Mapúa shifts academic calendar for AY 2018-2019
By Maurine Claire F. Kim and Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan
Changes made by the Mapúa administration to the academic calendar will be implemented starting next school year, moving the opening of the academic year from July to August.
What changes?
Since Mapúa is under the Quarterm system, the duration of the terms will be adjusted as well.
The said calendar shift will push the expected July start of Academic Year 2018-2019’s first term to August 6.
The second, third, and fourth terms are scheduled to start classes on 29 October 2018, 4 February 2019, and
13 May 2019, respectively. The second term, however, will have the most drastic change as the Christmas break falls midway into the term.
“ The academic calendar will basically simply shift and the quarters under the present system will automatically be adjusted. The time spent in the classroom and on vacation breaks will be the same,” Mapúa University President Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea said in a web release.
Aligning to global standards
According to Vea, the change in the academic calendar would fit with the K-12 program, as both seek to
integrate the education system with the rest of the world. The calendar change was also made in line with the University’s goal of globalization.
“We shifted our academic curriculum and calendar to get into rhythm with the dominant global practice and with what is increasingly becoming the local practice as well,” Vea commented.
By aligning and engaging with the top educational institutions of the world, Mapúa hopes to benefit from their experience and expertise and raise the current standards of education.
Mapúa sets up new study lounge
By Maurine Claire F. Kim and Jana Rafaela B. Eusebio
As part of the University’s efforts to provide new spaces for its students, a study hall now sits on the second floor of the Admissions Building in the Intramuros campus.
Used previously as a set for a school advertisement and by the Central Student Council during Foundation Week, the study hall was officially completed last May 2 after further modifications by the Campus Development and Maintenance Office (CDMO) were finalized.
Students had earlier indicated a need for a location suitable for collaborative work. Previously, students used the main library as the primary site to accomplish their academic tasks. However, collaborative participation outside the discussion rooms was frowned upon in the facility. Moreover, legroom was a big concern for the administration as the libraries in the Intramuros campus were not designed to accommodate the whole student body.
The administration likewise wanted to create a refreshing environment conducive to learning. Since the mission of the study lounge is to support collaborative learning, the technology in the space is designed to support group work.
In addition to movable furniture and dozens of power outlets, the study hall overlooks the school’s quadrangle and offers a clean study space filled with natural light. Additionally, unlike the strict ground rules inside the campus libraries, food and drinks will be allowed in the area.
In addition to the study hall on the second floor of the Admissions Building, another study area was built on the third floor of the South building, overlooking the centuries-old walls facing the University. The CDMO described it as the first phase in the development of the area as a student discussion room; the second phase involves turning it into a glass-enclosed space.
The new study hall in the Admissions building will be open to students from 8 AM to 7 PM.
The administration likewise stated that the shift was done in response to climate changes and to spare students from the Metro Manila floods that normally happen around June or July. Furthermore, moving the calendar away from the start of the rainy season will result in fewer cancelled classes, thus protecting students from the unnecessary harm that may occur during the typhoon season.
Creating new opportunities
The primary goal of the synchronization of the academic calendar is to assist in the conduct
of the academe’s research between international universities, thereby patterning on foreign schedules. It is also projected to help increase student participation in exchange programs, which can be beneficial to the globalization efforts of Mapúa University.
Vea also added that the shift promotes educational opportunities for students to study abroad by having more potential partnerships with foreign schools in exchange programs, eventually leading to more overseas employment opportunities for Mapúans.
SHS Department allays worries on possible influx of students
By Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo and Louise Anne M. Santos
With the first batch of K-12 students graduating, Mapúa University unlocks another breakthrough as it opens its doors to both incoming college freshmen and senior high school (SHS) students in AY 2018-2019.
Expecting around 2,500 incoming SHS students, SHS Principal Dr. Dionisia M. Lanuza is confident that the University can handle the influx of both K-12 entrants and incoming freshmen, saying, “We don’t actually have an issue regarding this matter. We worked together with the Admissions Office, Registrar’s Office, Treasury, DOIT (Development Office for Information Technology), and CDMO (Campus Development and Maintenance Office).”
“We worked as a group to address the enrollment procedure, so that we won’t encounter any problems. This is a group effort, as
mandated by our EVPAA (Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs,” she added.
Furthermore, with a target of at least 300 students at the planned Makati Annex, Lanuza bared their plans for the extension of the Senior High School department there. “We opened a campus in Makati para ma-share din natin sa Makati area iyong ating expertise in education,” she stated.
As for the facilities, Dr. Lanuza is confident that the current rooms and labs will be well-equipped and sufficient for the number of incoming students next academic year, noting that the administration renovated the Makati campus to add chemistry, biology, and physics laboratory rooms.
New beginnings. Students enter the campus with the prospect of commencing a new academic year one month later as the University shifts to an August start date this AY 2018-2019. Photo by Keith Marie R. Dela Cruz
A Learning Environment. The Mapúa University Administration, in cooperation with the Campus Development and Maintenance Office has succeeded in its goal to give students comfortable spaces for academic work after opening the study lounge. Photo by Keith Marie R. Dela Cruz
EASTS/TSSP-MSC hosts TransMIT 2018
By Vincent Andre B. Ramirez
Tackling the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in transportation, the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies & Transportation Science Society of the Philippines/Mapúa Student Chapter (EASTS/TSSP-MSC) held this year’s TransMIT last March 1-3 at the Mapúa University gymnasium.
Representatives from the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Embassy of Spain joined attendees from Mapúa University, National University (NU), Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Xavier University, University of Santo Tomas (UST), South Luzon State University, and New Era University in attending the event.
Mapúa University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma, Jr. kicked off the event by delivering the opening remarks. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary
Arthur Tugade served as the keynote speaker, featuring the government’s “Build, Build, Build” project and the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization programs.
After his speech, Tugade and JICA inked the records of discussion towards the establishment of the Philippine Railway Institute in Valenzuela. The transportation secretary also signed a memorandum of agreement with several engineering universities, namely Mapúa, NU, PUP, TIP, and UST, to help the government in the construction and maintenance of railway projects.
Other speakers during the first day were DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan who delivered a talk delving on the specifics of the government’s railway projects, Rochelle Gamboa from the Light Rail Manila Corporation who talked about LRT-1, and TUVRheinland’s Bryan Wong who spoke about the importance of independent safety assessment.
A debate on the PUV modernization program highlighted the second day, wherein the affirmative side won. Carmen Evangelista stood out and was awarded as the best speaker. After the debate came the presentation of student papers. Day 3 of TransMIT featured the TransWHIZ Quiz Show 2018 and the Non-Motorized Vehicle Design Competition.
“TransMIT has been an avenue for both students and professionals to engage in technical sessions as well as in other activities,” shared EASTS/ TSSP-MSC President Dianne Nicole Quintal. She noted that the stress in holding such an event was worth it, as she views the organization met the objectives of the three-day summit.
“As it reaches its objective to inform participants of the current and future progress of the Philippines’ transportation system, to further encourage students to be interested in transportation, and to inspire them to continue the development, we think it is a success,” Quintal imparted.
Mapúans top April ECE, ECT Licensure Exams
By Nicholle Kim T. Fontanilla
Graduates of the School of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (EECE) proved yet again that Mapúa University is one of the best engineering schools in the country as they took the top spots in the Electronics Engineering (ECE) and Electronics Technician (ECT) licensure examinations held last April.
With an average rating of 88.90%, Freyja Ivorie C. Miguel placed sixth in the recently concluded Electronics Engineering boards. As for the ECT licensure examinations, Cyrus Peter Lim and Fernando Roman, Jr. tied at first place with an average rating of 89%, followed by Jeffrey Wenzen Agbuya and Tyrone Kent Pastoril (tied with eight others) in second place with an average score of 88%.
According to Miguel, the University’s outcomes-based education played a huge role for her success since “it helps to understand the topics better, knowing the applications of the theories being discussed,” the ECE topnotcher noted.
Aside from having four topnotchers in the recently concluded ECT licensure examination, the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) also announced that Mapúa University acquired a 100% passing rate from a total of 69 examinees. As for the ECE boards, the University garnered a 77.57% passing rate with 85 passing out of 107 examinees.
Lim noted that one’s success is achieved by having the determination and perseverance in everything a person does. “Success is a product of determination and hard work, and even the best study habits cannot trump determination and hard work. Just do your best in everything you do,” he said.
“You’ve gone too far to surrender. Remember that there are so many people aspiring to be a Mapúan, so just focus on your goal,” Lim imparted to his fellow Mapúans.“Lastly, don’t let your grades define what you are capable of.”
Mapúa to offer new programs in A.Y. 2018-2019
By Nicholle Kim T. Fontanilla and Inna Mae Joyce A. Lontok
Mapúa University is set to launch two more programs in the following academic year, namely Bachelor of Science in Statistics with specialization in Data Analytics, and Master’s in Business Analytics.
SOIT to open post-graduate business analytics degree
The School of Information Technology (SOIT) has put up a new graduate program to offer for the next academic year –Master’s in Business Analytics. The program concentrates on the devices, strategies, and practices of advanced analytics, and is intended for employed professionals who have interests in business analytics.
For the professional master’s degree program, Mapúa has teamed up with huge industry specialists like SAS, SAP, Cloudera, and Intellection, Inc. to develop the program’s curriculum.
According to SOIT Dean Ariel Kelly Balan, “Business analytics refers to the skills, technologies, and practices for continuous iterative exploration and investigation of past business performance to gain insight and drive business planning.”
Through this degree, the graduates will gain the ability to design, improve, and administer business analytics techniques that will help them become competent in solving analytical problems in different areas of their respective industries.
Applications for the graduate program are open to degree holders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs with
at least one year of relevant work experience.
Math Department to launch statistics degree
With the increasing demand for professionals possessing skills in data analytics and data management, the Department of Mathematics will be offering a program for Bachelor of Science in Statistics with specialization in Data Analytics starting next academic year.
According to Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino, this program will allow its graduates to have a wide array of knowledge and skills in terms of managing and analyzing a vast amount of data.
“The B.S. Statistics program with specialization in Data Analytics is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to practice statistics both in the academe and in applied fields,” she explained.
Sabino further emphasized that the planned program “will prepare and develop fundamental skills of transforming data into valued insights for a variety of decision makers. This program will cut across the disciplines of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.”
Accordingly, the graduates of this program will gain opportunities locally and internationally in various industries, such as media and telecommunications, information technology, and finance.
SHS delegates excel in Sihay NBO 2018
By Sophia Catherine G. Reyes
Mapúa Senior High School (SHS) students clinched the fourth spot during the Sihay National Biology Olympiad 2018 held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños last February 24-25.
Prominent members of the Mapúan contingent included Jana Rafaela Eusebio, who landed first place in the Science Feature Writing category, Shaira Tambis, who placed fourth in Poster Making, and Chevron Fjord Colinares, who participated in the Junior Research Olympiad.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Francis Almario, John David Andres, and Rene Jotham Culaway took part in the Quiz Bee, while Justin Edward Hapa represented the University in the Impromptu Speaking Competition.
The seven delegates participated in the said event under the guidance of faculty members Prof. Jean Soriano, Engr. Kenneth Petiza, and Engr. Jelline Cuales.
The Olympiad was centered around the theme, “METASTATIC CASCADE: Hijacking the Growth
and Invasion of Cancer Cells Through Biotechnology.” The nationwide competition had drawn thirty participating schools, including the seven campuses of Philippine Science High School, De La Salle Santiago-Zobel, and Ateneo de Zamboanga.
One of the participants, Jana Rafaela Eusebio, admitted that they were overwhelmed at first when they discovered who they were up against. “When the schools were announced, we were overwhelmed, and we didn’t keep our hopes up. We just vowed to do our best and enjoy the whole Olympiad.” she recalled. She likewise shared how she prepared before the competition. “ After writing several articles for practice, I was able to finish an article within the span of two hours, which is the time allotted for the competition. I was glad and satisfied, yet I did not know that these efforts would become more fruitful in the near future,” Eusebio remarked.
Sihay has served as one of the main highlights of the UP Cell Biological Society’s celebration of Cell Week for twenty-one years now since its debut in 1997.
On the Right Track. EASTS/TSSP adviser Engr. Alben Rome B. Bagabaldo addresses the attendees of TransMIT 2018.
Photo by Keith Marie R. Dela Cruz
Prodigies. Mapúa SHS students pose proudly with their certificates after a fruitful Sihay NBO 2018 outing
News Bytes
Physics majors present at int’l conference Psychology faculty attend PSTD National Convention 2018
By Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan
Two Physics majors presented their papers at the International School on Equatorial and Low Latitude Ionosphere (ISELION), held last March 5-9 in Bandung, Indonesia.
Merlin Mendoza presented his research entitled “Response of the
Ionospheric Total Electron Content on Different Solar Storm Events over the Philippine – Taiwanese Region”, whereas Kyle Ezekiel Juadines presented his study entitled “Using RoTI in Determining the Occurrence of GPS Phase Scintillation at the
Aboard the TRAIN
According to the Department of Finance, the TRAIN law is envisioned to reduce the poverty rate from 22 to 14 percent by 2022. Within the same timeframe, the reform is intended to move up the economy from low middle-income to high middle-income. By 2040, it is expected to help eliminate extreme poverty, build political and economic bodies to foster equal opportunities, and lift the country towards a high-income status.
For this vision to become reality, investments will need to grow at a rate of 7 to 10 percent. The government will need to raise around 2.2 trillion in total up to 2022. They will likewise have to procure 1 trillion per year on top of the current 1.7 trillion pesos to afford all investments. Reforms in the budget, tax and customs administration, and tax policy will be necessary to raise investments, as well as sustainable borrowings. Complementary economic reforms regarding more secure property rights, better competition, enhanced food security, and regulations have been proposed as well.
Equatorial Region during the March 2015 Geomagnetic Storm – Philippine Sector”.
Both Mendoza and Juadines were supported in this endeavor by Dr. Ernest Macalalad, the lone space scientist in the Philippines and a Physics professor of the University.
ISELION is a week-long event comprised of lectures regarding the basic processes of space plasma and the Earth’s upper atmosphere, the ionosphere’s structure and dynamics, processes in the equatorial ionosphere, the coupling process of the atmosphere and ionosphere, measurement techniques and applications, and data processing.
Students, professors, researchers, and space scientists from Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Egypt, Malaysia, and other South East Asian countries comprised most of ISELION’s participants.
by Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo
Faculty members of the Psychology Department attended the 2018 Philippine Society for Training and Development (PSTD) National Convention held last April 10-11 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The delegation consisted of Psychology Program Coordinator Prof. Jasmine Nadja J. Pinugu, Basic Studies Coordinator Dr. Bernardino C. Ofalia, Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto, and School of Languages, Humanities, and Social Sciences (SLHS) Dean Jonathan V. Macayan, PhD. They joined over 200 professionals from government agencies, companies, and universities who participated in discussions about functional knowledge, leadership, and digital technology.
Among the speakers during the two-day summit was Dr. Macayan who delivered a talk entitled “Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) Framework: The Nexus of Academe and Industry for Talent Development in University Level” as part of the concurrent sessions.
Previously elected as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of PSTD was Prof. Pinugu, who shared that her focus will be on expanding the network of PSTD to the academe by forming junior affiliates chapters in various institutions. “Through such initiatives, I am able to propagate OBE, bridge the gap of industry and educational institutions, and gear college students to become practitioners in the future,” Pinugu stated.
Solid Impact
Thereform aims to provide equality for all Filipinos in contributing to the funds needed for infrastructure and social services. Cutting on income taxes will directly influence the price hike of various goods such as oil, sodas, and cigarettes, with the potential to promote a healthier lifestyle. The oil excise tax is expected to increase by six pesos progressively over the next three years and indexed yearly afterwards. Automobiles worth P600,000 and below will have a four-percent tax rate, while vehicles with a price tag of over a million will have an increase of 10 up to 20 percent. Luxury vehicles worth over P4 million will have to be taxed over 50 percent.
Corporate taxes were, on the other hand, left untouched by the TRAIN law. However, news reports have surfaced that the second package of the comprehensive tax reform program passed by the House of Representatives last March 21 has the goal of reducing corporate taxes from 30 to 25 percent.
TRAIN Law: A Step on the Right Track?
By Pauline Kirby P. Cinco and Vincent Andre B. Ramirez
Last December 19, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 10963, better known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). The TRAIN law reduces the income tax imposed on salaried Filipinos, thereby allowing them to bring home more money. However, tax rates on goods and services are increased to compensate for the lost revenue from income taxes.
Builders and Boulders
Speculations that the TRAIN law will bring about massive inflation in the succeeding years say a lot about its disadvantages. Last April, inflation went up to a five-year high of 4.5 percent, mostly caused by increased taxes on tobacco and beverages, among others. The rising inflation rate likewise caused the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to fall below expectations during the first quarter of 2018, with only a 6.8 percent increase compared to the government’s target
of 7 to 8 percent. This will soon directly affect both the middle class and the marginalized, and if the wealth distribution remains unjust, it will leave the poor to become even poorer.
On the legislative front, lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc filed a bill last May 10 seeking to repeal the tax reform law, on the account of increasing prices of commodities and its impact to the poor.
The first reform to the tax system in 20 years, the TRAIN law simply allows the system to exempt workers and at the same time, put the wealthy taxpayers back in their place - hopefully somewhere between justice and equality. However, the way in which the lost revenue from income taxes will be compensated may carry potentially destructive consequences, and only time will tell whether the true benefits of the TRAIN law will be realized.
Future Scientists. Juadines (right) and Mendoza (left) stand proudly after delivering their presentations in ISELION 2018.
Editorial
The Inefficient Cause
Aristotle’s view on government and policymaking has great influence on the current understanding of what politics is today. In his book Politics, he philosophizes that a politician is like a craftsman. Although that can be ambiguous, it can be better appreciated by examining his previous ascription. He explained that the success of a government in a city-state can be qualified as making an artifact in which there are four main causes.
Take for example, the making of a steel sword. Iron and carbon (the material cause) are fashioned into a sword (the formal cause) by a swordsmith (the efficient cause) to become a tool for war (the final cause). Just as a swordsmith should not impose a sword form on a soft metal like gold, a politician should not flaw policies that are divergent to the nature of its citizens.
To grasp the essence of this context is to become aware of just how politics is being broken today. And the degree in which it is being bent specifically in the Philippines leaves nothing but a bitter taste in the mouth.
All have been made conscious of the power of the presidency of Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Aside from him being openly bashful to certain people who can ‘harm’ his leadership, he has made sure to follow it up with real effects. Say, the recent ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. While most of the President’s supporters argue that he had nothing to do with the abrupt dismissal of the highest official in the judiciary, there are a lot of reasons to suggest otherwise.
Let it be reminded that it is not a question whether Sereno should or should not be taken out of the Supreme Court. She needs to answer for the allegations against her, but it can be agreed that our Constitution already provides for mechanisms to this effect. The more pressing question is whether or not the President had something to do with the sudden dismissal. For one, he had been very vocal about his opposition to the Chief Justice, to the point of saying “I am putting you on notice that I am now your enemy, and you have to be out of the Supreme Court” in April this year.
In addition to that, no less than Solicitor General Jose Calida, a member of the executive branch of the government and staunch supporter of Duterte’s administration, filed the quo warranto case against her, in effect short-circuiting the impeachment process that had been mandated by law. As many pundits had cited, it is difficult to imagine that the Solicitor General would have pursued this case without the President’s blessing.
And as if the ouster was not enough to shake Philippine politics to its core, the Senate recently elected Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III as its Senate President. Yes, the person whose misogyny is almost patently manifest, the man behind multiple inappropriate jokes and remarks, the senator who calls acts of plagiarism as mere ‘quoting’-- he is the man who will now lead the high chamber.
While many are aghast by Sotto’s elevation, it is not at all surprising for some, and it comes with good reason. What can the Filipino expect from the Senate when the President’s biases are equally evident and visible? The Philippine government, as with all governments in the world, is run top-down, which means that the brand of leadership the highest officer implements reflects the leadership of those beneath him.
Many will concur that politics is a dirty business. Even in the past, the revulsion that reeks from politically-motivated moves in the government and corruption by political figures has been well established. But it is becoming apparent today more than ever, that the dirt that is entangled with it has already evolved to one of sheer repugnance.
Following Aristotle’s philosophy, Duterte is the craftsman, the Filipino people the material cause, the Constitution the formal cause, government the efficient cause, and peace and justice in society the final cause. Yet, instead of safeguarding the principles of the Constitution to better the lives of Filipinos, the executive branch has ended up becoming among the first to pull the Constitution apart to further its political agenda.
All this, because of an inefficient cause.
Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte has prided himself to be a person of charisma and courage. Apparent in his immaculate use of colloquial language fused with exclamatory English, he seems to be a person who holds conviction to everything that he says. Over the years, he too has made it clear that his bravado is above anyone else, impeccable in delivering controversial jokes and flawless with misogynistic remarks. Now that he is the top dog of Philippine politics, he continues to appeal to the Filipino as the man who will wield the country to progress and prosperity.
Sadly, it took China just the bare minimum to send Digong jet-skiing back to the shores. The iron fist who will supposedly wave the flag of the Philippines in the Spratlys has now resorted to lame excuses. Now that China has completed its militarization of the reefs on the island, the Filipino is seeing the President surrender without even a fight.
The excuses seem to be contradicting to the supposed gallantry of the 16th President of the Philippine Republic. While it can be attractive to bite the explanation of the administration playing “geopolitics”,
The Cowardly Dog
Let Your Game Speak
Calvin A. Trilles
there are key holes in this argument. Referencing from his idea of geopolitics, Duterte claims that if the Philippines will source its arms from the United States alone, the country will automatically become a colony of the U.S.
This is the reason why the President is boasting about his arms purchases from China and Russia. Meaning, the country needs to appease China to maintain diplomacy and trade. The truth is that the Philippines is already supplied by numerous countries, not including the U.S, thereby invalidating his own theory.
Supporters of Duterte, on the other hand, continue to argue that there will be no benefit to the country to further its claim since it can only lead to war. Quoting the president himself, “I am faced with the possibility of a barbaric war. Hindi ko naman kaya ito, ipadala ko yung mga sundalo ko. I will not embark on something, on a war or battle that I cannot win”. It is easy to view this as a president who is sympathetic to the people he governs. The problem though with this excuse is that he is accepting that the only option that exists is war.
According to a report released by Greenpeace last September, the Philippines has become the thirdworst plastic polluter in the world. Couple this fact with the recent closures of some of our top tourist destinations due to environmental concerns, and it becomes obvious that the country is in the midst of an eco-crisis.
However, when it comes down to it, we Filipinos have no one to blame but ourselves for our sorry environmental state.
Currently, the government is scrambling to save our country’s natural wonders from being permanently scarred by rampant pollution. However, this begs the question – why did they have to wait until the situation was this bad before they mobilized? The fact that they did so only shows the ineptness and lack of foresight of our public officials when it comes to handling crises of this nature.
However, government inaction is but one factor in the mess we’re currently in. Another – and arguably bigger – factor that contributed to the Philippines’ environmental problem lies in the people themselves. Even
“Whatisthepointofhavingdiplomats who are well-versed in diplomatic waysandmeansiftheadministration will not make use of them?
As mentioned by columnist John Nery, by embracing this defeatist mentality, Duterte is forsaking Philippine interests and pushing another country’s contention for the gasrich reefs. Bigger questions then arise: What is the point of having diplomats who are well-versed in diplomatic ways and means if the administration will not make use of them? What is the use of having an arbitrary court judge the dispute when it will not be respected after all?
According to a feature in The Diplomat, an international current-affairs magazine, China is putting forward its foreign policy of “we’re big, we can, and we will”. Considering their prosperous economy and great manpower, they can be easily distinguished as a phenomenal influencer not only in Asia, but in the whole world. Yet, in many ways, there is really no reason for the Philippines to be afraid of possible war.
Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte has prided himself to be a person of charisma and courage. He is the top dog of Philippine politics, a bulldog in the war against drugs, but a puppy to those whom he feels can help him topple his supposed enemies.
Environmental blues
Observer
“Still, it is not too late to undo the damage that has been done.”
if our government implements a thousand laws regarding environmental welfare, if the people refuse to adhere to them, then it is all for naught.
This lack of discipline is painfully obvious in one’s daily commute in Metro Manila. Apart from a distinct shortage of proper waste bins in the mega-city, it seems that a significant portion of Manila’s populace prefer to leave their trash just anywhere – in sidewalks, vacant lots, and any location that’s outside their homes. Perhaps the most glaring evidence of Manila’s failure to sustain its environment is the Pasig River, which has become a cesspool due to people and industries wantonly dumping their refuse into its waters over the years.
Handling our waste improperly not only reveals our apathy towards the environment, but it also shows a great flaw in our culture. Specifically, it gives the impression that we do not care about a problem as long as it doesn’t directly affect us.
Still, it is not too late to undo the damage that has been done. Each one of us can contribute in our own way to making sure that the next generations will still get to experience
the natural wonders we have with us today, and we can start by being disciplined in our waste disposal. By adhering to proper environmental policies, the public can significantly reduce the amount of waste our country produces annually.
Our local companies should also start taking notes from the policies enacted by their counterparts abroad and become eco-friendlier in their production methods. As future engineers and professionals, we can contribute to this endeavor by advocating environmentallyfriendly solutions to the problems in our respective workplaces. After all, one of the University’s Program Educational Objectives states that the projects we undertake in the future should take environmental concerns into account, so as early as now, we should start playing the part.
In olden times, the Philippines was known as the Pearl of the Orient Sea. Let’s not allow this pearl to be tarnished by our callousness and excessive consumerism – rather, we should preserve its beauty not just for ourselves, but for those who will follow after us.
Arliss M. Lontok
Looking back to every morning I’ve woken up to, I can always recall reaching for my phone before anything else. It feels normal, considering that I was raised in an era where gadgets are presented to kids at an early age. By the middle of just my 2nd grade, I was one who already had the privilege of having my own mobile phone.
I was born into a generation where technology has progressed to the point of humans sometimes being too dependent on it. Truth be told, my smartphone has me surrendered to its power, making me depend on it for many of my day-to-day activities. It was only recently that I finally realized how smartphones can chain down people, including myself, to the mesmerizing contents of the internet.
Satirical as it may seem, avid users of the internet are posting and propagating a trend called minimalism. Minimalism is about appreciating and having a “less for more” lifestyle. Digital minimalism then comes into play and this type of minimalism encourages people to simplify their lives on a digital scale.
In comes the Light Phone. The Light Phone enables people to achieve a life separate from the extravagant features of a smartphone. Their tag line
It is said that as students, we are supposed to meet the expectations of not just our parents but our professors, friends, and the eyes of many who linger and surround us. The commonality is that with just one choice that does not align with theirs, and you disappoint. It’s how every story goes nowadays --- living up to someone’s expectations.
From piles of work to finish, to deadlines you must beat, all compressed in eleven weeks, a Mapúan is expected to survive under the pressure of a quarterm system because as they say, we chose to be here. And more so when you are on top, everyone’s eyes are on you, expecting you to be stronger than anybody else and to always be at your best.
That is the problem of being on top --- the eyes watching you. I recently had a conversation with a friend who had always wowed everyone with her humble achievements, but then gained the attention of many when she chose to take a step
Digital Detox
Ephemeral Perpetuity
Sheina Marie I. Borreta
delivers a simple yet impactful message – a phone that respects you. It is a revolutionary phone that strips away the extra features of smartphones and instead, just keeps the most important and necessary features --- setting of alarms, text messaging, calling, and basic internet connection.
Reducing our dependency on smartphones can enable us to give more attention to what’s actually in front of us. This includes paying more attention to the people we are with, becoming more aware of what’s happening in our surroundings, and ultimately, simply enjoying more of our lives in general.
We shouldn’t let technology govern us. The internet and our smartphones are slowly turning us into zombies who stare blankly into a screen as our thumbs continue to type, swipe, or scroll through whatever feed we are looking at. It’s high time we regain control of our lives and how we choose to live it. Remember, we always have the choice not to be a slave to our own technologies.
Living a life with the minimal use of smartphones can reap healthy advantages but then again, mankind will have to make huge adjustments towards his or her separation from smartphones. The good thing about having technologies like the Light Phone
“Ifpeoplecanatleasttrytoputtheir phones down a little more, then maybehealthy,physicalinterpersonal interactionscouldhappenmoreoften.”
is that a number of people are now becoming aware of our growing dependence on digital technology.
If people can at least try to put their phones down a little more, then maybe healthy, physical interpersonal interactions could happen more often. Once people are able to do so, then technologies such as the Light Phone may no longer even be necessary. Currently though, we have already hit an iceberg where people can no longer moderate their use of smartphones, hence the need for the Light Phone.
Our technological advancements have indeed made a huge difference for mankind. However, in turn, we have lost ourselves through the constant exhilarating improvements made on our smartphones. We have completely forgotten the non-digital world, that simple world that once was – where families could engage in healthy conversations in a restaurant, or at home around the dinner table. Then again, through conscious efforts, we can actually – once again – remember. In the meantime, I will continue to end the day with my phone near me when I sleep, but this time with a different mindset: choosing to wake up to life, not to a screen.
Disheartened Youth
Redeemed
Czarrina Dianne L. Hernandez
back. Through her eyes, I saw how the struggles of being in such position can really weigh you down --because behind all those academic achievements are long sleepless nights and eventual breakdowns.
One important lesson I’ve learned from this friend is that taking a step back when you are expected to be the one always up front is not a weakness. It is rather, a strength. Knowing and accepting that you can’t win every battle can be one of your greatest assets, because being courageous is not always about taking the leap. Sometimes, courage is seen in those who know when to pause and when to take a step back in order to recognize their weaknesses and use these to motivate them towards a bigger comeback.
As mentioned in one famous movie, college is like a pressure cooker. Sometimes, rather than being a place of learning, school can turn into a place of physical and mental exhaustion filled with toxicity from the people in
Why controversy is good for discourse – and why we should make the most out of it
“Sadly, humans have failed to maximize the intellectual opportunities controversies create”
Latest in the series of discussions involving media credibility is Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Twitter meltdown, bringing up an initiative to set up a site satirically named after the Soviet propaganda outfit Pravda (truth in English). Naturally, journalists (particularly from the tech sector) went on the defensive and responded to his outbursts.
“Collegeisnotarace;eachstudent canfollowhisorherownpace,that’s for sure.”
it. Knowing when to give yourself a break to breathe and exhale can sometimes go a long way.
Learning when to pause is one thing, and knowing whose opinion matters is another. Both can be difficult, but it can be just what you need when you feel that you’ve had enough of this university life. Let go and surround yourself instead with true friends and people who will support you not only during the good times, but more importantly, during the bad.
College is not a race; each student can follow his or her own pace, that’s for sure. But whether you go ahead and push forward or decide to take a step back, choosing the latter will not necessarily show feebleness. Sometimes, it can only mean two things --- one, that you are brave enough to recognize that you can’t always do everything according to people’s expectations, and two, that you are bold enough to give yourself some time to be better.
In a hyper-politicized society where anything and everything can be construed as partisan political initiatives, not to mention an increased scrutiny of public figures over social media channels, it becomes increasingly easier for any random statement to become a subject of controversy. However, while the word “controversy” typically carries a negative connotation (just look at any figure described as “controversial”), people, things, and ideas that can be described under that adjective can actually bring something to expand humanity’s knowledge pool.
A field that would greatly benefit from a free marketplace of ideas is the highly controversial (in the Philippine context, at least) topic of sexuality. While high-profile incidents, such as the editorial skirmish between student publications The Varsitarian, The Guidon, and The Lasallian back in October 2012, have put discussion of the then-
Reproductive Health bill (and consequentially, sexuality) in the spotlight, sex education in schools has been lacking, according to a 2016 United Nations report. To make matters worse, an October 2017 article in The Philippine Star stated that DepEd undersecretary Alberto Muyot admitted that teachers were not confident in teaching sex education to the students, saying that “their students know more when it comes to these topics .” All these simply go back to one main point – we all need to talk about it, no matter how controversial the topic of sexuality is.
Sadly, humans have failed to maximize the intellectual opportunities that controversies create. Instead of being the impetus for raising the level of discourse, our cognitive biases act as defense mechanisms, ostensibly protecting us from the harm otherwise known as “those ideas that do not confo rm to my biases.” It also does not help that the same mechanism can make us hostile to opposing ideas, closing one’s mind and retreating to the echo chambers. In the advent of increased connectivity via social media, we have missed a huge opportunity for humanity as a whole; to be able to exchange ideas that contribute towards our progress as sentient and intelligent beings.
Extra Muros
Marc Jazer F. Esguerra
By Kyle Joshua P. Castillo
Our school is our second home; at least that’s what we were led to think back in our younger years. But life inside the university is nothing like the calm and caring environment close to the hearts of students in high school. For this reason, in order to cope with the fastpaced test of wit, determination, and character in the academe, students eventually find their way with like-minded people through student organizations. In this issue, the limelight will be given to a Mapúan organization that is not only a true home away from home for its members, but it embodies unity in diversity – the Mapua International Student Organization (MISO).
Home to students from
countries as far-flung as Nigeria, Kuwait, India, and Turkey, the MISO was established in 2015 in response to the growing presence of international students. While it has already been operating under the banner of the Guidance Society of MapúaInternational Students (GSMIS), it was when MISO was formed that international students gained independence in running the organization. From teambuilding activities to field trips, the MISO has grown into becoming the voice for international students in Mapúa by providing a means of consultation and engagement for them, according to Abdulaziz Barakat, a Kuwaiti Civil Engineering student who
serves as the organization’s vice president.
For MISO’s president Vincent Nworgu, an ECE student who hails from Nigeria, it is the organization’s faithfulness to its vision -to promote cross-cultural awareness -- that allows it to remain united despite the diversity of its members. “We study together, we break bread together, and we engage in extra-curricular activities together. We create a home for every nationality in Mapúa no matter what the background – that’s what helps in bringing us closer in creating a bond as strong as that of a family,” he shared. Sharing the same sentiments is secretary Mansi Sangani, born and raised
in India, currently studying Computer Engineering, who believes in living by the idea of strength in difference and providing each member with a global perspective on daily events.
This year, the MISO looks forward to the International Day Fair to engage the locals and raise further awareness on the growing multinational
community in the University. “We plan to have an interorganization sports fest where we would be asking other organizations to join us in playing sports, such as football, to promote multicultural interaction while building camaraderie at the same time.” said Asim Itler, a Turkish ME student and the organization’s treasurer and auditor.
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) has been continuously honing cadets’ morale, valor, and discipline with modules and rigorous trainings over the past decades. The ROTC is one of three components of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) responsible
for providing military training to students, and at the same time, broadening one’s knowledge in defense and disaster awareness programs.
For ROTC Corp. Commander Lt. Col. 1st Class Kendrix Pentecostes, taking up ROTC in Mapúa
University means living up to the people’s constant expectation for the cadets to highlight abilities that are of the same level as other universities– to have a “united front”.
As many have come to believe, “ROTC is more than just standing in line, following orders, marching left and right, carrying guns, or shooting guns,” Corp. Commander Pentecostes emphasized. “It’s more of the essence, the discipline, the order, the valor, the morale that the troop gets after ROTC, that’s what is important.”
ROTC has always been a crucial part of our country’s military paradigm. Graduates of the said program serve our country by being part of the Philippine Army’s reserve force. “Once you finish your ROTC 1, 2, and 3, then comes the time that your name is listed in the Philippine Army.” As part of the military’s reserve force, the responsibilities of ROTC
cadets go beyond the walls of the University. “Your serial number is there, your address, your name, your age, your parents, your beneficiaries, everyone is listed. That’s the degree of seriousness it has in ROTC,” Mapúa’s Corp. Commander stated.
Being part of the reserve force entails a responsibility to aid the military in times of war and conflict whenever the military’s regular manpower isn’t sufficient. Fighting in the battlefield is not the only form of service the reserve force can offer – they may also choose to serve as medics or perform any other available military duties outside the field.
The ROTC program includes modules that further broaden one’s knowledge about disaster preparedness, as well as defense awareness, marching and formations, how to use and shoot firearms, how to handle rifles, and various military-
like modules. Despite the comprehensive physical training the cadets receive, ROTC also instills core values which can lead to an individual’s holistic development.
Hence, by joining ROTC, a student will be able to learn the necessary traits and skills to be able to defend oneself and the country in times of calamity. These characteristics and skills are instilled and taught to every cadet, and the knowledge needed to deal with disasters and emergency situations is learned with the help of military and ROTC officers.
Choosing to be part of Mapúa’s ROTC will challenge oneself. It is a choice not easily made since the responsibilities that one will bear is not something one can simply shrug off. As their incoming Corp. Commander says, “ROTC is not just a course you want to get. It’s a commitment.”
By Nicholle Kim T. Fontanilla and Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan
personal information, cyberbullying, and other crimes that violate the moral standards of society, which is why it is essential to keep a few things in mind to avoid trouble in the net. We now present to you five pointers to serve as reminders while surfing the tidal waves of the ethereal cyberspace.
No to plagiarism.
Plagiarism, defined as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own,” has been one of the most prevalent issues in the cyber world. This problem is common among students, whether it is done intentionally or not. Always remember to give credit for anything that you may take from online sources. Those people spent invaluable time planning and creating their content.
Watchlanguage.your
When engaged in an intense argument online, don’t forget the fact that behind every computer or mobile screen lies another human being. If your opinions don’t line up,
Remember, whatever you put on the net stays there indefinitely.
Protect your own privacy, and respect that of others.
This is not exclusive to the giving of personal information and passwords to strangers online. People have developed a habit of posting literally everything they do online. This increases the likelihood of becoming a victim of stalking. Indeed, social media is a great place to express yourself. However, one should place a limit to what one shares online. The same applies to others; do not use social networking sites as a medium to harass people for information that they do not wish to share with you.
Don’t rely on Social Media shaming.
Have you ever come across an internet vigilante whose post is about a man not giving his bus seat to a woman, and automatically proclaimed
happening before your eyes, the ethical thing to do is to report it, not online, but to actual authorities. It’s time to question the ethics of internet shaming, especially when it attacks individuals. Let’s try to practice settling our disputes the old-fashioned way; diplomacy and personal confrontation is NOT outdated.
Avoid Spamming
Spam is a term born out of the millennial cyber-age, which means ‘junk message’. This pertains to a load of messages with little to no importance. It is unethical to bombard someone with spam messages for attention, and the internet police are slowly banning this behavior through the reporting of such incidences.
Final reminders: Always be mindful of how you treat others online because what you are in social media can reveal a lot of things about your attitude. Furthermore, remember to have a life outside the internet – it won’t serve you well in the future if most of your social interactions are limited within cyberspace.
Alumni Corner
A Soaring Cardinal with a Golden Heart
by Kristine Clarisse H. Mateo and Maurine Claire F. Kim
Guided by an appetite for charity, principle, and education, Engr. Gil G. Cardiel has made a name for himself in the field of geology, geological engineering, and geotechnical engineering. He currently serves as the assistant vice president for project development of Aboitiz Power – an electric power distribution company in the Philippines. He identifies, screens, and selects sites for power generation projects for thermal and renewable technologies. Before starting at Aboitiz Power in 2010 and later becoming its assistant vice president, he worked at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as a geologist. Engr. Cardiel then ventured into the academe where he became a professor and later, dean of the School of Earth and Material Science and Engineering at the Mapúa Institute of Technology. This professor-turned-dean missed the industry and later came back as a principal engineering geological consultant at Snowden Mining Services Ltd in Australia in 2008 and as a technical consultant in Singapore in 2014.
For Engr. Cardiel, the path to geology was comprehensively thought of. He narrows the decision of having chosen Geology as a profession to three major reasons. “Firstly, geology is a multi-disciplinary science; hence, I have the option to focus on more exact fields which I like most – applied geophysics and engineering geology/ geotechnics. Secondly, I have the option to work in the field, laboratory, or office. Thirdly, geology interfaces with other fields of applied science and engineering; hence, I have a lot of opportunities to work with other scientists and engineers in solving technical and environmental problems,” he shared.
Though he faces the popular opinion that geology is not a common undergraduate program in the Philippines, Engr. Cardiel says that because of this rarity, geology experts are among the highest-paid professionals
in the Philippines. He added that despite the low number of graduates in the said field, most still occupy good positions in government, mining, construction, and energy industries.
For him, the best way to encourage a student to pursue a career in geology is to “bring him/her to the field and show him/her how earth processes affect humans, the environment, and the quality of life.” According to Engr. Cardiel, being a good geologist stems from having the skill in observing, synthesizing, analyzing, and transforming data into scientific and technical parameters.
Behind this professional’s sturdy facade is a big-hearted man who fulfills his duty not only for himself but for the benefit of others as well. Since 2010, Engr. Cardiel has taken pride in running the Kids Haven Foundation. It is a non-profit and non-stock organization designed to help less fortunate children in Pasay to finish high school education. It began as a small feeding program, which eventually grew through the help of his friends and colleagues.
He acknowledged that God is his inspiration for these acts of kindness. “I received a lot of blessings from the Good Lord. I would like to share it with others, especially the poor families and kids in Pasay, the place where I grew up as a poor kid,” he said.
Currently, the Kids Haven Foundation supports the schooling of 25 children. Along with a mission for education, it arranges five feeding programs across the country, focusing on populated areas where help is much needed, such as Pasay, Tagum, General Santos, Negros, and Davao.
Engr. Cardiel’s blossoming foundation has proven that having a well-nurtured career with numerous achievements is not the only criterion for success. He has demonstrated to the Mapúan community that it is possible to reach for the stars with your feet on the ground.
by Pauline Kirby P. Cinco and Sophia Catherine G. Reyes
The Fall
By Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo M.K.M.N.H.A.I.
Like the rain rolling down the windowpane, Like the autumn leaves on the branches of the It Is
By Sheina Marie I. Borreta
Isn’t that what they want? To see you hopeful, Ever-dreaming of finding Life’s lost romance. Opposing to logic, Leaving sense behind.
Cursight Madder than the Hatter
Despite constant news about cryptocurrency’s volatility, Gifter still continues his endeavors with it. He is putting his assets at risk but shares why he continues to do so. “I think na cocorrelate yun sa risk-reward appetite ng tao. Yung risk appetite ko malaki, since sobrang volatile ng crypto and unpredictable. Maraming opportunities for gain. Be smart lang about it,” he expressed. He adds that despite the “bursting” of cryptocurrency bubbles, he still finds ways to gain from his losses and push through.
For this high-spirited lad, the world of cryptocurrency is something new and fresh. It is something he is greatly excited about and believes that it might lead to something more stable in the coming years. Gifter explains, “Malaki ang tiwala ko sa cryptocurrency. Feel ko, game changer siya; disruptive technology kumbaga.” His positive mentality towards the booming cryptocurrencies, a sentiment shared by many others like him, enables him and his peers to see the pros of their investments and generate solutions for their occasional losses.
Falling, not failing
When it comes to the things Gifter looks out for when trading, his go-to source is world news. This is where he looks for warning signals since news regarding cryptocurrency affects its price. ““It is essential for us to know where the market trend would go,” he emphasized, “Importanteng alamin mo yung market entry and market exit.”
He likewise points out that there are several offerings introduced in the market that promise great returns but are of more
by Jana Rafaela B. Eusebio and Sophia Catherine G. Reyes
One of the most popular global trends today is cryptocurrency – a digital currency that has become one of the most common personal and business investments. Computer Engineering student Emmanuel Luis “Gifter” D. Villanueva is one of the many investors in this digital market. Gifter’s interest in digital currency started in 2009. “I watched how the market goes, learned from mentors, and tried it out myself,” he shared. He was further intrigued with it as more netizens began using it as a staple currency on the deep web. He began investing in it sometime 2016 when he worked as a financial manager for Halifax Bank.
they are offering before investing,”
Apart from watching out for frauds, Mr. Villanueva reminds that “the traditional stock markets are very different with cryptocurrencies as crypto tends to fluctuate at a much faster pace than the stock market.”
As the digital market is unstable, Gifter shares, “We can never really predict how the market would swing – whether it would be a bullish/uptrend market or a bearish/ downtrend market. It’s anyone’s
However, this isn’t a bad thing as the logic behind the technical process has helped him think of possible solutions and alternatives to the problems he encounters in his chosen degree. He utilizes his problem-solving and critical thinking skills as he manages his accounts in the digital market.
As a note for future investors he advises, “One must really invest their time and effort understanding the dynamics of the market and
game.” His appetite for risk-taking greatly overpowers him when it comes to cryptocurrency. However, he makes it a point to stay logical and on top of his game.
Landing on both feet
Gifter admits that cryptocurrency requires a lot of technical knowledge.
cryptocurrency itself before they invest their money into it. Otherwise, it becomes a gamble that can be quite hard to win if you are to jump in without preparing.” He further specifies, “Take baby steps when investing, start with one or two different types of coins to invest –this makes managing them much easier. And when one gets the hang of it, I would recommend diversifying.”
by Maurine Claire F. Kim, Vincent Andre B. Ramirez and Louise Anne M.
Sports has always been the platform for aspirants to showcase their talent and physical abilities. Most athletes believe that hard work and perseverance will lead you to victory, even if it takes years. As quoted by the famous American football player, Vincent Lombardi – “Perfection isnotattainable,butifwechase perfection,wecancatch excellence.”
Enter PEDs and steroids
Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are chemicals that provide improvement in athletic performance, from increasing speed, power, strength, and endurance, to altering body composition. There are many variants of PEDs in the market, such as Human Growth Hormone (HGH), erythropoietin, creatine, diuretics, stimulants, and anabolic steroids.
Looking at this further, steroids have two types: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids may be used in higherthan-replacement doses to treat diseases of immunity, inflammation or salt and water balance. On the other hand, anabolic steroids are the quintessential substances linked to doping.
Anabolic steroids effectively increase recovery times. These help the bodies recover faster from acquired injuries and allow more room for stamina. Thus, users find it easier to push towards new limits during training. They likewise enlarge the muscle size of the user and significantly improve body composition. Muscles can start to develop even without exercising, and with a rigorous training regime, striking results are guaranteed. More muscle, breaking limits in training, and better recovery, would all lead to increased strength, speed, power, and endurance.
The real problem with using steroids though is the serious health risks that they carry. Steroids have a nasty reputation. For one, they enlarge the heart and mess up hormones. On top of this, a user can also expect to experience side effects such as early balding, joint pains, diarrhea, excess water retention, and a whole lot more.Psychological
side effects aren’t generally highlighted when somebody thinks of taking steroids, but they are significant, nonetheless. People experience some degree of anxiety or depression. Moreover, steroid use is deemed controversial for a reason: it causes what is called “roid rage” – feelings of intense aggression. Some users even report hallucinations, insomnia, and intense headaches.
In excessive instances, steroid use may result in death. This is why steroid use has to be regulated and done under the strict supervision of a physician. And of course, without a prescription, steroids are illegal.
Due to the unfair advantage and harmful side effects of using these substances, sports organizations now require participating athletes to first undergo a drug test. This is to ensure that events would be played as fair and clean as possible. Stricter standards are even being implemented today because of sports scandals that involved steroid use.
Some of the biggest scandals in sporting history are the following:
The BALCO Scandal
The Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO) was founded in 1984 by Victor Conte. It didn’t attain success until 1996, when NFL Linebacker Bill Romanowski became a client. Conte, Patrick Arnold (chemist), and Greg Anderson (personal trainer/ distributor) then attracted other big names with their cocktail of undetectable drugs. They covertly sold the substances from 1988-2002, after which a federal investigation began. At the same time, the United States Anti-Doping Agency
(USADA) likewise conducted their own investigation after having received from an anonymous tipster a syringe with traces of a mysterious substance. The syringe was submitted to Don Caitlin, MD, founder and then-director of the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory, who had developed a testing process for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). He then tested 550 existing samples from athletes. The result? 20 samples failed for THG.
Several athletes were involved in the scandal, including sprinter Kelli White (stripped of 2 gold medals from the 2003 World Championships), track and field athlete Marion Jones (stripped of 3 gold and 2 bronze medals from the 2000 Summer Olympics), former American League MVP Jason Giambi, and hammer thrower John McEwen (won second at the 2003 American Championships, disqualified later).
With baseball as the only sport at that time without a policy against steroids, the BALCO scandal then forced Bud Selig, Major League Baseball commissioner, to institute a written league-wide policy.
As a result of the extensive media coverage of the scandal, journalists Mark FainaruWada and Lance Williams published “Game of Shadows”, a book detailing everything from the history of BALCO and its founder to the various schemes they employed in their shady practice.
Ben Johnson and the Dubin Inquiry
Former
setting world
Some competitors, however, desire to chase perfection more than others — for reasons such as winning a medal for their country, securing a spot in their desired professional team, or to just be better than everyone else — even if perfection demands from them their health and reputation.
records in the 100m dash at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and the 1988 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, he was ultimately disqualified and lost both records because of doping.
He outran the legendary Carl Lewis on the 24th of September 1988 at the Summer Olympics in Seoul and set a new record time of 9.79 seconds. Controversy, however, caught up to him when the Olympic Doping Control Center found “stanozolol” – an anabolic steroid – in his urine sample. Three days later, Johnson was disqualified, and a later confession likewise took away his 1987 world record and gold medal.
Johnson initially denied doping, but his coach Charlie Francis revealed that the sprinter had been on PEDs since 1981 during Canada’s investigation of drug abuse during the 1989 Dubin Inquiry. Televised live, the Inquiry revealed the widespread doping practices among athletes through hundreds of hours of testimonies from athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and others.
Johnson attempted a comeback in 1991 after his suspension ended, finishing 2nd in the 50m event at the Hamilton Indoor Games in Canada. However, in 1993, he was banned for life by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) when he was again found guilty of doping, this time for excess testosterone, after winning the 50m event in France.
Floyd Landis and the 2006 Tour de France
Floyd Landis finished 9th overall in the 2005 Tour de France. A year later, he went home with a Stage 17 comeback
after stumbling in Stage 16. His perseverance was even more remarkable considering he had “osteonecrosis” – bone death due to blood supply interruption – troubling his hip.
His triumph was questioned when the Phonak Cycling Team announced on July 27, 2006 that Landis’ urine sample had unusually high levels of testosterone, which led to accusations of doping. Landis denied the accusations and asked for his backup sample to be tested. However, that came back positive as well, resulting in his removal from the team and suspension from professional cycling.
Landis was found guilty of doping in early August and was stripped of his win by the International Cycling Union, and in September 2007, he was banned from the sport for 2 years.
On his way down, the disgraced cyclist stated that his teammates, including Lance Armstrong, were doping as well. Armstrong was considered a cycling legend, having won the Tour de France from 1999 to 2005 until the discovery of long-term doping offenses cost him his titles.
Lesson learned
In sports where victories won through fair and square competition is the greatest honor, nothing beats an exemplary athletic performance gained through natural healthy means, consistent diligence, and perseverance. Those who fight fairly have every right to hold their heads up high and wear their medals with pride. As for those who win using dirty tactics such as doping, they certainly don’t deserve to look at the prize and aim for it.
sprinter Ben Johnson etched himself in sports history by
Santos
Electronic sports, popularly known as e-sports, has become one of the top sources of entertainment in recent years, although it actually originated way back in the 1970s. It pulls in a lot of gaming enthusiasts because of its wide-ranging genres, such as fighting games, first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), and multiplayer online battle arena games (MOBA). Examples of e-sports include tournaments in Tekken, CounterStrike, Defense of the Ancients (DotA), and League of Legends (LoL).
However, e-sports is not just for entertainment. In fact, it is bundled with other benefits that can be useful in real-life events, encompassing physical, psychological, and educational aspects.
Furthermore, once the proper skills have been harnessed, it can lead to a portal of countless career choices, such as programming, software development, game quality assurance, and game production. The dynamic industry of e-sports likewise offers career options in professional gaming and proprietorship of gaming tournaments & events. As the trend of gaming takes the millennials by storm, an increase in the number of companies dedicated to creating online games can be seen as well, rendering e-sports a feasible pool of career choices.
In Mapúa Makati, an organization called Cardinal Game Initiative aims to develop digital entertainment and share their knowledge with enthusiastic gaming individuals.
For Cardinal Game Initiative (CGI) President Ethan Josh Ruzsik, e-sports is appealing to many people because of its entertainment value. “They get to watch entertaining and fun matches that may either kill their boredom, or they could use what they’ve seen from the specific match as a learning curve to improve themselves in that game,” he said.
Aside from considering e-sports as “a fast-growing business and community”, Ruzsik also considers e-sports to be a potential new Olympic sport, noting the amount of skill and decision-making required to be able to play at a high level in professional e-sports tournaments.
With the growing number of opportunities for gaming professionals and the benefits e-sports brings to the table, it’s not surprising that several students have chosen to take a career path related to the production and development of such games. In fact, a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing specializing in Game Development is already being offered at the Makati campus of Mapúa University.
SHS teams clash in the fight for victory in 2nd intramurals
by Jana Rafaela B. Eusebio and Sophia Catherine G. Reyes
Different colors dominated the red-and-gold hardcourt as the different teams from the Senior High School (SHS) department battled for the championship crown during the second SHS Intramurals held at the Mapúa Intramuros gymnasium last March 17 to April 13.
The intramurals focused mainly on just two sports for this year, and kicked off on separate dates, March 17 and April 4 for the Grade 11 and Grade 12 students,
respectively. Each year level had six competing teams aspiring to bring home the trophy.
Grade 11’s Black team used their chemistry to best out the other teams and eventually emerged as their year level’s basketball champions. “I can say that our teamwork was formed through friendship. We strived to have fun while supporting each other throughout the whole game,” Black team standout Jarel Del Mundo said. On the other hand, Grade
12’s Pink team came out as the victors after engaging neck-andneck with the Grey team in the finals. Both teams played well throughout the game until the Pink team drained a clutch basket in the final frame, closing it out 50-48.
Defeated but optimistic, Grey star player Joshua Campos recalled the camaraderie they formed during the intramurals and how his team fought competitively throughout all their games. “Kaya kami umabot
by
AAfter their third-place finish last season, the Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals fell short in making a comeback to the podium in the 93rd season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Cheerleading Competition held last March 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Amidst all the pressure, the Intramuros-based cheerleaders managed to display a gripping performance and bested 5 out of 9 schools, landing 4th place with 193 points, half a point behind the San Beda Red Corps’ 193.5 score. Meanwhile, Arellano University notched backto-back victories, winning the crown once again.
Setting the standards as the first performers, the red-and-gold team executed a smooth and impactful routine, leaving the competition with
high hopes. Despite falling short, team captain John Paul Ramos and his squad remained positive saying, “No regrets, all lessons learned.”
Training schedules troubled the Cheerping Cardinals throughout the season, leaving them with a depleted lineup in practices. “Yung mga naging problema namin is basically kumpletuhin yung lineup because kulang kami sa tao. We needed time to prepare na kumpleto kami. Then we also had problems like schedules of training na natatamaan yung classes ng iba, which is hindi kami nakukumpleto,” Ramos said.
Despite being deprived of the crown, Ramos explained that there is no time to regret and lament, and promised to come back stronger next season as they always make it a point to rise from all the stumbles and falls.
“We observe, assess and act in every
situation that fails, and we understand our failures so we can avoid them in the future and discover new techniques to solve them. Makikita niyo po lahat ng apoy sa puso nila in doing their passion,” Ramos imparted.
With an undeterred mindset to grab the trophy this time around, the group is already up and running on preparations for the upcoming season. Ramos noted that the key factor is to get an early start and train the team on their individual skills. He mentioned that they need to keep an eye on strength and conditioning, gymnastic skills, and other technical skills until pre-season.
“The team strategy for the upcoming season is to keep what makes our progress faster and to change what makes our progress slower. Then, we could easily put it together since we already trained for it.” he shared.
ng finals dahil may tiwala kami sa isa’t isa. Ang masasabi ko sa next batch na maglalaro ay i-enjoy lang nila ang intrams, dahil doon ka makakabuo ng magandang pakikipagkaibigan sa iba.”
Campos said.
Meanwhile, the SHS ladies showed their might as they fought with vigor for the volleyball championship title. The Green team ousted the Red team in a heated final game to claim the crown for the Grade 11 level, whereas for the Grade 12
bracket, the Blue team dominated the Lavender team and won the championship game in straight sets.
Blue team volleybelle Aya Nicole Dris said that their win can be attributed to their coordination and teamwork. “Natalo kami sa first game namin pero sa susunod na games, nanalo na kami. Siguro dahil lahat ng players nagcontribute. Yung iba sa service bumabawi, at nakatulong din sa amin yung communication within the team,” Dris remarked.
Tankers splash silver in Water Polo Cup 2018
by Kristine Clarisse H. Mateo and Pauline Kirby P. Cinco
After closing out the 93rd season of the NCAA at the bottom standings, the Mapúa Tankers initiated an early revamp and clinched second place in the Water Polo Cup 2018 held last March 24-25 at Imus, Cavite.
The regarded Intramurosbased swimmers finished at 2nd place in the Men’s Open Category, with an ex-national team taking the lead, followed by Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) claiming 3rd place.
The swimming team was divided into two sets: Team A was composed of Renz Lexter Evangelista, Paul Joshua Malabanan, Sean Malik Enero, Cedrick Jacob, Vanne Zendrix Yumol and Alfred Karl Maglabe, while Lester Orejas, Amiel Nico Loceo, Kenneth Mar, Armocilla, John Mar Lirio, and Michael Anakin T. Lirio completed Team B.
Tankers Captain Renz Lexter Evangelista pointed out that all
the players’ hard work gave them an edge in the competition. During their training sessions, they did extra workouts to prepare them for the Water Polo Cup. They heeded the advice of their coach, Ricardo Dilap Dilap, which was to “always go offense”, and that served as the key factor in securing a winning position in the competition.
The red-and-gold swimming team likewise extended their gratitude to everyone who supported them in the ripple against the waves, especially Coach Dilap Dilap, Assistant Coach Bea Garrido, and Sports Director Melchor Divina. Lastly, Evangelista shared that preparations are already underway for NCAA season 94. “Right now, naka-focus na sila sa National Collegiate Athletic Association [championships],” she stated with confidence when asked about plans for the upcoming events of the Tankers.
Cheerping Cardinals fall short in NCAA Season 93 stint
Maurine Claire F. Kim and Nicholle Kim T. Fontanilla
By Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo, Nicholle Kim T. Fontanilla, and Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan
Linked in Victory and in Defeat. Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals brace for the results in NCAA 93 Cheerleading Competition.
Photo by John Ryan C. Sabado
Title after title: Mapúa Tracksters bag 2nd place in NCAA 93
by Pauline Kirby P. Cinco, Vincent Andre B. Ramirez and Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan
Fresh from a successful stint in the Philippines Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) event, the Tracksters brought home red-and-gold glory as they landed a silver finish in the recently concluded NCAA season 93 held last March 8 to 12 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City..
Tracking success at the field
A total of 11 athletes from the red-and-gold team had spectacular finishes in their respective events, giving Mapúa University 2nd place honors, with most of the accolades being bagged from the dash events.
Fernan Lopez and Renzo Capingian took first and
third places, respectively, in the 100m dash. Lopez likewise participated in the 200m event, ending the race at second place ahead of fellow Trackster Phillip Christian Austria at third. Meanwhile, Reymond Alferos entered the 400m dash and exited as the top runner, while Rowel Azaña Galvero ran the distances of 1500m and 5000m, finishing at second place and first place, respectively. Lopez, Austria, Alferos, and Capingian comprised the Mapúan team for the 4x100m relay, with Giobryan Malinao replacing Lopez in the quartet for the 4x400m relay. In both events, the Tracksters snagged second place.
Meanwhile, David Geraldino landed third place in the pole vault event, while John Paul Sale bagged second place in the high jump competition. In the long jump and 110m hurdles, Angelo Esguerra snagged the bronze for both events. At the javelin event, Wenard Merin won first place, while fellow thrower Cris Paolo Haluber placed second for the shot put competition.
Merin shared that the successful PATAFA run helped the team to attain success and served as the basis for the intensity of their training in preparation for the NCAA 93rd season.
“It also helped us to monitor our performance and develop
Mapúa Cardinals start strong in FilOil Cup
by Maurine Claire F. Kim and Pauline Kirby P. Cinco
Redemption started early for the Mapúa Cardinals after facing a rough season in the NCAA as they showed might with a renewed team in the ongoing 2018 FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup.
The red-and-gold team surprised spectators as they slew a giant in their first match against the Bright Akhuetie-led University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons. Returning player Exeqiel Biteng paved the way for Mapúa’s first victory with 19 markers in the opening game.
After their thriller victory against UP, the Mapúa Cardinals continued to impress everyone with their win over the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 77-74, and against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 87-82. Head coach Atoy Co gave due recognition to the efforts of his
team, stating, “It’s the effort. I am very glad to prove that we have a chance of winning even if we don’t have any imports.”
Coach Co also stressed the importance of team defense, considering the possible holes in his lineup. “We have less big men and more small players and that’s what we’re trying to do, to play fast and run. Ang importante talaga sa amin ay to play team defense. We cannot afford to play one-on-one,” Co imparted. According to point guard Cedric Pelayo, teamwork and chemistry on offense and defense was the key to a good start in the tournament. “The key would have to be our teamwork on offense and defense, really trusting one another, knowing what each other’s strengths are, and knowing where everyone’s going to be without even talking,” he
remarked.
The sophomore guard also gave credit to his teammates and coaches for the learnings gained from their experiences last season. “We definitely have to credit our coaches and ourselves for learning from our past experiences last season, and really trying to work hard to improve and be better this season, and we’re happy it’s showing,” Pelayo stated.
As the FilOil tournament and the Cardinals’ road to redemption continues, the hopefuls from Intramuros are keeping a positive mindset that they can earn that coveted slot in the Final Four.
“The Mapúa community can expect us to be cellar dwellers no more, but the dark horses of this season. We truly believe we have a good chance this season to get back to the Final Four and we’re going to prove it.” Pelayo said.
our strong personality inside the track oval,” he stated.
Field Debriefing
After placing 2nd and 3rd for two consecutive seasons, the Mapúa Tracksters continue to aim for a higher goal. The Palarong Pambansa recruits are expected to suit up for the track and run next season.
After the closing of the 93rd season, Merin shared their goal for season 94 and said, “Next year is the last playing year of the seniors, so before they graduate, we would like to give them a good exit by claiming the championship crown.”
Right on track
Preparations for the upcoming NCAA have been
greeted though with tough luck as the team is bound to face struggles along the way. “Some of us suffer from injuries during training, but we manage to get back in training as soon as possible.” Merin recounted.
The thrower believes that the team will most likely be working on their coordination in order to achieve that long-awaited gold finish. However, Merin noted that the team’s core motivation for the sprint to success lies in their drive to attain it.
“No matter what happens, take it and use it as a motivation to become stronger. Just continue until you achieve what you want,” Merin expressed.
Podium Finish. The Mapúa Tracksters pose for a photo with their silver plate after a dominant run in NCAA ‘93
Photo by Sophia Lorraine U. Estabaya
On Rhythm. Cardinal sophomore Cedric Pelayo pulls up from the perimeter in their stint in the FilOil Cup 2018 Photo by John Ryan C. Sabado