. You can only scream as the pendant latches onto your skin, digging through your flesh. You wave your arms for help, but you see the M.K. Bakunawa slither away. You can only cry out as the transmission plays humanity’s merriment.

Galactic graveyard

By James Wilson Ramolete

I keep coming back to you, returning annually to this dead galaxy— a system of lifeless stars.

The tears that fall from my eyes are like moon dust wafting into space.

They’re words to a eulogy I never had the chance to utter.

I yearn to glimmer endlessly like a supernova that shines on your tomb, as I was not there the night your light darkened.

I long to bask in your light and be nurtured in the radiance that envelops me in this cold, dark space.

The Snow Globe theory

By Rochelle Rivera

Ralph found himself roaming around Space Shop, the first toy store in their town that just opened; and he was wondering why there weren’t other kids around. Maybe they haven’t discovered it yet. The idea of him being the first to know about the store pleased him.

“What’s the best stuff here?” he asked the storekeeper, who must be the prettiest lady he had ever seen. She had dark round eyes, waist-length black hair, and fair skin. She looked like a goddess, Ralph thought to himself.

The storekeeper reached in her pocket, and placed something on Ralph’s small hands.

“A snow globe? But why are there glitters instead of snow?” It was as heavy as his father’s huge and thick encyclopedias. He was surprised it’s been in the storekeeper’s pocket all this time.

The storekeeper giggled, “Look closer. Those aren’t glitters. Those are stars.”

Ralph felt like Archimedes and this was a point of great discovery. He listened to the storekeeper as she revealed that inside the snow globe was a miniaturized model of the universe. The storekeeper said the snow globe served as the controller of the entire universe.

Although Ralph was just a twelve-year-old boy, he knew that this could not be possible. So he asked, “You mean, this snow globe can control the universe?”

“Indeed. Whatever you do to the globe, it will transpire in the universe.”

Even as Ralph doubted everything the storekeeper told him, he felt eager to control the universe and to know its entirety that even the best scientists wouldn’t have known. “Can anyone own the snow globe, then? Can they just control the whole universe?”

The storekeeper shook her head, “No. Once a weaker creature gets a hold of the globe, it would only have control over one world, not the entire universe.”

“But how about the creatures? Are we being controlled too?”

The storekeeper reached her hand to touch Ralph’s face. “No, Ralph. None of the creatures were ever controlled.”

“Is that because of free will?”

“Ralph, you really are a smart kid. Someday, this world will need a great mind like yours.”

To hide his blushing face, Ralph said, “Tell me more about how the snow globe works.”

“Well, there is a special button in the globe that opens a place—a store that looks like the outer space—enveloped in blackness. It is where one can buy celestial bodies, an entire galaxy, or a constellation of stars. Can you guess what currency is used to buy them?”

“What?” Ralph didn’t bother to guess. He was keen to know the answer.

“Energy and time.”

“If this is in your possession, this means that you are more powerful than I. Who are you?”

Ralph asked, curiosity glimmered in his eyes.

The storekeeper just winked. “If you don’t mind, I have to check something in the storage room.”

It crossed Ralph’s mind that maybe the storekeeper was God but the truth was, he never believed there was a god. Even when he was younger, he believed that everything has an origin—a scientific explanation. He was a big fan of the theory of evolution and the big bang theory.

More than anything that involved science, he loved cosmology the most.

Ralph was left alone with the snow globe still in his hands. It was both warm and cold, and was getting heavier every minute. He didn’t care if the storekeeper was just kidding around; to carry the weight of the universe right on those palms of his was too cool to deny. The storekeeper was taking so long to return, and the longer he waited, the more his childhood fantasies tempt him to sneak out of the store.

Then Ralph finally decided to take the snow globe and leave, but returned the very next day because of guilt. Oddly enough, he couldn’t find the store anymore. He was sure it was located in front of the bakery but instead of a toy store, a local appliance repair shop was in place.

Ralph searched around their little town, but he could not find the store. So he went back home again, and started playing with the snow globe. He watched as a strange-looking planet zoomed in and revealed a lifeless world. Unlike Earth, that world

had only lands that crack in all sorts of places because of the absence of water. Then he thought of an amazing idea—he’d bring that world to life.

He’d make it like Earth, but even more beautiful.

So he used the button that brought him to Spacemarket—a place that sells celestial bodies and probably anything, just like the storekeeper told him. With the help of the Internet and his father’s science books, Ralph learned about the things he should buy like moon, stars, and clouds that bring rain. He let them pour until the planet has enough water for organisms to start living. It was already midnight when he finished. He looked at everything with pride, and for once, he thought, “Who made Earth?” He finally welcomed the idea that there might be someone out there who had really made everything—like what he did to this new world.

Ralph was so tired that he didn’t go outside of his room to eat, even when his mom had knocked a million times. He fell asleep watching his masterpiece and the next morning, he woke up in a different place.

Ralph’s reflex told him to move but his body felt a little heavy. He thought that maybe he was just dreaming because no matter how much effort he exerted, he couldn’t carry his body fast enough.

He started to notice something was wrong when he fully opened his eyes and couldn’t see clearly. Still, from the reflection on the mirror, he recognized that he wasn’t a twelve-year-old boy anymore—but an old man with gray hair and a wrinkled face. The snow globe took all his energy and time that he didn’t even notice he lost years from his life.

He went outside the room and roamed around the strangely familiar house. He looked into the pictures that were displayed and saw himself with people he only had distinct memory with. He had memories of how he grew up, worked, and built a family; he even remembered having a son that took over his love for science. His child became an astrophysicist, and Ralph’s heart broke from missing the chance to witness how his little boy grew up to be a man much wiser than him.

He searched the whole house for the snow globe but could not find it anywhere. So he

decided to leave but immediately returned to get an oxygen tank, which everyone carried all the time because oxygen has become limited on Earth.

Outside the house was a sight of war. There was very little light because the sky was covered with dark smoke. But the most unsettling scene perhaps were poster ads of human steak that spread across the streets, like a new brilliant invention for solving the shortage of resources in food. Slaughterhouses that used to cage pigs, now the new home for poor people being processed as food for the higher class.

Ralph could not accept it, knowing that outside this dreadful place was another world much better than Earth.

He sat down on a wooden bench, and reached for a phone in his pocket.

“Hey, uh, it’s me, uh—” Ralph kept clearing his throat, suddenly nervous that he didn’t think twice about calling. He just realized that this conversation will be the first real one he’ll have with his son, out of all his forged memories.

“Dad, hey,” his son sounded miserable. “It’s hopeless.”

Ralph’s son was in a big conference where all the scientists have gathered to propose theories and give solution to their dying world. When Ralph took long to answer, his son added, “If you need anything, I’ll call Aunt Linda to take care of it. I’ll be coming home soon.”

“No. Listen. We still have a chance,” Ralph said with urgency.

“Earth still got a chance? Dad, it’s just impossible. Our world is dying and we couldn’t even formulate a theory close enough to explain how it began. We couldn’t save or recreate the world, Dad. It’s just too late.”

“Yes. We may not be able to save Earth, and recreating it is beyond what any man can do. But there is another world out there where we can start all over. What we should start figuring out is how to get there.”

There was a long pause.

“What do you mean?”

Ralph cleared his throat once again, thinking about the snow globe. “Luke, son, I have a theory to propose.”

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 14

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

Patriots exit UCCL early, sweep elims DLSU-D stuns SISC, 65-60

By John Zedrick Simeon

Before dropping their semifinals opportunity, the DLSU-D Patriots notched a 5-0 standing in the eliminations round of the 9th United Calabarzon Collegiate League after conquering Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) - Lipa Valiant Knights, 65-60, at the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities gym, Tanauan, Batangas on September 13, 2015.

In the same league’s quarter finals, the De La Salle-Lipa Chevrons sent the Patriots home, 2-0, blowing off a twiceto-beat advantage.

Piercing through the armor

PATRIOT PRIDE. The Lady Patriots rejoice after dominating the DLS-CSB Lady Blazers in the preliminaries round of the Shakey’s V-League season 12 at the Filoil Flying V Arena on August 9, 2015. Moesha de Guia

Cagebelles hail as backto-back UCCL champs Lady Patriots thrash Lady Vanguards, 76-62

By Rose Kristine Amarillo Dominating the league for the second time, the DLSU-D cagebelles successfully defended their throne with a 76-62 victory against the Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite (EAC-C) Lady Generals in the 9th United Calabarzon Collegiate League (UCCL) at the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH), Lipa City, Batangas on September 29, 2015.

Patriot veteran Jezza Taroja stood out as the finals’ most valuable player, leading the greenand-white team with 21 points, while Patriot Josele Patricia Jumawan earned 15 points.

Reigning victors Lady Vanguard Krizia Mae Bernabe opened the first quarter by firing a layup, 2-0, but Patriot Agatha Azarcon immediately leveled the scores through her layup, 2-all. Marjorie Borres continuously scored for EAC-C through her swift layup and jump shot, 2-6, but the Patriots abruptly bounced back by delivering seven consecutive points, 9-6.

Borres trimmed the Lady Vanguards’ deficit through her layup, 9-8, but Patriots Taroja and Azarcon unleashed a powerful two-pointer and three-pointer that

lengthened the gap, 16-8.

With 14.6 seconds remaining on the clock, Azarcon released an effortless three-point shot while Lady Vanguard Camille Alonzo responded with a three-point buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, 23-15.

Taroja started the second period by tapping in two points for the green-and-white team, 2515. Intensifying the game, the Lady Patriots and Lady Vanguards alternately secured points, 33-26.

Executing their aggressiveness inside the court, the Lady Vanguard harmonized a good scoring rhythm and poured two-point and threepoint shots, clinching the lead against the reigning victors, 33-34.

Despite Azarcon’s powerful layup that stole the lead for DLSU-D, Lady Vanguard Ina Raymundo successfully scored three out of four free throw attempts to regain their advantage, 35-37.

Amplifying the thrill, Azarcon and Taroja respectively spawned a jump shot and a layup, with 36.8 seconds remaining in the clock, 3937. However, the determined Lady Vanguards immediately recovered and ended the second period as Raymundo banked two points that drew the scores at a breathtaking 39-all.

After the nail-biting second quarter, Patriot Josele Patricia Jumawan wrecked the deadlock after executing two consecutive layups in the opening of the third quarter, 43-39. Lady Vanguard Charmaine Lanto supplied a layup but Jumawan answered with a swift jump shot that kept the scores distant, 45-41. Despite Lady Vanguard Camille Alonzo’s successful two free throws, the Patriots managed to keep the lead as the third quarter closed, 63-52.

The unstoppable green-andwhite team opened the final quarter by releasing consecutive points, 71-52, but the Lady Vanguards strengthened their offense and scored three baskets, 71-58. Leaving their opponent behind, Lady Patriot Diane Reyes successfully scored her two free throw attempts, 7660. Retaining the UCCL crown, DLSU-D took advantage of EAC-C’s scoreless streaks in the remaining seconds of the quarter and boosted their offense, 76-62.

Claiming their two-peat title in UCCL, cagebelles head coach Tito Reyes shared his insight as they harvest the fruit of their labor, “‘Yung goal namin talaga [ay] mapa-champion [ang team] kasi nag-prepare kami dito ng ilang buwan.”

Tracksters harvest 6 medals in UniGames 2015 DLSU-D dropped 4 X 100 m relay 3-peat title

By Fernan Patrick Flores Back on the Philippine University Games (UniGames) track, the DLSU-D tracksters gained two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal against different university contenders nationwide in the 20th UniGames athletics tournament held at Panaad Park, Bacolod City on October 26-27.

Capturing a double gold record, Lady Patriot Felyn Dolloso defended her UniGames throne in the triple and long jump events after leaping 12.53 and 5.63 meters high, respectively. Dolloso outshone DLSU-Manila’s Angel Carino, who settled at second spot with 11.88 and 5.58 meters record for the said events.

In the men’s division, veteran thrower Ralph Gesulgon gathered silver medals for javelin and discus

throw categories. Clocking a 15.14 seconds mark, Robert Francisco secured a silver medal in the 110-m sprint behind Far Eastern University’s Clinton Bautista, who took the gold medal with a 14.73 seconds time. Completing the Patriots’ medal tally, Alvin Valdenarro captured a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles event after marking 10.70 seconds.

Rookie trackster Jasmin Martinez fell short to add medals in the 100 and 200-meter sprint events after placing fourth with 13.13 and 26.82 seconds time, respectively.

Losing the chance of defending Patriots’ 4 x 100 meter relay title, Gesulgon shared that they encountered difficulties on timing. “Sa 4 x 100, gold kami dapat talaga do’n kaso nahulog ‘yung baton. Sabi nga ni coach, maggo-gold tayo diyan or malalaglag ‘yung baton.”

Opening the first quadrant at a solid rate, DLSU-D and SISC’s men’s basketball exhibited sturdy offenses that lodged the scores at 13-9. At the starting point of the second span, the green-andwhite squad spawned an electrifying 12-0 run that outstripped the Knights, pushing the lead to double digits, 25-11.

Keeping the momentum, Knight Nanzee Dilay shot a three point of his own at 3:20 as his teammate Joshua Palacio banked a powering layup to lower the lead to a single digit, 25-16.

Affirming the Knights’ way, Luke Parcero hooked an offensive foul and a turnover from teammate Cantimbuhan.

The game-winning tempo backtracked to DLSU-D through Arvin Remulla’s foul-counted layup and Parcero’s jump shot, pushing the lead back to dual figures, 30-18. With 4.9 seconds left, fleet-footed Cantimbuhan managed

to place a layup to end the second frame with a 14-point advantage, 32-18.

Fury from both teams welcomed the second half as a brawl nearly commenced between Remulla and Palacio.

Despite the feud, the game carried on with the violet-and-white squad’s standout Andre Causapin, who barged in two consecutive trips to the free throw line, prompting a score of 3222. Cutting their deficit by two, Red Egmalis and Causapin of the Valiant Knights came forth on a one-two punch with a steal and a dime for an easy two points, 32-24.

DLSU-D head coach Rodel Mercado spotted the opponent’s disarming pace at 4:16, 42-27, calling for a full-court press to take advantage.

The Knights governed a tight defense, putting up a 9-4 run against the Patriots, 46-36, followed by Dilay’s go-ahead basket, slashing their deficit to eight with seven ticks remaining to third period’s conclusion, 46-38.

Keeping their hopes alive at an early mark, the final chapter stretched with Surjohn Zuño’s back-to-back twopoint field goals for the Valiant Knights to draw the scores closer, 46-42.

Extending their lead, Remulla from the Dasmariñas-based squad drubbed a tough shot, 48-42, followed

by Parcero looting the ball that resulted into an assist to advancing Pacholo Loor, constructing two easy points, 5042. Fleeing the game, Remulla came up with a blocking foul while Zuño was

on pursuit for a layup that handed his agonizing fifth foul.

Elevating the Knight’s assault, Mike Fuelas set a steal and assisted Zuño with a lay-up, 50-44. The Knights shifted the momentum from an 8-2 run to tie the game at 53-all.

Reinforcing the lead’s growth, Patriot Loor shot from downtown to break the deadlock, 56-53. Succoring to lengthen the lead, Patriots’ gunner Parcero scored two free throws succeeded by Loor’s dynamic defense, stealing the ball from Zuño for a fast break, 60-53.

Disrupting the disheartening run, Knights head coach Luis Monfort called for another break with three minutes remaining in the game.

Demonstrating their brutal defense, Patriot Francis Bertumen put up four blocks in the game and swindled the ball, but picked up a foul in a vain attempt to block Causapin.

The Knights once more put up a 7-2 run through their free throws and a three-point field goal, but failed to tie the scores after Zuño’s unsuccessful jump shot, 62-60.

With their heads in the game, the Patriots maintained their defense with 55.4 seconds left. Patriot Kyle Amponin established the margin to victory, ambushing the rim with a lay-up that converted one secured free throw, 63-60. The Patriots sealed their eliminations round finale as Parcero dropped two more free throws, 65-60 at 7.4 seconds.

Spikers claim regl’s ticket in PRISAA ‘15 DLSU-D whitewash UPHSJ-GMA, 3-0

By Ezekiel Coronacion

Establishing a clean 3-0 slate in the eliminations round, the DLSU-D spikers extended their dynasty after thrashing the University of Perpetual Help System Jonelta – GMA (UPHSJ-GMA) Blue Saints in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, and 25-16, in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) – Provincials volleyball men championship at the Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) on December 1, 2015.

Smooth victory The DLSU-D spikers and Blue Saints kicked off the first canto with long rallies that kept their digits close, 10-11.

Igniting an early spark in the match, Patriot Aidam Adam led the team as he bombarded spikes for a two-point advantage, 18-16. Before ceasing the set, Adam released a stinging backrow attack, 25-19.

Launching the second period, green-and-white Daniel Angelo Benitez flaunted their superiority as he hauled several spikes, 9-4. UPHSJ-GMA’s service errors together with Patriot Eddiemar Kasim’s unstoppable spikes paved the way for DLSU-D to prove their supremacy, 16-9.

Attempting to claim the second set, Blue Saint John Louise Echano

banked in kills to cut their deficit to five, 22-17, however, Kasim retaliated with lethal attacks that concluded the second set in favor of DLSU-D, 25-20.

The green-and-white crowd went wild as the Patriots showcased their skills by yielding continuous kills, overshadowing the blue-and-white squad smoothly as they dominate the third canto, 25-16.

Crucial combat Before gaining the twice-tobeat advantage, Patriots traversed a neck-and-neck victory against UPHSD-Molino in five sets with 25-12, 25-16, 22-25, 20-25, 18-16 tallies.

Risking their regionals voucher, the fifth set started with chains of faults from DLSU-D, 0-3.

Although losing their momentum, Kasim fired spikes that sparked long rallies, 5-7.

Several errors poured from both teams and as the Patriots persisted, discharging spikes in attempt to snatch the lead, the Blue Saints found their own rhythm and regained their defense, 10-11.

The Molino-based spikers fueled their offenses by walloping three consecutive points, 10-14.

Reviving the green-and-white spirit, Kasim shifted the momentum to the Patriots as they bombarded impressive kills to pull a deuce play, marking a five-to-nothing run, 15-14.

Garnering points from the Patriot’s errors, UPHSD-M managed to surpass their deficit, 1516. However, DLSU-D successfully scorched their defense as they wrapped up the breathtaking match by towering double blocks against UPHSD-M’s intense attacks, 18-16.

Persisting dominance Spearheaded by Patriots Kasim and Bryan Castro, DLSU-D easily swept Saint Francis of Assisi College – Bacoor (SFAC-B) in the first match with outstanding 25-15, 25-21, and 25-21 tallies.

The Patriots fought hard for the second match as they retaliated in a nail-biting five-setter game against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Molino, embracing a tough 25-12, 25-16, 22-25, 20-25, and 18-16 victory.

“Ever since, consistent naman ‘yung La Salle Dasma, kahit kinulang ng preparation…na-maintain naman [ang championship title],” coach Joven Racelis shared.

CAGEBELLES from page 16 quarter, 37-24. The Patriot cagebelles then stretched the lead further as Reyes sent a behind-the-back pass to Rodriguez, who dominated with a layup shot, 41-24.

Drawing the scores near, Blue Saints Shennen Mae Dorio and Rosslee Eustaquio seized a layup and a jump shot, respectively, to slash their deficit to five, 43-38.

Alarmed by the opponent’s comeback, DLSU-D’s Diaz banked a rainbow shot with 20 seconds remaining, 46-38.

On the verge of falling Attempting to steal the regionals ticket, the blue-and-white squad bounced back to post a late comeback as

Bautista and Eustaquio fired a rainbow shot and a layup, clamoring a 46-45 record.

The Blue Saint spirit was ignited as Bautista discharged another jump shot to narrow down their deficit to three, with a 50-47 slate.

Responding against the Blue Saints’ scratch, the Patriot cagebelles notched another basket after Patriot Jumawan abruptly released a layup shot to lift their advantage to five, 52-47.

Taking advantage of the Patriots’ miscalculated shots, UPHSJ-GMA’s Bautista remained hopeful of the provincials crown and fired a jump shot and a teardrop

shot with 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter, 55-51.

The Lady Blue Saints recovered quickly as Michelle Dimapilis detonated a tear drop shot, 55-53, but DLSU-D’s Reyes abruptly pushed their advantage to four through her layup shot, 57-53.

Despite Blue Saint Dimapilis’ last-minute scare, the Patriot cagebelles maximized the remaining seconds by strengthening their offense and defense before they sealed the neck-and-neck fight with a tight 5755 record.

Meanwhile, Azarcon, Jumawan, and Reyes joined the mythical five along with MVP Reyes to wrap up the tournament.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 | PAGE 15

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

Patriots exit Spikers’ Turf with 1-4 record DLSU-D trounces AU, 3-1

By John Harold Dizon

DLSU-D endured their never-saydie spirit as they broke their losing streak, thrashing the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs in a 3-1 wrap up to their Spikers’ Turf campaign held at the Filoil Flying V Arena, San Juan, Metro Manila on August 10, 2015.

Enthusiastic for future tournaments, head coach Joven Racelis shared the key to the Patriots’ domination against the Chiefs. “Pride, sabi ko sa kanila (Spikers) bago matapos ang komperensiyang ‘to, alagaan natin ‘yung pride natin [at] ‘wag tayong uuwing walang panalo.”

Turning point Despite marking four straight losses, the DLSU-D Patriots redeemed their morale after securing a 26-24, 2325, 25-23, and 26-24 win against the

AU Chiefs before dropping their Spikers’ Turf stint.

Arellano’s tight defense and Patriots’ astounding offense pushed the scores to a 21-all deadlock in the first set. Due to DLSU-D guest player Alvin Caycayuran’s error, the Chiefs wrecked the deadlock to take a twopoint advantage, 21-23.

Amplifying the tension, the Patriots quickly rebutted the Chiefs by pressuring them to commit errors through their strong defense, and tying the game to 24-all. Chief John Joseph Cabillan’s mishit and DLSU-D’s guest player Wilbert Sapida’s power followed AU’s struggle with a zippy down the line hit, empowering the Patriots to conquer the first set, 26-24.

DLSU-D retained their momentum as they kicked off the second set with an astonishing 7-1 lead.

Dropping their good scoring rhythm, a

series of green-and-white errors paved way for Arellano to establish a 1-4 run, adding powerful spikes and services to snatch the lead, 21-22.

However, AU’s Christian Segovia whistled for a lifting violation followed by a combination play of Al-Sharin Abdulwahab and Eddiemar Kasim, giving the Patriots the lead, 23-22.

Concluding the set, Arellano tallied three consecutive points before Cabillan singlehandedly rejected Sapida’s spike to tie the game into one set apiece, 23-25.

With the overwhelming intensity surrounding the court, the game remained on Arellano’s side when they started the third set with a fivepoint lead, 11-16. Altering the scene, DLSU-D’s offense ruled against the AU Chiefs’ struggling defense as they made four consecutive points to grab the third set, 25-23.

Arellano remained hopeful on the

fourth set as they outran the Patriots due to errors in the latter part, 16-21.

Utilizing their mental toughness, the Patriots established a 7-0 run through their solid defense and powerful attacks, 22-21.

Grasping the chance to extend the game to fifth set, the Chiefs exerted their final blow to redeem the lead by gaining three consecutive points, 22-24.

Persistent DLSU-D responded with four-straight points led by team captain Aldin Bin, wisely pushing the ball to the open court, giving the Patriots the rights to seal the game, 26-24.

David versus the Goliaths Dauntless after clinching a victory against the Chiefs, the Patriots still failed to advance to the playoff rounds as they faced different powerhouse teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and

National Collegiate Athletic Association. DLSU-D exited the 12team conference as the 10th placer, leaving behind the AU Chiefs and University of the East Red Warriors at the bottom two spot. Coach Joven Racelis’ young bloods first encountered coach Arnold Laniog’s mighty squad, the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde Blazers, who crashed them into three straight sets, 18-25, 18-25, and 15-25.

UAAP defending champions, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Spikers, spearheaded by the reigning and back-to-back UAAP most valuable player Marck Espejo, overshadowed the Patriots in their second game with their towering defense and aggressive offense, allowing them to put up the three-set game with 12-15, 17-25, and 13-25.

Coming from two consecutive

defeats, the Caviteños faced another green-and-white team in their third match, the De La Salle University Green Archers. Determined Patriot Eddiemar Kasim led his team with 49 attacks and 13 points but failed to diminish the fire heated by Cris Dumago, who led the Green Archers to victory with 41 attacks, 12 points, and three excellent digs.

The Patriots withstood the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons as DLSU-D established a 25-23 first set triumph.

Proving his strength, E. Kasim racked up 20 points and 61 attacks but fell short to overthrow the Fighting Maroons with the solid performance of Wendel Miguel, who tallied 52 attacks, 19 points, and six excellent digs. UP owned the next three sets by 16-25, 19-25, and 22-25.

Volleybelles rule PRISAA – Provl’s DLSU-D routs UPHSJ-GMA, 3-1

By John Harold Dizon

Extending their dynasty in the women’s volleyball championship, the DLSU-D Lady Spikers defended their title as they dominated the Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) – Provincials with a perfect 3-0 slate after overthrowing the University of Perpetual Help System Jonelta-GMA (UPHSJ-GMA) Lady Blue Saints in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-29, and 25-15, at the Ugnayang La Salle on November 30, 2015.

Lady Patriots team captain Iumi Yongco bagged her last PRISAA – Provincials’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) award together with senior Cherry Nunag and sophomore standout Myka Tiangco, securing spots in the mythical six.

Expressing her desire to advance to the PRISAA - Nationals stage, MVP Yongco shared, “Siyempre mas maganda [ang ipapakita naming performance kaysa] rito, kasi dalawang taon na kaming natalo do’n. Kaya dapat makabawi talaga kami, lalo na ako [dahil] last year ko na ‘to.”

Unstable beginning Kicking off the first set, the Lady Patriots and the Lady Blue Saints both unleashed defensive and offensive skills until Yongco released a swift service ace to put the game to a 10-all deadlock.

Breaking the ice, the Lady Blue Saints took a four-point advantage in the middle of the first

set due to the Lady Patriots’ violations and errors, 14-18.

DLSU-D mainstays Yongco and Nunag drew the scores near at 19-20 as they stood out through their powerful spikes and splashing service aces.

UPHSJ-GMA, on the other hand, fired three consecutive points with Joycee Paculanang’s and team captain Ulysses Torres’ blocks, 19-23.

Concluding the set, Torres wisely pushed the ball to the open side of the court to claim the first set victory, 22-25.

Veterans Continuing their momentum in the second canto, Torres led the Lady Blue Saints with her lethal service aces to pull an early five-point lead, 8-13.

Behind the Lady Blue Saints’ storm, DLSU-D redeemed their spirits after displaying an 8-1 run through Yongco’s and Nunag’s agility, 16-14. The Dasmariñas-based squad showered powerful attacks to finish the set to 25-22.

The Lady Blue Saints remained hopeful, bounding a close third set with 17-all but Maribeth Lara and Nunag crushed their faith as the duo produced a 6-0 run through their quick and running spikes, 23-17.

Attempting to post a comeback, the Lady Blue Saints pumped three consecutive points

with Torres’ and Kate Ilano’s series of spikes and service aces. However, the Blue Saints accidentally handed an easy-set victory to DLSU-D through Ilano’s ball mishit, 25-20.

Following up their compelling plays, the Lady Patriots finally caught the defensive weakness of the blue-and-white spikers as they launched the fourth set with a 7-0 run.

Showing their eagerness to secure the regionals ticket, DLSU-D consistently produced swift attacks and smart sets in the fourth canto that pushed a 12-point advantage against the Lady Blue Saints, 20-8. Leaving the Blue Saints behind, Myell Joy Pasco released back-to-back service aces that put them on a high note in the tournament, 25-15.

Sweeping the elims Before they reached the peak of glory, the Lady Patriots started strong in the tournament as they whitewashed the St. Francis of Assisi College – Bacoor volleybelles in three-straight sets, 25-13, 25-10, and 25-22.

The DLSU-D volleybelles withstood a good rhythm, confronting their final rival UPHSJ-GMA in the second game of the eliminations round. Finishing with a clean record, UPHSJ-GMA gave DLSU-D a rigid four set superiority, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, and 27-25.

DYNASTY. Patriot spikers Aidam Adam, Jerome Mirano, and Eddiemar Kasim joins the mythical six in the final game of the PRISAA - provincials 2015 Kathelyn Ann Bravo

V-LEAGUE from page 16 launch the third set, 0-6, that compelled DLSU-D’s head coach Raymund Ramirez to take a timeout.

The Lady Patriots managed to slash their deficit to 2-6 as Nunag detonated a spike followed by Dadang’s block. Musa, however, walloped a sturdy spike that kept the Blazers’ scores distant to the Patriots, 2-8.

Grabbing the chance to seal the third set, the Lady Blazers exceeded their lead against the Lady Patriots as Jannine Navarro unleashed four massive spikes to overcome a 9-16 lead.

The Lady Patriots slammed hard for a comeback point but the Blazers grabbed the opportunity to bounce back in the game as Navarro, Panaga, and Cheng dazzled with a kill, drop, and spike, respectively, to prevail over the Patriots, 15-25.

The Lady Blazers set up their momentum in the fourth set after Navarro secured their early lead through the Lady Patriots’ consecutive errors, 5-8. Attacking for a blitz, Patriot Mara Galicia tallied a spike to cut the Blazers’ advantage but Navarro immediately recovered and

extended their lead through her spike, 7-10.

With the Lady Patriots’ fighting spirit ruptured, Delfin, Nunag, and Lara pumped three consecutive points through their spike and block to cut the Lady Blazers’ advantage, 10-11 As the fourth set commenced, the Lady Blazers moved forward as Torres showcased a dominant spike to widen their gap up to four, 10-14.

Chasing the opponents’ lead, Dadang released a spike while Yongco nailed a drop to cut their deficit down to three, 16-19.

The Lady Blazers, on the other hand, lengthened their gap by four as Navarro launched a spike, 1721. Claiming back-to-back set wins, Panaga emerged with a service ace that guaranteed the fourth set victory for the Blazers, 25-18.

Forcing a do-or-die match, DLSCSB grabbed the chance to gain four consecutive points through Torres’ service aces and Navarro’s spikes, 4-6. Strengthening their quarterfinals opportunity, Panaga unleashed a spike and a drop with six points away from the victory, 6-9.

As the Lady Patriots assaulted one step away from the quarterfinals, Yongco and teammates Delfin and Navidad snatched the momentum with a one-point advantage to keep the quarterfinals’ opportunity alive, 10-9.

Both teams rumbled into a neck-and-neck battle as Torres tied the game at 14-all however, the Lady Patriots survived the do-or-die set as Yongco sealed the game with a strong spike that claimed the final slot for the quarterfinals with a 1614 slate.

Vile climax In the quarterfinals round, the Lady Patriots suffered a 7-25, 1125, and 15-25 defeat against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.

On the other hand, the National University Lady Bulldogs posted a 25-17, 25-19, and 25-17 triumph as they overshadowed the Lady Patriots.

As the green-and-white squad struggled in their previous bout, the Lady Patriots also succumbed to a 20-25, 17-25, and 15-25 loss in their first encounter against the Arellano University Lady Chiefs.

Operasyon kooperasyon nakapagpamalas ng magagandang laro sa kanilang pakikipagtunggali sa mga beteranong kalaban.

“

Aanhin mo ang kahusayan ng isang manlalaro kung hindi naman ito marunong kumilos sa loob ng isang koponan?

“

Sa mundo ng basketball at volleyball, ang kamangha-manghang kakayahan at performance ng ilang manlalaro ang pumupukaw ng atensyon ng mga manonood. Gayunpaman, may mga pagkakataong pilit inaangkinin ng isang manlalaro ang pagkolekta ng puntos dahil lamang hayok ito sa papuri. Minsan, nagiging sanhi ito ng pagkatalo ng isang grupo sapagkat nawawala na ang esensya ng tulungan sa isang koponan. Sa bawat larong napapanood ko, ang kawalan ng matibay na pundasyon ng pagkakaisa ang nagpapahina sa isang koponan.

Sa isang grupo, ang bawat miyembro ay mayroong kanya-kanyang tungkulin na kailangan nilang gampanan upang maging isang matagumpay na

yunit. Mahalaga ang kakayahan ng bawat indibidwal; sa volleyball, hindi makakagawa ng mahuhusay na palo ang spikers kung mawawalan ang koponan nila ng magaling na setter. Sa madaling salita, hindi dapat sa iisang tao lang inaasa ang responsibilidad na itaguyod ang koponan sa isang laban.

Sa ating mga atleta, isa sa mga napansin ko ang nasasayang na talento ng maraming beteranong manlalaro dahil sa kakulangan ng koordinasyon at komunikasyon sa loob ng court. Patunay dito ang resulta ng mga laro ng Patriot spikers sa Shakey’s V-League Season 12 at sa Spikers’ Turf Season 1 Collegiate League dahil nabigo silang makagawa ng magandang record kahit na nagpamalas ng mahusay na laro ang ilan nating mga manlalaro tulad nina Iumi Yongco, Cherry Nunag, at Eddiemar Kasim. Tila sila lamang ang nakapagtaguyod sa kanilang teams at

Bukod sa nahihirapang makasabay ang ibang manlalaro sa magagandang performance ng iba, nawawasak din ang pundasyon ng kooperasyon kapag

nagiging bakaw ang isang manlalaro dahil lamang sa pagnanais niyang gumawa ng marka sa isang laro. Bilang resulta, imbes na gumanda ang laro ng koponan, nakikilala lamang ang manlalaro na nagsasarili sa pagkuha ng puntos. Aanhin mo ang kahusayan ng isang manlalaro kung hindi naman ito marunong kumilos sa loob ng isang koponan?

Dagdag pa rito, ang kaisipang ang star player ang tulay sa tagumpay ay nagiging dahilan din kung minsan upang matalo ang isang koponan. Katulad ng kinahinatnan ng Los Angeles Lakers sa National Basketball Association (NBA) league, mistulang ipinaubaya lang kay Kobe Bryant ang magandang performance ng team dahil nagsimulang gumuho at masira ang records ng kanilang koponan matapos na hindi makapaglaro ang masasabing ‘one of the greatest NBA players in the history’ sa ilang games noong 2013-2014. Katulad nito,

madalas na napapasa ang pressure sa mga star player at umaabot sa puntong sa kanila na lang dumepende ang kanilang mga kakampi. Maaaring may mga panahong nakasalalay sa star players ang laro dahil sa ilang pagkukulang ng koponan ngunit hindi ibig sabihin na dapat tumigil ang iba sa pagkilos sa natitirang oras ng laban.

***

Sa likod ng bawat tagumpay, matinding kooperasyon ang sikreto ng isang koponan. tulad nang pagkilos bilang isa at hindi kanya-kanya. Maaaring sa kanya-kanyang sarili nga nanggagaling ang lakas, ngunit ang pagkakaisa at komunikasyon sa isang koponan ang susi sa iisang kampeonato. Kung ang bawat isa sana’y mas determinadong ibahagi ang kakayahan at kaalaman upang maabot ang goal, tiyak na mas titibay ang kooperasyon sa loob ng isang koponan na siyang magdudulot ng tagumpay.

• Tracksters harvest 6 medals • Cagebelles: back-to-back UCCL champs • Patriots exit Spikers’ Turf SEPTEMBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016

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DLSU-D cagebelles clinch provl’s 5-peat title

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 2

Lady Patriots rout Lady Blue Saints, 57-55

By Keith Alvin Martinez The DLSU-D cagebelles survived from a cold sweat bout after stretching their ruling dynasty to five with a nail-biting 57-55 victory against the University of Perpetual Help System Jonelta – GMA (UPHSJ-GMA) Lady Blue Saints in the Private Schools Athletic Association women’s basketball final match at the Ugnayang La Salle on November 30, 2015.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) Diane Reyes dominated with a 16-point record in the finals along with Josele Jumawan and Jannie Rodriguez, who finished with 10 points each.

“Ito [dapat] ‘yung pinakamadali[ng part ng laro namin] eh, kaso dito pa lang nahirapan na kami so feeling ko sobrang dami naming kailangan i-improve.

Unang-una na ‘yung attitude towards the game kasi may players ako na naggive up, ‘yon ‘yung ita-try naming i-build,” DLSU-D head coach Tito Reyes expressed.

Aggressive opening Patriot Agatha Azarcon took the first possession of the game after a layup shot coming from Divine Diaz’s assist to mark a 2-0 start. Posting a 12-5 run, DLSU-D continued their impressive pace as Rodriguez, Jumawan, and Mariel Campasa intensified their offense to extend their lead by five, 14-5.

DLSU-D’s point guard Reyes chipped in points with teardrop shots to gather an 11-point edge, but Blue Saint Irah Joannah Almariego immediately released a three-pointer and a jump shot

to limit the Patriots’ lead to six, 16-10.

Before the first canto dropped, the green-and-white squad scored another basket as Patriot Rodriguez propelled a jump shot to come up with an eight-point lead against the Lady Blue Saints, 18-10. Keeping their scores distant, Campasa aggressively drove to a layup buzzer-beater with a foul to expand their gap to a double digit in the first quarter, 21-10.

Garnering their first mark in the second canto, the Lady Blue Saints hauled the first possession after Blue Saint Pat Bautista hurled another three-pointer, 21-13.

The Patriot cagebelles maintained their lead in the second quarter with the help of Reyes and Rodriguez through their perimeter shots, 25-13.

Redeeming their fighting spirit,

Blue Saint Bautista launched another deadly three to post a 25-16 slate.

The Dasmariñas-based cagebelles immediately interrupted the blue-andwhite squad’s momentum after a scoop shot from Reyes and Irene Torregosa, who ascended a layup shot to mark a 29-16 point.

Down by a 13 point deficit, UPHSJ - GMA unleashed another attempt to split the gap to a single digit as Bautista executed another rainbow shot to secure a 6-0 run, 31-22.

The Patriots extended their edge to a double digit as Reyes pulled their advantage up to 15 through her perimeter shots, along with Jumawan’s two charity stripes, 37-22.

Down by 15 points, UPHSJGMA’s Almariego nailed the first possession with a layup shot in the third

see CAGEBELLES/page 14

Lady Patriots drop V-League stint DLSU-D bow down to UP, 0-3

By Keith Alvin Martinez The DLSU-D Lady Patriots succumbed to a 19-25, 10-25, and 18-25 defeat against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons as their journey ended at the quarterfinals round of the 12th season of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, held at the Filoil Flying V San Juan Arena on September 6, 2015.

Down-to-the-wire combat Before the Lady Maroons dominated the Lady Patriots to a 0-3 slate, the Dasmariñas-based spikers tallied a 25-19, 25-21, 15-25, 18-25, and 16-14 set victory against the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers to a solid five set victory in their tug-of-war match in

the eliminations round on August 9.

Leading a neck-and-neck joust, Lady Patriots’ Iumi Yongco and Maribeth Lara combined 28 points to secure the victory for their team. Lady Blazers Jannine Navarro along with Jeanette Panaga and Melanie Torres strived for 45 points but fell short to post a late game rally against DLSU-D. The Lady Blazers sustained their score through Panaga’s attack to dispense an early lead in the first set, 6-8. Down by two points, Lady Patriots’ captain Yongco, with teammates Cherry Nunag and guest player Gyzelle Sy, pulled up their score with six consecutive points, 12-8. Drawing their score closer to the Lady Patriots, the Lady Blazers pulled a 4-0 run in the middle of the first set through

Ranya Musa’s ace and Melanie Torres’ spike, 16-15.

Pushing their lead by five, Yongco, guest player Desiree Dadang, and Lara propelled massive spikes to snatch the momentum for the Lady Patriots, 21-16. Trying to regain their advantage, DLS-CSB scored through a block from Navarro, but DLSU-D immediately concluded the first set with a six-point lead, 25-19.

The Lady Patriots’ continued their pace in the second set after Dadang nailed a spike and a block to maintain their lead, but the Blazers abruptly stole the advantage into a 5-8 slate as they strengthened their defense.

Rooting their momentum, both teams smashed pound for pound attacks that tied the game to 12–all.

However, the Lady Patriots seized

their gap to three as the Lady Blazers committed consecutive errors, 16-13.

Although the Lady Blazers managed to cut their deficit to three, the Patriots boosted their margin to 18-15 through Yongco’s spike.

As the heat intensified between the two green-and-white squads, the Lady Patriots gained four consecutive points after rookie Basilyn Delfin fired a sharp spike to seize their lead, 2120. Moving closer to the quarterfinals’ seat, the Lady Patriots notched a backto-back set win as Delfin secured their courtside through a block, 25-21.

Late momentum With the Lady Blazers off to a twoset deficiency, Panaga singlehandedly buried six consecutive service aces to

see V-LEAGUE/page 15

DLSU-D cagers finish PRISAA ‘15 with silver UPHSD-M nips DLSU-D, 82-79

By John Zedrick Simeon Losing their regionals ticket from the Altases once again, the DLSU-D cagers handed the championship trophy to the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Molino (UPHSD-M) Altases in the Private Schools Athletic Association – Provincials in their homecourt at Ugnayang La Salle, 79-82, on November 30, 2015.

RESISTANCE. Patriot Captain Romiko Vidanes tries to revive the green-and-white spirit in the PRISAA provincials against the Altases.

Camille Trinidad

Perpetualite flashback The opening tipoff favored DLSU-D as center Janari Reyes won the first possession, allowing Eljay Canuel to start a play.

Despite Altas Jayvee Tigas’s foulcounted layup, Patriot frontcourt John Cantimbuhan shot two consecutive trifectas at 9:01 and 8:25, respectively, to grab the early lead, 6-2.

Sustaining the blazing kickoff, Perpetualite Daniel Gultiano fired a stop-and-pump three to lead a 7-0 scoreless spell against the green-and-white squad, 7-11.

Trying to set the pace at 3:24, stellar Patriot Luke Parcero shot an astonishing reverse layup from underneath the rim in front of the UPHSD-M’s post players, 9-15. Ending the opening quarter, DLSU-D only gave a 42.9 shooting clip from seven free throw attempts in the last two minutes while giving two jumpers to Perpetual, 14-19.

Lacking protection of the rim and grabbing boards, the Dasmariñas-based squad still opened the canto on a 10-2 run, with the two shots of Cantimbuhan and Jonas De Vera from downtown that brought them back on the lead, 24-21.

UNDEFEATED. Azarcon helps DLSU-D Cagebelles surpass UPSHJ-GMA in a 5755 win to secure their slot in the PRISAA Regionals. Patricia Loise Lucero The Altases turned the tables as they threw a 14-4 run against DLSU-D, 28-35. The run was capped off by an incredible dish from Danmarc Lusuegro to Mark Caliwagan at the 5:41 mark, 23-24.

Two-guard Glen Francisco chipped in a three-pointer on a tight defense, 26-24. Providing the Patriots some offense, Parcero once again proved his highlight reel as he chipped a stepback jumper 12 feet from the bucket, 26-28, while Anthon Castro effortlessly blocked Altases’ forward Caliwagan without hopping an inch.

Going into the second half, UPHSD-M coach Phelot Levita called a timeout to produce a full-court play with 5.4 seconds remaining, 28-33.

Rising for the play, Caliwagan fooled off DLSU-D’s defense as he delivered a buzzer-beating layup to end the quarter, 28-35.

Merely scoring from their isolation plays in the third canto, DLSU-D fed the scoring effort from shots in the charity stripe, shooting 12 of 15 from the strike.

Opening the frame, Altas’ guard Francisco and forward Caliwagan pulled two consecutive jumpers to lengthen the lead to nine, 30-39.

Taking advantage of the Patriots’ shoddy offense, the Altases put up another run, outscoring their opponent, 43-57.

Putting effort in their run-down, Parcero marked five consecutive free throws, including one strike from a technical foul committed by the Altas coach.

Altas Phil Mediavillo dropped the third quarter and settled fortunate last-second shots as he charged a layup to the rim with two ticks remaining, 48-62, closing on a high note.

Maintaining their tenacity, Parcero once again led the Patriots with a 15-footer in the dawn of the fourth span, 50-62. Picking up a technical foul once more, Altases’ head coach gave DLSU-D a free throw and the possession, 51-63.

Fire for fire As the end drew close, DLSU-D’s Cantimbuhan, who’s been silent since the third quarter,

displayed his fire once again as he deposited a vital shot from beyond the arc at 3:21, 65-72.

Showcasing an offensive outbreak, Parcero spearheaded the Patriots as he delivered seven more points to present the first deadlock of the game, 72-all.

Sustaining their winning bid, Francisco from the Bacoor-based squad handed over a foul-counted layup, securing the free shot, 7275.

Cantimbuhan, in an effort to get the tempo back, tried his range as he once again put up a threepointer to answer the ridiculous circus shot, 75-all.

Altas Francisco returned to the charity stripe as he attempted to attack, dispatching one of two free throws to snatch a one point lead, 75-76. Following the pursuit, Caliwagan split to the defense for a layup to brush up their lead, 75-78.

Holding on to the game, Patriot Cantimbuhan reduced the advantage as he snagged the ball from air and put it back as a quencher to UPHSD-M with 41 seconds left, 77-78.

UPHSD-M’s dagger Francisco solidified the lead as he cracked DLSU-D’s defense with a floater to top the green-and-white squad by three with 28 dying seconds left, 77-80.

Both teams amplified the action and successfully gained two points each from free throws with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, 79-82.

Trying to extend the game, Cantimbuhan muffed a trey with Dale Gutierrez’s assist, but UPHSD-M’s defensive tight halted the attempt for overtime and finished off the job, 79-82.

Patriot standout Luke Parcero put up a phenomenal scoring display in the last quarter, garnering 16 out of his 31 points.

“Pina-promise ko next year, atin na ‘yon (championship) ulit.

Although mga bata [at] mga fresh legs, at least lumaban, ‘di natin binigay ng basta,” Patriot cagers’ head coach Rodel Mercado said.