The Crossroads Online Newsletter Vol.1 No.1

VOL. 1 NO. 1

AUGUST — OCTOBER 2017

CROSSROADS THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE - INTEGRATED SCHOOL

EDITORIAL

The Fallacies of Fake News see page 2

FEATURE Chance Encounter of a Lifetime see page 4

SPORTS

SCITECH

Choose Life, Choose Nature Interbarkada Games at USLS-IS see page 6

see page 8

Second Chances: Honoring the Late Kian delos Santos

By Kirsten Limosnero

P

airing with the Student Affairs Council (SAC), Br. Irwin Climaco has officially announced the ‘Second Chances’ campaign, to honor the late Kian delos Santos who was found fatally shot after being suspected to be in possession of drugs, contrary to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage. This incident has triggered public outcry from both regular netizens and even political figureheads.

On August 15, 2017, the Junior High students had been assembled in the Upper Grades Covered Court to hold a prayer service for Kian. Br. Irwin had pointed out the government’s ways of subduing the drug situation in the Philippines and how they made way

to Delos Santos’ shooting.

The mayors of each class in the Upper Grades had been lined up, each honoring the victims by leaving their offerings of lit candles under baskets of white flowers.

The SAC officers then gave speeches, rebutting the government’s war on drugs. Each of them rebuked Delos Santos’ death and the extra-judicial killings.

It was the whole purpose of the campaign to remind the students, teachers, and everyone in witness to this event that Kian delos Santos, and anyone taken by these unruly killings, were not at fault. It was to remind that the government was wrong and that this school, along with others, stand with Kian delos Santos.

PHOTO BY: ANGEL JU

PRAYER FOR LIFE. A ‘Second Chances’ campaign by Br. Irwin Climaco, FSC together with the Sudent Affairs Council to honor the unjust killing of the late Kian delos Santos which was held last August 15, 2017 at the University of St. La Salle Upper Grades Coverd Court.

Lasallian student journalists participate in seminar-workshop

PPI hosts seminar o n fake n ews

T

TO HONE STUDENT JOURNALISTS. Students from different school publications participated in the Philippine Information Agency’s Journalism Seminar-Workshop held at the Sugarland Hotel last September 13 to 15, 2017.

By Taylor Batilo and Maphi Polvora

S

tudents from the University of St. La Salle - Integrated School’s (USLS - IS) Crossroads and Ang Layag publications participated in the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Journalism S e m i n a r - Wo r k s h o p last Sept. 13 to 15.

Held at the Sugarland Hotel, the event aimed to hone student journalists’ writing skills, to teach

development-oriented journalism, to articulate the principles of convergence and online journalism, and to incorporate ASEAN messages in articles.

The event started with a series of lectures on topics like ASEAN principles, news writing, feature writing, and e-newsletter production; certain lecturers also gave assignments to be judged and awarded accordingly.

For the Crossroads, Nathan Cruz garnered Most

Promising in Feature Writing and Sports Writing; Rebecca Filasol, Promising in Editorial Writing and Column Writing; Ched Alcazaren, Promising in News Writing; and Taylor Batilo, Honorable Mention in Feature Writing.

The Infocen Manager of PIA - Neg. Occ., Training Officer Lorenzo Lambatin Jr., said that “The training intends to instill values among campus writers enabling them to contribute to the growth of the country.”

By Taylor Batilo

he Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in coordination with the Negros Press Club (NPC), hosted a seminar, entitled “Let’s Get Real on Fake News”, at the University of Negros-Recoletos in Bacolod City last October 5.

Around 300 student journalists attended the program, which through its talks, highlighted key strategies in fighting fake news while stressing the threat it poses to the community and media.

PPI Executive Director Ariel Sebellino said “The advent of fake news, alternative facts or simply outright lies, clearly outrights this troubling reality that is rewriting public debate, and societies at large, in the

digital age.”

The discussions included topics such as “Scanning the Digital Landscape” and “Fake News: The Real Deal” by PPI Training Director Tess Bacalla; “Civic Journalism 101: Enhancing Civic Engagement” by Sebellino and “Fact Checking: Is That So?” by Verlie Retuin of Vera Files.

“Fake news is not news at all. It violates the duties of the journalist, first to the truthfulness of information, and second, to the obligation to public life,” Sebellino added.

The whole-day seminar was closed by the signing of a covenant by students, their advisers, and present media practitioners in hopes of ending fake news.

SHARED EXPERIENCES. From left: Tess Bacalla (PPI Training Director), Erwin Nicavera, Glayzl Masculino, Eugene Adiong, and Ariel Sebellino (PPI Executive Director) shared their insights in their respective fields.

2 Crossroads

EDITORIAL

EDITOR’S NOTE

August - October 2017

Illustrated by: Earl A. Estores

to transport what the wide-ranging walls of our minds contain.

We, at The Crossroads, believe in the power of words. We believe in its impact to people as it alters perspectives, breaks borders, and transform lives. We use our words as catalysts for change in our community and environment — thus we revere it, and we do our utmost best to use it as way

EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2017 - 2018 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rebecca Gloria G. Filasol ASSOCIATE EDITORS

MANAGING EDITORS

Nathan B. Cruz Ched C. Alcazaren

Eazel T. Sevilleno Alexandra F. Manlapao

NEWS EDITORS

Taylor L. Batilo Chelsea A. Rallos Ma. Enrica M. Dio Tavin V. Villanueva LITERARY EDITORS

Amirah B. Delgado Maria L. Lopena Anastasia Alcantara Kyna D. Hosillos

FEATURE EDITORS

Loreanne Marie Papasin Ameega C. Dionzon Aleia M. Tayo Grace Kay L. Millan SPORTS EDITORS

Maphi T. Polvora Kent G. Villaflor Willam Khalid Vibar

CARTOONISTS

Earl A. Estores Xavier N. Piccio LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Angel J. Ju Yssabelle Wuthrich Lovely T. Jaro PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Geneen F. Gelvoleo Kayla D. Castillo

STAFF WRITERS

Jasmine D. Mahilum Juan C. Bonnin Johanna D. San Jose Lou M. Cuesta Giollan Demaulo Marille C. Judith Trina Tagamolila Shannen C. Fortun Francis Ampil Kirsten Limosnero Mae Laporno Paul Corral Kristel Lao-as Alphonso Estrella

SCHOOL PAPER MODERATOR

Merry Hope E. Ayre

THE FALLACIES OF FAKE NEWS

W

e, as people with hopes and dreams, like to believe things that are pleasing to us. We are inclined to think that the things that bring us security and stability are legitimate, because how can we not believe something that goes in our favor?

Perhaps, this is why fake news is such a widespread issue.

Everyday, tons and tons of people are victimized by the trickery that comes with fake articles posted on popular social media platforms.

What makes this truly terrifying is the fact that the supposed purpose of news is to inform the public of what is real in an unbiased and impartial point of view. Fake news defeats this purpose, robs credible journalists of their audiences, and overall, makes people more vulnerable to dishonesty and deceit.

News has certain technicalities that make it what it is.

News would not even be news without these elements. With all these fake stories making their way into social media and inhabiting the minds

of readers to believe them as legitimate and genuine, the true meaning of news is lost and is replaced with poor standards for journalistic writing.

The presence of fake news also causes actual journalists to lose their popularity and credibility among the masses. Because real is not always exciting and juicy, people tend to flock to articles that are in

“

It’s fake news — the problem is in the name of issue itself.

“

Rebecca G. Filasol

The Crossroads proudly presents its first-ever electronic newsletter. The issue centers on social development, and includes news and details from the months of August to October. It showcases our deep adoration for words, and maximizes our potentials as writers and as catalysts of change.

We hope that our readers will be able to appreciate the pages that we have crafted and become more aware of the issues concerning our world.

the trend without the knowledge of factchecking on whether or not what they are reading is verified.

They take no notice of what is genuinely happening to the world around them, and are then quick to share these falsified information to their social circles, adding fuel to the fire of fake news while ridding authentic news of its much needed audience.

Lastly, fake news adds to the cycle of fraudulence in the Philippines.

Filipinos always find themselves

ranting on their social spaces about how they are being tricked by corrupt officials, by crafty tycoons, and even by cheating significant others — when they, themselves, are causing their own downfall by believing these nonsensical articles. They are fooling themselves, and in turn, are fooling others when they put unnecessary noise to multiple screens.

There are certainly no advantages to the ongoing phenomenon that is fake news. The true value of news and journalism is lost, and is replaced with deceiving ploys that offer no help to citizens. And to think, this issue should not have escalated to this point at all.

It’s fake news — the problem is in the name of issue itself. Nonetheless, maybe we’re all just heavily biased on things that concern and favor us, making us more susceptible to fall victim to these.

This doesn’ t signal the end for us though; we can still guard ourselves from believing all too quickly — before everything goes out of hand.

Crossing the Boundaries

I

Crossroads

opinion

August - October 2017

Unf iltered Discourse

Ched Alcazaren

n today’s twenty-first-century generation of Filipinos, public display of affection (PDA) is undeniably becoming more and more common. Gone are the times when lovers getting cozy with each other in public was deemed unacceptable by the general population of our country.

However, just because it has become more acceptable compared to before, doesn’t mean that people are free to do it whenever they want, regardless of where they are and who they’re with. Couples should know how to limit their PDA and make sure that they don’t reach extremities because too much lovey-dovey in public causes them to become unbecoming, influences them to be pretentious, and also brings about the loss of the privacy and intimacy that incorporates into their relationships.

First and foremost, excessive PDA can put couples in a bad image. If they don’t start to look after their actions and control the way how they act in public, they may end up crossing the line in the eyes of strangers.

They should constantly be reminded that the public is composed of various individuals, all of whom have different views on PDA. Nowadays, it may be common for people to advise others not to mind what other people think of them, but these particular words of wisdom do not necessarily apply to all situations. Though it can As such, serve as a good advice partners to boost the self-esteem should not of others, it can also engage in it, cause them to become but instead, completely ignorant if taken to great extents, set boundaries hence, making them in their special come off as insensitive moments in and unbecoming to public. passersby.

Second, it can influence partners to become too pompous. A study conducted last year by the University of Kansas claimed that couples nowadays have begun to engage in extreme PDA not to show their love for each other, but to show off to others instead.

Public display of affection is meant to benefit couples in a way that it strengthens their bond; if it does not serve this purpose but rather serves as a means to simply please other people, then what good is it for? If too much PDA only causes people to become pretentious, then it’s better if they aren’t involved in it at all.

Third, it can be the reason why lovers lose the sense of privacy and intimacy in their relationships. Though PDA is indeed one way for couples to show their love and affection for one another, too much of it can cause them to be too comfortable with each other out in the open, so much so that they already begin to forget the real and significant value of the privacy that should be present in their intimate moments with each other.

There’s nothing wrong with showering our world with love — after all, isn’t that what we live for? Although, if we think about it on a deeper level, is it really worth risking our reputation and losing some of our significant values for?

Excessive PDA damages the reputations of couples, pushes them to be pretentious people who care more about how others think of them than how they think of themselves, and causes them to belittle the value of their privacy and intimacy with each other. As such, partners should not engage in it, but instead, set boundaries in their special moments in public.

“

“

3

W

e all have witnessed the dire results that forum discussions and arguments produce when things go off-topic and everything gets heated.

Controversial words get mixed with factual statements and questionable terms are joined in. When the perpetrator gets called out, we should be expecting these infamous lines to be thrown in: "Respect other people's opinion" or "Freedom of speech".

Is there any truth to these claims, or are they simply mindless excuses to justify derogatory behavior? Where does the line between free speech and hate speech cross?

Freedom of speech allows communities to voice out their opinions without interference and for different sakes, such as informing, persuading or clarifying.

Free communication as a right has been recognized in international and national standards and is greatly encouraged.

What makes freedom

Alexandra F. Manlapao

of speech a highly controversial topic is its fast change in momentum. One minute, we are all willing to promote it, but the next, we strongly go against it.

This all boils down to a single individual's interest.

Free speech can easily be included when it is our views that are being agreed upon and met. However, when different ideas and beliefs come in, freedom of speech doesn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

We tend to forget that our right to defend our views goes hand in hand with our duty to respect another's.

However, there are various exceptions to freedom of speech. A line is crossed when slurs, insults, and offensive words are thrown into the mix. To

claim an opinion for the sake of purposely degrading and threatening another individual isn't considered an opinion anymore, but rather it is seen as hate speech. Imagine a group of people, in mock white-hooded cloaks, marching down streets and university campuses with a swastika flag waving around, shouting of racism and oppression joined together with the promise of violence. This is an extent hate speech has and would reach.

We all live in a free society where our rights are held on to a great regard, and we are highly encouraged to practice our freedom.

This, however, doesn't give us the permission to abuse our rights by promoting intimidation and violence.

We must learn where to cross the line between free speech and hate speech, and to balance the promotion of our interests with the protection of others' rights. Our freedom has boundaries, and they end when oppression is joined in.

Better Days Gone By

Y

outh really is fleeting, isn’t it? It almost feels like yesterday when we were all cradled by our parents.

And before we know it, we’ll graduate from junior high. It’s a rather somber realization that really makes you think, doesn’t it? Because, frankly speaking, I’m scared that our days of endless wonder are almost over.

It is no secret that people nowadays take time itself for granted. Everything we do is dictated by time as it marches ever onward.

To put things into perspective, we have lived less than two decades. That is only but a mere fraction of our total lives. We still have so much more to live for. We have only barely scratched the surface in our own journeys.

This period of adolescence opens up a realm of possibilities. We might find new hobbies and passions, while losing some that were not worth it.

This is where we find those stepping stones that lead us into the that not-so yellow brick road to adulthood.

And that road is a far cry from our days of youth.

Truly, it is in this middle ground on time spent doing either work or recreation that life is at its finest. We

Nathan B. Cruz

don’t have to worry about expenses. We don’t have to struggle to put food on our plate. We don’t have to tirelessly slave away at a soul-eating job. The only thing we have to actually worry about is finishing school with passing grades.

I might be romanticizing things, but I agree with the adults when they said that high school is the best time of their lives. In high school, you can spend every day doing something fun, whether that is with friends or family. Even those stressful quizzes and PTs spice up our days. Life never becomes monotonous, rather, life becomes wonderful.

The sad thing is that this time is really short - the shortest period of our lives, in fact. We have around 12 or so years of childhood, and 20-30 years of adulthood, yet less than

a decade for adolescence.

What’s worse is that even though we wish it were otherwise, we can never turn back time.

We might not feel it now, but we will soon enough.

Have you been spending your time wisely? Have you been enjoying everything you do? And most of all, do you have any regrets?

It is high time to live life to the fullest. In a few years, we will no longer have this chance to live every day without a care in the world. The worstcase scenario is having far too many regrets. Nobody wants to think wistfully on things they could’ve done better before. And nothing can ever fully erase the pain of these regrets.

So, let’s do all the things we want to do now before it’s too late. Go with friends every opportunity you get. Splurge on as many things as your wallet permits. Do incredibly dumb things. Be yourself.

Most of all, be happy.

It’s very easy to forget this one simple thing in today’s busy world. If you’re happy with the decisions you make, then you will never have any regrets.

Erase those inhibitions since this is your one and only life. Carpe diem!

4

n e w s

Crossroads

August - October 2017

Senior Girl Scouts receive CGSMS Medals

H I S L E G AC Y

By Chelsea Anne Rallos

PHOTO CREDITS: YSSABELLA ONDAY

NOTHING IS AS HARD AS THE FIRST TIME

T

By Rebecca Filasol and Earl Estores

T

he crowd roars in a huge applause as your name is called up the stage, and as you approach the wooden platform, a beam of light dances across your face. As soon as the warm ray of light hits, you immediately remember the warmth of the s u mme r sun a n d r e c a l l a l l the ha r d s hips y o u had e n d u r e d to be recognized as one of the h ig he s t ra nk i ng offi cial in y our organization— C hie f Me dal i s t.

Senior Scouts Danielle Baga, Glysdi Brillantes, Angeli K a a b a y, Ys s a b e l l a O n d a y, Klara S a l v a d o r, S a m a n t h a Tolosa, and Princess Yogore

received Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme (CGSMS)medals last October 20, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The CGSMS is a program for Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts that develops the girls’ leadership perseverance, and sense of responsibility towards themselves and their communities. A scout can take up any of the following programs: Cultural Heritage, Ecology, Livelihood, and Health.

“Being a Chief Girl Scout Medalist is the most prestigious thing any Girl Scout can be. I always told myself that I wanted to be a Chief Medalist because I

was inspired by the elder Girl Scouts who have shown us that this scheme can help us grow as people”, Scout Tolosa replied when asked why she participated in the scheme.

Scout Baga said that she had a lot of difficulties in the process of the program since she had to travel more or less an hour every week to go to her community. She also had to comply with a lot of paperwork and submit them given the deadline.

Furthermore, she said that overcoming these difficulties entailed willingness and passion. She had chosen this path; therefore, she felt the obligation to put her all in order to succeed.

SAC announces NFEFI volunteer program

By Nathan Cruz

T

he Negros Integrated School Life (IS Life) Program, announced by the Upper Grades Student Affairs Council (SAC), is a volunteer caretaking program that will begin by the end of November.

The program gives interested students the opportunity to take care of the zoo and interact with the animals at the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI) Biodiversity C o n s e r v a t i o n

Center beside the Capitol Lagoon.

“We decided on this project to advocate volunteerism and caring for environment and city concerns,” said SAC moderator, Mr. Carlo N. Diaz.

Furthermore, Diaz stated that the program will be done once a month.

He added that students, organizations, and classes who wish to participate must arrange it with the SAC first.

“

“

From left: Senior Scouts Danielle Baga, Yssabella Onday, Klara Salvador, Samantha Tolosa, Princess Yogore, Angeli Kaabay, and Glysdi Brillantes received the Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme (CGSMS)medals last October 20, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

his holds true in everything we do, not only in doing an action for the first time but also in our decision to do it. From riding a bike to taking a whole class under your wing, it takes a good amount of courage and guts to take that leap of faith. A fine example of someone brave enough would be our resident brother.

On the 8th of June 2017, Br. Irwin Anthony Climaco FSC tested unknown territory as he stepped into the 10B classroom as an advisor. He had a choice of handling a club or being an adviser on top of teaching Christian Living 10 but was convinced that his teaching ministry wouldn’t be complete without going through this experience.

His decision was almost purely logical being that the reason behind him being an adviser was because he was only in his second year of teaching and didn’t know the clubs in the school. Our current brother president, Br. Kenneth’s suggestion also played a significant role in his choice of being an adviser.

Being an adviser is no easy task. They are responsible for each and everyone in the classroom. Granted, they also do this as subject teachers but advisers have to do this everyday for eight hours on top of everything else they have to do such as computing grades and teaching classes.

Currently teaching Christian Living in Grade 10 sections B, E, F and G, he looks at being an adviser as a journey since he is still discovering ways in becoming a more effective adviser. He draws inspiration from his previous advisers as well as those from La Salle Greenhills where he Be as firm as was teaching last year.

“Be as firm as a a father and as gentle as a father and as gentle as a mother.” These mother. were the words of our founder that greatly impacted Br. Irwin’s way of teaching and handling students.

Br. Irwin is the next brother to become an adviser after Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC, who was the adviser for Grade 11A Academic Year 2005-2006 and Grade 11E A.Y. 20062007. He is passing onto us St. La Salle’s teaching ministry as he faces paperwork, rowdy students and noisy classrooms.

If we were to ask ourselves how we remember our advisers, we’d probably have different answers because of how they became a part of our lives and a part of us.

In essence, they’ve become our second parents. This, perhaps, is the only thing separating Br. Irwin from other advisers. He refuses to be tagged as their second parent because that is not who he wants to be. True to his title and himself, he is their brother.

4

Crossroads

More Than Just a Brother H

f e a t u r e

August - October 2017

chance encounter of a lifetime

By Ched Alcazaren

is name has roamed the corridors and classrooms in the campus before, especially in the early months of the school year, when we first heard about him as our new president and chancellor.

Students know his face for they have seen his kind eyes and wide, sparkling grin on posters in various hallways in school. All of us know who he is because of the prominent position he possesses in the institution, but only few know him beyond this.

Brother Joaquin Severino Martinez, better known as Br. Kenneth, is the 12th brother president of the University of St. La Salle. He was invested last August 19, at the University Coliseum, standing in the spotlight and gazing through his black-rimmed glasses at the enormous crowd of individuals that he was going to be leading from then on.

At the age of 55, he’s been through a lot, beginning from his early days in high school, when he was exposed to a life of service as a campus ministry volunteer and a peer counsellor, as well as when he had realized that service to others was his passion, hence, where he is now.

Believe it or not though, there was once a time in his life when he was heading in the opposite direction of where he is today. If he had changed one specific choice in his past concerning his career, then today, he would be wearing a stethoscope around his neck instead of a cross, and rather than roaming around classrooms and greeting eager students, he would be doing rounds in hospital rooms and greeting patients.

That’s right — our current brother president once had his mind set on becoming a doctor.

“ ” I wanted to become a doctor, if only to see how I could help people, but the training was difficult and I thought that maybe I could aspire doing something else, so in my fourth year of college, I entered the brotherhood

he said when asked about what he had wanted to become before he decided to be a brother.

Clearly, our new chancellor has always had the heart to help others, regardless of how.

In spite of all the selfless deeds he’s done which he definitely deserves recognition and honor for, our humble brother president still prefers anonymity. When asked about one fun fact about him that he’d like others to know, he said, “I really like being anonymous and not being known. It is a challenge here in Bacolod not to be known, but when it does happen, I enjoy it a lot!”

Besides his duties as a brother, he also enjoys wide variety of hobbies. In his spare time, he relishes in simple things such as practicing his photography skills, eating with a small group of friends, watching films, and strolling through art exhibits to admire the grandeur beauty of various forms of artwork. Evidently, beyond his reputable position in our school, we realize that he’s just like us and that his life outside of the campus is not much different from the normal routines that we ourselves casually do.

Now, when his name grazes our ears and his benevolent eyes meet ours in the hallways of our campus, we’re reminded more than just the significant title that he holds as the president and chancellor of our school, we’re also reminded of the story that he has lived and is living beyond this.

PHOTO CREDITS: SIR RENANTE CANADA

COLLIDING CURRENTS. Grade 10 students of the University of St. La Salle in their SACEDA international program held in Japan last September 22-28, 2017.

By Earl Estores

T

he land of the rising sun is well-known for a number of things.

From its tasty, oriental cuisine and remarkable culture to its exciting attractions and developed infrastructures, Japan has a lot to offer. With a clashing culture where its modern aspects co-exist with its past, in which the old meets the new, Japan can surely give you an unforgettable experience.

The country was filled with natural bounders that made them unique among its neighboring countries.

One of its pride and known trademarks, Mt. Fuji took my breath away, despite its low temperature. The streets of Japan were spotless, the cemented sidewalks free of litter.

High-rise buildings towered the city and most of the infrastructures were occupied by branded shops.

One thing that caught

my attention the most is their food. It was totally way different from what was served in the Philippines. Due to my lack of experience on using chopsticks, which was the staple utensil in Japan, I had difficulties in using them.

We also had the chance to try one of Japan’s most authentic dishes, which is ramen. With its savory broth and tasty noodles, my experience in Japan was further satisfied.

We were also given the freedom to visit the nearby spots in the city. We took this opportunity to go to Tokyo Disneyland. The attraction was bustling with food kiosks and excited tourists.

Rides of different variety and themes can be seen almost everywhere.

The very soul of Japan were its people, who showed us nothing but kindness. One example would be the lady who escorted us back to the airport when we almost got lost in the middle of nowhere.

Despite of the language barrier, she willingly tried her best to communicate with us.

Indeed, this once in a lifetime opportunity opened my eyes to new experiences.

I had constructed an unbreakable bond with my batch mates, and the moments that we’d created and shared in the land of the rising sun will always be cherished in my heart.

“ ”

Japan, whose beauty lives in the hearts of the people and in the wonders that they manifest, has become a memory that is forever etched in my mind.

Japan.Endless Discovery, indeed!

Always S

ign up sheets were flying across the halls.

Different boxes were placed next to each other.

Each one was accompanied by long lines of students eager to put their names inside.

The boxes were signified by their respective organization presidents who were doing their best to encourage young individuals to sign up for their orgs. One of those was Red Cross Youth.

“” ‘Always first.

Always ready.

Always there.’

The Red Cross Youth (RCY) is a dedicated service program of the Philippine Red Cross for young individuals aged 7-25 years old. Its mission is to harness the youth’s energy

By Aleia Tayo

and idealism and provide opportunities to engage into humanitarian action and leadership roles.

It caters to at least 30-50 recruits who, once achieved, will undergo a series of training such as team building activities and retreats, etc., to mold and shape them as individuals that will become part of the esteemed organization.

Not only that, it also seeks to inculcate humanitarian values, instill the practice of a healthy lifestyle, enhance youth leadership through service delivery, and advocate national and international friendship.

Furthermore, RCY actively participates in activities that contribute to the society and benefit other people — activities like mobile blood

donation, donating goods, and health related orientations.

This organization indeed lives up to its vision mission by being of service to others without hesitations and limitations.

“

A world wherein we people know how to alleviate human suffering, protect life and dignity, to be a responsible citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and to be able to be in the service for the suffering humanity

”

Yna Hechanova, Vice President of the Senior Red Cross Youth – USLS-IS chapter, stated.

scitech

August - October 2017

Crossroads

5

Choose Life, Choose Nature

By Nathan Cruz, Ched Alcazaren and Eazel Sevilleno

There’s a hidden gem in the City of Smiles.

It is situated in the heart of the town, where locals share sonorous laughter with their friends and families under the warm gaze of the sun everyday. Its beauty is no doubt aweinspiring and worthy of a thousand wonderstruck gazes — yet, despite this, it still manages to avoid the thousands of eyes in Bacolod City.

The people of Bacolod City stroll around the Capitol Lagoon everyday, clouds of bliss hovering over their heads, oblivious to the fact that only a walking distance away from where they are, there’s a place that’s practically disregarded by many, where hundreds of lives reside in — all of which are in danger of being next to nothing in the near future.

Every year, we learn about biodiversity in school. In fact, through the different lessons and tasks in class, it is

with great hope that we are able to familiarize ourselves with some endangered species.

However, despite the exposure, do we even realize our own responsibilities for some of the critically endangered that are here in t h e v e r y heart of N e g r o s Occidental?

The Save Negros Forest Foundation (formerly the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc.) Biodiversity Conservation Center is a wildlife rescue and captive breeding ground facility center for threatened endemic animals in the vicinity of the west Visayas beside the Captiol Lagoon. Ever since it was founded in year 1996 by William Oliver, a British conservationist, because of the depleting status of the Visayan Spotted deer, it has been supported by the Provincial government, local benefactors, and donating individuals.

The BCC is currently in a new chapter with Talarak Foundation, which is in charge of the captive breeding of these endemic animals.

Since the management took over, it has been reorganizing from the the system in the center.

Now, while it’s ‘more or less organized’ and has its average 30 visitors weekly, it still has been having difficulty when it comes to support. With this, they are challenged of reaching out to the locals more, especially that most people in Negros don’t really have an idea of what’s going

A Sea of Waste

By Nathan Cruz

T

he 22nd of September in Bacolod would have been just like any other for Manuel Diaz, a financially challenged 13year old, and his parents.

That Friday night, instead of going straight home like usual, he decided to hang out with his friends at Robinson’s.

However, he stayed there a bit too late - his friends said that there was too much traffic outside, anyways. But, it was when he left at around 9 P.M. to trudge to his home in Banago that he realized two things: one, is that there were waist-high floods, which caused not only the sea of traffic, but also power outages everywhere he went, and two, that he no longer had a home, or parents.

The end of September was marked by one of the worst floods in Bacolod’s history, according to City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

Over 193 houses were destroyed in Barangays 1, 27, 28, 35, 39, 40, 41, SingcangAirport, Mandalagan, Taculing, Pahanocoy, Mansilingan, Alijis, and Bata. Additionally, nearby

cities Sipalay, Bago City, Talisay, La Carlota, and the towns of Hinobaan, Murcia, Binalbagan, and Pontevedra also reported similar floods. Councilor Caesar Distrito stated that the heavy rainwater brought about by the monsoon, as well as the garbage clogged in the drainages caused the incident.

In addition to the DPWH’s plan to expedite their drainage construction, Mayor Leonardia appealed for people to comply with the waste segregation plan.

While the plan actually began last September 1, only few households have observed it. This “no segregation, no collection” policy itself entails the separation of waste depending on whether it is biodegradable or not.

An IPM-Construction and Development Corp. garbage truck will then collect the waste depending on a certain schedule: biodegradable waste every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and nonbiodegradable waste every Tuesday and Thursday, and Saturday.

For Diaz, he had

decided to take matters into his own hands. In the weeks following the flood, Diaz has begun mobilizing his barangay, as well as others nearby, to take immediate action. Facing his inner doubts and fears, he has continuously stood in front of crowds, and talked intimately on his solemn plight. He admits that he is not very powerful, rich, or smart, but he knows that he is doing the right thing, in encouraging the people to clean up their surroundings, and in turn, reduce the chances of a disaster striking like that ever again.

It is no secret that the waste people dispose improperly come back to bite us. And in the case of people like Manuel Diaz, the impact can be disastrous and life-changing. That said, it may also serve as a catalyst for something greater - be it from the government or the community. The events that transpired that Friday night in Bacolod may very well be a foreshadowing of what is to come. And there is no better time to act than now, lest humanity drowns in a sea of waste.

on. Save Negros really needs help and it’s almost like a wound amidst a healing process.

A lot of initiatives have already been done for humanitarian causes.

However, there are these often overlooked endangered animals in the backside and they equally need our

attention and support too.

They’re here as our own, yet we ourselves cannot treat them as such. Unfortunately, the people of the City of Smiles have forgotten about the gem of beauty that they hold in their hands.

Now is high time for them to realize its true value and beauty before they look back once more to their own gem and realize that they’ve lost it — and that it’s too late.

INTERVIEW WITH A BCC STAFF

Q:

What would you say is a typical day in the BCC?

The typical day, without problems, without sick animals and such. By 6 AM you wake up, you prepare the food for the animals.

By 7 PM everything should be fed already. The keepers, after feeding, they clean up the facility a bit for an about an hour while they’re preparing their breakfast. By 1:30, they start preparation for the next feeding; by 2 it should be done already. Then, feeding and cleaning.

By 4 PM, the keepers do rounds to check on each cage to see if the animals are doing ok.

Q:

:A

What could we, as students, do to help?

Basically, tell your classmates not to catch wildlife. Or, to come here and appreciate, di ba? For student, it’s only 50 pesos, and if you’re beyond 10, 30 Pesos na lang. Actually, the very basic is to educate your classmates, even your neighbors. Telling them that, “hey!” If you see them killing a snake, say “Hey! Hey! No! If you have a place naman to release them, why not?” If you see them catching something as well.

:A

SPORTS LET THE GAMES BEGIN. The month long event of the 28th Annual Interbarkada Games was held last September 15, 2017 at the University of St. La Salle Integrated School which includes various competitions representing different grade levels.

INTERBARKADA GAMES KICKS OFF AT USLS-IS

By Maphi Polvora

A

nyone with a sibling can attest to how competitive brothers and sisters can get. And in the heat of war, it’s every man for himself.

The recitation of the Oath of a Lasallian

Athlete, and the grand display of the different teams mark the start of the month long event of the 28th Annual Interbarkda Games held last September 15 2017 at the University of St. La Salle Integrated School (USLS-IS).

The month long event coordinated by the Students Affair Council (SAC) is scheduled to span from September 15 to November 15, 2017.

“It is a perfect opportunity to showcase our talents and develop teamwork and

The Badminton Bonanza

“

The bigger the muscle, the smaller the brain.

B

ehind those strict statures, and intimidating stares lie a different persona waiting to be unleashed as dusk lays upon the earth.

There are many teachers who take delight in playing sports, and our school is not a stranger to some of them since it is common to see a teacher exercising with their fellow colleagues in the after-school hours despite their hectic schedules, and Mr. Romy De La Serna, the former high school vice president and the proud adviser of 10A, along with Mrs. Dolly De La Serna, a kindergarten teacher, are gleaming examples of the said educators.

“It all started with a simple game of badminton in Sportsfest three years ago” Mr. de la Serna expressed. After the brief introduction to the sport, they both realized how much they enjoyed playing it, thus triggering their passion to participate in their first tournament in The Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) accompanied by a faculty of teachers, and badminton enthusiasts alike.

“We entered the contest to have some direction, and to have something to look forward to,” Mr. de la Serna said.

Their first badminton contest was held last A.Y. 20152016, in which they bagged

silver, but made up for it last year on the second week of September in the Riverside College Gym wherein they brought home the gold medal.

Their opponents included teachers from Riverside College, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Nazareth Institute, and many other schools that were part of NOPSSCEA. It was a tough fight nonetheless, but due to their hard work, and cooperation, they garnered gold as a sign of their victory.

According to Mr. de la Serna, the challenges they encountered mainly focused on juggling various school works and schedules since both the competition, and the deadline of the grades were usually in September. “Patience and composure are key elements that led to our victory” Mr. de la Serna replied when asked on how they managed to juggle the different responsibilities of working as a teacher.

Teachers are seldom generalized as one-dimensional and superficial — sticking with only what their job requires them to do: teach, enlighten minds, and impart their knowledge with their students. Pupils now and then fail to notice their depth as a person, and their talents other than teaching. They fail to see that that they are more than what meets the eye. If students can excel in academics while integrating sports into the fray, then our very own teachers can, too.

“

By Kirsten Limosnero

memories shared and the learning experience.”

The event includes various competitions such as Frisbee, football, volleyball, and basketball all to be participated by different teams representing their respective grade levels.

The Jocks Dox

By Maphi Polvora

DYNAMIC PLAYERS. The University of St. La Salle teachers’ Badminton team.

camaraderie as fellow Lasallians” Interbarkada Games Chairman Kyle Mayo expressed.

Mayo added, “It is important to be united and one despite all the competition happening because at the end what matters most is the

This quote perfectly explains how society perceives athletes as blatantly dumb when it comes to academics or overall performance in any field besides sports. Society paints them as characters who fully cranks the Strength attribute to 100, leaving Intelligence, and other attributes at 0. But as far as I know, athletes are no less of a person when it comes to the way other people should treat them, and this whole notion regarding the “dumb jock” stereotype is completely baseless and false.

First, how did this idea come to be? Ever since the dawn of television and mass communication, we, products of the 21st century, have been exposed to the different perception on how athletes are portrayed through movies, television series and other types of media.

Take for example Johnny Lawrence, Biff Tannen, and Flash Thompson who were the bullies found in ‘Karate Kid’ ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Spider-man’, respectively. Besides being single-minded foils to the

main characters, they’re all athletes. These examples are just some of the more popular depictions of media towards the portrayal of athletes as threatening, superior, and mindless blocks of meat designed to do only one thing, make life generally uncomfortable. Moreover, a documentary released last 2011 named Programming the Nation revealed how media uses actor specification (choosing an actor who “looks” the role), white washing casts in movies and other subconscious methods in creating cultural ‘norms’ and social programs like body shaming, glorification of violence, and lastly stereotyping.

Second, the depiction of media regarding athletes are actually inaccurate considering that countless athletes nowadays require different areas of intelligence to succeed.

These are shown through the coordinated in-game strategies being played out,

and team synergy within other players as well. Take for instance the shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash. Who could forget the times last 2012 wherein the Phoenix Suns were just a no-name ragtag group of rookies? If it wasn’t for Nash’s prowess in shooting, passing and overall ball movement in the season, the Suns wouldn’t ever have received its fully deserved exposure nowadays.

In conclusion, athletes are more than chunked meat compressed by heavy iron. They’re not that stereotype that is tasked to make life generally uncomfortable.

They’re human beings as well, with capabilities of improving themselves through holistic means such as being strategically inclined due to the game, and being people smart in order to build up team synergy As what Kobe Bryant once said “What people see on court is another side of me; it’s not just me”.