Volume XXXIV No.2 - LPU Independent Sentinel

VOL XXXIV NO. 2

AUGUST - OCTOBER 2016 facebook.com/TheLPUIndependentSentinel

@LPU_Sentinel

WHAT’S INSIDE? ose rain Keep th Lyceans! n, coats o

FEATURES

page 9

Pokemon: Boon or Bane?

GREEN PAGE

page 12

Tornadoes: An uncommon phenomenon

SPORTS

page 15

Top players showcase talents in NCAA AllStars

SELECTIVE RETENTION POLICY:

Requires students to study harder

Illustration by Hygeian R. Español; Enhanced by Jonan B. Paule & Kristine Faye V. Anajao

Shiella Mae J. Clado and Carla Shane N. Atim IN line with its outcome-based education framework, LPU will execute the Selective Retention Policy to promote positive study habits to students which will be implemented in the next academic year.

The policy hopes

to maximize the institution’s efforts towards honing the students on becoming more competent and industry-ready graduates.

The policy will be imposed to all LPU students and will intensively make them more aware of the importance of getting good grades. This will be done through professors’ monitoring of their students’ academic

performance and equally extensive information dissemination by organizing different seminars, workshops, meetings, and social networking.

Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Conrado E. Iñigo Jr. claims the policy will impose the strict compliance of all the students on not acquiring failing grades (5.00) in any subject regardless of their

Grade Point Average (GPA).

This policy was said to have been benchmarked from the other wellknown universities like Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of the Philippines (UP).

“Well, benchmarking other universities [that] are [already] doing Continued on page 7

Martial Law survivors share experiences Francis Felix C. Falgui “ALL throughout Martial Law, nagkaroon kami ng survival instincts na importante. One is, know when to shut up, when not to talk, kasi it might get you into trouble,” said Jim Paredes recalling the skills he learned on how to survive the Martial Law. He and fellow Martial Law survivor former Commission of Human Rights

Chairperson Etta Rosales shared their experiences during the Marcos Regime, during UN1TED: The People of EDSA, organized by the Lyceum Debate Society (LDS) at the LPU Mini-Theater on September 23.

Ambassador Aladin Villacorte began the program with an opening speech about the impact of the Martial Law, and asked the audience to honor those who fought for human rights,

and against the Martial Law the fight for the memory for by remembering them. those who perished.”

“To my students and Continued on page 7 participants today, let us join

PAEF grants Lycean Fulbright Scholarship Phoebe Cates B. Eguico OUT of 142 applicants nationwide, College of International Relations (CIR) Foreign Service junior Theressa Fely Enriquez was recognized as one of the four

Filipino grantees of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in the awarding rites held last June 2 at the US embassy.

The Fulbright scholarships, administered by the PhilippineAmerican Educational Foun-

dation (PAEF), are granted to Filipino and American students, teachers, scholars and professionals to study, teach and conduct research in the Philippines and United States of America.

Enriquez said get-

ting the grant was something she has always dreamed of and being one of the grantees was a warm feeling.

“It does not make you boastful, it actually humbles you. [And] it turns out it Continued on page 3

LPU launches gender equality org Jessica Jane I. Sy LPU raises a rainbow flag in the LPU Quadrangle beside the school flag as it welcomes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community.

In compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1 Series of 2015 on Establishing Policies and Guidelines on Gender and Development, LPU established the first officially recognized gender equality student organization in Intramuros- the LPU Kasarian.

LPU Kasarian aims to promote gender awareness and equality among students with its adviser, Executive Assistant to the President Mr. Paolo Laurel.

On its first ever General Assembly last September 5, Laurel shared his experiences while studying in University of Melbourne in Australia. Laurel cited that people can freely express themselves regardless of what sexual orientation they prefer and he added, “Students from the LGBT community were able to pursue their studies, engage in activities in the academic community without fear of hate, prejudice, and other discriminatory practices.”

Moreover, Laurel shared his vision for LPU on its stand in LGBT community, “As an educator myself, my dream is

for our own LPU to have same openness and acceptance of all student types [as University of Melbourne caters] because I know that academic excellence is nothing without the satisfaction and the sense of belonging for each and every one of you in our LPU community,” and stated the mission of the organization to help educate people about the right of every human to live without prejudice to any aspect of his/her humanity.

In addition, LPU has already allotted its first comfort room for all types of gender on the the ground floor and is now working for the succeeding comfort rooms.

On the other hand, LPU still implements “No Cross-dressing” policy but according to Student Affairs Dean Jayson Barlan, the management is now on the process of considering cross-dressing inside the university.

Lastly, according to LPU Kasarian President Dencio Arcadio, LPU will be joining the Intamuros Pride Walk on October 14 together with other universities and state colleges. And Arcadio also shared there is more to expect on LPU Kasarian as they will conduct seminars and activities on LGBT empowerment and gender equality awareness on the next semester.

2

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

NEWS

Sentinel celebrates campus press freedom

Marielle Jus- Hall forum at the LPU tine N. Escabarte Boardroom last July 28 with the theme, “FREEDOM is #HowFreeIsFree? responsibility you The forum’s must know and be guest speaker, a Filaware of. Otherwise, ipino Scribe blogfreedom is worthless ger Mark Madrona when it is abused,” Mr. shared an overview Guillermo Santos, of the freedom of Sentinel’s technical campus papers and adviser emphasized on the local media in the his opening remarks. Philippines. He quesIn celebra- tioned speculations tion of the Campus claiming that the Press Freedom week, Philippine media is the LPU Independent the freest in Asia and Sentinel held a Town raised the thought,

“Are we really free?”

Madrona, in his opinion, shared that press freedom in the Philippines is not entirely free. It has limitations due to the influences of power and abuses in employment.

He also encouraged the students and future media practitioners to maximize the freedom of the press through responsible journalism.

“Everyone

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. Guest speaker and blogger Mark Madrona shares his thoughts on the background and limitations of campus press freedom in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Leander Keith P. Gaffud)

should practice their freedom in all forms, especially to media practitioners which has the power to access information and have their freedom to write without fear.

However, never forget that within this freedom, responsibility is a must,” Madrona said.

Fur themore,

The LPU Independent Sentinel Managing Editor 1, John Poliquit motivated everyone in his closing remarks to be proactive students of LPU. “I encourage everyone to please look back and still keep asking. Be hungry and continue to

become proactive students of LPU. Because when we become proactive, become critical, and provide solutions to the problems that we unravel, we can make LPU a better school and achieve the vision of becoming internationally-accredited university,” Poliquit ended.

New psychology head eyes academic changes Diana Theresa I. Encarnacion THE newly-appointed Psychology Department Chairperson Mr. Ryan Corona said he is planning to have academic reforms for the development of the department.

Corona plans to change the syllabus and curriculum since there will be no enrollees for the tertiary level in the next two years due to the K to 12 curriculum shift.

“There will be changes of syllabus and curriculum but these plans are not really major [changes], but are basically improvements,” Corona said. He also mentioned his plans of adding non-board courses in the department.

According to Corona, the plans are based in the need of the students such as newly updated career requirements and other special specifications. “The improvement is based on the current needs of the industry and also utilizes our exam [preparations],” Corona added.

Corona also said he plans to add Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Technology under the field of human sciences for those students who are interested in taking psychology courses but don’t want to take the board exam.

Never theless, the changes in syllabi will be in part because the additional courses would still follow the standard of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“I want students who are willing to take the challenge of helping fellowmen”, Corona stated.

The new chairperson also set his goal to be more focused in aiming for high board examination results for the department to gain recognition of its board passers.

Moreover, Corona said it is not difficult for him to be the new department head.

“We [referring to him and the former chairperson] have the same intention, we have the same goal, we have the same vision for the students and for the department,” Corona noted.

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK.Guest Speakers Rhadson Mendoza and Stanley Chi discuss responsible social media use.

(Photo courtesy of Jessie Guilas)

LYCESGO holds social media forum Tammy Delos Reyes LPU Central Student Government (LYCESGO) organized a social media responsibility seminar that tackles responsible social media use held at the JPL Hall of Freedom last August 31.

The seminar dubbed “Click!

I Click Because I Can: A Seminar on Responsible Social Media Use” with guest speakers Rhadson Mendoza and Stanley Chi ended with a forum.

Mendoza, also known by the nickname, ‘matabangutak’

had published books like Pag-ibig Thingy, Pag-ibig Thingy 2.0 and SEEN 1:43 AM that are about life and love. Chi however, is a television host, columnist for FHM and author of the book Suplado Tips.

For the first part of the event, Mendoza talked about the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

He also discussed the signs of how to know if one has become a responsible social media user.

These advantages include connecting to old friends and meeting new ones, allowing

more convenience, and in helping raise awareness.

While among the problems, users are often misinformed by satire links and social media abuse. There are more pros and cons in social media that users must be aware of.

Some of the signs Mendoza mentioned is to know if one has reached a level of maturity with the use of social media accounts and if one limits the information shared to the world, keeping private matters offline, thinking fully before posting, and correctly spelling

the words one uses.

While Mendoza tackled the advantages and disadvantages of social media, Chi talked on how to handle haters.

He first speciified few characteristics of haters being people with low self-esteem, lack of understanding, and full of envy.

Chi briefly stated ways to handle them, such as blocking them online, reporting abuses to the website or simply ignoring them.

The last part was a forum on managing cyberstalking and handling its consequences.

NEWS NEWS

from page 1

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

3

(It does not make you boastful, it actually humbles you. [And] it turns out it...)

happens when you exert your effort”. Enriquez said, referring to the recognition she has received.

Enriquez was the first Lycean grantee of the said scholarship. She will be under Fulbright’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program which aims to provide a large and diverse group of student leaders through in-depth exposure to US society, culture and academic institutions.

Students under the said program will study in

the US under a non-degree program for one semester, in which Enriquez will attend International Business and Trade at the University of Arkansas during the 2017 spring academic semester.

According to Enriquez, meeting not only Americans but also other scholars under the program will enable her to hear their stories and understand different dimensions of society as she will join in with different cultures and ethnicities.

“It would be a new experience for me to hear what different professors think. I want to see things in different perspectives.

Gusto ko rin matutunan kung bakit ba sila rich, how can we make those certain techniques ours, kasi not everything that we copy from successful economies are good for us.” Enriquez said.

During the application, Enriquez completed the online registration and waited for an e-mail for the schedule of two interviews,

with the final interview by the PAEF Executive Director Esmeralda Cunanan.

After passing the interviews, Enriquez took the Test of English as Foreign Language - internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT) examination. TOELF-iBT is a test that measures the use of English at a university level and Enriquez scored 114 out of 120 items, which is the highest score of her batch nationwide.

LYCESGO-LES empowers student leaders to promote 5S

Marielle Justine N. we should be influenEscabarte tial. So let us start influencing the commuLYCESGO, in part- nity with something nership with the LPU essential and beneEnvironment Society ficial,” Padilla said.

(LES) held 5S Semi- Student Affairs nar to all student or- Dean Jayson Barlan ganization officers last discussed the imporSeptember 23 at the tance of observing 5S JPL Hall of Freedom, not just for the LPU entitled “5S Initia- Community but also tive: One Goal, One by practicing it within Standard, One Bet- ourselves. “The main ter LPU Community” objective of 5S is to al Opening the low us to have greater event, LYCESGO productivity. You have Treasurer and proj- to do more with less. ect head Edelynne Ang 5S ay para magawa Jane F. Padilla encour- mo ang mga bagay ng aged everyone to raise maayos,” Barlan said. awareness and be fully Barlan also committed in promot- shared his experiencing and practicing 5S. es in practicing 5S at “I really do home. “Very organize hope that everyone ako sa lahat ng bagay. Sa will be able to adapt bahay ko parang library, 5S in your daily life marami akong libro. So and be able to influ- lahat ng yun, naka-orence others with good ganize lahat. Katulad na things. We are leaders, rin sa cabinet ko, gus-

to ko naka-arrange ang mga damit ko, kung itim lahat ng hanger dapat itim lahat ayaw ko ng may ibang kulay, this is just one of the examples on how I practice 5S at home.” Barlan added.

Meanwhile, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM) Dean Lilibeth Aragon gave some pointers on being a relevant student leader.

“5S is trying to instil certain values to students. To be a good student leader, you should have first commitment in practicing 5S, you must create a balance in your life as a student leader.

You have to keep that good attitude and start practicing it within yourself,” Aragon said.

Fur ther more, LPU Independent

Sentinel and LYCESGO present 5Snap.

The project aims to feature students, faculty members, and the administration of LPU who will be spotted doing acts related to 5S such as putting trash in the proper trash bin, arranging chairs etc.

The photos will be featured in social media and the chosen ten people will be given special prizes by the end of the school year.

5S is a policy implemented in LPU wherein everyone needs to adhere for a cleaner and more organized LPU. It is also part of giving quality education to the students as it stands for Sort, Sweep, Systematize, Sanitize, and Self-discipline.

CAS SG organizes student and faculty open dialogue

Bea Patricia M. Pelayo THE CAS Student Government (CAS SG) held Speak Out which gave the students an avenue to raise their concerns in LPU’s quality of education

last September 16 at the LPU Boardroom.

Present in the said event are the CAS Dean Ms. Rizalina Cruz, Accounting Office Chief Accountant Ms. Rizalina Benico, Security Office Officer-in-Charge Mr.

Manuel Delamata, Students Affairs Office Assistant Dean Ms. Noime Villarante and the chairpersons of the departments in CAS. The students, mostly the presidents of their respective sections, voiced out

their thoughts and concerns regarding the various academic matters like unlikely behavior of professors and lacking attention with regard to their field of study.

Even non-academic questions were tackled such as guards’ hostile manner of approach and miscellaneous fees.

Dean Cruz appreciated the students’ involvement through their questions and problems and thought of it as a good thing to know the rooms for improvement of the school.

Legal Studies Society organizes Leadership Congress Carla Shane N. Atim Vice Mayor Dr. Maria Shielah “Honey” Lacuña IN line with Legal Stud- Pangan and talked about ies Days celebration, the “Powers and Duties Legal Studies Society of a City Vice Mayor”.

(LSS) spearheaded the The event was 1st Legal Studies Lead- also participated by Soership Congress with cial Sciences Departthe theme, “Developing ment Chairperson Dr. and honing young minds Dennis Saluba, and Colthrough legal education” lege of Arts and Scienclast September 26 at the es Secretary Mr. GreJPL Hall of Freedom. gorio Ebron regarding

The event was legal proceedings on attended by Manila City different national issues.

Pasiklab 2 kicks off Charlene T. Silvestre LYCESGO President Axl John PuruggaLYCESGO held its con- nan, Pasiklab 2 aims to cert party-themed “Pa- showcase the talents of siklab 2” last September different Lyceans and 23 at the LPU Quadra- to treat the students afngle, which was graced ter an exhausting week by performances from of examination. PuLPU Wildstyle Crew, rugganan thanked all LPU XPM as well as the participants who from famous OPM bands supported Pasiklab such as Hilera, Stellar, and made it possible.

Gracenote and Callalily.

According to

LES conducts annual advocacy fashion show Francis Felix Falgui element to proceed to the final round.

PROMOTING the 3Rs The top 12 were of ecological waste chosen based on the relmanagement- Reduce, evance of the costumes Reuse, and Recycle, to the theme, ingenuithe LPU Environment ty, creativity, and stage Society (LES) held the performance and poise.

Environista 2016: The In the fiEnchanted, in which nal round, the judges students from differ- based the selection of ent colleges competed winners from the parwearing costumes made ticipants’ advocacies. from recycled materials Senior High last September 30 at the School student Ryssi JPL Hall of Freedom. Avila was crowned as the The partic- Environista Grand Winipants were divided ner, while Ferraz Gapuz, into four different el- James Matilla, Lyra Esements: Fire, Water, piritu, and Charles MyEarth, and Air and will ers was awarded as Enviintroduce themselves ronista Earth, Air, Water, before announcing the and Fire, respectively. top 12, three from each

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THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

Editorial

OPINION No tyrant buried

T

HE SENTINEL strongly condemns the proposed burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Burying him there would be a mockery to the victims of martial law, their families and the people

who are buried there.

The Libingan ng mga Bayani is the final resting place of men and women who died to protect our countrymen, and the freedoms we enjoy today. Marcos did the exact opposite.

He had 34,000 people tortured, mutilated and raped and 3,240

people murdered under his authority. Some of them were chopped to bits, electrocuted or never found again. He repressed the people’s inalienable rights while pocketing an estimate of 10 billion dollars worth of taxpayers’ money. His cronies and economic policies sank

our economy in contrast to the baseless myth of the ‘golden age’, and the billions he borrowed for his ‘Bagong Lipunan’ is still being paid even now.

He is no hero.

If the dictator is buried, you will live in a country where tyranny and oppression is nodded, our history

is warped and distorted before our very eyes and your future children will believe that these are right and acceptable.

Millennials should never downplay the value of our nation’s history, such as the symbolic gesture his burial would make to those who fought and

sacrificed their lives to guarantee our rights and freedoms. One can never survive in a society without the rights which we take for granted.

Open your eyes and see for yourself. Pass this on.

(Editorial cartoon by Hygeian R. Español)

MATTERS ARISING EDITORIAL BOARD

Jessica Jane I. Sy

A.Y. 2016-2017

jhena.sentinel@gmail.com

Jessica Jane I. Sy

Take the road less traveled

Editor-In-Chief

Austin Bradley S. Magsino Associate Editor

John Poliquit

Bea Patricia M. Pelayo

Managing Editor 1

Managing Editor 2

News Editor Features Editor Filipino Editor Green PageEditor Literary Editor Sports Editor Assistant News Editor Assistant Features Editor Assistant Filipino Editor Assistant Green PageEditor Assistant Literary Editor Assistant Sports Editor Reporters

Jaenelle M. Ilagan

Tresha R. Finianos Jillian Shayne L. Dancel Joanna Belle Z. Deala Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar Eva Marie T. Woods James Patrick V. De Jesus Phoebe Cates B. Eguico Ma. Danna R. Tansiongco Mariztela Alyssa R. Domasian Apple Mae V. Panado Tammy Cattleya B. Delos Reyes Francis Felix C. Falgui Carla Shane N. Atim Shiella Mae J. Clado Diana Theresa I. Encarnacion Jerico P. Fania Maverick Matibag Dorothea P. Pagayunan Marielle Justine N. Escabarte Chloie Angela Marie M. Isler John Christian R. Alvariño

Chief Graphics and Layout Artist

Chief Photographer

Kristine Faye V. Anajao

Hygeian R. Español

Assistant Chief Graphics and Layout Artist

Photographers

Artists

Chief Illustrator

Jessie Guilas Leander Keith P. Gaffud Danica G. Del Valle Ericka Mae B. Mendoza Jonan B. Paule Rodney D. Garcia Josephine D. Hogar

Maria Concepcion G. Capistrano Business Manager Circulation Manager

Charlene T. Silvestre Alexandra Nicole B. Zaide

Dr. Ronald M. Henson Copy Adviser

Mr. Guillermo H.A. Santos Technical Adviser

Ms. Renalyn J. Valdez Technical Adviser

lpusentinel@gmail.com

SINCE President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office last July, his war against illegal drugs produced more than 3,400 deathswith police reports 1,375 people shot dead during police operations and 2,066 “deaths under investigation” which human rights activists attribute to vigilante killings, according to a report from Reuters.

With more than 700,000 people who surrendered on Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Oplan Tokhang”, how far the death toll can go?

Being a Filipino, I am aware of our country’s problem on illegal drugs.

On its mental effects with the extent of doing heinous crimes because of being under the influence of illegal drugs, yes, we can really say that illegal drugs destroy people’s lives.

I am not against President Duterte’s advocacy on eliminating illegal drugs in the Philippines.

I am condemning extrajudicial killings.

As I recall LPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Conrado Iñigo Jr.’s speech during the Induction of Student Leaders

last August, he said an excellent leader initiates change, inspire others by being a good example and influence people to do the right thing.

But in the current situation of the Philippines under the administration’s war against illegal drugs, is our leader an excellent leader?

The way President Duterte resolves problem on illegal drugs is unconstitutional. Denying people’s right to undergo due process is definitely a violation of 1987 Philippine Constitution Section 1 Article III which provides that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property

should focus more on education and other ways for prevention especially to the youth and unemployed and make rehabilitations services more affordable and not eliminating drug pushers and users by killing them.

In addition, yes, we can’t say other killings aside from police operations are also done by the police or the vigilantes, but the fact that President Duterte and PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa committed themselves on eliminating drug pushers, users, and even the drug lords, they pushed the protectors and drug lords to eliminate people who are possible to report

“

The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things. without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the law.”

In my opinion, there are ways to address the problem in illegal drugs. The administration

”

them in the authority.

So my point here is, as a leader, be a role mode to your followers.

Are we all happy seeing comments in social media regarding extrajudicial killings that those people

who were killed deserved it even though they are not proven guilty? Are we all happy that the drug pushers and users are killing each other to prevent being reported?

Is this what we want?

Do Filipinos became insensitive on our valued morals regarding life?

As former US President Robald Reagan said, The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things.

There are different ways to reach our goals. Are we gonna choose the way which will take us in 3-6 months but few people including orphans and widows will reach the end or are we gonna choose the other way which may take us longer but we can reach our goals with our families complete?

It’s like getting your diploma on time but you cheated on your exams just to pass or getting the diploma later than others but made sure you really learned your course and got all the skills for your profession.

NEWS OPINION

This is why the administrators have fast connection because they are using separate pipe from the rest of Lyceans.

Moreover, our two connections are burstable only, not committed Internet rate (CIR) where the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not allowed to lower the Mbps feed for let’s say at below 100 Mbps depending on Service Level Agreement (SLA). But since we are just burstable to 100 Mbps, ISPs give us 100 Mbps but not all the time as long as there is a period of time that we had this internet speed.

It means internet could either be slow or fast because there is no fixed amount of Mbps for us. Now, for a stan-

PUBLIC EYE Austin Bradley S. Magsino

austinbradley.sentinel@gmail.com

Intensifying live events Pasiklab 2 and other organizations’ events are worth to watch; giving either fun or information that we can use in near future.

This is why these happenings should have a live feed as we continue to intensify our events. However, how can we provide a live - stream if we have slow Internet connection?

According to ICT – Network Administration Services, we have four Internet connections; two are burstable with 10 – 100 Mbps each (for students and employees) while the other two are dedicated with 50 Mbps each (for admin); actually these figures can support live streaming but why we can’t still have a quality one?

First, let me give you a background on how things

work. There is a difference between Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Dedicated connections. When we say DSL, the nearness of Internet consumer from the pipe that supplies the connection dictates the fastness of Internet on his gadget. However, all the consumers are still using the same pipe leading to slow Internet connection when so many people are on access at the same time. We can relate it to students from LPU, MAPUA and PLM who want to go outside the Intramuros through the Parian passage.

LPU students can go outside the Walled City faster than MAPUA and PLM’s students because they are nearer to Parian; meaning they receive the higher bandwidth or Mbps

that gives them faster connection. However, all students from three universities are dependent on the same passage.

This passage will be narrowed and can’t have a fast

CRITICAL POINT John Poliquit

johnp.sentinel@gmail.com

Deafening silence et of shabu in his pocket, write him a placard and get away with it. Our constitution and international laws guarantee the right to due process of alleged offenders. President Rodrigo Duterte, in his own words, encourages people to disregard those rights and take the law into their own hands.

Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle University called members of their communities to wear black in solidari-

ty for extrajudicial and vigilante victims in an October 2 UAAP basketball game. Last September 30, students of St. Paul University walked out of their classrooms in protest of the killings. In a statement, the University of the Philippines’s College of Law student government strongly condemned the killings, calling an immediate end the ‘culture of impunity’ in the country. Moreover, 411 students, teachers,

FORTHRIGHT Bea Patricia M. Pelayo

beapatricia.sentinel@gmail.com

Who is a true Lycean?

THERE is no guide book on steps on how to be a Lycean but we should initiate on doing things.

One of the core values of a Lycean is perseverance. Laziness is an enemy of success but a comforting aspect in every student’s life. As a student, we will be going or have gone through strict professors, late night school projects and poor grades but what sets

us apart is our strive for excellence despite all that.

Reaching my fourth year in LPU is quite hectic and hard.

Other than our problematic tuition fee and daily allowance are a lot of school requirements hindering us to take a glimpse of our clear future. However, a Lycean never surrenders to struggles.

It is better to have your studying years and tui-

here, we are the one adding the content on the Internet.

I can still relate it to students from different places that want to enter the Intramuros (Download) with 100 mbps and students who want to go outside the Intramuros (upload) with only 10Mbps to use, who are passing through the same passage of Parian.

Can you imagine how narrowed the passage would be when students with different directions meet on their bottleneck? One activity will affect the other, as both of them can’t pass easily.

This is an implication that we really need at least 2 mbps from the dedicated connection so event organizers can finally have a different pipe or source of Internet for live – stream that can support at least an SD broadcast.

Lyceans, we should adjust on how things evolve as time goes by. It is not enough that we made the live event possible instead incredible, as the audiences demand it. In fact, we have our resources so let’s not waste it. Upgrading the internet plan or adding mbps as the solution for slow Internet is a misconception.

We just need to know how to really use it in a way that we can make the most out of it.

staff and alumni of the UP community signed a statement to condemn the growing vigilantism.

Where’s LPU?

As I read archived campus papers and listened to stories from my professors, LPU was known during the 1970s and 80s as the ‘first campus to be the center of student activism’. When dictator Marcos killed and tortured those who oppose him, Lyceans stepped out in protest to the rampant injustice during that time.

When the administration refused to accept the students’ charter to establish the Sentinel, students protested for six days until they finally gave way. When issues of public concern became grave, LPU was the first university people knew would give a voice to call for justice.

Let us break this silence.

Now that Duter-

te’s war on drugs is creating an unacceptable trend of killings and his supporters nodding to his rhetoric on vigilantism, it is time for LPU to have its voice heard in statements from various organizations, student governments, faculty, students and staff.

are not stripped of being critical to his deeds. His current actions as headof-state contradict to the core values our founder Jose P. Laurel taught us- assuring justice and people’s rights, becoming professional leaders with integrity and uniting the country with freedom and

Whether it is by wearing black t-shirts or signing a petition, as long as the actions of protest are within the rules and bounds of the school, our campus and its students shouldn’t sit back and watch people get killed without a right to a fair trial.

Even if Rodrigo Duterte is our “most outstanding” alumnus, we

respect to the rule of law.

The university is needed in this critical time to show Filipinos’ defiance to acts of injustice and apathy. In a time where children are being taught that vigilantism is an acceptable idea, let our school- like Jose P. Laurel before us -accept the challenge to break the silence and take the lead.

least we can do as a Lycean is to honor and respect the Philippine flag as a symbol of our independence.

You are studying in the school grounds of LPU therefore it is your duty to respect the given rules and regulations.

On the other hand, the school should

ing to be considered a true Lycean. Some students memorize the LPU Hymn just for their graduating ceremony. These are minor things we consider trivial but it is something to be ashamed of. If an aspiring Lycean outside the school asks about how is it to be a Lycean, would

real world. It is a molding institution, yet our right as a student must not be overlooked. You must not hate being a Lycean by the deficiencies not provided by the school but be proud of being one as a student who has a stand and a catalyst of change.

We are not Lyceans because we are in LPU, but we are in LPU because we are Lyceans.

Let us not be a Lycean defined by just the food he/she eats, or the prominent places he/ she visits but rather a true-blooded Lycean who is diligent in studies, an inspiration to everyone, and someone whose alma mater can be proud of.

What is the real essence of the hashtag TatakLycean when we ourselves do not live out the teachings passed on by our lolo, the late former President Jose P. Laurel?

“

flow for these students because they are all passing it at the same time. On the other hand, dedicated connection has a separate pipe where only specified users are allowed to access.

tion well-spent in LPU by learning and experiencing everything you can.

Another core value is the act of Nationalism that can be reflected every flag-raising ceremony on our campus grounds. Students find it amusing standing up when the flag is raised in the morning and let down in the afternoon.

The most we can do as a Filipino and the

5

In our house, we have 2 Mbps Internet and it can afford up to 5 persons only. This indicates that with the ratio of 2 Mbps is to five persons; the Lyceum’s 100 Mbps Internet connection can only accommodate 500 persons. So is 100 Mbps can support the live streaming of events in our campus with no restrictions for the students’ Internet usage? Obviously, it cannot!

There are two solutions that can make the live – stream happen without adding expense. First, we can use restrictions in video streaming; torrent, social media usage and other activities as 10 Mbps will be limited per category.

Through this, live streaming will have an allotted 10 Mbps no matter how the students use the Internet because they are doing separated categories.

This can’t only feed a SD but even a 720p video resolution or high definition (HD).

The second solution is to ask at least 2 out of 50 Mbps from one of the administration’s dedicated connections. This is related to the concept of “Download vs. Upload”. The 100 mbps burstable connection allows the students to do “Download” activities like downloading files, researches and such but live – stream is not a “Download” instead “Upload” activity since

It is not enough that we made the live event possible instead incredible, as the audiences demand it.

“EVIL triumphs only when good men do nothing.”

This famous quote resonates during times where people are reluctant or apathetic on pressing societal issues.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of September 14, 2,035 people were killed in the unprecedented wave of extrajudicial or vigilante killings since July 1.

This means anyone can kill anybody, put a pack-

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

”

dard definition (SD) live streaming, we need at least two out of 100 Mbps only but Lyceum has about 12 000 students and approximately 8000 students are on access at the same time.

“

Even if Rodrigo Duterte is our “most outstanding” alumnus, we are not stripped of being critical to his deeds.

”

“

We are not Lyceans because we are in LPU, but we are in LPU because we are Lyceans.

” be able to achieve the things indicated on the school’s vision, being an “internationally accredited university”. It is always a two-way process between students and the school administration.

In the years I have stayed in LPU, I have to admit that I am still lack-

you be as proud sharing how much you hated staying in the university or serve as an example that Lyceans may not be part of big four universities in the Philippines but can do great things?

LPU is a training ground preparing us in the adversities of the

6

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

STUDENTS’ PAGE

LPU bags Philippine culinary cup overall championship

Marielle Justine N. Escabarte

AFTER competing for six years and bagging second overall champion last year, LPU won the championship in this year’s Philippine Culinary Cup held last August 3-6 at the SMX Convention Center.

The competing teams from LPU Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Manila earned 3 gold, 10 silver and 21 bronze medals.

Chef Abram Peralta from LPU Laguna won as Best Pastry Chef while Kimberly Jane Solejon, an LPU-Manila alumnus was named as the 2016 Chef of the Year.

John Leroy Borrega, Pres-

ident of Les Jeunes Chefs, said that the competition was very challenging.

“Iba yung pressure kasi nagluluto ka tapos katabi mo mga executive chef ng mga hotel. So yung experience sobrang overwhelming,” Borrega stated.

When asked about their preparations, the competitors had several trainings from planning with their coaches on what dish to make, to conducting frequent kitchen tests.

“Every week may apat na trainings kami after class or minsan hindi na kami nakakapasok sa klase para lang makapag-training, kailangan talagang mag-training,” Borrega added.

Borrega also said LPU’s victory was very overwhelming.

“Nakakatuwa kasi for the past six years, ngayon lang nakuha yung overall championship. Nakakatuwa lang talaga. Kasi talagang matagal ng pangarap,” Borrega said.

Besides from Filipino chefs, other competing teams were from Culinary schools and Hotels in Singapore, Korea, United States of America, and Thailand.

The Philippine Culinary Cup is one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the country. It showcases the skills of both international and Filipino chefs in the culinary field.

KNOWN as the longest running theatre club in Intramuros, Tanghalang Batingaw celebrated its 40th anniversary with a theatrical show entitled “La Estrella” at the JPL Hall of Freedom last August 12.

Timothy Gucilatar, writer of the said show said it depicts a tragic love story of two souls reincarnated in different timelines. He shared that he was inspired to write the story because of his personal experiences.

“La Estrella is a fairytale for a group of people who do not have a fairytale of their

own,” Gucilatar said.

Meanwhile, La Estrella Director Sweet Hearty Puyong said she enjoyed directing the play since for her, La Estrella is not a typical love story.

“Ang saya niya [i-direct] kasi it’s all about love that everyone could [have]. We live because may bagong buhay na dumadating and we can appreciate life more if we sacrifice, if we give something for the good of others,” Puyong stated.

Moreover, Puyong added that La Estrella is different from all the other plays they have done because they did something new in the show.

Do you believe that extrajudicial killings exist in our country today? Why? “I believe that there is no such thing as extrajudicial killings happening in the Philippines because it’s lacking in evidences. There are some speculations that our policemen kill people particularly innocent civilians but like other cases, it should have a proper investigation if that certain thing really exists today.”

-Allana Aquino 2nd year ABFS-D

“Yes, I do believe that extrajudicial killings exist in the country but even though if that’s the case, as inhumane as it seems, getting rid of the people causing the crimes would actually do good for the country. Well that’s only my opinion.”

-Rogelio Geven 2nd year ABFS-D

Tanghalang Batingaw celebrates 40th anniversary Charlene T. Silvestre

NATIONAL ISSUE

“This is breaking boundaries. As a director, I’m always fighting for student artists’ freedom kasi in Tanghalang Batingaw we are not being paid as an artist kumbaga yun ngang sinasabi natin, passion lang talaga. [Ang] nagpapatagal sa amin sa organization na ito is passion lang,” Puyong said.

La Estrella director thanked all the people who supported their organization throughout the years.

“Sobrang thankful ako sa mga taong sumusuporta at sana patuloy nilang suportahan ang Tanghalang Batingaw,” Puyong ended.

“Naniniwala ako sa extrajudicial killings kasi kitang - kita naman natin sa news and before pa maging uso iyang extrajudicial killings na iyan marami ng beses ng nagkakaroon ng salvage, sa probinsya uso ‘yan. Unang - una isa rin ‘yan sa way nila para maiwasan yung pagiging over crowded ng city jails.”

-Ivan Delgado 3rd Year ABMC - AD

CAMPUS ISSUE Are you in favor of the separate suspension of classes for SHS and college students during bad weather?

“No, because they’re technically college students too, and they shouldn’t have special treatment just because they’re SHS [students]. It’s just unfair to college students who kept on suffering when bad weather strikes.”

-Karl Ivan B. Malit 3rd Year ABMMA-DA

“No, I think that suspensions, if declared, should be levied to both and not separated, considering that both SHS and college students are attending the same school so each can be affected by the hazards a bad weather can cause.”

-Vinz Gabriel 2nd Year ABFS-D

“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be in favor of a separate suspension. On grounds of jurisdiction, the SHS students are still under DepEd and not under CHED, thus making them a separate and independent entity of our university. Lastly, it would be very wise for the school administration to have a separate suspension for the SHS students and the college students, in terms of parental matters.”

-Jhondell Bello Andal 4th Year BSIT

Atty. Kapunan lectures on global humanitarian law Diana Theresa I. Encarnacion IN line with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) month, Atty.

Lorna Kapunan enlightened students during the IHL Symposium held by LPU Red Cross Youth Council in partnership with Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and College of International Relations Student Government (CIR SG) at the JPL Hall of Free-

dom on August 18.

With the theme, “IHL: Mga aral ng nakaraan, Hamon sa Kasalukuyan,” the symposium was aimed to encourage everyone to become a Red Cross volunteer and to be an eye-opener for the students to know more about the Red Cross and International Humanitarian Law.

“When we speak about volunteering, we think of people with

simple capacities, capabilities yet do small things with their great heart” Red Cross member Ryan Jay Jopia stated. He also said volunteers can also inspire others to serve selflessly.

In the event,Atty.

Lorna Kapunan, together with Manuel Santos Jr., another Red Cross member, emphasized the difference of international humanitarian law from human rights.

“Pag giyera ang

IHL SYMPOSIUM. Atty. Lorna Kapunan talks about the Red Cross and humanitarian laws.

(Photo courtesy of Leander Keith P. Gaffud)

tawag dyan humanitarian laws hindi human rights. It is not only applicable when it is one country fighting another.” Atty. Kapunan said. She also added that the IHL is also applicable

in the war in Mindanao.

Atty. Kapunan also discussed the Red Cross and Other Emblems Act of 2013, which, according to her, “is very important to understand with

the concepts of protecting the emblems [Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystals].

Lastly, the symposium ended with a forum participated by students and the speakers.

NEWS

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

7

from page 1

(This policy was said to be benchmarked from...)

the selective retention but based on GPA. [In] UP, Ateneo, La Salle, you can continue studying even with a failing mark but the basis is only the GPA or the average. So, I think we can have a better system even than Ateneo, La Salle, because ang basis lang nila is ‘yung GPA, sa’tin regardless of your GPA, as long as you have a failing mark, you will commit an offense.” VPAA said.

The offense’s consequences

The policy will be implemented through an offense-to-consequence basis.

Iñigo emphasized that they have announced the implementation of the policy as early as August this year so that the students will be informed immediately and become more prepared for the policy

OFFENSE

CONSEQUENCE

1st offense

Verbal/Written Warning

2nd offense

3 Units Deduction from the Total Academic Unit Loads

3rd offense

6 Units Deduction from the Total Academic Unit Loads

4th offense

The student will have to transfer to another school

upon its implementation. turning their negative study habits into positive by beThe essence of the ing more attentive to their policy academic responsibilities.

Moreover, the fac The VPAA clari- ulty members also have a fies that this policy is not very important role in this made to pressure the stu- policy by improving their dents but to motivate them teaching methodologies instead. The policy sets its to properly guide the stugoal on changing the atti- dents on how to study and tude of the students from acquire the competencies.

from page 1

(“To my students and participants today, let us join the fight for the memory for those who perished.” )

Rosales then shared to everyone the “Human Rights Matrix” which tells everyone has the right to human security which was not only violated during the Marcos Regime, but also on the current war against drugs. She also shared her experiences during Marcos’ reign including the torture she endured such as being scorched with candle wax and electrocution.

“It’s all about what human rights are. The state values

the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights [and] that is in the 1987 constitution, Article 2, Section 11. In other words, every member of the community has the right to human security,” Rosales said, explaining the Human Rights Matrix.

The speakers wrapped up their respective speeches by entertaining questions from the audience during the open forum.

“I believe all the students are intelligent.There’s no such thing called ‘bobo.’

The reason is they don’t have a positive study habit”, Dr. Inigo added.

In addition, Iñigo said the policy is expected to improve in three to four years and the students can expect fairness and ample understanding from the implementing body.

The policy is one of the institution’s ways of engaging the students into a more positive academic environment that will prepare them to become more competent individuals.

“If you are a graduate of LPU, it is guaranteed any students or graduates has a holistic competency. All graduates can [be] globally competitive professionals. We are serious [on] helping the students to get jobs, that’s the bottomline.” Iñigo ended.

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Let us know your insights on the different issues in our campus, what stories you want us to feature, and what you think about us.

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EDITOR

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with the LETTER TO THE EDITOR as the subject of your e-mail and please include your name, year and course in the letter body.

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LPU marks 50.46% passing rate in 2016 Psychometrician Licensure Exam Phoebe Cates B. Eguico

14 out of 28 examinees from the Lyceum of the Philippines University passed the 2016 Psychometrician Licensure examination, attaining the highest passing rate from the previous years.

The significant increase of passers has been seen as the passing rate rose from the 2014 and 2015 results

where the university garnered 39.31% and 46.45% national passing rate respectively.

This year, 14 out of 28 examinees passed the exam, eleven of which are first timers and three are repeaters.

LPU Manila also posts 57.14% national passing rate in the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination.

Media forum addresses current media strategy Phoebe Cates B. Eguico IN line with the Media Days celebration, media practitioners Irish Tulusan from the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) and Aljo Bendijo of People’s Television (PTV-4) shared their knowledge to communication students last September 21 at the LPU Mini Theater during a Media Forum held by the League of Young Commu-

nication Artists and Journalists (LYCAJ).

In the opening remarks, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Rizalina Cruz emphasized the role of media to empower and inspire transparency and change in society.

“The [media] industry allows people to speak their minds and to constantly verify the truth and falsity of available public information,” Cruz said.

Focused on

State-Owned Media organizations, the guest speakers talked about how they differ from commercial media organizations.

According to Bendijo, state-owned media refrains from sensationalizing news stories which is unlikely compared to some commercial media organizations.

Sensationalism refers to the overhyping of news stories to make it more appealing to the public.

Bendijo also

said both commercial and state-owned media have the responsibility to serve and provide news and development information, improving people’s quality of life.

“Change is how we view ourselves in local, national and global issues presented objectively.

Change must come within ourselves,” Bendijo said, adding media should be undivided and promote general welfare.

Moreover, the

speakers shared their experiences in the media industry. They also gave insights to the newly proposed incorporation of state-owned communication assets such as Radyo ng Bayan and PTV to the People’s Broadcasting Corporation (PBC).

Furthermore, the speakers mentioned the citizen’s freedom to criticize the government but also reminded the students that freedom of expression and speech

has its limitations.

During the open dialogue, students and notable faculty members Mr. Guillermo H.A. Santos and Mr. Francis H. Tagubuan asked questions regarding Bendijo and Tulusan’s statements on sensationalized news reported by commercial media organizations and the speakers’ opinion in the salary scale of the government broadcast and radio organizations.

8

FEATURES

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PLAYING FORWARD: THE EVOLUTION OF VIDEO GAMES

By Jillian Shayne L. Dancel

E

THE PLATFORMS AND GAMES Some of the kids nowadays wouldn’t be able to feel the agony of waiting and the joy of having a game on your computer or PlayStation.

Today, we can now get various video games on our smartphones such as Angry Birds, Pokémon Go and Temple Run. Before, it was played through the use of computers and gaming consoles.

The PC game requires the interaction with a personal computer connected to a monitor. Consoles however, are specialized electronic devices that are connected on either the television or the video monitor to play games on hard disks.

Moreover, joysticks are called handheld game devices. It shares almost the same characteristics with the console game.

The famous arcade game in the 1980s is also a video game. It uses a coin-operated cabinet-like device which has built-in controllers, a screen and speakers.

N i n t e n d o ,

Atari, and Sega rose to fame through these various platforms. Behind them are people with brilliant minds who brainstorm to create something that is timely and would satisfy every gamer. They are also the ones who created different games such as Pokémon, Mario, Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, Pacman, and Crash Bandicoot. All of which had been loved for years.

As the games evolved, so did the gaming style. From the ordinary pixelated games, it has now turned into two dimensional fun gaming. Now, three dimensional games dominate the center stage with the incorporation of interaction to another reality.

DIFFERENT REALITIES

The different realities are the fourth wave of technology according to research. From the personal computers, the internet, and mobile, these realities are now conquering the world introducing a new gaming experience. There are three realities that are existent today: the virtual re-

ality, augmented reality, and the mixed reality.

Virtual reality (VR) copies an environment that creates a physical presence of a world which allows the user to interact. According to The Foundry UK, it is the umbrella term for all immersive experiences such as multimedia or computer-stimulated, which could be created using purely real-world content, purely synthetic content, or a hybrid of both. Best examples of this are 360° videos in Facebook, which allows us to see another place in a 360° virtual view as if we were there to witness the whole happenings.

The Oculus Rift is a VR headset developed

by Oculus. It is composed of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, 1080×1200 resolution per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 110° field of view.

After its release on March 2016, virtual reality has become a trend. Many videogames transformed from the typical console 2D to the 3D world and many players wanted to venture this new technology.

Aside from its gam-

1977

1994

1958

Illustration by Jonan B. Paule

ver wondered how 4K, 60 frames per second virtual shooter games of today came from the tiny movable escaping pixels of yesterday? From the famous brick game to Pacman and Tekken, we can see that many things have changed and our time now has evolved into a much more advanced and complex technology.

Let’s see how video games have changed the way we play with technology.

ing purpose, it was also used as a therapeutic instrument for people with acrophobia or fear of heights. In a project of Samsung called #BeFearless, they have stated that people can overcome their fear of heights with constant practice and that’s why they’ve launched the VR program.

The video teaser they’ve released included people trying the Oculus Rift who imaginatively walk in a high place.

According to the Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital, 87.5% of the participants have reduced their fear.

On the other hand, Augmented Reality (AR) is a live real-world environment with elements supplemented computergenerated content. However,

it does not complement each other.It may be through sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

Most of the movies are made of AR such as the Terminator and the Iron Man. In games, one best example would be the new installment of the Pokémon series – the Pokémon Go. With the use of mobile phones, it will look at the real world to find imaginative creatures that can only interact on the screen.

Lastly, the Mixed Reality (MR) or hybrid reality is the least-well-known of the three. It is the combination of the best aspects of the two – the merging of the real and virtual worlds to produce new environments that exist and interact at the same time. One best example of this is Microsoft’s HoloLens

or Hologram Lens. According to Reuters, its lineage can be traced in Microsoft’s Kinect.

To cite an example, Swedish YouTube star Pewdiepie can be seen as the guy who has traveled many realities. He is best known for playing different types of video games in different realities with the addition of funny commentaries. One of his most viewed playlist is his Oculus Rift games.

Now, he has created a Vlog about his Pokémon Go play.

Sooner or later, the age of technology we know would evolve into a powerful age and maybe we will see ourselves interacting with robots or zombies someday.This era is gone and the age of artificial intelligence will begin.

FROM DASH TO DIGITAL

By Jerico P. Fania 1998

Physicist Willy Higinbotham invents a table tennis-like game played in an oscilloscope and was considered the first video game.

Atari co-founders Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney developed the Atari 2600, paving the way for the quintessential Pac-Man game. The said console only had 128 bytes of RAM. Yikes.

1981

The top-selling video game franchise Mario was created by Shigeru Miyamato and entered the gaming scene with Donkey Kong.

Former Sony CEO Ken Kutaragi developed the first PlayStation. With 125 million units sold worldwide, this Sony console transformed the gaming industry in more ways than one.

1996

The role-playing game Pokémon was started

by Satoshi Tajiri, creator of the game and the founder and President of Game Freak.

2006

In hopes of echoing the original Game Boy’s success, Nintendo released the Game Boy Color.

The handheld console features a slightly thicker and taller body as opposed to its predecessor. Fun fact: the GBC effortlessly outsold Bandai’s WonderSwan despite the latter’s relatively higher specs (with respect to that era’s standards, of course).

The Sony-Nintendo feud went on as they both released new consoles namely: the PlayStation 3 and Wii respectively. The latter hit the shelves just eight days after Sony’s PlayStation 3 release. Talk about a sneak attack.

2016

The virtual reality headset Oculus Rift was released by the Oculus VR in March 28. At the same time, the augmented reality game Pokémon Go was released by Niantic in July 6.

(Infographic by Jaenelle M. Ilagan) (Photos courtesy of Google Images)

FEATURES

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Pokémon Go:

R

emember that little 3310 where you used to play Space Impact or Snake just years ago? Well, those pixelated games are no longer played nowadays as we plunge to infinite applications that will surely make your memory card burst – social media, music, books and especially games.

As the world of technology updates and upgrades in every corner, every person is exposed to different ways to relax and unwind. This includes the new addition to one of the most loved games of all time: Pokémon Go. THE POKÉVOLUTION

All in all, there has been six generations of Pokémon. Every new installment in the series swept most video gamers off their feet and agitated their minds.

It all started when the founder of video game developer Game Freak Satoshi Tajiri, a quiet w r iter-t u r ned- desig ner, though of creating a game that would introduce a spectacular roleplaying game to the world.

In 1996, the birth of the Pokémon series started with the game Pocket Monsters: Aka and Midori in Japan. Also known as Red and Green, a special edition of the game was released named Ao or Blue.

Due to its success, it had made its mark all over the world. Though the Aka and Midori versions did not make it outside Japan, the Blue edition was reprogrammed. Three years

later, it was introduced in different western countries with a name Pokémon Red and Blue. This game of catching 151 cute mythical creatures from the wild and training them up to battle with friends alike proved thoroughly addictive. It immediately integrated every gamer to its rock-paperscissors strategy.

The following year, Pokémon Yellow was released. It was different from the first two games; the starter Pokémon in the game was not Bulbasaur, not Charmander, not even Squirtle, but rather the electric-type Pikachú. Therefore, Pikachú gained fame and became the game’s official image.

In 1999, the world witnessed the second generation of Pokémon unfold within their eyes.

The Pokémon Gold and Silver was developed and released for the new game console of Nintendo, the Game Boy Color.

These introduced the new types of pokémons – Dark and Steel type and the new specialized pokéballs.

The third generation of the Pokémon featured the coming of the set of bad guys. It was the first game to feature a different team of villains rather than fighting team Rocket.

In the Pokémon Ruby, the main character will fight the team Magma while they will be fighting team Aqua in Pokemon Sapphire. Both teams were in search of a stone that would disturb the balance in the Pokémon world.

By Jillian Shayne L. Dancel and Ma. Danna R. Tansiongco

Aside from the main plot, it is also the character’s role to stop both teams.

M o r e o v e r , the Pokémon Emerald paired with a slight change in the story itself as it marked departure from its predecessors.

Other additions to this game include its redesigned gyms and lots of brand new Pokémon champions.

In 2006, the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl kicked off the fourth installment of the game.

Another 107 creatures have been added to the game with the legendary Pokémons Dialga and Palkia. A new feature incorporated the expanded secret base into an underground, multiplayer, Wi-Fi meeting place.

These games were followed by the Pokémon Black and Pokémon White, the revolutionary or fifth generation; Pokémon X and Y, Generation VI; and lastly, the Pokémon Sun and Moon which was the first set of Generation VII Pokémon games, and has said to be coming in Nintendo 3DS worldwide this year. All in all, there are 760 Pokémons in total.

THE CRAZE CONTINUES

The Pokémon have immensely improved throughout the years and the trend continues until now. Before the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon, John Hanke of Niantic came up with the idea of a game incorporating the real world.

Pokemon Go,

like the previous installments, has brought delight to its fans and gamers. It made every person smile fondly, because they still cherish memories of wanting to be the very best.

However, this new concept differs from the previous versions. Aside from using consoles, this could be downloaded in iOS and Android phones.

This allows people to explore the outside world and interact with other people while hunting down Pokémons – catching them, training them and battling them. The leaves, pond, dirt, metal, sky, fire and rock are the places where you can lure the creatures.

As you venture around, you can battle with other players you see and go to gyms. You can also found pokéstops where you can get free items such as potions and pokéballs, and a place where you can also hatch an egg.

Around Manila, one hotspot would be the Luneta Park. There are four pokèstops between the Jaime Cardinal Sin building and the Intramuros Golf Club. There is also one at our very own Mabini Hall at JPL’s statue.

Nowadays, there are groups who organize lure parties wherein Pokémon Go players can come together and play the game side-by-side.

In strange ways, the digital world may have already overplayed the real world. There’s no problem on trying new stuff that come in our lives. But beware! Every deed comes with a responsibility. Proceed on your own risk.

Illustration by Jonan B. Paule and Bea Patricia M. Pelayo

Boon or Bane?

9

WALK INSTEAD OF HAVING A RIDE. The game encourages players to go outside and exercise. Being fit whilst hatching incubated eggs is a total win-win.

DANGER IS EVERYWHERE. Using your phone in public lures not only Pokémon but also criminals like snatchers and holdappers. Never put your guard down or Team Rocket may steal both your Pokémon and phone.

TRESPASSING IS A CRIME! Avoid entering privately owned properties, business, government and religious institutions especially private residential areas.

SACRIFICING TIME FOR A GAME? DON’T. The game consumes real time and may affect employee or student productivity. However, do not sacrifice your work or study time for a game.

Separate leisure time from your other responsibilities.

REALITY VS. IMAGINARY Always remember that you are alive and those things are not. Do not let the virtual world detach you from the real world.

(Infographic by Rodney D. Garcia)

10

FILIPINO

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BUWAN NG WIKA:

SELEBRASYON SA PAGKAKATATAG NG WIKANG FILIPINO Tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng Agosto ay ginugunita natin ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa na kung saan pinapahalagahan natin ang mga diyalekto, kultura at kasaysayan ng ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng iba’t-ibang programa at paligsahan.

Ngunit bago pa man dumating sa katawagan na ito, mas kilala ito bilang “Linggo ng Wika”.

Ang Linggo ng Wika ay ipinagdiriwang tuwing ika-13 ng Agosto hanggang sa ika-19 ng buwan — ang kaarawan ng Ama ng Wikang Pambansa na si dating Pangulong Manuel L.

Ni Mariztela Alyssa Quirubim Domasian at Maverick Matibag

Quezon. Ngunit noong taong 1997, nilagdaan ni dating Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos ang Proklamasyon Blg.1041, kung saan nakasaad dito na ang tunay na pagdiriwang ng ating wika ay sa buong buwan ng Agosto.

Sa pagdating ng buwan na ito, ang bawat paaralan sa bansa ay nakikiisa at naghahanda ng iba’t-ibang pangunahing programa at patimpalak na lalahukan ng mga mag - aaral .

Sa pamumuno ng Kagawaran ng Filipino ng Kolehiyo ng Sining at Agham, Pandayan sa Wika at Panitik at Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal,

ipinagdiwang ng Lyceum of the Philippines University- Manila ang Buwan ng Wika ngayong taon na may temang “Filipino: Wika ng Karunungan”.

Opisyal na nagbukas ang pagdiriwang noong ika-8 ng Agosto na sinalubong naman ng programa at paligsahan na Patinikan sa Panitikan. Sinundan naman ito ng iba’t-ibang patimpalak katulad ng Buhay na Diorama, AnaKritikal na Sulatin, Kalatog Pinggan, Sarswela ng Kulturang Pilipino, Indakan, Hugot sa Bawat Pintig, Tilamsik Diwa, at Talumpatian. Nagkaroon din sila ng pagpapalabas

ng pelikulang Pilipino at pagdodonasyon ng dugo.

Ngunit, ano nga ba ang tunay na layunin ng mga patimpalak na ito? Ayon sa panayam sa Pangulo ng Pandayan sa Wika at Panitik na si Cedrick Uy, ang pakikilahok at pagdiriwang ng buwan ng ating wikang pambansa ay makatutulong na maibukas ang mga mata ng mga tao, higit sa lahat, ang mga estudyante sa kanilang pagka-Pilipino.

“Sa panahon ngayon, unti-unti na nating nakakalimutan ang mga nakagawian at nakagisnan ng mga sinaunang Pilipino at sa

pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng mga programa at patimpalak na nauukol sa kultura nating mga Pilipino muling nabubuhay, nabibigyan ng pansin, at nagbibigay kaalaman sa makabagong henerasyon,” wika ni Uy.

Dagdag pa niya, sa kabila ng epekto ng globalisasyon ay nagagawa parin ng mga Pilipino na makibahagi at lumahok sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika.

Sa pagtatapos ng buwan ng Agosto, bukod sa pagbibigay halaga sa mga sining na minana pa natin sa ating mga ninuno, inaasahan natin na may

natutunan ang mga mamamayan, lalong-lalo na ang mga kabataan sa pagdiriwang na ito.

Tunay nga na ang pagmamahal sa ating sariling wika ay nakapagdudulot ng maganda katulad ng pagyaman, hindi lamang ng ating kultura kundi ng ating pagkatao bilang isang Pilipino.

Mahalin at pahalagahan natin ang ating wika sapagkat hindi lamang ito ang nagbubuklod-buklod sa ating mga Pilipino, kundi ito rin ay nagsisilbing tulay tungo sa kaunlaran ng bansang Pilipinas.

WIKA AT BAYANI,

ANO PA BANG MAYROON SA

AGOSTO? Ni Jillian Shayne L. Dancel

AGOSTO, ito ang buwan ng pagdiriwang ng ating Wikang Pambansa bilang paalala sa kahalagahan ng ating wika at pagbibigay-diin sa pagmamahal natin hindi lamang sa bansa ngunit pati sa ating wika. Bukod pa rito, ipinagdiriwang din natin ang Araw ng ating mga Bayani.

Maliban sa mga nabanggit, ano - ano pa nga bang mga mahahalagang kaganapan na lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami ang nakapaloob din sa buwan na ito? Ang ilan sa mga pangyayaring pumapatak sa Buwan ng Agosto ay ang mga sumusunod:

ARAW NG LUNGSOD NG QUEZON Ipinagdiriwang ito tuwing ika-19 ng Agosto kasabay ng kaarawan ng tinaguriang Ama ng Wikang Pambansa na si dating Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon.

ARAW NG KABAYANIHAN NI NINOY AQUINO Itinalaga ng dating Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang ika-21 ng Agosto bilang pag-alala sa pagkamatay ng martir at kilalang mahigpit na katunggaling dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos na si Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

ANIBERSARYO NG PAGBOMBA SA PLAZA MIRANDA Noong ika-21 ng Agosto 1971, habang nangyayari ang political rally ng Partido Liberal ay naganap ang pagbomba sa Plaza Miranda kung saan namatay ang siyam na inosenteng sibilyan at nasugatan ang 95 na katao kabilang ang ilang prominenteng politiko. Ito ay maituturing na isa sa malagim na eleksyon sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

ARAW NG PANANAKOP NG MGA AMERIKANO Ika- 13 ng Agosto, 1898, naganap ang tinagurian ring Mock Battle of Manila kung saan unang iwinagayway ang bandila ng Estados Unidos sa Kabisera ng Pilipinas.

WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK O LINGGO NG PAGPAPASUSO Isa itong selebrasyon na isinasagawa sa buong mundo tuwing ika-1 hanggang ika-7 ng Agosto. Itinalaga itong World Health Organization (WHO) at United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) upang hikayatin at makapagbigay-alam tungkol sa benepisyo na maibibigay ng pagpapasuso ng mga ina sa kalusugan at paglaki ng kanilang mga sanggol.

LINGGO NG HIKA Sa ilalim ng Proklamasyon Blg. 443 na nilagdaan ng dating Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos, itinilaga ang ikalawang linggo ng Agosto para sa paghahatid ng kaalaman at pagpapaigting ng mga programa patungkol sa sakit na asthma.

PAMBANSANG BUWAN NG KASAYSAYAN Noong Pebrero 2012, nilagdaan ng dating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang Proklamasyon Blg. 339 na naglilipat ng paggunita sa linggo ng kasaysayan mula Setyembre. Maraming pangyayari sa ating kasaysayan ang naganap sa buwan na ito kung kaya’t bukod sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Bayani ay nararapat lamang na isabay na rin ang Buwan ng Kasaysayan.

Ang mundo ay umiikot at maraming mga pangyayari ang maaring maganap sa isang araw lamang. Kung kaya’t tayo’y maging maalam hindi lamang sa ating kasaysayan kundi na rin sa ating kapaligiran.

(Infographic by Josephine D. Hogar)

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

11

Sineng Pilipino: ANG DAANG PATUNGONG INDIE Sawa na ba kayo sa mga pelikulang paulit-ulit niyong pinapanuod o kaya’y ilang beses ng natunghayan sa telebisyon? Bakit hindi ninyo subukang manuod ng mga Indie films? Hango sa salitang “independent”, ang indie film ay nililikha ng mga maliliit na produksyon na sumasalamin sa totoong kwento ng buhay. Narito ang ilan sa mga pelikulang Pilipino na siguradong tatangkilikin ninyo at kapupulutan ng aral:

SANA DATI

KUSINA “Kusina”, ito ang buhay na nakasaksi sa paglaki ni Juanita.

Ito ay ang kanyang naging sanktuaryo, kung saan siya ay nagluluto para sa kahit sinong tao- pamilya, kaibigan, maging ang kanyang kaaway.

Sa pagluluto niya nakikilala ang ibat-ibang tao sa kanyang paligid at naipapakita kung sino siya sa mga ito.

Nawala man ang kanyang magulang, naging kasama niya sa kanyang paglaki ang kanyang lola. Sa pelikulang ito ay matutunan nating mahalin ang bawat kapwa na nasa paligid natin at kung paano mapapahalagahan ang kulturang Pilipino.

Ni Alexandra Nicole B. Zaide and Joanna Belle Z. Deala

Habang nakikipagpanayam si Dennis kay Andrea tungkol sa kung paano sila nagkakilala ng isang pulitiko na si Robert, umiiba ang patungo ng sagot ng dalaga. Sinabi ni Dennis kay Andrea na piliin niyang mahalin ang totoong nagpapatibok ng kanyang puso bago pa man siya ikasal. Sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari, nakilala niya ang kapatid ng dati niyang minamahal.

Ang pelikulang ito ay nagpapakita ng realidad ng pag-ibig. Kung mahal mo talaga ang isang tao, hindi agad-agad mawawala ang pagmamahal mo rito kahit na mawala man siya sayo.

PAMILYA ORDINARYO SAKALING HINDI MAKARATING

DAGSIN

Nang makaligtas sa Death March sa panahon ng Batas Militar, si Justino ay naging atheist. Nang mamatay ang kanyang asawa, siya’y naniniwala na may pagkakataon pang makasama niya ito sa kabilang buhay.

Hinahanap-hanap pa rin niya ang alaala nito at binabalikan ang diary na naglalaman ng mga alaala ng nakaraan.

Ang pagmamahal na walang hanggan ang naipakita sa pelikulang ito. Ipinakita rito kung gaano katatag ang kanilang pinagsamahan at ang walang katapusang pagmamahal ni Justino kay Cora.

Sa kabila ng mga masalimuot na pangyayari sa buhay ni Justino pati na rin ang pagkuwestiyon sa kanyang paniniwala sa Diyos, naniniwala pa rin siya na makakasama niyang muli ang kanyang mahal na asawa sa kabilang buhay.

Ito ay ang kwento ng paglalakbay ni Cielo matapos niyang makipaghiwalay sa kanyang kasintahan sa loob ng labing-isang taon. May taong nagpapadala sa kanya ng mga poskard ng iba’t ibang tanawin at lungsod sa Pilipinas na may kasamang mga sulat.

Napagdesisyunan niyang bisitahin at nagbabaka sakali na mahanap niya ang misteryosong tao na si “M”.

Sa kanyang paglalakbay upang makalimot at hanapin ang taong iyon, may ibat-ibang taong nakikilala si Cielo sa bawat lugar na kanyang napupuntahan.

“Ibang klaseng adventure ‘yang paghahanap kay M” – Cielo Hindi lamang ipinapakita rito ang buhay pag-ibig ni Cielo, ipinapakita rin sa pelikulang ito ang pagpapahalaga sa taglay na kagandahan ng ating bansang makikita sa bawat lugar na pinupuntahan niya.

Pinagsisikapang buhayin ng mga batang magulang na sina Aries at Jane Ordinaryo ang kanilang anak bilang isang mandurukot sa kahabaan ng Quiapo sa Maynila.

Wala pang ilang buwan ng pagiging mga magulang ay nagkaroon ng hindi inaasahang pangyayari sa buhay nina Aries at Jane nang nakawin ang anak nila na si Arjan.

Isang madramang realidad ng buhay ang ipinapakita sa Pamilya Ordinaryo. Bukod sa pagpapakita kung paano talaga namuhay ang Pamilyang Ordinaryo sa kalsada, ayon sa direktor nito na si Eduardo Roy, ito ay nagpapakita rin ng halimbawa ng ‘Poverty Porn’ kung saan kumakapit na lamang sa patalim upang mabuhay.

ABOVE THE CLOUDS

ARTDIALOGO:

TULAY NG KOMUNIKASYON Ni Dorothea Pagayunan Maayos ang relasyon ng dalawang bansa kapag ito ay may matibay na pundasyon.

Ito ay maaaring sa pamamagitan ng palitan ng mga produkto, sa paraan nang pagnenegosyo, o hindi kaya’y sa pakikipag-kapwa tao. Ngunit, ang mga ito ay iilan lamang sa mga paraan upang magkaroon ng matibay na pundasyon ang dalawang bansa.

Ngayong taong 2016, nagkaroon ng isang programa na may layuning makabuo ng pakikipagkaibigan gamit ang sining na tinawag na ArtDialogo. Ito ay itinatag nina Neme-

sio Miranda Jr. at Karina Jardin na sinimulan sa pangunguna ng bansang Pilipinas at Malaysia noong ika-29 ng Hulyo hanggang ika-4 ng Agosto sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Binuo ito upang suportahan ang mga lokal na pintor at magkaroon ng kamalayan patungkol sa kultura ng iba’t ibang bansa. Ginawa rin ito para mas tumibay pa ang ugnayan ng lahat ng pintor na tagataguyod sa larangan ng sining.

Ang ArtDialogo ay makakatulong sa mga pintor na mahiyakat na makilahok sa mga paligsahan sa ibang bansa, makagawa ng samahan at mapaunlad pa lalo ang iba’t – ibang kultura. Ang nasabing

programa ay binigyan ng pitong araw ang mga kasaling bansa na magpalitan ng mga likhang sining upang maipakita at maipamalas ang kagandahan ng kultura na mayroon sila. Kalakip din nito ang mga karanasan ng kanilang bansa.

Dumalo ang labintatlong pintor na representante ng Pilipinas at nagsagawa ng mga sari-saring aktibidades katulad ng pagguhit ng mukha, aktwal na sining at interaksyon nang pagpipinta sa Kellie’s Castle.

Matapos nito, ang mga kalahok naman na buhat sa bansang Malaysia ay magsasagawa ng inspirasyon batay sa kanilang likha.

Ito’y gaganap-

Nang masawi ang kanyang mga magulang sa pananalasa ng isang bagyo, si Andy, labing-limang taong gulang, ay napilitang manirahan sa kanyang lolo. Bilang isang normal na kabataan na may dinaramdam, pinapalayo niya ang mga tao sa kanyang paligid. Isang araw, may pinakitang mga lumang larawan ang kanyang lolo; larawan ng kanyang magulang na umaakyat ng bundok. Dahil dito, naisipan din niyang umakyat ng bundok upang maranasan ang ginawa ng kanyang mga magulang.

Ang pelikulang ito ay isang paglalakbay ng pagbabago upang makita kung sino ka, hanapin at buuin muli ang iyong sarili at kung gaano kahalaga ang mga tao sa iyong paligid na hindi magsasawang mag-alaga sayo. Ipinakita rin sa pelikulang ito ang magagandang tanawin ng ating bansa.

in sa ika-20 hanggang ika-28 ng Nobyembre, 2016 sa Maynila.

Tunay nga na nakakamangha ang mga ganitong palatuntunan sapagkat lalong mapapatatag ang relasyon sa pagitan ng ating bansa at ng Malaysia. Wika nga ng isang amerikanong manunulat na si Madeleine L’EnSa pag - usbong ng iba’t-ibang malayang pelikula, gle, ang sining ay isang nakakatanggap tayong mga Pilipino ng mga prestiuri ng komunikasyon. hiyosong parangal. Hindi lamang sa bansa natin ito Nararapat napapanuod kundi naitatampok din sa iba’t-ibang lamang na huwag panig ng mundo at nakakatanggap ng mga pagpapahalaga. Kaya bakit hindi natin tangkilikin ang nating isaalang-alang ang kahalagahan nito gawang atin? Napakagandang isipin na ang mga ito ay nagbibigay karaat patuloy pang pa- ngalan hindi lamang sa ating bansa kundi maging sa yabungin, na tunay atin bilang mga Pilipino. Ito ay nagpapatunay na tanga namang itong mai- yong mga Pilipino ay may likas na talentong maipagmamalaki sa ibang lahi at kakayahang makapagpagmamalaki nating hatid ng mga aral na nararapat lamang madinig o mga Pilipino saang sumatunghayan ng sino man sa pamamagitan ng malok man sa mundo. likhaing paraan.

(Infographic by Maria Concepcion G. Capistrano) (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

KULTURA

12

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

GREEN PAGE

TORNADOES:

An uncommon phenomenon

By Apple Mae V. Panado and Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar

EXTINCT SPECIES OF THE 21ST CENTURY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF 2016

By Chloie Angela Marie M. Isler

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defined critically endangered as “species that are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.”

Meanwhile, they defined “extinct in the wild” as species that have their living members kept in captivity, and extinct species have no known individual remaining.

The most prevalent causes for the extinction and endangerment of these species are diseases brought by mosquitoes and the destruction of their natural habitats because of manmade interventions such as pollution, poaching and illegal trade, and industrialization. Destruction by industrialization roots from infrastructure developments and deforestation, among others.

Here are some of the species that no longer exist and are considered to be endangered.

EASTERN COUGAR/EASTERN PUMA Status: Extinct Origin: North America (from Canada to South Carolina) Date of Extinction: 2015 Cause of Extinction: The decline began when European immigrants started killing the animals to protect their families and livestock. The US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) concluded in 2011that there was no evidence of Eastern Cougar living within its once enormous habitat.

Location (last seen): Maine, United States (in 1938)

PYRENEAN IBEX/BUCARDO Status: Extinct Origin: Iberian Peninsula Date of Extinction: 2000

Cause of Extinction: Unknown, but experts believe that the reasons are hunting and introduction of species such as domestic goats, cattle, and horses. The last female Bucardonamed Cecilia died in 2000 after a falling branch hit it.

Location (last seen): National Park of Ordesa, Huesca province, Aragon, Spain

FORMOSAN CLOUDED LEOPARD Status: Extinct Origin: Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa) Date of Extinction: 2013 Cause of Extinction: Unknown, but it is believed that the reasons are poaching and trade during the Japanese occupation, the extensive logging of their natural habitat, and elimination of their natural prey.

VIETNAMESE JAVAN RHINO Status: Extinct Origin: Vietnam Date of Extinction: 2010 Cause of Extinction: Loss of habitat and poaching for the animal’s horn. The last known specie, a female, was shot and killed by poachers after she was found without her horn.

CARIBBEAN MONK SEAL

Status: Extinct Origin: Caribbean Islands Date of Extinction:2008 Cause of Extinction: The exploitation of these species began with the expeditions of Columbus and continued for centuries afterwards. They were killed for their skin and oil.

Status: Extinct in the Wild Origin:Hawaii, United States Date of Extinction: 2012

HAWAIIAN CROW

Cause of Extinction: Habitat alteration and loss, and most experts believe that avian malaria and other disease carried by mosquitoes caused their decline.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND PIPISTRELLE Status: Critically Endangered (possibly Extinct) Origin: Christmas Island, Australia Date of Endangerment: 2009 Cause of Endangerment: Scientists do not know the reason for their extinction because their natural habitat has remained unchanged for the last 20 years. The last known Christmas Island Pipistrelle went missing in 2009 and none has been locatedsince then.Researchers failed to bring it immediately to a captive breeding program to save the specie.

(Infographic by Kristine Faye V. Anajao) (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

A TORNADO was formed in Manila amid continuous heavy rains brought on by the enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Tornadoes, locally known as ipo-ipo, are known as violently rotating column of air associated with thunderstorms.

It forms when different temperatures and humidity meet. The cold air drops and the warm air rises, eventually twisting into a spiral and forms the funnel cloud.

A funnel cloud is a tornado that has not fully developed and has not touched the ground.

It is only called a tornado when the rotating cloud has reached land.

Additionally, tor-

nadoes can be predicted first on the presence of a wall cloud. A cumulonimbus cloud means storm cloud in Latin.

It is where storms and thunderstorms develop.

During a thunderstorm, a wall cloud may appear below a cumulonimbus cloud. It is noticeably low compared to other clouds.

When a tornado is about to form, clouds seem to appear below the wall cloud.

Eventually, it forms a column and elongates downward until it spirals thus forming a possible tornado.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) se-

nior weather specialist Jun Galang said that the monsoon caused the thunderstorms. He stressed that even with severe thunderstorms, there is no guarantee for tornadoes to form.

“Panahon lang talaga ngayon ng tag-ulan kaya mas madalas ngayon ang severe thunderstorms. Sunod-sunod din kasi ngayon ang formation ng cumulonimbus clouds na dala ng thunderstorms,” Galang said.

Meanwhile, anticipation to occurrences of tornadoes in the Philippines should not cause panic among the people since there are already incidents of tornadoes in the past.

During a thun-

derstorm, be observant of your surroundings and be aware of the weather condition updates.

If a tornado is on sight, rush to a safe place preferably indoors. Stay away from windows and secure objects that could be stowed away. A tornado is strong enough to cause objects to hurl around and window glass to shatter. After the storm, be careful with exposed electrical wirings or anything that could cause injury.

Though PAGASA assured that tornadoes in the Philippines are tamed and not as devastating as tornadoes in some parts of the United States, we must be prepared for this sudden episode.

Solar power’s bright future RENEWABLE energy has become the global trend in solving climate change and saving the environment.

The Cadiz Solar Power Plant is the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia, occupying a 176-hectare land at Cadiz City in Negros Occidental, producing 132.5 megawatts.

The province is dubbed as the solar capital of the country. Combining all the solar farms in the province, it brings a total of 280-megawatts.

During the inauguration of the Cadiz Solar Power Plant, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said in his speech, “Without question, Negros Island is now the solar power capital of the Philippines and the whole of Southeast Asia, considering the number of solar farms either already up and running or set to operate here.” Zubiri is the author of Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

In the said act, it says that the government must accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources “to achieve energy self-reliance.”

But arguably, green energy is not absolute.

Solar panels rely on sun exposure to produce electricity. When nighttime comes, or it is cloudy or a storm is up, solar power plants will not work.

By Timothy Gerard P. Gucilatar

The place where the this is due to the decrease in solar farm will be established the cost of solar panels, low is also a disadvantage. Usually, interest rates, high levels these infrastructures are of sunlight and advances in placed in open fields where technology, among others. sunlight is abundant. The Leviste was known challenge to solar energy as the young entrepreneur is being efficient without who installed solar panels consuming a lot of space. in malls like SM City North Moreover, these lands may be Edsa, which earned the converted for agricultural use. recognition of the world’s

So to counter biggest solar powered mall. these shortcomings, the “We must send a Department of Energy strong message to everyone (DOE) has yet to come in the power industry up with a fuel mix policy. that the time of low-cost DOE Chief Alfonso G. Cusi solar has arrived, and the plans to review the fuel era of fossil fuel is near mix of the previous Aquino its end,” Leviste said. administration, wherein Leviste is also 30% of power comes from constructing a solar panel coal, 30% from renewable plant in Tanauan, Batangas. energy, 30% from natural gas It is a factory that will and 10% from other sources produce and manufacture a such as oil-fired plants. local brand of solar panels,

“Coal is more and is considered as one dependable and a more of the world’s largest solar reliable source for caseload panel factories. It can than renewables. We can’t decrease the cost of solar be dependent on just a panels, take control of the single source,” Cusi said. supply chain and support

Coal power plants the government’s vision of remain dominant as the turning Philippines into one country’s source of energy. of the leading manufacturers It is cost-efficient and of solar technology. can generate more power “This is a key step than renewable energy. toward lowering solar costs,

“We lack capacity for enabling us to produce dependable power. We can’t electricity cheaper than just merely rely on renewables coal. Instead of importing for now,” Cusi added. expensive fuel from

The cost of solar other countries, we will energy is decreasing due manufacture here in the to the rising demand for it. Philippines. Soon enough, Solar Philippines President our country can become the Leandro Legarda Leviste said Saudi Arabia of solar, a leading

energy exporter, and ‘Made in the Philippines’ panels will be used around the world,” Leviste said in an interview.

The goal of providing access to solar energy to Filipino households has accelerated, now that Meralco supports the development of renewable energy through the Net Metering Program.

It works in a household by primarily using solar energy for daily use then switching to Meralco electricity when the sun is not available. It cuts the cost of the electricity bill.

Plus, the Peak/ Off-Peak rate program is a pricing scheme where the electricity has a lower price at nighttime, when most families are asleep and are not using the electricity as much as they do during the day.

With the development of energy programs in the Philippines, solar power will someday be available to everyone.

Reliance on coalfired power plants is slowly fading. But there must be a balance, where coal can be accessed when renewable energy sources are not available. This will help the atmosphere be resilient and rapidly repair itself.

Therefore, the progress of green power must be promoted until it becomes available in every Filipino household to beat climate change.

LITERARY Writer’s Block

Endeavor

By Lemuel T. Gacoscos, 4th Year BSIHM-CAKO

The shine from a window where I look; Blurted with darkness and nature’s tears.

An idea beforehand, creating a book Goal was unfinished, as I concentrated on my fears.

An instrument remained untouched.

The flat blank surface in front me is where I stare.

Annoyance, my fists unnoticeably clutched; Stillness around me, a silence that I can’t bear A light that doesn’t glow in the dark.

The star I like to look at doesn’t exist.

To banish the darkness, I created a spark; I pushed myself in able for me to persist.

Struggling to enter the world of fantasy Unraveling my core— still, there is no sign.

For a moment, I tried to leave reality; An obscured mind— trying to cross the line.

By Mary Angela M. Pajares, 3rd Year BSA

Looking up the big wall clock, Fighting away the writer’s block.

What can I do? My mind is blank, But I want to hear the audience clap.

Hindi ko kayang mabuhay kung wala ka Mababaw para sa iba Pero gustung-gusto kita Palagi kitang kasama saanman ako magpunta

Thump, thump, my beating heart, Who knew writing could be so hard?

Made at night with lonely teardrops, Done by day with bulging eyebags.

To write and to read is all that I want to do, It’s how I escape reality, maybe by dreaming too!

People discouraged me together with their crew, But I will stop at nothing to make my dreams come true.

Newbie

By Lemuel T. Gacoscos, 4th Year BSIHM-CAKO

Selfless Love

To our Father in Heaven who sacrificed His Son for the atonement of our sins, To our heroes who offered their lives For our country’s freedom from conquerors, To our parents whose tender care and Unconditional love is irreplaceable An act of love, depicted in various ways Will never be ceased to remember As long as I live, A fervent gratitude is my repayment.

13

Naiiba sa Lahat

By Allana Ysabelle Aquino, 2nd Year ABFS-D

Shivering even though the temperature is high; Walking a path to something new and unknown.

By Aliah Seychelle Friar, ABFS-IT

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

Kahit anong paraan basta’t meron kita Binubuo mo ang araw ko Napapasaya mo ako Ako’y iyong kinukumpleto Nasasabi ko sa’yo lahat ‘Yung buhay ko, mapa-matamis man o maalat ‘Yung nararamdaman ko, masaya man o malungkot Buhay ko’y sayo umiikot Kailanman hindi mapapagod sa’yo Bawat titik ng mga salita, hanggang sa may mabuo Kwento ng buhay ko Na ang nakaaalam lang ay tayo Salamat at palagi kang nariyan Umalis man ako, ika’y babalik-balikan Para magkamustahan Dahil isa kang tunay na kaibigan Kaibigan ko ang papel at lapis Oo, kakaiba—ano naman?

Sa kanya ako naghihinagpis Siya ang aking takbuhan

Thinking of something when you’re even that shy; Doing anything and afraid of being thrown.

A bird learning to fly— dead, but it had flown; Experiencing difficulty before lacking time.

Dying of exhaustion to show that you have grown; For nothing to do, to them, is committing a crime.

Achieving that great thing to be called successful; Sacrificing your happiness to be with that goal Making use of your only tool Creating yourself, a legacy for your soul.

PASSION

When an Artist Paints Poetry

By Anna Tagle, 3rd Year ABJ

It took him only a single portrait To give me one whole museum Because with hands like his— Moving with pure passion, Gliding with every ounce of bliss; He gave me not a painting But his heart along with a promise Of a love that is never ending.

(Illustration courtesy of Google Images)

NEXT ISSUE THEME:

Submit your entries to evamarie.sentinel@gmail.com

SOON.

14

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

KOMIKO SATIRIKO PLUS-STICK

WOLFY (Episode 2)

PANGARAP LANG KITA.

Illustration by: Jonan B. Paule

Illustration by: Hygeian R. Español

WALANG SAGOT SA TANONG

Illustration by: Jonan B. Paule

KUROSUWĀ DOPAZURU

Illustration by: Hygeian R. Español

I HAVE TO SEE THIS~

(クロスワードパズル)

ES!~

GRAD Y M E V A H I

UGH! PASADO THIS SEM~

Illustration by Rodney D. Garcia Illustration courtesy of Google Images

SPORTS

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

Top players showcase talents in NCAA All - Stars

15

(Photo courtesy of Jessie Guilas and John Christian R. Alvariño)

NCAA held its basketball exhibition event known as the NCAA All – Stars for the third time last August 12 at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City to showcase the best stars from all of the 10 participating schools.

The event kicked off with a new contest known as the “Skills Challenge” where players go through an obsta-

shots from four spots on the court in two minutes. The trio of Darius Estrella, Cadell Buno and Marvin Hayes from JRU won the challenge after going through both elimination and final rounds.

Also included in the event is the threepoint shootout where contestants must score as much as three pointers within a minute in each of the five different racks of five balls. San Beda was able to grab

SIDELINE James Patrick V. de Jesus

jamespatrick.sentinel@gmail.com

Throwing Appreciation and Support PLAYING for your school is a pride; you always give your all to make the student body and administration proud of you. Being a studentathlete isn’t just because you have the opportunity for free education, or being a coach isn’t also because you earn a living from it; it means that being part of a team is equivalent to sacrificing and dedicating yourself.

I mentioned in my first opinion about trusting the process in our Basketball team, but it isn’t just our university’s team who is participating in NCAA. As a member of the said league, LPU is also mandated to have teams in other sports; Badminton, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Chess, Football, Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, Track and Field, and Volleyball.

However, if you haven’t had the chance to be part of a team

or you chose to be a regular student, there are still many ways to show how proud you are of your school, and that is through supporting the teams that are playing and representing

Other teams who had a gallant stand in last season are the Taekwondo team as the Men’s and Women’s division finished at second spot in the overall ranking; the Badminton team

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For the players and the coaches, it is their thing to represent us, but for the student body and administration, it is our part to support them in their games, even if it is a win or a loss.

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your institution.

For our LPU Pirates, they actually finished with decent records last NCAA Season 91, with some teams were able to compete in the final round. The Chess team almost got the championship trophy but the last season’s titleholders Arellano University defeated them in the final match that ended them in 2nd place.

with Men’s and Women’s division finishing in 3rd and 6th place respectively; the Volleyball team who almost reached the Final Four after finishing with 4-5 winloss card both in Men’s and Women’s Division; and the Football team who finished in 4th place.

On the other hand, some teams improved or maintained their previous record:

the championship after AC Soberano ranked first in the elimination round and defeated Mapua’s Exe Biteng and San Sebastian’s RK Ilagan in the final round.

Concluding the side events is the Slam Dunk Challenge where players showed their best dunks. Benildean Yankie Haruna, who was last year’s runner-up after losing to Jebb Bulawan was crowned champion after beating Eugene Toba from from 7th place in NCAA Season 90, the Track and Field team improved to 5th place last Season; the Table Tennis team where Men’s division improved to 6th place last season from their 9th place finish in Season 90 while the Women’s team remained in 6th place; the Swimming team meanwhile finished in 9th and 5th spot in Men’s and Women’s division respectively; and the PEP squad ended in 6th place this year from their previous 7th place finish.

Oftentimes, we don’t put a lot of attention on these teams. In spite of it, they managed to get respectable records and bring some achievements to our university.

Appreciating their efforts will surely mean a lot to them as it may boost their dedication and inspiration to achieve more and be successful.

For the players and the coaches, it is their thing to represent us, but for the student body and administration, it is our part to support them in their games, even if it is a win or a loss.

It is now the time to recognize them as soon they will earn the spotlight that will make us prouder. We should be always in their back as they are getting their strength from us to compete every game.

San Beda in the finals.

For the main event, WEST and EAST schools battled it out in the All-Star Game with AU, JRU, UPSHD, SBC, and SSC-R representing the West team while CSB, EAC, CSJL, MIT and LPU represented the East team.

The first half of the game began with the West team dominating their adversary, thanks to the assault led by UPSHD’s Bright Akhuetie. The East team

tried to resist the West with their offense led

by EAC’s Jorem Morada and LPU’s Wilson Baltazar and Jesper Ayaay but the first half ends with a score of 5238 in favor of the West.

The West was able to maintain their momentum throughout the final quarter of the game, toppling East team with the score of 111-77.

Akhuetie was the MVP of the game with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

VIEWFINDER

LPU Chess team players goes to battle head on with rival teams during the NCAA Chess Tournament at the Philippine Sports Commission.

Wilson Baltazar aims his shot during the exhibition round of the NCAA All-Stars at the Filoil Flying V Centre San Juan Arena.

(Photo courtesy of Danica G. Del Valle)

cle course, shoot a layup and three pointers.

Players who complete it with the shorter amount of time will advance to the next round. In the end, Mapua’s Shane Melina was crowned as the first champion after winning all three rounds.

The Shooting Star challenge took place afterwards, where a Junior, a Senior and a Legend from all participating schools must bond together to score

(Photo courtesy of Jessie Guilas)

Francis Felix C. Falgui

16

THE LPU INDEPENDENT SENTINEL

SPORTS

Pirates Basketball continues NCAA journey James Patrick V. de Jesus

ROUGH journey— the LPU Pirates Men’s Basketball Team can’t seem to catch a break as they continued their quest for Final Four in NCAA 92 basketball 2nd round after getting consecutive losses.

The squad cannot turn the waves in their favor. However, the young Pirates team filled with rookie players and few veterans remained impressive despite of losses.

Pirates upsets defending champs Letran Knights LPU Pirates opened their second round sailing with a win over Intramuros-neighbor Letran Knights in a close game, 68-66 last August 18, after a game-winning

lay - up off an aggressive drive from MJ Ayaay on the last 3 seconds of the game. The win gave LPU a 5-5 win-loss record to boost their Final Four bid.

The start of Pirates’ struggles

After an impressive win, LPU Pirates cannot continue the momentum as they suffered a blowout loss against Mapua Cardinals, 75-90 last August 23.

The Pirates were leading in halftime, 45-42, but the Cardinals have a big second half especially in fourth quarter courtesy of Andrew Estrella who poured all of his 12 points to lead his team to a 15-point victory. Meanwhile, Wilson Baltazar scored 17 points while Mike Nzeusseu was

limited to only 7 points.

Pirates’ struggles continue with consecutive losses.

LPU Pirates wasn’t able to bounce back as they earned another loss from JRU Bombers, 58-68 last August 26 despite Ian Alban’s 27 points. A total team effort from Bombers’ Teytey Teodoro, Ervin Grospe, and Abdoulab Poutouochi who scored 21 points, 15 points, and 14 points respectively outmatched Alban’s big outing.

LPU Pirates suffered another setback again after earning their third straight loss, 69-77 last August 30 against San Sebastian Golden Stags who have a hot three-point shooting that mostly came from RK Ilagan after drill-

ing a total of seven triples.

Meanwhile, Mike Nzeusseu was the lone bright spot for LPU as he exhibited 24 points and 19 rebounds in a losing effort.

The Pirates had another chance to get a victory last September 2 against EAC Generals after squandering a 16-point deficit but the latter remained compose in the fourth quarter to seal the game with a seven-point win, 73-66. Ian Alban topped the scoring with his 18 points while Mike Nzeusseu added 16 points.

LPU Pirates earned another loss last September 6 in a close game against Arellano Chiefs, 75-78 behind a big game from Jio Jalalon who

scored 33 markers. MJ Ayaay who helped LPU to keep in step with Arellano in the fourth quarter scored 18 points while Edcor Marata and Mike Nzeusseu also scored in double figures with 15 points and 14 points respectively.

After close game losses, LPU Pirates earned a blowout loss from San Beda Red Lions, 73-89 last September 9 to suffer their 6th straight loss. In spite of the loss, rookie guard Reymar Caduyac came big for LPU as he scored his career high 27 points.

UPHSD Altas last September 13, 2016 courtesy of Reymar Caduyac’s fourth quarter burst that prevented the latter’s comeback attempt and end the game with 64-61 in favor of them.

However, CSB Blazers defeated the Pirates on their final game last September 23 as Clement Leutcheu took charge on the scoring for his team in the fourth period that gave them their only win this season, 65-61. The loss ended the Pirates’ campaign with a 6-12 win-loss record.

(with reports from Hygeian R. Español, Marielle Justine B. Win-loss ending Escabarte, Charlene T. Silves After six-consecu- tre, Tammy Cattleya B. Delos tive losses, the LPU Pirates Reyes, Joanna Belle Z. Deawere able to get their 6th la, and Apple Mae V. Panado) win in a close game against

June 26 LPU vs EAC

LOSS

June 28 LPU vs SBC

LOSS

July 12 LPU vs MIT

LOSS

July 15 LPU vs JRU

WIN

July 21 LPU vs CSB

WIN

July 26 LPU vs SSC-R

WIN

July 29 LPU vs UPHSD

LOSS

August 2 LPU vs AU

LOSS

August 5 LPU vs CSJL

WIN

4 WIN - 5 LOSS

(Photo courtesy of Google Images)

First Round Game Results NCAA 92 Basketball Tournament

Diaz: The Filipina who lifts up PHI from Olympic medal drought Shiella Mae J. Clado ZAMBOANGA’S pride Hidilyn Diaz was the only Filipina to win in the Rio 2016 Olympics and the one who ended the 20-year Olympic medal drought of the Philippines.

Diaz got her silver medal on August 8, after lifting a total of 200 kg in the women’s 53kg Category of the Weightlifting Competition in the recent Olympics in Brazil. She once competed in the 2006 Asian Games where she achieved a 10th place in a 53-kilogram class followed by the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand where she became a bronze medalist.

She was just 11 years old when she got cu-

rious about weightlifting because of her cousin who lifts weights at the gym.

Her cousin was the one who taught her the basics and at such a young age, she was seen to have great potential and note-worthy strength.

Like other athletes, Hidilyn also faced a lot of struggles on her way to the top. 2004 was said to be the worst year she had so far. She went through a lot of challenges; such as parting ways with her coach, suffering an injury and not being able to compete for the Asian Games and the World Championships.

Despite these challenges, she became a part of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in 2013 through the

military arm’s Direct Enlistment Program. Only a year after, she was promoted to Airwoman Second Class.

Four years after, she competed again in the 2012 London Olympics and was also selected to be the Philippine flag bearer. However, Diaz had 3 unsuccessful attempts at 118 kilograms clean and jerk after successfully lifting a personal best 97-kg in the snatch. Due to her unsuccessful attempts, she ended up with a “Did not Finish (DNF)” result.

Finally, third time’s the charm for the Filipina as she finally bagged the silver medal on her third attempt in this 2016 Olympics.

“I would have been grateful with a bronze

medal because that’s what we were targeting. Masaya na sana ako sa bronze medal, but God gave me the silver,” Diaz told the media tafter winning.

The honor she brought to our country was rewarded through a promotion by the PAF, in which, she was very thankful as she leaped to Airwoman First Class.

As of now, Diaz plans to build a gym for children who want to learn weightlifting at the same age she started showing interest in it.

To make this possible, she will use the P5 million that she will get from the Philippines’ incentive program for Olympic winners.